10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2006

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2006

Filed May 9, 2006For Securities:CMG

Summary

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (CMG) reported strong revenue growth of 40.2% to $187.0 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to the prior year. This growth was driven by both new restaurant openings and a significant comparable restaurant sales increase of 19.7%, indicating robust customer demand and effective brand awareness initiatives. Net income more than tripled to $8.0 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, up from $2.6 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the same period last year. The company completed its initial public offering (IPO) in January 2006, raising approximately $120.9 million in net proceeds. These funds are earmarked for business expansion, primarily new restaurant openings, and general corporate purposes. A significant development is McDonald's Corporation's announced plan to reduce its ownership in Chipotle by year-end 2006, which will likely lead to increased operating costs as Chipotle transitions to a fully independent public company. Financially, the company ended the quarter with a strong cash position of $133.5 million. While operating costs increased due to expansion and public company requirements, key operating metrics like food costs and labor costs as a percentage of revenue improved, demonstrating operational efficiencies. The company plans to open 80-90 new restaurants in 2006, underscoring its aggressive growth strategy.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased by 40.2% to $187.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, driven by new restaurant openings and strong comparable sales.
  • 2Comparable restaurant sales increased by 19.7%, indicating healthy customer traffic and brand appeal.
  • 3Net income more than tripled to $8.0 million ($0.26 per diluted share) compared to $2.6 million ($0.10 per diluted share) in the prior year's quarter.
  • 4Completed an initial public offering (IPO) in January 2006, raising approximately $120.9 million in net proceeds for growth initiatives.
  • 5Cash and cash equivalents stood at a strong $133.5 million as of March 31, 2006.
  • 6McDonald's Corporation announced plans to reduce its ownership stake significantly by the end of 2006, transitioning Chipotle to full independence.
  • 7Plans to open 80-90 new restaurants in 2006, with 15 opened in the first quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chipotle's revenue growth was primarily driven by a combination of new restaurant openings and a strong 19.7% increase in comparable restaurant sales. The company opened 15 new restaurants in the quarter, contributing to the overall sales increase, alongside a significant rise in sales from established locations.

The IPO, completed in January 2006, provided Chipotle with approximately $120.9 million in net proceeds. This infusion of capital strengthened the company's balance sheet, increasing its cash and cash equivalents to $133.5 million, and provides funding for future growth, particularly for opening new restaurants and general corporate purposes.

McDonald's, the majority owner, has announced its intention to significantly reduce its stake and ultimately separate its interest by the end of 2006. This means Chipotle will transition to becoming a fully independent public company. While this offers strategic freedom, it is expected to lead to increased operating costs as Chipotle will need to establish its own service providers for various functions previously supported by McDonald's.

Yes, effective January 1, 2006, Chipotle adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Staff Position No. FAS 13-1. This change requires rental costs incurred during a construction period (pre-opening rent) to be expensed, rather than capitalized. This adoption led to an increase in reported pre-opening expenses for the current quarter compared to prior periods under the old accounting method.