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.

TD Cowen and Telsey Advisory Bullish on Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (CMG) on Earnings Growth Prospects

Susan Law Cain / Shutterstock.com

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.

While we acknowledge the potential of CMG to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CMG and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Top 10 Materials Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 10 Best Organic Food and Farming Stocks to Buy Now.

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