Pick of the U.S. Restaurant Stocks – Three Restaurant stocks: 2 Buys, 1 Hold

Article Excerpt

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL $85.65 (New York symbol CMG.B; SI Rating: Speculative) (303-595-4000; www.chipotle.com; Shares outstanding: 32.9 million; Market cap: $3.1 billion) is a Denver-based chain of Mexican restaurants. Founded in 1993, Chipotle (pronounced chi- POAT-lay) operates in the fast/casual dining segment, offering higher quality food and better decor and service than fast food chains, at slightly higher prices. In the three months ended December 31, 2007, Chipotle’s revenues rose 31.5%, to $288.9 million from $219.7 million a year earlier. Most of the revenue growth came from new restaurant openings, although comparable same store revenues were up 10.6% as well. Same-store growth resulted from an increase in customer visits. The company opened 37 restaurants in the latest quarter. It currently has over 700 restaurants. Earnings rose 61.8%, to $17.5 million or $0.54 a share, from $10.8 million or $0.33 a share. The company holds cash of $151.2 million or $4.60 a share and has no long-term debt. Chipotle’s focus on offering higher-quality food and better…