CAVA (US:CAVA) ZACKSยท2025-07-08 14:56Core Insights - CAVA Group, Inc. (CAVA) reported strong profitability in Q1 2025, with adjusted EBITDA of $44.9 million, a 34.6% increase from $33.3 million in the same quarter last year [1][9] - The growth in EBITDA is attributed to strong traffic-led sales, operational efficiency, and cost leverage [2] Financial Performance - Same-restaurant sales increased by 10.8% year over year, driven by a 7.5% rise in guest traffic [2][9] - Restaurant-level profits reached $82.3 million, supported by disciplined general and administrative spending and stable labor and occupancy costs as a percentage of sales [2] - CAVA reaffirmed its full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance of $152 million to $159 million [4] Operational Enhancements - CAVA's Connected Kitchen initiative and revamped labor deployment model are enhancing productivity and guest satisfaction [3] - These operational improvements are expected to continue boosting throughput and margin performance as they expand to more locations in 2025 [3] Competitive Landscape - Shake Shack, Inc. (SHAK) reported adjusted EBITDA of $40.7 million in Q1 2025, with a lower adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.7% compared to CAVA [5] - Brinker International, Inc. (EAT) achieved an 80% year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA to $221 million, but operates with a structurally lower margin profile than CAVA due to higher fixed costs [6] Market Performance - CAVA's shares have decreased by 8.3% over the past three months, while the industry has seen a 3.1% rise [7] - CAVA trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 7.34X, significantly higher than the industry's 4.06X [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CAVA's 2025 earnings implies a year-over-year increase of 38.1%, with a 17.9% increase expected in 2026 [11]