Citi cuts Chipotle stock price target to $69 from $70

Published 27/01/2025, 11:48
Citi cuts Chipotle stock price target to $69 from $70

On Monday, Citi analysts, led by Jon Tower, adjusted their price target for Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) stock, reducing it slightly to $69.00 from the previous $70.00. Despite this change, they sustained a Buy rating on the company's shares. According to InvestingPro data, Chipotle maintains a perfect Piotroski Score of 9 and an overall financial health rating of "GREAT," suggesting strong fundamental performance.

The adjustment comes amidst investor concerns regarding a potential slowdown in year-over-year comparable sales as the year ends and into the first quarter of 2025 to date. These concerns have been attributed to seasonal shifts and adverse weather conditions rather than a fundamental decline in consumer demand. Despite these concerns, InvestingPro data shows impressive revenue growth of 15.19% over the last twelve months, with the company maintaining a healthy gross profit margin of 40.78%. Additionally, the potential impact of avocado tariffs on the cost of goods sold (COGs) has been noted, though the analysts expect Chipotle to adjust its pricing to mitigate any long-term effects.

Citi analysts expressed confidence that the incoming CEO of Chipotle would continue the company's current strategic direction, citing the executive's previous experience within the company and its historical success. Looking beyond the immediate quarter, the analysts believe that investors will shift their focus to confirmed sales drivers, such as the timing of limited-time offers, throughput improvements from new expeditor positions and equipment, and unique margin drivers like the introduction of produce slicers.

The report suggests that these underlying factors are expected to outweigh any near-term pressures, potentially leading to a positive outcome for Chipotle's stock, which analysts perceive as undervalued relative to its long-term growth opportunity. With the next earnings report due on February 4, investors can access comprehensive analysis and 14 additional key insights through InvestingPro's detailed research reports, which provide deep-dive analysis of Chipotle's valuation metrics and growth prospects.

"In other recent news, Chipotle Mexican Grill has finalized the compensation package for its newly appointed CEO, Scott Boatwright. The package includes an annual base salary of $1.1 million and an annual cash incentive with a target of 200% of his base salary. Starting in 2025, Boatwright will also be eligible for annual equity awards valued at $13 million. This comes as the company continues to show strong financial performance, with a recent report showing a 15% revenue growth. Analyst firms, including RBC Capital Markets, TD Cowen, and Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James, have shown confidence in Chipotle's future, raising their price targets for the company. Chipotle's third-quarter sales increased by 13% to approximately $2.8 billion, and the company plans to expand to 7,000 locations in North America by 2025. The company's recent developments have been highlighted by Bernstein for its exceptional value proposition and industry outperformance. These are among the recent developments for Chipotle Mexican Grill."

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.