CAVA uvedla, že její kohorta z roku 2024 generuje dvouciferný růst tržeb ve stejných prodejnách a je nejsilnější v portfoliu. Nové restaurace dál překonávají očekávání a firma míří na 75–77 čistě nových provozoven v roce 2026.
Key Takeaways CAVA's 2024 cohort is its strongest-performing vintage, generating double-digit same-store sales.CAVA's new restaurants continue to exceed sales and margin expectations, with productivity above 100%.CAVA targets 75-77 net new restaurants in 2026 as newer vintages strengthen its development outlook. CAVA Group, Inc. (CAVA - Free Report) is seeing strong performance from its newer restaurant vintages as it expands its national footprint. The company’s 2024 restaurant cohort is generating double-digit same-store sales and represents the highest-performing vintage in its portfolio. Based on the performance of that cohort, CAVA expects the 2026 classes to follow a similar maturation pattern.
The strength of newer vintages is important as CAVA increases its restaurant base. The company ended the second quarter of 2026 with 476 restaurants after opening 17 net new locations. New restaurant productivity remained above 100%, while recent openings continued to exceed expectations on both sales and margin performance. Systemwide average unit volumes reached $3.1 million.
New-unit strength has also been broad-based. CAVA reported solid performance across geographies and restaurant formats, including established and emerging markets. The company attributed part of this performance to rising brand awareness and investments aimed at supporting the guest experience and restaurant execution.
The maturation profile of newer restaurants provides additional support to CAVA’s expansion strategy. The company indicated that newer restaurants typically start at high sales levels, moderate during their first year after opening and subsequently rebound toward historical performance.
The 2024 cohort’s double-digit same-store sales performance provides evidence of continued growth as these restaurants mature. CAVA is also incorporating recent performance data into its site-selection models and cash-on-cash return analysis for future openings.
The 2024 cohort therefore provides an important benchmark for CAVA’s future development. Double-digit comps from this vintage, combined with above-100% new restaurant productivity and broad-based market strength, support the company’s current expansion trajectory. CAVA expects to open 75-77 net new restaurants in 2026.
Key Competitors Take Different Paths to Unit GrowthChipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG - Free Report) is supporting a sizable development pipeline with established new-unit economics. CMG opened 101 restaurants in the second quarter of 2026, including 80 Chipotlanes, and continues to expect approximately 350 openings for the full year. New restaurant productivity has remained near 80%, while second-year cash-on-cash returns are approximately 60%. Despite the higher development pace, the impact of new openings on comparable restaurant sales has remained near 100 basis points, consistent with historical levels. These trends likely support Chipotle’s long-term potential to operate at least 7,000 restaurants across North America.
Sweetgreen, Inc. (SG - Free Report) is taking a more measured approach to restaurant expansion. The company opened four restaurants and closed two in the second quarter, ending the period with 287 locations. Sweetgreen is refining its prototype design, construction costs, market selection and new-unit economics while focusing on rebuilding average unit volumes, restaurant-level cash flow and profitability. SG expects to maintain a conservative development pace in 2027, similar to or slower than 2026, with an emphasis on locations that meet its return thresholds before accelerating growth.
CAVA’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of CAVA have lost 7.4% in the past year compared with the industry’s decline of 8.1%.
CAVA’s Stock’s One-Year Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, CAVA stock trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 4.21, above the industry’s average of 3.27.
CAVA’s P/S Ratio (Forward 12-Month) vs. Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CAVA’s 2027 earnings per share (EPS) implies a year-over-year uptick of 34%. The EPS estimates for 2027 have increased in the past 30 days.
EPS Trend of CAVA Stock
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CAVA stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ve 2. čtvrtletí získala novou pozici v CAVA Group za zhruba 4,976 milionu USD. Společnost držela 63 400 akcií, tedy 0,05 % společnosti.
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new position in shares of CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA – Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 63,400 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $4,976,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board owned 0.05% of CAVA Group at the end of the most recent reporting period.
A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in CAVA. Castleark Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of CAVA Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $6,784,000. Nicholas Investment Partners LP acquired a new position in CAVA Group in the 2nd quarter worth $9,408,000. Legal & General Group Plc acquired a new position in shares of CAVA Group during the second quarter worth about $9,743,000. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company bought a new position in shares of CAVA Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $5,719,000. Finally, Algert Global LLC bought a new position in CAVA Group in the second quarter valued at $4,162,000. Institutional investors own 73.15% of the company’s stock.
Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have weighed in on CAVA. TD Cowen lowered their price target on CAVA Group from $100.00 to $85.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 12th. Robert W. Baird raised shares of CAVA Group to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Monday, August 24th. DA Davidson lowered their price objective on CAVA Group from $84.00 to $75.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 13th. Citigroup reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of CAVA Group in a research report on Tuesday, July 28th. Finally, Freedom Capital raised CAVA Group to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, CAVA Group currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $89.44.
Check Out Our Latest Analysis on CAVA Group CAVA Group Trading Up 0.2% CAVA Group stock opened at $67.08 on Monday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $69.99 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $77.36. CAVA Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $43.41 and a 12 month high of $98.79. The company has a market capitalization of $7.84 billion, a PE ratio of 121.97, a P/E/G ratio of 4.56 and a beta of 1.75.
CAVA Group (NYSE:CAVA – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 11th. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.18 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $368.44 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $360.09 million. CAVA Group had a net margin of 4.82% and a return on equity of 8.28%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 31.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.16 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that CAVA Group, Inc. will post 0.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
Insider Buying and Selling In other CAVA Group news, insider Kelly Costanza sold 12,490 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.00, for a total transaction of $1,124,100.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 98,490 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $8,864,100. This represents a 11.25% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Also, Director Karen Kochevar sold 10,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.00, for a total value of $900,000.00. Following the sale, the director owned 3,074 shares in the company, valued at approximately $276,660. The trade was a 76.49% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold 67,512 shares of company stock valued at $6,050,417 over the last 90 days. 6.70% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.
CAVA Group Company Profile (Free Report)
CAVA Group, Inc (NYSE: CAVA) is a leading fast-casual restaurant company specializing in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Operating under the CAVA brand, the company offers customizable bowls, pitas and salads built around a variety of proteins, grains, fresh vegetables and house-made spreads. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and made-to-order preparation, CAVA aims to deliver a casual yet elevated dining experience for dine-in, takeout and catering customers.
Founded in 2011 in the Washington, DC metro area by Ike Grigoropoulos, Dimitri Katsanis and Brett Schulman, CAVA has pursued an aggressive growth strategy that included the 2018 acquisition of Zoe’s Kitchen.
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CAVA ve 2. čtvrtletí zvýšila tržby v porovnatelných provozovnách o 9 % díky 5,3% růstu návštěvnosti. Firma potvrdila výhled na rok 2026 na 4,5 % až 6,5 %.
Key Takeaways CAVA's Q2 same-store sales rose 9%, driven by a 5.3% increase in traffic.CAVA's Q2 Same-store sales recovered to the mid-single-digit range after Cyclospora concerns pressured demand.CAVA maintained 2026 comps guidance of 4.5%-6.5%, supported by loyalty growth and menu innovation. CAVA Group, Inc. (CAVA - Free Report) reported 9% same-store sales growth in the second quarter of 2026, driven by a 5.3% increase in traffic. The traffic-led performance points to solid underlying demand, although broader food-safety concerns created a near-term sales headwind around the end of the quarter and into the third quarter. Concerns surrounding the Cyclospora outbreak affected consumer demand for lettuce and fresh produce, even though CAVA does not source leafy greens from Mexico or serve iceberg lettuce.
Recent sales trends indicate that the pressure has moderated. Same-store sales initially slowed to flat to positive as Cyclospora concerns intensified, but improved each week sequentially and most recently recovered to the mid-single-digit range. CAVA also reported no immediate impact from the recent Salmonella outbreak and does not source from the associated farms. The company continues to monitor food-safety developments through its external Food Safety Advisory Council and existing supply-chain traceability capabilities.
The full-year outlook supports continued comparable-sales growth, although at a more moderate rate than the second-quarter pace. CAVA maintained its 2026 same-store sales growth guidance of 4.5%-6.5%, incorporating the impact experienced to date and a prudent assumption regarding the duration of remaining Cyclospora-related pressure. The low end of the range would imply slightly negative same-store sales in the second half, while the upper end would imply mid-single-digit growth. The company stated that current trends do not indicate performance at the lower end of the range.
Several demand indicators provide additional support. Restaurants in lower-income markets are generating the strongest same-store sales results, while restrained menu-price increases are supporting accessibility. CAVA’s loyalty membership is growing faster than its restaurant base, and Pomegranate Glazed Salmon increased the rate of new customers while driving higher frequency among loyalty members who purchased the product. These trends indicate continued traction across value, customer engagement and menu innovation.
Broader restaurant performance also remains favorable. New restaurant productivity stayed above 100%, with strength across geographies and restaurant formats, while the 2024 cohort is generating double-digit same-store sales. These operating fundamentals support the durability of positive comparable-sales growth despite near-term food-safety concerns.
CAVA’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesCAVA’s shares have gained 6.9% in the past year against the industry’s 6.9% decline. In the same time frame, other industry players like Dutch Bros Inc. (BROS - Free Report) and McDonald's Corporation (MCD - Free Report) have declined 21.8% and 14.1%, respectively.
CAVA’s One-Year Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, CAVA trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 5, above the industry’s average of 3.12. Conversely, industry players, such as Dutch Bros and McDonald's, have P/S multiples of 3.49 and 6.55, respectively.
CAVA’s P/S Ratio (Forward 12-Month) vs. Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CAVA’s 2026 earnings per share has declined in the past 60 days.
EPS Trend of CAVA Stock
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company is likely to report flat earnings in 2026 on a year-over-year basis. Conversely, industry players such as McDonald’s and Dutch Bros are likely to witness an increase of 5.6% and 27.6%, respectively, year over year in 2026 earnings.
CAVA’s Zacks RankCAVA stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
CAVA za týden vzrostla o 19,2 % po zveřejnění výsledků, které ukázaly růst tržeb o 31,3 % a EPS nad odhady. Zároveň ale zůstává její forward P/S na 5,17 a marže klesly o 60 bazických bodů.
Key Takeaways CAVA gained 19.2% in a week as fresh earnings results sharpen focus on its operating momentum.CAVA's revenue rose 31.3%, EPS topped estimates, traffic grew 5.3%, and 17 net new restaurants opened.CAVA's 5.17 forward P/S ratio remains a premium, while restaurant-level margins fell 60 basis points. CAVA Group, Inc. (CAVA - Free Report) shares gained 19.22% in the past week, putting fresh attention on whether operating momentum can keep pace with investor expectations.
The move should not be assigned to any single development. CAVA's latest earnings, traffic, restaurant expansion and valuation instead provide a framework for judging whether the recent price strength is supported by business performance.
CAVA's 19.2% Jump Meets a Fresh Earnings BeatCAVA reported fiscal second-quarter 2026 earnings of $0.19 per share, up from $0.16 a year earlier and 5.6% above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.18. Total revenues increased 31.3% year over year to $368.44 million and topped the consensus mark of $353 million by 4.4%.
Those results add fundamental context to the stock's one-week advance. They show that sales and earnings improved sharply in the quarter, but they do not establish that the earnings report caused the share-price move.
CAVA Traffic and Unit Growth Reinforce MomentumSame-restaurant sales rose 9%, with guest traffic contributing 5.3% and menu price and product mix adding 3.7 percentage points. Average unit volume increased to $3.09 million from $2.94 million a year earlier.
CAVA opened 17 net new restaurants and ended the quarter with 476 locations, up 19.6% year over year. New restaurant productivity remained above 100%, and the company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 plan for 75-77 net new openings.
CAVA Margins Reveal the Cost of Growth InvestmentsRestaurant-level profit increased 28.1% year over year to $93.81 million, but restaurant-level profit margin declined 60 basis points to 25.7%. Higher sales therefore produced more restaurant-level profit dollars without preventing margin compression.
Food, beverage and packaging costs rose 50 basis points to 30% of CAVA revenues, largely because of salmon input costs. Labor costs increased 30 basis points to 25.3% as CAVA made an incremental 3% wage investment, while other operating expenses rose 40 basis points to 12.8% on a higher third-party delivery mix.
CAVA's Premium Valuation Raises the BarCAVA trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 5.17, versus 3.16 for its Zacks sub-industry and 1.51 for the broader Zacks sector. The multiple is below CAVA's two-year median of 6.83, but it still represents a sizable premium to both comparison groups.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 comparable restaurant sales growth of 2.2% and a restaurant-level operating margin of 25.2%. Shake Shack Inc. (SHAK - Free Report) posted same-Shack sales growth of 3.5% and a restaurant-level profit margin of 23.0% in its latest quarter. These peers provide useful operating context, though their concepts and scales differ from CAVA's.
CAVA's Mixed Signals Temper the Momentum CaseThe bottom line is that CAVA's recent stock strength is accompanied by rapid revenue growth, positive traffic and continued unit expansion, while margin pressure and a premium valuation keep the execution bar high.
CAVA currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). It also has a Growth Score of A, a Value Score of F, a Momentum Score of F and a VGM Score of D. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The Growth Score points to favorable growth characteristics under the Zacks Style Score framework. The F grades for Value and Momentum indicate weaker characteristics in those styles, while the VGM Score of D reflects an unfavorable combined profile across value, growth and momentum. Together with the Zacks Rank #3, the scores support a more balanced view of CAVA's near-term prospects rather than a clear-cut signal from the one-week rally alone.
Investors Are Buying Into Sweetgreen Again—Should They?CAVA Group NYSE: CAVA reported second-quarter 2026 revenue growth of 31.3% as same-restaurant sales increased 9%, supported by 5.3% traffic growth and continued strength in new restaurant openings.
Revenue rose to $365.4 million, while net income increased to $23 million from $18.4 million in the prior-year quarter. Diluted earnings per share were $0.19, compared with $0.16 a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA increased 30% to $54.7 million.
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CAVA Group’s Stock Looks Delicious After Strong Earnings“Our second quarter results underscore the continued strength of our category-defining brand and the resonance of our value proposition with today’s consumer,” Co-Founder and CEO Brett Schulman said on the company’s earnings call.
Restaurant Growth and Sales Trends CAVA opened 17 net new restaurants during the quarter, ending the period with 476 locations across 29 states and Washington, D.C. The company said new restaurant productivity remained above 100%, while systemwide average unit volumes reached $3.1 million.
Shake Shack Stock Gets Shaken After Earnings MissThe chain expanded into Indiana and Ohio during the quarter and plans to enter Las Vegas in the second half of 2026. CAVA also said it expects to expand into the Bay Area in 2027.
Chief Financial Officer Tricia Tolivar said the company’s new-unit performance was broad-based across geographies and restaurant formats. She added that the 2024 restaurant cohort has produced double-digit same-restaurant sales and represents the company’s highest-performing vintage.
CAVA maintained its full-year outlook for 75 to 77 net new restaurant openings and same-restaurant sales growth of 4.5% to 6.5%. Tolivar said the low end of that sales range would imply slightly negative same-restaurant sales, while the upper end would imply mid-single-digit growth.
She said the company’s most recent same-restaurant sales performance had recovered to the mid-single digits after concerns over a Cyclospora outbreak affected sales earlier in the third quarter. CAVA said it does not source leafy greens from Mexico and does not serve iceberg lettuce, but it saw near-term sales pressure from broad consumer concerns about lettuce and fresh produce.
Schulman said CAVA had not seen immediate effects from a separate Salmonella outbreak and does not source from associated farms. The company is continuing to consult with its food safety advisory council, he said.
Margins Reflect Food, Labor and Delivery Costs Restaurant-level profit rose 28.1% to $93.8 million, though restaurant-level margin declined to 25.7% of revenue from 26.3% a year earlier.
Food, beverage and packaging costs represented 30% of revenue, up 50 basis points year over year, largely due to costs associated with the launch of salmon. Labor and related costs were 25.3% of revenue, up 30 basis points, driven in part by a 3% wage investment for team members. Occupancy and related expenses improved by 50 basis points to 6.3% of revenue due to sales leverage. Other operating expenses increased 40 basis points to 12.8% of revenue, primarily because of a higher mix of third-party delivery. Tolivar said food, beverage and packaging costs are expected to increase as a percentage of revenue through the remainder of the year because of fuel surcharges and the rollout of pre-marinated chicken. The company plans to roll out the chicken product across restaurants during the balance of 2026 and into 2027.
Schulman said the pre-marinated chicken is intended to reduce manual kitchen preparation, improve consistency and allow restaurant teams to devote more time to guest service rather than requiring immediate labor-hour reductions.
CAVA reiterated its full-year restaurant-level margin outlook of 23.7% to 24.3% and Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $181 million to $191 million, including pre-opening costs. The company expects fourth-quarter restaurant margins to be seasonally lower than third-quarter margins.
Menu Innovation, Loyalty and Operations During the quarter, CAVA launched Pomegranate Glazed Salmon nationwide, its first seafood offering. Schulman said guest reception was strong and performance was in line with expectations. The item increased the rate of new customers and helped drive purchase frequency among loyalty members who ordered salmon, according to the company.
CAVA plans to retain salmon through the end of 2026. It also recently completed a market test of Roasted Garlic Shrimp and said the product is proceeding through its testing process. Planned seasonal offerings in the second half include a new dressing and another pita chip flavor.
The company continued developing its loyalty program through the launch of Flavor Passport, an in-app feature intended to encourage customers to explore menu offerings and earn rewards. Tolivar said the loyalty member base is growing faster than the company’s restaurant count.
CAVA also plans to launch a second catering market test later this fall, expanding beyond its initial test in Houston. Schulman said the company is focused on understanding production capacity, load balancing and restaurant execution before a broader rollout.
On staffing, the company’s assistant general manager roles have been rolled out to 70% of the fleet. Schulman said the initial rollout has been associated with improved team-member and guest satisfaction, as well as improved speed of service.
Liquidity and Capital Investment CAVA ended the quarter with no debt outstanding, $435.6 million in cash and investments, and an undrawn $150 million revolving credit facility. Cash flow from operations rose to $134.5 million through the second quarter, compared with $98.9 million in the prior-year period, while year-to-date free cash flow totaled $44.8 million.
Tolivar said free cash flow typically becomes less favorable in the latter half of the year as the company invests in its development pipeline. CAVA also expects to invest roughly $5 million to $10 million in restaurant enhancements, including certain Project Soul refreshes and potential grill expansions to support demand at some locations.
About CAVA Group (NYSE:CAVA)CAVA Group, Inc NYSE: CAVA is a leading fast-casual restaurant company specializing in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Operating under the CAVA brand, the company offers customizable bowls, pitas and salads built around a variety of proteins, grains, fresh vegetables and house-made spreads. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and made-to-order preparation, CAVA aims to deliver a casual yet elevated dining experience for dine-in, takeout and catering customers.
Founded in 2011 in the Washington, DC metro area by Ike Grigoropoulos, Dimitri Katsanis and Brett Schulman, CAVA has pursued an aggressive growth strategy that included the 2018 acquisition of Zoe's Kitchen.
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Cava Group (NYSE: CAVA) has been one of the brightest stories in the restaurant industry.
The Mediterranean fast-casual chain is similar to Chipotle in a number of ways, with a minimalist design and a customizable menu that features both bowls and handheld pitas, similar to burritos. Cava also benefits from having Ron Shaich, the founder of Panera, as one of its early investors.
Since its 2023 IPO, the company has reported explosive growth, often posting comparable sales growth in the double digits. However, in more recent quarters, its momentum has slowed in line with a broader pullback in the fast-casual industry as inflation wears on consumers, and the impact of the “K-shaped economy” has put more pressure on young adults.
Cava is due up to report second-quarter earnings after hours on Tuesday. Let’s take a look at what to expect and why the stock could gain on the news.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Is Cava ready for a comeback?Year-to-date, Cava stock is up just 6%, trailing the S&P 500. However, the stock has fallen sharply from its high this year in April, even as the broad market has soared, due to pressure on the industry amid fears of rising interest rates and inflation.
For the second-quarter report, analysts are expecting 28.3% revenue growth to $360.1 million, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) earnings per share to improve from $0.16 to $0.18.
Cava delivered strong first-quarter results, and the stock briefly popped on that earnings report before sliding through most of June and July.
The company is one of the last in its sector to report earnings, so its peer group offers some guidance as to what to expect. Chipotle, for example, reported its strongest comparable sales growth in six quarters in the second quarter, though it was up just 2.2%. The improvement seemed to stem from menu innovations, more catering opportunities, and deeper engagement with its rewards program.
Some economists have begun referring to the current economy as the “little treat economy,” a trend that could favor Cava. The term refers to Gen Z and millennials spending on low-cost indulgences, like a meal out, since they can’t afford larger expenses like buying a home.
One risk to watch out forFood safety concerns are back in the news following a cyclospora outbreak that began in mid-July and was linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms used at Taco Bell locations, as well as a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños used at Chipotle stores in Minnesota.
Sweetgreen slashed its full-year guidance due to the cyclospora outbreak, even though its operations weren’t directly affected, as it doesn’t even use iceberg lettuce.
According to location intelligence firm Placer.ai, there is evidence that the cyclospora outbreak weighed on foot traffic at Cava for at least a few days; however, Placer.ai also said that foot traffic to Cava stores, including new locations, rose 24.6% in the quarter, boding well for its results.
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Trading near its year-to-date low, Cava appears to offer a good entry point, as the business is still growing rapidly and has significant long-term potential.
Now trading at less than six times sales, the stock looks well-priced, especially if it can continue to deliver strong comparable sales growth, as there’s ample room in the market for the company to expand. If it delivers another beat-and-raise report, the stock is a good bet to pop on Wednesday.
Key Takeaways CAVA is expected to benefit from healthy traffic, strong new restaurant performance and same-store sales.CAVA may see support from menu innovation, digital engagement and expanding delivery capabilities.CAVA has a positive Earnings ESP ahead of its second-quarter earnings report. CAVA Group, Inc. (CAVA - Free Report) is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 11. In the last reported quarter, the company’s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 17.7%.
CAVA’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, the average surprise being 16.6%.
CAVA’s Q2 EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 17 cents per share, indicating a gain of 6.3% from a year ago.
The consensus mark for revenues is pegged at $353.3 million, implying an increase of 25.9% from the year-ago quarter.
Factors to Note Ahead of CAVA’s Q2 ResultsCAVA's second-quarter 2026 revenues are likely to have benefited from continued healthy guest traffic, supported by its compelling value proposition and expanding restaurant base. Management noted that second-quarter same-restaurant sales trends remained in line with the strong first-quarter performance and were tracking above its raised full-year outlook. The company is also expected to have gained from contributions of recently opened restaurants, with new units continuing to deliver productivity above 100% and average unit volumes remaining robust.
Menu innovation and customer engagement initiatives are also likely to have supported the top line. The nationwide launch of Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon, the successful return of roasted white sweet potatoes and sustained digital and loyalty engagement are expected to have encouraged repeat visits and attracted new customers. Continued improvements in third-party delivery, stronger digital ordering capabilities and broad-based demand across regions and income groups, supported by disciplined pricing and marketing efforts, are likely to have further boosted sales momentum during the quarter.
CAVA's bottom line in the second quarter is likely to have been supported by strong sales leverage from healthy comparable-sales growth and continued strength in new restaurant performance. The company is also likely to have benefited from operating efficiencies, including leverage on occupancy and G&A expenses, while investments in technology, digital capabilities and restaurant operations helped enhance execution and productivity. Although salmon, wage investments and higher energy-related costs are likely to have created margin headwinds, management's strong restaurant-level economics, disciplined cost management and robust flow-through from higher sales are likely key drivers of earnings growth.
What Does the Zacks Model Unveil for CAVA?Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for CAVA this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. This is exactly the case here.
Earnings ESP: CAVA has an Earnings ESP of +20.30%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Zacks Rank: CAVA currently has a Zacks Rank #3.
Other Stocks Poised to Beat on EarningsHere are a few other stocks from the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector, which, too, according to our model, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this reporting cycle.
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +6.90% and a Zacks Rank of 3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
In the to-be-reported quarter, LOCO’s earnings are expected to increase 3.6% year over year. LOCO’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 18.9%.
Brinker International, Inc. (EAT - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.12% and a Zacks Rank of 3.
In the to-be-reported quarter, Brinker earnings are expected to register a 23.3% year-over-year decline. EAT’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 6.8%.
Sweetgreen, Inc. (SG - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +11.54% and a Zacks Rank of 2 at present.
In the to-be-reported quarter, Sweetgreen’s earnings are expected to register a 35% year-over-year increase. Sweetgreen’s earnings missed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average miss being 42.4%.
Cava Group uzavřela na 66,44 USD, což představuje denní růst o 1,65 %, ale zaostala za indexem S&P 500. Investoři sledují výsledky, které mají být zveřejněny 11. srpna 2026.
In the latest trading session, Cava Group (CAVA - Free Report) closed at $66.44, marking a +1.65% move from the previous day. This move lagged the S&P 500's daily gain of 1.66%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw an upswing of 1.19%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq appreciated by 2.78%.
Prior to today's trading, shares of the Mediterranean restaurant chain had lost 18.08% lagged the Retail-Wholesale sector's gain of 0.61% and the S&P 500's loss of 1.49%.
Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of Cava Group in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to go public on August 11, 2026. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be $0.17, reflecting a 6.25% increase from the same quarter last year. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $353.31 million, reflecting a 25.91% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $0.54 per share and revenue of $1.49 billion, which would represent changes of 0% and +26.08%, respectively, from the prior year.
Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Cava Group. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the business and profitability.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. We developed the Zacks Rank to capitalize on this phenomenon. Our system takes these estimate changes into account and delivers a clear, actionable rating model.
The Zacks Rank system, ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), possesses a remarkable history of outdoing, externally audited, with #1 stocks returning an average annual gain of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed a 0.37% decrease. Right now, Cava Group possesses a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
In terms of valuation, Cava Group is presently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 120.37. This indicates a premium in contrast to its industry's Forward P/E of 20.7.
It's also important to note that CAVA currently trades at a PEG ratio of 4.5. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. Retail - Restaurants stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 2.07 based on yesterday's closing prices.
The Retail - Restaurants industry is part of the Retail-Wholesale sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 189, placing it within the bottom 24% of over 250 industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of our separate industry groups by calculating the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks contained within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.
Cava Group uzavřela seanci na 68,85 USD, což znamenalo růst o 1,1 % během dne, zatímco S&P 500 klesl o 1,01 %. Předtím akcie zaostávaly a za poslední období ztratily 23,64 %.
Cava Group (CAVA - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $68.85, demonstrating a +1.1% change from the preceding day's closing price. This move outpaced the S&P 500's daily loss of 1.01%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a loss of 0.77%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 1.4%.
Prior to today's trading, shares of the Mediterranean restaurant chain had lost 23.64% lagged the Retail-Wholesale sector's gain of 0.78% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.32%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Cava Group in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $0.17, showcasing a 6.25% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Alongside, our most recent consensus estimate is anticipating revenue of $353.73 million, indicating a 26.06% upward movement from the same quarter last year.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $0.55 per share and revenue of $1.49 billion, which would represent changes of +1.85% and +26.2%, respectively, from the prior year.
It's also important for investors to be aware of any recent modifications to analyst estimates for Cava Group. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the business and profitability.
Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged. Currently, Cava Group is carrying a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
Valuation is also important, so investors should note that Cava Group has a Forward P/E ratio of 124.95 right now. This indicates a premium in contrast to its industry's Forward P/E of 20.78.
We can also see that CAVA currently has a PEG ratio of 4.67. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. The Retail - Restaurants industry had an average PEG ratio of 2 as trading concluded yesterday.
The Retail - Restaurants industry is part of the Retail-Wholesale sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 188, finds itself in the bottom 24% echelons of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
To follow CAVA in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.
Cava po výsledcích za 1. čtvrtletí zvýšila celoroční výhled: očekává 75 až 77 nových restaurací a růst tržeb ve srovnatelných provozovnách o 4,5 % až 6,5 %.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Cava Group (CAVA - Free Report) . Shares have added about 9.3% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Cava due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for CAVA Group, Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
CAVA's Q1 Earnings & Revenues Beat EstimatesCAVA delivered first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings of $0.20 per share, down 9.1% from the year-ago quarter, but beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.17 by 17.65%. Total revenues rose 32.1% year over year to $0.44 billion and topped the consensus mark of $0.42 billion by 4.49%.
Results reflected a combination of unit growth and healthy demand trends. Same Restaurant Sales increased 9.7% in the quarter, including Guest Traffic growth of 6.8%, supporting a step-up in restaurant volumes.
CAVA Q1 Unit Growth Drives Restaurant Sales ExpansionOn the top line, CAVA revenues grew 32.2% year over year to $434.4 million, primarily reflecting contributions from 92 Net New CAVA Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The company ended the quarter with 459 CAVA restaurants, up from 382 a year earlier.
Management also highlighted that new restaurant openings continue to exceed expectations in both top-line and margin performance, with first-quarter new restaurant productivity trending above 100%. That early performance can support continued reinvestment in new markets as the chain scales.
CAVA’s Q1 Restaurant-Level MarginCAVA’s restaurant-level profit margin was 25.1% in the first quarter, flat year over year, even as the business absorbed incremental wage investments and a higher mix of third-party delivery. The company said leverage from higher sales helped offset those pressures, keeping profitability at the restaurant level stable.
Cost structure details underscore that balance. Food, beverage and packaging costs were 29.1% of CAVA revenues, down 20 basis points versus the prior-year quarter, largely due to a favorable mix. Labor and related costs were 25.7% of revenues, approximately flat year over year, as sales leverage was offset by a 2% investment in team member wages, including the expansion of an Assistant General Manager role.
CAVA Generates Strong Cash Flow in Q1CAVA paired growth with improved cash generation. Net cash provided by operating activities was $64.1 million for the quarter, up from $38.6 million a year ago. Capital spending remained elevated as the company built out its footprint, with purchases of property and equipment of $48.6 million, resulting in free cash flow of $15.5 million.
Liquidity also remained ample. The company ended the quarter with $295.8 million of cash and cash equivalents and $107.2 million of investments, and it reported access to a $150 million revolving credit facility. Management said this base is expected to support near-term expansion and operating needs.
CAVA Raises FY26 OutlookReflecting first-quarter momentum, CAVA raised its full-year fiscal 2026 outlook. The company now expects 75-77 net new restaurant openings, compared with prior guidance of 74-76. Same Restaurant Sales growth is now expected to be 4.5%-6.5%, up from 3.0%-5.0% previously.
Profitability and investment assumptions moved as well. CAVA lifted its CAVA restaurant-level profit margin outlook to 23.7%-24.3% (from 23.7%-24.2%) and raised its pre-opening cost outlook to $22.0-$22.5 million (from $19.5-$20.0 million). Adjusted EBITDA is now expected to be $181-$191 million, up from $176-$184 million.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a upward trend in fresh estimates.
The consensus estimate has shifted 7.71% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresCurrently, Cava has a great Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with a D. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock has a score of F on the value side, putting it in the bottom 20% quintile for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. Interestingly, Cava has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerCava belongs to the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry. Another stock from the same industry, Jack In The Box (JACK - Free Report) , has gained 11% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended March 2026.
Jack In The Box reported revenues of $254.26 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -24.5%. EPS of $0.76 for the same period compares with $1.20 a year ago.
Jack In The Box is expected to post earnings of $0.90 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -11.8%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -0.4%.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for Jack In The Box. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of B.
CAVA spustila CavaCore a rozšířila CAVA Current, aby zlepšila rozhodování a provoz restaurací. Zároveň hlásí silnější zapojení do věrnostního programu i nové položky v nabídce, včetně Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon.
Key Takeaways CAVA launched CavaCore and expanded CAVA Current to improve operations and decision-making.CAVA reported stronger loyalty engagement, helping increase visits, retention and repeat business.CAVA added new menu offerings, including Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon, attracting guests and driving traffic. CAVA Group, Inc. (CAVA - Free Report) is proving that growth in the restaurant industry is no longer driven solely by new store openings. The Mediterranean fast-casual chain is increasingly leveraging technology, customer engagement and product innovation to strengthen its business and drive sustainable expansion.
A key focus area is artificial intelligence and data infrastructure. During the first quarter of 2026, the company launched CavaCore, its modern data platform, and continued rolling out CAVA Current, a real-time operating system designed to improve decision-making across restaurants. Management believes these platforms will enable more personalized guest experiences, better demand forecasting, smarter labor scheduling and improved operational efficiency over time.
Loyalty is another powerful growth engine. CAVA reported encouraging results from its enhanced loyalty program, which has increased member engagement, visit frequency and customer retention. Digital campaigns, including its Flavor Bracket game and athlete partnerships, generated strong participation and helped deepen customer relationships. Management noted that loyalty members are increasingly moving up engagement tiers, supporting repeat business.
Innovation remains equally important. The return of the popular roasted white sweet potato drove guest frequency and attracted new customers, while the nationwide launch of Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon marked CAVA’s first seafood offering. Early customer response has been positive, reinforcing the company’s strategy of introducing exciting menu items without adding excessive operational complexity.
Combined with strong traffic growth, expanding brand awareness and disciplined execution, AI, loyalty and innovation appear to be key pillars supporting CAVA’s long-term growth strategy. As the company scales nationally, these initiatives could help it sustain customer demand while improving operational performance and profitability.
Can Rivals Match CAVA’s AI and Loyalty-Led Growth Strategy?Two notable competitors that are pursuing similar growth initiatives are Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG - Free Report) and Sweetgreen (SG - Free Report) .
Chipotle has been investing heavily in digital innovation, loyalty programs and operational technology to drive customer engagement. Its rewards platform has grown into a major traffic driver, while digital ordering, Chipotlanes and AI-powered tools help improve efficiency and convenience. Like CAVA, Chipotle focuses on menu innovation without overcomplicating operations, using limited-time offerings to attract customers and boost frequency.
Sweetgreen is taking an even more technology-centric approach. The company has embraced automation through its Infinite Kitchen concept and uses data-driven personalization to enhance the customer experience. Its digital-first strategy, combined with a strong loyalty ecosystem, aims to increase repeat visits and improve restaurant-level economics. Sweetgreen also emphasizes menu innovation and health-focused offerings, targeting a consumer base similar to CAVA’s.
While both competitors have made significant progress, CAVA’s combination of Mediterranean cuisine, growing loyalty engagement, AI-enabled infrastructure and disciplined innovation strategy provides a differentiated platform that could help it continue gaining market share in the fast-casual dining space.
CAVA’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of CAVA have gained 53.7% in the past six months against the industry’s decline of 2.1%.
Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, CAVA trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 6.4X, above the industry’s average of 3.33X.
P/S (F12M)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CAVA’s 2026 and 2027 earnings per share implies a year-over-year increase of 1.9% and 30.2%, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CAVA currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
