CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL INC - Quarter Report: 2020 June (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-Q

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xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020

or

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to

Commission File Number: 1-32731

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CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (949) 524-4000

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes       No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    ¨  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No

As of July 24, 2020, there were 27,967,625 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value of $0.01 per share outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share data)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

‎

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollar and share amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

(unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation and Update to Accounting Policy

In this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively referred to as “Chipotle,” “we,” “us,” or “our.”

We develop and operate restaurants that serve a relevant menu of burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, and salads, made using fresh, high-quality ingredients. As of June 30, 2020, we operated 2,626 Chipotle restaurants throughout the United States as well as 40 international Chipotle restaurants. We are also an investor in a consolidated entity that owns and operates three Pizzeria Locale restaurants, a fast-casual pizza concept. We manage our operations based on eight regions and have aggregated our operations to one reportable segment.

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial statements and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full year. The financial statements and related notes do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for annual reports. This quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Updates to Significant Accounting Policies

On January 1, 2020 we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)”, along with related clarifications and improvements. As a result, we updated our significant accounting policies for the measurement of credit losses below. Refer to Note 2. “Recent Accounting Standards” for information related to the impact of the adoption of Topic 326 on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Allowance for Credit Losses

We closely monitor accounts receivable and held to maturity investment balances and estimate the allowance for credit losses. Our estimate is based on historical collection experience, external market data and other factors, including those related to current market conditions and events. Our credit losses associated with accounts receivable and held to maturity investments have not historically been material.

2. Recent Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740)”, which modifies certain technical guidelines for accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, but do not expect the adoption of ASU 2019-12 will result in a material change to our consolidated financial statements.

We reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they were either not applicable or not expected to have a significant impact to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

On January 1, 2020 we adopted ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)”, along with related clarifications and improvements. This pronouncement requires companies to measure credit losses utilizing a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires a consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. We adopted the standard using the modified-retrospective approach as of the effective date and therefore, we have not applied the standard to the comparative periods presented in our condensed consolidated financial statements. The modified-retrospective approach requires an entity to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which this guidance is effective. As of January 1, 2020, the adoption of this standard resulted in a net increase to the allowance for credit losses of $1,414, a decrease to our deferred income tax liability of $363, and a decrease to retained earnings of $1,051.

On January 1, 2020 we adopted ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40)”: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”), which clarifies the accounting for implementation costs in cloud computing arrangements. We adopted the standard prospectively on January 1, 2020. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2018-15, we capitalized implementation costs incurred during the application development phase of cloud computing arrangements to leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net on our consolidated balance sheets and have recognized expense over the useful life of the related asset within depreciation and amortization on our condensed consolidated statements of income. Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2018-15, we capitalize such costs within prepaid expenses and other current assets or other assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets and recognize expense over the expected contract term within general and administrative expenses or other operating costs on our condensed consolidated statements of income, consistent with where the expense associated with the hosting element of the arrangement are presented. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not result in a material change to our condensed consolidated financial statements. 

3. Revenue Recognition

Gift Cards

We sell gift cards, which do not have expiration dates and we do not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. Gift card balances are initially recorded as unearned revenue. We recognize revenue from gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer. Historically, the majority of gift cards are redeemed within one year. In addition, based on historical redemption rates, a portion of gift cards are not expected to be redeemed and will be recognized as breakage over time in proportion to gift card redemptions. The breakage rates are based on company and program specific information, including historical redemption patterns, and expected remittance to government agencies under unclaimed property laws, if applicable. We evaluate our breakage rate estimate annually, or more frequently as circumstances warrant, and apply that rate to gift card redemptions. Gift card liability balances are typically highest at the end of each calendar year following increased gift card sales during the holiday season; accordingly, revenue recognized from gift card liability balances is highest in the first quarter of each calendar year.

The gift card liability included in unearned revenue on the condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows:

Revenue recognized from the redemption of gift cards that was included in unearned revenue at the beginning of the year was as follows:

Chipotle Rewards

During the first quarter of 2019, we launched a national loyalty program called Chipotle Rewards. Eligible customers who enroll in the program generally earn points for every dollar spent. After accumulating a certain number of points, the customer earns a reward that can be redeemed for a free entrée. We may also periodically offer promotions, which provide the customer with the opportunity to earn bonus points or free food vouchers (“Bonus Vouchers”). Earned rewards generally expire one to two months after they are issued, and points generally expire if an account is inactive for a period of six months.

We defer revenue associated with the estimated selling price of points or Bonus Vouchers earned by customers as each point or Bonus Voucher is earned, net of points we do not expect to be redeemed. The estimated selling price of each point or Bonus Voucher earned is based on the estimated value of product for which the reward is expected to be redeemed. Our estimate of points and Bonus Vouchers we expect to be redeemed is based on historical company specific data. The cost associated with rewards and Bonus Vouchers redeemed are included in food, beverage, and packaging expense on our condensed consolidated statements of income.

We recognize loyalty revenue on the condensed consolidated statements of income when a customer redeems an earned reward. Deferred revenue associated with Chipotle Rewards is included in unearned revenue on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Changes in our Chipotle Rewards liability included in unearned revenue on the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of their short-term nature.

Our investments consist of U.S. treasury notes with maturities of less than one year. Fair value of investments is measured using Level 1 inputs (quoted prices for identical assets in active markets). We designate the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of purchase based upon the intended holding period.

Investments, all of which are classified as held-to-maturity, are carried at amortized cost. The fair value of these investments exceeded the amortized cost by $1,374 as of June 30, 2020. We recognize a reserve for expected credit losses when lifetime credit losses are expected by management. As of June 30, 2020, our investment portfolio consisted entirely of U.S. Treasury securities for which management has concluded that there is no risk of non-payment. No impairment charges were recognized on our investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.

We also maintain a rabbi trust to fund obligations under a deferred compensation plan. Amounts in the rabbi trust are invested in mutual funds, which are designated as trading securities carried at fair value and are included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Fair value of rabbi trust investments in mutual funds is measured using Level 1 inputs. The fair value of the investments in the rabbi trust was $14,253 and $12,811 as of June 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively. We record trading gains and losses in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of income, along with the offsetting amount related to the increase or decrease in deferred compensation to reflect our exposure to liabilities for payment under the deferred plan.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value on the condensed consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis include items such as leasehold improvements, property and equipment, operating lease assets, other assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired.

Equity Method Investment

On April 16, 2020, we acquired approximately 10% of the common stock of a supplier in exchange for cash consideration of $7,500. As we are a significant customer of the supplier and maintain board representation, we are accounting for our investment under the equity method. The investment is included within other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020.

5. Shareholders’ Equity

Through June 30, 2020, we had announced authorizations by our Board of Directors of repurchases of shares of common stock, which in the aggregate, authorized expenditures of up to $2,800,000. As of June 30, 2020, $115,018 was available to be repurchased under announced repurchase authorizations. Shares repurchased are being held in treasury stock until they are reissued or retired at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, 58 shares of common stock at a total cost of $47,947 were netted and surrendered as payment for minimum statutory withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of outstanding stock awards. Shares surrendered by the participants in accordance with the applicable award agreements and plan are deemed repurchased by us but are not part of publicly announced share repurchase programs.

6. Stock-Based Compensation

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, we granted stock only stock appreciation rights (“SOSARs”) on 109 shares of our common stock to eligible employees. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the SOSARs was $225.06 per share with a weighted-average exercise price

of $852.68 per share. The SOSARs vest in two equal installments on the second and third anniversary of the grant date. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, 413 SOSARs were exercised, and 20 SOSARs were forfeited.

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, we granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) on 35 shares of our common stock to eligible employees. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the RSUs was $860.88 per share. The RSUs vest in two equal installments on the second and third anniversary of the grant date. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, 58 RSUs vested and 6 RSUs were forfeited.

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, we awarded a total of 27 performance shares (“PSUs”) that are subject to service, market and performance vesting conditions. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the PSUs was $853.03 per share, and the quantity of shares that will vest range from 0% to 300% of the targeted number of shares. If the defined minimum targets are not met, then no shares will vest. Further, in no event may more than 100% of the target number of PSUs vest if our 3 year total shareholder return is below the 25^th percentile of the constituent companies comprising the S&P 500 on the day of grant. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, 71 PSUs vested, and 2 PSUs were forfeited.

The following table sets forth total stock-based compensation expense:

.

7. Income Taxes

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). Intended to provide economic relief to those impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the CARES Act includes provisions, among others, addressing the carryback of net operating losses for specific periods, refunds of alternative minimum tax credits, temporary modifications to the limitations placed on the tax deductibility of net interest expenses, and technical amendments for qualified improvement property (“QIP”). Additionally, the CARES Act, in efforts to enhance business’ liquidity, provides for refundable employee retention tax credits and the deferral of the employer-paid portion of social security taxes.

As of June 30, 2020, we have elected to defer the employer-paid portion of social security taxes. Additionally, because of the technical amendments made by the CARES Act to QIP, we have refined our estimation of the acceleration of depreciation expenses. These accelerated tax depreciation expenses of $31,754, in addition to the deferral of employer-paid social security taxes of $6,214, represent temporary book-to-tax timing differences (i.e., no effective tax rate impact) for income tax purposes and are recorded as components within our deferred income tax liabilities and income tax receivable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

We intend to claim the refundable employee retention tax credits provided under the CARES Act, which can be used to partially offset payroll tax liabilities. As of June 30, 2020, we estimated the benefit of the employee retention tax credit to be $2,294. We are continuing to examine additional impacts that the CARES Act may have on our U.S. business, and we are currently evaluating the potential tax-related incentives offered in Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, where our operations have also been impacted by COVID-19.

8. Leases

We determine if a contract contains a lease at inception. Our material operating leases consist of restaurant locations and office space. Our leases generally have remaining terms of 1-20 years and most include options to extend the leases for additional 5-year periods. Generally, the lease term is the minimum of the noncancelable period of the lease or the lease term inclusive of reasonably certain renewal periods up to a term of 20 years.

The components of lease cost were as follows: