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Compared to Estimates, Chipotle (CMG) Q3 Earnings: A Look at Key Metrics

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Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG - Free Report) reported $3.29 billion in revenue for the quarter ended September 2026, representing a year-over-year increase of 9.7%. EPS of $0.27 for the same period compares to $0.29 a year ago.

The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.29 billion, representing a surprise of +0.16%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of -6.9%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.29.

While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.

As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.

Here is how Chipotle performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
  • Company-operated restaurants at end of period: 4,267 versus the seven-analyst average estimate of 4,270.
  • Comparable restaurant sales increase: 2.1% versus 1.4% estimated by seven analysts on average.
  • Company-operated restaurants opened: 84 versus 89 estimated by four analysts on average.
  • Average restaurant sales - TTM: $3.11 million compared to the $3.09 million average estimate based on three analysts.
  • Company-operated restaurants at beginning of period: 4,186 versus the two-analyst average estimate of 4,186.
  • Revenue- Food and beverage: $3.28 billion versus $3.26 billion estimated by six analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +9.7% change.
  • Revenue- Delivery service: $15.22 million compared to the $15.39 million average estimate based on four analysts. The reported number represents a change of +7.3% year over year.

View all Key Company Metrics for Chipotle here>>>

Shares of Chipotle have returned -12.2% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.2% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

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