Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) Price Target Raised to $50.00

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) had its price target upped by research analysts at DA Davidson from $45.00 to $50.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a “buy” rating on the restaurant operator’s stock. DA Davidson’s price objective indicates a potential upside of 29.95% from the stock’s previous close.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently commented on CMG. Argus raised shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $40.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, May 5th. TD Cowen restated a “buy” rating and issued a $44.00 price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Thursday. Guggenheim lowered their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $36.00 to $35.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 1st. Citigroup dropped their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $46.00 to $45.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 13th. Finally, BTIG Research reissued a “buy” rating and set a $45.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Thursday. Twenty-four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $44.05.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance

Shares of CMG traded up $4.24 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $38.48. 19,326,968 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 17,766,123. The company has a market cap of $49.35 billion, a PE ratio of 35.31, a P/E/G ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.97. Chipotle Mexican Grill has a 52 week low of $28.03 and a 52 week high of $44.27. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $32.65 and a 200 day simple moving average of $34.61.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.32 by $0.01. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 11.96% and a return on equity of 49.64%. The business had revenue of $3.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.33 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.33 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill will post 1.13 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Chipotle Mexican Grill

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Wealth Watch Advisors INC acquired a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. MV Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Osbon Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Merkkuri Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, Ankerstar Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.30% of the company’s stock.

Key Stories Impacting Chipotle Mexican Grill

Here are the key news stories impacting Chipotle Mexican Grill this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Q2 beat expectations: Adjusted earnings were $0.33 per share versus the $0.32 consensus, while revenue rose 9.3% year over year to $3.35 billion, ahead of estimates of $3.33 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill Q2 Earnings and Revenues Beat Estimates
• Positive Sentiment: Improving customer demand: Comparable restaurant sales increased 2.2%, supported by better transactions, higher traffic and menu and value initiatives. The company raised its full-year comparable-sales guidance, reinforcing expectations for continued momentum. Chipotle Raises Annual Sales Forecast
• Positive Sentiment: Growth strategy gaining traction: Management highlighted its “Recipe for Growth” plan, including digital engagement, menu innovation, improved restaurant execution and continued expansion. Chipotle opened 100 restaurants during the quarter, adding to its long-term sales potential. Chipotle Q2 Earnings Call Highlights Growth Strategy Push
• Positive Sentiment: Analyst support: Morgan Stanley and Stephens raised their price targets to $39 and $40, respectively, while BTIG reaffirmed its Buy rating and $45 target. These revisions added to the bullish reaction following the earnings release. Analysts Increase Forecasts on Chipotle
• Neutral Sentiment: Chipotle said it was not involved in a reported cyclospora outbreak, helping limit potential reputational and sales concerns.
• Negative Sentiment: Near-term risks remain: Management acknowledged softer sales trends in late July, while labor, promotional activity and other operating costs could pressure margins. Value-conscious consumers also remain sensitive to menu pricing.

About Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant company known for its Mexican-inspired menu of burritos, bowls, tacos and salads. Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, the chain emphasizes fresh, customizable meals made from a limited menu of core ingredients and a focus on ingredient quality. Chipotle operates primarily company-owned restaurants and offers dine-in, takeout, catering and delivery through its own digital platforms and third-party partners.

The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and traces its roots to Denver, Colorado.