While ranking among the most actively traded securities of the day, fast-casual restaurant operator Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (NYSE:CMG) hasn't had much to cheer about. Since the beginning of the year, CMG stock has slipped 32%, a jarring contrast to the S&P 500, which is up 14% during the same frame. Blame the consumer economy, which has been struggling mightily amid rising costs and tariff-related strains. Still, the red ink may offer an attractive discount.
To be fair, Chipotle represents an awfully intrepid contrarian opportunity. In particular, the financial situation is enough to scare off most conservative investors. In the second quarter, the fast-casual eatery posted earnings that were in line with expectations but delivered sales that missed analysts' consensus target.
