Cowen analyst Andrew Charles upgraded Chipotle to Outperform from Market Perform with a price target of $970, up from $800. The analyst sees upside to expectations for the company's comps and earnings from the growth of its digital sales, growing consumer trend calling for food transparency, higher advertising budget, and the success of its loyalty program. Charles adds that Chipotle brand should grow even faster with the launch of the drive-thru option starting in 2021.

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.