Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) announced a major hiring campaign to recruit 20,000 employees for its upcoming 'Burrito Season' (March to May). The company is showcasing significant internal growth opportunities, with crew members able to advance to Restaurateur positions in about 3.5 years, offering potential compensation packages of $100,000.

The company has implemented an AI-powered virtual assistant 'Ava Cado' that has reduced the hiring process from 12 to 4 days and nearly doubled applicant flow. In 2024, Chipotle promoted 23,000 team members, with 85% of restaurant management promotions filled internally. Five of eleven Regional Vice Presidents started as crew members and now manage billion-dollar regions.

New employee benefits include free access to the Calm mindfulness app, crew bonuses equivalent to an extra month's pay annually, mental health care, ESL courses, tuition reimbursement, and debt-free college degrees. The company reports twice the retention rate among education program participants.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) reported strong fourth quarter and full year 2024 results. Q4 total revenue increased 13.1% to $2.8 billion, with comparable restaurant sales up 5.4%, driven by 4.0% transaction growth. Operating margin improved to 14.6% from 14.4% year-over-year.

For full year 2024, total revenue grew 14.6% to $11.3 billion, with comparable sales increasing 7.4%. The company opened 304 new company-owned restaurants, including 257 with Chipotlanes, bringing the total restaurant count to 3,726. Digital sales represented 35.1% of total food and beverage revenue.

The company repurchased $995.8 million of stock in 2024 at an average price of $57.21 per share. For 2025, management anticipates low to mid-single digit comparable restaurant sales growth and plans to open 315-345 new company-owned restaurants.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has announced 'Extra Sunday,' a new promotional event on February 10, 2025, offering free Guac and Queso Blanco to Chipotle Rewards members with any entrée purchase. The promotion responds to the fact that over 40% of employed Americans believe the Monday after the football championship should be a national holiday.

During the championship game on February 9, Chipotle will distribute up to 50,000 free entrée codes via X and Instagram when 'extra' events occur, such as fourth down conversions or successful extra point kicks. The codes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through text message claims.

This initiative marks Chipotle's first promotion offering both free Guac and Queso Blanco simultaneously, available exclusively through the Chipotle app and website using promo code 'EXTRA25'. The promotion comes as an estimated 16.1 million U.S. employees planned to miss work the day after the championship game in 2024.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced minority investments in two aquatic plant-based technology companies through its Cultivate Next fund: Plantible and CH4 Global. Plantible develops Rubi Protein™ from duckweed (Lemna), creating a plant-based protein that mimics animal proteins while using minimal water and reducing carbon emissions. CH4 Global produces Methane Tamer™, an Asparagopsis seaweed-based feed additive aimed at reducing cattle methane emissions by up to 90%.

These investments align with Chipotle's mission to Cultivate a Better World and support its growth plans to reach 7,000 restaurants in North America. The investments will help scale production of sustainable food solutions and reduce environmental impact in the food industry. These companies join Chipotle's existing Cultivate Next portfolio, which includes various sustainable food and technology ventures.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) is expanding its Strava partnership globally in 2025, launching 'The City Challenge' across 25 markets in North America and Europe. The challenge allows participants to compete on 'Chipotle segments' for a chance to win free Lifestyle Bowls for a year, with cities competing collectively for the highest mileage to win a BOGO offer for their entire city.

The company is also introducing a 'Goals, Gym, Guac' text message community ahead of 'No Quitters Day' on January 10, offering exclusive content and opportunities to win free Lifestyle Bowls. Additionally, Chipotle is offering $0 delivery fees on Lifestyle Bowl orders from January 2-31, 2025. The initiative features seven different Lifestyle Bowls catering to various dietary preferences, including Whole30®, keto, and vegan options.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has scheduled its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results announcement for February 4, 2025. The company will release its financial results at approximately 4:10 PM Eastern time, followed by a conference call at 4:30 PM Eastern time. The call will discuss Q4 and full year 2024 results, along with providing a business update for Q1 2025.

Participants can join via phone using the code 4898404: domestic callers at 1-888-317-6003 and international callers at 1-412-317-6061. The call will also be webcast live on Chipotle's investor relations website, with an archived version available approximately one hour after the call ends.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has announced the opening of its 1,000th Chipotlane restaurant in the Kansas City metro area. Chipotlanes, which represent nearly 30% of Chipotle's 3,600+ restaurants, have demonstrated higher volumes and greater returns compared to traditional formats. The company plans to open 315-345 new restaurants in 2025, with at least 80% featuring Chipotlanes. This expansion aligns with Chipotle's goal of reaching 7,000 restaurants in North America, targeting 8-10% annual unit growth. The drive-thru pickup process takes less than 30 seconds to complete.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) is bringing back three popular merchandise items in its 'All I Want Is Chipotle' holiday collection, available from November 14. The collection includes the Cilantro Soap ($10), 'Water' Cup Candle ($28), and Car Napkin Holder ($20), also available as a bundle for $50. Chipotle Rewards members can participate in a sweepstakes by exchanging points for entries to win the bundle. Additionally, the first 20,000 customers purchasing $40+ in holiday-themed gift cards will receive a BOGO entrée offer.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has appointed Scott Boatwright as chief executive officer and board member, effective immediately. Boatwright, who previously served as chief operating officer since 2017 and interim CEO since August, has been instrumental in managing over 125,000 employees and 3,600 restaurants. His achievements include improving guest experience, integrating new technology, building strong company culture, and achieving industry-leading retention rates. Prior to Chipotle, he spent 18 years with Arby's Restaurant Group, last serving as senior vice president of operations overseeing 1,700 restaurants.