Chipotle (CMG) earnings preview: bright times ahead?Investors are excited about the new CEO's (Brian Niccol) ability to reinvigorate the brand. Niccol and the overhauled executive team are saying all the right things to drive guest traffic in the near term (most notably, digital order pickup shelves, in-app delivery and catering functionality, and an afternoon taco/drink value platform), while shoring up the expense structure (a corporate reorganization that would eliminate multiple layers of corporate expenses and close 55-65 underperforming stores).
The Chipotle brand could go a long way under Niccol's leadership, given several new products in the pipeline (quesadillas, nachos, avocado tostadas, chocolate milkshakes) that should stimulate consumer curiosity without adding undue operational complexity. Other encouraging developments are the introduction of a rewards program, along with new ingredients, sauces, and portion sizes, as well as the possibility of technology-infused layouts.
www.finstead.com
