2 U.S. Restaurant Chains To Buy, 1 To Hold

Article Excerpt

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL $65.12 (New York symbol CMG.B; SI Rating: Speculative) (303-595-4000; www.chipotle.com; Shares outstanding: 32.9 million; Market cap: $2.1 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 June 30, 2008, Chipotle’s revenues rose 24.2%, to $340.8 million from $274.3 million a year earlier. Most of the revenue growth came from new restaurant openings, although comparable same store revenues were up 7.1% as well. Same-store growth resulted from an increase in customer visits and menu price increases. The company opened 49 restaurants in the latest quarter. It currently has over 775 restaurants. Chipotle just opened its first store outside the United States, in Toronto, Canada. Earnings rose 22.5% in the latest quarter, to $24.5 million or $0.74 a share, from $20.0 million or $0.61 a share. The company…