Expansion StrategyUnit growth is a clear strong suit for CMG, which should continue and support valuation, and while the scenarios for international growth are still wide, inevitably it will be part of the conversation and offers some early wins, which extends the unit growth story.
Financial HealthCMG's enviable balance sheet ($750M cash, no debt, $1.5B of FCF just last year) gives it optionality with regards to existing store investment, tech spend, new development, or return of capital.
Product OfferingThe Chipotle Honey Chicken limited time offering is expected to be accretive to gross margins and has shown the highest incidence rate of any item tested in the management's long restaurant career.