Stephens Increases Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) Price Target to $40.00

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) had its price target increased by equities researchers at Stephens from $36.00 to $40.00 in a research report issued on Thursday, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm presently has an “equal weight” rating on the restaurant operator’s stock. Stephens’ price objective would indicate a potential upside of 7.21% from the company’s current price.

CMG has been the subject of a number of other research reports. BNP Paribas Exane boosted their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $37.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Thursday, April 30th. Guggenheim decreased their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $36.00 to $35.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, May 1st. Morgan Stanley set a $37.00 price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Wednesday, June 3rd. Argus upgraded Chipotle Mexican Grill from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $40.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Tuesday, May 5th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an “outperform” rating and set a $45.00 price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Thursday, April 30th. Twenty-four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Chipotle Mexican Grill presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $43.98.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE CMG opened at $37.31 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $47.86 billion, a PE ratio of 34.23, a PEG ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 0.97. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $32.85 and a 200 day moving average of $34.62. Chipotle Mexican Grill has a one year low of $28.03 and a one year high of $44.27.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.32 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $3.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $3.33 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 11.43% and a return on equity of 54.65%. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.33 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Chipotle Mexican Grill will post 1.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC raised its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4.7% in the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 4,804 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $290,000 after buying an additional 214 shares during the period. City State Bank boosted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 13.4% during the fourth quarter. City State Bank now owns 2,330 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $86,000 after buying an additional 275 shares during the period. Groupama Asset Managment boosted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.9% during the fourth quarter. Groupama Asset Managment now owns 15,596 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $568,000 after buying an additional 291 shares during the period. Cromwell Holdings LLC increased its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 7.4% during the fourth quarter. Cromwell Holdings LLC now owns 4,295 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $159,000 after acquiring an additional 295 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Catalyst Financial Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. Catalyst Financial Partners LLC now owns 6,763 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $250,000 after acquiring an additional 298 shares during the period. 91.30% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Chipotle Mexican Grill News Roundup

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

• Positive Sentiment: Chipotle reported second-quarter adjusted EPS of $0.33, slightly above the $0.32 consensus, while revenue rose 9.3% year over year to $3.35 billion, broadly ahead of expectations. Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Rallies as Q2 Results Top Fears, Guidance Rises
• Positive Sentiment: Comparable restaurant sales increased 2.2%, supported by improving customer traffic, menu innovation, digital engagement and restaurant expansion. Management raised its full-year comparable-sales outlook, signaling confidence that momentum is continuing. Chipotle shares rise on quarterly earnings beat, raised outlook
• Positive Sentiment: Analysts remained constructive following the results. DA Davidson raised its price target to $50 and maintained a Buy rating, while BTIG, TD Cowen and Mizuho also retained positive recommendations; Mizuho lifted its target to $43.
• Neutral Sentiment: Unusually heavy call-option activity and multiple price-target revisions indicate heightened investor interest, but these signals can also contribute to short-term volatility rather than establish a lasting trend.
• Negative Sentiment: Management said sales softened late in July amid consumer concerns about a cyclospora outbreak, although Chipotle stated it was not involved in the outbreak. The traffic disruption has raised questions about the durability of the recovery. Chipotle lifts its sales forecast even as a lettuce-linked outbreak slows foot traffic
• Negative Sentiment: Investors also remain concerned about labor and other operating costs pressuring margins. Piper Sandler lowered its target to $39 and Morgan Stanley and Stephens kept more cautious equal-weight ratings, limiting the stock’s upside after its sharp earnings-related advance.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile

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.