Let’s dig into the relative performance of CAVA (NYSE: CAVA) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q4 modern fast food earnings season.

Modern fast food is a relatively newer category representing a middle ground between traditional fast food and sit-down restaurants. These establishments feature an expanded menu selection priced above traditional fast food options, often incorporating fresher and cleaner ingredients to serve customers prioritizing quality. These eateries are capitalizing on the perception that your drive-through burger and fries joint is detrimental to your health because of inferior ingredients.

The 6 modern fast food stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q4. As a group, revenues were in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

While some modern fast food stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 1.6% since the latest earnings results.

Best Q4: CAVA (NYSE: CAVA)

Starting from a single Washington, D.C. location, CAVA (NYSE: CAVA) operates a fast-casual restaurant chain offering customizable Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

CAVA reported revenues of $275 million, up 20.9% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 2.4%. Overall, it was an exceptional quarter for the company with a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ same-store sales estimates.

CAVA achieved the biggest analyst estimates beat of the whole group. Unsurprisingly, the stock is up 17.4% since reporting and currently trades at $79.62.

Is now the time to buy CAVA? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Portillo's (NASDAQ: PTLO)

Begun as a Chicago hot dog stand in 1963, Portillo’s (NASDAQ: PTLO) is a casual restaurant chain that serves Chicago-style hot dogs and beef sandwiches as well as fries and shakes.

Portillo's reported revenues of $185.7 million, flat year on year, in line with analysts’ expectations. The business had a strong quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and same-store sales in line with analysts’ estimates.

Although it had a fine quarter compared its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 10.9% since reporting. It currently trades at $5.16.

Is now the time to buy Portillo's? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q4: Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG)

Founded in 2007 by three Georgetown University alum, Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) is a casual quick service chain known for its healthy salads and bowls.

Sweetgreen reported revenues of $155.2 million, down 3.5% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 2.3%. It was a slower quarter as it posted full-year EBITDA guidance missing analysts’ expectations significantly and a miss of analysts’ revenue estimates.

Sweetgreen delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates and slowest revenue growth in the group. As expected, the stock is down 12% since the results and currently trades at $5.41.

Read our full analysis of Sweetgreen’s results here.

Chipotle (NYSE: CMG)

Born from a desire to offer quick meals with fresh, flavorful ingredients, Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) is a fast-food chain known for its healthy, Mexican-inspired cuisine and customizable dishes.

Chipotle reported revenues of $2.98 billion, up 4.9% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 0.6%. It was a strong quarter as it also produced same-store sales in line with analysts’ estimates and a decent beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The stock is down 6.3% since reporting and currently trades at $36.70.

Read our full, actionable report on Chipotle here, it’s free.

Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK)

Started as a hot dog cart in New York City's Madison Square Park, Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK) is a fast-food restaurant known for its burgers and milkshakes.

Shake Shack reported revenues of $400.5 million, up 21.9% year on year. This print was in line with analysts’ expectations. Zooming out, it was a mixed quarter as it also logged a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates but revenue in line with analysts’ estimates.

Shake Shack delivered the fastest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is up 5.6% since reporting and currently trades at $97.33.

Read our full, actionable report on Shake Shack here, it’s free.

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