CAVA Group

CAVA

Market cap $5.92B

Consumers may be struggling, but they still want the fresh and fast offerings from restaurants like Cava and Chipotle.

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Cava (CAVA) has received quite a bit of attention from Zacks.com users lately. Therefore, it is wise to be aware of the facts that can impact the stock's prospects.

CAVA's expanding footprint, digital upgrades and menu innovation stand out as Chipotle works through traffic, cost and execution headwinds.

CAVA Group, Inc. is rated Hold, as shares trade near fair value after a 71% drop from all-time highs and recent weak earnings. CAVA faces macro headwinds, with softening traffic, rising costs, and lowered guidance, but maintains a long-term growth plan with 1,800 new locations expected. Despite a strong revenue growth outlook and potential for 30% EPS growth, CAVA's valuation remains rich, and sell-side sentiment is negative with multiple EPS downgrades.

Shares of Cava have lost two thirds of their value over the past year. The stock has more than doubled since going public at $22 in the first half of 2023.

CAVA remains resilient, despite sector headwinds, with shares down 65% YTD but outperforming peers in same restaurant sales growth. CAVA is gaining market share, benefiting from healthy eating trends, a strong loyalty program, and robust restaurant margins compared to competitors like CMG and Sweetgreen. Though comps have decelerated, CAVA's SRS and store expansion remain positive; valuation is more attractive after the recent selloff.

The fast-casual bowl boom has stalled, with Cava, Chipotle, and Sweetgreen all experiencing sales slumps and sharp stock selloffs. The chain restaurants are leaning on promotions and loyalty programs to pull customers back in through the door, in particular younger Gen Z consumers who helped make the brands success stories but who are now cutting back on spending.

Markets were broadly higher on Friday as investors grew more confident following Thursday's sharp declines. Cava and WillScot Holdings were among the top gainers.

Prime Capital initiated position in Cava with 541,330 shares, a $32.70 million increase. The position represents a 3.93% of 13F assets under management.