Chipotle Earnings Forecast Dip in Q1 2026

Analysts predict a 17.2% decline in earnings per share for the fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:40pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of colorful tortilla chips, a small bowl of fresh salsa, and a single lime wedge arranged elegantly on a clean, white seamless background, conceptually representing Chipotle's commitment to quality ingredients.Chipotle's focus on fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients is reflected in this minimalist still life.Newport Beach Today

Chipotle Mexican Grill is scheduled to report its fiscal first-quarter 2026 results later this month, with analysts forecasting a 17.2% year-over-year decline in earnings per share to $0.24. However, the company has surpassed Wall Street's earnings estimates in the past four quarters. For the full fiscal year 2026, analysts expect Chipotle's EPS to dip 2.6% to $1.14, before rebounding 19.3% to $1.36 in fiscal 2027.

Why it matters

As one of the leading fast-casual restaurant chains, Chipotle's quarterly earnings are closely watched by investors as a barometer for consumer spending trends and the company's operational execution. The Q1 2026 results will provide insight into how Chipotle is navigating the post-pandemic economic environment and any potential headwinds impacting its business.

The details

Chipotle Mexican Grill, which has a market cap of $43.6 billion, is scheduled to announce its fiscal Q1 2026 results after the market closes on April 29. Analysts predict the company will report an EPS of $0.24, down 17.2% from $0.29 in the year-ago quarter. However, Chipotle has exceeded Wall Street's earnings estimates in the past four quarters. For the full fiscal year 2026, analysts forecast Chipotle's EPS to decline 2.6% to $1.14, before rebounding 19.3% to $1.36 in fiscal 2027. Shares of Chipotle have declined 28.8% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 30.3% gain and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF's 19.7% rise.

  • Chipotle is scheduled to announce its fiscal Q1 2026 results after the market closes on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
  • In Q4 2025, Chipotle reported total revenue growth of 4.9% year-over-year to $3 billion and full-year revenue increased 5.4% to $11.9 billion.

The players

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

A restaurant company that owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill locations, offering Mexican-inspired foods like burritos, tacos, and bowls made with responsibly sourced ingredients. It also provides digital ordering through its website, mobile app, and delivery platforms, with operations across the United States and several international markets.

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The takeaway

Chipotle's upcoming Q1 2026 earnings report will be closely watched by investors as a gauge of the company's ability to navigate the post-pandemic economic environment and any potential headwinds impacting its business. While analysts forecast a decline in earnings per share, the company's track record of exceeding expectations in recent quarters provides some optimism.