Credit Suisse analyst Jason West notes that Chipotle (CMG) announced that Brian Niccol, who recently served as CEO of Yum! Brands (YUM) Taco Bell, will succeed Steve Ells as the company's chief executive. The analyst believes Niccol's primary focus will be repairing Chipotle's image, particularly with younger consumers, and attempting to restore historical sales volumes. The turnaround effort is likely to involve brand rebuilding, innovation, operational improvements, digital upgrades, and potential day part expansion, he contends. West reiterates a Neutral rating and $275 price target on Chipotle's shares.

Citi lowered the firm's price target on Yum! Brands to $162 from $166 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares ahead of the Q1 report. The analyst expects Yum continues to voice confidence in 5% unit growth, and its digital initiatives are growing sales for franchisees. The firm views the company's near-term outlook as "shakier" than the long-term.

Raymond James analyst Brian Vaccaro raised the firm's price target on Chipotle (CMG) to $3,300 from $3,200 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm maintains a selective stance towards its restaurant coverage universe as industry sales have underwhelmed in recent months, causing Raymond James to increasingly favor stocks it view as having "idiosyncratic factors trading at attractive valuations," such as Brinker (EAT), Shake Shack (SHAK), First Watch (FWRG) and Bloomin' Brands (BLMN), the analyst tells investors in a group earnings preview note.

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced the opening of its first location in Kuwait City in partnership with leading international franchise retail operator Alshaya Group. The restaurant has been operating with adjusted hours since the beginning of the month to account for holidays and training and will hold its official grand opening on April 23. Chipotle's location in Kuwait marks the first time the company has entered a new country in over 10 years. The new restaurant is located at The Avenues, Kuwait's largest shopping mall and a hub for international and local brands with over 1,100 stores and approximately one million visitors per week.