American Century Companies Trims Chipotle Stake

Investment firm reduces holdings in restaurant chain by nearly half

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

American Century Companies Inc. has reduced its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) by 48.4% in the third quarter, according to a recent SEC filing. The firm previously owned 10,965,031 shares of the restaurant operator's stock, but sold 10,292,635 shares during the period, leaving it with a smaller 0.83% ownership position worth $429.7 million.

Why it matters

This reduction in Chipotle holdings by a major institutional investor like American Century Companies could signal a shift in sentiment around the fast-casual restaurant chain, which has faced some operational challenges and competitive pressures in recent quarters.

The details

According to the 13F filing, American Century Companies sold off a significant portion of its Chipotle position in Q3 2026, reducing its stake from over 10.9 million shares to just 672,396 shares. This sale represented nearly half (48.4%) of the firm's previous Chipotle holdings.

  • American Century Companies filed the 13F report disclosing the Chipotle stake reduction on February 28, 2026.

The players

American Century Companies Inc.

An investment management firm that previously held a major stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

A fast-casual restaurant chain known for its Mexican-inspired menu of burritos, bowls, tacos and salads.

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The takeaway

This reduction in Chipotle holdings by a prominent institutional investor could signal broader concerns about the restaurant chain's performance and outlook, though the specific reasons behind the sell-off are not yet clear. Investors will be watching to see if other major shareholders follow suit or if Chipotle can regain the confidence of the investment community.