First Watch Restaurant (FWRG)
Market Price (8/20/2026): $12.42 | Market Cap: $765.9 MilSector: Consumer Discretionary | Industry: Restaurants
First Watch Restaurant (FWRG)
Market Price (8/20/2026): $12.42Market Cap: $765.9 MilSector: Consumer DiscretionaryIndustry: Restaurants
Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.
Strong revenue growthRev Chg LTMRevenue Change % Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 19% Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Experience Economy & Premiumization, Health & Wellness Trends, and Vegan & Alternative Foods. Themes include Experiential Retail, Show more. | Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -64%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -103% | Debt is significantNet D/ENet Debt/Equity. Debt net of cash. Negative indicates net cash. Equity is taken as the Market Capitalization is 137% Expensive valuation multiplesP/EBITPrice/EBIT or Price/(Operating Income) ratio is 27x, P/EPrice/Earnings or Price/(Net Income) is 43x Not cash flow generativeFCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is -1.7% Yield minus risk free rate is negativeERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is -2.2% Key risksFWRG key risks include [1] profit margin compression from inflation in key commodities such as eggs and labor and [2] potential underperformance of its capital-intensive, Show more. |
| Strong revenue growthRev Chg LTMRevenue Change % Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 19% |
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Experience Economy & Premiumization, Health & Wellness Trends, and Vegan & Alternative Foods. Themes include Experiential Retail, Show more. |
| Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -64%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -103% |
| Debt is significantNet D/ENet Debt/Equity. Debt net of cash. Negative indicates net cash. Equity is taken as the Market Capitalization is 137% |
| Expensive valuation multiplesP/EBITPrice/EBIT or Price/(Operating Income) ratio is 27x, P/EPrice/Earnings or Price/(Net Income) is 43x |
| Not cash flow generativeFCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is -1.7% |
| Yield minus risk free rate is negativeERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is -2.2% |
| Key risksFWRG key risks include [1] profit margin compression from inflation in key commodities such as eggs and labor and [2] potential underperformance of its capital-intensive, Show more. |
Qualitative Assessment
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First Watch Restaurant (FWRG) stock has lost about 5% since 4/30/2026 because of the following key factors:
1. First Watch Restaurant Group reported a diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $0.04 for fiscal Q2 2026 (thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026), missing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.05 by $0.01. While quarterly revenue increased by 15.2% year-over-year to $354.67 million, surpassing the consensus estimate, the EPS miss signaled potential profitability concerns despite top-line growth.
2. The company experienced margin compression in fiscal Q2 2026 due to increased costs, despite an improvement in restaurant-level operating profit margin. Consolidated operating and adjusted EBITDA margins edged lower, with adjusted EBITDA margin declining to 9.7% from 9.9% in fiscal Q2 2025. This was partly attributed to unexpectedly high demand for premium beef-based limited-time offers (LTOs) that drove up food costs, alongside persistent labor and commodity inflation. Management subsequently narrowed its fiscal year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to $133 million to $136 million.
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First Watch Restaurant (FWRG) stock has lost about 5% since 4/30/2026 because of the following key factors:
1. First Watch Restaurant Group reported a diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $0.04 for fiscal Q2 2026 (thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026), missing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.05 by $0.01. While quarterly revenue increased by 15.2% year-over-year to $354.67 million, surpassing the consensus estimate, the EPS miss signaled potential profitability concerns despite top-line growth.
2. The company experienced margin compression in fiscal Q2 2026 due to increased costs, despite an improvement in restaurant-level operating profit margin. Consolidated operating and adjusted EBITDA margins edged lower, with adjusted EBITDA margin declining to 9.7% from 9.9% in fiscal Q2 2025. This was partly attributed to unexpectedly high demand for premium beef-based limited-time offers (LTOs) that drove up food costs, alongside persistent labor and commodity inflation. Management subsequently narrowed its fiscal year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to $133 million to $136 million.
3. Broader macroeconomic concerns regarding consumer spending and restaurant traffic likely weighed on investor sentiment. Although overall U.S. consumer spending increased in fiscal Q2 2026, leading to a 1.5% rise in real GDP, forward-looking sentiment indicated that consumers are becoming more cautious with discretionary purchases due to lingering inflation and elevated gasoline costs. While First Watch reported that same-restaurant traffic turned positive in June, the overall restaurant industry, particularly the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) sector, experienced persistent traffic losses in fiscal Q2 2026, with "Traffic-Driven Decline" climbing to 36.3%. This suggests that value perception is increasingly critical for consumers, potentially impacting future performance.
4. Several analyst firms revised their outlooks and price targets for FWRG, with a significant downward adjustment in consensus EPS estimates. Guggenheim lowered its price target from $21.00 to $20.00 in August 2026, while maintaining a "Buy" rating. More notably, the consensus EPS estimate for fiscal year 2026 fell by 29%, from $0.14 to $0.099 per share. This notable reduction in earnings expectations, despite a generally positive consensus rating, indicates increased caution from analysts regarding the company's future profitability.
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Stock Movement Drivers
Fundamental Drivers
The -4.8% change in FWRG stock from 4/30/2026 to 8/19/2026 was primarily driven by a -15.0% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).| (LTM values as of) | 4302026 | 8192026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 13.12 | 12.49 | -4.8% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 1,223 | 1,318 | 7.8% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | 1.6% | 1.4% | -15.0% |
| P/E Multiple | 41.2 | 43.3 | 4.9% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 61 | 62 | -1.0% |
| Cumulative Contribution | -4.8% |
Market Drivers
4/30/2026 to 8/19/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| FWRG | -4.8% | |
| Market (SPY) | 7.0% | 8.4% |
| Sector (XLY) | 0.2% | 25.0% |
Fundamental Drivers
The -21.9% change in FWRG stock from 1/31/2026 to 8/19/2026 was primarily driven by a -78.0% change in the company's P/E Multiple.| (LTM values as of) | 1312026 | 8192026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 15.99 | 12.49 | -21.9% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 1,169 | 1,318 | 12.7% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | 0.4% | 1.4% | 218.1% |
| P/E Multiple | 196.5 | 43.3 | -78.0% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 61 | 62 | -1.0% |
| Cumulative Contribution | -21.9% |
Market Drivers
1/31/2026 to 8/19/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| FWRG | -21.9% | |
| Market (SPY) | 11.4% | 22.1% |
| Sector (XLY) | -1.9% | 28.1% |
Fundamental Drivers
The -27.8% change in FWRG stock from 7/31/2025 to 8/19/2026 was primarily driven by a -55.2% change in the company's P/E Multiple.| (LTM values as of) | 7312025 | 8192026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 17.29 | 12.49 | -27.8% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 1,056 | 1,318 | 24.8% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | 1.0% | 1.4% | 31.1% |
| P/E Multiple | 96.6 | 43.3 | -55.2% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 61 | 62 | -1.5% |
| Cumulative Contribution | -27.8% |
Market Drivers
7/31/2025 to 8/19/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| FWRG | -27.8% | |
| Market (SPY) | 22.7% | 24.9% |
| Sector (XLY) | 7.7% | 31.4% |
Fundamental Drivers
The -33.0% change in FWRG stock from 7/31/2023 to 8/19/2026 was primarily driven by a -54.5% change in the company's P/E Multiple.| (LTM values as of) | 7312023 | 8192026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 18.64 | 12.49 | -33.0% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 768 | 1,318 | 71.5% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | 1.5% | 1.4% | -10.7% |
| P/E Multiple | 95.0 | 43.3 | -54.5% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 59 | 62 | -3.9% |
| Cumulative Contribution | -33.0% |
Market Drivers
7/31/2023 to 8/19/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| FWRG | -33.0% | |
| Market (SPY) | 73.9% | 34.9% |
| Sector (XLY) | 39.6% | 39.3% |
Price Returns Compared
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||
| FWRG Return | -24% | -19% | 49% | -7% | -19% | -20% | -46% |
| Peers Return | 41% | 1% | 1% | 10% | -6% | 13% | 68% |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 12% | 105% |
Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||
| FWRG Win Rate | 0% | 33% | 67% | 50% | 67% | 38% | |
| Peers Win Rate | 56% | 48% | 46% | 46% | 46% | 55% | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 50% | |
Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||
| FWRG Max Drawdown | - | -32% | -19% | -48% | -33% | -42% | |
| Peers Max Drawdown | -18% | -33% | -30% | -27% | -33% | -27% | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -5% | -25% | -10% | -8% | -19% | -9% | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: BH, RICK, JMKE, MCD, SBUX.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 8/19/2026 (YTD)
How Low Can It Go
| Event | FWRG | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Summer-Fall 2023 Five Percent Yield Shock | ||
| % Loss | -11.1% | -9.5% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 12.5% | 10.5% |
| Time to Breakeven | 46 days | 24 days |
| 2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening | ||
| % Loss | -32.2% | -24.5% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 47.5% | 32.4% |
| Time to Breakeven | 147 days | 427 days |
In The Past
First Watch Restaurant's stock fell -6.5% during the 2024 Yen Carry Trade Unwind. Such a loss loss requires a 6.9% gain to breakeven.
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| Event | FWRG | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening | ||
| % Loss | -32.2% | -24.5% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 47.5% | 32.4% |
| Time to Breakeven | 147 days | 427 days |
In The Past
First Watch Restaurant's stock fell -6.5% during the 2024 Yen Carry Trade Unwind. Such a loss loss requires a 6.9% gain to breakeven.
Preserve Wealth
Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.
Asset Allocation
Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.
About First Watch Restaurant (FWRG)
First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (FWRG) operates and franchises a chain of popular daytime restaurants under the "First Watch" brand name across the United States. The company's business model involves both directly managing company-owned locations and expanding its footprint through a network of franchised establishments. Founded in 1983, First Watch has grown to hundreds of restaurants across 28 states, establishing itself as a significant player in the casual dining sector.
The company's main products and services center around a diverse menu of freshly prepared breakfast, brunch, and lunch items. Offerings typically include signature omelets, pancakes, salads, sandwiches, and various health-conscious options. First Watch primarily serves individuals and families seeking a high-quality, made-to-order dining experience in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, making it a go-to destination for morning and midday meals.
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Here are a couple of analogies for First Watch Restaurant (FWRG):
Imagine a full-service Panera Bread, but primarily focused on breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Think of it as a more contemporary IHOP or Denny's, exclusively serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
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- Restaurant Services: Provides dine-in and takeout breakfast, brunch, and lunch meals to customers through company-owned and franchised First Watch restaurant locations.
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First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (FWRG) sells primarily to individual consumers rather than other businesses. The company operates and franchises restaurants, serving meals directly to the public.
The up to three categories of customers that First Watch Restaurant serves include:
- Families and Social Groups: Customers dining together for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, often seeking a casual and fresh dining experience, particularly popular on weekends.
- Morning Commuters and Breakfast Eaters: Individuals or small groups looking for a quality breakfast before work, during a workday, or as a relaxed start to their day.
- Lunch Diners (Business and Leisure): Customers seeking lunch, whether for a business meeting, a casual break from work, or a leisurely meal during the midday hours.
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Chris Tomasso CEO & President
Chris Tomasso joined First Watch in 2006 as Chief Marketing Officer, becoming President in December 2015, and Chief Executive Officer in June 2018. He previously led strategic branding and marketing for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Hard Rock Café International. Chris led First Watch's initial public offering (IPO) in 2021.
Mel Hope Chief Financial Officer
Mel Hope joined First Watch in 2018 and has served as CFO for nearly eight years, guiding the company through its IPO process. Prior to First Watch, he was the CFO of Popeyes' Louisiana Kitchen and a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC. He also held executive roles at several privately-owned organizations and startup ventures. Mel Hope plans to retire later this year but will remain CFO until his successor is in place.
Dan Jones Chief Operations Officer
Dan Jones joined First Watch as Chief Operations Officer in October 2021. Before joining First Watch, he served as Chief Operating Officer of CAVA since 2016. Dan also spent 14 years at Starbucks, eventually serving as Director of Operations for New York City.
Matt Eisenacher Chief Brand Officer
Matt Eisenacher joined First Watch in 2019 as Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy and Innovation and was promoted to Chief Brand Officer in 2023. Prior to First Watch, he served as Chief Operations Officer for Piada Italian Street Food and held various brand leadership positions at The Piada Group. He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Jay Wolszczak Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel
Jay Wolszczak has served as General Counsel and Secretary of First Watch Restaurant Group since December 2019, and as chief legal officer, general counsel, and secretary of its subsidiary, First Watch Restaurants, Inc., since May 2018. Previously, Jay was General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Business Affairs for Hard Rock International, Inc. He also worked as an associate with Akerman Senterfitt and Holland & Knight.
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- Cost Inflation (Commodity and Labor): First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. faces significant pressure from commodity and labor inflation, which directly impacts its operating margins. The company has projected commodity cost inflation of approximately 6% for 2025, affecting core menu items such as eggs, bacon, and coffee beans, alongside a 4% labor inflation. This poses a substantial risk, as the company operates with a razor-thin net profitability, making it highly sensitive to rising costs.
- Execution Risk of Aggressive Expansion and Resulting Financial Strain: The company is pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy, with plans to open a significant number of new units annually (e.g., 63 to 64 new units in 2025). This rapid growth strategy carries inherent execution risks related to securing prime real estate, managing construction costs, and maintaining a quality workforce amidst labor inflation. This capital-intensive expansion contributes to low net profitability, high leverage (debt-to-equity of 1.59), and negative free cash flow, necessitating additional debt issuance and increasing interest expenses.
- Sensitivity to Economic Downturns and Competitive Pressures: Dining out at First Watch is considered a discretionary expense, making the company vulnerable to economic fluctuations and changes in consumer spending patterns. Economic downturns could lead to reduced customer traffic and lower same-store sales growth, as observed with recent negative traffic trends. Additionally, the restaurant industry is highly competitive, and First Watch must continuously innovate and differentiate its offerings to maintain its market position and attract customers.
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First Watch Restaurant Group (FWRG) operates within the U.S. daytime dining market, primarily offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
The company itself estimates its total addressable market to be 2,200 locations across the United States.
More broadly, the market sizes for relevant segments in the United States are:
- The U.S. breakfast restaurant market was valued at approximately $15.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $15.6 billion in 2025.
- The U.S. full-service restaurants market is predicted to be US$371.9 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to US$715.8 billion by 2032.
- The fast-casual restaurants market in the U.S. is valued at $191 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $230 billion by 2030. Another report estimates the U.S. fast casual restaurants market size to increase by USD 84.5 billion, at a CAGR of 13.7% from 2024 to 2029, and reach a value of USD 115.5 billion by 2026.
- The North American casual dining market is projected to increase from USD 70.12 billion in 2023 to USD 112.02 billion by 2033.
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First Watch Restaurant Group (FWRG) is expected to drive future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years through several key strategies:
- New Restaurant Openings and Unit Expansion: First Watch consistently emphasizes its robust pipeline and plans for opening new restaurants. The company expects low double-digit percentage unit growth annually and anticipates opening 59-63 new system-wide restaurants in 2026. New unit sales performance has consistently surpassed internal targets, with the 2025 class of new restaurants performing approximately 19% above underwriting targets. The company plans to expand in both new and core markets, including regions like the Sun Belt and Mid-Atlantic.
- Same-Restaurant Sales Growth: While facing some traffic challenges, First Watch aims for continued growth in same-restaurant sales, with a long-term target of around 3.5% and guidance of 1%-3% for 2026. This growth is expected to be driven by factors such as menu price increases, positive sales mix, and an ongoing focus on enhancing the overall guest experience. The company maintains a conservative pricing philosophy, primarily to cover permanent inflation and maintain value for customers.
- Strategic Acquisitions of Franchise-Owned Locations: Acquisitions play a role in First Watch's growth strategy by converting franchise-owned locations into company-owned restaurants. In 2023, the company converted 23 franchise restaurants to company-owned, which contributed to total revenue growth. Strategic acquisitions of franchise locations are projected to have a notable impact on total revenue growth.
- Menu Innovation and Expanded Digital Marketing Initiatives: First Watch is focusing on enhancing its menu and leveraging digital platforms to attract and retain customers. The company rolled out a new core menu in early 2026, marking its first significant redesign in almost a decade, and regularly introduces seasonal menus. Furthermore, First Watch is expanding its digital marketing initiatives to a wider base of restaurants in 2026, leveraging consumer and third-party data for more targeted campaigns, which has already shown positive returns.
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Share Repurchases
- No information is available regarding specific dollar amounts of share repurchases made by First Watch Restaurant Group within the last 3-5 years. The company's outstanding shares have generally shown a slight increase over this period.
Share Issuance
- Between 2024 and 2025, several secondary offerings of First Watch Restaurant Group's common stock were conducted by selling stockholders, primarily funds managed by Advent International. The company did not sell any shares in these offerings and did not receive any proceeds.
- In November 2024, 8,000,000 shares were offered to the public at a price of $19.95 per share by selling stockholders.
- Another secondary offering by selling stockholders in August 2025 involved 5,000,000 shares of common stock.
Outbound Investments
- In November 2024, First Watch Restaurant Group agreed to acquire 16 franchise restaurants for $49 million.
- In April 2025, the company acquired three franchise-owned restaurants in Missouri, along with the development rights for the area.
- During Q2 CY2025, First Watch successfully acquired and integrated 19 franchise restaurants as part of its expansion strategy.
Capital Expenditures
- Capital expenditures for fiscal year 2025 were approximately $156.91 million.
- The company projects capital expenditures for fiscal year 2026 to be in the range of $150 million to $160 million.
- These capital expenditures are primarily focused on new restaurant projects and planned remodels, with an average net build-out cost of approximately $1.8 million per new restaurant.
Peer Outperformance in Restaurants
null| Industry | Names | 1Y med | 3Y med | 5Y med | Top 3 by 5Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Services | 14 | -9.6% | 106.8% | 69.8% | LINC 333% · UTI 276% · CVSA 267% |
| Homebuilding | 18 | -0.2% | 34.0% | 55.5% | GRBK 184% · TOL 163% · PHM 160% |
| Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines | 22 | 21.5% | 58.0% | 21.9% | RCL 295% · MAR 185% · HLT 179% |
| Automotive Retail | 18 | -8.2% | 1.7% | 15.9% | MUSA 272% · PAG 188% · ORLY 126% |
| Home Improvement Retail | 5 | -13.2% | 3.1% | 12.6% | HD 18% · LOW 16% · HVT 13% |
| Specialty Stores | 7 | 6.4% | 24.6% | 7.5% | DKS 103% · ASO 34% · SIG 29% |
| Casinos & Gaming | 20 | -7.7% | -23.6% | 2.7% | BRAG 985% · MCRI 116% · RSI 113% |
| Specialized Consumer Services | 10 | -11.3% | 17.7% | -3.2% | HRB 142% · FTDR 98% · SCI 41% |
| Distributors | 4 | -7.6% | -22.7% | -8.7% | ARMK 165% · GPC 25% · LKQ -43% |
| Restaurants ← | 34 | -6.8% | -9.5% | -10.7% | EAT 364% · CAKE 181% · RAVE 163% |
| Footwear | 9 | 71.2% | 46.1% | -11.4% | WEYS 157% · SHOO 31% · DECK 26% |
| Home Furnishings | 4 | -2.9% | 28.2% | -12.3% | SGI 62% · LZB 8% · MHK -33% |
| Leisure Products | 13 | -1.1% | -19.7% | -31.6% | GOLF 87% · HAS 19% · MCFT 3% |
| Automotive Parts & Equipment | 38 | -6.9% | -5.4% | -31.9% | MOD 1427% · GTX 304% · STRT 102% |
| Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods | 27 | 8.1% | -3.5% | -35.8% | TPR 270% · RL 259% · ELA 257% |
| Apparel Retail | 25 | 5.9% | 5.5% | -38.3% | DXLG 191% · ANF 177% · TJX 110% |
| Household Appliances | 18 | 12.4% | 36.9% | -39.5% | KEQU 169% · FLXS 141% · HBB 126% |
| Leisure Facilities | 12 | -11.6% | -7.5% | -39.9% | OSW 187% · JAKK 117% · ESCA 10% |
| Broadline Retail | 15 | 6.1% | 10.9% | -48.6% | DDS 295% · AMZN 66% · EBAY 53% |
| Computer & Electronics Retail | 3 | -13.5% | -1.8% | -54.7% | BBY 0% · GME -55% · UPBD -59% |
| Automobile Manufacturers | 8 | -68.9% | -66.5% | -68.5% | GM 81% · F 57% · TSLA 55% |
| Consumer Electronics | 11 | -21.0% | -28.3% | -74.3% | AXIL 2012% · GRMN 92% · TBCH -54% |
| Other Specialty Retail | 18 | -25.2% | -44.3% | -77.1% | BBW 224% · TLF 106% · WINA 98% |
Latest Trefis Analyses
| Title | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| DASHBOARDS | ||
| First Watch Restaurant Earnings Notes | 12/16/2025 | |
| Why First Watch Restaurant Stock Moved: FWRG Stock Has Gained 20% Since 2022 Fiscal End, Primarily Due To Favorable Change In Revenues | 08/08/2025 | |
| FWRG Dip Buy Analysis | 07/10/2025 | |
| null | 05/16/2025 | |
| First Watch Restaurant (FWRG) Valuation Ratios Comparison | 05/15/2025 | |
| First Watch Restaurant (FWRG) Operating Cash Flow Comparison | 02/17/2025 | |
| First Watch Restaurant (FWRG) Net Income Comparison | 02/15/2025 | |
| First Watch Restaurant (FWRG) Operating Income Comparison | 02/14/2025 | |
| ARTICLES | ||
| Stocks Trading At 52-Week Low | 03/31/2026 |
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Peer Comparisons
| Peers to compare with: |
Financials
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Price | 68.16 |
| Mkt Cap | 1.2 |
| Rev LTM | 1,318 |
| Op Inc LTM | 39 |
| FCF LTM | 50 |
| FCF 3Y Avg | 49 |
| CFO LTM | 128 |
| CFO 3Y Avg | 114 |
Growth & Margins
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Rev Chg LTM | 6.3% |
| Rev Chg 3Y Avg | 3.1% |
| Rev Chg Q | 3.9% |
| QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM | 1.0% |
| Op Inc Chg LTM | 5.3% |
| Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg | -6.9% |
| Op Mgn LTM | 10.1% |
| Op Mgn 3Y Avg | 11.9% |
| QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM | 0.4% |
| CFO/Rev LTM | 15.0% |
| CFO/Rev 3Y Avg | 16.9% |
| FCF/Rev LTM | 12.2% |
| FCF/Rev 3Y Avg | 10.7% |
Price Behavior
| Market Price | $12.49 | |
| Market Cap ($ Bil) | 0.8 | |
| First Trading Date | 10/01/2021 | |
| Distance from 52W High | -34.8% | |
| 50 Days | 200 Days | |
| DMA Price | $12.42 | $13.79 |
| DMA Trend | down | up |
| Distance from DMA | 0.5% | -9.4% |
| 3M | 1YR | |
| Volatility | 50.4% | 52.8% |
| Downside Capture | 66.82 | 119.88 |
| Upside Capture | 115.06 | 56.02 |
| Correlation (SPY) | 11.4% | 24.1% |
| 1M | 2M | 3M | 6M | 1Y | 3Y | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta | 0.14 | 0.22 | 0.15 | 0.88 | 1.00 | 1.11 |
| Up Beta | -1.59 | 0.98 | 0.88 | 1.33 | 1.97 | 1.44 |
| Down Beta | -0.53 | 0.07 | -0.77 | 0.36 | 0.66 | 1.04 |
| Up Capture | 83% | 39% | 19% | 47% | 40% | 48% |
| Bmk +ve Days | 11 | 22 | 35 | 67 | 138 | 427 |
| Stock +ve Days | 10 | 20 | 27 | 55 | 115 | 358 |
| Down Capture | 89% | -28% | 38% | 116% | 105% | 103% |
| Bmk -ve Days | 11 | 21 | 28 | 59 | 114 | 326 |
| Stock -ve Days | 12 | 23 | 36 | 70 | 135 | 388 |
[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
| Annualized Return | Annualized Volatility | Sharpe Ratio | Correlation with FWRG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWRG | -27.7% | 52.7% | -0.43 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLY) | 3.7% | 19.5% | 0.07 | 30.4% |
| Equity (SPY) | 20.7% | 12.8% | 1.19 | 24.2% |
| Gold (GLD) | 35.0% | 28.8% | 1.04 | 11.8% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 41.4% | 20.2% | 1.60 | -13.7% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 15.3% | 13.9% | 0.78 | 26.8% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | -44.7% | 42.7% | -1.27 | 10.9% |
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 5-Year Data
| Annualized Return | Annualized Volatility | Sharpe Ratio | Correlation with FWRG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWRG | -10.7% | 47.9% | -0.08 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLY) | 6.3% | 24.1% | 0.22 | 44.3% |
| Equity (SPY) | 13.1% | 17.2% | 0.59 | 41.0% |
| Gold (GLD) | 20.4% | 18.6% | 0.89 | 6.2% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 9.8% | 19.6% | 0.39 | 2.2% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 2.4% | 18.9% | 0.03 | 33.5% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | 7.2% | 52.6% | 0.32 | 19.7% |
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
| Annualized Return | Annualized Volatility | Sharpe Ratio | Correlation with FWRG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWRG | -5.5% | 47.9% | -0.08 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLY) | 12.5% | 22.2% | 0.51 | 44.3% |
| Equity (SPY) | 15.2% | 17.9% | 0.72 | 41.0% |
| Gold (GLD) | 12.5% | 16.2% | 0.63 | 6.2% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 7.9% | 18.1% | 0.35 | 2.2% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 4.9% | 20.7% | 0.20 | 33.5% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | 60.0% | 66.0% | 1.00 | 19.7% |
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Earnings Returns History
Updated 8/13/2026| Forward Returns | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Date | 1D Returns | 5D Returns | 21D Returns |
| 8/4/2026 | 2.4% | -3.8% | |
| 5/5/2026 | -0.2% | -4.3% | -13.8% |
| 2/24/2026 | -20.5% | -19.6% | -26.1% |
| 11/4/2025 | 11.0% | 11.5% | 14.1% |
| 8/5/2025 | 3.5% | 3.0% | 6.6% |
| 5/6/2025 | -17.6% | -10.0% | -16.4% |
| 3/11/2025 | -7.0% | -10.3% | -15.7% |
| 1/13/2025 | -2.0% | -7.0% | 7.1% |
| ... | |||
| SUMMARY STATS | |||
| # Positive | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| # Negative | 11 | 11 | 10 |
| Median Positive | 5.1% | 4.9% | 7.7% |
| Median Negative | -4.8% | -7.0% | -14.1% |
| Max Positive | 14.1% | 19.5% | 31.5% |
| Max Negative | -20.5% | -21.7% | -26.1% |
| Forward Returns | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Date | 1D Returns | 5D Returns | 21D Returns |
| 8/4/2026 | 2.4% | -3.8% | |
| 5/5/2026 | -0.2% | -4.3% | -13.8% |
| 2/24/2026 | -20.5% | -19.6% | -26.1% |
| 11/4/2025 | 11.0% | 11.5% | 14.1% |
| 8/5/2025 | 3.5% | 3.0% | 6.6% |
| 5/6/2025 | -17.6% | -10.0% | -16.4% |
| 3/11/2025 | -7.0% | -10.3% | -15.7% |
| 1/13/2025 | -2.0% | -7.0% | 7.1% |
| 11/7/2024 | 14.1% | 6.4% | 5.9% |
| 8/6/2024 | 11.1% | 13.6% | 11.3% |
| 5/7/2024 | -14.4% | -21.7% | -23.3% |
| 3/5/2024 | -3.5% | -3.2% | -7.3% |
| 1/8/2024 | 2.8% | 4.6% | 16.8% |
| 11/1/2023 | 2.5% | 0.5% | 8.2% |
| 8/1/2023 | 7.2% | 3.4% | 3.5% |
| 5/2/2023 | 4.0% | 0.7% | 5.8% |
| 3/7/2023 | -1.7% | -7.3% | -4.8% |
| 1/9/2023 | 6.1% | 19.5% | 22.8% |
| 11/7/2022 | -8.2% | -3.9% | -14.5% |
| 8/9/2022 | -4.8% | 5.2% | 2.4% |
| 5/10/2022 | 13.0% | 13.9% | 31.5% |
| 1/10/2022 | 2.5% | 1.5% | -1.2% |
| 11/8/2021 | -1.0% | -1.5% | -0.8% |
| SUMMARY STATS | |||
| # Positive | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| # Negative | 11 | 11 | 10 |
| Median Positive | 5.1% | 4.9% | 7.7% |
| Median Negative | -4.8% | -7.0% | -14.1% |
| Max Positive | 14.1% | 19.5% | 31.5% |
| Max Negative | -20.5% | -21.7% | -26.1% |
SEC Filings
Expand for More| Report Date | Filing Date | Filing |
|---|---|---|
| 06/30/2026 | 08/04/2026 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2026 | 05/05/2026 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2025 | 02/24/2026 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2025 | 11/04/2025 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2025 | 08/05/2025 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2025 | 05/06/2025 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2024 | 03/11/2025 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2024 | 11/07/2024 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2024 | 08/06/2024 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2024 | 05/07/2024 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2023 | 03/05/2024 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2023 | 11/01/2023 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2023 | 08/01/2023 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2023 | 05/02/2023 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2022 | 03/07/2023 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2022 | 11/07/2022 | 10-Q |
| Report Date | Filing Date | Filing |
|---|---|---|
| 06/30/2026 | 08/04/2026 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2026 | 05/05/2026 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2025 | 02/24/2026 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2025 | 11/04/2025 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2025 | 08/05/2025 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2025 | 05/06/2025 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2024 | 03/11/2025 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2024 | 11/07/2024 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2024 | 08/06/2024 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2024 | 05/07/2024 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2023 | 03/05/2024 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2023 | 11/01/2023 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2023 | 08/01/2023 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2023 | 05/02/2023 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2022 | 03/07/2023 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2022 | 11/07/2022 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2022 | 08/09/2022 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2022 | 05/10/2022 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2021 | 03/23/2022 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2021 | 11/08/2021 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2021 | 10/04/2021 | 424B4 |
Recent Forward Guidance
Updated 8/5/2026Latest: Q2 2026 Earnings Reported 8/4/2026
| Forward Guidance | Guidance Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Low | Mid | High | % Chg | % Delta | Change | Prior |
| 2026 Same-Restaurant Sales Growth | 1.5% | 2.25% | 3.0% | 0.2% | Raised | Guidance: 2.0% for 2026 | |
| 2026 Total Revenue Growth | 12.5% | 13.25% | 14.0% | 0.2% | Raised | Guidance: 13.0% for 2026 | |
| 2026 Adjusted EBITDA | 133.00 Mil | 134.50 Mil | 136.00 Mil | -1.5% | Lowered | Guidance: 136.50 Mil for 2026 | |
| 2026 Capital Expenditures | 145.00 Mil | 147.50 Mil | 150.00 Mil | -4.8% | Lowered | Guidance: 155.00 Mil for 2026 | |
Prior: Q1 2026 Earnings Reported 5/5/2026
| Forward Guidance | Guidance Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Low | Mid | High | % Chg | % Delta | Change | Prior |
| 2026 Adjusted EBITDA | 133.00 Mil | 136.50 Mil | 140.00 Mil | 0.4% | Raised | Guidance: 136.00 Mil for 2026 | |
| 2026 Same-restaurant sales growth | 1.0% | 2.0% | 3.0% | 0 | Affirmed | Guidance: 2.0% for 2026 | |
| 2026 Total revenue growth | 12.0% | 13.0% | 14.0% | 0 | Affirmed | Guidance: 13.0% for 2026 | |
| 2026 Net new system-wide restaurants | 59 | 61 | 63 | ||||
| 2026 Capital expenditures | 150.00 Mil | 155.00 Mil | 160.00 Mil | 0 | Affirmed | Guidance: 155.00 Mil for 2026 | |
Q4 2025 Earnings Reported 2/24/2026
| Forward Guidance | Guidance Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Low | Mid | High | % Chg | % Delta | Change | Prior |
| 2026 Same-restaurant sales growth | 1.0% | 2.0% | 3.0% | -2.0% | Lower New | Actual: 4.0% for 2025 | |
| 2026 Total revenue growth | 12.0% | 13.0% | 14.0% | -7.5% | Lower New | Actual: 20.5% for 2025 | |
| 2026 Adjusted EBITDA | 132.00 Mil | 136.00 Mil | 140.00 Mil | 10.6% | Higher New | Actual: 123.00 Mil for 2025 | |
| 2026 Capital expenditures | 150.00 Mil | 155.00 Mil | 160.00 Mil | 3.3% | Higher New | Actual: 150.00 Mil for 2025 | |
Q3 2025 Earnings Reported 11/4/2025
| Forward Guidance | Guidance Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Low | Mid | High | % Chg | % Delta | Change | Prior |
| 2025 Same-restaurant sales growth | 4.0% | ||||||
| 2025 Same-restaurant traffic growth | 1.0% | ||||||
| 2025 Total revenue growth | 20.0% | 20.5% | 21.0% | 2.5% | 0.5% | Raised | Guidance: 20.0% for 2025 |
| 2025 Adjusted EBITDA | 123.00 Mil | 1.7% | Raised | Guidance: 121.00 Mil for 2025 | |||
| 2025 Blended tax rate | 45.0% | 7.5% | Raised | Guidance: 37.5% for 2025 | |||
| 2025 Capital expenditures | 150.00 Mil | 0 | Affirmed | Guidance: 150.00 Mil for 2025 | |||
| 2025 New system-wide restaurants | 60 | 60.5 | 61 | -1.6% | Lowered | Guidance: 61.5 for 2025 | |
Insider Activity
Updated 6/10/2026| # | Owner | Title | Holding | Action | Filing Date | Price | Shares | Transacted Value | Value of Held Shares | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jones, John Daniel | Chief Operations Officer | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 1,697 | 21,246 | 1,060,757 | Form |
| 2 | Hartman, Eric Richard | Chief Development Officer | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 1,819 | 22,774 | 3,061,516 | Form |
| 3 | Tomasso, Christopher Anthony | President and CEO | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 25,062 | 313,776 | 11,985,584 | Form |
| 4 | Sorensen, Laura Anne | Chief People Officer | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 1,697 | 21,246 | 2,971,660 | Form |
| 5 | Hope, H Melville Iii | CFO and Treasurer | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 3,878 | 48,553 | 1,399,573 | Form |
| # | Owner | Title | Holding | Action | Filing Date | Price | Shares | Transacted Value | Value of Held Shares | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jones, John Daniel | Chief Operations Officer | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 1,697 | 21,246 | 1,060,757 | Form |
| 2 | Hartman, Eric Richard | Chief Development Officer | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 1,819 | 22,774 | 3,061,516 | Form |
| 3 | Tomasso, Christopher Anthony | President and CEO | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 25,062 | 313,776 | 11,985,584 | Form |
| 4 | Sorensen, Laura Anne | Chief People Officer | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 1,697 | 21,246 | 2,971,660 | Form |
| 5 | Hope, H Melville Iii | CFO and Treasurer | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 3,878 | 48,553 | 1,399,573 | Form |
| 6 | Wolszczak, Jay Anthony | Chief Legal Officer, GC & Secy | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 3,161 | 39,576 | 2,866,204 | Form |
| 7 | Eisenacher, Matthew | Chief Brand Officer | Direct | Sell | 3192026 | 12.52 | 2,760 | 34,555 | 841,632 | Form |
| 8 | Tomasso, Christopher Anthony | President and CEO | Direct | Sell | 3122026 | 12.59 | 33,314 | 419,423 | 13,271,686 | Form |
| 9 | Hartman, Eric Richard | Chief Development Officer | Direct | Sell | 3122026 | 12.59 | 4,820 | 60,684 | 3,101,534 | Form |
| 10 | Hope, H Melville Iii | CFO and Treasurer | Direct | Sell | 3122026 | 12.59 | 7,358 | 92,637 | 1,456,222 | Form |
| 11 | Wolszczak, Jay Anthony | Chief Legal Officer, GC & Secy | Direct | Sell | 3122026 | 12.59 | 6,998 | 88,105 | 2,922,026 | Form |
| 12 | Jones, John Daniel | Chief Operations Officer | Direct | Sell | 3122026 | 12.59 | 4,600 | 57,914 | 1,088,053 | Form |
| 13 | Eisenacher, Matthew | Chief Brand Officer | Direct | Sell | 3122026 | 12.59 | 6,070 | 76,421 | 881,086 | Form |
| 14 | Sorensen, Laura Anne | Chief People Officer | Direct | Sell | 3122026 | 12.59 | 4,732 | 59,576 | 3,009,640 | Form |
| 15 | Kussell, William A | Direct | Sell | 1262026 | 17.00 | 6,165 | 104,805 | 448,834 | Form | |
| 16 | Kussell, William A | Direct | Sell | 12112025 | 17.00 | 6,165 | 104,805 | 448,834 | Form | |
| 17 | Advent, International, LP | See footnotes | Sell | 9102025 | 17.67 | 4,400,000 | 77,748,000 | 93,470,483 | Form | |
| 18 | Tomasso, Christopher Anthony | President and CEO | Direct | Sell | 8152025 | 18.00 | 100,000 | 1,800,000 | 13,795,776 | Form |
| 19 | Advent, International, LP | See footnotes | Sell | 8122025 | 17.70 | 5,000,000 | 88,500,000 | 171,509,177 | Form | |
| 20 | Advent, International, LP | See footnotes | Sell | 6052025 | 14.70 | 4,500,000 | 66,150,000 | 215,939,825 | Form |
Investor Activity (13F)
Updated Aug 20, 2026Active managers (13F portfolio over $250M, at least 3 holdings) with a position over $5M that is either over 10% of their portfolio or held in a concentrated book of 50 or fewer total positions. Index/ETF, sovereign, bank, community-bank and charitable/donor-advised filers are excluded.
Industry Resources
| Consumer Discretionary Resources |
| Retail Dive |
| Business of Fashion (BoF) |
| WWD (Women's Wear Daily) |
| National Retail Federation (NRF) |
| McKinsey & Company - Consumer |
| Mintel Consumer Trends |
| Restaurants Resources |
| Nation's Restaurant News |
| Restaurant Business |
| QSR Magazine |
External Quote Links
| Y Finance | Barrons |
| TradingView | Morningstar |
| SeekingAlpha | ValueLine |
| Motley Fool | Robinhood |
| CNBC | Etrade |
| MarketWatch | Unusual Whales |
| YCharts | Perplexity Finance |
| FinViz |
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