Outbreaks weigh on Chipotle

Article Excerpt

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL $465.50 (New York symbol CMG; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative) (303-595-4000; www.chipotle.com; Shares outstanding: 31.2 million; Market cap: $14.6 billion; No dividends paid) continues to suffer as it copes with food-safety concerns at its restaurants. In October and November 2015, E. coli infections sickened 52 customers at Chipotle locations in nine states and forced the company to temporarily close some outlets. Recent norovirus outbreaks at restaurants in California and Massachusetts have added to the bad publicity. Norovirus, which causes stomach problems, is highly infectious, though not fatal. Chipotle now believes these problems cut its same-restaurant sales by 14.6% in the fourth quarter of 2015. It also expects to spend $14.0 million to $16.0 million to test and replace food and improve its food-safety procedures. As a result of these extra costs, the company probably earned $1.70 to $1.90 a share in the fourth quarter, well below the consensus forecast of $2.55. Chipotle is still a hold. hold. …