CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL INC - Quarter Report: 2021 June (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

______________________________

FORM 10-Q

______________________________

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021

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

______________________________

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

______________________________

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

______________________________

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 20, 2021, there were 28,094,868 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 AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

(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 Policies

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, quesadillas, tacos, and salads, made using fresh, high-quality ingredients. As of June 30, 2021, we operated 2,808 Chipotle restaurants throughout the United States as well as 41 international Chipotle restaurants. We are also an investor in a consolidated entity that owns and operates four 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.

Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

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, 2020.

2. Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” The pronouncement provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burden related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance was effective upon issuance and generally can be applied to applicable contract modifications through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact of the transition from LIBOR to alternative reference rates but do not expect a significant impact 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, 2021, we adopted ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740)”, which modified certain technical guidelines for accounting for income taxes. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 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, 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 (“gift card breakage rate”). The gift card breakage rate is 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 gift card 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

We have a national loyalty program called Chipotle Rewards. Eligible customers who enroll in the program generally earn points for every dollar spent. After accumulating the required number of points, the customer may select a reward. We may also periodically offer promotions, which typically provide the customer with the opportunity to earn bonus points or other rewards. 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. In June 2021, we enhanced Chipotle Rewards and introduced a new redemption feature we call the “Rewards Exchange” that provides loyalty members multiple redemption options. Previously, Chipotle Rewards points were automatically redeemed for a free entrée when the customer obtained the required number of points. The change in the Chipotle Rewards program did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

We defer revenue associated with the estimated selling price of points or rewards earned by customers as each point or reward is earned, net of points or rewards we do not expect to be redeemed. The estimated selling price of each point or reward earned is based on the estimated value of the product for which the point or reward is expected to be redeemed. Our estimate of points and rewards we expect to be redeemed (“rewards breakage rate”) is based on historical and other company specific data. The change in the Chipotle Rewards program in June 2021 did not materially impact our estimate of the stand-alone selling price or breakage rate of each point. The costs associated with rewards redeemed are primarily included in food, beverage, and packaging expense on our condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

We recognize loyalty revenue within food and beverage revenue on the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive 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, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of their short-term nature.

Our investments are comprised of held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury securities, non-marketable equity securities and an equity method investment. We also maintain a deferred compensation plan with related assets held in a rabbi trust.

Held-to-Maturity Investments

We invest in U.S. Treasury securities with maturities of up to 19 months, with $322,460 maturing within one year from June 30, 2021. The fair value of our held-to-maturity 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.

All held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortized cost. The amortized costs of these investments exceeded the fair value by $140 and $117 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. We recognize a reserve for the expected credit losses when lifetime credit losses are expected by management. As of June 30, 2021, management has concluded there is no risk of non-payment.

Rabbi Trust

We 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 $18,418 and $15,296 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. We record trading gains and losses in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive 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, investments in non-marketable equity securities, other assets, and goodwill. These assets are measured at fair value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

The following table summarizes our assets measured at fair value by hierarchy level on a nonrecurring basis:

Fair value of these assets was measured using Level 3 inputs (unobservable inputs for the asset or liability). Unobservable inputs include the discount rate, projected restaurant revenues and expenses, and sublease income if we are closing the restaurant. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 we recorded asset impairments related to restaurants and offices of $519 and $2,380, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 we recorded asset impairments related to restaurants and offices of $3,228 and $10,029, respectively. Carrying value after the impairment charges approximates fair value.

Non-Marketable Equity Securities

On March 23, 2021, we acquired 766 shares of the Series C Preferred Stock of Nuro, Inc. (“Nuro”) in exchange for cash consideration of $10,000. Our investment represents a minority interest and we have determined that we do not have significant influence over Nuro. Nuro is a privately held company, and as such, the preferred shares comprising our investment are illiquid and their fair value is not readily determinable. We have elected to measure our investment in the non-marketable equity securities of Nuro at cost, less impairments, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer.

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. On August 6, 2020, we acquired an additional 3.2% of the common stock of the same supplier in exchange for cash consideration of $2,500. As of June 30, 2021, we own approximately 12.7% of the supplier’s common stock and have invested total cash consideration of $10,000. 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, 2021, with a carrying value of $9,109. The investment would be impaired if the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the investment.

5. Shareholders’ Equity

We have had a stock repurchase program in place since 2008. As of June 30, 2021, we had $208,498 authorized for repurchasing shares of our common stock, which includes the $200,000 additional authorization approved by our Board of Directors and announced on July 20, 2021. Shares we repurchased are being held in treasury stock until they are reissued or retired at the discretion of our Board of Directors.

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, 40 shares of common stock at a total cost of $58,860 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, 2021, we granted stock only stock appreciation rights (“SOSARs”) on 74 shares of our common stock to eligible employees. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the SOSARs was $393.61 per share with a weighted-average exercise price of $1,479.31 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, 2021, 291 SOSARs were exercised, and 8 SOSARs were forfeited.

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, we granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) on 24 shares of our common stock to eligible employees. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the RSUs was $1,472.07 per share. The RSUs generally vest in two equal installments on the second and third anniversary of the grant date. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, 44 RSUs vested and 5 RSUs were forfeited.

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, we awarded performance share units (“PSUs”) on 18 shares of our common stock at target performance to eligible employees. These PSUs are subject to service, market and performance vesting conditions. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the PSUs was $1,479.55 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.

On December 30, 2020, due to the impact that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had on the growth in comparable restaurant sales and restaurant margin relative to the trajectory of both of these performance factors prior to the pandemic, and also due to the significant shareholder value created over the three-year performance period of the original award, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors modified the 2018 PSU award. This modification pertained to all seven recipients of this award, and resulted in an incremental compensation expense of $71,441, of which $47,827 was recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2021, and $23,148 remains unamortized as of June 30, 2021. Based on the terms of the modification, 29 PSUs vested on March 15, 2021, pursuant to the original performance condition of the 2018 PSU award. To receive all incremental shares generated through the modification, the recipients of this award must remain employed through December 31, 2022, and the incremental shares will vest in four installments over this period. The first of the four installments vested on June 30, 2021, which included the vesting of 17 PSUs. The remaining expense will be recognized over this requisite service period. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, no other PSUs vested, and no PSUs were forfeited.

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

.

7. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2021, was a provision of 23.7%, a change from a benefit of 289.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The change is primarily due to the proportionality of the excess tax benefits from option exercises and equity vesting relative to profit or loss before tax in each respective quarter.

The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2021, was a provision of 22.3%, a change from a benefit of 21.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The change is primarily due to increased profit before tax and fewer excess tax benefits related to option exercises and equity vesting in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020.

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”). The ARPA includes several provisions, such as measures that extend and expand the employee retention credit, previously enacted under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), through December 31, 2021. For the quarter ended June 30, 2021, we did not record a tax benefit related to the employee retention credit. We are still evaluating the ARPA and we do not expect that it will have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

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.

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases are as follows:

In April 2020, the FASB issued guidance allowing entities to make a policy election whether to account for lease concessions related to the COVID-19 pandemic as lease modifications. The election applies to any lessor-provided lease concession related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, provided the concession does not result in a substantial increase in the rights of the lessor or in the obligations of the lessee. In 2020, we received non-substantial concessions from certain landlords in the form of rent deferrals and abatements related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have elected to not account for these rent concessions as lease modifications. The recognition of rent concessions did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2021.

9. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share: