Chipotle Mexican Grill Option Alert: Mar 21 $60 Calls at the Ask: 4100 vs 9949 OI

Chipotle Mexican Grill Option Alert: Mar 21 $60 Calls at the Ask: 4100 @ $1.28 vs 9949 OI; Ref=$58.06

Chipotle Mexican Grill Azioni (NYSE: CMG)

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) Azioni

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL INC

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill is the largest fast-casual chain restaurant in the United States, with systemwide sales of $11.3 billion in 2024. The Mexican concept is almost exclusively company-owned, with just three license stores operated through a master franchise relationship with Alshaya Group in the Middle East. It had a footprint of 3,726 stores at the end of 2024, heavily indexed to the United States, although it maintains a small presence in Canada, the UK, France, and Germany. Chipotle sells burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and beverages, with a selling proposition built around competitive prices, high-quality food sourcing, speed of service, and convenience. The company generates its revenue entirely from restaurant sales and delivery fees.

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Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Common Stock

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc

CMGE TECHNOLOGIES GROUP by CMGE TECHNOLOGIES GROUP.

CMGE Technology Group Ltd

COMML INTL BK LTD S/GDR by Commercial International Bank Ltd.

Commercial International Bank (Egypt) CIB

Chaoda Modern Agriculture (Holdings) Ltd

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Chaoda Modern Agriculture (Holdings) Ltd ADR

COMMERCIAL INTL BKGDR144A by Commercial International Bank Ltd.

Chemring Group PLC

CHEMRING GRP PLC UNSP/ADR by Chemring Group Plc.

CMG HOLDINGS GROUP INC by CMG Holdings Group, Inc.

CMG Holdings Group Inc

CLUBHOUSE MEDIA GROUP INC by CLUBHOUSE MEDIA GROUP INC.

Clubhouse Media Group Inc

WIIM

Chipotle Mexican Grill shares are trading lower after Baird cut its price target on the stock from $68 to $62.

19 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The following table summarizes their recent ratings, shedding light on the changing sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Chipotle Mexican Grill, revealing an average target of $65.74, a high estimate of $75.00, and a low estimate of $58.00. This current average represents a 2.56% decrease from the previous average price target of $67.47. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744030858_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Chipotle Mexican Grill is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
&#x7C; Analyst &#x7C; Analyst Firm &#x7C; Action Taken &#x7C; Rating &#x7C;Current Price Target&#x7C; Prior Price Target &#x7C; 
&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C; 
&#x7C;David Tarantino &#x7C;Baird &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Outperform &#x7C; $62.00&#x7C;$68.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jon Tower &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $62.00&#x7C;$70.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;John Ivankoe &#x7C;JP Morgan &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Neutral &#x7C; $58.00&#x7C;$64.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Chris O'Cull &#x7C;Stifel &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $65.00&#x7C;$68.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Alton Stump &#x7C;Loop Capital &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $65.00&#x7C;$58.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Brian Harbour &#x7C;Morgan Stanley &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $70.00&#x7C;$65.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Chris O'Cull &#x7C;Stifel &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $68.00&#x7C;$70.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Brian Mullan &#x7C;Piper Sandler &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Neutral &#x7C; $59.00&#x7C;$60.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Zachary Fadem &#x7C;Wells Fargo &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $70.00&#x7C;$75.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jon Tower &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $70.00&#x7C;$69.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Eric Gonzalez &#x7C;Keybanc &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $64.00&#x7C;$66.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jeffrey Bernstein &#x7C;Barclays &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Equal-Weight &#x7C; $60.00&#x7C;$63.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Nick Setyan &#x7C;Wedbush &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Outperform &#x7C; $64.00&#x7C;$69.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jim Salera &#x7C;Stephens &amp; Co. &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Equal-Weight &#x7C; $60.00&#x7C;$61.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Brian Vaccaro &#x7C;Raymond James &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Outperform &#x7C; $69.00&#x7C;$72.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Logan Reich &#x7C;RBC Capital &#x7C;Maintains &#x7C;Outperform &#x7C; $75.00&#x7C;$75.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Danilo Gargiulo &#x7C;Bernstein &#x7C;Maintains &#x7C;Outperform &#x7C; $70.00&#x7C;$70.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jon Tower &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $69.00&#x7C;$70.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Nick Setyan &#x7C;Wedbush &#x7C;Maintains &#x7C;Outperform &#x7C; $69.00&#x7C;$69.00 &#x7C;
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Chipotle Mexican Grill. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Offering a comprehensive view, analysts assess stocks qualitatively, spanning from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Chipotle Mexican Grill compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts navigate through adjustments in price targets, providing estimates for Chipotle Mexican Grill's future value. Comparing current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Chipotle Mexican Grill's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CMG/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Chipotle Mexican Grill analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Discovering Chipotle Mexican Grill: A Closer Look</h2>
Chipotle Mexican Grill is the largest fast-casual chain restaurant in the United States, with systemwide sales of $11.3 billion in 2024. The Mexican concept is almost exclusively company-owned, with just three license stores operated through a master franchise relationship with Alshaya Group in the Middle East. It had a footprint of 3,726 stores at the end of 2024, heavily indexed to the United States, although it maintains a small presence in Canada, the UK, France, and Germany. Chipotle sells burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and beverages, with a selling proposition built around competitive prices, high-quality food sourcing, speed of service, and convenience. The company generates its revenue entirely from restaurant sales and delivery fees.
<h3>A Deep Dive into Chipotle Mexican Grill's Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization: Exceeding industry standards, the company's market capitalization places it above industry average in size relative to peers. This emphasizes its significant scale and robust market position.
Revenue Growth: Chipotle Mexican Grill's remarkable performance in 3M is evident. As of 31 December, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 13.07%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Consumer Discretionary sector.
Net Margin: Chipotle Mexican Grill's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 11.66%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Chipotle Mexican Grill's ROE lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns on equity capital. With an ROE of 9.13%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): Chipotle Mexican Grill's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 3.64% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 1.24.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
In addition to their assessments, some analysts extend their insights by offering predictions for key metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates. This supplementary information provides further guidance for traders. It is crucial to recognize that, despite their specialization, analysts are human and can only provide forecasts based on their beliefs.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

19 Analysts Have This To Say About Chipotle Mexican Grill

Baird analyst David Tarantino maintains Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $68 to $62.

Price Target

Baird Maintains Outperform on Chipotle Mexican Grill, Lowers Price Target to $62

Several restaurant stocks are taking a beating on Thursday as broader markets tumble in reaction to sweeping reciprocal tariffs from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44632479/retail-stocks-slammed-as-trumps-tariff-plan-sends-shockwaves-through-sector">the Trump administration</a>.
What Happened: President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on several countries across the world on Wednesday, sending markets into a tailspin.
Restaurant stocks are getting hit particularly hard as restaurant chains typically source food machinery and packaging from China. Trump announced 34% tariffs on China this week. 
According to a Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/trump-tariffs-trade-war-stock-market-04-03-2025/card/restaurant-stocks-slide-on-trump-s-new-duties-IrOe9ndIoLz9heJhUlgk">report</a>, many restaurant chains buy potatoes from Canada and often import meats from other countries. 
Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>) has significant exposure to China as the company operates thousands of stores in the country. Starbucks had a total of 7,685 stores in China as of the end of 2024. The company is also a big coffee importer. Shares were down more than 11% at last check, per <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) is also facing selling pressure as the company imports avocados from Mexico, Columbia and other countries globally. Chipotle shares were down about 3.5% at the time of writing.
Here&#8217;s a look at some other restaurant stocks moving lower Thursday:
<ul>
<li>Dutch Bros Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BROS#NYSE">BROS</a>) down 9.05% at $56.24</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Shake Shack Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHAK#NYSE">SHAK</a>) down 11.7% at $83.69</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>CAVA Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAVA#NYSE">CAVA</a>) down 7.49% at $83.01</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Bloomin&#8217; Brands Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLMN#NASDAQ">BLMN</a>) down 8.25% at $7.15</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBRL#NASDAQ">CBRL</a>) down 13.5% at $35.48</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Portillo&#8217;s Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTLO#NASDAQ">PTLO</a>) down 8.24% at $11.50</li>
</ul>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44631713/tariffs-will-provide-great-buying-opportunity-in-long-term-investors-must-first-cross-stagflatio">Tariffs Will Provide Great Buying Opportunity In Long Term &#8211; Investors Must First Cross Stagflation Chasm</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock.

Movers

BLMN

BROS

CAVA

CBRL

PTLO

SHAK

Restaurant Stocks Are Getting Cooked Thursday As Trump Tariffs Rattle Markets

DASH

Shares of restaurant-related companies are trading lower as markets react to President Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs.

Chipotle Mexican Grill is transforming far beyond its burrito origins. New technological innovation, sustainability, and innovative digital marketing are the company&#8217;s focus, which has helped it position itself to be an important driver for many thematic ETFs. CEO Scott Boatwright is transforming Chipotle&#8217;s operations, including automating kitchen functions and utilizing AI in the hiring process, while implementing strategic programs to protect its supply chain and enhance its ESG credentials.
Notably, Chipotle is also billionaire investor Bill Ackman's third-largest holding in his Pershing Square Capital hedge fund portfolio, with 11.78% of the fund's total assets dedicated to the food giant.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44605433/first-ever-catastrophe-bond-etf-hits-the-market-but-without-a-safety-net">First-Ever Catastrophe Bond ETF Hits The Market But Without A Safety Net</a>
ETFs That Stand To Gain
These strategic initiatives are catching the eye of ETF managers, especially those that concentrate on consumer discretionary, food &amp; beverage innovation and ESG themes. These three ETFs can be good to snap up while the hype lasts.
AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EATZ#NYSE">EATZ</a>): As one of the most prominent names in consumer discretionary, Chipotle&#8217;s innovative technology and solid digital connectivity complement EATZ. With its solid operating model and creative ad campaigns, Chipotle supports the aggregate performance of this ETF. The ETF dedicates 3.33% of its net assets to Chipotle.
American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDG#NYSE">FDG</a>): FDG offers 19% exposure to U.S. consumer discretionary firms, including large restaurant chains. Chipotle&#8217;s operational efficiencies, aided by automation and AI, are poised to increase service quality and volume, thus having a bullish impact on the ETF&#8217;s performance. Chipotle currently enjoys 2.9% weightage in the fund.
iShares U.S. Consumer Focused ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IEDI#BATS">IEDI</a>): IEDI&#8217;s exposure to large- and mid-cap consumer discretionary stocks makes it a top contender to gain from Chipotle&#8217;s modernization and efficiency overhauls. The firm&#8217;s efforts, like modernizing kitchens and streamlining operations, will likely fuel better margins and strengthen growth in the ETF&#8217;s portfolio. Currently, IEDI has set a 2.57% weightage for Chipotle.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/options/25/04/44592416/what-the-options-market-tells-us-about-chipotle-mexican-grill">What the Options Market Tells Us About Chipotle Mexican Grill</a>
Recent Trends Shaping The Story
To commemorate National Burrito Day, Chipotle has revived its successful Burrito Vault game with buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals and free burrito rewards for its loyal base. This immersive digital campaign encourages customer engagement and strengthens the brand&#8217;s reputation in the fast-casual category.
The new Burrito Vault campaign has got people talking about the company with fresh enthusiasm, as appealing BOGO deals customized for National Burrito Day hit the market.
The campaign rekindled consumer interest, ranking among the season&#8217;s most discussed promotions.
Another point to note is Chipotle's long-term 7-year strategy to diversify its avocado sourcing. The company ensures a stable supply of this critical ingredient by reducing reliance on Mexican imports and risks from potential tariffs.
Quartz explains how this strategic action protects against increasing costs from tariffs and provides uniform quality in Chipotle&#8217;s guacamole, further solidifying the brand&#8217;s dedication to sustainable practices.
Chipotle is upgrading its backend operations with automation and digital makelines. Technologies like the digital makeline and the Autocado robot are intended to quicken food preparation, lower labor expenses, and improve consistency in order fulfillment.
AI-based recruitment is another thing that is setting the company apart in a good way. The introduction of the AI-based recruiter, &#8220;Ava Cado,&#8221; has proved to be lucky for the firm, leading to a boost in the pipeline of applicants to almost double. The tech has also reduced the hiring process from eight to four days, helping it to quickly expand its staff before busy periods such as &#8220;burrito season.&#8221;
Parting Thoughts
Chipotle&#8217;s combination of operational efficiency, sustainable operations, and digital advancement is converting Chipotle into a quality growth story. For investors seeking exposure to firms that represent technological advancements and sustainable growth, ETFs like EATZ, FDG and IEDI offer attractive opportunities.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/04/44590886/bny-mellons-bkcg-etf-debuts-with-a-strategy-of-long-term-growth-potential">BNY Mellon&#8217;s BKCG ETF Debuts With A Strategy Of Long-Term Growth Potential</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Specialty ETFs

ETFs

EATZ

IEDI

Select Sector SPDR-Consumer Discretionary

Chipotle's Stock Is Sizzling—Bill Ackman Loves It And These ETFs Do Too

Citigroup analyst Jon Tower maintains Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $70 to $62.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Chipotle Mexican Grill, Lowers Price Target to $62

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in CMG usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 12 extraordinary options activities for Chipotle Mexican Grill. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 58% leaning bullish and 33% bearish. Among these notable options, 5 are puts, totaling $577,332, and 7 are calls, amounting to $354,908.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $45.0 to $60.0 for Chipotle Mexican Grill over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Chipotle Mexican Grill's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $45.0 to $60.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Chipotle Mexican Grill 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743531341_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$7.65</td>
<td>$7.35</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$350.7K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
<td align="right">536</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$7.35</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$142.0K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
<td align="right">753</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$8.85</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$90.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$8.95</td>
<td>$8.9</td>
<td>$8.9</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$89.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td align="right">103</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$4.3</td>
<td>$4.25</td>
<td>$4.25</td>
<td>$57.00</td>
<td>$44.2K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td align="right">166</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
Chipotle Mexican Grill is the largest fast-casual chain restaurant in the United States, with systemwide sales of $11.3 billion in 2024. The Mexican concept is almost exclusively company-owned, with just three license stores operated through a master franchise relationship with Alshaya Group in the Middle East. It had a footprint of 3,726 stores at the end of 2024, heavily indexed to the United States, although it maintains a small presence in Canada, the UK, France, and Germany. Chipotle sells burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and beverages, with a selling proposition built around competitive prices, high-quality food sourcing, speed of service, and convenience. The company generates its revenue entirely from restaurant sales and delivery fees.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Chipotle Mexican Grill, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Current Position of Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 5,550,936, the CMG's price is up by 2.01%, now at $51.22. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 22 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
Over the past month, 4 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $64.5.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Stifel has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Chipotle Mexican Grill, which currently sits at a price target of $65. 
&#x2A; In a positive move, an analyst from Loop Capital has upgraded their rating to Buy and adjusted the price target to $65. 
&#x2A; Showing optimism, an analyst from Morgan Stanley upgrades its rating to Overweight with a revised price target of $70. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JP Morgan persists with their Neutral rating on Chipotle Mexican Grill, maintaining a target price of $58. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

What the Options Market Tells Us About Chipotle Mexican Grill

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in CMG usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 18 extraordinary options activities for Chipotle Mexican Grill. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 77% leaning bullish and 16% bearish. Among these notable options, 14 are puts, totaling $2,527,023, and 4 are calls, amounting to $585,540.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $39.0 to $63.8 for Chipotle Mexican Grill over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Chipotle Mexican Grill options trades today is 2485.0 with a total volume of 20,285.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Chipotle Mexican Grill's big money trades within a strike price range of $39.0 to $63.8 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Chipotle Mexican Grill Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743444034_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$1.79</td>
<td>$1.72</td>
<td>$1.72</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$688.0K</td>
<td>10.5K</td>
<td>4.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$0.98</td>
<td>$0.9</td>
<td>$0.91</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$455.0K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>5.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/02/25</td>
<td>$0.34</td>
<td>$0.31</td>
<td>$0.31</td>
<td>$41.00</td>
<td>$386.9K</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$1.05</td>
<td>$1.01</td>
<td>$1.02</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
<td>$341.5K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$3.55</td>
<td>$3.45</td>
<td>$3.46</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$333.3K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
Chipotle Mexican Grill is the largest fast-casual chain restaurant in the United States, with systemwide sales of $11.3 billion in 2024. The Mexican concept is almost exclusively company-owned, with just three license stores operated through a master franchise relationship with Alshaya Group in the Middle East. It had a footprint of 3,726 stores at the end of 2024, heavily indexed to the United States, although it maintains a small presence in Canada, the UK, France, and Germany. Chipotle sells burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and beverages, with a selling proposition built around competitive prices, high-quality food sourcing, speed of service, and convenience. The company generates its revenue entirely from restaurant sales and delivery fees.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Chipotle Mexican Grill, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 6,614,292, the price of CMG is down -1.16% at $49.33. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 23 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $64.5.
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&#x2A; An analyst from Stifel persists with their Buy rating on Chipotle Mexican Grill, maintaining a target price of $65. 
&#x2A; In a positive move, an analyst from Loop Capital has upgraded their rating to Buy and adjusted the price target to $65. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from JP Morgan keeps a Neutral rating on Chipotle Mexican Grill with a target price of $58. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley upgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $70. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Chipotle Mexican Grill options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Behind the Scenes of Chipotle Mexican Grill's Latest Options Trends

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 11.65% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 22.64%. Currently, Chipotle Mexican Grill has a market capitalization of $69.01 billion. 
Buying $100 In CMG: If an investor had bought $100 of CMG stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $2,223.97 today based on a price of $50.92 for CMG at the time of writing.
<h3>Chipotle Mexican Grill's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743109211_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Trading Ideas

Here's How Much $100 Invested In Chipotle Mexican Grill 15 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in CMG usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 10 extraordinary options activities for Chipotle Mexican Grill. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 20% leaning bullish and 50% bearish. Among these notable options, 7 are puts, totaling $2,023,876, and 3 are calls, amounting to $143,940.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $45.0 to $63.0 for Chipotle Mexican Grill over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Chipotle Mexican Grill's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Chipotle Mexican Grill's whale activity within a strike price range from $45.0 to $63.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Chipotle Mexican Grill Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743009338_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$2.37</td>
<td>$2.3</td>
<td>$2.33</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$1.1M</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>5.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$8.45</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$640.0K</td>
<td>5.4K</td>
<td>800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$6.85</td>
<td>$6.55</td>
<td>$6.7</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$68.1K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>102</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/28/25</td>
<td>$0.55</td>
<td>$0.54</td>
<td>$0.54</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$59.8K</td>
<td>3.9K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$14.2</td>
<td>$14.1</td>
<td>$14.2</td>
<td>$63.00</td>
<td>$58.2K</td>
<td>440</td>
<td>41</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
Chipotle Mexican Grill is the largest fast-casual chain restaurant in the United States, with systemwide sales of $11.3 billion in 2024. The Mexican concept is almost exclusively company-owned, with just three license stores operated through a master franchise relationship with Alshaya Group in the Middle East. It had a footprint of 3,726 stores at the end of 2024, heavily indexed to the United States, although it maintains a small presence in Canada, the UK, France, and Germany. Chipotle sells burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and beverages, with a selling proposition built around competitive prices, high-quality food sourcing, speed of service, and convenience. The company generates its revenue entirely from restaurant sales and delivery fees.
In light of the recent options history for Chipotle Mexican Grill, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 4,124,975, the price of CMG is up by 0.79%, reaching $49.9.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 28 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
A total of 4 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $64.5.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley has elevated its stance to Overweight, setting a new price target at $70. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Loop Capital has elevated its stance to Buy, setting a new price target at $65. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Stifel has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Chipotle Mexican Grill, which currently sits at a price target of $65. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from JP Morgan keeps a Neutral rating on Chipotle Mexican Grill with a target price of $58. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Chipotle Mexican Grill

Consumers will likely get a reprieve from the Trump Administration&#8217;s tariffs at least until the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44149833/trump-delays-ford-gm-stellantis-from-from-tariffs-on-mexico-canada-for-one-month">first week of April</a>. Still, the scattershot tariffs, combined with weakening economic data, seem to have spooked investors.
We won&#8217;t know what happens next for a while, but Mexico <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44092335/trumps-tariffs-threaten-canada-mexico-china-and-american-wallets">continues to be a target</a> of the Administration&#8217;s tariff policies.
We&#8217;re already starting to see the effects of this on imports like vehicle parts, electronics and apparel. But the even bigger hit may land on food and beverages. Berries, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, avocados and many more perishables are all imported to the U.S. from Mexico at high rates, especially during the off-season.
Tariffs and uncertainty are already impacting these imports, and more will likely follow. Companies that rely on these imports will struggle to pass on the added costs to their customers.
Let&#8217;s take a look at four food stocks you&#8217;d be wise to avoid.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. </h2>
Let&#8217;s start with the obvious one. Chipotle (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NASDAQ">CMG</a>), whose stock has taken hits from multiple directions over the last few months. For starters, fears of an economic slowdown have shifted how Americans eat, and restaurant sales are beginning to sag as more people choose to eat at home. And now, the promise of tariffs on Mexico threatens to drive up prices for the casual fast-dining chain, which sources many crucial products from Mexico, especially its famous guacamole.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcx4_iWwYRKwRtJVxI0R_h-7vkMzPD-2Y-jY-z-6qiVyqiMneTBS_-ddOVRCiLp-GgBiCtx3YyIrdf7o_NvrpVNzJ5sNHKP9Z7fXXIgKesqmb5sKm1NpMsAdsXbSrtB4-vWRfMAqA?key=t0qZDK9I7zAEqr3n0pxiRKSh" alt="" /></figure>
Chipotle could see severe price increases on its menu items, which source many ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, fresh peppers and spices from Mexico. And while Chipotle's margins are strong compared to competitors like Wendy's or Domino's, gross margins have declined for three consecutive quarters. The stock's valuation is pretty lofty as well, with a 42.7 price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, 2.36 PEG ratio, and a 5.7 Price-to-Sales (P/S) rate. CMG's latest earnings release disappointed investors as the company matched EPS estimates but missed on revenue. Benzinga Edge gives the stock only a 28.28 score for Momentum and 16.29 for Value.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Calavo Growers Inc. </h2>
One of the largest growers of avocados in the world, Calavo Growers (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVGW#NASDAQ">CVGW</a>) would face significant pressure from Mexico tariffs. Calavo sells avocados, tomatoes and fresh papaya to grocery stores, food distributors, clubhouse wholesalers and food service industries. In a sector with already razor-thin margins, Calavo has limited ability to absorb price increases and also limited negotiating power with its clients, who also have thin margins, like grocery stores and wholesalers. 
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf4CgppD4UCDFy-OLP1UK6Zoo1pwE_kEWSlYIEg3Sv6Tta0rwJcu6l80DFSzEMuo-tN3SDPM9roeEuYMNB0kE2zPKrydnLW2ATcb-HzNxxcM0PhfwoOsrySF_8OBXww71svyGPF?key=t0qZDK9I7zAEqr3n0pxiRKSh" alt="" /></figure>
Calavo recently broke a string of 12 consecutive quarters with negative net margins. Still, its valuation remains elevated as the stock trades at 30 times earnings, two times book value and 19.5 times free cash flow. It also grades poorly in two crucial Benzinga Edge metrics: 22.73 in Momentum and 35.38 in Growth. In its most recent earnings release on March 12, the company beat on EPS estimates but missed on revenue. Analysis of CVGW is sparse, with only one firm updating its view so far in 2025. Lake Street analyst Ben Klieve has maintained the stock at Buy but lowered his price target to $35 from $40.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">US Foods Holding Corp. </h2>
Another fresh food distributor with consistent revenue and earnings declines recently is US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USFD#NYSE">USFD</a>), which distributes perishable, non-perishable, and non-food products to restaurants, schools, hospitals, government offices and grocery stores. Customers can get fresh, frozen, or dry food delivered from 70 different locations. The firm lists over 250,000 establishments as clients. US Foods has better profit margins than Calavo, but it&#8217;s still in a very slender range. The company saw its net profit margin shrink in the most recent Q4 earnings release, which was the first margin decline in nearly two years.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfO8JwghAwbl-G6W1wyRtknHgo7u-cNJih9zo4EPIdm6fBkczpmpbeWxxNq9pKodml-sbbMQF7Fl_agiUQ2GPaEjVlbslLCuQWKVOOmJvPibajMxs3SCR75tSfk4kCD_9t1I0vj?key=t0qZDK9I7zAEqr3n0pxiRKSh" alt="" /></figure>
US Foods could suffer from tariffs and declining restaurant foot traffic in the coming months. USFD earnings have been evaporating for three straight quarters and its valuation has gotten stretched. The stock currently trades at 32.7 times earnings, and despite its margin growth, the company still lags behind competitors like Sysco and Mission Produce in turning revenue dollars into actual profit.
Benzinga Edge isn't too fond of the stock's short-term future either, with just a 29.24 Value score and 43.19 Growth score. Some analysts defended the stock in February with price target hikes despite a Q4 revenue. However, EPS and revenue projections for the Q1 report on May 8 are lower than in the three previous quarters.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. </h2>
Don't let the enticing dividend fool you &#8211; Fresh Del Monte Produce (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDP#NYSE">FDP</a>) could struggle in the coming months if tariffs take a bite out of the company's profits. Fresh Del Monte produces and distributes fresh fruit and vegetables, including pineapples, melons, avocados, bananas, non-tropical fruits and other prepared foods. However, alarm bells began to sound in February thanks to a disastrous Q4 earnings report, which saw the company miss EPS estimates by nearly 30% and revenue by almost 2%.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf8D0roez_0diA0WBOEcZ8vW9dUoFGyGLNFFNctpfV8pr38sF3lRyYTChq_-uhOzGiBSjLDwVAj8kxZMVZCxQfBV-JUvdQ85aJqF1RVk985RfG83XFgqnqKWfJnYLuLJb34NXJj?key=t0qZDK9I7zAEqr3n0pxiRKSh" alt="" /></figure>
Fresh Del Monte posted a 3.3% profit margin in the most recent quarter, which is stronger than food giants like Tyson Foods or Archer Daniels but still less attractive than smaller competitors like Cal-Maine Foods and Vital Farms. The stock trades at just 10 times forward earnings with a 0.34 Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio, but Benzinga Edge has poor short-term views for FDP shares thanks to a 52.13 Quality score and a paltry 4.48 Growth score.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Volatility Trading Seminar: How to Find Profit Opportunities in Today's Unstable Market</h2>
Markets are swinging wildly—huge moves, massive opportunities and narrow windows to act. On Sunday, March 23, at 1 PM ET, 35-year Wall Street veteran Matt Maley will reveal his exact volatility trading playbook that he's used to identify profit opportunities, sometimes as high as 100%–450% in the past month. Learn how he's executing real, high-probability setups in today's market. <a href="https://events2.benzinga.com/matt-maley-webinar-sunday-mar23-2025-registration">Register</a> now and reserve your seat.
Photo: Shutterstock

Regulations

Opinion

CVGW

USFD

4 Food Stocks To Consider Dumping As Trump Tariffs On Mexico Loom

Last week, J.P. Morgan analyst John Ivankoe hosted Bloomin&#8217; Brands Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLMN#NASDAQ">BLMN</a>), CAVA Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAVA#NYSE">CAVA</a>), Brinker International Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EAT#NYSE">EAT</a>), and Sweetgreen Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SG#NYSE">SG</a>) at the J.P. Morgan Las Vegas forum.
The analyst noted that the key takeaway from all four companies was the focus on doing &#8220;fewer things better&#8221; and consistently reinvesting in customer and employee experiences.
According to the analyst, stock volatility has created opportunities, with the current 10-year yield of 4.3% helping global QSR valuations, easing fears of a 5-6% yield.
The analyst recommended adding fresh investments in Dutch Bros Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BROS#NYSE">BROS</a>), Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>), and CAVA.
While McDonald&#8217;s Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) and Restaurant Brands International Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QSR#NYSE">QSR</a>) are fairly valued, slower U.S. data and international growth may present better buying opportunities, per the analyst.
Yum! Brands Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YUM#NYSE">YUM</a>) exceeded expectations, benefiting from tech-fee recapture. Domino&#8217;s Pizza Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DPZ#NASDAQ">DPZ</a>) is fairly valued due to high expectations. It remains uncertain if the Middle East conflict&#8217;s impact will drive sustained sales growth or just a leveling out.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44420034/d-waves-new-blockchain-architecture-could-slash-energy-usage-by-1000x" rel="noreferrer noopener">D-Wave Unveils New Blockchain Architecture To Slash Energy Usage</a>
The analyst upgraded the shares of CAVA to Overweight. CAVA has significant potential for expansion in the U.S., with impressive free cash flow generation and a strong pipeline of operational and brand initiatives to drive sales and profits.
The analyst reiterated a Neutral rating on Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) and EAT due to high valuations and peak comps, but remain cautiously optimistic and would consider adding on volatility.
Overweight-rated SG and Krispy Kreme Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DNUT#NASDAQ">DNUT</a>) face sales and profit challenges, with SG offering near-term potential through seasonal menus and loyalty programs.
Following YUM&#8217;s Taco Bell analyst day on March 4, which highlighted the &#8220;Byte by YUM!&#8221; platform and improving KFC international trends, the analyst conducted a full model review and a valuation reset.
Projections include Taco Bell U.S. growing to 9,000 units by 2030 and Taco Bell International expanding to 2,000 units. The analyst assumes KFC international (excluding China) will increase to 22,300 units, while KFC China will reach 19,400.
Compared to previous expectations, only BROS, DPZ, and Taco Bell (YUM) are performing ahead, while high-growth brands like CAVA, SG, Chili&#8217;s, and SBUX are on track.
Larger QSR brands like MCD, BK (QSR), KFC/PH (YUM), and fast-casual chains such as CMG and Shake Shack Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHAK#NYSE">SHAK</a>) are underperforming. Casual dining brands like Darden Restaurants Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) (Olive Garden), Texas Roadhouse Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXRH#NASDAQ">TXRH</a>) (Roadhouse), and BLMN (Outback) are also tracking lower.
The U.S. restaurant labor market remains stable, with open positions at 6.2% of total employment, close to the 20-year average of 4.4%. The quits rate stands at 3.8%, near the historical average of 4.0%.
Consumer confidence has declined, with a focus on the &#8220;expectations&#8221; component, as cautious consumers become more selective in discretionary spending.
Large QSR brands, like MCD and DPZ, report weaker performance among low-income consumers. In contrast, high-growth brands like CAVA are seeing strong growth in the lowest income quartiles, suggesting a shift toward QSR trade-ups and growing brand awareness.
According to the analyst, sourcing talent and retention remain key to building strong brands and scaling operations, mainly during the rapid adoption of in/out-of-store tech.
Total industry supply growth has remained surprisingly resilient, up 12% from third-quarter FY18 to third-quarter FY24 for a CAGR of ~2%, opined the analyst.
So much attention is placed on future AI driven opportunities, but the reality is 40% of the industry sales are from the top 500 chains with a very large addressable market of another 60% are considered to be independents, the analyst noted.
Tariffs are less of an issue for this sector than other industries but related inflation could impact several daily consumer staple commodities including avocados, seasonal produce/fruit and coffee, said the analyst.
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Analyst Color

Upgrades

Reiteration

General

DNUT

TXRH

Is Tariff An Issue For Restaurant Sector? J.P. Morgan Highlights Winners & Losers

JP Morgan analyst John Ivankoe maintains Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $64 to $58.

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on Chipotle Mexican Grill, Lowers Price Target to $58

BKNG

BURL

EXPE

WRBY

Shares of travel, leisure and retail companies are trading higher amid strength in consumer discretionary stocks following the Fed's decision to leave rates unchanged.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is calling out Starbucks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>) after the company paid new CEO Brian Niccol about $96 million for just four months of work last year. In an online post, Sanders criticized the pay package while union workers struggle to secure fair wages.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sanders Slams Starbucks Over Executive Pay</h2>
"If you&#8217;re the Starbucks CEO you get $96 million for 4 months of work including a $5 million bonus. If you&#8217;re a Starbucks union worker, the CEO is refusing to give you a decent raise to pay rent &amp; buy groceries. Starbucks must end its greed &amp; negotiate a fair union contract," Sanders <a href="https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/1899551236954693950">wrote</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">If you&#39;re the Starbucks CEO you get $96 million for 4 months of work including a $5 million bonus. If you&#39;re a Starbucks union worker, the CEO is refusing to give you a decent raise to pay rent &amp; buy groceries. Starbucks must end its greed &amp; negotiate a fair union contract.
&mdash; Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1899551236954693950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
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Niccol, who joined Starbucks in September after being recruited from Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>), received one of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/08/40556572/from-chipotle-to-starbucks-brian-niccols-113m-pay-package-and-its-implications-for-the-coffee-chain">biggest compensation packages</a> in corporate America. About 94% of his pay came from stock awards, most of which are tied to performance, with the rest vesting over three years. He also received a $5 million sign-on bonus just one month after joining the company.
Starbucks ousted its previous CEO last year after declining sales, hoping Niccol could turn the business around. The company did not require him to relocate to Seattle, where it is based, and agreed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40544276/starbucks-gives-new-ceo-brian-niccol-company-jet-to-fly-to-seattle-hq-sparks-environmental-backlash">cover his temporary housing and travel expenses</a>. Starbucks paid over $143,000 for Niccol's housing, with about half going toward tax-related costs. He also racked up $72,000 in flights between his home in Southern California and Seattle, along with $19,000 for other personal use of company aircraft, per filing.
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According to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-24/starbucks-ceo-made-96-million-in-first-four-months-on-the-job">Bloomberg</a>, Niccol's annual pay package was valued at around $113 million at the time of his hiring, largely due to stock awards meant to replace what he lost when leaving Chipotle. This places him among the top 20 highest-paid CEOs in the U.S.
Despite paying its CEO an enormous sum, Starbucks has been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/42905366/starbucks-faces-34-new-union-complaints-amid-rising-tensions-with-workers">battling its unionized workers</a> over better wages and benefits. Workers across the country have pushed for improved pay, arguing that the company's profits should be shared more fairly with employees. Sanders, a longtime labor rights advocate, is pressuring Starbucks to negotiate a fair contract and address worker demands.
In its filing, Starbucks defended Niccol's pay, calling him a "highly sought-after, effective leader with a proven track record" who has the experience to drive the company's growth. However, as tensions between corporate leadership and union workers continue to escalate, the debate over executive pay and labor rights at Starbucks is far from over.
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'Starbucks Must End Its Greed'—Bernie Sanders Calls Out Starbucks CEO For Getting $96 Million For 4 Months Of Work

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Goldman Sachs cut Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OSK#NYSE">OSK</a>) price target from $135 to $116. Goldman Sachs analyst Jerry Revich maintained a Neutral rating. Oshkosh shares closed at $95.54 on Tuesday. See how other <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/OSK/analyst-ratings">analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>TD Securities slashed the price target for BP p.l.c. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BP#NYSE">BP</a>) from $40 to $36. TD Securities analyst Jason Gabelman downgraded the stock from Buy to Hold. BP shares closed at $34.22 on Tuesday. See how other<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BP/analyst-ratings"> analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Scotiabank raised The Mosaic Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOS#NYSE">MOS</a>) price target from $31 to $34. Scotiabank analyst Ben Isaacson maintained a Sector Outperform rating. Mosaic shares closed at $27.20 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MOS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stoc</a>k.</li>
<li>Citigroup cut the price target for THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THO#NYSE">THO</a>) from $94 to $86. Citigroup analyst James Hardiman downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral. THOR Industries shares closed at $81.80 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/THO/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>JP Morgan cut the price target for Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VMC#NYSE">VMC</a>) from $290 to $285. JP Morgan analyst Adrian Huerta upgraded the stock from Neutral to Overweight. Vulcan Materials shares closed at $236.50 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VMC/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Mizuho cut Accenture plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) price target from $428 to $398. Mizuho analyst Dan Dolev maintained an Outperform rating. Accenture shares settled at $324.07 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ACN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Stifel lowered Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) price target from $68 to $65. Stifel analyst Chris O&#8217;Cull maintained a Buy rating. Chipotle shares closed at $47.79 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CMG/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>B of A Securities raised Corning Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLW#NYSE">GLW</a>) price target from $65 to $68. B of A Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan maintained a Buy rating. Corning shares closed at $47.27 on Tuesday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GLW/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Baird increased the price target for RTX Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) from $136 to $160. Baird analyst Peter Arment upgraded the stock from Neutral to Outperform. RTX shares settled at $132.69 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RTX/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Baird slashed Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>) price target from $490 to $410. Baird analyst Rob Oliver maintained a Neutral rating. Adobe shares closed at $391.37 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ADBE/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
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ADBE

Corning To Rally Around 44%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Wednesday

In the preceding three months, 18 analysts have released ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>), presenting a wide array of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
Summarizing their recent assessments, the table below illustrates the evolving sentiments in the past 30 days and compares them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets, analyzed by analysts, offer insights with an average target of $66.61, a high estimate of $75.00, and a low estimate of $59.00. Highlighting a 0.49% decrease, the current average has fallen from the previous average price target of $66.94. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742389227_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look</h2>
In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive Chipotle Mexican Grill. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Chris O'Cull</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$68.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alton Stump</td>
<td>Loop Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$58.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Harbour</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris O'Cull</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$68.00</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Mullan</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zachary Fadem</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Tower</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$69.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Gonzalez</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$64.00</td>
<td>$66.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeffrey Bernstein</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$63.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Setyan</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$64.00</td>
<td>$69.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$61.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Vaccaro</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$69.00</td>
<td>$72.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Logan Reich</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Danilo Gargiulo</td>
<td>Bernstein</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Tower</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$69.00</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Setyan</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$69.00</td>
<td>$69.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeffrey Bernstein</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$63.00</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Bittner</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$69.00</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Chipotle Mexican Grill. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of Chipotle Mexican Grill compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Chipotle Mexican Grill's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of Chipotle Mexican Grill's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CMG/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Chipotle Mexican Grill analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About Chipotle Mexican Grill</h2>
Chipotle Mexican Grill is the largest fast-casual chain restaurant in the United States, with systemwide sales of $11.3 billion in 2024. The Mexican concept is almost exclusively company-owned, with just three license stores operated through a master franchise relationship with Alshaya Group in the Middle East. It had a footprint of 3,726 stores at the end of 2024, heavily indexed to the United States, although it maintains a small presence in Canada, the UK, France, and Germany. Chipotle sells burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and beverages, with a selling proposition built around competitive prices, high-quality food sourcing, speed of service, and convenience. The company generates its revenue entirely from restaurant sales and delivery fees.
<h3>Financial Milestones: Chipotle Mexican Grill's Journey</h3>
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Chipotle Mexican Grill's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 13.07% as of 31 December, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Discretionary sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Chipotle Mexican Grill's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 11.66% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Chipotle Mexican Grill's ROE falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of 9.13%, the company may face hurdles in generating optimal returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 3.64%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24, Chipotle Mexican Grill adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know</h2>
Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Demystifying Chipotle Mexican Grill: Insights From 18 Analyst Reviews

Stifel analyst Chris O'Cull maintains Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $68 to $65.

Stifel Maintains Buy on Chipotle Mexican Grill, Lowers Price Target to $65

Chipotle Mexican Grill's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) short percent of float has fallen 23.39% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 17.59 million shares sold short, which is 1.31% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.24 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Chipotle Mexican Grill Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742220928_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Chipotle Mexican Grill has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Chipotle Mexican Grill's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Chipotle Mexican Grill's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 10.25%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

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