Chipotle earnings surge: Revenue up 18%, but margins under pressure

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) delivered a solid performance in its second-quarter earnings report, showcasing a strong revenue increase and impressive customer engagement despite ongoing inflationary pressures. 

The company reported quarterly revenue of $3 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.33. 

These results reflect an 18% rise in revenue and a 32% increase in EPS compared to the same period last year.

Chicken al pastor proves popular among diners

The quarter was bolstered by the popularity of the limited-time chicken al pastor, which resonated well with diners. 

This, combined with the peak season for burritos, contributed to an outstanding quarter for Chipotle.

The company’s operational efficiency and responsiveness to customer feedback played a crucial role in these positive results.

We had a tremendous quarter operationally. A combination of great operations with a new menu item that really connected with customers and compelling marketing resulted in tremendous traffic gains.

CEO Brian Niccol.

As the company moves into the third quarter, the chicken al pastor will be replaced by a brisket offering, continuing the trend of appealing to customer preferences.

Chipotle sees increase in market share

Despite inflation pushing consumers toward more budget-friendly food options, Chipotle has successfully expanded its market share. 

Customer visits nationwide increased by 17% year over year, driven partly by new store openings and a 9.5% rise in visits per location. 

Same-store sales also climbed 11%, indicating robust consumer spending at Chipotle restaurants.

During the quarter, Chipotle opened 52 new locations, with 46 featuring the Chipotlane—a drive-thru for pickup orders. 

This expansion aligns with the company’s strategy to enhance convenience and streamline operations.

Looking ahead, Chipotle projects same-store sales growth in the mid to high single digits for the remainder of the year. 

The company plans to add approximately 300 more stores, aiming to double its store count in the coming years. 

Currently, with over 3,400 locations, 80% of which include drive-thru facilities, Chipotle continues to cater to its health-conscious, on-the-go customer base.

Negative social media attention 

Chipotle also tackled recent negative social media attention regarding portion sizes. 

After reviewing the situation, the company found that 10% to 15% of its locations were not meeting the portion standards.

We went back and said, ‘Look, gang, this is the standard for a generous portion that delights customers. This has got to be the minimum of what you do now.

CEO Brian Niccol.

Should you invest in Chipotle?

Although Chipotle’s shares had surged over 50% by June, they have since corrected and are down nearly 40% from their highs. 

This decline may present a buying opportunity for investors, given the company’s strong performance and growth prospects.

Overall, while Chipotle faces ongoing pressure on its margins, its strong revenue growth, expanding market share, and strategic initiatives position it well for future success in the competitive fast-casual dining sector.

The post Chipotle earnings surge: Revenue up 18%, but margins under pressure appeared first on Invezz