Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 7, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.

		Evaluation of stock-based compensation performance condition assumptions
Description of the Matter		The Company incurred $126.7 million in stock-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2023. Approximately 114,000 of the Company’s vested and non-vested stock awards were subject to performance conditions during the year ended December 31, 2023. As described in Notes 1 and 8 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company records the grant date fair value of the performance stock awards and expenses the fair value of the performance stock awards subject to service conditions over the respective vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense of stock awards subject to performance conditions is based on the estimated probability of achieving levels of performance associated with particular levels of payout. Additionally, at each reporting period, the Company evaluates the probable outcome of the performance conditions including consideration of significant assumptions and as applicable, recognizes the cumulative effect of the change in estimate in the period of the change. Auditing the estimated quantity of awards the Company determined are probable of vesting for the Company’s stock awards subject to performance conditions was complex and judgmental. In particular, the stock compensation expense is sensitive to significant assumptions including management’s internal estimates of the Company’s future performance.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit		We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of management’s controls over stock-based compensation. We tested controls over management’s review of the assumptions used with regards to the performance conditions. We also tested management's controls to validate that data used in management’s internal estimates of the Company’s future performance was complete and accurate. Our substantive audit procedures included, among others, testing the significant assumptions underlying the performance conditions (e.g., certain targets related to growth in cumulative restaurant cash flow dollars and cumulative base restaurant cash flow dollars) and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data. We evaluated management’s significant assumptions by comparing the assumptions to current market and economic trends, historical results of the Company's business, and to other relevant factors. We additionally performed a sensitivity analysis of the significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the expense to be recognized for the stock awards subject to performance conditions. We also evaluated the adequacy of the Company’s stock-based compensation disclosures included in Notes 1 and 8 of the consolidated financial statements in relation to these matters.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1997.

Irvine, California

February 7, 2024

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share data)

	December 31,
	2023			2022
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	560,609		$	384,000
Accounts receivable, net		115,535			106,880
Inventory		39,309			35,668
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		117,462			86,412
Income tax receivable		52,960			47,741
Investments		734,838			515,136
Total current assets		1,620,713			1,175,837
Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net		2,170,038			1,951,147
Long-term investments		564,488			388,055
Restricted cash		25,554			24,966
Operating lease assets		3,578,548			3,302,402
Other assets		63,082			63,158
Goodwill		21,939			21,939
Total assets	$	8,044,362		$	6,927,504
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	197,646		$	184,566
Accrued payroll and benefits		227,537			170,456
Accrued liabilities		147,688			147,539
Unearned revenue		209,680			183,071
Current operating lease liabilities		248,074			236,248
Total current liabilities		1,030,625			921,880
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Long-term operating lease liabilities		3,803,551			3,495,162
Deferred income tax liabilities		89,109			98,623
Other liabilities		58,870			43,816
Total liabilities		4,982,155			4,559,481
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 600,000 shares authorized, no shares issued as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively		-			-
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 230,000 shares authorized, 37,483 and 37,320 shares issued as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively		375			373
Additional paid-in capital		1,956,160			1,829,304
Treasury stock, at cost, 10,057 and 9,693 common shares as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively		(4,944,656)			(4,282,014)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(6,657)			(7,888)
Retained earnings		6,056,985			4,828,248
Total shareholders' equity		3,062,207			2,368,023
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	8,044,362		$	6,927,504

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

	Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2021
Food and beverage revenue	$	9,804,124		$	8,558,001		$	7,457,169
Delivery service revenue		67,525			76,651			89,892
Total revenue		9,871,649			8,634,652			7,547,061
Restaurant operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Food, beverage and packaging		2,912,564			2,602,245			2,308,631
Labor		2,440,982			2,197,958			1,917,761
Occupancy		503,264			460,425			416,606
Other operating costs		1,428,747			1,311,905			1,197,054
General and administrative expenses		633,584			564,191			606,854
Depreciation and amortization		319,394			286,826			254,657
Pre-opening costs		36,931			29,560			21,264
Impairment, closure costs, and asset disposals		38,370			21,139			19,291
Total operating expenses		8,313,836			7,474,249			6,742,118
Income from operations		1,557,813			1,160,403			804,943
Interest and other income, net		62,693			21,128			7,820
Income before income taxes		1,620,506			1,181,531			812,763
Provision for income taxes		(391,769)			(282,430)			(159,779)
Net income	$	1,228,737		$	899,101		$	652,984
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	44.59		$	32.28		$	23.21
Diluted	$	44.34		$	32.04		$	22.90
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic		27,555			27,851			28,132
Diluted		27,710			28,062			28,511
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	1,231		$	(2,534)			(1,125)
Comprehensive income	$	1,229,968		$	896,567		$	651,859

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

	Common Stock								Treasury Stock
	Shares		Amount			Additional‎Paid-In‎Capital			Shares		Amount			Retained‎Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Total
Balance, December 31, 2020	36,704		$	367		$	1,549,909		8,703		$	(2,802,075)		$	3,276,163		$	(4,229)		$	2,020,135
Stock-based compensation	-			-			178,703		-			-			-			-			178,703
Stock plan transactions and other	428			4			700		-			-			-			-			704
Acquisition of treasury stock	-			-			-		349			(554,027)			-			-			(554,027)
Net income	-			-			-		-			-			652,984			-			652,984
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-			-			-		-			-			-			(1,125)			(1,125)
Balance, December 31, 2021	37,132		$	371		$	1,729,312		9,052		$	(3,356,102)		$	3,929,147		$	(5,354)		$	2,297,374
Stock-based compensation	-			-			99,821		-			-			-			-			99,821
Stock plan transactions and other	188			2			171		-			-			-			-			173
Acquisition of treasury stock	-			-			-		641			(925,912)			-			-			(925,912)
Net income	-			-			-		-			-			899,101			-			899,101
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-			-			-		-			-			-			(2,534)			(2,534)
Balance, December 31, 2022	37,320		$	373		$	1,829,304		9,693		$	(4,282,014)		$	4,828,248		$	(7,888)		$	2,368,023
Stock-based compensation	-			-			126,686		-			-			-			-			126,686
Stock plan transactions and other	163			2			170		-			-			-			-			172
Acquisition of treasury stock	-			-			-		364			(662,642)			-			-			(662,642)
Net income	-			-			-		-			-			1,228,737			-			1,228,737
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-			-			-		-			-			-			1,231			1,231
Balance, December 31, 2023	37,483		$	375		$	1,956,160		10,057		$	(4,944,656)		$	6,056,985		$	(6,657)		$	3,062,207

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2021
Operating activities
Net income	$	1,228,737		$	899,101		$	652,984
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		319,394			286,826			254,657
Deferred income tax provision		(9,505)			(43,195)			(12,357)
Impairment, closure costs, and asset disposals		37,025			20,738			17,086
Provision for credit losses		1,570			(760)			493
Stock-based compensation expense		124,016			98,030			176,392
Other		(13,080)			(16,202)			(4,599)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(11,216)			(14,026)			(1,687)
Inventory		(3,649)			(3,011)			(6,392)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(39,211)			(14,660)			(26,826)
Operating lease assets		254,241			234,273			223,837
Other assets		4,204			(346)			3,993
Accounts payable		5,313			18,208			21,440
Accrued payroll and benefits		57,048			9,864			(44,555)
Accrued liabilities		3,188			(27,964)			10,997
Unearned revenue		35,685			33,374			34,387
Income tax payable/receivable		(5,237)			46,262			193,379
Operating lease liabilities		(214,477)			(207,186)			(207,164)
Other long-term liabilities		9,431			3,853			(3,984)
Net cash provided by operating activities		1,783,477			1,323,179			1,282,081
Investing activities
Purchases of leasehold improvements, property and equipment		(560,731)			(479,164)			(442,475)
Purchases of investments		(1,115,131)			(614,416)			(429,350)
Maturities of investments		729,853			263,548			345,748
Proceeds from sale of equipment		-			-			4,035
Net cash used in investing activities		(946,009)			(830,032)			(522,042)
Financing activities
Acquisition of treasury stock		(592,349)			(830,140)			(466,462)
Tax withholding on stock-based compensation awards		(69,146)			(98,970)			(79,870)
Other financing activities		843			(294)			(2,274)
Net cash used in financing activities		(660,652)			(929,404)			(548,606)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		381			(1,007)			(1,039)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		177,197			(437,264)			210,394
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year		408,966			846,230			635,836
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year	$	586,163		$	408,966		$	846,230
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Income taxes paid (refunded)	$	400,229		$	275,796		$	(17,831)
Purchases of leasehold improvements, property and equipment accrued in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	76,415		$	72,021		$	63,802
Acquisition of treasury stock accrued in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	5,643		$	4,497		$	7,695

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollar and share amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

In this annual report on Form 10-K, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively referred to as “Chipotle,” “we,” “us,” or “our.”

We develop and operate restaurants that serve a relevant menu of burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads, made using fresh, high-quality ingredients. As of December 31, 2023, we operated 3,437 restaurants, including 3,371 Chipotle restaurants within the United States, and 66 international Chipotle restaurants. In the current year we closed all non-Chipotle restaurants. We manage our U.S. operations based on eight regions and aggregate our operations to one reportable segment.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts, our wholly and majority owned subsidiaries and investees we control after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.

Management Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider highly liquid investment instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Amounts receivable from credit card companies are also considered cash equivalents as they are both short-term and highly liquid in nature. We maintain cash and cash equivalent balances that exceed federally-insured limits with a number of financial institutions.

Restricted Cash

We maintain certain cash balances restricted as to withdrawal or use. Restricted cash assets are primarily insurance-related restricted trust assets.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable primarily consists of receivables from third party gift card distributors, delivery partners, insurance liabilities covered by third-party insurance carriers and vendor rebates.

Allowance for Credit Losses

We closely monitor accounts receivable and held to maturity investment balances and estimate the allowance for credit losses when lifetime credit losses are expected by management. Our estimate is based on historical collection experience, external market data and other factors, including those related to current market conditions and events. We do not recognize a reserve for expected credit losses related to our U.S. Treasury security investments as management has concluded there is no risk of non-payment.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our allowance for credit losses was $2,742 and $1,180, respectively.

Inventory

Inventory, consisting principally of food, beverages, and supplies, is valued at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or net realizable value.

Equity Method Investments

Investments are accounted for under the equity method if we are able to exercise significant influence, but not control, over an investee. Our share of the earnings or losses as reported by the investees is included in interest and other income, net on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The investments are evaluated for impairment annually and when facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in interest income and other income, net on our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Investments

Investments classified as trading securities are carried at fair value with any unrealized gain or loss being recorded in interest and other income, net on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost. Non-marketable equity investments are measured at cost, less impairments, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. These gains or losses are included in interest and other income, net on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Impairment charges on investments are recognized in interest and other income, net on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income when management believes the decline in the fair value of the investment is other-than-temporary.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. For assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value, we determine fair value based on the following:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access.

Level 2: Observable inputs other than prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated with observable market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of our foreign entities is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The operations, assets, and liabilities of our entities outside the U.S. are initially measured using the functional currency of that entity. Gains and losses arising from the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on transactions in foreign currency are included as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Assets and liabilities of these foreign entities are translated at exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date. Income and expense accounts are translated monthly using average monthly exchange rates. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets.

Leasehold Improvements, Property and Equipment

Leasehold improvements, property and equipment are recorded at cost. Internal costs directly associated with the acquisition, development and construction of a restaurant are capitalized. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we capitalized $15,385, $12,695, and $10,870 of internal costs, respectively. Expenditures for refurbishments and improvements that significantly add to the productivity capacity or extend the useful life are capitalized, while expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term, which generally includes option periods that are reasonably certain, or the estimated useful lives of the assets. Upon retirement or disposal of assets, the accounts are relieved of cost and accumulated depreciation and any related gain or loss is reflected in impairment, closure costs, and asset disposals in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell.

At least annually, or when impairment indicators are present, we evaluate, and adjust when necessary, the estimated useful lives of leasehold improvements, property and equipment. The changes in estimated useful lives did not have a material impact on depreciation in any period. The estimated useful lives are:

Leasehold improvements and buildings	3-20 years
Furniture and fixtures	4-7 years
Equipment	3-10 years

Leases

The majority of our operating leases consist of restaurant locations and office space. We determine if a contract contains a lease at inception. Our leases generally have remaining terms of 1-20 years and most include options to extend the leases for additional 5-year periods. Generally, the lease term is the minimum of the noncancelable period of the lease or the lease term inclusive of reasonably certain renewal periods up to a term of 20 years.

We recognize an operating lease asset and operating lease liability for each lease with a contractual term greater than 12 months at the time of lease inception. We do not record leases with an initial term of 12 months or less on our consolidated balance sheet but continue to record rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date, which is the date we control the use of the property. Operating lease liabilities represent the present value of lease payments not yet paid. We made the policy election to combine lease and non-lease components. We consider fixed CAM part of our fixed future lease payments; therefore, fixed CAM is also included in our lease liability. To determine the present value of lease payments not yet paid, we estimate incremental borrowing rates corresponding to the lease term including reasonably certain renewal periods. As we have no outstanding debt nor committed credit facilities, secured or otherwise, we estimate this rate based on prevailing financial market conditions, comparable company and credit analysis, and management judgment.

Total lease costs, which are recorded primarily as occupancy costs, include fixed operating lease costs, variable lease costs and short-term lease costs. Most of our real estate leases require we pay certain expenses, such as CAM costs, real estate taxes and insurance, of which the fixed portion is included in operating lease costs. We recognize operating lease costs on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In addition to the above costs, variable lease costs also include amounts based on a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels and are recognized when probable and are not included in determining the present value of our operating lease liability.

Operating lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset and are based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for prepayments, initial direct costs, lease incentives, and impairment of operating lease assets. For operating leases, operating lease assets are reduced over the lease term by the recognized straight-line lease expense less the amount of accretion of the lease liability. Additionally, tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements are generally recognized when earned and reduce our right-of-use asset related to the lease. These are amortized through the operating lease asset as reductions of expense over the lease term.

Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. We have not entered into any leases with related parties.

Goodwill

Goodwill is not subject to amortization, but instead is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently when impairment indicators are present, and we are required to record any necessary impairment adjustments. Impairment is measured as the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the goodwill. No impairment charges were recognized on goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Other Assets

Other assets consist primarily of a rabbi trust as described further in Note 4. “Fair Value Measurements,” software as a service implementation costs where the service period is greater than one year, an equity method investment described further in Note 5. “Equity Investments” and transferable liquor licenses.

Insurance Liability

We are self-insured for a significant portion of our employee health benefits programs, and carry significant retentions for risks and associated liabilities with respect to workers’ compensation, general liability, property and auto damage, employment practices liability, cyber liability and directors’ and officers’ liability. Predetermined loss limits have been arranged with third party insurance companies to limit exposure to these claims. We record a liability that represents our estimated cost of claims incurred and unpaid as of the balance sheet date. Our estimated liability is not discounted and is based on a number of assumptions and factors, including historical trends, actuarial assumptions and economic conditions, and is closely monitored and adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances.

Reserves/Contingencies for Litigation and Other Matters

We are involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We record an accrual for legal contingencies when we determine that it is probable that we have incurred a liability and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss.

Income Taxes

We compute income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial reporting bases and the respective tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which we expect the temporary differences to reverse. Any effects of changes in income tax rates or tax laws are included in the provision for income taxes in the period that includes the enactment date.

We routinely assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets by jurisdiction and may record a valuation allowance if, based on all available positive and negative evidence, we determine that some portion of the deferred tax assets may not be realized prior to expiration. If we determine that we may be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes during the period in which the determination was made that the deferred tax asset can be realized.

We evaluate our tax filing positions and recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that based on its technical merits the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority. For uncertain tax positions that do not meet this threshold, we record a related tax reserve in the period in which it arises. We adjust our unrecognized tax benefit liability and provision for income taxes in the period in which the uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when new information becomes available that requires a change in recognition and/or measurement of the liability.

We recognize interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes in interest expense and any related statutory penalties in the provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax reserve on our consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue Recognition

We generally recognize revenue, net of discounts and incentives, when payment is tendered at the point of sale. We report revenue net of sales-related taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental taxing authorities. Food and beverage revenue primarily relates to the sale of food and beverages. Delivery service revenue is comprised of delivery and related service fees charged to customers on sales made through Chipotle’s app and website.

Delivery

We offer our customers delivery in almost all of our geographic regions. Delivery services are fulfilled by third-party service providers. In some cases, we make delivery sales through our website Chipotle.com or the Chipotle App (“White Label Sales”). In other cases, we make delivery sales through a non-Chipotle owned channel, such as the delivery partner’s website or mobile app (“Marketplace Sales”). With respect to White Label Sales, we control the delivery services and generally recognize revenue, including delivery fees, when the delivery partner transfers food to the customer. For these sales, we receive payment directly from the customer at the time of sale. With respect to Marketplace Sales, we generally recognize revenue, excluding delivery fees collected by the delivery partner, when control of the food is transferred to the delivery partner. We receive payment from the delivery partner subsequent to the transfer of food and the payment terms are short-term in nature.

Gift Cards

We sell gift cards, which do not have expiration dates and we do not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. Gift card balances are initially recorded as unearned revenue. We recognize revenue from gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer. Historically, the majority of gift cards are redeemed within one year. In addition, a portion of gift cards are not expected to be redeemed and will be recognized as breakage over time in proportion to gift card redemptions. The gift card breakage rate is based on company and program specific information, including historical redemption patterns, and expected remittance to government agencies under unclaimed property laws, if applicable. We evaluate our gift card breakage rate estimate annually, or more frequently as circumstances warrant, and apply that rate to gift card redemptions. Gift card liability balances are typically highest at the end of each calendar year following increased gift card sales during the holiday season; accordingly, revenue recognized from gift card liability balances is highest in the first quarter of each calendar year.

Chipotle Rewards

We have a loyalty program called Chipotle Rewards. Eligible customers who enroll in the program generally earn points for every dollar spent.

We may also periodically offer promotions, which typically provide the customer with the opportunity to earn bonus points or other rewards. Customers may redeem earned points for various rewards, which are primarily comprised of free food and beverage items. Earned rewards generally expire one month to two months after they are issued, and points generally expire if an account is inactive for a period of six months.

We defer revenue associated with the estimated selling price of points or rewards earned by customers as each point or reward is earned, net of points or rewards we do not expect to be redeemed. The estimated selling price of each point or reward earned is based on the estimated value of the product for which the reward is expected to be redeemed. Our estimate of points and rewards we expect to be redeemed is based on historical and other company specific data. The costs associated with rewards redeemed are primarily included in food, beverage, and packaging on our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

We evaluate Chipotle Rewards point breakage annually, or more frequently as circumstances warrant. The result of this annual breakage assessment did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

We recognize revenue associated with Chipotle Rewards within food and beverage revenue on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income when a customer redeems an earned reward. Deferred revenue associated with Chipotle Rewards is included in unearned revenue on our consolidated balance sheets.

Food, Beverage and Packaging Costs

Food, beverage and packaging costs include inventory, warehousing and related purchasing and distribution costs.

Other Operating Costs

Other operating costs include, among other items, marketing and promotional costs, delivery expense, bank and credit card processing fees, restaurant utilities, technology costs, and maintenance costs.

Consideration Received from Vendors

We receive consideration for a variety of vendor-sponsored programs, such as volume rebates and promotions. Vendor consideration is recorded as a reduction of food, beverage and packaging or other operating costs on our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income depending on the classification of the related costs.

Advertising, Marketing and Promotional Costs

Advertising, marketing and promotional costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $264,085, $250,673 and $222,091 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Advertising, marketing and promotional costs include costs related to free food which a customer does not need to make a purchase to earn. These costs are included in other operating costs on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Stock-Based Compensation

During 2023, we issued shares as part of employee compensation pursuant to the Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 2022 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2022 Incentive Plan”). SOSARs and stock awards generally vest equally on the second and third anniversaries of the grant date, and SOSARs expire after seven years. Stock-based compensation expense is generally recognized on a straight-line basis for each separate vesting portion. Compensation expense related to employees eligible to retire and retain full rights to the awards is recognized over 12 months which coincides with the service period required to earn the full award. We estimate forfeitures based on historical data when determining the amount of stock-based compensation costs to be recognized in each period. We have also granted stock awards with performance vesting conditions and/or market vesting conditions. Stock awards with performance or market vesting conditions generally vest based on our achievement versus stated targets or criteria over a three-year performance and service period. Performance goals are determined by the Board and include measures such as comparable restaurant sales, average restaurant operating margin, restaurant cash flow, new restaurant unit growth, and total shareholder return relative to our peer group. Compensation expense on stock awards subject to performance conditions, which is based on the quantity of awards we have determined are probable of vesting, is recognized over the longer of the estimated performance goal attainment period or time vesting period. Compensation expense is recognized ratably for awards subject to market conditions regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied, provided that the requisite service has been met. Some stock-based compensation awards are made to employees involved in our new restaurant development activities, and expense for these awards is recognized as capitalized development and included in leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net, on the consolidated balance sheets.

Restaurant Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-opening costs, including rent, wages, benefits and travel for training and opening teams, food and other restaurant operating costs, are expensed as incurred prior to a restaurant opening for business, and are included in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For restaurant assets we test impairment at the individual restaurant asset group level, which includes leasehold improvements, property and equipment and operating lease assets.

The fair value measurement for asset impairment is generally based on Level 3 inputs. See “Fair Value Measurements” above for a description of level inputs. We first compare the carrying value of the asset (or asset group, referred interchangeably throughout as asset) to the asset’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we determine if we have an impairment loss by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the asset is generally determined using the income approach to measure the fair value, which is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Key inputs to the income approach for restaurant assets include the discount rate, projected restaurant revenues and expenses, and sublease income if we are closing the restaurant. In certain cases, management uses other market information, when available, to estimate the fair value of an asset. The impairment charges represent the excess of each asset’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value and are allocated among the long-lived asset or assets of the group.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share (“diluted EPS”) is calculated using income available to common shareholders divided by diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include shares of common stock underlying SOSARs and non-vested stock awards (collectively “stock awards”). Diluted EPS considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an anti-dilutive effect. Stock awards are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS in the event they are subject to performance conditions or are antidilutive.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosure.” The ASU updates reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through requiring enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment performance. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” The ASU includes amendments requiring enhanced income tax disclosures, primarily related to standardization and disaggregation of rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures.

We reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they were either not applicable or not expected to have a significant impact to the consolidated financial statements.

2. Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

Prepaid expenses and other current assets were as follows:

	December 31,
	2023			2022
Prepaid expenses	$	97,670		$	69,167
Other current assets		19,792			17,245
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	117,462		$	86,412

Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net were as follows:

	December 31,
	2023			2022
Land	$	12,943		$	12,943
Leasehold improvements and buildings		2,595,866			2,317,277
Furniture and fixtures		267,294			242,166
Equipment		1,114,236			989,895
Construction in Progress		161,721			123,453
Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, gross		4,152,060			3,685,734
Accumulated depreciation		(1,982,022)			(1,734,587)
Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net	$	2,170,038		$	1,951,147

Accrued payroll and benefits were as follows:

	December 31,
	2023			2022
Workers' compensation liability	$	30,520		$	27,531
Accrued payroll, bonuses and taxes		170,251			118,638
Other accrued payroll and benefits		26,766			24,287
Accrued payroll and benefits	$	227,537		$	170,456

Accrued liabilities were as follows:

	December 31,
	2023			2022
Sales and use tax payable	$	42,071		$	35,567
General, product and automobile insurance reserves		30,169			29,544
Other accrued liabilities		75,448			82,428
Accrued liabilities	$	147,688		$	147,539

3. Revenue Recognition

Gift Cards

The gift card liability included in unearned revenue on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows:

	December 31,
	2023			2022
Gift card liability	$	164,930		$	145,014

Revenue recognized from the redemption of gift cards that was included in unearned revenue at the beginning of the year was as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2021
Revenue recognized from gift card liability balance at the beginning of the year	$	61,389		$	59,175		$	48,605

Chipotle Rewards

Changes in our Chipotle Rewards liability included in unearned revenue on the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2021
Chipotle Rewards liability, beginning balance	$	38,057		$	25,572		$	22,337
Revenue deferred		135,490			121,406			106,759
Revenue recognized		(128,797)			(108,921)			(103,524)
Chipotle Rewards liability, ending balance	$	44,750		$	38,057		$	25,572

4**. Fair** Value M****easurements

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of their short-term nature.

Our held-to-maturity investments are comprised of U.S. Treasury securities and a corporate debt security, which are held at amortized cost. We also have investments in convertible notes receivable which are held at fair-value. Additionally, we maintain a deferred compensation plan with related assets held in a rabbi trust.

The following tables show our cash, cash equivalents, and debt investments by significant investment category as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

	December 31, 2023
	Adjusted cost			Unrealized Gains			Unrealized Losses			Fair Value			Cash and Cash Equivalents			Current Investments			Long-term Investments
Cash	$	128,458		$	-		$	-		$	128,458		$	128,458		$	-		$	-
Level 1(1)
Money market funds		355,872			-			-			355,872			355,872			-			-
Time deposits		76,279			-			-			76,279			76,279			-			-
U.S. Treasury securities		1,200,658			4,352			4,083			1,200,927			-			731,339			469,319
Corporate debt securities		19,755			13			7			19,761			-			-			19,755
Subtotal		1,652,564			4,365			4,090			1,652,839			432,151			731,339			489,074
Level 3
Corporate debt security(2)		17,401			-			27			17,374			-			999			16,402
Notes receivable(3)		14,500			1,289			141			15,648			-			2,500			13,148
Subtotal		31,901			1,289			168			33,022			-			3,499			29,550
Total	$	1,812,923		$	5,654		$	4,258		$	1,814,319		$	560,609		$	734,838		$	518,624
	December 31, 2022
	Adjusted cost			Unrealized Gains			Unrealized Losses			Fair Value			Cash and Cash Equivalents			Current Investments			Long-term Investments
Cash	$	75,829		$	-		$	-		$	75,829		$	75,829		$	-		$	-
Level 1(1)
Money market funds		232,477			-			-			232,477			232,477			-			-
Time deposits		75,694			-			-			75,694			75,694			-			-
U.S. Treasury securities		847,354			63			14,355			833,062			-			515,136			332,218
Subtotal		1,155,525			63			14,355			1,141,233			308,171			515,136			332,218
Level 3
Corporate debt security(2)		17,900			-			700			17,200			-			-			17,900
Note receivable(3)		4,860			222			-			5,082			-			-			5,082
Subtotal		22,760			222			700			22,282			-			-			22,982
Total	$	1,254,114		$	285		$	15,055		$	1,239,344		$	384,000		$	515,136		$	355,200

(1) Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access.

(2) The fair value of the corporate debt security is measured using Level 3 (unobservable) inputs. We determined the fair value for the corporate debt security using an internally-developed valuation model and unobservable inputs include credit and liquidity spreads and effective maturity.

(3) We have elected to measure our investments in convertible notes receivable of private companies at fair value under the fair value option. The fair value of the notes receivable is measured using Level 3 (unobservable) inputs. We determined the fair value for the notes receivable using an internally-developed valuation model and unobservable inputs include estimates of the equity value of the underlying business and the timing and probability of future financing events.

Rabbi Trust

We have elected to fund certain deferred compensation plan obligations, as described further in Note 8. “Stock-Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans”, through a rabbi trust, the assets of which are designated as trading securities. The rabbi trust is subject to creditor claims in the event of insolvency, but the assets held in the rabbi trust are not available for general corporate purposes. Amounts in the rabbi trust are invested in mutual funds, consistent with the investment choices selected by participants in their Deferred Plan accounts, which are designated as trading securities, carried at fair value, and are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. We record trading gains and losses, along with the offsetting amount related to the increase or decrease in deferred compensation to reflect our exposure to liabilities for payment under the deferred plan in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value on the consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis include items such as leasehold improvements, property and equipment, certain long-term investments, operating lease assets, other assets, and goodwill. These assets are measured at fair value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable or if there has been an observable price change of a non-marketable equity security.

The following table summarizes our restaurant and office assets measured at fair value by hierarchy level on a nonrecurring basis:

		Carrying Value
		December 31,
	Level	2023			2022
Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net	3	$	3,571		$	264
Operating lease assets	3		4,505			713
Total		$	8,076		$	977

Fair value of these assets was measured using Level 3 inputs (unobservable inputs for the asset or liability). Unobservable inputs include the discount rate, projected restaurant revenues and expenses, and sublease income if we are closing and intend to sublease the restaurant or office space. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recorded asset impairments related to restaurants and offices of $12,613, $2,387 and $4,727, respectively. Costs are recorded within impairment, closure costs, and asset disposals on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Carrying value after the impairment charges approximates fair value.

5. Equity Investments

	December 31,
	2023			2022
Equity method investments	$	8,896		$	11,697
Other investments		45,864			32,855
Total	$	54,760		$	44,552

Equity Method Investments

As of December 31, 2023, we owned 4,325 shares of common stock of Tractor Beverages, Inc. (“Tractor”). Our investment represents ownership of approximately 10.2% of Tractor, and we have invested total cash consideration of $10,000. As we are a significant customer of Tractor and maintain board representation, we are accounting for our investment under the equity method. There were no impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2023 or 2022 associated with this equity method investment. The investment in common stock is included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets with a carrying value of $8,896 and $11,697 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Refer to Note 13. “Related Party Transactions” for related party disclosures.

Other Investments

As of December 31, 2023, we hold warrants (the “Tractor Warrants”) to purchase 2,162 shares of common stock of Tractor. Tractor is a privately held company, and as such, the Tractor Warrants represent non-marketable equity securities. The investment is included within long-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets with a carrying value of $8,675 and $10,747 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023, we own 766 shares of the Series C Preferred Stock of Nuro, Inc. (“Nuro”). Our investment represents a minority interest and we have determined that we do not have significant influence over Nuro. Nuro is a privately held company, and as such, the preferred shares comprising our investment are illiquid and fair value is not readily determinable. As of December 31, 2023, we have recognized a cumulative gain of $5,968 related to our investment in Nuro due to observable transactions in prior periods. The investment is included within long-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets with a carrying value of $15,968 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023, we held additional investments in other entities through the Cultivate Next Fund. These additional investments are included within long-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets with a carrying value of $21,221 and $6,140 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

6. Income Taxes

Income before income taxes, classified by source of income, was as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2021
Domestic	$	1,637,756		$	1,192,004		$	818,057
Foreign		(17,250)			(10,473)			(5,294)
Income before income taxes	$	1,620,506		$	1,181,531		$	812,763

The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2021
Current tax:
U.S. Federal	$	(314,757)		$	(246,210)		$	(156,447)
U.S. State and Local		(85,355)			(79,041)			(15,351)
Foreign		(1,162)			(374)			(338)
		(401,274)			(325,625)			(172,136)
Deferred tax:
U.S. Federal		7,992			23,502			33,004
U.S. State and Local		1,532			19,940			(20,404)
Foreign		7,606			(3,771)			7,229
		17,130			39,671			19,829
Valuation allowance		(7,625)			3,524			(7,472)
Provision for income taxes	$	(391,769)		$	(282,430)		$	(159,779)

The effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rates as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2023				2022			2021
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate		21.0	%		21.0	%		21.0	%
State income tax, net of related federal income tax benefit		4.0			3.8			3.5
Federal tax credits		(1.0)			(1.0)			(1.6)
Executive compensation disallowed		0.8			0.8			2.9
Valuation allowance		0.3			0.2			0.3
Uncertain tax position reserves		0.4			0.3			-
Other		0.2			0.6			-
Return to provision and other discrete items		(0.2)			(0.1)			0.1
Equity compensation related adjustments		(1.3)			(1.7)			(4.7)
Federal net operating loss		-			-			(1.8)
Effective income tax rate		24.2	%		23.9	%		19.7	%

The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023, was higher than the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to a decrease in excess tax benefits related to option exercises and equity vesting in relation to income before taxes.

The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities for continuing operations were as follows:

				December 31,
				2023			2022
Deferred income tax liability:
Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net				$	272,017		$	263,444
Goodwill and other assets					1,743			1,754
Operating lease assets					972,835			901,058
Total deferred income tax liability					1,246,595			1,166,256
Deferred income tax asset:
Gift card liability					18,101			15,893
Capitalized transaction costs					323			323
Stock-based compensation and other employee benefits					50,954			45,129
Foreign net operating loss carry-forwards					32,252			24,799
State credits					1,838			3,151
Operating lease liabilities					1,038,911			962,815
Allowances, reserves and other					12,870			15,688
Capitalized research costs					25,990			17,415
Prepaid assets and other					6,637			4,685
State net operating loss carry-forwards					4,332			4,832
Valuation allowance					(34,722)			(27,097)
Total deferred income tax asset					1,157,486			1,067,633
Deferred income tax liabilities				$	89,109		$	98,623

Gross foreign net operating losses (“NOLs”) were $149,891 and $114,727 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our foreign NOLs can be carried forward indefinitely.

Gross state NOLs available across all jurisdictions in which we operate were $62,492 and $73,327 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our state NOLs expire over varying intervals in the future.

We had gross valuation allowances against certain foreign deferred tax assets of $160,607 and $124,609 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in the valuation allowance was primarily due to the recording of a valuation allowance on various foreign tax attributes.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits was as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2021
Beginning of year	$	8,902		$	5,262		$	10,859
Increase resulting from prior year tax positions		7,561			3,937			180
Decrease resulting from prior year tax positions		(295)			-			(331)
Increase resulting from current year tax positions		783			312			1,387
Settlements with taxing authorities		(6)			-			-
Lapsing of statutes of limitations		(457)			(609)			(6,833)
End of year	$	16,488		$	8,902		$	5,262

Interest expense related to uncertain tax positions is recognized in interest and other income, net on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in provision for income taxes on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized $1,541, $384 and $180, respectively, in interest expense related to uncertain tax positions. These are gross amounts before any tax benefits and are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we have accrued interest of $2,026 and $589, respectively.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) commenced an examination of our U.S. income tax returns for the tax year ended December 31, 2020 in the fourth quarter of 2022. The exam is still in progress. As of December 31, 2023, the IRS has not proposed any adjustments to our tax positions.

Our tax returns are currently under audit by the State of Pennsylvania for the tax years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2023, the State of Pennsylvania has not proposed any adjustments to our tax positions. For the majority of states where we have a significant presence, we are no longer subject to tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years before 2019. Currently, we expect expirations of statutes of limitations, excluding indemnified amounts, on reserves of approximately $481 within the next twelve months.

It is reasonably possible the amount of the unrecognized benefit with respect to certain unrecognized positions could significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months and would have an impact on net income.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which includes provisions imposing a 15% alternative corporate minimum tax (“CAMT”), and a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases made by publicly traded U.S. corporations, which are effective in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022. The CAMT does not apply to the Company and the excise tax is immaterial to our financial statements as of December 31, 2023.

7. Shareholders’ Equity

We have had a stock repurchase program in place since 2008. As of December 31, 2023, we had $424,107 authorized for repurchasing shares of our common stock, which includes the $200,000 additional authorization approved by our Board of Directors on December 14, 2023. Shares we repurchased are being held in treasury stock until they are reissued or retired at the discretion of our Board of Directors.

During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, shares of common stock at a total cost of $69,146, $98,970, and $79,870, respectively, were netted and surrendered as payment for minimum statutory withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of outstanding stock awards. Shares surrendered by the participants in accordance with the applicable award agreements and plan are deemed repurchased by us but are not part of publicly announced share repurchase programs.

8. Sto****ck-Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans

Pursuant to the 2022 Stock Incentive Plan, we grant stock options, SOSARs, RSUs, or PSUs to employes and non-employee directors. We issue shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options and SOSARs, and the vesting of RSUs and PSUs.

We also have an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”), Defined Contribution Plan, and a Deferred Compensation Plan.

Stock-Based Compensation

Under the 2022 Stock Incentive Plan, 2,431 shares of common stock have been authorized and reserved for issuance to eligible participants, of which 2,165 shares were authorized for issuance but not issued or subject to outstanding awards as of December 31, 2023. For purposes of calculating the available shares remaining, each share issuable pursuant to outstanding full value awards, such as RSUs and PSUs, count as two shares, and each share underlying a stock option or SOSAR count as one share.

Total stock-based compensation expense was as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2021
Stock-based compensation	$	126,686		$	99,821		$	178,703
Stock-based compensation, net of income taxes	$	107,210		$	84,928		$	159,972
Total capitalized stock-based compensation included in leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets	$	2,670		$	1,791		$	2,311
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation recognized in provision for income taxes on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income	$	25,437		$	24,689		$	47,958

SOSARs

A summary of SOSAR activity was as follows (in thousands, except years and per share data):

	Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, January 1, 2023		355		$	1,053.84					$	142,916
Granted		77			1,640.78
Exercised		(117)			722.87
Forfeited or cancelled		(20)			1,579.77
Outstanding, December 31, 2023		295			1,302.60			4.4			290,156
Exercisable, December 31, 2023		115			860.55			2.8			164,574
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2023		282			1,288.79			4.3			281,385

The total intrinsic value of SOSARs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, was $142,830, $77,124, and $498,399, respectively. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for SOSARs as of December 31, 2023 was $28,196 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. SOSARs expire 7 years after the day they were granted.

The weighted-average assumptions utilized in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of SOSARs granted each year were as follows:

		2023				2022				2021
Risk-free interest rate			4.1	%			2.1	%			0.3	%
Expected life (years)			3.6				3.6				3.7
Expected dividend yield			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%
Volatility			36.4	%			36.0	%			35.2	%
Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value per share at date of grant		$	530.22			$	456.44			$	403.01

The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury rates for instruments with similar terms, and the expected life assumption is based on our historical data. We have not paid dividends to date and do not plan to pay dividends in the near future. The volatility assumption is based on our historical data and implied volatility.

Non-Vested Stock Awards (RSUs)

A summary of RSU award activity was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

							Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding, January 1, 2023								55		$	1,396.78
Granted								37			1,666.18
Vested								(23)			1,211.81
Forfeited or cancelled								(9)			1,581.08
Outstanding, December 31, 2023								60			1,604.25
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2023								52			1,600.97

The weighted-average grant date fair value per RSU granted during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $1,559.73 and $1,492.15, respectively. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for non-vested RSU stock awards we have determined are probable of vesting was $33,680 as of December 31, 2023, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years. The fair value of shares earned as of the vesting date during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, was $39,464, $33,959, and $73,540, respectively.

Non-Vested Performance Stock Awards (PSUs)

A summary of PSU award activity was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

							Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding, January 1, 2023								69		$	1,194.80
Granted								24			1,606.91
Vested								(33)			857.00
Expired								(4)			1,562.35
Outstanding, December 31, 2023								56			1,562.14
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2023*								114			1,557.11

*The vested and expected to vest total above represents outstanding base PSUs, adjusted for expected payout amounts in line with current and future estimated performance levels.

The weighted-average fair value per PSU granted during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $1,569.39 and $1,479.55, respectively. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for non-vested PSU stock awards we have determined are probable of vesting was $69,610 as of December 31, 2023, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. The fair value of shares earned as of the vesting date during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, was $110,794, $177,293, and $97,496, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we awarded performance share awards that are subject to service, market, and performance vesting conditions. The quantity of shares that vest will range from 0% to 300% of the targeted number of shares based on performance factors related to restaurant cash flow dollars earned over a three-year period beginning on January 1, 2023, and gross new restaurant openings over the same three-year period. If the defined minimum targets are not met, then no shares will vest. Further, in no event may more than 100% of the target number of PSUs vest if our 3-year total shareholder return is below the 25th percentile of the constituent companies comprising the S&P 500 on the day of the grant.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we awarded performance share awards that are subject to service, market, and performance vesting conditions. The quantity of shares that vest will range from 0% to 300% of the targeted number of shares based on performance factors related to restaurant cash flow dollars earned over a three-year period beginning on January 1, 2022. If the defined minimum targets are not met, then no shares will vest. Further, in no event may more than 100% of the target number of PSUs vest if our 3-year total shareholder return is below the 25th percentile of the constituent companies comprising the S&P 500 on the day of the grant.

During the year ended December 31, 2021, we awarded performance share awards that are subject to service, market, and performance vesting conditions. The quantity of shares that vest will range from 0% to 300% of the targeted number of shares based on performance factors related to our growth in comparable restaurant sales and average restaurant margin over a three-year period beginning on January 1, 2021. If the defined minimum targets are not met, then no shares will vest. Further, in no event may more than 100% of the target number of PSUs vest if our 3-year total shareholder return is below the 25th percentile of the constituent companies comprising the S&P 500 on the day of the grant.

On December 30, 2020, we modified the 2018 Performance Share Awards due to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the growth in comparable restaurant sales and restaurant margin relative to the trajectory of both of these performance factors prior to the pandemic, and also due to the significant shareholder value created over the performance period of the original award, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors modified the 2018 PSU award. This modification pertained to all seven recipients of this award, and resulted in incremental compensation expense of $71,441, of which $7,255 was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022, and $0 remained unamortized as of December 31, 2022. The incremental compensation cost is calculated by multiplying the number of incremental shares generated though the modification by the stock price on the modification date. The stock price on the modification date of December 30, 2020 was $1,374.17. To receive all incremental shares generated through the modification, the employees had to remain employed through December 31, 2022, and the incremental shares vested in four installments over this period. The first two installments of the modification vested during 2021, which included the vesting of 33 PSUs, and the second two installments of the modification vested during 2022, which included the vesting of 16 PSUs. One employee terminated employment during July 2022, which resulted in the forfeiture of 1 PSU.

On July 27, 2022, we modified certain equity awards of an employee in connection with a separation agreement to allow short-term extension of vesting of these certain equity awards that would have otherwise vested within eight months of the separation date. This modification impacted one individual and resulted in incremental compensation expense of $6,701, which was recognized in July 2022.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

We also offer an ESPP. Employees become eligible to participate in the program after one year of service with Chipotle and may contribute up to 15% of their earnings, subject to an annual maximum dollar amount. The ESPP provides a quarterly offering period to purchase our common stock at a price of 92.5% of the lower of the fair market value on the first and last trading days of each offering period. A total of 250 shares were authorized for issuance within the ESPP, of which 248 were available for issuance as of December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the number of shares issued were one and for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021, the number of shares issued each year under the ESPP were less than one.

Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Plan

We maintain the Chipotle Mexican Grill 401(k) Plan (“401(k) Plan”) for eligible U.S.-based employees. The 401(k) Plan allows participants to make cash contributions from payroll deductions. Employees become eligible to receive matching contributions after one year, and at least 1,000 hours, of service with Chipotle. We match 100% of the first 3% of pay contributed by each eligible employee and 50% on the next 2% of pay contributed each pay period (with an annual true-up) through cash contributions. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, matching contributions totaled approximately $13,821, $12,923, and $10,527, respectively and are included in general and administrative expenses and labor dependent on employee classification on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Certain subsidiaries outside the U.S. also offer other similar benefits and are immaterial to the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Deferred Compensation Plan

We also maintain the Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Supplemental Deferred Investment Plan (the “Deferred Plan”) for eligible employees. The Deferred Plan is a non-qualified plan that allows participants to make tax-deferred contributions that cannot be made under the 401(k) Plan because of Internal Revenue Service limitations. Participants’ earnings on contributions made to the Deferred Plan fluctuate with the actual earnings and losses of a variety of available investment choices selected by the participant. Total obligations under the Deferred Plan as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $27,178 and $21,140, respectively, and are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and were fully funded as of December 31, 2023. We match 100% of the first 3% of pay contributed by each eligible employee and 50% on the next 2% of pay contributed once the 401(k) contribution limits are reached.

The following table summarizes estimated current and long-term material cash requirements for our deferred compensation plan as of December 31, 2023:

		Payments Due by Fiscal Year
		Total			2024			2025-2026			2027-2028			Thereafter
Deferred compensation(1)		$	27,178		$	5,339		$	6,523		$	5,997		$	9,319

(1) Includes scheduled payments from our deferred compensation plan where payment dates are determinable for employed participants in accordance with the account’s election, and the assumption that active participants will retire at the age of 65 and begin distributions from their accounts at that time. This does not include future contributions, investment earnings, or future participants. Timing and amounts of payments may vary significantly**.**

9. L****eases

The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate were as follows:

	December 31,			December 31,
	2023			2022
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)		13.7			13.8
Weighted-average discount rate		5.10%			4.77%

The components of lease cost were as follows:

		Year ended December 31,
	Classification	2023			2022			2021
Operating lease cost	Occupancy, Other operating costs, General and administrative expenses and Pre-opening costs	$	436,313		$	397,112		$	364,314
Short-term lease cost	Other operating costs		519			633			256
Variable lease cost	Occupancy, Other operating costs, General and administrative expenses and Pre-opening costs		111,896			102,636			92,145
Sublease income	General and administrative expenses		(4,765)			(5,444)			(4,930)
Total lease cost		$	543,963		$	494,937		$	451,785

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2021
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities	$	421,591		$	386,238		$	359,391
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	$	521,759		$	425,243		$	577,273
Derecognition of operating lease assets due to terminations or impairment	$	6,862		$	14,718		$	5,765

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows as of December 31, 2023:

	Operating Leases
2024	$	413,064
2025		450,092
2026		443,845
2027		436,937
2028		422,776
Thereafter		3,576,738
Total lease payments		5,743,452
Less: imputed interest		1,691,827
Operating lease liabilities (Current and Long-Term)	$	4,051,625

As of December 31, 2023, the total lease payments include $2,515,107 related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised and exclude approximately $599,015 of legally binding lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced and $12,737 of future sublease income.

We have six sale and leaseback transactions, which do not qualify for sale leaseback accounting due to fixed price renewal options prohibiting sale accounting. These transactions are accounted for under the financing method. Under the financing method, the assets remain on the consolidated balance sheets and the proceeds from the transactions are recorded as a financing liability. A portion of lease payments are applied as payments of deemed principal and imputed interest. The deemed landlord financing liability was $774 and $1,158 as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, with the current portion of the liability included in accrued liabilities, and the remaining portion included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

10. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2021
Net income	$	1,228,737		$	899,101		$	652,984
Shares:
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (for basic calculation)		27,555			27,851			28,132
Dilutive stock awards		155			211			379
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (for diluted calculation)		27,710			28,062			28,511
Basic earnings per share	$	44.59		$	32.28		$	23.21
Diluted earnings per share	$	44.34		$	32.04		$	22.90

The following stock awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share:

	Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2021
Stock awards subject to performance conditions		50			54			66
Stock awards that were antidilutive		71			163			34
Total stock awards excluded from diluted earnings per share		121			217			100

11. Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Obligations

We enter into various purchase obligations in the ordinary course of business, generally of a short-term nature. Those that are binding primarily relate to commitments for food purchases and supplies, capital projects, corporate assets, information technology, marketing initiatives and corporate sponsorships, and other miscellaneous items.

Litigation

We are involved in various claims and legal actions, such as wage and hour, wrongful termination and other employment-related claims, slip and fall and other personal injury claims, advertising and consumer claims, privacy claims, and lease, construction and other commercial disputes, that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which may be covered by insurance. The outcomes of these actions are not predictable, but we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any pending or threatened actions of these types will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources. However, if there is a significant increase in the number of these claims, or if we incur greater liabilities than we currently anticipate under one or more claims, it could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Accrual for Estimated Liability

In relation to various legal matters, we had an accrued legal liability balance of $7,640 and $15,227 included within accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

12. Debt

As of December 31, 2023, we had a $500,000 revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“JPMorgan”) as administrative agent. Borrowings on the credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 1.475%, which is subject to increase due to changes in our total leverage ratio as defined in the credit agreement. We are also obligated to pay a commitment fee of 0.175% per year for unused amounts under the credit facility, which also may increase due to changes in our total leverage ratio. Further, we are subject to certain covenants defined in the credit agreement, which include maintaining a total leverage ratio of less than 3.0x, maintaining a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of greater than 1.5x, and limiting us from incurring additional indebtedness in certain circumstances. We had no outstanding borrowings under the credit facility and were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

13. Related Party Transactions

As of December 31, 2023, we owned approximately 10.2% of the common stock outstanding of Tractor. As we are a significant customer of Tractor and maintain board representation, we are accounting for our investment under the equity method. Accordingly, we have identified Tractor as a related party. We purchase product from the supplier for sale to customers in our restaurants. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, purchases from the supplier were $43,555, $37,015, and $29,400, respectively.

During the second quarter of 2023, we made an investment in the Series A preferred shares of Vebu Inc. (“Vebu”), a developer of restaurant automation technology. As we are a significant customer of Vebu and maintain board representation, we have determined that we maintain significant influence over Vebu. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, purchases from Vebu were $991, $840, and $0, respectively.