Bull case
The bull case prices CAVA at 74x on FY1 earnings, assuming continued execution and no meaningful deceleration in the core business.
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Three scenarios for where CAVA stock could go
The bull case prices CAVA at 74x on FY1 earnings, assuming continued execution and no meaningful deceleration in the core business.
At 56x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
If investor confidence fades or macro conditions deteriorate, a 125x multiple contraction could push CAVA down roughly 78% from where it trades now.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.

CAVA Group operates a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain offering customizable bowls, pitas, and salads. It generates revenue primarily from restaurant sales — both company-owned locations and a growing franchise segment — supplemented by packaged goods sold in grocery stores. The company's competitive advantage lies in its modern Mediterranean cuisine concept that taps into growing consumer demand for healthy, flavorful options in the fast-casual space.
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $0.16/$0.13 | +23.1% | $281M/$294M | -4.5% |
| Q4 2025 | $0.12/$0.13 | -7.7% | $292M/$268M | +9.1% |
| Q1 2026 | $0.04/$0.03 | +33.3% | $275M/$268M | +2.5% |
| Q2 2026 | $0.20/$0.17 | +17.6% | $438M/$360M | +21.6% |
CAVA beat EPS estimates in 3 of 4 tracked quarters. A strong delivery record supports forward estimate credibility.
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Latest annual revenue by reported region
Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Fair value est. $23 — implies -74.1% from today's price.
| Metric | CAVA | S&P 500 | Consumer Cyclical | 5Y Avg CAVA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 161.0x | 18.8x+756% | 16.3x+886% | — |
| Trailing PE | 165.1x | 24.4x+575% | 21.2x+681% | 107.7x+53% |
| PEG Ratio | — | 1.66x | 0.92x | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 69.1x | 15.2x+354% | 12.2x+467% | 50.0x+38% |
| Price/FCF | 397.4x | 20.7x+1820% | 15.6x+2453% | — |
| Price/Sales | 8.8x | 3.1x+185% | 0.7x+1162% | 7.9x+11% |
| Dividend Yield | — | 1.91% | 2.17% | — |
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolKey financial metrics for CAVA are shown below.
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
~4.7 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
How capital is returned to owners
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt).
Open full ratios pageKey factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated June 18, 2026
The company has struggled with serious food safety concerns that could impact its growth and stock performance.
CAVA's ambitious goal of reaching 1,000 locations by 2032 raises questions about execution risks and potential overextension.
The balance between rapid expansion, menu innovation, and valuation discipline will define its risk-reward profile, with concerns about lofty expectations.
Despite strong same-store sales, there are questions about how much of the upside case is already priced in, signaling potential slowing growth.
The fast-casual dining sector is highly competitive, and CAVA's growth-at-all-costs strategy may face challenges in this battleground.
Maintaining menu innovation while expanding rapidly could strain resources and dilute brand focus.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated June 18, 2026
CAVA Group reported a significant increase in sales, rising to US$438.27 million from US$331.83 million year-over-year, indicating robust top-line growth.
Same-restaurant sales grew by 9.7%, demonstrating strong performance and customer demand at existing locations.
CAVA is rapidly expanding with new locations, such as in Columbus, Ohio, and has an optimistic outlook for future openings.
CAVA's menu features fresh, bold Mediterranean flavors, attracting customers with customizable bowls, pita wraps, and salads.
The company has expanded its outlook for adjusted EBITDA, signaling confidence in future profitability.
Earlier analyses highlighted CAVA's 28% YoY revenue growth and strong same-store sales, despite recent stock depreciation.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CAV CAVA CAVA Group, Inc. | $10.4B | 161.0x | +14.5% | 4.8% | Buy | +0.8% |
CMG CMG Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. | $42.3B | 28.6x | +9.2% | 12.0% | Buy | +32.6% |
SG SG Sweetgreen, Inc. | $1.1B | — | +9.8% | 2.5% | Hold | -20.8% |
SHA SHAK Shake Shack Inc. | $2.4B | 51.5x | +11.6% | 2.8% | Buy | +53.3% |
BRO BROS Dutch Bros Inc. | $9.0B | 77.3x | +15.2% | 4.6% | Buy | +5.2% |
TXR TXRH Texas Roadhouse, Inc. | $11.7B | 27.7x | +9.7% | 6.8% | Hold | +7.7% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
CAVA Group, Inc. (CAVA) is rated Buy by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 25 analysts covering the stock, 18 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 7 rate it Hold, and 0 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $90, implying +0.8% from the current price of $89. The bear case scenario is $20 and the bull case is $41.
The Wall Street consensus price target for CAVA is $90 based on 25 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $106 (+18.9% from today), and the low-end target is $64 (-28.2%). The base case model target is $31.
CAVA trades at 161.0x times forward earnings. The stock trades at a notable premium to the broad market, which is typical for businesses with strong free cash flow and above-average growth expectations. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals expensive versus peers. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
The primary risks for CAVA in 2026 are: (1) Food safety concerns — The company has struggled with serious food safety concerns that could impact its growth and stock performance. (2) Aggressive expansion risks — CAVA's ambitious goal of reaching 1,000 locations by 2032 raises questions about execution risks and potential overextension. (3) Valuation discipline — The balance between rapid expansion, menu innovation, and valuation discipline will define its risk-reward profile, with concerns about lofty expectations. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
Analyst consensus estimates CAVA will report consensus revenue of $1.5B (+14.5% year-over-year) and EPS of $0.57 (+8.7% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $1.7B in revenue.
CAVA Group, Inc. is expected to report its next earnings on approximately 2026-08-11. Consensus expects EPS of $0.17 and revenue of $363M. Over recent quarters, CAVA has beaten EPS estimates 83% of the time.
CAVA Group, Inc. (CAVA) generated $39M in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 3.0%. CAVA returns capital to shareholders through and share repurchases ($0 TTM).