Core Viewpoint - Chipotle is facing significant challenges, with its stock down 33% over the past year, and analysts are cautious about its upcoming earnings report due to a weak consumer backdrop and flat same-store sales expectations [1][2][8]. Financial Performance - Analysts expect a 6% increase in EPS for Chipotle, projecting earnings of $0.29 compared to $0.27 in the same quarter last year [2]. - Sales are anticipated to reach approximately $3.02 billion, up from $2.79 billion in the same quarter last year, indicating high single-digit growth [2]. Same-Store Sales and Transactions - Last quarter, Chipotle reported a 4% decline in same-store sales and a 4.9% drop in total transactions, leading to decreased operating leverage [3]. - For the upcoming quarter, same-store sales are expected to remain relatively flat, which is critical for retail and restaurant performance [3][8]. Store Expansion and Digital Sales - Chipotle plans to open around 330 new stores this year, a significant increase from its current 3,750 units [4]. - Digital sales account for approximately 35% of the business, which may help improve overall performance [4]. Consumer Behavior and Pricing - The company is experiencing a price-sensitive consumer environment, where rising prices have led to a decline in transaction volume, impacting net income margins [6]. - Analysts note that the ability to raise prices may be constrained by consumer demand elasticity, which could further affect profitability [6]. Valuation Metrics - Chipotle's stock is currently trading at around 34 times its expected earnings for the fiscal year, with an EBITDA growth expectation of only 13%, suggesting it may be overvalued [7]. - The consensus on same-store sales being flat indicates potential volatility in future earnings, which could influence the stock's recalibration [8].