Chipotle Mexican Grill reported a 2.5% drop in same-store sales, driven by a 3.2% decline in restaurant transactions during the fourth quarter, the Newport Beach-based company reported today after the market closed.
In after-hours trading, the company’s stock dropped nearly 7% to $36.49 a piece with a market cap of $53 billion.
In 2025, comparable restaurant sales decreased 1.7%. The chain said it expects comparable restaurant sales for 2026 — a key financial metric — to be about flat.
The fast-casual chain reported $3 billion in fourth quarter revenue, up 4.9%. Part of the growth was due to new restaurant growth, as the company opened 132 stores during the quarter.
During the earnings call, CEO Scott Boatwright said the chain plans to make changes to its rewards program to boost in-store transactions. He said the company is also looking to reengage with younger consumers, and lower-income guests.
“Our digital team worked wonders as it relates to finding ways to gamify the experience and create rewards that were meaningful enough to drive that cohort back into our restaurants,” Boatwright said.
