Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (CMG) Builds Momentum Through Expansion and Strong Unit Growth

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE:CMG) is one of the best stocks to buy, according to billionaire Bill Ackman. On January 5, TD Cowen touted Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE:CMG)’s first quarter and full year 2026 same-store sales estimates, insisting they are achievable based on current projections.

Consequently, the research firm raised its price target to $44 from $40 while reiterating its Buy rating. The price target hike comes amid the firm downplaying previous management comments that the company would start 2026 at a negative baseline. Likewise, the firm insists that the recent market weakness is not company-specific but industry-wide.

Telsey Advisory Group shares similar sentiments, insisting softness in Chipotle’s business is due to macro pressure on consumer spending rather than structural weakness. Similarly, the firm has reiterated an Outperform rating on the stock with a $50 price target.

According to the firm, Chipotle is well-positioned to become a leading global restaurant brand, given its healthy multi-year unit growth prospects in North America. In addition, the restaurant chain is well-positioned to unlock new growth opportunities across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) is a global fast-casual restaurant chain known for customizable burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads, emphasizing high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients and classic cooking methods, operating over 3,900 locations by late 2025.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.