Truist Securities analysts reiterated a Buy rating and $72.00 price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG), viewing the recent appointment of Scott Boatwright as permanent CEO as a positive move for the company. Recognizing Chipotle as a fundamentally operations-focused business, the analysts see Boatwright’s experience as aligning well with the company’s strengths.
Chipotle’s appeal to consumers has remained steady, with a core menu that has largely been consistent since the company’s founding. Recent sales growth has been driven by factors such as seasonal menu innovations, increased digital sales, and stronger marketing efforts.
However, Truist believes Chipotle’s operational improvements have been the primary catalyst for its sustained recovery since its food-safety challenges in 2015-2016. Boatwright, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer since joining Chipotle in 2017, brings extensive experience in operational leadership from his 18-year tenure at Arby’s, where he last held the position of Senior Vice President of Operations.