Form 4: Dave & Buster's SVP CIO Steve Klohn Receives Significant Equity Grants

Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. SVP Chief Information Officer Steve Klohn was granted 2,115 restricted stock units and 14,974 stock options, aligning his incentives with shareholder value.

Summary

• SVP Chief Information Officer Steve Klohn of Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (PLAY) received grants of equity awards.
• On June 27, 2025, Klohn was granted 2,115 restricted stock units (RSUs) at a price of $0, increasing his direct beneficial ownership of common stock to 24,243 shares. These RSUs will vest in three equal annual installments on April 24, 2026, 2027, and 2028.
• On June 18, 2025, Klohn was granted two contingent stock options, both with a grant price of $0 and an expiration date of January 21, 2035.
• The first option is for 6,056 shares with an exercise price of $33.02. It vests in three equal installments: one vested on January 21, 2025, and the remaining two will vest on January 21, 2026, and 2027.
• The second option is for 6,803 shares with an exercise price of $37.04. It vests in four equal installments: one vested on January 21, 2025, and the remaining three will vest on January 21, 2026, 2027, and 2028.
• Additionally, on June 27, 2025, Klohn received another stock option for 2,115 shares with an exercise price of $30.45 and an expiration date of June 27, 2035. This option vests in three equal installments on April 24, 2026, 2027, and 2028.
• All stock options granted on January 21, 2025, were contingent on shareholder approval of the Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which occurred on June 18, 2025.
• All vesting is conditional on Steve Klohn providing services to the Issuer on the respective vesting dates.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The filing indicates routine equity grants to a key executive, which is generally a positive sign for aligning management incentives with shareholder interests and retaining talent. There are no negative surprises or red flags.

Positives

• The grants of restricted stock units and stock options align the interests of SVP Chief Information Officer Steve Klohn with those of shareholders, incentivizing long-term performance.
• The approval of the 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan by shareholders on June 18, 2025, demonstrates support for the company's executive compensation strategy.
• The equity grants serve as a retention mechanism for key executive talent.

Risks

• The vesting of equity awards is contingent on the reporting person continuing to provide services to the Issuer, posing a risk of forfeiture if employment ceases.
• The value of the stock options and restricted stock units is subject to the future performance of Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.'s stock price.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for Steve Klohn's equity compensation is tied to the continued performance of Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. and his ongoing service to the company, with vesting scheduled through January 2028 and option expirations extending to 2035.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing reflects a standard practice in corporate executive compensation, where equity grants are used to attract, retain, and incentivize key management personnel. Such grants are common across the entertainment and restaurant industries to align executive interests with long-term shareholder value.

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential for minor dilution from the issuance of new shares upon vesting/exercise of awards, but also benefit from increased alignment of executive incentives with long-term company performance and value creation.
• Employees: The grants to a senior executive may signal the company's commitment to competitive compensation practices, potentially impacting morale and retention across the organization.

Next Steps

• Continued vesting of Restricted Stock Units on April 24, 2026, 2027, and 2028.
• Continued vesting of stock options on January 21, 2026, 2027, and 2028.
• Potential exercise of vested stock options by Steve Klohn prior to their expiration dates in 2035.

Key Dates

Keywords

SEC Form 4, insider transaction, executive compensation, stock options, restricted stock units, equity grants, Dave & Buster's Entertainment Inc., PLAY, SVP Chief Information Officer, Omnibus Incentive Plan