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Let’s dig into the relative performance of Chipotle (NYSE:CMG) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q4 modern fast food earnings season.
Modern fast food is a relatively newer category representing a middle ground between traditional fast food and sit-down restaurants. These establishments feature an expanded menu selection priced above traditional fast food options, often incorporating fresher and cleaner ingredients to serve customers prioritizing quality. These eateries are capitalizing on the perception that your drive-through burger and fries joint is detrimental to your health because of inferior ingredients.
The 7 modern fast food stocks we track reported a mixed Q4. As a group, revenues along with next quarter’s revenue guidance were in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.
Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 14.9% since the latest earnings results.
Chipotle (NYSE:CMG)
Born from a desire to offer quick meals with fresh, flavorful ingredients, Chipotle (NYSE:CMG) is a fast-food chain known for its healthy, Mexican-inspired cuisine and customizable dishes.
Chipotle reported revenues of $2.85 billion, up 13.1% year on year. This print was in line with analysts’ expectations, but overall, it was a slower quarter for the company with a slight miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and same-store sales in line with analysts’ estimates.
"Chipotle had another outstanding year, delivering strong transaction driven comps each quarter, expanding margins, adding over 300 new restaurants, gaining momentum in key industry leading brand metrics, making progress on many restaurant operating initiatives and building our footprint internationally," said Scott Boatwright, CEO, Chipotle.
The stock is down 16.7% since reporting and currently trades at $49.18.
Is now the time to buy Chipotle? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Best Q4: CAVA (NYSE:CAVA)
Starting from a single Washington, D.C. location, CAVA (NYSE:CAVA) operates a fast-casual restaurant chain offering customizable Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
CAVA reported revenues of $227.4 million, up 28.3% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 2.2%. The business had a very strong quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ EPS and same-store sales estimates.
CAVA achieved the biggest analyst estimates beat and fastest revenue growth among its peers. Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 17.9% since reporting. It currently trades at $81.51.