Chipotle Misses Earnings But Reports Third Quarter of Same-Store Sales Growth

29 October 2026 · Source balance: Centre

Chipotle Mexican Grill reported mixed third-quarter results on October 28, 2026. The company missed earnings expectations with adjusted earnings of 27 cents per share versus 29 cents expected, and saw its restaurant-level operating margin decline to 23.3 percent from 24.5 percent. However, the company beat on same-store sales, reporting 2.1 percent growth compared to analyst expectations of 1.5 percent, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive sales growth. Revenue reached 3.29 billion dollars, matching expectations. The stock surged approximately 7 to 9 percent in after-hours trading. Rising labor costs from wage inflation and new marketing expenses pressured profitability, though the company maintained positive transaction growth of 0.8 percent and strong digital sales at 38.8 percent of total revenue. Management expressed confidence in fourth-quarter performance and reiterated full-year guidance for low single-digit same-store sales growth.