Shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill reported second quarter earnings that exceeded analysts’ expectations.
The fast casual restaurant chain's net income came in at $6.60 a share, compared to the $6.50 per share predicted by analysts surveyed by FactSet. The earnings were also higher than the year-ago quarter’s 29 cents. Adjusted earnings for the quarter were $7.46 a share, also topping analysts’ estimate of $6.53; the figure is also above the year-ago quarter’s 40 cents.
Revenue rose +39% year-over-year to $1.89 billion in the quarter, compared to analysts’ estimate of $1.88 billion.
Chipotle has projected comparable restaurant sales growth in the low- to mid-double digits for the third quarter.
Chipotle Chief Executive Brian Niccol indicated that the company is optimistic on achieving its goal of $3 million average unit volumes with “industry leading returns” on invested capital that are expected to improve as it continues to add Chipotlane drive-through lanes.