10-KPeriod: FY2014

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL INC Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2014

Filed February 4, 2015For Securities:CMG

Summary

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) reported strong financial performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, demonstrating robust revenue growth and profitability. The company achieved a significant increase in revenue, primarily driven by comparable restaurant sales growth and the opening of new locations. This growth reflects the continued strong consumer demand for Chipotle's "Food With Integrity" concept and its unique fast-casual dining experience. Key financial highlights include a notable increase in total revenue and income from operations. The company continued its aggressive expansion strategy, opening a substantial number of new restaurants, which contributed significantly to sales growth. Management emphasized its commitment to "Food With Integrity" by focusing on high-quality ingredients, though supply chain challenges for "Responsibly Raised" meats were noted, impacting the availability of certain items like carnitas in early 2015. The company also continued its share repurchase program, indicating confidence in its financial health and commitment to shareholder returns.

Financial Highlights

44 data points
Beta

Net Income

$445.37M

EPS (Diluted)

$0.28

Total Assets

$2.53B

Cash & Equivalents

$419.46M

Free Cash Flow

$429.48M

Financial Statements
Beta
Operating Expenses$3.40B
Operating Income$710.80M
Net Income$445.37M
EPS (Basic)$0.29
EPS (Diluted)$0.28
Shares Outstanding (Basic)1.55B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)1.58B

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 27.8% to $4.108 billion in 2014, up from $3.215 billion in 2013.
  • 2Comparable restaurant sales increased by 16.8% in 2014, driven by customer visits and average check price increases.
  • 3Chipotle opened 192 new restaurants in 2014, bringing the total to 1,783, and planned to open 190-205 in 2015.
  • 4Income from operations grew by 33.4% to $710.8 million in 2014.
  • 5The company's "Food With Integrity" philosophy remains central, focusing on responsibly sourced ingredients, though supply chain challenges were noted.
  • 6Chipotle repurchased $88 million of its common stock in 2014 under authorized programs.
  • 7Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) increased to $14.13 in 2014 from $10.47 in 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chipotle's revenue growth in 2014 was primarily driven by two factors: comparable restaurant sales increases, which rose by 16.8%, and the opening of new restaurants. New restaurant openings contributed $364.7 million to the sales increase, while comparable sales added $530.0 million, largely due to increased customer visits and a higher average check price, partly from menu price increases.

Key risks include challenges in sourcing 'Responsibly Raised' ingredients, which can lead to supply shortages and impact menu availability (e.g., carnitas). The company also faces risks related to its aggressive expansion strategy, including the potential for new restaurants to not be profitable or to cannibalize sales from existing locations. Other significant risks include increased labor and food costs, competition, and potential negative publicity related to food safety or sourcing issues.

While Chipotle is expanding its footprint with these concepts (nine ShopHouse and two Pizzeria Locale restaurants), the company's immediate focus remains on growing the core Chipotle brand. These concepts are considered experimental, and the company does not expect them to contribute meaningfully to overall growth in the near term. Further expansion will depend on their success and alignment with Chipotle's strategic priorities.

Chipotle is actively auditing its suppliers and, when standards are not met, has suspended purchases (e.g., a pork supplier in early 2015). When 'Responsibly Raised' meats are unavailable, the company may serve conventionally raised meat and clearly discloses this to customers. They are working to find additional sources that meet their standards to mitigate these supply constraints and ensure consistent quality.