This story was originally published on Marketing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Marketing Dive newsletter. Chipotle plans to evolve its brand messaging as part of a new “Recipe for Growth” strategy, according to an earnings statement. The five-point growth plan comes as the fast casual chain notched its third consecutive quarter of negative comparable sales growth in Q4 2025. Chipotle saw comp sales, an important measure of restaurant health, decrease 1.7% for the fu ...

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (NYSE:CMG) reported upbeat financial results for the fourth quarter Tuesday after the bell.Chipotle reported revenue of $2.98 billion for the fourth quarter, beating analyst estimates of $2.96 billion. The fast-casual restaurant chain company reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of 25 cents per share, beating estimates of 24 cents per share, according to Benzinga Pro."Against a dynamic consumer backdrop, we opened a record number of restaurants globally and grew Q4 and full y ...

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (NYSE:CMG) reported upbeat financial results for the fourth quarter Tuesday after the bell.Chipotle reported revenue of $2.98 billion for the fourth quarter, beating analyst estimates of $2.96 billion. The fast-casual restaurant chain company reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of 25 cents per share, beating estimates of 24 cents per share, according to Benzinga Pro."Against a dynamic consumer backdrop, we opened a record number of restaurants globally and grew Q4 and full y ...

Chipotle (NYSE:CMG) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 03, 2026 04:30 PM ET Company ParticipantsAdam Rymer - CFOCindy Olsen - Head of Investor RelationsDanilo Gargiulo - BernsteinDavid Palmer - Senior Managing DirectorJohn Ivankoe - Managing Director and Head of the U.S. Restaurants Equity Research TeamScott Boatwright - CEOSharon Zackfia - Partner and Group Head of the Consumer SectorConference Call ParticipantsAndrew Charles - Managing Director and Equity Research AnalystBrian Mullan - Director and Senior Res ...

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (NYSE:CMG) reported financial results for the fourth quarter Tuesday after the bell. Here’s a rundown of the report.Chipotle Mexican Grill stock is trading in a tight range. Where is CMG stock headed?Chipotle Beats Estimates In Q4Chipotle reported revenue of $2.98 billion for the fourth quarter, beating analyst estimates of $2.96 billion. The fast-casual restaurant chain company reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of 25 cents per share, beating estimates of 24 cents per shar ...

Q4/FY 2025 EARNINGS I N V E S T O R I N F O R M A T I O N FORWARD -LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this presentation are forward -looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about our future financial results, including future AUV and margins, the number of company owned and partner - operated restaurants we will open, and the future success of our Recipe for Growth initiatives. We use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," ...

LAUNCHES "RECIPE FOR GROWTH" STRATEGY TO GROW TRANSACTIONS AND DRIVE ACCURACY, EFFICIENCY AND SPEED FULL YEAR TOTAL REVENUE INCREASED 5.4% TO $11.9 BILLION NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. Fourth quarter highlights, year over year: Total revenue increased 4.9% to $3.0 billion Comparable restaurant sales decreased 2.5% Operating margin was 14.1%, a de ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales grew 7.5% year-over-year to reach $3 billion, with a comparable sales increase of 0.3% [4][23] - Digital sales accounted for 36.7% of total sales [4] - Restaurant-level margin was 24.5%, a decline of 100 basis points year-over-year [4][23] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.29, an increase of 7% over last year [4][23] - Cost of sales was 30%, a decrease of about 60 basis points from last year [24] - Labor costs were 25.2%, an increase of about 30 basis points from last year [25] - Other operating costs were 15%, an increase of about 120 basis points from last year [26] - G&A for the quarter was $147 million on a GAAP basis [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 84 new restaurants, including 64 Chipotlanes [4] - The promotional environment has intensified, with increased focus on value and menu innovation [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer cohort with household income below $100,000 represents about 40% of total sales and is dining out less often due to economic concerns [5] - The 25 to 35-year-old age group is particularly challenged, facing headwinds such as unemployment and increased student loan repayments [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its consumer flywheel by improving execution, enhancing communication of value, and accelerating menu and digital innovation [6][21] - Five key strategies include running successful restaurants, sustaining world-class leadership, amplifying technology and innovation, expanding access, and enhancing guest engagement [7] - The company plans to expand its restaurant openings in North America and internationally, targeting 7,000 restaurants long-term [18][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the third quarter performance fell short of expectations due to macroeconomic pressures [4] - The company anticipates full-year comps to decline in the low single-digit range due to ongoing macro uncertainty [23] - Inflation is expected to accelerate into the mid-single-digit range, primarily due to tariffs and rising beef costs [24] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with $1.8 billion in cash and no debt [28] - The board authorized an additional $500 million to the share purchase authorization, with $652 million remaining at the end of the quarter [28] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Is the pricing strategy for 2026 changing to prioritize traffic growth over margin expansion? - The company plans a slow and measured approach to pricing in 2026, not fully offsetting inflation in the near term, which may pressure margins [31][32] Question: What is the outlook for same-store sales in 2026? - Management remains confident in returning to mid-single-digit same-store sales growth, depending on consumer conditions [35] Question: Can you provide insights on traffic losses and customer behavior? - Significant pullback is observed from the cohort under $100,000 annually, with losses attributed to consumers dining at home rather than competition [41] Question: How is the High-Efficiency Equipment Package performing? - Early results show labor efficiency gains and improved culinary execution, with positive feedback from pilot locations [46] Question: What operational actions are being taken to inflect traffic? - The company is addressing operational concerns identified in a problem detection study and modifying bonus programs to align with desired outcomes [50] Question: What is the impact of new restaurant openings on existing locations? - New restaurants are comping better than existing ones, with a similar level of cannibalization as in the past [56] Question: How does the company plan to communicate its value proposition? - The company is working on new ad campaigns to highlight its unique value proposition and culinary quality [81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales grew 7.5% year-over-year to reach $3 billion, with a comparable sales increase of 0.3% [4][23] - Digital sales accounted for 36.7% of total sales [4] - Restaurant-level margin was 24.5%, a decline of 100 basis points year-over-year [4][23] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.29, an increase of 7% over last year [4][23] - Full-year comps are now anticipated to decline in the low single-digit range [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 84 new restaurants, including 64 Chipotlanes [4] - Marketing costs increased to 3% of sales, up 90 basis points from last year [26] - Cost of sales was 30%, a decrease of 60 basis points from last year, primarily due to menu price increases and cost efficiencies [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer cohort with household income below $100,000 represents about 40% of total sales and is dining out less often due to economic concerns [5] - The 25-35 age group, which is a significant demographic for the company, is facing challenges such as unemployment and increased student loan repayments [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its consumer flywheel by improving execution, enhancing communication of value, and accelerating menu and digital innovation [6][21] - Five key strategies include running successful restaurants, sustaining world-class leadership, amplifying technology and innovation, expanding access, and enhancing brand visibility [7] - The company plans to expand its restaurant openings in North America and internationally, targeting 7,000 restaurants long-term [18][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the third quarter performance fell short due to macroeconomic pressures but expressed confidence in returning to positive transaction growth [4][22] - The company is focused on delivering value and improving guest experiences despite the challenging economic backdrop [24][66] - Management anticipates inflation to remain in the mid-single-digit range and does not plan to fully offset this in the near term [24] Other Important Information - The company is rolling out a High-Efficiency Equipment Package (HEAP) to improve throughput and culinary execution [10][11] - A catering pilot program has been launched, with plans for a full marketing push to drive demand [15] - The company is working on a new creative campaign to better communicate its value proposition [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing strategy for 2026 - Management indicated a slow and measured approach to pricing in 2026, focusing on traffic growth over margin expansion [31][32] Question: Confidence in returning to mid-single-digit same-store sales - Management remains confident in returning to mid-single-digit same-store sales, depending on consumer conditions [35] Question: Traffic perspective and losses - Significant pullback is observed from the consumer cohort under $100,000, with losses attributed to dining out less rather than competition [41] Question: HEAP throughput results - Early results from HEAP indicate improved labor efficiency and guest experience, with positive feedback from pilot locations [46] Question: Menu innovation for 2026 - Management plans to increase the pace of culinary innovation, including new limited-time offers and sauces [87]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales grew 7.5% year-over-year to reach $3 billion, with a comparable sales increase of 0.3% [4][24] - Digital sales accounted for 36.7% of total sales [4] - Restaurant-level margin was 24.5%, a decline of 100 basis points year-over-year [4][24] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.29, an increase of 7% over the previous year [4][24] - Full-year comparable sales are anticipated to decline in the low single-digit range [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 84 new restaurants, including 64 Chipotlanes [4] - Marketing costs increased to 3% of sales, up 90 basis points from last year, reflecting accelerated marketing spend [27] - Cost of sales was 30%, a decrease of 60 basis points from last year, primarily due to menu price increases and cost efficiencies [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer cohort with household income below $100,000 represents about 40% of total sales and is dining out less often due to economic concerns [5] - The 25 to 35-year-old age group, which is a significant demographic for the company, is facing headwinds such as unemployment and increased student loan repayments [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its consumer flywheel by improving execution, enhancing communication of value, and accelerating menu and digital innovation [6][22] - Five key strategies include running successful restaurants, sustaining world-class leadership, amplifying technology and innovation, and expanding access through new restaurant openings [7][19] - The company plans to expand its catering business, which currently represents 1-2% of sales, compared to 5-10% for peers [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the third quarter performance fell short of expectations due to macroeconomic pressures [4] - The company is focused on transaction-led growth and aims to return to consistent positive transaction growth [23] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential, targeting 7,000 restaurants in North America and expanding internationally [23][21] Other Important Information - The company is rolling out a High-Efficiency Equipment Package to improve throughput and culinary execution [11][12] - The effective tax rate for Q3 was 23.1% for GAAP and 22.8% for non-GAAP [29] - The company ended the quarter with $1.8 billion in cash and no debt, having repurchased $687 million of its stock [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing strategy for 2026 - Management indicated a slow and measured approach to pricing in 2026, with plans to not fully offset inflation in the near term [32][33] Question: Confidence in returning to mid-single-digit same-store sales - Management believes it is possible, depending on consumer conditions, with a focus on transaction-led growth [36][37] Question: Comp expectations for Q4 - Management expects Q4 comps to decline in the low to mid-single-digit range due to ongoing economic uncertainty [38][39] Question: High-Efficiency Equipment Package results - Early results show labor efficiency gains and improved guest experience scores, with positive feedback from pilot locations [41][42] Question: Menu innovation for 2026 - Management plans to increase the pace of culinary innovation, including new limited-time offers and sauces [76][78]