Sei Investments Co. Lowers Stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. $CMG

Sei Investments Co. cut its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) by 15.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 448,916 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock after selling 84,985 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co.’s holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $14,368,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 4th quarter worth approximately $711,837,000. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC lifted its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 156.9% during the 4th quarter. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 58,269 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $2,156,000 after buying an additional 35,589 shares during the period. Marsico Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 234.4% in the fourth quarter. Marsico Capital Management LLC now owns 380,677 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $14,085,000 after acquiring an additional 266,835 shares during the period. BW Gestao de Investimentos Ltda. bought a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 4th quarter valued at $2,890,000. Finally, US Bancorp DE grew its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 33.4% during the fourth quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 649,041 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $24,015,000 after purchasing an additional 162,392 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.30% of the company’s stock.

Chipotle Mexican Grill News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Chipotle Mexican Grill this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Chipotle reported adjusted earnings of $0.33 per share versus the $0.32 consensus estimate, while revenue rose 9.3% year over year to $3.35 billion, ahead of expectations for $3.33 billion. Chipotle shares rise on quarterly earnings beat, raised outlook
• Positive Sentiment: Comparable restaurant sales increased 2.2%, supported by improving transactions, value deals, menu changes and stronger digital engagement. Management also raised its full-year comparable-sales forecast, signaling greater confidence in demand. Chipotle raises annual sales forecast
• Positive Sentiment: Restaurant expansion remains a growth driver: Chipotle opened 100 locations during the quarter, while its Rewards program, digital channels and “Recipe for Growth” initiatives continue to support sales momentum. Chipotle Q2 earnings call highlights growth strategy
• Positive Sentiment: Several analysts responded favorably: DA Davidson raised its price target to $50 and maintained a buy rating, while TD Cowen and BTIG reaffirmed buy ratings with targets of $44 and $45, respectively. Analysts increase forecasts after strong Q2 results
• Neutral Sentiment: Options activity was elevated, with investors purchasing 54,598 call options, about 28% above typical daily call volume. This indicates increased short-term bullish positioning but does not necessarily reflect a change in Chipotle’s fundamentals.
• Negative Sentiment: Margins remain a concern as labor and other operating costs pressure profitability. Management also acknowledged softer traffic in late July, partly linked to consumer concerns about a cyclospora outbreak, although Chipotle said it was not involved in the outbreak. Chipotle stock jumped on improving traffic
• Negative Sentiment: The post-earnings rally leaves valuation demanding, while Piper Sandler lowered its price target to $39 despite retaining an overweight rating. Investors may therefore focus increasingly on sustained traffic gains and margin recovery.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently commented on CMG shares. Weiss Ratings downgraded Chipotle Mexican Grill from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “sell (d+)” rating in a research note on Friday, July 24th. Guggenheim cut their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $36.00 to $35.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 1st. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $40.00 to $38.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 30th. BTIG Research restated a “buy” rating and issued a $45.00 target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Stephens reiterated a “positive” rating and issued a $40.00 price objective (up from $36.00) on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Thursday. Twenty-four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $43.95.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Performance

CMG opened at $38.54 on Friday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 52-week low of $28.03 and a 52-week high of $44.27. The stock has a market capitalization of $49.44 billion, a PE ratio of 35.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 0.97. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $32.76 and its 200-day moving average price is $34.60.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.32 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $3.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $3.33 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 51.64% and a net margin of 11.43%.The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.33 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant company known for its Mexican-inspired menu of burritos, bowls, tacos and salads. Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, the chain emphasizes fresh, customizable meals made from a limited menu of core ingredients and a focus on ingredient quality. Chipotle operates primarily company-owned restaurants and offers dine-in, takeout, catering and delivery through its own digital platforms and third-party partners.

The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and traces its roots to Denver, Colorado.