CAVA Stock Before Q3 Earnings: Is it Time to Buy or Sit Tight?

Core Insights - CAVA Group, Inc. is set to release its third-quarter 2025 results on November 4, with previous earnings surpassing estimates by 23.1% in the last quarter [1] - The consensus estimate for Q3 earnings per share (EPS) remains at 13 cents, reflecting a 13.3% decline from the previous year's EPS of 15 cents, while revenue is projected at $293.3 million, indicating a 20.3% year-over-year growth [2] Earnings Prediction - The current Earnings ESP for CAVA is -5.77%, indicating that the model does not predict an earnings beat this time [3] - CAVA holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting a less favorable outlook [4] Factors Influencing Performance - CAVA's revenue growth in Q3 is expected to be driven by strong restaurant expansion, robust average unit volumes, and entry into new markets like Michigan and Pittsburgh [5] - Menu innovation, including the nationwide rollout of chicken shawarma and new product offerings, is anticipated to enhance traffic and average check growth [6] - Operational improvements, such as the Connected Kitchen initiative, are likely to support revenue momentum by enhancing order accuracy and throughput [9] Margin Pressures - Rising costs, inflation in key proteins, and investments in wage increases may pressure CAVA's quarterly margins [10] - The introduction of premium menu items and ongoing investments in technology and new restaurant openings could further increase expenses [10] Stock Performance and Valuation - CAVA's stock has declined by 59.2% over the past year, underperforming its industry peers and the broader market [11] - The company is currently valued at a premium compared to its industry, with a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 4.47, higher than the industry average [15] Investment Considerations - Investors may consider avoiding CAVA stock ahead of the earnings release due to uncertainties surrounding profitability and valuation [18] - While revenue momentum is solid, margin pressures from rising costs and cautious market sentiment could lead to further downside if earnings disappoint [19]