CAVA Q2 2025 Preview: Slowing Comps Test Profitability
A primary focus for investors will be on same-restaurant sales trends. Growth is expected to cool to mid-single-digit growth after a 10.8% gain last quarter, as tougher comparisons and softer traffic are likely behind the slowdown. The company has raised its full-year restaurant opening guidance, thus investors will want to hear whether those new restaurance are performing according to the targets and if pre-opening spending stays under control.
On profitability, analysts will watch restaurant-level margins, which management has maintained in its guidance but face inflationary pressures from higher wage rates and produce costs. Any signs of supply chain stability or efficiency gains in labor scheduling might change the outlook for the second half.
Lastly, management's guidance for the remainder of 2025 will matter and a reaffirmation of unit growth targets and stable margin outlook could help restore confidence after the recent share pullback. If not, with valuation still elevated versus peers, the stock could face more pressure.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
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