Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) just released its fourth-quarter and full-year 2017 financial results, posting earnings of $1.55 per share and revenues of $1.11 billion. Currently, Chipotle is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), and is up marginally to $305 per share in after-hours trading shortly after its earnings report was released.
CMG:
Beat earnings estimates. The company posted earnings of $1.55 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.33 per share.
Missed revenue estimates. The company saw revenue figures of $1.11 billion, missing our consensus estimate of $1.12 billion.
Chipotle’s fourth-quarter revenues jumped 7.3% year-over-year, while comparable restaurant sales increased just 0.9%. Sales were lifted, in part, by the opening of 38 new locations. The company posted Q4 net income of $43.8 million, a $16 million climb from the year-ago period.
The fast-casual chain posted full-year sales of $4.5 billion, which marked a 14.7% increase, driven in part by a 6.4% jump in comparable store sales.
Looking ahead to fiscal 2018, Chipotle expects comparable restaurant sales will increases by low single digits.
Despite the relatively solid quarter, some investors will be displeased to note that Chipotle has yet to find a replacement CEO to take over for the company’s founder and current chief executive.
“During 2017, we have made considerable changes around leadership, operations, and long-term planning and it is clear that, while there is still work to be done, we are starting to see some success,” founder and current CEO Steve Ells said in a statement.
“2018 marks the 25th anniversary of Chipotle, and I am encouraged by the dedication all of our guests and employees have to this brand. Our focus this year will be to continue perfecting the dining experience, enhancing the guest experience through innovations in digital and catering, and reinvesting in our restaurants. We are making good progress on our search for a new CEO who can improve execution, drive sales and enable Chipotle to realize our enormous potential.”
Here’s a graph that looks at CMG’s Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise history:
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Quote
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., is operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants, which serve a focused menu of burritos, tacos, and burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads, made using fresh ingredients.
Check back later for our full analysis on CMG’s earnings report!
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Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG): Free Stock Analysis Report
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