Ready to profit from a consumer rebound

Article Excerpt

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL $79.27 (New York symbol CMG.B; SI Rating: Speculative) (303-595-4000; www.chipotle.com; Shares outstanding: 33.8 million; Market cap: $2.7 billion) is a Denver-based Mexican-restaurant chain. Founded in 1993, Chipotle (pronounced chi-POATlay) charges slightly higher prices than fast-food chains, but offers higher-quality food, including naturally raised meat, and better decor and service. In the three months ended June 30, 2009, Chipotle’s revenue rose 14.1%, to $388.8 million from $340.8 million a year earlier. The company opened 50 restaurants in the first half of 2009. These accounted for most of the revenue growth, although same-restaurant revenue was up 1.7% in the latest quarter, as well. This was mainly because Chipotle raised its prices. Chipotle now has 886 restaurants, including its first outside of the United States, in Toronto. Early next year, Chipotle hopes to expand overseas by opening a restaurant in London, England. Earnings rose 44.7% in the latest quarter, to $35.4 million, or $1.11 a share, from $25.5 million, or $0.74. The gain was mainly…