Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) closed at $37.63 in the latest trading session, marking a +1.69% move from the prior day.
Everybody seemed to want, and to want to sell, more protein this year. Now Chipotle is carrying the torch into 2026.
Zacks.com users have recently been watching Chipotle (CMG) quite a bit. Thus, it is worth knowing the facts that could determine the stock's prospects.
Chipotle is launching a "High Protein Menu" on Tuesday, featuring a new grab-and-go cups with chicken or steak. The move targets the "snack" occasion to compete with protein bars and convenience stores, rather than just lunch or dinner.
The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price.
Pessimism around comparable sales has historically created great entry points. The US restaurant network has room to double, and CMG is yet to fully tap into its international growth potential. Strong free cash flow generation and a robust balance sheet can sustain elevated levels of share buybacks.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is executing multiple initiatives—menu innovation, digital upgrades, and catering expansion—to drive sales and margin recovery amid a challenging macro backdrop. CMG's HEAP rollout, increased limited-time offerings, and loyalty program relaunch are expected to accelerate revenue and productivity, with meaningful impact anticipated in FY26 and beyond. The stock trades at a significant discount to historical valuation multiples, reflecting near-term headwinds but offering compelling medium- to long-term upside as turnaround efforts gain traction.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) closed the most recent trading day at $34.87, moving +2.74% from the previous trading session.
CAVA Group (NYSE: CAVA) and Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) both reported Q3 2025 earnings in late October and early November.
Chipotle's stock has fallen sharply—down 19% since my last article and 44% year-to-date—despite continued revenue and earnings growth. CPG plans 330 new restaurants in FY2025 and 360 in FY2026, supporting long-term top-line expansion even as comparable sales and margins soften. Valuation remains high at 29x earnings, but Chipotle continues to outperform peers in revenue, profit growth, and margins, suggesting premium pricing may be justified.
Chipotle Mexican Grill offers a compelling long-term Buy opportunity after a valuation reset driven by temporary macro headwinds and traffic declines. CMG's best-in-class operating margins remain intact, supporting premium valuation despite recent comparable sales stagnation and guidance cuts. Unit expansion plans (350-370 new stores in 2026) provide a strong revenue floor, mitigating comp volatility as macro conditions stabilize.
CMG reshapes its pricing playbook, leaning on slower, phased increases as inflation builds and value protection takes center stage.