Stock price when the opinion was issued
A great regional to national growth story. Up 340% over the last 2 years, though is -30% this year. He doubled-down in mid-March. They keep delivering strong numbers, growing its US store base, and revamping its loyalty program. Yesterday, they reported that business is difficult, though he thought the quarter was great: 10.8% same-store sales growth, missing the 11% estimate, revenue up 28% YOY, though EPS strongly beat. They raised their adjusted EBITDA and maintained same-store sales growth. Is a long-term play. Now is a buying opportunity. Caveat: it trades at a high multiple, so it will get hurt if there's another risk-off market. As long as their expansion continues, there's room to run.
Cava and Sweetgreen have to lower their prices if they want to turn things around. Otherwise, they will price themselves out of this market. Cava has the better balance sheet. He expects Cava to reduce prices, which makes it a buy.