KeyCorp Has Lowered Expectations for CAVA Group (NYSE:CAVA) Stock Price

CAVA Group (NYSE:CAVA) had its price target reduced by investment analysts at KeyCorp from $80.00 to $75.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an “overweight” rating on the stock. KeyCorp‘s price target indicates a potential upside of 36.09% from the company’s current price.

Several other research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued an “outperform” rating on shares of CAVA Group in a research report on Wednesday, August 12th. Robert W. Baird raised CAVA Group to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Monday, August 24th. Mizuho cut their target price on CAVA Group from $70.00 to $56.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 30th. Northcoast Research upgraded CAVA Group from a “sell” rating to a “neutral” rating in a research report on Thursday, August 13th. Finally, Guggenheim decreased their price target on CAVA Group from $100.00 to $95.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $85.81.

CAVA Group Trading Down 11.1%

CAVA stock traded down $6.87 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $55.11. The stock had a trading volume of 1,959,448 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,360,050. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 100.86, a P/E/G ratio of 4.81 and a beta of 1.75. CAVA Group has a 52 week low of $43.41 and a 52 week high of $98.79. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $56.05 and a 200 day simple moving average of $71.20.

CAVA Group (NYSE:CAVA) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.11 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.12 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $356.44 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $358.40 million. CAVA Group had a return on equity of 8.28% and a net margin of 4.82%. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 21.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.12 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that CAVA Group will post 0.55 EPS for the current year.

CAVA Group announced that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Friday, September 18th that allows the company to repurchase $100 million in shares. This buyback authorization allows the company to reacquire up to 1.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Share buyback programs are usually an indication that the company’s board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Douglas Thompson bought 6,500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 31st. The stock was bought at an average cost of $66.52 per share, for a total transaction of $432,380.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 19,371 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,288,558.92. This represents a 50.50% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 6.70% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On CAVA Group

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. BlackRock Inc. acquired a new position in shares of CAVA Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $757,013,000. Primecap Management Co. CA bought a new stake in shares of CAVA Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $92,956,000. William Blair Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in CAVA Group during the 2nd quarter worth $89,861,000. Prime Capital Management Co Ltd acquired a new stake in CAVA Group during the 2nd quarter worth $80,962,000. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in CAVA Group by 76.9% during the 2nd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,605,508 shares of the company’s stock worth $126,000,000 after buying an additional 697,699 shares during the period. 73.15% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

CAVA Group News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting CAVA Group this week:

• Positive Sentiment: CAVA raised its full-year same-restaurant sales outlook after Q3 comparable sales grew 3.1%, citing progress past the cyclospora-related headwind and continued market-share gains. The improved forecast helped shares climb after the update. Cava Group Raises Same-Restaurant Sales View on Higher Revenue
• Positive Sentiment: The company’s 2026 outlook calls for 76–78 net new restaurant openings and adjusted EBITDA of $184 million–$189 million, signaling continued growth. CAVA outlines 2026 outlook
• Negative Sentiment: Q3 results fell short of estimates: earnings were $0.11 per share versus $0.12 expected, and revenue was $356.44 million versus roughly $358.4 million expected. Revenue still grew 21% year over year, but management also cited broader industry pressures. Cava Stock Tanks on Q3 Double-Miss
• Negative Sentiment: TD Cowen lowered its price target from $78 to $76, though it maintained a Buy rating and the new target still implies substantial upside from the cited share price. TD Cowen price target update

CAVA Group Company Profile

CAVA Group, Inc operates CAVA, a fast-casual restaurant brand serving Mediterranean-inspired food in the United States. Its menu includes customizable bowls and pitas, salads, dips, spreads, grilled proteins, and other Mediterranean dishes, with options designed to accommodate a range of dietary preferences.

The company’s restaurants generally use an assembly-line format that allows customers to build meals from a selection of ingredients and sauces. CAVA also offers its branded dips, spreads, and other products through select grocery and retail channels, extending the brand beyond its restaurant locations.

CAVA was founded in 2010 by Dimitri Moshovitis, Ike Grigoropoulos, and Ted Xenohristos.