10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2020

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2020

Filed April 29, 2020For Securities:CMG

Summary

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) reported its first quarter 2020 results on April 28, 2020, for the period ending March 31, 2020. The quarter was significantly impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a substantial decline in comparable restaurant sales in March. Despite this, overall revenue saw a modest increase of 7.8% to $1.41 billion, driven by a strong performance in the first two months of the quarter before the pandemic's full impact was felt. Net income decreased to $76.4 million ($2.70 per diluted share) compared to $88.1 million ($3.13 per diluted share) in the prior year, partly due to increased costs associated with the pandemic and certain one-time charges. The company has implemented aggressive cost-saving measures and is adapting its operations to focus on digital orders, takeout, and delivery services. While facing significant challenges, Chipotle maintained a strong cash position and liquidity, suspending its share repurchase program and adjusting capital expenditures to navigate the uncertain economic environment.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.41B
Operating Expenses$1.34B
Operating Income$71.12M
Net Income$76.39M
EPS (Basic)$0.06
EPS (Diluted)$0.05
Shares Outstanding (Basic)1.39B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)1.42B

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 7.8% to $1.41 billion, though comparable restaurant sales declined significantly in March due to COVID-19.
  • 2Digital sales surged by 80.8% to $371.8 million, representing 26.3% of total sales, with a substantial acceleration in March due to free delivery promotions.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share decreased to $2.70 from $3.13 in the prior year, impacted by COVID-19 related costs and other charges.
  • 4The company reported increased restaurant operating costs as a percentage of revenue (82.4% vs. 79.0%), primarily due to temporary impacts from COVID-19 on labor and food costs.
  • 5Chipotle opened 19 new restaurants in the quarter but has begun to see construction delays and has preemptively delayed new projects due to COVID-19.
  • 6The company has suspended its stock buyback program and implemented a short-term cash preservation strategy in response to the pandemic's economic uncertainty.
  • 7Chipotle announced a Deferred Prosecution Agreement to resolve a DOJ investigation, agreeing to pay a $25 million fine and enhance its compliance program.

Frequently Asked Questions

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact, particularly in March. Dining rooms were closed, leading to a sharp decline in comparable restaurant sales (-16.0% in March). However, digital sales (takeout, delivery) surged significantly, helping to offset some of the decline. The company also incurred increased operating costs related to employee support, sanitation, and supply chain adjustments.

Chipotle opened 19 new restaurants in the first quarter. However, due to COVID-19, the company has begun to experience construction delays and has preemptively delayed groundbreaking on the majority of new projects in April 2020. The company has withdrawn its previously issued guidance for new restaurant openings for fiscal year 2020.

In response to the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19, Chipotle temporarily suspended its stock repurchase program in March 2020. As of March 31, 2020, there was approximately $115 million available under announced repurchase authorizations.

Chipotle announced on April 21, 2020, that it had signed a Deferred Prosecution Agreement to resolve a criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Under the agreement, Chipotle will pay a $25 million fine and enhance its compliance program. If Chipotle complies with the agreement for three years, the DOJ will move to dismiss the charges.