10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2019

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2019

Filed April 25, 2019For Securities:CMG

Summary

Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) reported a strong first quarter for 2019, with revenue increasing by 13.9% year-over-year to $1.31 billion. This growth was driven by a significant 9.9% increase in comparable restaurant sales, indicating improving customer traffic and average check sizes. The company also saw a healthy increase in sales from out-of-restaurant orders, which now represent 15.7% of total revenue. Management expressed confidence in continued mid to high single-digit comparable sales growth for the full year. Despite a notable increase in general and administrative expenses primarily due to higher performance-based compensation and corporate restructuring costs, profitability improved. Net income rose to $88.1 million from $59.4 million in the prior year period, and diluted EPS increased to $3.13 from $2.13. The company also successfully adopted the new lease accounting standard (ASC 842) as of January 1, 2019, which significantly impacted the balance sheet by adding substantial operating lease assets and liabilities. Cash flow from operations remained robust, providing ample liquidity for ongoing operations, growth initiatives, and share repurchases.

Financial Highlights

46 data points
Beta

Revenue

$1.31B

Net Income

$88.13M

6.7% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.06

Total Assets

$4.63B

Cash & Equivalents

$277.66M

Free Cash Flow

$118.36M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.31B
Operating Expenses$1.20B
Operating Income$110.16M
Net Income$88.13M
EPS (Basic)$0.06
EPS (Diluted)$0.06
Shares Outstanding (Basic)1.38B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)1.41B

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 13.9% to $1.31 billion, driven by strong comparable restaurant sales growth of 9.9%.
  • 2Net income grew significantly to $88.1 million, up from $59.4 million in the prior year's first quarter.
  • 3Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose to $3.13 from $2.13 year-over-year.
  • 4Sales from out-of-restaurant orders (digital/delivery) accelerated, reaching 15.7% of total revenue.
  • 5The company adopted new lease accounting standards (ASC 842) effective January 1, 2019, resulting in significant additions to operating lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.
  • 6General and administrative expenses increased by 33.2%, largely due to higher stock-based compensation, bonuses, and corporate restructuring costs.
  • 7The company continues its share repurchase program, with $105.1 million remaining availability under authorized programs as of March 31, 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of revenue growth was a strong increase in comparable restaurant sales, which rose by 9.9%. This indicates improved customer traffic and an increase in the average check size.

The adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, resulted in the recognition of significant operating lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. For example, total operating lease liabilities reached approximately $2.67 billion.

G&A expenses increased primarily due to higher performance-based compensation (including stock-based compensation and bonuses), corporate restructuring costs related to office consolidations, and increased expenses for outside services supporting restaurant growth and modernization efforts.

Chipotle expects full-year 2019 comparable restaurant sales increases to be in the mid to high single digits. This guidance includes the impact of revenue deferral related to their new Chipotle Rewards loyalty program.