Thermo Fisher Scientific (THRM) and CAVA Group (CAVA) showed divergent performance in early trading, reflecting broader shifts in investor sentiment toward health tech and restaurant operators. Market activity highlighted volatility in growth-oriented stocks.
- THRM revenue: $3.9 billion, up 9% YoY
- THRM adjusted EPS: $4.28 vs. $4.15 expected
- CAVA Q4 revenue: $147.3 million, up 12% YoY
- CAVA same-store sales growth: 3.8% in Q4, down from 7.9% in Q3
- CAVA plans to close 15 U.S. locations by mid-2026
- THRM stock rose 1.3% to $493.75; CAVA dropped 4.1% to $17.62
Thermo Fisher Scientific (THRM) edged up 1.3% to $493.75 following a strong Q4 earnings report that exceeded analyst expectations. The company reported $3.9 billion in revenue, a 9% year-over-year increase, driven by robust demand in its life sciences tools and diagnostics segments. Adjusted EPS reached $4.28, surpassing the consensus estimate of $4.15 by 2.2%. The results underscored the company’s resilience amid macroeconomic headwinds and strong client demand in biopharma and academic research sectors. CAVA Group (CAVA), on the other hand, fell 4.1% to $17.62 after announcing a strategic review of its international expansion plans. The fast-casual dining chain reported Q4 revenue of $147.3 million, up 12% from the prior year, but highlighted slowing same-store sales growth—rising only 3.8% compared to 7.9% in Q3. Management cited increased competition and inflationary pressures on food and labor costs as key challenges. The company also revealed plans to close 15 underperforming locations in the U.S. by mid-2026. The contrasting moves between THRM and CAVA reflect a bifurcation in investor confidence between established healthcare infrastructure providers and consumer-facing businesses under margin pressure. Analysts note that while THRM’s consistent execution supports long-term growth narratives, CAVA’s operational hurdles signal a more cautious outlook for the restaurant sector amid elevated interest rates and shifting consumer spending patterns.