Chipotle jumps as sales forecast raise overshadows cyclosporiasis outbreak concerns
CMG•Sales outlook and earnings beat
The company raised its annual sales forecast on Wednesday but said the third quarter could be its toughest after a late-July cyclosporiasis outbreak hurt consumer confidence.
Chipotle expects fiscal 2026 comparable restaurant sales growth in the low-single digits percentage, up from its previous forecast of roughly flat growth.
The company posted adjusted profit of 33 cents per share, ahead of analysts' estimate of 32 cents.
Shares surge after forecast raise
Shares of burrito chain Chipotle Mexican Grill CMG.N rose as much as 14.2% to $39.09, their highest since February 2026.
If gains hold, the stock is on track for its best day since July 2022.
Analyst view and recent performance
Jefferies said trends improved through the quarter before easing recently on Cyclospora concerns, but Chipotle remains on track to achieve its raised low single-digit same-store sales growth target.
Twenty-seven of 37 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, while 10 rate it "hold"; their median price target is $44, according to LSEG-compiled data.
Up to the previous day's close, the stock was down about 7.5% year to date.
