PLAY -2.20 to 18.61 after a credit rating downgrade -
Dave & Buster's Entertainment shares fell after S&P Global Ratings downgraded its outlook to negative from positive. The stock fell 11% to $18.60, at one point touching a 52-week low of $18.26. Shares have lost about 70% of their value over the past year. S&P Global Ratings said Tuesday that it lowered its outlook for the Dallas dining-and-entertainment venue operator due to broader pressure on discretionary spending, as well as uncertainty that planned store openings and renovations will improve traffic and stabilize same-store sales. The ratings agency said household spending is tight, particularly among lower-income customers. Dave & Buster's offers a highly discretionary service that faces competition from both restaurants and entertainment venues, S&P said. Dave & Buster's has already reported seven straight quarters of same-store sales declines, the ratings agency noted. S&P expects a base case in which Dave & Buster's same-store sales growth improves but is still negative.