Chipotle’s Growth Moderates
Burrito chain Chipotle (click ticker for report: ) reported solid, but slowing, third quarter results Thursday afternoon. Revenue increased 18.5% year-over-year to $700.5 million, while earnings grew 19.5% year-over-year to $2.27, both slightly below consensus expectations. Though both growth rates are still impressive, the sequential slowdown in same-store sales indicates that the excitement surrounding new food offerings (Doritos tacos, its Cantina Bell menu) at Taco Bell (click ticker for report: ) are stealing the moment. Same-store sales grew 4.8% during the quarter, compared to 8% during the second quarter, and 12% during the first quarter. The firm doesn’t see things getting much better, forecasting mid-single-digit same-store sales growth during the fourth quarter, and flat-to-low single digits expansion during 2013. Management … Read more