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2010-02-18

Stock Buy: Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG: 103.98 -0.48 -0.46%) set a new 52-week high just after releasing its earnings results. The company is also looking to significantly expand its footprint in 2010.

Company Description

Chipotle is a fast food restaurant offering burritos, tacos, and other variations of standard Mexican dishes. The company focuses on fresh ingredients using classic cooking techniques. Currently there are almost 1,000 locations.

Another Big Beat

On Feb 11 Chipotle reported quarterly results that included earnings per share of 99 cents, 18 cents higher than expected. This was the fifth consecutive earnings surprise. The last 4 have all been over 20%.

Revenue for the quarter was up 12% to $388 million, with a 2% increase in comparable sales. Net income came in at $31.6 million, 86% higher than one year ago. The EPS number was a 90% improvement.

Expanding in 2010

In the same release, Chipotle said that it expected to open more than 120 new locations this year. The earnings results, coupled with projected expansion, lead to a jump on the Zacks Consensus Estimate.

Projections for 2010 are averaging $4.38, up from $4.13 one month ago. Next year’s Zacks Consensus Estimate is $5.16, up form $4.80. These levels represent growth rates of 11% and 18%, respectively.

The Chart

Shares of CMG jumped on the earnings news, setting a new 52-week high. The MACD is also showing a buy signal. Take a look at the chart below.

A chart for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc

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