CAVA Group (CAVA) Q2 2025 Earnings Call August 12, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsMatt Milanovich - SVP - FinanceBrett Schulman - Co-Founder, CEO & DirectorTricia Tolivar - Chief Financial OfficerChris O’Cull - MD - Restaurants, Franchised BusinessesAndrew Charles - Managing DirectorSharon Zackfia - Group Head–ConsumerAndy Barish - Managing DirectorJohn Powers - SVP & Group Manager - Lending Operations TransformationDennis Geiger - Equity Research - RestaurantsBrian Vaccaro - Managing Director - Equit ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue growth of 12.7%, driven by a 5.3% increase in average weekly sales and a 7.2% store week growth [20] - Diluted earnings per share increased by 4% to $1.86 [20] - Restaurant margin dollars increased by 6.1% to $257 million, while restaurant margin as a percentage of total sales decreased by 108 basis points year over year to 17.1% [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Texas Roadhouse averaged approximately $172,000 in weekly sales, while Bubba's 33 averaged over $128,000 in weekly sales [9] - Jaggers delivered average weekly sales of nearly $76,000 in the second quarter [10] - The company plans to open as many as eight company and franchise locations next year for Jaggers and Bubba's 33 [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable sales increased by 5.8% in the second quarter, driven by 4% traffic growth and a 1.8% increase in average check [20] - Comparable sales for the first five weeks of the third quarter were up 5.3% [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a growth strategy that includes opening approximately 30 company-owned restaurants this year and acquiring additional franchise locations [12][18] - The company plans to take a menu price increase of approximately 1.7% at the beginning of the fourth quarter to offset inflationary pressures [11] - The company remains committed to its community and plans to purchase its support center buildings, reflecting a long-term commitment to Louisville, Kentucky [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of operations and the commitment of the team, despite challenges in the operating environment [14] - The company has increased its guidance for full-year inflation to approximately 5%, primarily due to higher beef inflation [16] - Management remains optimistic about the growth potential of Bubba's 33 and Jaggers, with plans for double-digit openings next year [10][43] Other Important Information - The company ended the second quarter with $177 million in cash, with cash flow from operations at $128 million [17] - The company is maintaining its full-year capital expenditure guidance at approximately $400 million [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on inflation dynamics - Management noted that strong retail demand for beef and tighter supply have driven inflation, with expectations of 7% commodity inflation in Q3 [26][29] Question: Mix effect and consumer behavior - Negative mix pressure is primarily from the alcohol category, while positive trends are seen in entrees and mocktails [33][36] Question: Inflation outlook for Q3 and Q4 - Management expects inflation to be highest in Q3, around 7%, and to decrease to 4-5% in Q4 [41][42] Question: Growth opportunities in Bubba's - Management indicated a solid pipeline for Bubba's growth, with potential for more than 30 openings in the coming years [43][44] Question: Off-premise sales growth - The increase in off-premise sales is attributed to improved operational efficiency and the mobile app's convenience [119][122] Question: Delivery considerations - Management has resisted expanding delivery services, focusing instead on enhancing the off-premise pickup experience [130][132] Question: Construction costs and tariffs - No significant impact from tariffs on construction costs has been observed yet, with inventory levels remaining stable [81][82]

Technology & AI Application - Google Veo 3 is capable of generating ASMR content related to food cooking [1] - The generated content includes a steak cooking scenario [1]

Trade and Tariffs - The Trump administration has reached a short-term trade agreement with China, reducing tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to approximately 30% and on US goods from 125% to 10% [4][6][10] - The market reacted positively to the news, with a notable rally in tech stocks, which rose by 8% in the week following the announcement [4][6] - Companies are facing increased costs due to tariffs, and there is uncertainty about whether they can pass these costs onto consumers or if margins will contract [7][10] Walmart's Pricing Strategy - Walmart has indicated that it will raise prices on some goods due to tariff impacts, which is significant given its position as a low-cost provider [9][10] - The company expects prices to increase this summer, reflecting the cost pressures from tariffs that began in late April and accelerated into May [10][11] - Despite the anticipated price increases, Walmart has reiterated its guidance for 3%-4% net sales growth, indicating confidence in its overall business performance [11][12] CAVA's Performance - CAVA reported a 10.8% increase in same-store sales, driven by a 7.5% increase in customer visits, contrasting with declines seen in other restaurant chains [16][17] - The company has reached the billion-dollar sales mark over the past 12 months, showcasing strong growth in a challenging market [17] - CAVA's food and beverage costs increased to 29.3% of sales, but the company maintains a strong store margin around 25% [18] Dick's Sporting Goods Acquisition - Dick's Sporting Goods announced a $2.4 billion acquisition of Foot Locker, which was met with skepticism from the market, resulting in a 10% drop in Dick's shares [22][23] - The acquisition aims to turn around Foot Locker, which has been struggling with declining sales and changing consumer buying patterns [22][23] - Foot Locker's international presence may provide Dick's with new growth opportunities, although concerns remain about the viability of the acquisition [24][25] On Holdings' Growth - On Holdings reported a 43% increase in revenues, with direct-to-consumer sales up 45%, indicating strong demand for its products [27][28] - The company raised its sales guidance for the year to 28%, reflecting confidence in its growth trajectory [27] - On Holdings benefits from sourcing 90% of its shoes from Vietnam and Indonesia, which mitigates the impact of tariffs on its business [28][29] Evolv Technology and Booz Allen Hamilton - Evolv Technology is focused on transforming security management in public and private buildings, with a strong customer base in sports venues [57][58] - Booz Allen Hamilton, a consultant primarily serving the federal government, faces challenges due to potential cutbacks in defense spending but maintains a significant backlog of $39 billion [59][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, the company generated over $1.4 billion in revenue, with a same-store sales increase of 3.5% and positive traffic growth [7][21] - Revenue growth was reported at 9.6%, driven by a 2.4% increase in average unit volume and 7.1% store week growth [21] - Diluted earnings per share increased by 1% to $1.7, while restaurant margin dollars increased by 4.7% to $239 million [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weekly sales averaged $167,000 at Texas Roadhouse, $123,000 at Bubba's 33, and $71,000 at Jaggers, all showing positive same-store sales and traffic growth [15] - Average weekly sales for the first quarter were over $163,000, with To Go sales representing approximately 13.6% of total weekly sales [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened eight company-owned restaurants in the first quarter, with plans to open approximately 30 company-owned restaurants this year [9][10] - Franchise openings are expected to include five international Texas Roadhouses and two domestic Jaggers [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on delivering legendary food and service while navigating external economic factors [8] - Technology initiatives are progressing, with 65% of restaurants using a digital kitchen and 70% having upgraded guest management systems [11][12] - The company is committed to maintaining its pricing strategy, which is below inflation levels for both commodities and labor [32][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the current operating environment, citing strong demand for the brand and positive sales trends [8][15] - The company anticipates a full-year commodity inflation of approximately 4%, influenced by updated expectations for beef costs and tariffs [19][95] Other Important Information - The company celebrated the success of its operators at the annual Managing Partner Conference, emphasizing the importance of community engagement [26] - The company is focusing on improving the guest experience through new beverage menus tailored to regional preferences [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing strategy in relation to inflation - The company confirmed a 3.1% price increase in the first quarter, which is expected to drop to 2.3% in the following quarters, indicating pricing below inflation [32][34] Question: Labor leverage and hours - Labor hours grew at approximately 35% of comparable traffic growth, maintaining productivity despite challenges [40][41] Question: Restaurant margin performance - Management acknowledged a slight decline in restaurant profit dollars per week and emphasized the importance of monitoring this metric throughout the year [45][47] Question: To Go sales performance - The company noted improvements in To Go sales due to operational enhancements and better packaging, with margins being neutral to slightly positive [101][103] Question: Commodity inflation outlook - The company expects commodity inflation to remain under pressure, with specific guidance of approximately 4% for the full year [19][95] Question: Franchise acquisitions - The company maintains an active dialogue with franchisees regarding potential acquisitions but has no imminent plans beyond those already disclosed [140][142]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, the company reported revenue of over $1.4 billion, representing a 9.6% increase year-over-year, driven by a 2.4% increase in average unit volume and 7.1% store week growth [19][5] - The diluted earnings per share increased by 1% to $1.7, while restaurant margin dollars increased by 4.7% to $239 million [19][20] - Cash flow from operations was $238 million, with $221 million in cash at the end of the quarter [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average weekly sales were $167,000 at Texas Roadhouse, $123,000 at Bubba's 33, and $71,000 at Jaggers, all showing positive same-store sales and traffic growth [13] - Same-store sales increased by 3.5% in the first quarter, with traffic growth of 1.1% and a 2.4% increase in average check [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened eight company-owned restaurants in the first quarter, with plans to open approximately 30 company-owned restaurants this year [6][7] - Franchise openings are expected to include five international Texas Roadhouses and two domestic Jaggers [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on delivering legendary food and service while navigating external economic factors [5] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining operational excellence and community engagement as part of their long-term growth strategy [23] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the current demand for their brands, despite external challenges such as tariffs and inflation [5][14] - The company anticipates a full-year commodity inflation of approximately 4%, influenced by updated expectations for beef costs and tariffs [16][89] Other Important Information - The company is implementing technology upgrades, with 65% of restaurants using a digital kitchen and 70% having a new guest management system [9][10] - The company celebrated the achievements of its top operators during the annual Managing Partner Conference, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence [2][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing strategy in relation to inflation - Management confirmed a 3.1% price increase in Q1, which is expected to drop to 2.3% in the following quarters, indicating they are pricing below inflation [29][30] Question: Labor leverage and hours - Management clarified that labor hours grew at 35% of traffic growth, maintaining productivity despite challenges [37][38] Question: Restaurant margin performance - Management acknowledged a slight decline in restaurant profit dollars per week and emphasized the importance of monitoring this metric throughout the year [42][44] Question: Consumer behavior and sales trends - Management attributed sales fluctuations to weather conditions and noted a strong rebound in March, April, and May [68][69] Question: Franchise acquisitions and future plans - Management stated there are no immediate plans for further franchise roll-ups but maintains active dialogue with existing franchisees [135][137] Question: Bar menu relaunch and profitability - Management indicated that the bar menu changes were driven by consumer demand and are expected to enhance profitability [141][144]