News Summary

• Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) is a solid company with robust margins and a strong balance sheet, yet its stock still appears expensive.
• Growth has decelerated, valuations continue to be high, and consumer weakness could result in turbulent quarters ahead.
• The S&P 500 has climbed 13% in 2025, whereas Chipotle is lagging behind, even as struggling Starbucks stock (NASDAQ: SBUX) is down by a smaller 12%.
• Certainly, the brand is expanding internationally, venturing into Asia, and introducing new menu offerings, but this does not render the stock affordable.