UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


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


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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007

or

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

¨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)


Delaware

Delaware84-1219301

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

1543 Wazee Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO

80202

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 595-4000


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 of 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    o¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. (SeeSee definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)Act. (Check one):

o¨  Large accelerated filer    o¨  Accelerated filer    x  Non-accelerated filer

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

As of October 25 , 2006April 26, 2007 there were 14,202,17514,365,340 shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock, par value of $0.01 per share, and 18,424,690 shares of the registrant’s Class B common stock, par value of $0.01 per share, outstanding.

 





TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Item 1.

Financial Statements

2

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

11

8

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

19

14

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

19

14
PART II

PART II

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

20

14

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

20

15

Item 2.3.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

23

15

Item 3.4.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

23

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

23

15

Item 5.

Other Information

23

15

Item 6.

Exhibits

23

15

Signatures

16


PART I

 

ITEM 1.

24

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA




PART I

ITEM 1.                FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

$

157,565

 

 

 

$

61

 

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $765 and $308 as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively

 

 

3,059

 

 

 

1,933

 

 

Notes receivable—McDonald’s Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

2,248

 

 

Inventory

 

 

3,393

 

 

 

2,625

 

 

Current deferred tax asset

 

 

1,664

 

 

 

2,346

 

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

7,035

 

 

 

8,611

 

 

Total current assets

 

 

172,716

 

 

 

17,824

 

 

Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net

 

 

379,891

 

 

 

340,694

 

 

Other assets

 

 

2,879

 

 

 

2,653

 

 

Long-term deferred tax asset

 

 

 

 

 

13,586

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

17,738

 

 

 

17,738

 

 

Total assets

 

 

$

573,224

 

 

 

$

392,495

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

$

17,640

 

 

 

$

13,188

 

 

Accrued payroll and benefits

 

 

16,803

 

 

 

9,723

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

15,393

 

 

 

15,683

 

 

Accrued loss contingency

 

 

1,212

 

 

 

1,817

 

 

Current portion of deemed landlord financing

 

 

71

 

 

 

57

 

 

Due to McDonald’s Corporation

 

 

1,178

 

 

 

1,514

 

 

Income tax payable

 

 

3,755

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

56,052

 

 

 

41,982

 

 

Deferred rent

 

 

43,211

 

 

 

37,106

 

 

Deemed landlord financing

 

 

4,055

 

 

 

3,476

 

 

Deferred income tax liability

 

 

15,740

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

577

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

119,058

 

 

 

83,141

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 14,171 and no shares outstanding as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively

 

 

142

 

 

 

 

 

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000 shares authorized, 18,349 and 26,281 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively (Note 2)

 

 

183

 

 

 

263

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

468,596

 

 

 

375,728

 

 

Tax receivable—McDonald’s Corporation

 

 

(6,895

)

 

 

(28,195

)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

9

 

 

 

9

 

 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(7,869

)

 

 

(38,451

)

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

454,166

 

 

 

309,354

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

$

573,224

 

 

 

$

392,495

 

 

 

   

March 31

2007

  

December 31

2006

    
   (unaudited)   

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash

  $158,902  $153,642

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $344 as of March 31, 2007 and December 31,2006

   5,332   4,865

Notes receivable—McDonald’s Corp.

   48   8,783

Inventory

   4,142   3,505

Current deferred tax assets

   1,228   930

Prepaid expenses

   7,792   7,112
        

Total current assets

   177,444   178,837

Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net

   426,048   404,740

Other assets

   3,193   2,893

Goodwill

   19,556   17,738
        

Total assets

  $626,241  $604,208
        

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

  $19,651  $19,567

Accrued payroll and benefits

   16,300   16,764

Accrued liabilities

   22,810   23,277

Current portion of deemed landlord financing

   72   71

Income tax payable

   7,875   1,522
        

Total current liabilities

   66,708   61,201

Deferred rent

   49,161   46,222

Deemed landlord financing

   4,018   4,036

Deferred income tax liability

   17,174   18,681

Other liabilities

   3,019   111
        

Total liabilities

   140,080   130,251
        

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 600,000 shares authorized, no shares outstanding as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

   —     —  

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 14,245 and 14,222 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

   142   142

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000 shares authorized, 18,374 and 18,322 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

   184   183

Additional paid-in capital

   473,016   470,653

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   7   7

Retained earnings

   12,812   2,972
        

Total shareholders’ equity

   486,161   473,957
        

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $626,241  $604,208
        

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2




Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Operations
Income

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant sales

 

$

210,381

 

$

163,964

 

$

601,028

 

$

452,593

 

Franchise royalties and fees

 

879

 

706

 

2,183

 

1,789

 

Total revenue

 

211,260

 

164,670

 

603,211

 

454,382

 

Restaurant operating costs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food, beverage and packaging

 

65,436

 

53,407

 

188,009

 

146,863

 

Labor

 

59,629

 

46,473

 

169,507

 

129,678

 

Occupancy

 

15,040

 

12,134

 

43,250

 

34,517

 

Other operating costs

 

25,744

 

22,612

 

74,855

 

59,408

 

General and administrative expenses

 

15,723

 

12,268

 

48,633

 

37,212

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

8,676

 

7,206

 

24,988

 

20,392

 

Pre-opening costs

 

2,053

 

381

 

4,668

 

1,247

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

1,106

 

690

 

2,845

 

1,806

 

 

 

193,407

 

155,171

 

556,755

 

431,123

 

Income from operations

 

17,853

 

9,499

 

46,456

 

23,259

 

Interest income

 

2,015

 

 

4,607

 

23

 

Interest expense

 

(68

)

(248

)

(197

)

(663

)

Income before income taxes

 

19,800

 

9,251

 

50,866

 

22,619

 

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

 

(7,998

)

(4,168

)

(20,284

)

10,815

 

Net income

 

$

11,802

 

$

5,083

 

$

30,582

 

$

33,434

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.96

 

$

1.27

 

Diluted

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.95

 

$

1.27

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

32,499

 

26,281

 

31,888

 

26,281

 

Diluted

 

32,885

 

26,344

 

32,295

 

26,329

 

 

   Three months ended
March 31
 
   2007  2006 

Revenue:

   

Restaurant sales

  $235,484  $186,411 

Franchise royalties and fees

   611   604 
         

Total revenue

   236,095   187,015 
         

Restaurant operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):

   

Food, beverage and packaging

   74,671   59,232 

Labor

   65,454   52,937 

Occupancy

   17,288   13,872 

Other operating costs

   29,758   23,238 

General and administrative expenses

   17,009   15,267 

Depreciation and amortization

   10,164   8,003 

Pre-opening costs

   1,810   1,110 

Loss on disposal of assets

   1,292   623 
         
   217,446   174,282 
         

Income from operations

   18,649   12,733 

Interest income

   1,490   970 

Interest expense

   (75)  (64)
         

Income before income taxes

   20,064   13,639 

Provision for income taxes

   (7,624)  (5,651)
         

Net income

  $12,440  $7,988 
         

Earnings per share:

   

Basic

  $0.38  $0.26 
         

Diluted

  $0.38  $0.26 
         

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

   

Basic

   32,558   30,683 
         

Diluted

   32,953   31,078 
         

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3




Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

30,582

 

$

33,434

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

24,988

 

20,392

 

Current income tax provision

 

1,832

 

11,941

 

Deferred income tax benefit

 

(5,558

)

(2,413

)

Change in valuation allowance

 

 

(20,343

)

Loss on disposal of assets

 

2,845

 

1,806

 

Bad debt allowance

 

363

 

(12

)

Stock-based compensation

 

3,811

 

1,493

 

Other

 

(97

)

624

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(1,489

)

575

 

Inventory

 

(768

)

(428

)

Prepaid expenses

 

1,576

 

(354

)

Other assets

 

(226

)

392

 

Accounts payable

 

(529

)

1,635

 

Accrued liabilities

 

6,185

 

(277

)

Income tax payable

 

3,755

 

 

Due to (from) McDonald’s Corp.

 

(336

)

(279

)

Deferred rent

 

6,555

 

4,383

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

73,489

 

52,569

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net

 

(62,499

)

(53,322

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(62,499

)

(53,322

)

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of common stock

 

133,333

 

 

Costs of issuing common stock

 

(12,436

)

 

Proceeds from option exercises

 

2,325

 

 

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation

 

983

 

 

Proceeds from deemed landlord financing

 

635

 

2,405

 

Payments on deemed landlord financing

 

(42

)

(9

)

Proceeds from McDonald’s tax sharing agreement

 

19,468

 

 

Proceeds from McDonald’s—intercompany notes

 

2,248

 

31,746

 

Payments to McDonald’s—intercompany notes

 

 

(27,000

)

Changes in cash overdrafts

 

 

(4,431

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

146,514

 

2,711

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

157,504

 

1,958

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

61

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

157,565

 

$

1,958

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash pre-opening rent capitalized to leasehold improvements

 

$

 

$

1,507

 

Net purchases of leasehold improvements, property and equipment accrued in accounts payable

 

$

4,981

 

$

(2,526

)

 

   Three months ended
March 31
 
   2007  2006 

Operating activities

   

Net income

  $12,440  $7,988 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

   

Depreciation and amortization

   10,164   8,003 

Current income tax provision

   —     1,832 

Deferred income tax benefit

   (1,805)  (1,185)

Loss on disposal of assets

   1,292   623 

Bad debt allowance

   —     138 

Stock-based compensation

   1,568   1,520 

Other

   (81)  —   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

   

Accounts receivable

   (467)  (978)

Inventory

   (611)  (424)

Prepaid expenses

   (680)  1,632 

Other assets

   (300)  (95)

Accounts payable

   3   (3,570)

Accrued liabilities

   (2,862)  (372)

Income tax payable

   8,689   4,601 

Due to McDonald’s Corp.

   —     1,714 

Deferred rent

   3,089   1,767 

Other long-term liabilities

   308   —   
         

Net cash provided by operating activities

   30,747   23,194 
         

Investing activities

   

Purchases of leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net

   (32,108)  (14,200)

Franchise acquisitions

   (562)  —   
         

Net cash used in investing activities

   (32,670)  (14,200)
         

Financing activities

   

Proceeds from sale of common stock

   —     133,333 

Cost of issuing common stock

   —     (12,400)

Proceeds from option exercises

   354   839 

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation

   446   403 

Payments on deemed landlord financing

   (17)  (14)

Proceeds from McDonald’s—intercompany notes

   6,400   2,248 
         

Net cash provided by financing activities

   7,183   124,409 
         

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   5,260   133,403 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   153,642   61 
         

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $158,902  $133,464 
         

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash information

   

Net purchases of leasehold improvements, property and equipment accrued in accounts payable

  $(81) $328 
         

Franchise acquisition purchase price outstanding as of March 31, 2007

  $1,926  $—   
         

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4




Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

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

1. Basis of Presentation

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, develops and operates fast-casual, fresh Mexican food restaurants in 2526 states throughout the United States and in the District of Columbia. As of September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, the Company operated 539605 restaurants and had eightfour restaurants operated by franchisees. As of September 30, 2006, McDonald’s Corporation (“McDonald’s”) was the majority owner of the Company with 83.3% of the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding common stock and 50.7% of the economic interest of the Company. McDonald’s disposed of its interest in the Company via a tax-free exchange of shares of the Company’s class B common stock for McDonald’s stock effective October 12, 2006 (the “Disposition”).

franchisee. The Company manages its operations based on three regions and has aggregated its operations to one reportable segment and one reporting unit.segment.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared 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 consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of its 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 the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.2006.

2. Adoption of New Accounting Principle                 Initial Public Offering

InEffective January 2006,1, 2007, the Company completed its initial public offeringadopted Emerging Issue Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 06-2,Accounting for Sabbatical Leave and Other Similar Benefits Pursuant to FASB Statement No. 43 Accounting for Compensated Absences (“EITF 06-2”). The EITF concluded that sabbatical leave accumulates pursuant to the criteria of 6,061 sharesStatement of Class AAccounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 43,Accounting for Compensated Absences (“FAS 43”) and therefore the benefit should be accrued if the remaining criteria of FAS 43 are met. The Company offers sabbatical leave to employees who have provided ten years of service. The actuarially determined accrued sabbatical balance as of December 31, 2006 was $2,600, which the Company recognized as a cumulative-effect accounting adjustment to beginning retained earnings on January 1, 2007. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company accrued $141 of sabbatical expense.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes(“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Adoption of FIN 48 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes in interest expense and any related statutory penalties in provision for income taxes in the consolidated statement of income. The Company is open to federal and state tax audits until the applicable statute of limitations expire. Tax audits by their very nature are often complex and can require several years to complete. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years before 2003. For the majority of states where the Company has a significant presence, it is no longer subject to tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years before 2002.

3. Franchise Acquisitions

On March 7, 2007, the Company acquired two franchised restaurants. The results of operations have been included in the Company’s financial results from the date of acquisition. On March 31, 2007, the Company acquired two additional franchised restaurants. These acquisitions resulted from the franchisees’ obligation to dispose of either their Chipotle franchise or their McDonald’s Corporation (McDonald’s) franchise within 24 months after McDonald’s ceased to own a majority of the outstanding common stock $0.01 parof Chipotle, which occurred on October 12, 2006. The acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method as defined in SFAS No. 141,Business Combinations. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill will not be amortized, but instead will be tested for impairment at a per shareleast annually. The aggregate purchase price of $22.00 with net proceeds to$2,488 for the Company of approximately $120.9 million (the “initial public offering”). McDonald’s sold an additional 3,000 shares including the underwriters’ over-allotment shares. In connection with the initial public offering, the Company filed a restated certificate of incorporation effecting the reclassification of all outstanding shares of Series B convertible preferred stock and Series C and Series D junior convertible preferred stock and all outstanding shares of common stock into one-third share of Class B common stock (the “Reclassification”). The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes reflect the effect of the Reclassification retroactively.four restaurants acquired has been allocated as follows:

The restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of an aggregate 230,000 shares of common stock consisting of 30,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 200,000 shares of Class A common stock par value $0.01. Shares of Class B common stock participate equally in dividends with shares of Class A common stock. Shares of Class B common stock have ten votes per share whereas shares of Class A common stock have one vote per share, except for purposes of approving a merger, consolidation, or similar transactions, a sale of substantially all of the Company’s property, or a dissolution of the Company. In any of those events, each share of Class A and Class B common stock has only one vote. The Class A and Class B common stock votes together as a single class. Prior to the


Current assets

  $26 

Leasehold improvements, property and equipment

   649 

Goodwill

   1,818 

Current liabilities

   (5)
     

Total

  $2,488 
     

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

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

Disposition, each share4. Stock Based Compensation

In February 2007, the Company issued 275 options to purchase shares of Class B common stock was convertible at the option of the shareholder into one share of Classits class A common stock to eligible employees with a grant date fair value of $24.80 per share and eachan exercise price of $63.89 per share which vest on the third anniversary of Class B common stockthe grant date. Compensation expense is generally recognized equally over the three year vesting period. Compensation expense related to employees eligible to retire and retain rights to the awards is recognized over six months which coincides with the notice period. The Company also converted into one sharegranted to executive officers 120 shares of Classnon-vested class A common stock ifwith a transfergrant date fair value of ownership occurred. As a result$63.89 which vests in two equal installments on the second and third anniversary of the Disposition, shares of Class B common stock are no longer convertible, beginning October 12, 2006.

3.                 Adoption of New Accounting Principle

Effective January 1, 2006grant. Compensation expense is recognized on a prospectivestraight-line basis the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Staff Position No. FAS 13-1, Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred during a Construction Period (“FSP 13-1”)each separate vesting portion (graded vesting). Under FSP 13-1, rental costs associated with ground or building operating leases incurred during the construction period (“pre-opening rent”) are to be expensed. Accordingly, the Company recognized additional pre-opening expense of $1,112

Stock-based compensation, including options and $2,830non-vested shares, was $1,644 ($669 and $1,704,1,001 net of tax) forin the three months ended March 31, 2007 and nine$1,520 ($915 net of tax) in the three months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. Prior to adoptionMarch 31, 2006. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, $76 of FSP 13-1, pre-opening rentstock-based compensation was recognized as capitalized development and is included in leasehold improvements, property and equipment in the consolidated balance sheet. Had pre-opening rent been accounted for under FSP 13-1 in 2005, $859 and $2,655 ($517 and $1,598, net of tax) of additional pre-opening costs would have been recognized as expense inDuring the three months ended March 31, 2007, 23 options to purchase class A common shares were exercised, 13 options were forfeited and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively.52 class B shares vested.

4.5. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using income available to common shareholders divided by diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include potential common shares related to stock options and non-vested stock. There were no anti-dilutive securities for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006 or 2005.

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

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net income

 

$

11,802

 

$

5,083

 

$

30,582

 

$

33,434

 

Shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

 

32,499

 

26,281

 

31,888

 

26,281

 

Dilutive stock options

 

299

 

28

 

311

 

32

 

Dilutive non-vested stock

 

87

 

35

 

96

 

16

 

Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

 

32,885

 

26,344

 

32,295

 

26,329

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.96

 

$

1.27

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.95

 

$

1.27

 

 


   Three months ended
March 31
   2007  2006

Net income

  $12,440  $7,988

Shares:

    

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

   32,558   30,683

Dilutive stock options

   352   278

Dilutive non-vested stock

   43   117
        

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

   32,953   31,078
        

Basic earnings per share

  $0.38  $0.26
        

Diluted earnings per share

  $0.38  $0.26
        

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
(dollar6. Commitments and share amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)Contingencies

5.                 Stock-based Compensation

Effective with the Company’s initial public offering the Company adopted the Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Incentive Plan”). Under the 2006 Incentive Plan, 2,200 shares of Class A common stock have been authorized and reserved for issuances to eligible employees. In conjunction with the initial public offering, the Company made a one-time grant of 774 options to purchase shares of its Class A common stock to all of its salaried employees. The exercise price of the options was set at the grant date fair value of $22.00 per share. These options vest three years after the grant date and expire after seven years. Compensation expense for these options will be recognized equally over the three-year vesting period. Also during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company modified certain options of terminated employees to accelerate vesting resulting in additional compensation expense. Total stock-based compensation expense, inclusive of stock options, stock grants and stock appreciation rights, was $783 and $3,811 ($471 and $2,294, net of tax) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, and was $605 and $1,493 ($364 and $899, net of tax) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. As of September 30, 2006, there was $4,811 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested options that is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period, which is generally 28 months.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2006, options to purchase an aggregate of 127 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock were exercised.

6.                 Income Taxes

At the consummation of the Company’s initial public offering, the Company exited McDonald’s consolidated tax group for federal and some state tax purposes and will be reimbursed for the remaining tax attributes in accordance with the tax sharing agreement. At the consummation of the Disposition, Chipotle exited McDonald’s consolidated tax group for the remaining states. Due to the exit from McDonald’s consolidated federal tax group, the Company eliminated the deferred tax asset related to the post-acquisition net operating loss carryforwards of $32,859 and alternative minimum tax credits of $918 through equity. As a result, the Company converted to a net long-term deferred tax liability position which was $15,740 as of September 30, 2006. There were no other significant changes to the Company’s deferred tax balances as a result of the tax deconsolidation.

During the second quarter of 2006, the Company adjusted its deferred tax assets and liabilities for enacted changes in state tax laws, which resulted in a $150 benefit, or a 0.2% reduction of the effective tax rate, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

7.                 Related-Party Transactions

The consolidated statement of operations reflects charges from McDonald’s of $2,098 and $2,445 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $7,819 and $6,833 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, primarily related to reimbursements of insurance coverage, 401(k) matching contributions, payroll and related expenses for certain McDonald’s employees who performed services for the Company, software maintenance agreements and non-income


Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
(dollar and share amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

based taxes. The charges were specifically identifiable to the Company. As a result of the Disposition, the services provided by McDonald’s have been, or will be, terminated.

The Company leases restaurant space from McDonald’s and its affiliates. Rent expense was $75 and $123 for such leases for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and was $254 and $318 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Until the initial public offering, the Company invested its excess cash under short-term agreements with McDonald’s. The Company did not have an agreement in place, but had been operating under the terms of the previous agreement which expired April 14, 2005. Interest was added to the principal monthly. As of September 30, 2006, no amount was outstanding. As of December 31, 2005, $2,248 was on deposit under this agreement.

The Company entered into short-term agreements with McDonald’s to provide the Company with temporary capital. The line of credit bearing interest at the Prime rate plus 100 basis points expired June 30, 2006 and was not renewed. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005, interest expense was $213 and $629, respectively. No amounts were outstanding as of December 31, 2005.

8.                 Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. Consequently, the Company is unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters as of September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. These matters could affect the operating results of any one quarter when resolved in future periods. However, management believes after final disposition,Management does not believe that any monetary liability or financial impact to the Company would notas a result of currently known proceedings or claims will be material to the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims resulting in greater liabilities than the Company currently anticipates, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operation or cash flows.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

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

In addition,August 2004, the merchant bank that processes the Company’s credit and debit card transactions informed the Company is involved in claims relating toit may have been the victim of a possible theft of its customers’ credit and debit card data. ThroughTogether with two forensic auditing firms, the end of September 2006,Company investigated the alleged theft and reviewed its information systems and information security procedures. The Company also reported the problem to federal law enforcement authorities and has been cooperating in their investigation. While to date the Company has received claims throughnot discovered conclusive evidence that a theft occurred, the bank that processesCompany has upgraded its credit and debit cards with respect to fewer than 2,000 purportedly fraudulent credit and debit card charges allegedly arising out of this matter in an aggregate amount of about $1,442. The Company also incurred $1,346 of expense in connection with fines imposed byinformation security systems, including remediating the Visa and MasterCard card associations onspecific problems identified during the acquiring bank. Inforensic audits. During 2004, the Company recorded a reserve for the potential exposure for losses and fines of $4,000. Through September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, the Company utilized $2,788$2,789 of the reserve to cover fines and losses. As the situation develops and more information becomes available, the amount of the reserve may increase or decrease accordingly.

9.7. Subsequent Events                 Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In September 2006,On April 30, 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue No. 06-2, Accounting for Sabbatical Leave and Other Similar Benefits Pursuant to FASB Statement No. 43 Accounting for Compensated Absences (“EITF 06-2”). The EITF concluded that sabbatical leave accumulates pursuant to the criteria of Statement of Accounting Standard No. 43 Accounting for Compensated Absences (“FAS 43”) and therefore the benefit should be accrued ifCompany acquired the remaining criteriafour franchised restaurants at a purchase price of FAS 43 are met. EITF 06-2 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. EITF 06-2 can be applied as a change in$3,150 plus the inventory value.


Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
(dollar and share amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

accounting principle either as a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings in the year of adoption or as retrospective application to all prior periods. The Company offers sabbatical leave to employees who have provided ten years of services. The Company is assessing the impact of EITF 06-2 on its results and therefore cannot estimate the impact on its financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The cumulative effect upon adoption of applying the provision shall be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for that fiscal year, presented separately. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position AUG AIR-1, Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities (“FSP AUG-1”). FSP AUG-1 prohibits the use of the accrue-in-advance method of accounting for costs of planned major maintenance projects. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company does not utilize the accrue-in-advance method and therefore does not expect the adoption of FSP AUG-1 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 provides a definition of fair value, establishes acceptable methods of measuring fair value and expands disclosures for fair value measurements. The principles apply under accounting pronouncements which require measurement of fair value. The Company does not expect the adoption of FAS 157 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 provides guidance on how prior year misstatements should be taken into consideration when quantifying misstatements in current year financial statements for purposes of determining whether the current year’s financial statements are materially misstated. SAB 108 permits registrants to record the cumulative effect of initial adoption by recording the necessary “correcting” adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of that year with the offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings only if material under the dual method. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending on or after November 15, 2006. The Company has assessed the effect of adopting this guidance and has determined that there will be no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

10.          Subsequent Events

McDonald’s Disposition

McDonald’s completed the Disposition on October 12, 2006. Under the terms of the Disposition, McDonald’s distributed 16,539,967 shares of the Company’s class B common stock in a tax-free exchange


Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
(dollar and share amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

offer, representing approximately 83.3% of the voting interest and 50.7% of the economic interest of the Company as of September 30, 2006. McDonald’s accepted 18,628,187 shares of its common stock in exchange for the shares of the Company’s class B common stock. McDonald’s no longer owns any voting or economic interest in the Company.

Line of Credit

In October 2006, the Company entered into a revolving line of credit with a principal amount of $10 million which expires in August 2007. The line of credit is for support of letters of credit issued by the Company in the normal course of business and bears interest at the Company’s option at either the Prime rate, a fixed rate determined by the bank or an adjusted LIBOR rate.

10




ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM 2.              MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this report, including our projectionsestimates of the number of restaurants we intend to open and the effect on us of McDonald’s disposition of its interest in us, as well as our expectationsprojections regarding futurepotential changes in comparable restaurant sales increases,during 2007 and beyond and in the amount of certain expected expenses for 2007, are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We use words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “should”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “predict”, “project”, “target”, and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date any such statements are made, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in Part II of this report.2005.

Overview

We operate fast-casual,Chipotle operates fast casual, fresh Mexican food restaurants serving burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads. We began with a simple philosophy: demonstrate that food served fast doesn’t have to be a traditional “fast-food” experience. Over the years, that vision has evolved. Today, we’re working to change the way people think about and eat fast food. We do this by avoiding a formulaic approach when creating our restaurant experience, looking to fine-dining restaurants for inspiration. We use high-quality raw ingredients, classic cooking methods and a distinctive interior design, and have friendly people to take care of each customer—features that are more frequently found in 25the world of fine dining. Our approach is also guided by our belief in an idea we call “Food With Integrity”— which to us means finding the best raw ingredients from the best sources to include in the food we serve. Quite simply, we combine these ideas in a way that continues making Chipotle better all the time.

2007 Highlights

Restaurant Development. As of March 31, 2007, we had 609 restaurants in 26 states throughout the United States and in the District of Columbia. Our total revenue, generated primarily throughColumbia, including four restaurants operated by a franchisee. New restaurants have contributed substantially to our restaurant sales of food and beverages, was $603.2 million forgrowth. We opened 28 company-operated restaurants during the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2007. We expect to open between 110 and 120 total restaurants in 2007.

Sales Growth.In addition to growing our number of restaurants, we have experienced increases in our average restaurant sales from $1.502 million as of March 31, 2006 a 32.8% increase from the same period in 2005. The increase wasto $1.631 million as of March 31, 2007, driven primarily by strong comparable restaurant sales increases of 15.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 andincreases. Comparable restaurant sales reflect positive period-to-period growth due mainly to an increase in revenue from restaurants not yet in the comparable base.number of transactions processed at our registers. We expect 2006 full year comparabledefine average restaurant sales increaseas the average trailing 12-month sales for company-owned restaurants in the low double-digits with the fourth quarter being the lowestoperation for the year as its prior year comparison is the most difficult. We expect 2007 full year comparable restaurant sales in the low to mid single digits.at least 13 months. Comparable restaurant sales include company-owned restaurants only and represent the change in period-over-period sales for the comparable restaurant base. A restaurant becomes comparablerestaurants beginning in itstheir 13th full month of operation.operation. We expect our average restaurant sales to continue to increase in 2007, driven by comparable restaurant sales increases in the mid-to-high single digits. Our comparable restaurant sales increase for the first quarter of 2007 was 8.3%. As a result of nine years of double-digit comparable restaurant sales increases, we believe that comparable restaurant sales likely will not continue to increase at the rates we have achieved over the past several years.

SeveralFood Costs.We expect cost pressures in the second and third quarters of 2007 as a result of the winter freeze in California and the southwestern U.S., which impacted citrus and avocado crops. Additionally, due to increased demand for ethanol the cost of corn has increased substantially, which has increased the cost of corn-sourced ingredients as well as wheat, soybeans and rice. We expect this will lead to upward pricing pressures on many of our raw ingredients including chicken, beef and pork.

Labor.Labor costs as a percentage of revenue decreased primarily due to improved employee efficiency and more effective management of staffing partially offset by continued incremental staffing costs as we transition to our new restaurant structure described below.

We continue to focus on ensuring our employee practices are as exceptional as our food. In order to achieve this, we initiated the Restaurateur program in early 2006. The Restaurateur program is designed to encourage the restaurant manager position as a career opportunity for our top performing managers. In addition to excelling in providing quality food and customer service, restaurant

managers are expected to contribute substantially to the development of their crew. We also launched a new restaurant management structure in the second quarter of 2006 to facilitate the development of crew members into restaurant managers. One primary goal of the new restaurant structure is to increase the number of restaurant managers hired from within our company and lower restaurant turnover. While still early in both programs, we continue to see positive results through increased internal promotions and decreased turnover.

Food With Integrity.During the first quarter of 2007, we made progress on delivering Food With Integrity by increasing the amount of naturally raised beef and chicken served in our restaurants. In addition, in all our restaurants we now use unbleached napkins made from 90% post-consumer recycled paper. We also continue to investigate the use of more sustainably grown produce and produce that is locally grown.

Throughput. We deliver our best customer service and hottest food when the line moves efficiently. Through implementation and execution of our new restaurant structure, we continue to increase the number of customers we serve during our busiest hours. In addition, change machines were installed in approximately 400 restaurants during the first quarter of 2007, and we continue to review other equipment configurations, technological process improvements and kitchen design modifications to improve the speed of service.

Franchise Acquisitions.In March 2007, we completed the acquisition of four franchised restaurants from two franchisees for an aggregate purchase price of $2.5 million. The remaining four franchised restaurants were acquired on April 30, 2007 for a purchase price of $3.2 million.

Restaurant Activity

The following table details restaurant unit data for our company-owned and franchised locations for the years indicated.

   

For the three months

ended March 31

   2007  2006

Company-operated

   

Beginning of period

  573  481

Openings

  28  15

Franchise acquisitions

  4  —  
      

End of period

  605  496
      

Franchises

   

Beginning of period

  8  8

Franchise acquisitions

  (4) —  
      

End of period

  4  8
      

Total restaurants at end of period

  609  504
      

Results of Operations

Our results of operations as a percentage of revenue and period-over-period variances are discussed in the following section. As our business grows, as we open more stores and hire more employees, our restaurant operating costs increase.

Restaurant Sales

   For the three
months ended
March 31
  

%

increase

 
   2007  2006  
   (dollars in millions) 

Restaurant sales

  $235.5  $186.4  26.3%

Average restaurant sales

  $1.631  $1.502  

Comparable restaurant sales increases

   8.3%  19.7% 

Number of company-operated restaurants as of the end of the period

   605   496  

Number of company-operated restaurants opened in the period

   28   15  

The significant factors affectcontributing to our increase in sales for the first quarter of 2007 were restaurant openings and strong comparable restaurant sales performance. Restaurant sales for restaurants not in the comparable restaurant base contributed to $34.0 million of the increase in sales, of which $6.0 million was attributable to restaurants opened in 2007. Comparable restaurant sales increases contributed to $15.1 million of the increase in restaurant sales in any period, including2007. Comparable restaurant sales increases were driven primarily by an increasing awareness of our brand and our focus on improving service time. The substantial majority of our comparable restaurant sales growth was due to an increase in the number of restaurantstransactions, and the remainder was driven primarily by menu price increases in operationselected markets in conjunction with the introduction of naturally-raised beef or chicken.

Food Beverage and average restaurant sales. Packaging Costs

   For the three
months ended
March 31
  

%

increase

 
   2007  2006  
   (dollars in millions) 

Food, beverage and packaging

  $74.7  $59.2  26.1%

As a percentage of revenue

   31.6%  31.7% 

As a percentage of September 30, 2006 and 2005, we operated 539 and 453 restaurants, respectively, and had eight restaurants operated by franchisees in each period. We opened 30 restaurants in the three months ended September 30, 2006. We opened 59 restaurants in the nine months ended September 30, 2006, including nine restaurants in three new markets entered during 2006. Average restaurant sales for restaurants open at least 12 full months were $1.584 million and $1.406 million for the trailing 12-month period ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. We intend to open a total of 80 to 90 restaurants in 2006, including the 59 restaurants opened in the first nine months of 2006. We intend to open 95-105 restaurants in 2007.

Our combinedrevenue, food, beverage and packaging costs labor,decreased due primarily to an improvement in food controls and menu price increases in selected markets in conjunction with the introduction of naturally-raised beef or chicken, partially offset by increased product costs.

Labor Costs

   For the three
months ended
March 31
  

%

increase

 
   2007  2006  
   (dollars in millions) 

Labor costs

  $65.5  $52.9  23.6%

As a percentage of revenue

   27.7%  28.3% 

Labor costs as a percentage of revenue decreased primarily due to improved employee efficiency and more effective management of staffing, partially offset by an increase in hourly employee wages and continued incremental staffing costs as we transition to our new restaurant structure. We launched the new restaurant management structure to develop a defined path for crew to become restaurant managers enabling more promotions from within which should lower turnover, result in better managers and decrease training costs.

Occupancy Costs

   For the three
months ended
March 31
  

%

increase

 
   2007  2006  
   (dollars in millions) 

Occupancy costs

  $17.3  $13.9  24.6%

As a percentage of revenue

   7.3%  7.4% 

In 2007, occupancy costs decreased as a percentage of revenue due to higher average restaurant sales on a partially fixed-cost base, partially offset by higher rents for new locations and otherthe opening of restaurants in more expensive locations such as New York City and the San Francisco Bay area.

Other Operating Costs

   For the three
months ended
March 31
  

%

increase

 
   2007  2006  
   (dollars in millions) 

Other operating costs

  $29.8  $23.2  28.1%

As a percentage of revenue

   12.6%  12.4% 

Other operating costs haveas a percentage of revenue increased to $475.6 millionprimarily due our increased marketing and promotion spend in the nine months ended September 30, 2006first quarter of 2007. This increase was partially offset from the realization of a benefit in 2007 related to our promote from within strategy which reduced the dollars we spend on training external hires. We expect the marketing and promotion spend as we opened new restaurantsa percentage of revenue for the full year 2007 will remain consistent with 2006.

General and processed a higher number of transactionsAdministrative Expenses

   For the three
months ended
March 31
  

%

increase

 
   2007  2006  
   (dollars in millions) 

General and administrative expense

  $17.0  $15.3  11.4%

As a percentage of revenue

   7.2%  8.2% 

The increase in each restaurant. Generalgeneral and administrative expenses have increased as a result ofin 2007 primarily resulted from hiring more employees as we grew, increasesgrew. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased due to the effect of higher restaurant sales on a partially fixed-cost base. We expect general and administrative expenses to increase in severance costs andthe remainder of 2007 primarily due to stock-based compensation expense,awards granted in February 2007.

Depreciation and costs incurred for the secondary offering by McDonald’s and other shareholders and the McDonald’s tax-free exchange offering described below. amortization

   For the three
months ended
March 31
  

%

increase

 
   2007  2006  
   (dollars in millions) 

Depreciation and amortization

  $10.2  $8.0  27.0%

As a percentage of revenue

   4.3%  4.3% 

Depreciation and amortization increased in 2007 primarily due to restaurants opened in 2006 and 2007. As a percentage of total revenue, depreciation and amortization has increased as we are continually opening new restaurants. Pre-opening expense has increased primarilyremained consistent as a result of higher average restaurant sales on a partially fixed-cost base, offset by accelerated depreciation on our adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Staff Position FAS 13-1 corporate office and certain identified restaurants.

Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred During a Construction PeriodPre-opening costs (“FSP 13-1”), effective January 1, 2006.

Income from operations increased to $46.5 million, or 7.7% of revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $23.3 million, or 5.1% of revenue, for the nine months ended


   For the three
months ended
March 31
  

%

increase

 
   2007  2006  
   (dollars in millions) 

Pre-opening costs

  $1.8  $1.1  63.1%

As a percentage of revenue

   0.8%  0.6% 

September 30, 2005. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $30.6 million, or 5.1% of revenue. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $33.4 million, or 7.4% of revenue, inclusive of a $20.3 million non-recurring tax benefit.

Certain Trends and Uncertainties

Relationship with McDonald’s

As of September 30, 2006, McDonald’s owned 16,539,967 shares of our class B common stock, representing 83.3% of the voting interest and 50.7% of the economic interest of our common stock. Effective October 12, 2006, McDonald’s distributed its shares of our class B common stockThe increase in a tax-free exchange offer. McDonald’s accepted 18,628,187 shares of its common stock in exchange for the shares our class B common stock. McDonald’s no longer owns any voting or economic interest in us.

Certain services provided to us by McDonald’s have been terminated or will terminate aspre-opening costs is a result of our separation from them. Benefits and insurance services, accounting, internal audit services and facilities services were terminated in conjunction with the separation. Certain accounting information technology systems services McDonald’s provides to us under a transition services agreement are expected to conclude not later than December 1, 2006, and will terminate in any event on or before October 12, 2008.

Our relationship with McDonald’s enabled us to obtain pricing benefits for some products and services. In light of our separation from McDonald’s, we have implemented or are pursuing alternatives to ensure that the separation occurs without any material disruptionan increase in the services or in our relationships withnumber of restaurant openings from 15 during the suppliers or service providers. We estimate the incremental costsfirst quarter of employee benefits, insurance, information technology services, distribution centers and beverage suppliers due2006 to our separation from McDonald’s to be between $1.0 million and $2.0 million28 in the first year.quarter of 2007.

Loss on Disposal of Assets

   For the three
months ended
March 31
  

%

increase

   2007  2006  
   (dollars in millions)

Loss on disposal of assets

  $1.3  $0.6  *

As a percentage of revenue

   0.5%  0.3% 

*not meaningful

The increase in loss on disposal of assets was due to an increase in asset retirements due to increase in both the age and number of restaurants, a pending closure of one restaurant due to a city redevelopment project and increase in the write-offs associated with investigating potential store sites that we considered but subsequently rejected.

Interest Income

   For the three
months ended
March 31
  

%

increase

 
   2007  2006  
   (dollars in millions) 

Interest income

  $1.5  $1.0  53.6%

As a percentage of revenue

   0.6%  0.5% 

Interest income resulted from investing our incremental cash and cash equivalents in short-term investments with maturities of three months or less. The incremental cash and cash equivalents resulted from our initial public offering proceeds and cash from operations. The increase is due to a higher daily average cash equivalent balance in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.

Provision for Income Taxes

   For the three
months ended
March 31
  

%

increase

 
   2007  2006  
   (dollars in millions) 

Provision for income taxes

  $(7.6) $(5.7) 34.9%

As a percentage of revenue

   (3.2)%  (3.0)% 

Effective tax rate

   38.0%  41.4% 

The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to investments in tax-exempt securities, the 2006 tax rate including the impact of disallowed compensation expense and a decrease in the estimated statutory state tax rate.

Seasonality

Seasonal factors cause our profitability to fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Historically, our average restaurant sales are lower in the first and fourth quarters due, in part, to the holiday season and because fewer people eat out during periods of inclement weather (the winter months) than during periods of mild or warm weather (the spring, summer and fall months). Other factors also have a seasonal effect on our results. For example, restaurants located near colleges and universities generally do more business during the academic year. The number of trading days that is, the number of days in a quarter when a restaurant is open, can also affect our results; however, they typicallyresults. Overall, on an annual basis, changes in trading days do not have a significant impact.impact on our results.

Our quarterly results are also affected by other factors such as the number of new restaurants opened in a quarter and unanticipated events. New restaurants have lower margins following opening as a result of the expenses associated with opening new restaurants and their operating inefficiencies.inefficiencies in the months immediately following opening. Because we tendhave tended to open more new restaurants later in the fiscal year, our fourth quarter net income may behas been lower than in other quarters. In addition, unanticipated events also impact our results. Accordingly, results for a particular quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for theany year.


Results of Operations

As our business grows and we open more restaurants and hire more people, our food, beverage and packaging costs, labor, occupancy and other restaurant operating costs increase. Our operating results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are expressed as a percentage of total revenue below:

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

  2006  

 

  2005  

 

  2006  

 

  2005  

 

Restaurant sales

 

 

99.6

%

 

 

99.6

%

 

 

99.6

%

 

 

99.6

%

 

Franchise royalties and fees

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

Total revenue

 

 

100.0

 

 

 

100.0

 

 

 

100.0

 

 

 

100.0

 

 

Food, beverage and packaging costs

 

 

31.0

 

 

 

32.4

 

 

 

31.2

 

 

 

32.3

 

 

Labor costs

 

 

28.2

 

 

 

28.2

 

 

 

28.1

 

 

 

28.5

 

 

Occupancy costs

 

 

7.1

 

 

 

7.4

 

 

 

7.2

 

 

 

7.6

 

 

Other operating costs

 

 

12.2

 

 

 

13.7

 

 

 

12.4

 

 

 

13.1

 

 

General and administrative expenses

 

 

7.4

 

 

 

7.5

 

 

 

8.1

 

 

 

8.2

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4.1

 

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

4.1

 

 

 

4.5

 

 

Pre-opening costs

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

91.5

 

 

 

94.2

 

 

 

92.3

 

 

 

94.9

 

 

Income from operations

 

 

8.5

 

 

 

5.8

 

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

5.1

 

 

Interest income

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

9.4

 

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

8.4

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

 

 

(3.8

)

 

 

(2.5

)

 

 

(3.4

)

 

 

2.4

 

 

Net income

 

 

5.6

%

 

 

3.1

%

 

 

5.1

%

 

 

7.4

%

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2005

The table below presents our operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 and the related period-to-period changes:

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Increase/

 

% Increase/

 

 

 

    2006    

 

    2005    

 

(Decrease)

 

 (Decrease) 

 

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

Restaurant sales

 

 

$

210.4

 

 

 

$

164.0

 

 

 

$

46.4

 

 

 

28.3

%

 

Food, beverage and packaging costs

 

 

65.4

 

 

 

53.4

 

 

 

12.0

 

 

 

22.5

 

 

Labor costs

 

 

59.6

 

 

 

46.5

 

 

 

13.2

 

 

 

28.3

 

 

Occupancy costs

 

 

15.0

 

 

 

12.1

 

 

 

2.9

 

 

 

23.9

 

 

Other operating costs

 

 

25.7

 

 

 

22.6

 

 

 

3.1

 

 

 

13.9

 

 

General and administrative expenses

 

 

15.7

 

 

 

12.3

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

28.2

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

8.7

 

 

 

7.2

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

20.4

 

 

Pre-opening costs

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

*

 

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

60.3

 

 

Net interest income (expense)

 

 

1.9

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

*

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

(8.0

)

 

 

(4.2

)

 

 

(3.8

)

 

 

91.9

 

 


*                    not meaningful.


Restaurant Sales.Of the $46.4 million increase in restaurant sales, $18.8 million was attributable to an increase in comparable restaurant sales, $14.3 million resulted from company-operated restaurants opened in 2005 that were not yet comparable and $13.3 million was due to 59 company-operated restaurants opened in the first nine months of 2006. Average restaurant sales for the trailing 12-month period ended September 30, 2006 increased 12.7% to $1.584 million from $1.406 million for the trailing 12-month period ended September 30, 2005, driven primarily by comparable restaurant sales growth of 11.6% that reflected increasing nationwide awareness of our brand and our focus on improving service time. A substantial majority of the comparable restaurant sales growth was due to an increase in the number of transactions, and the remainder was driven primarily by menu price increases in certain markets.

Food, Beverage and Packaging Costs.As a percentage of total revenue, food, beverage and packaging costs decreased due primarily to the impact of favorable commodity prices, most significantly avocados and chicken, and menu price increases in selected markets which were partially offset by higher costs resulting from the introduction of naturally raised beef or chicken.

Labor Costs.Labor costs as a percentage of revenue remained consistent compared to the same period in 2005 due to leverage from an increase in the number of transactions which did not require a corresponding increase in staff being offset by transitioning to our enhanced restaurant management structure.

Occupancy Costs.As a percentage of total revenue, occupancy costs decreased due to higher average restaurant sales on a partially fixed-cost base.

Other Operating Costs.Other operating costs as a percentage of total revenue decreased due primarily to entering into a new credit card processing agreement with lower fees, less marketing expenditures, and a reduction in training costs for external restaurant manager hires as a result of our focus on our enhanced restaurant structure partially offset by an increase in insurance reserves due to higher actual claims.

General and Administrative Expenses.The increase in general and administrative expenses primarily resulted from hiring more employees as we grew, $0.6 million of costs incurred for the McDonald’s exchange offer and costs incurred to operate as a public company. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased due primarily to the effect of higher average restaurant sales on a partially fixed-cost base.

Depreciation and Amortization.Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to restaurants opened in 2006 and in 2005. As a percentage of total revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased primarily due to higher average restaurant sales.

Pre-Opening Costs.Pre-opening costs increased principally because of the change in accounting principle required by FSP 13-1. FSP 13-1 requires rental costs associated with ground or building operating leases incurred during a construction period to be recognized as expense in reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Accordingly, we recognized additional pre-opening expense of $1.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2006 under this principle. Had FSP 13-1 been effective in 2005, we would have recognized additional pre-opening costs of approximately $0.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2005. Pre-opening costs also increased as result of opening 30 stores in the third quarter of 2006 as compared to 17 in the third quarter of 2005.

Loss on Disposal of Assets.The increase in loss on disposal of assets was primarily due to the closure of a restaurant due to structural damage to leased mall space.


Net Interest Income.The increase in interest income (net of interest expense) resulted from our incremental cash and cash equivalents being invested in short-term investments with maturities of three months or less during 2006.

Provision for Income Taxes.The provision for income taxes increased due primarily to increased pre-tax earnings offset by a reduction in our effective tax rate from 2005. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2005 was 45.1%. During the third quarter of 2005 we adjusted our deferred tax assets and liabilities for enacted changes in state tax laws resulting in $0.2 million of expense. At the same time, we adjusted the provision based on the actual tax returns filed resulting in an additional expense of $0.4 million. The two combined had a 4.4% effect on the quarter’s effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2006 was 40.4%. During the third quarter of 2006 we revised our estimated 2006 annual effective tax rate to 40.1% from 40.0% due to updated information. The adjustment had a 0.4% impact on the effective tax rate for the quarter.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005

The table below presents our operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 and the related period-to-period changes:

 

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

Increase/

 

% Increase/

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

(Decrease)

 

 (Decrease) 

 

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

Restaurant sales

 

$

601.0

 

$

452.6

 

 

$

148.4

 

 

 

32.8

%

 

Food, beverage and packaging costs

 

188.0

 

146.9

 

 

41.1

 

 

 

28.0

 

 

Labor costs

 

169.5

 

129.7

 

 

39.8

 

 

 

30.7

 

 

Occupancy costs

 

43.3

 

34.5

 

 

8.7

 

 

 

25.3

 

 

Other operating costs

 

74.9

 

59.4

 

 

15.4

 

 

 

26.0

 

 

General and administrative expenses

 

48.6

 

37.2

 

 

11.4

 

 

 

30.7

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

25.0

 

20.4

 

 

4.6

 

 

 

22.5

 

 

Pre-opening costs

 

4.7

 

1.2

 

 

3.4

 

 

 

*

 

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

2.8

 

1.8

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

57.5

 

 

Net interest income (expense)

 

4.4

 

(0.6

)

 

5.1

 

 

 

*

 

 

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

 

(20.3

)

10.8

 

 

(31.1

)

 

 

*

 

 


*                    not meaningful.

Restaurant Sales.Of the $148.4 million increase in restaurant sales, $67.3 million was attributable to an increase in comparable restaurant sales, $59.0 million resulted from company-operated restaurants opened in 2005 that were not yet comparable and $22.1 million was due to 59 company-operated restaurants opened in the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Average restaurant sales for the trailing 12-month period ended September 30, 2006 increased 12.7% to $1.584 million from $1.406 million for the trailing 12-month period ended September 30, 2005, driven primarily by comparable restaurant sales growth of 15.0% that reflected increasing nationwide awareness of our brand and our focus on improving service time. A substantial majority of the comparable restaurant sales growth was due to an increase in the number of transactions, and the remainder was driven primarily by menu price increases in markets where we introduced naturally-raised beef or chicken.

Food, Beverage and Packaging Costs.As a percentage of total revenue, food, beverage and packaging costs decreased due primarily to favorable commodity prices, most significantly avocados, and menu price increases in selected markets which were partially offset by higher costs resulting from the introduction of naturally raised beef or chicken in those markets.


Labor Costs.Labor costs as a percentage of revenue decreased primarily due to improved employee efficiency resulting from an increase in the number of transactions which did not require a corresponding increase in staff partially offset by additional staffing as we transition to our enhanced restaurant structure.

Occupancy Costs.As a percentage of total revenue, occupancy costs decreased due to higher average restaurant sales on a partially fixed-cost base.

Other Operating Costs.As a percentage of total revenue, other operating costs decreased due to higher average restaurant sales on a partially fixed-cost base.

General and Administrative Expenses.The increase in general and administrative expenses primarily resulted from hiring more employees as we grew, increases in severance costs and stock-based compensation expense, $1.3 million incurred for the secondary and exchange offers, and costs incurred to operate as a public company. Severance costs include the modification of certain options for terminated employees resulting in $1.1 million of additional stock-based compensation expense. Stock-based compensation expense increased as a result of a one-time broad-based stock option grant at the time of the initial public offering of our Class A common stock. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased due primarily to the effect of higher average restaurant sales on a partially fixed-cost base.

Depreciation and Amortization.Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to restaurants opened in 2006 and in 2005. As a percentage of total revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased primarily due to higher average restaurant sales.

Pre-Opening Costs.Pre-opening costs increased principally because of the change in accounting principle required by FSP 13-1. FSP 13-1 requires rental costs associated with ground or building operating leases incurred during a construction period to be recognized as expense in reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Accordingly, we recognized additional pre-opening expense of $2.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 under this principle. Had FSP 13-1 been effective in 2005, we would have recognized additional pre-opening costs of approximately $2.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

Loss on Disposal of Assets.The increase in loss on disposal of assets was largely due to write offs of equipment as a result of maintenance and system upgrades, to the closure of a restaurant due to structural damage to leased mall space and to the impairment of a restaurant to be relocated at the landlord’s request.

Net Interest Income.The increase in interest income (net of interest expense) resulted from investing our incremental cash and cash equivalents in short-term investments with maturities of three months or less during 2006.

Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes.During the second quarter of 2005, we determined that it was more likely than not that we would realize our deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryovers and we reversed our valuation allowance of $20.3 million resulting in a $10.8 million tax benefit for the period or an effective tax rate benefit of 47.8%. Excluding the $20.3 million non-recurring tax benefit, the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 would have been 42.1%. This reflects an adjustment to our deferred tax assets and liabilities for enacted changes in state tax laws of $0.2 million and an adjustment to the provision based on the actual returns filed of $0.4 million, both recorded in the third quarter of 2005. During the third quarter of 2006 we also revised our estimated 2006 annual effective tax rate to 40.1% from 40.0% due to updated information. In addition, during the second quarter of 2006 we adjusted our deferred tax assets and liabilities for enacted changes in state tax laws. This resulted in a $0.2 million benefit or a 0.2% reduction of the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

16




Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary liquidity and capital requirements are for new restaurant construction, working capital and general corporate needs. PriorWe haven’t required significant working capital because customers pay using cash or credit cards and because our operations do not require significant receivables, nor do they require significant inventories due, in part, to our initial public offering,use of various fresh ingredients. In addition, we financed these requirements primarily through equity salesgenerally have the right to McDonald’spay for the purchase of food, beverage and others as well as through cash flows from operations. Uponsupplies some time after the closingreceipt of our initial public offering in January 2006, we received net proceeds fromthose items, generally within ten days, thereby reducing the offering of approximately $120.9 million. We planneed for incremental working capital to use the proceeds to provide additional long-term capital support to the growth of our business (primarily through opening restaurants), to continue to maintain our existing restaurants and for general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2006, we had $157.6 million in cash and cash equivalents.

We have also historically obtained short-term borrowings from McDonald’s from time to time under documented lines of credit at an interest rate equal to the U.S. Prime rate plus 100 basis points. The existing line of credit, which expired in June 2006, was not renewed.

In October 2006, we entered into a revolving line of credit with a principal amount of $10 million which expires in August 2007. The line of credit is for support of letters of credit we issue in the normal course of business and bears interest at our option at either the Prime rate, a fixed rate determined by the bank or an adjusted LIBOR rate.growth.

Operating Activities.Net cash provided by operating activities was $73.5$30.7 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 compared to $52.6$23.2 million for the same period in 2005.2006. The $7.5 million increase was primarily attributable to a $28.2$4.5 million improvement in net income before income taxes driven primarily by higher average restaurant sales and higher restaurant margins.a change in operating assets and liabilities.

Investing Activities.Net cash used in investing activities was $62.5$32.7 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 compared to $53.3$14.2 million infor the same period in 2005.2006. The $18.5 million increase relatedwas primarily attributable to higher capital expenditures in 2007 as we opened 5928 restaurants, compared with 15 restaurants in the nine months ended September 30, 2006, compared with 52 restaurants in the nine months ended September 30, 2005. We expectand to incur total capital expenditures of approximately $95 million in 2006, relating primarily to the construction of new restaurants.increased reinvestment costs as our average restaurant age increases.

Financing Activities.Net cash provided by financing activities was $146.5$7.2 million infor the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 compared to $2.7$124.4 million infor the same period in 2005.2006. The increase$117.2 million decrease was mainlyprimarily attributable to the $133.3 millionnet proceeds received from our initial public offering and $19.5 million of tax sharing payments received from McDonald’s under the tax allocation agreement described below.in 2006.

Liquidity and Capital Expenditures.We planwill continue to use the proceeds from our initial public offeringavailable cash balances to provide additional long-term capital to support the growth of our business (primarily through opening restaurants), and to continue to maintain our existing restaurants and for general corporate purposes. McDonald’s will not provide us

We believe that cash from operations, together with financing in the future. However, in accordance with our tax allocation agreement with McDonald’s, McDonald’s has agreed to compensate us for the net operating losses (“NOLs”) or tax credits it used that were attributableproceeds from our initial public offering will be enough to our operations. We expect to receive payment formeet ongoing capital expenditures, working capital requirements and other cash needs over at least the federal and state NOLs that we have not utilized on a stand-alone basis as we make estimated tax payments, but no later than the first quarter of 2008. next 24 months.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 30,March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the amount owed by McDonald’s totaled $6.9 million.we had no off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Critical accounting policiesestimates are those that we believe are both significant and that require us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often because we need to estimate the effect of inherently uncertain matters. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experiences and various other factors that we believe to be appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and we might obtain different estimates if we used different assumptions or conditions. The


following discussesWe had no significant changes in our critical accounting policiesestimates since our last annual report. You should read this discussion in conjunction with disclosures regarding ourOur critical accounting policies and estimates are contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.2006.

Leases

We lease most of our restaurant locations. Effective January 1, 2006, in accordance with FSP 13-1, we began expensing rental costs associated with ground or building leases incurred during a construction period. Prior to this date, we capitalized these amounts.

Income Taxes

Prior to our initial public offering, McDonald’s included our results of operations in its consolidated federal and state income tax returns. At the consummation of our initial public offering, we exited McDonald’s consolidated tax group for federal and some state tax purposes. We remained in McDonald’s consolidated tax returns for some states until the completion of our separation from McDonald’s. Certain deferred tax assets were reclassified into equity as a result of the deconsolidation. As a result, we now have a net long-term deferred tax liability.

Insurance

We maintain various insurance policies for employee health, workers’ compensation, general liability and property damage. In conjunction with our separation from McDonald’s, we entered into certain new insurance policies with modified coverage. Prior to entering into the new policies, we were covered by fixed cost policies for workman’s compensation and health insurance. We are now self-insured on our PPO health insurance plan. Our HMO health insurance plan is to be renewed January 1, 2007 and is likely to be converted to a self-insured plan as well. We are also now responsible for losses up to a certain limit for workers’ compensation insurance. We continue to be responsible for losses up to a certain limit for general liability and property damage insurance.

For policies under which we are responsible for losses, we record a liability that represents our estimated cost of claims incurred and unpaid as of the balance sheet date. Our estimated liability is not discounted and is based on a number of assumptions and factors, including historical trends, actuarial assumptions and economic conditions, and is closely monitored and adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances. In addition, our history of claims experience is short and our significant growth rate could affect the accuracy of estimates based on historical experience. Should a greater amount of claims occur compared to what was estimated or medical costs increase beyond what was expected, our accrued liabilities might not be sufficient and additional expenses may be recorded. Actual claims experience could also be more favorable than estimated resulting in expense reductions. Unanticipated changes may produce materially different amounts of expense than that reported under these programs.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In September 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue No. 06-2, Accounting for Sabbatical Leave and Other Similar Benefits Pursuant to FASB Statement No. 43 Accounting for Compensated Absences (“EITF 06-2”). The EITF concluded that sabbatical leave accumulates pursuant to the criteria of Statement of Accounting Standard No. 43 Accounting for Compensated Absences (“FAS 43”) and therefore the benefit should be accrued if the remaining criteria of FAS 43 are met. EITF 06-2 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. EITF 06-2 can be applied as a change in accounting principle either as a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings in the year of adoption or as retrospective application to all prior periods. We are assessing the impact of EITF 06-2 on our results and therefore cannot estimate the impact on our financial statements.


In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The cumulative effect upon adoption of applying the provision shall be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for that fiscal year, presented separately. We do not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position AUG AIR-1, Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities (“FSP AUG-1”). FSP AUG-1 prohibits the use of the accrue-in-advance method of accounting for costs of planned major maintenance projects. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We do not utilize the accrue-in-advance method and therefore do not expect the adoption of FSP AUG-1 to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 provides a definition of fair value and acceptable methods of measuring fair value. We do not expect the adoption of FAS 157 to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 provides guidance on how prior year misstatements should be taken into consideration when quantifying misstatements in current year financial statements for purposes of determining whether the current year’s financial statements are materially misstated. SAB 108 permits registrants to record the cumulative effect of initial adoption by recording the necessary “correcting” adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of that year with the offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings only if material under the dual method. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending on or after November 15, 2006. We have assessed the effect of adopting this guidance and has determined that there will be no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM 3.                QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

In addition to risks inherent in our operations, we are exposed to certain market risks. The following provides discussion regarding significant changes in market risks since our latest fiscal year-end. You should read this discussion in conjunction with disclosures made in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Changing Interest Rates

We’re exposed to interest rate risk through the investment of our cash and cash equivalents. Since the completion of our initial public offering we have invested our cash in short-term investments with maturities of three months or less. Changes in interest rates affect the interest income we earn, and therefore impact our cash flows and results of operations. As of September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, we had $153.1$153.4 million deposited in short-term investments bearing a weighted-average interest rate of 5.37%4.1% (approximately 5.6% tax equivalent).

Commodity Price Risks

We’re also exposed to commodity price risks. Many of the ingredients we use to prepare our food, as well as our packaging materials, are commodities that are affected by weather, seasonality, production, availability and other factors outside our control. We work closely with our suppliers and use a mix of forward pricing protocols under which we agree with our supplier on fixed prices for deliveries at sometime in the future, fixed pricing protocols under which we agree on a fixed price with our supplier for the duration of that protocol, and formula pricing protocols under which the prices we pay are based on specified formula related to the prices of the goods, such as spot prices. Though we generally do not have long-term supply contracts or guaranteed purchase amounts, our pricing protocols with suppliers can remain in effect for periods ranging from one month to a year, depending on the outlook for prices of the particular ingredient. We also sometimes buy supplies at current market or spot prices. We’ve tried to increase, where necessary, the number of suppliers for our ingredients, which we believe can help mitigate pricing volatility, and we follow industry news, trade issues, weather, crises and other world events that may affect supply prices. Long-term increases in ingredient prices could adversely affect our future results if we could not increase menu prices at the same pace for competitive or other reasons. Similarly, if we believe the ingredient price increase to be short in duration we may choose not to pass on the cost increases, which could adversely affect our short-term financial results.

ITEM 4.              CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms,


and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Finance and Development Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Finance and Development Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Finance and Development Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterlyannual report.

There were no changes during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

ITEM 1.                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We’re involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims, or an increase in amounts owingone ore more successful claims under successful claimswhich we incur greater liabilities than we currently anticipate could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.

In addition, we’re involved in claims relating to the possible theft of our customers’ credit and debit card data. Through the end of September 2006,March 2007, we have received claims through the acquiring bank that processes our credit and debit cards with respect to fewer than 2,000 purportedly fraudulent credit and debit card charges allegedly arising out of this matter in an aggregate amount of about $1.4 million. We’ve also incurred $1.3 million of expense in connection with fines imposed by the Visa and MasterCard card associations on the acquiring bank. In 2004, we recorded charges of $4.0 million to establish a reserve for claims seeking reimbursement for purportedly fraudulent credit

and debit card charges, the cost of replacing cards, monitoring expenses and fees, and fines imposed by Visa and MasterCard. All of the reimbursement claims are being disputed, although we’ve not formally protested all of the charges. As of September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, after charging these expenses against the reserve, the remaining reserve was $1.2 million. In addition to the reserve, we’ve also incurred about $1.5 million of additional expenses in this matter, including $1.4 million for legal fees, bringing our total expense relating to this matter to $5.5 million. We have not reserved any additional amounts to date.date in 2007.

We may in the future become subject to additional claims for purportedly fraudulent transactions arising out of this matter. We have no way to predict the level of claims or the number or nature of proceedings that may be asserted against us, nor can we quantify the costs that we may incur in connection with investigating, responding to and defending any of them. If we litigate these matters, we may not be able to defend against penalties successfully. The ultimate outcome of this matter could differ materially from the amounts we’ve recorded in our reserve and could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and condition.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

ITEM 1A.        RISK FACTORS

The following discusses significantThere have been no material changes in our risk factors since our last annual report. You should read this in conjunction with our risk factors in Item 1A in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.


We may face difficulties transitioning services McDonald’s provided to us and entering into new or modified arrangements with existing or new suppliers or service providers.2006.

We have historically benefited from our relationship with McDonald’s. For example, McDonald’s provided us, directly or through McDonald’s own vendor relationships, with accounting services, insurance policy coverage, banking services, health and other insurance benefits for our employees and employee benefit plans, as well as with its expertise in certain areas of our operations, such as real estate. We also benefited from our relationship with McDonald’s when we bought supplies or distribution or other services. For example, McDonald’s relationship with Coca-Cola has helped us contain our beverage costs, and we rely on the same distribution network as McDonald’s.

As a result of our separation from McDonald’s effective October 12, 2006, we are now responsible for securing all of our own management, financial, tax, accounting, legal and other resources. Insurance and benefits services, accounting, internal audit services and facilities services that McDonald’s was providing to us under a services agreement terminated on the effective date of the separation. Certain accounting information technology systems services McDonald’s provides to us under a transition services agreement are expected to conclude not later than December 1, 2006, and will terminate in any event on or before October 12, 2008.

In addition, our use of the distribution network that McDonald’s also uses is not tied to McDonald’s ownership in us, and the relevant suppliers and service providers could decide to stop giving us beneficial pricing and/or service levels or terminate their relationship with us at any time.

In light of our separation from McDonald’s and the resulting termination of services and benefits we received from McDonald’s, we have implemented or obtained, or are pursuing, accounting functions, employee benefits plans and insurance policies to replace services or benefits previously provided by McDonald’s. We have also evaluated relationships with our existing suppliers or service providers to ensure that our separation from McDonald’s occurs without material disruption in our operations. Although we have made arrangements to replace the services previously provided to us by McDonald’s, we may encounter difficulties implementing services or be unable to negotiate pricing or other terms as favorable as those we currently have in effect. We may also experience difficulties in establishing suitable internal controls in connection with providing our own accounting services rather than obtaining those services from McDonald’s. We estimate the incremental costs of employee benefits, insurance, information technology services and beverage suppliers due to our separation from McDonald’s to be between $1.0 million and $2.0 million in the first year. However, we cannot quantify with certainty the total impact the separation will have on our expenses.

Our insurance coverage and self-insurance reserves may not cover future claims.

We maintain various insurance policies for employee health, workers’ compensation, general liability and property damage. In conjunction with our separation from McDonald’s, we entered into certain new insurance policies with modified coverage. Prior to entering into the new policies, we were covered by fixed cost policies for health insurance and workman’s compensation. We are now self-insured on our PPO health insurance plan. Our HMO health insurance plan is to be renewed January 1, 2007 and is likely to be converted to a self-insured plan as well. We are also now responsible for losses up to a certain limit for workers’ compensation insurance. We continue to be responsible for losses up to a certain limit for general liability and property damage insurance.

For policies under which we are responsible for losses, we record a liability that represents our estimated cost of claims incurred and unpaid as of the balance sheet date. Our estimated liability is not discounted and is based on a number of assumptions and factors, including historical trends, actuarial assumptions and economic conditions, and is closely monitored and adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances. Our history of claims experience is short and our significant growth rate could affect the


accuracy of estimates based on historical experience. Should a greater amount of claims occur compared to what was estimated or medical costs increase beyond what was expected, our accrued liabilities might not be sufficient and we may be required to record additional expense. Unanticipated changes may produce materially different amounts of expense than that reported under these programs, which could adversely impact our results of operations.

Restrictions and indemnities in connection with the tax treatment of McDonald’s exchange offer could adversely affect us.

Current tax law generally creates a presumption that a tax-free exchange of the type used by McDonald’s to complete its disposition of its ownership in us would be taxable to McDonald’s, but not to its shareholders, if we or our shareholders were to engage in a transaction that would result in a 50% or greater change by vote or by value in our stock ownership during the four-year period beginning two years before the date of the exchange, unless it is established that the exchange and the transaction are not part of a plan or series of related transactions to effect such a change in ownership. As a consequence of the foregoing, in the separation agreement we entered into with McDonald’s in connection with the separation, we have:

·       undertaken to maintain our current business as an active business for a period of two years following the separation;

·       undertaken not to take any action affecting the relative voting rights of any separate classes of our stock on or before the second anniversary of the separation, and for a period thereafter to only take such action under certain conditions;

·       generally agreed to be restricted, for a period of two years following the separation, from (i) consenting to certain acquisitions of significant amounts of our stock; (ii) transferring significant amounts of our assets; (iii) merging or consolidating with any other person; (iv) liquidating or partially liquidating; (v) reacquiring our stock; or (vi) taking any other action (including an action that would be inconsistent with the representations relied upon for purposes of the ruling and/or opinion described above) that would be reasonably likely to jeopardize the tax-free status of the exchange, except in specified circumstances; and

·       agreed to indemnify McDonald’s for taxes and related losses it incurs as a result of the exchange failing to qualify as a tax-free transaction, if the taxes and related losses are attributable to (i) direct or indirect acquisitions of our stock or assets (regardless of whether we consent to such acquisitions); (ii) negotiations, understandings, agreements or arrangements in respect of such acquisitions; or (iii) our failure to comply with applicable representations and undertakings from us and the restrictions placed on our actions under the separation agreement.

The indemnity described above covers corporate level taxes and related losses suffered by McDonald’s in the event of a 50% or greater change in our stock ownership, as well as taxes and related losses suffered by McDonald’s if, due to any of our representations or undertakings being incorrect or violated, the exchange is determined to be taxable for other reasons. We currently estimate that the indemnification obligation to McDonald’s for taxes due in the event of a 50% or greater change in our stock ownership could exceed $450 million. This estimate, which does not take into account related losses, depends upon several factors that are beyond our control. As a consequence, the indemnity to McDonald’s could vary substantially from the estimate. Furthermore, the estimate does not address the potential indemnification obligation to McDonald’s in the event that, due to any of our representations or undertakings being incorrect or violated, the exchange is determined to be taxable for other reasons. In that event, the total indemnification would likely be much greater.


ITEM 3.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

ITEM 2.                UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities and Use of Proceeds from Sale of Registered Securities

On January 30, 2006, we completed the initial public offering of our Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, pursuant to our Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Reg. No. 333-129221) that was declared effective on January 25, 2006. We sold 6,060,606 shares in the offering at a price to the public of $22.00 per share. The managing underwriters in the offering were Morgan Stanley and SG Cowen & Co.

The net proceeds received by us in the offering were $120.9 million, determined as follows (in millions):

Aggregate offering proceeds to the Company

 

$

133.3

 

Underwriting discounts and commissions

 

9.3

 

Finders fee

 

 

Other fees and expenses

 

3.1

 

Total expenses

 

12.4

 

Net proceeds to the Company

 

$

120.9

 

 

Aggregate offering proceeds to the Company

  $133.3

Underwriting discounts and commissions

   9.3

Finders fee

   —  

Other fees and expenses

   3.1
    

Total expenses

   12.4
    

Net proceeds to the Company

  $120.9
    

None of the underwriting discounts and commissions or offering expenses were paid, directly or indirectly, to our directors or officers or their associates or to persons owning 10% or more of our common stock or to any affiliates of ours. We are using, or expect to use,used the net proceeds of the offering to provide additional long-term capital to support the growth of our business (primarily through opening new restaurants), for maintenance of our existing restaurants and for general corporate purposes.

ITEM 3.                DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.                SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

ITEM 4.SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

ITEM 5.                OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6.                EXHIBITS

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

The exhibits to this report are listed in the exhibit index following the signature page are furnished as part of this report.

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SIGNATURESSIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.INC.
By:

/s/ JOHN R. HARTUNG

Name:

By:

/s/ JOHN R. HARTUNG

Name:

John R. Hartung

Title:

Title:

Chief Finance and Development Officer

Date: May 1, 2007

Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number

Description of Exhibit

  3.1

(principal financial officer)

Date: October 31, 2006

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number

Description

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.*

3.2

  3.2

Restated Bylaws of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.*

4.1

  4.1

Form of Stock Certificate for Class A Common Stock.*

4.2

  4.2

Form of Stock Certificate for Class B Common Stock.

**

10.1

10.1

Separation

Summary of Director Compensation.
10.2Form of Indemnification Agreement between Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. and McDonald’s Corporation.each executive officer and director of Chipotle.**

*

31.1

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

31.2

Certification of Chief Finance and Development Officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.3

31.3

Certification of President and Chief Operating Officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Finance and Development Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


*
*Incorporated herein by reference to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 001-32731).
**Incorporated by reference to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2006 (File No. 001-32731).
***Incorporated by reference to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.’s current report on Form 8-K filed on March 21, 2007 (File No. 001-32731).

**             Incorporated by reference to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-137177) filed on September 8, 2006.17

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