Topic: Growth Stocks

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL $375.73 – New York symbol CMG

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL $375.73 (New York symbol CMG; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative) (303-595-4000; www.chipotle.com; Shares outstanding: 31.3 million; Market cap: $11.8 billion; No dividends paid) reported 23.7% higher sales in the three months ended December 31, 2011, to $596.7 million from $482.5 million a year earlier. Earnings rose 23.2%, to $1.81 a share from $1.47 a share.

The company will open 155 to 165 new restaurants in 2012. That will push up its sales. However, rising food costs will keep putting pressure on its profit margins. It’s uncertain if Chipotle can further raise its prices to offset those increases.

Chipotle trades at nearly 46 times its forecast earnings for this year. That’s a high ratio that leaves the stock vulnerable if it runs into any short-term problems. Still, it’s a well-established chain with a growing following, especially among health-conscious, environmentally aware baby boomers.

Chipotle is still a hold.

Comments

Tell Us What YOU Think

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please be respectful with your comments and help us keep this an area that everyone can enjoy. If you believe a comment is abusive or otherwise violates our Terms of Use, please click here to report it to the administrator.