Chipotle
Annual Report 2019

Plain-text annual report

ANNUAL REPORT AND PROXY STATEMENT 2019 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K È ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 ‘ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 or For the transition period from to Commission File Number: 1-32731 CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1300 Newport Beach, CA (Address of Principal Executive Offices) 84-1219301 (IRS Employer Identification No.) 92660 (Zip Code) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (949) 524-4000 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered Common stock, par value $0.01 per share CMG New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes È No ‘ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ‘ No È Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes È No ‘ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes È No ‘. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one): È Large accelerated filer ‘ Non-accelerated filer ‘ Smaller reporting ‘ Accelerated filer company ‘ Emerging growth company If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ‘ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ‘ No È As of June 30, 2019, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s outstanding common equity held by non-affiliates was $14.301 billion, based on the closing price of the registrant’s common stock on June 28, 2019, the last trading day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. For purposes of this calculation, shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director and by holders of 5% or more of the outstanding common stock have been excluded since those persons may under certain circumstances be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes. As of January 31, 2020, there were 27,767,965 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value of $0.01 per share outstanding. Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after the close of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TABLE OF CONTENTS Item 1. Business Item 1A. Risk Factors Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments Item 2. Properties Item 3. Legal Proceedings PART I PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Item 6. Selected Financial Data Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Index to Consolidated Financial Statements Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Item 9B. Other Information PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Item 11. Executive Compensation Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules PART IV Item 16. Form 10-K Summary Signatures 1 5 14 14 14 15 17 18 25 27 27 28 53 53 55 56 56 56 56 56 57 60 61 PART I Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This report includes “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We use words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “think,” “estimate,” “seek,” “expect,” “predict,” “could,” “project,” “potential” and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Our actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in this report under the heading “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” so you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements, including: risks of food safety and food-borne illnesses and other health concerns about our food; risks associated with our reliance on certain information technology systems and potential failures or interruptions; privacy and cyber security risks related to our acceptance of electronic payments or electronic processing of confidential customer or employee information; the impact of competition, including from sources outside the restaurant industry; the increasingly competitive labor market and our ability to attract and retain qualified employees; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to our employees, restaurant design and construction, or the sale of food or alcoholic beverages; our ability to achieve our planned growth, such as the availability of suitable new restaurant sites; and increases in ingredient and other operating costs due to our Food With Integrity philosophy, tariffs or trade restrictions and supply shortages. We are including this Cautionary Note to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this report as a result of new information, future events or other developments, except as required by applicable laws and regulations. ITEM 1. BUSINESS General Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with its subsidiaries (“Chipotle”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants, which feature a relevant menu of burritos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla), tacos, and salads. We are cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. We are passionate about providing a great guest experience and making our food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose. Steve Ells, founder and executive chairman, first opened Chipotle with a single restaurant in Denver, Colorado in 1993. Over 25 years later, our devotion to seeking out the very best ingredients, raised with respect for animals, farmers, and the environment, remains at the core of our commitment to Food With Integrity. As of December 31, 2019, we operated 2,580 Chipotle restaurants throughout the United States, 39 international Chipotle restaurants, and three non-Chipotle restaurants. Business Strategy We are a brand with a demonstrated purpose of cultivating a better world. Our mission is to win today while creating a bright future by focusing on five key fundamental strategies: • Making the brand more visible and loved; • Creating innovation utilizing a stage-gate process; • Leveraging our digital-make line to expand access and convenience; • Engaging with customers through our loyalty program; • And running successful restaurants with a strong culture that provides great food, hospitality, throughput, and economics. Relevant Menu. Our restaurants feature a relevant menu of burritos, burrito bowls, tacos and salads. In preparing our food, we employ classic cooking methods and use stoves and grills, pots and pans, cutting knives and other kitchen utensils, walk-in refrigerators stocked with a variety of fresh ingredients, herbs and spices, and dry goods such as rice. Our restaurants do not have microwaves or freezers. Our proteins include chicken, steak, carnitas (seasoned and braised pork), barbacoa (spicy braised and shredded beef), Sofritas (organic braised tofu) and vegetarian pinto and black beans. We add our rice, which is tossed with lime juice, freshly chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt, as well as freshly shredded cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and sautéed peppers and onions, to our entrees depending on each guest’s request. We use various herbs, spices and seasonings to prepare our meats and vegetables. We also serve tortilla chips that are fried twice a day in each restaurant and seasoned with fresh lime juice and salt, with sides of hand mashed guacamole, salsas, or queso. In 2019 Annual Report 1 PART I (continued) addition to sodas, fruit and tea drinks, and organic milk, most of our restaurants also offer a selection of beer and margaritas. Our food is prepared from scratch, some in our restaurants and some with the same fresh ingredients in larger batches in commissaries. Food with Integrity. Serving high quality food while still charging reasonable prices is critical to ensuring guests enjoy wholesome food at a great value. We respect our environment and insist on preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious food made from natural ingredients and animals that are raised or grown with care. We spend time on farms and in the field to understand where our food comes from and how it is raised. We concentrate on the sourcing of each ingredient, and this has become a cornerstone of our continuous effort to improve the food we serve. Our food is made from ingredients that everyone can both recognize and pronounce. We’re all about simple, fresh food without the use of artificial colors or flavors typically found in fast food — just genuine real ingredients and their individual, delectable flavors. In all of our Chipotle restaurants, we endeavor to serve only meats that are raised in accordance with criteria we have established in an effort to improve sustainability and promote animal welfare, and without the use of non-therapeutic antibiotics or added hormones. We brand these meats as “Responsibly Raised®.” One of our primary goals is for all of Chipotle restaurants to serve meats raised to our standards, but we have and expect to continue to face challenges in doing so. For example, some of our restaurants periodically serve conventionally raised chicken or beef due to supply constraints for our Responsibly Raised brand meats or stop serving one or more menu items due to additional supply constraints. When we become aware of such an issue, we clearly and specifically disclose this temporary change on signage in each affected restaurant so that guests can adjust their orders if they choose to do so. Purchasing and Food Safety Close Relationships with Suppliers. Maintaining the high levels of quality and safety we expect in our restaurants depends in part on our ability to acquire high-quality, fresh ingredients and other necessary supplies that meet our specifications from reliable suppliers. Our 23 independently owned and operated regional distribution centers purchase from various suppliers we carefully select based on quality and the suppliers’ understanding and adherence of our mission. We work closely with our suppliers and seek to develop mutually beneficial long-term relationships with them. We use a mix of forward, fixed, formula and range forward pricing protocols, and our distribution centers purchase within the pricing guidelines and protocols we have established with suppliers. We’ve also sought to increase, where practical, the number of suppliers for our ingredients to help mitigate pricing volatility and supply shortages. In addition, we closely monitor industry news, trade tariffs, weather, exchange rates, foreign demand, crises and other world events that may affect our ingredient prices. Certain key ingredients (including beef, pork, chicken, beans, rice, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas) are purchased from a small number of suppliers. Quality Assurance and Food Safety. We are committed to serving safe, high quality food. Our food safety and quality assurance teams work to ensure compliance with our food safety programs and practices, components of which include: • supplier interventions (steps to avoid food safety risks before ingredients reach Chipotle); • advanced technologies (tools that reduce or eliminate pathogens while maintaining food quality); • small grower support and training; • enhanced restaurant procedures (protocols for handling ingredients and sanitizing surfaces in our restaurants); • food safety certifications; • internal and third-party restaurant inspections; and • ingredient traceability. We also seek to use responsibly grown produce, by which we mean produce grown by suppliers whose practices conform to our priorities with respect to environmental considerations and employee welfare. Some of the beans we serve are organically grown or grown using conservation tillage methods that improve soil conditions, reduce erosion, and help preserve the environment in which the beans are grown. We call these beans “transitional.” Some of the other produce items we serve are organically grown as well. In 2019, we increased the percentage of organic cilantro, rice and beans purchased as we continue our commitment to find high quality ingredients. These and other food safety practices underscore our commitment to be a leader in food safety while continuing to serve high quality food that our guests love. Our food safety and quality assurance teams establish and monitor our quality and food safety programs and work closely with suppliers to ensure our high standards are met throughout the supply chain. We maintain a limited list of approved suppliers, many of whom are among the top suppliers in the industry. In addition, we have a team approach where our training, operations, culinary, legal and safety, security and risk management departments develop and implement operating standards for food quality, preparation, 2 2019 Annual Report PART I (continued) cleanliness, employee health protocols, and safety in the restaurants. Our food safety programs are also intended to ensure that we not only continue to comply with applicable federal, state and local food safety regulations, but also establish Chipotle as an industry leader in food safety. To help achieve this goal, we have a Food Safety Advisory Council comprised of some of the nation’s foremost food safety authorities. The Food Safety Advisory Council is charged with evaluating our programs, both in practice and implementation, and advising us on ways to elevate our already high standards for food safety. Our food safety and quality assurance team members hold board seats and participate in technical working groups with several associations. This gives us the opportunity to learn and share our knowledge and expertise with other food safety professionals and regulatory agencies. Guest Experience and Operations Serving delicious food, with great service in a safe, quick, clean and happy environment is always our highest priority, and we take pride in making the Chipotle experience exceptional. We invest in training to consistently deliver an outstanding guest experience, and in our facilities to improve the appearance of our restaurants and modernize tools. We are also focused on making progress in throughput and getting our guests quality food quickly. Restaurant Team. We believe creating an excellent guest experience starts with hiring great leaders and creating great teams. Each restaurant typically has a General Manager or Restaurateur (a high-performing general manager), an Apprentice Manager (in a majority of our restaurants), two or three Service Managers, one or two Kitchen Managers and an average of 26 full and part-time crew members, though our busier restaurants tend to have slightly more employees. We generally have two shifts at our restaurants, which simplifies scheduling and provides stability for our employees. In addition to the employees serving our guests at each restaurant, we also have a field support system that includes Field Leaders and Team Directors, as well as Executive Team Directors who report to our Chief Restaurant Officer. Innovation. We are prioritizing the development of technological and other innovations, such as digital/mobile ordering platforms, digital order pick-up lanes we call “Chipotlanes”, delivery and catering, that allow our guests to engage with us in whatever fashion is most convenient for them. By allowing our guests to order and receive their food in a variety of ways, we believe we can attract more guests and encourage them to choose us more frequently. During 2019, we completed the installation of mobile order pick-up shelves as well as digital make lines in almost all of our restaurants which allows us to fulfill catering or digital/ mobile orders without disrupting throughput on our main service line. Additionally, we have enhanced our data capabilities to allow us to better identify individual guests and their unique frequency patterns, and to target our marketing and promotional efforts at the individual level. We are also testing new menu items. We have built a stage- gate process around innovation where we test, learn and iterate, so that when we roll out a new initiative, we are highly confident in the probability of success. Marketing Our marketing programs are designed to increase transactions and grow sales by driving culture, driving a difference, and ultimately driving purchases. Our ultimate marketing mission is to make Chipotle not just a food brand, but also a purpose driven lifestyle brand that is more visible, more engaging, and more relevant. In 2019, we made our brand more visible with culturally relevant marketing campaigns and initiatives. This included the Behind the Foil advertising campaign which showcased our real ingredients, fresh food and the culinary skills of our team members in action. We also launched a new loyalty program, Chipotle Rewards, that currently has more than 8 million members and provides us with customer information that can be used to incent behaviors and engage with our customers on a more personal level. Our marketing efforts this year were elevated by our stage- gate innovation process that identifies and validates new initiatives and menu items in test markets before they are rolled out more widely. We rolled out several successful menu items including our digital only Lifestyle Bowls, which help our guests reach or maintain their health and wellness goals, and carne asada, a premium seasoned steak. We utilize multiple marketing channels, including national television, digital marketing, social media, fundraising, events and sponsorships to make our brand more visible. We have invested and will continue to invest in extensive customer research that will give us insight into our consumers in order to inform our business decisions, media, messaging, and innovation pipeline. Competition The fast-casual, quick-service, and casual dining segments of the restaurant industry are highly competitive with respect to, among other things, taste, price, food quality and presentation, service, location, convenience, brand 2019 Annual Report 3 PART I (continued) reputation, cleanliness, and ambience of each restaurant. Our competition includes a variety of restaurants in each of these segments, including locally-owned restaurants, as well as national and regional chains. Many of our competitors offer dine-in, carry-out, online, catering, and delivery services. Among our main competitors are a number of multi-unit, multi-market Mexican food or burrito restaurant concepts, some of which are expanding nationally. In recent years, competition has increased significantly from restaurant formats like ours that serve higher quality food, quickly and at a reasonable price. Moreover, we may also compete with companies outside the fast-casual, quick-service, and casual dining segments of the restaurant industry. For example, competitive pressures can come from deli sections and in-store cafés of major grocery store chains, including those targeted at customers who seek higher-quality food, as well as from convenience stores, cafeterias, and other dining outlets. Meal kit delivery companies and other eat-at-home options also present some degree of competition for our restaurants. Competition has made it more challenging to maintain or increase the frequency of customer visits, however we believe that we can differentiate ourselves with our fresh ingredients and our purpose of cultivating a better world. Restaurant Site Selection We believe restaurant site selection is critical to our long- term success and growth strategy. As a result, we devote substantial time and effort to carefully evaluate each potential new restaurant location. Our site selection process is led by our internal team of real estate managers and includes external real estate brokers with expertise in specific markets, as well as support from an internal real estate strategy and research group. We thoroughly assess the surrounding trade area, demographic and business information within that area, and available information on competitors and other restaurants. Based on this analysis, including utilization of predictive modeling using proprietary formulas, we determine projected sales and targeted return on investment for each potential restaurant site. We have been successful in a number of different types of locations, such as in-line or end-cap locations in strip or power centers, in regional malls and downtown business districts, free-standing buildings, food courts, outlet centers, airports, military bases and train stations. Other Restaurant Concepts Although in 2020 our focus will remain on thoughtfully growing the Chipotle brand, we believe that the 4 2019 Annual Report fundamental principles on which our restaurants are based – sourcing better ingredients, preparing them using classic techniques in front of our guests, and serving them in an interactive format with great teams dedicated to providing an excellent dining experience – can be adapted to cuisines other than the food served at Chipotle. We have invested in innovative concepts such as Pizzeria Locale, a fast-casual pizza restaurant that has three restaurants in Denver, Colorado. Information Systems and Cyber Security We use a variety of applications and systems to securely manage the flow of information within each of our restaurants and centralized corporate infrastructure. The services available within our systems and applications include restaurant operations, supply chain, inventory, scheduling, training, human capital management, financial tools, and data protection services. Our digital ordering system allows guests to place orders online or through our mobile app and enables delivery by third-party services with which we have entered into delivery agreements. We also continue to modernize and make investments in our information technology networks and infrastructure, specifically in our physical and technological security measures to anticipate cyber-attacks in order to combat breaches, as well as provide improved control, security and scalability. Government Regulation and Environmental Matters We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations that govern aspects of our business operations, including: • employment practices, such as wage and hour and fair work week regulations, requirements to provide meal and rest periods, family leave mandates, workplace safety and accommodations to certain employees, citizenship or work authorization requirements, insurance and workers’ compensation rules, and anti- discrimination and anti-harassment laws; • privacy and data security, laws governing the collection, maintenance and use of information regarding employees and guests and consumer credit protection and fraud; • compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws that give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in the context of employment, public accommodations and other areas; • food safety and nutrition, including nutritional menu labeling nutrition and advertising practices; • environmental practices, including concerning the discharge, storage, handling, release and disposal of PART I (continued) hazardous or toxic substances, and regulations restricting the use of straws, utensils and the types of packaging we can use in our restaurants; and • licensing and regulation by health, alcoholic beverage, sanitation, food and other agencies. Employees As of December 31, 2019, we had about 83,000 employees, including about 6,000 salaried employees and about 77,000 hourly employees. None of our employees are unionized or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Seasonality Seasonal factors influencing our business are described under the heading “Quarterly Financial Data/Seasonality” in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Our Intellectual Property and Trademarks “Chipotle,” “Chipotle Mexican Grill,” “Food With Integrity,” “Responsibly Raised,” “Chipotle Rewards,” and a number of other marks and related designs and logos are U.S. registered trademarks of Chipotle. We have filed trademark applications for a number of additional marks in the U.S. as well. In addition to our U.S. registrations, we have registered trademarks for “Chipotle” and a number of other marks in Canada, the European Union and various other countries, and have filed trademark applications for “Chipotle Mexican Grill,” “Chipotle” and a number of other marks in additional countries. We also believe that the design of our restaurants is our proprietary trade dress and have registered elements of our restaurant design for trade dress protection in the U.S. as well. From time to time we have taken action against other restaurants that we believe are misappropriating our trademarks, restaurant designs or advertising. Although our policy is to protect and defend vigorously our rights to our intellectual property, we may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could harm the value of our brand and adversely affect our business. Available Information We maintain a website at www.chipotle.com, including an investor relations section at ir.chipotle.com in which we routinely post important information, such as webcasts of quarterly earnings calls and other investor events in which we participate or host, and any related materials. Our Code of Conduct is also available in this section of our website. You may access our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, as well as other reports relating to us that are filed with or furnished to the SEC, free of charge in the investor relations section of our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. The contents of the websites mentioned above are not incorporated into and should not be considered a part of this report. The references to the URLs for these websites are intended to be inactive textual references only. ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS You should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations section and the consolidated financial statements and related notes. If any of the risks and uncertainties described below actually occur or continue to occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations, and the trading price of our common stock could be materially and adversely affected. The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we have identified as material but are not the only risks and uncertainties we face. Our business is also subject to general risks and uncertainties that affect many other companies, including, but not limited to, overall economic and industry conditions and additional risks not currently known to us or that we presently deem immaterial may arise or become material and may negatively impact our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations or the trading price of our common stock. Risks Related to our Business and Industry Food safety and food-borne illness concerns may have an adverse effect on our business by decreasing sales and increasing costs. Food safety is our top priority, and we dedicate substantial resources to ensuring that our guests enjoy safe, high- quality food products. Even with strong preventative controls and interventions, food safety incidents continue to occur in the food service industry because food safety risks cannot be completely eliminated in any restaurant, including as a result of possible failures by restaurant crew or suppliers to follow food safety policies and procedures. Although we test and audit these activities, we cannot guarantee that all food items are safely and properly maintained during transport or distribution throughout the 2019 Annual Report 5 PART I (continued) supply chain. Regardless of the source or cause, any report of food-borne illnesses such as E. coli, hepatitis A, norovirus or salmonella, and other food safety issues, including food tampering or contamination, at one of our restaurants could adversely affect our reputation and have a negative impact on our sales. Even instances of food-borne illness, food tampering or food contamination that occur solely at competitors’ restaurants could result in negative publicity about the food service industry generally and adversely impact our sales. Social media has dramatically increased the rate at which negative publicity, including as it relates to food safety incidents, can be disseminated before there is any meaningful opportunity to respond or address an issue. The occurrence of food-borne illnesses or food safety issues could also adversely affect the price and availability of affected ingredients, resulting in higher costs and lower margins. Several highly publicized food safety incidents in our restaurants and our Food With Integrity business principles may make us more susceptible than our competitors to significant adverse consequences arising from food safety incidents. From 2015 to 2017, illnesses caused by E. coli bacteria and norovirus were connected to a number of our restaurants and, in 2018, illnesses believed to be caused by c. perfringens bacteria were connected to the food in one of our restaurants. As a result of these incidents and the related negative publicity, our sales and profitability were severely impacted throughout 2016 and from time to time through 2018. Because of consumer perceptions in the wake of these food safety incidents, any future food safety incidents associated with our restaurants — even incidents that may be considered minor at other restaurants — may have a more significant negative impact on our sales and our ability to regain guests. In addition, we may be at a higher risk for food safety incidents than some competitors due to our greater use of fresh, unprocessed produce and meats, our reliance on employees cooking with traditional methods rather than automation, and our avoidance of frozen ingredients. The risk of illnesses associated with our food also may increase due to the growth of our delivery or catering businesses, in which our food is transported and/ or served in transportation conditions that we cannot control. All of these factors could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract and retain guests, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our growth and profitability. 6 2019 Annual Report Information technology system failures or interruptions could harm our ability to effectively operate our business and/or result in the loss of guests or employees. We rely heavily on information technology systems, including the point-of-sale and payment processing system in our restaurants, technologies supporting our digital and delivery businesses, technologies that facilitate e-commerce, marketing programs, employee engagement and payroll processing, management of our supply chain, and various other processes and transactions. Our ability to effectively manage our business and coordinate the procurement, production, distribution and sale of our products depends significantly on the availability, reliability, security and capacity of these systems. Despite the implementation of protective measures, these technology systems and solutions could become vulnerable to damage, disability or failures due to theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events. We also are in the process of implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which will significantly impact our financial reporting control environment. If we fail to successfully implement the new system and effectively train our employees and update our processes, we could experience disruptions or delays in processing financial and business information. Our increasing reliance on systems operated by third parties, including delivery aggregators and payment processors, also present the risks faced by the third-party’s business, including the operational, security and credit risks of those parties. If those systems were to become unreliable, unavailable, compromised or otherwise fail, and we were unable to recover in a timely manner, we could experience an interruption in our operations that could have a material adverse impact on our profitability. Cyber security breaches or other privacy or data security incidents that expose confidential guest, personal employee and other material, confidential information may adversely affect our business. A cyber incident generally refers to any intentional attack or an unintentional event that results in unauthorized access to systems to disrupt operations, corrupt data or steal or expose confidential information or intellectual property. A cyber incident that compromises the information of our guests or employees could result in widespread negative publicity, damage to our reputation, a loss of guests, disruption of our business and legal liabilities. In recent years as our reliance on technology has increased, so have the scope and severity of risks posed to our systems from cyber threats. The techniques and sophistication used to conduct cyber-attacks and breaches of information technology systems, as well as the sources PART I (continued) and targets of these attacks, change frequently and are often not recognized until such attacks are launched or have been in place for a period of time. We continuously monitor and develop our information technology networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, malware and other events that could have a security impact; however there can be no assurance that these measures will be effective. The majority of our restaurant sales are made by credit or debit cards. We also maintain certain personal information regarding our employees and confidential information about our guests and suppliers. We segment our card data environment and employ a cyber security protection program that is based on proven industry frameworks. This program includes but is not limited to cyber security techniques, tactics and procedures, including the deployment of a robust set of security controls, continuous monitoring and detection programs, network protections, vendor selection criteria, secure software development programs and ongoing employee training, awareness and incident response preparedness. In addition, we continuously scan our environment for any vulnerabilities, perform penetration testing, engage third parties to assess effectiveness of our security measures and collaborate with members of the cyber security community. However, there are no assurances that such programs will prevent or detect cyber security breaches. From time to time we have been, and likely will continue to be, the target of cyber and other security threats. In April 2017, malware was detected in our payment processing network that was designed to access payment card data from cards used at point-of-sale devices at most of our restaurants. We removed the malware from our systems and enhanced our security measures; however, we incurred significant costs and legal liabilities in connection with this incident. See Note 13. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our financial statements for a description of this incident. Some of our guests also have experienced account takeover fraud, in which guests use the same log in credentials on multiple websites and, when a third party obtains those credentials, they can gain unauthorized access to their accounts and charge food orders to the credit card linked to the account (without accessing credit card data). We may in the future become subject to other legal proceedings for purportedly fraudulent transactions arising out of the actual or alleged theft of our consumers’ credit or debit card information or if consumer or employee information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used inappropriately. Any such claim or proceeding, or any adverse publicity resulting from such an event, may have a material adverse effect on our business and the potential of incurring significant remediation costs. Security breaches also could result in a violation of applicable U.S. and international privacy and other laws, and subject us to private consumer, business partner, or securities litigation and governmental investigations and proceedings, any of which could result in our exposure to material civil or criminal liability. For example, the European Union adopted a regulation that became effective in May 2018, called the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which requires companies to meet new requirements regarding the handling of personal data, including its use, protection and transfer and the ability of persons whose data is stored to correct or delete such data about themselves. Failure to meet the GDPR requirements could result in penalties of up to 4% of annual worldwide revenue. The GDPR also confers a private right of action on certain individuals and associations. Additionally, the California Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), which became effective on January 1, 2020, provides a new private right of action for data breaches and requires companies that process information on California residents to make new disclosures to consumers about their data collection, use and sharing practices and allow consumers to opt out of certain data sharing with third parties. If we fail, or are perceived to have failed, to properly respond to security breaches of our or third party’s information technology systems or fail to properly respond to consumer requests under the CCPA, we could experience reputational damage, adverse publicity, loss of consumer confidence, reduced sales and profits, complications in executing our growth initiatives and regulatory and legal risk, including criminal penalties or civil liabilities. Compliance with the GDPR, the CCPA and other current and future applicable international and U.S. privacy, cybersecurity and related laws can be costly and time- consuming. We make significant investments in technology, third-party services and personnel to develop and implement systems and processes that are designed to anticipate cyber-attacks and to prevent or minimize breaches of our information technology systems or data loss, but these security measures cannot provide assurance that we will be successful in preventing such breaches or data loss. In addition, media or other reports of existing or perceived security vulnerabilities in our systems or those of our third-party business partners or service providers can also adversely impact our brand and reputation and materially impact our business, even if no breach has been attempted or has occurred. 2019 Annual Report 7 PART I (continued) The retail food industry in which we operate is highly competitive. If we are not able to compete successfully, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected. The retail food industry in which we operate is highly competitive with respect to taste, price, food quality and selection, customer service, brand reputation, digital engagement, advertising levels and promotional initiatives, and the location, attractiveness and maintenance of restaurants. We also compete with a number of non-traditional market participants, such as convenience stores, grocery stores, coffee shops and meal kit delivery services. Competition from delivery aggregators and other food delivery services has also increased in recent years, particularly in urbanized areas, and is expected to continue to increase. Increased competition could have an adverse effect on our sales, profitability and development plans. If consumer or dietary preferences change, if our marketing efforts are unsuccessful, or if our restaurants are unable to compete successfully with other retail food outlets, our business could be adversely affected. We continue to believe that our commitment to higher- quality and responsibly sourced ingredients gives us a competitive advantage; however, more competitors have made claims related to the quality of their ingredients and lack of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. The increasing use of these claims by competitors, regardless of the accuracy of such claims, may lessen our differentiation and make it more difficult for us to compete. If we are unable to continue to maintain our distinctiveness and compete effectively, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected. If we are not able to hire, train, reward and retain qualified restaurant crew and/or if we are not able to appropriately plan our workforce, our growth plan and profitability could be adversely affected. We rely on our restaurant-level employees to consistently provide high-quality food and experiences to our guests. In addition, our ability to continue to open new restaurants depends on our ability to recruit, train and retain high- quality crew members to manage and work in our restaurants. Maintaining appropriate staffing in our existing restaurants and hiring and training staff for our new restaurants requires precise workforce planning. If we fail to appropriately plan our workforce, it could adversely impact guest satisfaction, operational efficiency and restaurant profitability. In addition, if we fail to adequately monitor and proactively respond to employee dissatisfaction, it could lead to poor guest satisfaction, higher turnover, litigation and unionization efforts. The low 8 2019 Annual Report level of unemployment in the United States is resulting in aggressive competition for talent, wage inflation and pressure to improve benefits and workplace conditions to remain competitive. A shortage of quality candidates who meet legal citizenship or work authorization requirements, our failure to recruit and retain new restaurant crew members in a timely manner or higher employee turnover levels all could affect our ability to open new restaurants and grow sales at existing restaurants, and we may experience higher than projected labor costs. Substantially all of our restaurants operate in leased properties subject to long-term leases. If we are unable to secure new leases on favorable terms, terminate unfavorable leases or renew or extend favorable leases, our profitability may suffer. Substantially all of our restaurants operate in leased facilities. Locating and securing suitable lease facilities for new restaurants is becoming increasing challenging as competition for restaurant sites in our target markets is intense. Development and leasing costs are increasing, particularly for urban locations. These factors could negatively impact our ability to manage our occupancy costs, which may adversely impact our profitability. In addition, any of these factors may be exacerbated by economic factors, which may result in an increased demand for developers and contractors that could drive up our construction and leasing costs. Also, as we open and operate more restaurants, our rate of expansion relative to the size of our existing restaurant base will decline, making it increasingly difficult to achieve levels of sales and profitability growth that we achieved in prior years. From time to time we close or relocate a restaurant as a result of adverse economic conditions in an area if a current location becomes less profitable. Because substantially all of our restaurants operate in leased facilities, we may incur significant lease termination expenses when we close or relocate a restaurant and are often obligated to continue rent and other lease related payments after restaurant closure. We also may incur significant asset impairment and other charges in connection with closures and relocations. If the lease termination cost is significant, we may decide to keep underperforming restaurants open. Ongoing lease obligations at closed or underperforming restaurant locations could decrease our results of operations. In addition, we may be unable to renew a lease or be unable to renew a lease without substantial additional cost at the end of the lease term and expiration of all renewal periods. As a result, we may be required to close or relocate a restaurant, which could subject us to construction and PART I (continued) other costs and risks that may have an adverse effect on our operating performance. If we are unable to meet our projections for new restaurant openings, or efficiently maintain the attractiveness of our existing restaurants, our profitability could suffer. Our growth strategy depends on our ability to continue to open new restaurants and operate them profitably. Historically, it could take up to 24 months to ramp up a new restaurant, during which the restaurant generates sales and income below the levels at which we expect them to normalize and during which costs may be higher as we train new employees and adjust our food deliveries and preparation to sales trends. If we are unable to build the customer base that we expect or overcome the initial higher fixed costs associated with new restaurants, our new restaurants may not be as profitable as our existing restaurants. Our ability to open and profitably operate new restaurants also is subject to various risks, such as the identification and availability of economically viable locations, the negotiation of acceptable lease terms, the need to obtain all required governmental permits (including zoning approvals and liquor licenses) and to comply with other regulatory requirements, the availability of capable contractors and subcontractors, the ability to meet construction schedules and budgets, the ability to manage labor activities that could delay construction, increases in labor and building material costs, changes in weather or other acts of God that could result in construction delays and adversely affect the results of one or more restaurants for an indeterminate amount of time, our ability to hire and train qualified management personnel and general economic and business conditions. At each potential location, we compete with other restaurants and retail businesses for desirable development sites, construction contractors, management personnel, hourly employees and other resources. If we are unable to successfully manage these risks, we could face increased costs and lower than anticipated sales and earnings in future periods. In addition, in an effort to increase same-restaurant sales and improve our operating performance, we continue to improve our existing restaurants through our remodels and upgrades. If the costs associated with remodels or upgrades are higher than anticipated, restaurants are closed for remodeled for longer periods than planned or remodeled restaurants do not perform as expected, we may not realize our projected desired return on investment, which could have a negative effect on our operating results. Our inability or failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media could have a material adverse impact on our business. There has been a marked increase in the use of social media and similar platforms, including blogs, microblogs, video-sharing and messaging platforms and other forms of internet-based communications that allow immediate access to a broad audience. These platforms have dramatically increased the speed of dissemination and accessibility of information, including negative publicity related to food safety incidents and guest experience. Information, whether accurate or inaccurate, can be disseminated before there is any meaningful opportunity to respond or address an issue. The dissemination of information via social media could harm our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations, regardless of the information’s accuracy. As part of our marketing efforts, we rely on social media platforms to attract and retain guests. New social media platforms are rapidly being developed, potentially making more traditional social media platforms obsolete. As a result, we need to continuously innovate and develop our social media strategies in order to maintain broad appeal with guests and brand relevance. We also continue to invest in other digital marketing initiatives that allow us to reach our guests across multiple digital channels and build their awareness of, engagement with, and loyalty to us. These initiatives may not be successful, resulting in expenses incurred without the benefit of higher revenues, increased employee engagement or brand recognition. Other risks associated with the use of social media include improper disclosure of proprietary information, negative comments about us, exposure of personally identifiable information, fraud, hoaxes or malicious dissemination of false information. The inappropriate use of social media by our guests or employees could increase our costs, lead to litigation or result in negative publicity that could damage our reputation. Our failure to comply with various applicable federal and state employment and labor laws and regulations could have a material, adverse impact on our business. Various federal and state employment and labor laws and regulations govern our relationships with our employees, and similar laws and regulations apply to our operations outside of the U.S. These laws and regulations relate to matters such as employment discrimination, wage and hour laws, requirements to provide meal and rest periods or other benefits, family leave mandates, requirements 2019 Annual Report 9 PART I (continued) regarding working conditions and accommodations to certain employees, citizenship or work authorization and related requirements, insurance and workers’ compensation rules, healthcare laws, scheduling notification requirements and anti-discrimination and anti- harassment laws. Complying with these laws and regulations subjects us to substantial expense and non-compliance could expose us to significant liabilities. For example, a number of lawsuits have been filed against us alleging violations of federal and state laws regarding employee wages and payment of overtime, meal and rest breaks, employee classification, employee record-keeping and related practices with respect to our employees. We incur legal costs to defend, and we could suffer losses from, these and similar cases, and the amount of such losses or costs could be significant. In addition, several states and localities in which we operate, and the federal government have from time to time enacted minimum wage increases, changes to eligibility for overtime pay, paid sick leave and mandatory vacation accruals, and similar requirements. These changes have increased our labor costs and may have a further negative impact on our labor costs in the future. In addition, several jurisdictions, including New York City have implemented Fair Workweek (or Secure Scheduling) legislation, which impose complex requirements related to scheduling for certain restaurant and retail employee and Sick Pay/Paid Time Off Legislation, which requires employers to provide paid time off to employees. Other jurisdictions where we operate are considering enacting similar legislation. All of these regulations impose additional obligations on us and could increase our costs of doing business. Our failure to comply with any of these laws and regulations could lead to higher employee turnover and negative publicity, and subject us to penalties and other legal liabilities, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, a significant number of our restaurant crew are paid at rates related to the applicable minimum wage. Federal, state and local proposals that increase minimum wage requirements or mandate other employee matters could, to the extent implemented, materially increase our labor and other costs. Several states in which we operate have approved minimum wage increases that are above the federal minimum. As more jurisdictions implement minimum wage increases, we expect our labor costs will continue to increase. Our ability to respond to minimum wage increases by increasing menu prices depends on willingness of our guests to pay the higher prices and our perceived value relative to competitors. Our distributors 10 2019 Annual Report and suppliers could also be affected by higher minimum wage, benefit standards and compliance costs, which could result in higher costs for goods and services supplied to us. Additionally, while our employees are not currently covered by any collective bargaining agreements, union organizers have engaged in efforts to organize our employees and those of other restaurant companies. If a significant portion of our employees were to become covered by collective bargaining agreements, our labor costs could increase, and it could negatively impact our culture and reduce our flexibility to attract and retain top performing employees. Increase in ingredient and other operating costs could adversely affect our results of operations. Our profitability depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in commodity costs, including ingredients, paper, supplies, fuel, utilities and distribution, and other operating costs, including leasing costs and labor. Any volatility in key commodity prices or fluctuation in labor costs could adversely affect our operating results by impacting restaurant profitability. The markets for some of the ingredients we use, such as beef, avocado and chicken, are particularly volatile due to factors such as seasonal shifts, climate conditions, industry demand, including as a result of animal disease outbreaks in other parts of the world, international commodity markets, food safety concerns, product recalls and government regulation. Increasing weather volatility or other long-term changes in global weather patterns, including any changes associated with global climate change, could have a significant impact on the price or availability of some of our ingredients. These factors are beyond our control and, in many instances, unpredictable. Volatility in prices or disruptions in supply also may result from governmental actions, such as changes in trade-related tariffs or controls, sanctions and counter sanctions, government-mandated closure of our suppliers’ operations, and asset seizures. The cost and disruption of responding to governmental investigations or inquiries, whether or not they have merit, or the impact of these other measures, may impact our results and could cause reputational or other harm. We also could be adversely impacted by price increases specific to meats raised in accordance with our sustainability and animal welfare criteria, or other ingredients grown in accordance with our Food With Integrity specifications, the markets for which are generally smaller and more concentrated than the markets for conventionally raised or grown ingredients. Any increase in the prices of the ingredients most critical to our menu, such as chicken, beef, dairy (for cheese and sour cream), PART I (continued) avocados, beans, rice, tomatoes and pork, would have a particularly adverse effect on our operating results. Alternatively, in the event the cost of one or more ingredients significantly increases, we may choose to temporarily suspend serving menu items, such as guacamole or one of our proteins, that use those ingredients rather than pay the increased cost. Any such changes to our available menu may negatively impact our restaurant traffic and could adversely impact our sales and brand. We can only partially address future price risk through forward contracts, careful planning and other activities, and therefore increases in commodity costs could have an adverse impact on our profitability. Shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of ingredients could adversely affect our operating results. Our business is dependent on frequent and consistent deliveries of ingredients that comply with our Food With Integrity specifications. Shortages, delays or interruptions in the supply of ingredients and other supplies to our restaurants may be caused by inclement weather, natural disasters, labor issues or other operational disruptions at our suppliers, distributors or transportation providers, or other conditions beyond our control. In addition, we have a single or a limited number of suppliers for some of our ingredients, including certain cuts of beef, tomatoes and adobo. Although we believe we have potential alternative suppliers and sufficient reserves of ingredients, shortages or interruptions in our supply of ingredients could adversely affect our financial results. Our inability or failure to execute on a comprehensive business continuity plan following a major natural disaster such as a hurricane, earthquake or manmade disaster, including fire or terrorism, at our restaurant support centers could have a material adverse impact on our business. Many of our corporate systems and processes and corporate support for our restaurant operations are centralized at one location. We have disaster recovery procedures and business continuity plans in place to address most events of a crisis nature, including hurricanes and other natural disasters, and back up and off-site locations for recovery of electronic and other forms of data and information. However, if we are unable to fully implement our disaster recovery plans, we may experience delays in recovery of data, inability to perform vital corporate functions, tardiness in required reporting and compliance, failures to adequately support field operations and other breakdowns in normal communication and operating procedures that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operation and exposure to administrative and other legal claims. In addition, these threats are constantly evolving, which increases the difficulty of accurately and timely predicting, planning for and protecting against the threat. As a result, our disaster recovery procedures and business continuity plans security may not adequately address all threats we face or protect us from loss. Our failure to effectively manage our growth could have a negative adverse effect on our business and financial results. As of December 31, 2019, we operated 2,619 Chipotle restaurants and we plan to open a significant number of new restaurants in the next few years. Our existing restaurant management systems, back office technology systems and processes, financial and management controls, information systems and personnel may not be adequate to support our continued growth. To effectively manage our growth, we may need to upgrade, expand or enhance our infrastructure and information systems, as well as hire, train and retain restaurant crew and corporate support staff, which may result in increased costs or inefficiencies. We also place a lot of importance on our culture, which we believe has been an important contributor to our success. As we continue to grow, it may be increasingly difficult to maintain our culture. Our failure to effectively manage our growth could harm our business and operating results. The increasing impact of and focus on sustainability and climate change could increase our costs, harm our reputation and adversely affect our financial results. There has been increasing public focus by investors, environmental activists, the media and governmental and nongovernmental organizations on social and environmental sustainability matters, including packaging and waste, animal health and welfare, human rights, carbon footprints, deforestation and land use. In addition, we and our supply chain are subject to increased costs arising from the effects of climate change, greenhouse gases and diminishing energy and water resources. As a result, we have experienced increased pressure to make commitments relating to social and environmental sustainability, set science-based targets related to climate change and establish specific strategic initiatives relating to sustainability. If we are not effective in addressing social and environmental sustainability matters, or set and meet achievable sustainability goals, consumer trust in our brand may suffer. In addition, the costs to achieve our sustainability goals and the increased costs in our supply chain resulting from the impact of climate change, could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. 2019 Annual Report 11 PART I (continued) If we do not continue to persuade consumers of the benefits of paying higher prices for our higher- quality food, our sales and results of operations could be hurt. Our success depends in large part on our ability to persuade consumers that food made with ingredients that were raised or grown in accordance with our Food With Integrity principles is worth paying a higher price at our restaurants relative to prices of some of our competitors, particularly quick-service restaurant competitors. Under our Food With Integrity principles, for example, animals must be responsibly raised, and the milk in our sour cream, cheese and queso must come from cows that have not been treated with rBGH, which practices typically are more costly than traditional farming. If we are not able to successfully persuade consumers that consuming food made consistent with our Food With Integrity principles is better for them and the environment, or if consumers are not willing to pay the prices we charge, our sales could be adversely affected, which would negatively impact our results of operations. We could be party to litigation or other legal proceedings that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and reputation. We have been and, in the future, could be subject to litigation and other legal proceedings that may adversely affect our business. These legal proceedings may involve claims brought by employees, guests, government agencies, suppliers, shareholders or others through private actions, class actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation. These legal proceedings may involve allegations of illegal, unfair or inconsistent employment practices, including wage and hour, vacation and family leave laws, discrimination, and wrongful termination; food safety issues including poor food quality, food-borne illness, food contamination and adverse health effects from consumption of our food products; data security or privacy breaches; guest discrimination; personal injury in our restaurants; trademark infringement; violation of the federal securities laws or other concerns. For example, several lawsuits were filed against us in connection with malware that we detected in our payment processing network in 2017 alleging, among other things, that we negligently failed to provide adequate security to protect the payment card information of our customers; a number of lawsuits have been filed against us alleging violations of federal and state employment laws, including wage and hour claims; and we are the subject of an official criminal investigation being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, 12 2019 Annual Report related to company-wide food safety matters dating back to January 1, 2013. See Note 13. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our financial statements for a description of potential liabilities in connection with these matters. We could be involved in similar or even more significant litigation and legal proceedings in the future. Even if the allegations against us in current or future legal matters are unfounded or we ultimately are not held liable, the costs to defend ourselves may be significant and the litigation may subject us to substantial settlements, fines, penalties or judgments against us and may divert management’s attention away from operating our business, all of which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations. Litigation also may generate negative publicity, regardless of whether the allegations are valid, or we ultimately are liable, which could damage our reputation, and adversely impact our sales and our relationship with our employees. A failure to recruit, develop and retain effective leaders or the loss or shortage of personnel with key capacities and skills could impact our strategic growth plans and jeopardize our ability to meet our business performance expectations and growth targets. Our ability to continue to grow our business depends substantially on the contributions and abilities of our executive leadership team and other key management personnel. Changes in senior management could expose us to significant changes in strategic direction and initiatives. A failure to maintain appropriate organizational capacity and capability to support our strategic initiatives or to build adequate bench strength with key skillsets required for seamless succession of leadership, could jeopardize our ability to meet our business performance expectations and growth targets. If we are unable to attract, develop, retain and incentivize sufficiently experienced and capable management personnel, our business and financial results may suffer. Our digital business, which has become an increasing significant part of our business, is subject to risks. In 2019, 18% of our revenue was derived from digital orders, which includes delivery and customer pickup. We have implemented technology, targeted advertising and promotions and remodeled our restaurants, including adding Chipotlanes, to accommodate the growth of our digital business. If we do not continue to grow our digital business, it may be difficult for us to achieve our planned sales growth. We rely on third-party delivery services to fulfill delivery orders, and the ordering and payment PART I (continued) platforms used by these third-parties, or our mobile app or online ordering system, could be interrupted by technological failures, user errors, cyber-attacks or other factors, which could adversely impact sales through these channels and negatively impact our reputation. Additionally, our delivery partners are responsible for order fulfillment and errors or failures to make timely deliveries could cause guests to stop ordering from us. The third- party restaurant delivery business is intensely competitive, with a number of players competing for market share, online traffic capital, and delivery drivers. If the third-party delivery services that we utilize cease or curtail operations, increase their fees, or give greater priority or promotions on their platforms to our competitors, our delivery business and our sales may be negatively impacted. General Business and Regulatory Risks We are subject to extensive laws, government regulation, and other legal requirements and our failure to comply with existing or new laws and regulations could adversely affect our operational efficiencies, ability to attract and retain talent and results of operations. Our business is subject to extensive federal, state, local and international laws and regulations, including those relating to: • preparation, sale and labeling of food, including regulations of the Food and Drug Administration, which oversees the safety of the entire food system, including inspections and mandatory food recalls, menu labeling and nutritional content; • employment practices and working conditions, including minimum wage rates, wage and hour practices, labor relations, paid and family leave, workplace safety, immigration, overtime, discrimination and harassment, among others; • health, sanitation, safety and fire standards and the sale of alcoholic beverages; • building and zoning requirements, including state and local licensing and regulation governing the design and operation of facilities and land use; • public accommodations and safety conditions, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar state laws that give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in the context of employment, public accommodations, and other areas; • environmental matters, such as animal health and welfare, climate change, the reduction of greenhouse gases, water consumption, the discharge, storage, handling, release, and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances, and local ordinances restricting the types of packaging we can use in our restaurants; • public company compliance, disclosure and governance matters, including accounting and tax regulations, SEC and NYSE disclosure requirements; • data privacy laws and standards for the protection of personal information, including social security numbers, financial information (including credit card numbers), and health information, and payment card industry standards and requirements. Compliance with these laws and regulations, and future new laws or changes in these laws or regulations that impose additional requirements, can be costly. Any failure or perceived failure to comply with these laws or regulations could result in, among other things, revocation of required licenses, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal liability. Economic and business factors that are largely beyond our control may adversely affect consumer behavior and the results of our operations. Restaurant dining generally is dependent upon consumer discretionary spending, which may be affected by general economic conditions that are largely beyond our control. For example, international, domestic and regional economic conditions, consumer income levels, financial market volatility, a slow or stagnant pace of economic growth, rising energy costs, rising interest rates, social unrest, and governmental, political and budget concerns may have a negative effect on consumer confidence and discretionary spending. Any significant decrease in our guest traffic or average transactions would negatively impact our financial performance. Any actual or perceived threat of a pandemic or communicable disease, terrorist attack, mass shooting, heightened security requirements, or a failure to protect information systems for critical infrastructure, such as the electrical grid and telecommunications systems, could harm our operations, the economy or consumer confidence generally. Any of the above factors or other unfavorable changes in business and economic conditions affecting our guests could increase our costs, reduce traffic in some or all of our restaurants or limit our ability to increase pricing, any of which could lower our profit margins and have a material adverse effect on our sales, financial condition and results of operations. These factors also could cause us to, among other things, reduce the number and frequency of new restaurant openings, close restaurants or delay remodeling of our existing restaurant locations. Further, poor economic conditions may force nearby businesses to shut down, which could reduce traffic to our restaurants or cause our restaurant locations to be less attractive. 2019 Annual Report 13 PART I (continued) Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly, including due to factors that are not in our control. Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly and could fail to meet investors’ expectations for various reasons, including: • negative publicity about the safety of our food, employment-related issues, litigation or other issues involving our restaurants; • fluctuations in supply costs, particularly for our most significant ingredients, and our inability to offset the higher cost with price increases without adversely impacting guest traffic; • labor availability and wages of restaurant management and crew; • increases in marketing or promotional expenses; • the timing of new restaurant openings and related revenues and expenses, and the operating costs at newly opened restaurants; • the impact of inclement weather and natural disasters, such as freezes and droughts, which could decrease guest traffic and increase the costs of ingredients; • the amount and timing of stock-based compensation; • litigation, settlement costs and related legal expenses; • tax expenses, impairment charges and non-operating costs; and • variations in general economic conditions, including the impact of declining interest rates on our interest income. As a result of any of these factors, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year. Average restaurant sales or comparable restaurant sales in any particular future period may decrease. The market price of our common stock may be more volatile than the market price of our peers. We believe the market price of our common stock generally has traded at a higher price-earnings ratio than stocks of most of our peer companies, which typically has reflected market expectations for higher future operating results. The trading market for our common stock has been volatile at times as well, including during the recent past as a result of adverse publicity events. As a result, if we fail to meet market expectations for our operating results in the future, any resulting decline in the price of our common stock could be significant. Our anti-takeover provisions may delay or prevent a change in control of Chipotle, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain some provisions that may make the acquisition of control of Chipotle without the approval of our Board of Directors more difficult, including provisions relating to the nomination, election and removal of directors, and limitations on actions by our shareholders. Delaware law also imposes some restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between Chipotle and any holder of 15% or more of our outstanding common stock. Any of these provisions may discourage a potential acquirer from proposing or completing a transaction that may have otherwise presented a premium to our shareholders, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES As of December 31, 2019, there were 2,622 restaurants operated by Chipotle and our consolidated subsidiaries, 2,619 of which were Chipotle restaurants. Our main office is located at 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1300, Newport Beach, CA 92660 and our telephone number is (949) 524-4000. We lease our main office and substantially all of the properties on which we operate restaurants. We own 17 properties and operate restaurants on all of them. For additional information regarding the lease terms and provisions, see Note 11. “Leases” in our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 13. “Commitments and Contingencies” in our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” 14 2019 Annual Report PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CMG.” As of January 31, 2020, there were approximately 864 shareholders of record. This does not include persons whose stock is in nominee or “street name” accounts through brokers. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer The table below reflects shares of common stock we repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2019. Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(1) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(2) October 26,811 $792.50 26,811 $86,414,406 Purchased 10/1 through 10/31 November 22,684 $749.33 22,684 $69,416,580 Purchased 11/1 through 11/30 December — $ — — $69,416,580 Purchased 12/1 through 12/31 Total 49,495 $ 772.71 49,495 (1) Shares were repurchased pursuant to the $100 million repurchase programs announced on February 6, 2019 and July 23, 2019. (2) This column does not include an additional $100 million in authorized repurchases announced on February 4, 2020. There is no expiration date for this program, and the authorization to repurchase shares will end when we have repurchased the maximum amount of shares authorized, or our Board of Directors have determined to discontinue such repurchases. Dividend Policy We are not required to pay any dividends and have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We intend to continue to retain earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business and to repurchase shares of common stock (subject to market conditions), and therefore do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. 2019 Annual Report 15 PART II (continued) COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN The following graph compares the cumulative annual stockholders return on our common stock from December 31, 2014, through December 31, 2019, to that of the total return index for the S&P 500 and the S&P 500 Restaurants Index assuming an investment of $100 on December 31, 2014. In calculating total annual stockholder return, reinvestment of dividends, if any, is assumed. The indices are included for comparative purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect management’s opinion that such indices are an appropriate measure of the relative performance of our common stock. The values shown are neither indicative nor determinative of future performance. This graph is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference in any of our filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing. COMPARISON OF 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN* Among Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Restaurant Index $250 $200 $150 $100 $50 $0 Dec-14 Dec-15 Dec-16 Dec-17 Dec-18 Dec-19 Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. S&P 500 S&P 500 Restaurants Company/Index Dec. 31, 2014 Dec. 31, 2015 Dec. 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2019 Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. S&P 500 S&P 500 Restaurants $100 100 100 $ 70 101 125 $ 55 112 129 $ 42 136 162 $ 63 129 179 $ 122 169 222 *$100 invested on December 31, 2014 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31. Source data: S&P Capital IQ 16 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Our selected consolidated financial data shown below should be read together with Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and respective notes included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” The data shown below are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period (dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share data). Statement of Income: Revenue Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 $5,586,369 $4,864,985 $4,476,412 $3,904,384 $ 4,501,223 Food, beverage and packaging costs 1,847,916 1,600,760 1,535,428 1,365,580 1,503,835 Labor costs Occupancy costs Other operating costs General and administrative expenses Depreciation and amortization Pre-opening costs Impairment, closure costs and asset disposals Total operating expenses Income from operations Interest and other income, net Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Net income Earnings per share: Basic Diluted Weighted average common shares: outstanding Basic Diluted Balance Sheet Data: Total current assets Total assets Total current liabilities Total liabilities 1,472,060 1,326,079 1,205,992 1,105,001 1,045,726 363,072 347,123 327,132 760,831 451,552 212,778 11,108 23,094 680,031 651,644 375,460 296,388 201,979 163,348 8,546 66,639 12,341 13,345 293,636 641,953 276,240 146,368 17,162 23,877 262,412 514,963 250,214 130,368 16,922 13,194 5,142,411 4,606,617 4,205,618 3,869,817 3,737,634 443,958 258,368 270,794 34,567 763,589 14,327 10,068 4,949 4,172 6,278 458,285 268,436 275,743 38,739 769,867 (108,127) (91,883) (99,490) (15,801) (294,265) $ 350,158 $ 176,553 $ 176,253 $ 22,938 $ 475,602 $ $ 12.62 $ 12.38 $ 6.35 $ 6.31 $ 6.19 $ 6.17 $ 0.78 $ 0.77 $ 15.30 15.10 27,740 28,295 27,823 27,962 28,491 28,561 29,265 29,770 31,092 31,494 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 December 31, $ 1,072,204 $ 814,794 $ 629,535 $ 522,374 $ 814,647 $5,104,604 $2,265,518 $2,045,692 $2,026,103 $2,725,066 $ 666,593 $ 449,990 $ 323,893 $ 281,793 $ 279,942 $ 3,421,578 $ 824,179 $ 681,247 $ 623,610 $ 597,092 Total shareholders’ equity $ 1,683,026 $ 1,441,339 $ 1,364,445 $1,402,493 $ 2,127,974 2019 Annual Report 17 PART II (continued) ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS You should read the following discussion together with Item 6. “Selected Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” This section of the Form 10-K generally discusses 2019 and 2018 items and year-to-year comparisons of 2019 to 2018. Discussions of 2017 items and year-to-year comparisons of 2018 and 2017 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 on our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The discussion contains forward-looking statements involving risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our results to differ materially from expectations. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward- Looking Statements.” Factors that might cause such differences include those described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. Overview As of December 31, 2019, we operated 2,580 Chipotle restaurants throughout the United States, 39 international Chipotle restaurants, and three non-Chipotle restaurants. We are committed to making good food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose. 2019 Financial Highlights • Revenue increased 14.8% to $5.6 billion in 2019 compared to $4.9 billion in 2018 • Comparable sales increased 11.1%, which included a 7.0% increase in comparable restaurant transactions • Diluted earnings per share (“diluted EPS”) for 2019 increased to $12.38, which included corporate restructuring, restaurant closure costs, charges relate to settlements for several distinct legal matters and other costs of $54.3 million, compared to $6.31 diluted EPS for 2018, which included corporate restructuring, restaurant closure costs, litigation and other costs of $90.7 million. Sales Trends. Average restaurant sales were $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase from $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. We define average restaurant sales as the average trailing 12-month sales for restaurants in operation for at least 12 full calendar months. Comparable restaurant sales increased 11.1% for the full year 2019, which included a 7% increase in comparable restaurant transactions. Comparable restaurant sales and comparable restaurant transactions represent the change in period-over- period sales or transactions for restaurants in operation for at least 13 full calendar months. We expect our full year 2020 comparable restaurant sales to be in the mid-single digit range. We continue to invest in improving our digital platforms and have significantly upgraded our capabilities by completing the rollout of digital pickup shelves, digitizing almost all of our digital-make lines, and expanding our delivery capabilities to over 98% of our store base. Digital sales from out-of-restaurant orders, including delivery orders, increased 7.1% to 18.0% of revenue for the full year 2019, an increase from 10.9% of revenue for the full year 2018. Restaurant Operating Costs. During the full year 2019, our restaurant operating costs (food, beverage and packaging; labor; occupancy; and other operating costs) as a percentage of revenue decreased 180 basis points to 79.5% compared to 81.3% for the full year 2018. The decrease was primarily due to comparable restaurant sales increases, partially offset by higher food costs across many items and food expenses related to the launch of Chipotle Rewards, as well as wage inflation, and increased delivery expenses. Corporate Restructuring. In 2018, we opened a new headquarters office in Newport Beach, California, consolidated certain corporate administrative functions into our existing office in Columbus, Ohio, closed a corporate office in New York, New York, and commenced the closure of our previous headquarters office in Denver, Colorado. All affected employees were either offered an opportunity to continue in the new organization or were offered a severance package. In total we recognized corporate restructuring activities of $56.8 million, of which $14.2 million was recognized during the full year 18 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) 2019. We do not expect any other material costs to be incurred in connection with the corporate restructuring. For additional information, please see Note 5. “Corporate Restructuring” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”. Restaurant Closures. In June 2018, we announced planned restaurant closures of approximately 55 to 65 restaurants beginning in the second quarter of 2018 and continuing over the next several quarters. We have closed or relocated 51 Chipotle restaurants and five Pizzeria Locale restaurants in connection with this initiative. In total we recognized restaurant exit costs of approximately $36.5 million, of which $0.8 million was recognized during the full year 2019. We do not expect any other material costs to be incurred in connection with the planned restaurant closures. For additional information, please see Note 6. “Restaurant Closure Costs” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Restaurant Development. For the full year 2019, we opened 140 new restaurants, which included 56 restaurants with a Chipotlane. We expect to open between 150 to 165 new restaurants in 2020, with a heavier weighting of openings towards the second half of the year. Restaurant Activity The following table details restaurant unit data for the years indicated. Beginning of period Openings Chipotle closures Chipotle relocations Pizzeria Locale closures TastyMade closures ShopHouse closures Total restaurants at end of period Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2,491 2,408 2,250 140 (7) (2) — — — 137 (43) (5) (5) (1) — 183 (8) (2) — — (15) 2,622 2,491 2,408 Results of Operations Our results of operations as a percentage of revenue and period-over-period change are discussed in the following section. Revenue Revenue Average restaurant sales Year ended December 31, Percentage change 2019 2018 2017 2019/2018 2018/2017 (dollars in millions) $5,586.4 $4,865.0 $4,476.4 $ 2.2 $ 2.0 $ 1.9 14.8% 10.8% 8.7% 3.3% Comparable restaurant sales increases 11.1% 4.0% 6.4% The significant factors contributing to the revenue increase in 2019 were comparable restaurant sales increases and new restaurant openings. Comparable restaurant sales increased $498.7 million and revenue from restaurants not yet in the comparable restaurant base contributed $222.7 million to the revenue increase, of which $76.6 million was attributable to restaurants opened in 2019. In 2019 comparable restaurant sales increased 11.1% as a result of a 7.0% increase in comparable restaurant transactions and a 4.1% increase in average check. The increase in average check includes a 2.4% benefit from menu price increases that were implemented at the end of 2018 and a 0.2% benefit from menu price increases implemented at the end of 2019. 2019 Annual Report 19 PART II (continued) Food, Beverage and Packaging Costs Food, beverage and packaging As a percentage of revenue Year ended December 31, Percentage change 2019 2018 2017 2019/2018 2018/2017 (dollars in millions) $1,847.9 $1,600.8 $1,535.4 33.1% 32.9% 34.3% 15.4% 0.2% 4.3% (1.4%) Food, beverage and packaging costs increased as a percentage of revenue in 2019 primarily due to higher protein costs, food expenses related to the launch of Chipotle Rewards in March of 2019, and to a lesser extent higher costs of cheese, avocados, and beverages. These increases were partially offset by the menu price increases taken at the end of 2018. Labor Costs Labor costs As a percentage of revenue Year ended December 31, Percentage change 2019 2018 2017 2019/2018 2018/2017 (dollars in millions) $1,472.1 $1,326.1 $1,206.0 11.0% 26.4% 27.3% 26.9% (0.9%) 10.0% 0.3% Labor costs decreased as a percentage of revenue in 2019 primarily due to sales leverage, partially offset by wage inflation. Occupancy Costs Occupancy costs As a percentage of revenue Year ended December 31, Percentage change 2019 2018 2017 2019/2018 2018/2017 (dollars in millions) $363.1 $347.1 $327.1 4.6% 6.1% 6.5% 7.1% 7.3% (0.6%) (0.2%) Occupancy costs as a percentage of revenue decreased in 2019 and 2018 primarily due to sales leverage on a largely fixed- cost base. Other Operating Costs Other operating costs As a percentage of revenue Year ended December 31, Percentage change 2019 2018 2017 2019/2018 2018/2017 (dollars in millions) $760.8 $680.0 $651.6 11.9% 13.6% 14.0% 14.6% (0.4%) 4.4% (0.6%) Other operating costs include, among other items, marketing and promotional costs, bank and credit card processing fees, restaurant utilities and maintenance costs, and delivery expense. Other operating costs decreased as a percentage of revenue in 2019 primarily due to sales leverage and, to a lesser extent, elevated store repairs and maintenance in 2018. This was partially offset by increased delivery expenses in 2019 compared to 2018 as we launched delivery during the middle of 2018 and delivery sales (or transactions) grew substantially in 2019. 20 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expense As a percentage of revenue Year ended December 31, Percentage change 2019 2018 2017 2019/2018 2018/2017 (dollars in millions) $451.6 $375.5 $296.4 8.1% 7.7% 6.6% 20.3% 0.4% 26.7% 1.1% General and administrative expenses increased in dollar terms in 2019, primarily due to the following: a $41.6 million increase in estimated loss contingencies related to a number of legal matters; $29.2 million increase in wage and payroll tax expense, which includes increased expense for performance bonuses and increased payroll tax expense from stock-based compensation; $25.0 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expense, which includes increased expense for performance shares in the current year; $9.5 million to support our restaurant growth and digitizing our restaurant experience, and increased legal expense of $2.8 million. These increases were partially offset by a $14.6 million reduction in restructuring expense, an $11.4 million reduction in estimated charges related to the data security incident, and a reduction of $7.3 million primarily associated with the biennial All Managers’ Conference that was held in September 2018. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization As a percentage of revenue Year ended December 31, Percentage change 2019 2018 2017 2019/2018 2018/2017 (dollars in millions) $212.8 $202.0 $163.3 5.3% 3.8% 4.2% 3.6% (0.3%) 23.6% 0.5% Depreciation and amortization decreased as a percentage of revenue in 2019 due to sales leverage on a partially fixed-cost base, partially offset by increased depreciation associated with our website and mobile app and upgrading equipment in the restaurants primarily to support the growth in our digital business. Impairment, Closure Costs, and Asset Disposals Year ended December 31, Percentage change 2019 2018 (dollars in millions) 2017 2019/2018 2018/2017 Impairment, closure costs, and asset disposals $23.1 $66.6 $13.3 (65.3%) 399.4% As a percentage of revenue 0.4% 1.4% 0.3% (1.0%) 1.1% Impairment, closure costs, and asset disposals during 2019 consisted primarily of charges related to the replacement of certain kitchen equipment and leasehold improvements, and to a lesser extent impairments on equipment, restaurants, and offices. Provision for Income Tax Provision for income taxes Effective tax rate Year ended December 31, Percentage change 2019 2018 2017 2019/2018 2018/2017 (dollars in millions) $108.1 $ 91.9 $99.5 17.7% 23.6% 34.2% 36.1% (10.6%) (7.6%) (1.9%) 2019 Annual Report 21 PART II (continued) The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2019 was lower than the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to net excess benefits from stock-based compensation and a net year over year decrease in tax expense related to equity award expirations, partially offset by current year increases in non-deductible executive compensation. Quarterly Financial Data/Seasonality See Note 14. “Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)” for a table presenting data from the consolidated statements of income for each of the eight quarters in the period ended December 31, 2019. Seasonal factors cause our profitability to fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Historically, our average daily restaurant sales and net income are lower in the first and fourth quarters due, in part, to the holiday season and because fewer people eat out during periods of inclement weather (the winter months) than during periods of mild or warm weather (the spring, summer and fall months). Other factors also have a seasonal effect on our results. For example, restaurants located near colleges and universities generally do more business during the academic year. Seasonal factors, however, might be moderated or outweighed by other factors that may influence our quarterly results, such as unexpected publicity impacting our business in a positive or negative way, fluctuations in food or packaging costs, or the timing of menu price increases or promotional activities and other marketing initiatives. The number of trading days in a quarter can also affect our results, although, on an overall annual basis, changes in trading days do not have a significant impact. Our quarterly results are also affected by other factors such as the amount and timing of non-cash stock-based compensation expense and related tax rate impacts, litigation, settlement costs and related legal expenses, impairment charges and non-operating costs, timing of marketing or promotional expenses, the number and timing of new restaurants opened in a quarter, and closure of restaurants. New restaurants typically have lower margins following opening as a result of the expenses associated with their opening and operating inefficiencies in the months immediately following opening. Accordingly, results for a particular quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year. Liquidity and Capital Resources Our primary liquidity and capital requirements are for new restaurant construction, initiatives to improve the guest experience in our restaurants, working capital, and general corporate expenses. As of December 31, 2019, we had a cash and short-term investment balance of $880.8 million that we expect to utilize, along with cash flow from operations, to provide capital in support of the growth of our business, to invest in, maintain, and refurbish our existing restaurants, to repurchase additional shares of our common stock subject to market conditions, and for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2019, $169.4 million remained available for repurchases of shares of our common stock repurchase authorizations. Under the remaining repurchase authorizations, shares may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, subject to market conditions. We believe that cash from operations, together with our cash and investment balances, will be sufficient to meet ongoing capital expenditures, working capital requirements and other cash needs for the foreseeable future. We have not required significant working capital because customers generally pay using cash or credit and debit cards and because our operations do not require significant receivables, nor do they require significant inventories due, in part, to our use of various fresh ingredients. In addition, we generally have the right to pay for the purchase of food, beverages and supplies sometime after the receipt of those items, generally within ten days, thereby reducing the need for incremental working capital to support our growth. Our total capital expenditures for 2019 were $333.9 million. In 2019, we spent on average about $1.0 million in development and construction costs per new restaurant, or about $0.9 million net of landlord reimbursements of $0.1 million. In 2020, we expect to incur about $350 million in total capital expenditures. We expect approximately $160 million in capital expenditures related to our construction of new restaurants, before any reductions for landlord reimbursements. For new restaurants to be opened in 2020, we anticipate average development costs will increase due to strategic initiatives planned in new restaurants such as design updates or the addition of Chipotlanes. We expect approximately $140 million in capital 22 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) expenditures related to investments in existing restaurants, including updated equipment, technology, remodeling and similar improvements, and upgrading our digital make lines and other restaurant equipment. Finally, we expect a portion of our capital expenditures for the year to be incurred for additional corporate initiatives including building corporate offices, a culinary and training center, rebuilding our mobile app, and other projects. Contractual Obligations Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: Operating leases(1) Purchase obligations(2) Deemed landlord financing(1) Total Payments Due by Fiscal Year Total 2020 2021-2022 2023-2024 Thereafter (in thousands) $4,108,804 $ 294,291 $643,675 $622,358 $2,548,479 $ 807,718 $ 591,801 $ 197,555 $ 18,362 $ 2,626 $ 432 $ 908 $ 910 $ $ — 376 $ 4,919,148 $886,524 $ 842,138 $ 641,630 $2,548,855 (1) See Note 11. “Leases” of our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” This includes commitments related to reasonably certain renewal periods. (2) Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms. We have excluded agreements that are cancelable without penalty. The majority of our purchase obligations relate to amounts owed for produce and other ingredients and supplies, chicken, orders submitted for equipment for restaurants under construction and planned remodels, information technology, and marketing initiatives and corporate sponsorships. The above table does not include income tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions for which we are not able to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the amount and period of related future payments. Additionally, we have excluded our estimated loss contingencies, due to uncertainty regarding the timing and amount of payment. See Note 13. “Commitments and Contingencies” of our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations. Inflation The primary areas of our operations affected by inflation are food, labor, rent, healthcare costs, fuel, utility costs, and materials used in the construction of our restaurants. Although a significant majority of our crew members make more than the federal and applicable state and local minimum wage, increases in the applicable federal or state minimum wage may have an impact on our labor costs by causing wage inflation above the minimum wage level. Additionally, many of our leases require us to pay property taxes, maintenance, and utilities, all of which are generally subject to inflationary increases. In the past we have largely been able to offset inflationary increases with menu price increases. If we do raise menu prices in the future, general competitive pressures or negative consumer responses may limit our ability to completely recover cost increases attributable to inflation. Critical Accounting Estimates We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 1. “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Critical accounting estimates are those that we believe are both significant and that require us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often because we need to estimate the effect of inherently uncertain matters. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experiences and various other factors that we believe to be appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and we might obtain different estimates if we used different assumptions or factors. Leases We determine if a contract contains a lease at inception. Our material operating leases consist of restaurant locations and office space. Our leases generally have remaining terms of 1-20 years and most include options to extend the leases for 2019 Annual Report 23 PART II (continued) 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. If the estimate of our reasonably certain lease term was changed, our depreciation and rent expense could differ materially. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date. Operating lease liabilities represent the present value of lease payments not yet paid. Operating lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset and are based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for prepayments or accrued lease payments, initial direct costs, lease incentives, and impairment of operating lease assets. To determine the present value of lease payments not yet paid, we estimate incremental borrowing rates corresponding to the reasonably certain lease term. 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. If the estimate of our incremental borrowing rate was changed, our operating lease assets and liabilities could differ materially. 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. For the purpose of reviewing restaurant assets to be held and used for potential impairment, assets are grouped together at the market level, or in the case of a potential relocation or closure, at the restaurant level. We manage our restaurants as a group with significant common costs and promotional activities; as such, an individual restaurant’s cash flows are not generally independent of the cash flows of others in a market. The fair value measurement for asset impairment is based on Level 3 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 cash flows, 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. Our estimates of future cash flows are highly subjective judgments based on internal projections and knowledge of our operations, historical performance, and trends in sales and restaurant operating costs, and can be significantly impacted by changes in our business or economic conditions. The determination of asset fair value is also subject to significant judgment and utilizes valuation techniques including discounting estimated future cash flows and market-based analyses to determine fair value. If our estimates or underlying assumptions, including discount rate and sublease income change in the future, our operating results may be materially impacted. Stock-based Compensation We recognize compensation expense for equity awards over the requisite service period based on the award’s fair value. We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair value of our stock-only stock appreciation rights, or “SOSARs”, and we use the Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the fair value of stock awards that contain market conditions. Both of these models require assumptions to be made regarding our stock price volatility, the expected life of the award and expected dividend rates. The volatility assumption was based on our historical data and implied volatility, and the expected life assumptions were based on our historical data. Similarly, the compensation expense of performance share awards, and SOSARs with performance-based vesting conditions, is based in part on the estimated probability of achieving levels of performance associated with particular levels of payout for performance shares and with vesting for performance SOSARs. We determine the probability of achievement of future levels of performance by comparing the relevant performance level with our internal estimates of future performance. Those estimates are based on a number of assumptions, including but not limited to growth in comparable restaurant sales and average restaurant level margin, and different assumptions may have resulted in different conclusions regarding the probability of our achieving future levels of performance relevant to the payout levels for the awards. Had we arrived at different assumptions of stock price volatility 24 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) or expected lives of our SOSARs, or if we changed our assumptions regarding the probability of our achieving future levels of performance with respect to performance share awards and performance SOSARs, our stock-based compensation expense and results of operations may be materially different. 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 officer’s 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. If a greater amount of claims occurs compared to what we have estimated, or if medical costs increase beyond what we expected, our accrued liabilities might not be sufficient and we may be required to record additional expense. Actual claims experience could also be more favorable than estimated, which would result in expense reductions. Unanticipated changes may produce materially different amounts of expense than that reported under these programs. 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. Although we have recorded liabilities related to a number of legal actions, our estimates used to determine the amount of these liabilities may not be accurate, and there are other legal actions for which we have not recorded a liability. As a result, in the event legal actions for which we have not accrued a liability or for which our accrued liabilities are not accurate are resolved, such resolution may affect our operating results and cash flows. Income Taxes Our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities including valuation allowance requires the use of estimates based on our management’s interpretation and application of complex tax laws and accounting guidance. We are primarily subject to income taxes in the United States. We establish reserves for uncertain tax positions for material, known tax exposures in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740 relating to deductions, transactions and other matters involving some uncertainty as to the measurement and recognition of the item. We may adjust these reserves when our judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available and will be reflected in the period in which the new information is available. While we believe that our reserves are adequate, issues raised by a tax authority may be resolved at an amount different than the related reserve and could materially increase or decrease our income tax provision in future periods. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK Commodity Price Risks We are exposed to commodity price risks. Many of the ingredients we use to prepare our food, as well as our packaging materials and utilities to run our restaurants, are ingredients or commodities that are affected by the price of other commodities, exchange rates, foreign demand, weather, seasonality, production, availability and other factors outside our control. We work closely with our suppliers and use a mix of forward pricing protocols under which we agree with our supplier on fixed prices for deliveries at some time in the future, fixed pricing protocols under which we agree on a fixed price with our supplier for the duration of that protocol, formula pricing protocols under which the prices we pay are based on a specified formula related to the prices of the goods, such as spot prices, and range forward protocols under which we agree on a price range for the duration of that protocol. Generally, our pricing protocols with suppliers can remain in effect for periods ranging from one to 36 months, depending on the outlook for prices of the particular ingredient. In several cases, we have minimum purchase obligations. We’ve tried to increase, where practical, the number of suppliers for our ingredients, which we believe can help mitigate pricing volatility, and we follow industry news, trade issues, exchange rates, 2019 Annual Report 25 PART II (continued) foreign demand, weather, crises and other world events that may affect our ingredient prices. Increases in ingredient prices could adversely affect our results if we choose for competitive or other reasons not to increase menu prices at the same rate at which ingredient costs increase, or if menu price increases result in customer resistance. Changing Interest Rates We are also exposed to interest rate risk through fluctuations of interest rates on our investments. Changes in interest rates affect the interest income we earn, and therefore impact our cash flows and results of operations. As of December 31, 2019, we had $824.8 million in investments and interest-bearing cash accounts, including insurance-related restricted trust accounts classified in restricted cash, and $60.7 million in accounts with an earnings credit we classify as interest and other income, which combined earned a weighted average interest rate of 1.75%. Foreign Currency Exchange Risk A portion of our operations consist of activities outside of the U.S. and we have currency risk on the transactions in other currencies and translation adjustments resulting from the conversion of our international financial results into the U.S. dollar. However, a substantial majority of our operations and investment activities are transacted in the U.S., and therefore our foreign currency risk is not material at this date. 26 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 1 – Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Note 2 – Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Note 3 – Revenue Recognition Note 4 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments Note 5 – Corporate Restructuring Costs Note 6 – Restaurant Closure Costs Note 7 – Income Taxes Note 8 – Shareholders’ Equity Note 9 – Stock-Based Compensation Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans Note 11 – Leases Note 12 – Earnings Per Share Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies Note 14 – Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 28 31 32 33 34 35 35 42 42 42 43 43 44 45 45 48 49 51 51 52 2019 Annual Report 27 PART II (continued) 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, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, 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, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, 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, 2019, 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 4, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Adoption of New Accounting Standard As discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method for accounting for leases in 2019. As explained below, auditing the Company’s valuation and accounting for leases was a critical audit matter. 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 Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters 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 matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate. 28 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) Description of the Matter Valuation and accounting for leases As described above and in Notes 1 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASC 842”) on January 1, 2019. In conjunction with the adoption of ASC 842, the Company evaluated the overall accounting implications, including review of contracts and vendor agreements to determine whether such agreements contained a lease. The Company determined its material operating leases consist of approximately 2,500 restaurant locations and office space. On the adoption date, the Company recorded $2.4 billion in operating lease assets and $2.7 billion in current and long-term operating lease liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet for existing operating leases. The calculation of the Company’s operating lease assets and liabilities include an estimate of the present value of future lease payments. Management estimated the Company’s incremental borrowing rates used in its present value calculation which required subjectivity. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Auditing management’s contract evaluation performed in conjunction with the adoption of ASC 842 was complex and required judgment to analyze the terms within the contracts and vendor agreements to determine whether we concurred with management’s evaluation. Additionally, during the inspection of contracts and vendor agreements and analysis of contractual terms, inquiries and discussions were held outside of the accounting department to support the evaluation. Further, auditing management’s assessment of its incremental borrowing rate is especially subjective and judgmental as the Company has no outstanding debt nor committed credit facilities, secured or otherwise that would have comparable collateral or similar terms as their underlying restaurant locations and office space. 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 the implementation of the ASC 842 process, including the Company’s controls with regards to the contract evaluation, and review of the methodology, inputs, and assumptions used to determine the incremental borrowing rate. Our substantive audit procedures included, among others, involving specialists to assist in evaluating management’s methodology and assumptions used to determine the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at the date of adoption of ASC 842. The considerations to determine the appropriateness of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate included the Company’s credit rating, current market environment for recent debt transactions, and market data available to support the adjustment required to reflect a collateralized borrowing rate. In addition, we obtained and inspected a sample of individual leases to test the completeness and accuracy of the lease inputs and terms used in the Company’s calculation and tested the computational accuracy. We additionally performed procedures to determine the completeness of the lease population used in the Company’s analysis. We tested a sample of contracts and vendor agreements to determine whether management appropriately evaluated whether such agreements contained a lease. These procedures included, among others, inspecting contracts and vendor agreements, analyzing contractual terms and performing inquiries within the organization outside of the accounting department. Additionally, our procedures included reviewing management’s lease questionnaires sent to relevant employees and cash disbursement listings to test that contracts which could contain lease provisions were considered in the lease population used in the Company’s analysis. We also evaluated the Company’s lease disclosures included in Notes 1 and 11 in relation to these matters. 2019 Annual Report 29 PART II (continued) Description of the Matter Valuation and accounting for stock-based compensation The Company incurred $92.1 million in stock-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2019. Approximately 227,000 of the Company’s non-vested stock awards were subject to service and performance conditions during the year ended December 31, 2019. As described in Notes 1 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates the grant date fair value of the stock awards and expenses the fair value of 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 grant date fair value and the appropriateness of the accounting treatment of the Company’s stock awards was complex and judgmental. In particular, the fair value estimate for stock awards subject to performance conditions 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 valuation model methodology and assumptions used with regards to the service and performance conditions. We also tested management’s controls to validate that data used in the valuation model 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 comparable restaurant sales and average restaurant margin) 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 fair value of the stock awards subject to performance conditions resulting from changes in the assumptions. We also evaluated the adequacy of the Company’s stock-based compensation disclosures included in Notes 1 and 9 in relation to these matters. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1997. Irvine, California February 4, 2020 30 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except per share data) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net Inventory Prepaid expenses and other current assets Income tax receivable Investments Total current assets Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net Restricted cash Operating lease assets Other assets Goodwill Total assets Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable Accrued payroll and benefits Accrued liabilities Unearned revenue Current operating lease liabilities Income tax payable Total current liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) Deferred rent Long-term operating lease liabilities Deferred income tax liabilities Other liabilities Total liabilities Shareholders’ equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 600,000 shares authorized, no shares issued as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively Common stock, $0.01 par value, 230,000 shares authorized, 36,323 and 35,973 shares issued as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively Additional paid-in capital Treasury stock, at cost, 8,568 and 8,276 common shares as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively Accumulated other comprehensive loss Retained earnings Total shareholders’ equity Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. December 31, 2019 2018 $ 480,626 $ 80,545 26,096 57,076 27,705 400,156 1,072,204 1,458,690 27,855 2,505,466 18,450 21,939 249,953 62,312 21,555 54,129 — 426,845 814,794 1,379,254 30,199 — 19,332 21,939 $ 5,104,604 $ 2,265,518 $ 115,816 $ 126,600 155,843 95,195 173,139 — 666,593 — 2,678,374 37,814 38,797 3,421,578 113,071 113,467 147,849 70,474 — 5,129 449,990 330,985 — 11,566 31,638 824,179 — — 363 1,465,697 360 1,374,154 (2,699,119) (5,363) 2,921,448 1,683,026 (2,500,556) (6,236) 2,573,617 1,441,339 $ 5,104,604 $ 2,265,518 2019 Annual Report 31 PART II (continued) CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in thousands, except per share data) Revenue Restaurant operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below): Food, beverage and packaging Labor Occupancy Other operating costs General and administrative expenses Depreciation and amortization Pre-opening costs Impairment, closure costs, and asset disposals Total operating expenses Income from operations Interest and other income, net Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Net income Earnings per share: Basic Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic Diluted Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 $5,586,369 $4,864,985 $4,476,412 1,847,916 1,600,760 1,535,428 1,472,060 1,326,079 1,205,992 363,072 760,831 451,552 212,778 11,108 23,094 347,123 680,031 327,132 651,644 375,460 296,388 201,979 163,348 8,546 66,639 12,341 13,345 5,142,411 4,606,617 4,205,618 443,958 258,368 270,794 14,327 10,068 4,949 458,285 268,436 275,743 (108,127) (91,883) (99,490) $ 350,158 $ $ 12.62 12.38 $ $ $ 176,553 $ 176,253 6.35 6.31 $ $ 6.19 6.17 27,740 28,295 27,823 27,962 28,491 28,561 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (in thousands) Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes: Foreign currency translation adjustments Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes Comprehensive income See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 32 2019 Annual Report Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 $350,158 $176,553 $ 176,253 726 147 873 (2,736) 4,689 159 (186) (2,577) 4,503 $ 351,031 $173,976 $180,756 PART II (continued) CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (in thousands) Common Stock Treasury Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Shares Amount Additional Paid-In Capital Shares Amount Retained Earnings Available- for-Sale Securities Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance, December 31, 2016 35,833 $358 $ 1,238,875 7,019 $(2,049,389) $ 2,220,811 $ (120) $(8,042) $1,402,493 Stock-based compensation Stock plan transactions and other Acquisition of treasury stock Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes — 19 — — — — 1 — — — 66,396 (181) — — — — — — — 807 (285,020) — — — — — — — 176,253 — — — — — — — — 66,396 (180) (285,020) 176,253 — (186) 4,689 4,503 Balance, December 31, 2017 35,852 $359 $1,305,090 7,826 $(2,334,409) $2,397,064 $(306) $ (3,353) $1,364,445 Stock-based compensation Stock plan transactions and other Acquisition of treasury stock Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes — 121 — — — — 1 — — — 69,947 (883) — — — — — — — 450 (166,147) — — — — — — — 176,553 — — — — — — — — 69,947 (882) (166,147) 176,553 — 159 (2,736) (2,577) Balance, December 31, 2018 35,973 $360 $ 1,374,154 8,276 $(2,500,556) $ 2,573,617 $ (147) $(6,089) $ 1,441,339 Adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) Stock-based compensation — — Stock plan transactions and other 350 Acquisition of treasury stock Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes — — — — — 3 — — — — 92,062 (519) — — — — — — — — — 292 (198,563) — — — — (2,327) — — — 350,158 — — — — — — — — — — (2,327) 92,062 (516) (198,563) 350,158 — 147 726 873 Balance, December 31, 2019 36,323 $363 $1,465,697 8,568 $ (2,699,119) $ 2,921,448 $ — $ (5,363) $1,683,026 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 2019 Annual Report 33 PART II (continued) CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Operating activities Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Amortization of operating lease assets Deferred income tax (benefit) provision Impairment, closure costs, and asset disposals Bad debt allowance Stock-based compensation expense Other Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable Inventory Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other assets Accounts payable Accrued payroll and benefits Accrued liabilities Unearned revenue Income tax payable/receivable Deferred rent Operating lease liabilities Other long-term liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Investing activities Purchases of leasehold improvements, property and equipment Purchases of investments Maturities of investments Proceeds from sale of equipment Net cash used in investing activities Financing activities Acquisition of treasury stock Tax withholding on stock-based compensation awards Stock plan transactions and other financing activities Net cash used in financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Income taxes paid Purchases of leasehold improvements, property, and equipment accrued in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Acquisition of treasury stock accrued in accounts payable and accrued liabilities See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 34 2019 Annual Report Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 $ 350,158 $ 176,553 $ 176,253 212,778 163,952 29,962 15,402 33 91,396 (10,592) (2,630) (4,530) (23,066) 2,818 (973) 11,759 36,543 30,400 (32,083) — (151,557) 1,862 201,979 163,348 — 10,585 61,987 125 69,164 (2,918) (8,298) (1,722) (3,811) (2,005) 32,080 29,568 14,831 6,829 14,439 21,297 — 869 — (18,026) 13,345 214 65,255 (218) (140) (5,250) (6,710) (1,476) 10,908 6,188 28,179 4,207 (4,173) 29,996 — 6,316 721,632 621,552 468,216 (333,912) (287,390) (216,777) (448,754) (485,188) (199,801) 476,723 385,000 330,000 13,969 — — (291,974) (387,578) (86,578) (190,617) (160,937) (285,218) (10,420) (698) (5,411) (187) (702) 26 (201,735) (166,535) (285,894) 406 228,329 280,152 (1,457) 65,982 214,170 2,056 97,800 116,370 $ 508,481 $ 280,152 $ 214,170 $ 109,571 $ 67,053 $ 119,787 $ 36,886 $ 30,870 $ 31,806 $ — $ 2,474 $ 2,274 PART II (continued) 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, tacos, and salads, made using fresh, high-quality ingredients. As of December 31, 2019, we operated 2,580 Chipotle restaurants throughout the United States as well as 39 international Chipotle restaurants. We are also an investor in a consolidated entity that owns and operates three Pizzeria Locale restaurants, a fast-casual pizza concept. We manage our operations based on eight regions and have aggregated our operations to one reportable segment. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and our wholly and majority owned subsidiaries 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. 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, tenant improvement receivables from landlords, vendor rebates, delivery receivables and interest receivable. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable based on a specific review of account balances. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recoverability is considered remote. The allowance for doubtful accounts is $7 and $0 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, 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. Certain key ingredients (beef, pork, chicken, beans, rice, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas) are purchased from a small number of suppliers. Investments Investments classified as trading securities are carried at fair value with any unrealized gain or loss being recorded in the consolidated statements of 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 comprehensive income. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost. Impairment charges on investments are recognized in interest and other income, net on the consolidated statements of 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. 2019 Annual Report 35 PART II (continued) 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 Our international operations use the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities 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 as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 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, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we capitalized $6,735, $6,285, and $7,507 of internal cost, 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 include 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. 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 Furniture and fixtures Equipment 3-20 years 4-7 years 3-10 years Leases We determine if a contract contains a lease at inception. Our material operating leases consist of restaurant 36 2019 Annual Report locations and office space. 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. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date, which is the date we take possession of the property. Operating lease liabilities represent the present value of lease payments not yet paid. Operating lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset and are based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for prepayments or accrued lease payments, initial direct costs, lease incentives, and impairment of operating lease assets. 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. Our leases typically contain rent escalations over the lease term. We recognize expense for these leases on a straight- line basis over the lease term. Additionally, tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements are 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. Some of our leases include rent escalations based on inflation indexes and fair market value adjustments. Certain leases contain contingent rental provisions that include a fixed base rent plus an additional percentage of the restaurant’s sales, generally in excess of a stipulated amount. Operating lease liabilities are calculated using the prevailing index or rate at lease commencement. Subsequent escalations in the index or rate and contingent rental payments are recognized as variable lease expenses. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Goodwill Goodwill is not subject to amortization, but instead is tested for impairment at least annually, or 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 PART II (continued) value of the goodwill. No impairment charges were recognized on goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Other Assets Other assets consist primarily of a rabbi trust as described further in Note 10. “Employee Benefit Plans,” transferable liquor licenses which are carried at the lower of fair value or cost and rental deposits related to leased properties. 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 officer’s 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. 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 remit to governmental taxing authorities. 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, 2019 Annual Report 37 PART II (continued) 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, based on historical redemption rates, 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 breakage rates are 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 breakage rate estimate annually 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 During the first quarter of 2019, we launched Chipotle Rewards nationally. Eligible customers who enroll in the program generally earn points for every dollar spent. After accumulating a certain number of points, the customer earns a reward that can be redeemed for a free entrée. We may also periodically offer promotions, which provide the customer with the opportunity to earn bonus points or free food vouchers (“Bonus Vouchers”). Earned rewards generally expire one 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 standalone selling price of points or Bonus Vouchers earned by customers as each point or Bonus Voucher is earned, net of points we do not expect to be redeemed. The estimated standalone selling price of each point or Bonus Voucher earned is based on the estimated value of product for which the reward is expected to be redeemed. Our estimate 38 2019 Annual Report of points and Bonus Vouchers we expect to be redeemed is based on historical company specific data. The cost associated with rewards and Bonus Vouchers are recorded when they are redeemed and are included in food, beverage, and packaging expense on our consolidated statements of income. We recognize loyalty revenue on the consolidated statements of income when a customer redeems an earned reward. Deferred revenue associated with Chipotle Rewards is included in unearned revenue on our consolidated balance sheets. Advertising and Marketing Costs Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $141,567, and $111,695 and $106,345 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Advertising and marketing costs are included in other operating costs on the consolidated statements of income. Stock-Based Compensation We issue shares as part of employee compensation pursuant to the Amended and Restated Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2011 Incentive Plan”). Stock-only stock appreciation rights, or “SOSARs”, and stock awards generally vest equally over two and three years and 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 six months which coincides with the notice period. 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 SOSARs and 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. Compensation expense on SOSARs subject to performance conditions is recognized over the longer of the estimated performance goal attainment period or time vesting period. 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 PART II (continued) service has been provided. 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 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. 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. For the purpose of reviewing restaurant assets to be held and used for potential impairment, assets are grouped together at the market level, or in the case of a potential relocation or closure, at the restaurant level. We manage our restaurants as a group with significant common costs and promotional activities; as such, an individual restaurant’s cash flows are not generally independent of the cash flows of others in a market. The fair value measurement for asset impairment is 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 cash flows, 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 June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board “FASB” issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU” 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 requires companies to measure credit losses utilizing a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires a consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We will adopt the standard effective January 1, 2020. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-13 to result in a material change to our consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles— Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40)”: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”), which clarifies the accounting for implementation costs in cloud computing arrangements. ASU 2018-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We will adopt the standard prospectively on January 1, 2020. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2018-15, we capitalized implementation costs incurred during the application development phase of cloud computing arrangements to leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net on our consolidated balance sheets and have recognized expense over the useful life of the related asset within depreciation and amortization on our consolidated statements of income. Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2018-15, we will capitalize such costs within prepaid expenses and other current assets or other assets on our consolidated balance sheets and will recognize expense within general and administrative 2019 Annual Report 39 PART II (continued) expenses or other operating costs on our consolidated statements of income, consistent with the where the expense associated with the hosting element of the arrangement are presented. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2018-15 to result in a material change to our consolidated financial statements. 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. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” along with related clarifications and improvements. This pronouncement requires lessees to recognize a liability for lease obligations, which represents the discounted obligation to make future lease payments, and a corresponding right-of-use asset on the consolidated balance sheets. The guidance requires disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements that is intended to give financial statement users the ability to assess the amount, timing, and potential uncertainty of cash flows related to leases. We elected the optional transition method to apply the standard as of the effective date and therefore, we have not applied the standard to the comparative periods presented on our consolidated financial statements. Our practical expedients were as follows: Practical expedient package Hindsight practical expedient Implications as of January 1, 2019 We have not reassessed whether any expired or existing contracts are, or contain, leases. We have not reassessed the lease classification for any expired or existing leases. We have not reassessed initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases. We have not elected the hindsight practical expedient, which permits the use of hindsight when determining lease term and impairment of operating lease assets. 40 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) The impact on the consolidated balance sheet is as follows: Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Inventory Prepaid expenses and other current assets Investments Total current assets Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net Restricted cash Operating lease assets Other assets Goodwill Total assets Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable Accrued payroll and benefits Accrued liabilities Unearned revenue Income tax payable Total current liabilities Commitments and contingencies Deferred rent Current and long-term operating lease liabilities Deferred income tax liabilities Other liabilities Total liabilities Shareholders’ equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 600,000 shares authorized, no shares issued as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively Common stock, $0.01 par value, 230,000 shares authorized, 35,973 and 35,852 shares issued as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively Additional paid-in capital Treasury stock, at cost, 8,276 and 7,826 common shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively Accumulated other comprehensive loss Retained earnings Total shareholders’ equity December 31, 2018 Adjustments Due to the Adoption of Topic 842 January 1, 2019 $ 249,953 $ — $ 249,953 62,312 21,555 54,129 426,845 814,794 1,379,254 30,199 — 19,332 21,939 — — (23,653) 62,312 21,555 30,476 — 426,845 (23,653) 791,141 (15,167) 1,364,087 — 30,199 2,363,020 — — 2,363,020 19,332 21,939 $ 2,265,518 $ 2,324,200 $ 4,589,718 $ 113,071 $ 113,467 147,849 70,474 5,129 — $ — (23,860) — — 113,071 113,467 123,989 70,474 5,129 449,990 (23,860) 426,130 330,985 (330,985) — — 2,682,203 2,682,203 11,566 31,638 (831) — 10,735 31,638 824,179 2,326,527 3,150,706 — 360 1,374,154 (2,500,556) (6,236) 2,573,617 1,441,339 — — — — — (2,327) (2,327) — 360 1,374,154 (2,500,556) (6,236) 2,571,290 1,439,012 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,265,518 $ 2,324,200 $ 4,589,718 2019 Annual Report 41 PART II (continued) 2. Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 Land $ 12,943 $ 12,943 Leasehold improvements and buildings 1,765,464 1,689,873 Furniture and fixtures 182,391 173,252 Equipment 653,909 543,869 Construction in Progress 45,422 42,824 Leasehold improvements, property and equipment 2,660,129 2,462,761 Accumulated depreciation (1,201,439) (1,083,507) Leasehold improvements, property and equipment, net $1,458,690 $ 1,379,254 Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Revenue recognized from gift card liability balance at the beginning of the year $ 37,386 $ 36,094 $ 37,109 Chipotle Rewards Chipotle Rewards launched nationally in March 2019. Accordingly, there was no revenue recognized from unearned revenue associated with this loyalty program in the years ended December, 2018 or 2017. Changes in our Chipotle Rewards liability included in unearned revenue on the consolidated balance sheets were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 $ — 44,666 (34,082) Accrued payroll and benefits were as follows: Chipotle Rewards liability, beginning balance December 31, 2019 2018 Revenue deferred Revenue recognized Workers’ compensation liability $ 29,837 $30,878 Accrued payroll 31,188 35,622 Other accrued payroll and benefits 65,575 46,967 Accrued payroll and benefits $126,600 $113,467 Accrued liabilities were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 Sales and Use tax payable $ 26,484 $ 21,762 Legal reserve liability Data security incident liability Other accrued liabilities 45,721 15,000 68,638 4,661 29,289 92,137 Accrued liabilities $155,843 $147,849 3. Revenue Recognition Gift Cards The gift card liability included in unearned revenue on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 Chipotle Rewards liability, ending balance $ 10,584 4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. Our investments consist of U.S. treasury notes with maturities of up to one year. Fair value of investments is measured using Level 1 inputs. We designate the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of purchase based upon the intended holding period. Investments, all of which are classified as held-to-maturity (“HTM”), are carried at amortized cost and approximated fair value as of December 31, 2019. We recognize impairment charges when management believes the decline in the fair value of the investment below the carrying value is other-than-temporary. No impairment charges were recognized on our investments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Gift card liability $ 84,611 $ 70,474 Revenue recognized from the redemption of gift cards that was included in unearned revenue at the beginning of the year was as follows: We have elected to fund certain deferred compensation obligations through a rabbi trust, the assets of which are designated as trading securities, as described further in Note 10. “Employee Benefit Plans.” 42 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) 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, operating lease assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired. Other than as disclosed in Note 5. “Corporate Restructuring Costs”, Note 6. “Restaurant Closure Costs” and Note 11. “Leases” as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had no material non-financial assets or liabilities that were measured using Level 3 inputs. 5. Corporate Restructuring Costs In May 2018, we announced that we would open a headquarters office in Newport Beach, California, consolidate certain corporate administrative functions into our existing office in Columbus, Ohio, and close our existing headquarters offices in Denver, Colorado, as well as additional corporate offices in New York, New York. All affected employees were either offered an opportunity to continue in the new organization or were offered a severance package. We record severance as a one-time termination benefit and recognize the expense ratably over the employees’ required future service period. All other costs, including other employee transition costs, recruitment and relocation costs, office asset impairment and other office closure costs, and third-party and other costs, are recognized in the period incurred. Corporate restructuring costs consist of the following: Employee severance and other employee transition costs(1) Recruitment and relocation costs(1) Office asset impairment and other office closure costs(2) Third-party and other costs(1) Stock-based compensation(1) Total corporate restructuring costs Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 $ 1,768 $ 6,919 $— 6,231 1,719 4,324 134 9,952 15,571 8,836 1,345 — — — — $ 14,176 $ 42,623 $— (1) Recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income. (2) Recorded in impairment, closure costs, and asset disposals on the consolidated statements of income. Upon the adoption of Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, lease termination and other closure liabilities of $14,716 were reclassified into operating lease assets and are no longer within the scope of ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations. Changes in our corporate restructuring liabilities which are included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets were as follows: December 31, 2018 Charges Payments December 31, 2019 Employee severance and other employee transition costs $ 2,722 $ 1,768 $ (4,490) $ — Recruitment and relocation costs Third-party and other costs Total restructuring liability 224 554 6,231 4,324 (6,425) (4,878) 30 — $ 3,500 $ 12,323 $ (15,793) $ 30 6. Restaurant Closure Costs During the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, we closed or relocated underperforming restaurants totaling nine, 54, and 25, respectively. This included the planned restaurant closures announced in June 2018. In connection with this initiative, we have closed or relocated 56 restaurants, of which six of these closures were in 2019. In total, we incurred restaurant asset impairment and other restaurant closure costs, which were recorded in impairment, closure costs, and asset disposals on the consolidated statements of income as follows: Restaurant asset impairment and other restaurant closure costs Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 $ 2,997 $ 40,522 $ 3,284 2019 Annual Report 43 PART II (continued) Upon the adoption of Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, lease termination and other closure liabilities of $9,144 were reclassified into operating lease assets and are no longer within the scope of ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations. 7. Income Taxes The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows: The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2019, was lower than the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to net excess benefits from stock-based compensation and net year over year decrease in tax expense related to equity award expirations, partially offset by current year increases in non-deductible executive compensation. The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities for continuing operations were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Current tax: U.S. Federal $ 57,020 $ 58,878 $ 98,208 Deferred income tax liability: U.S. State Foreign Deferred tax: U.S. Federal U.S. State Foreign Valuation allowance Provision for income taxes 20,499 21,780 18,639 646 637 669 78,165 81,295 117,516 27,231 2,740 10,541 479 (2,685) (2,261) 27,286 2,676 8,759 1,829 (16,201) (1,559) (496) (18,256) 230 $ 108,127 $ 91,883 $ 99,490 The effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rates as follows: Leasehold improvements, property and equipment Goodwill and other assets Prepaid assets and other Operating lease asset Deferred income tax asset: Deferred rent Gift card liability Capitalized transaction costs Stock-based compensation and other employee benefits Foreign net operating loss carry- forwards State credits Year ended December 31, Operating lease liability 2019 2018 2017 Allowances, reserves and other December 31, 2019 2018 $ 162,291 $ 144,113 1,537 1,290 686,333 1,438 4,154 — — 6,185 323 49,481 5,752 323 41,270 65,651 13,796 4,170 741,120 22,973 11,871 5,230 — 13,355 Total deferred income tax liability 851,451 149,705 Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate State income tax, net of related federal income tax benefit Federal credits Executive compensation disallowed Meals and entertainment Enhanced deduction for food donation Valuation allowance Other Effects of the TCJA Return to provision and other discrete items Equity compensation related adjustments 21.0% 21.0% 35.0% 4.1 (1.7) 2.0 0.1 — 0.5 0.8 — 0.1 6.6 (2.1) 1.4 0.1 4.4 (1.5) — — (0.1) (0.2) 0.7 3.5 — 0.1 1.5 (2.3) 1.1 (0.9) (3.3) 2.0 — Effective income tax rate 23.6% 34.2% 36.1% 44 2019 Annual Report Valuation allowance (16,200) (13,524) Total deferred income tax asset 813,637 138,139 Deferred income tax liabilities $ 37,814 $ 11,566 As of December 31, 2019, we no longer have deferred tax assets related to outstanding non-vested stock awards that contain market conditions. Gross foreign net operating losses were $68,169 and $54,599 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We had gross valuation allowances against certain foreign deferred tax assets of $77,191 and $63,509 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in the valuation allowance was primarily due to the recording of a valuation allowance on various foreign tax attributes. PART II (continued) Unrecognized Tax Benefits A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Beginning of year $ 9,360 $8,937 $ 4,211 Increase resulting from prior year tax position Increase resulting from current year tax position Settlements with taxing authorities Lapsing of statutes of limitations 5,855 — — 758 751 4,726 (736) — (209) (328) — — End of year $15,028 $9,360 $8,937 Interest expense related to uncertain tax positions is recognized in interest expense on the consolidated statements of income. Penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in income tax expense on the consolidated statements of income. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, we recognized $1,853, $536, and $364, respectively, in interest expense related to uncertain tax positions. These balances are gross amounts before any tax benefits and are included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We accrued $3,054 and $1,329 for the payment of interest at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years before 2016. 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 2016. Currently, we expect expirations of statutes of limitations, excluding indemnified amounts, on reserves of approximately $202 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. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the U.S. corporate income tax rate is 21% pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), that was signed into law December 2017. As of December 31, 2018, we completed our accounting for the tax effects of the TCJA and recorded cumulative tax adjustments of $6,446 in accordance with SAB 118 guidance. In connection with the TCJA, a one-time transition tax is assessed on total post-1986 accumulated foreign earnings and profits that were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes, the amount of those earnings held in cash, and other specified assets and foreign tax pools. Based on our analysis of our total post-1986 accumulated foreign earnings and profits that were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes, the amount of those earnings held in cash, and other specified assets and foreign tax pools, we have determined a one-time transition tax of $0 for the year ended December 31, 2017. 8. Shareholders’ Equity We have had a stock repurchase program in place since 2008 and, through December 31, 2019 we have repurchased shares with a total value of $2.6 billion. As of December 31, 2019, $69,417 was available to be repurchased under announced repurchase authorizations, which does not include an additional $100,000 that was authorized by our Board of Directors in December 2019 but not announced until February 4, 2020. Shares repurchased are being held in treasury stock until they are reissued or retired at the discretion of the Board of Directors. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, shares of common stock at total costs of $10,420, $5,411, and $702, 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. 9. Stock-Based Compensation Pursuant to the 2011 Incentive Plan, we grant stock options, SOSARs, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), or performance and/or market based restricted stock units (“PSUs”) to employees and non-employee directors. We issue shares of common stock upon the exercise of SOSARs and the vesting of RSUs and PSUs. Under the 2011 Incentive Plan, 6,830 shares of common stock have been authorized and reserved for issuance to eligible participants, of which 2,321 shares were authorized for issuance but not issued or subject to outstanding awards as of December 31, 2019. For purposes of calculating the available shares remaining under the 2011 Incentive Plan, each share issuable pursuant to outstanding full value awards, such as RSUs and PSUs, counts as two shares, and each share underlying a stock option or SOSAR count as one share. The 2011 Incentive Plan is administered 2019 Annual Report 45 PART II (continued) by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which has the authority to select the individuals to whom awards will be granted and to delegate its authority under the plan to make grants (subject to certain legal and regulatory restrictions), to determine the type of awards and when the awards are to be granted, the number of shares to be covered by each award, the vesting schedule and all other terms and conditions of the awards. The exercise price for stock awards granted under the 2011 Incentive Plan cannot be less than fair market value at the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements was as follows: Stock-based compensation Stock-based compensation, net of income taxes Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 $ 92,062 $ 69,947 $ 66,396 $ 73,866 $ 51,544 $ 40,370 Total capitalized stock-based compensation included in net leasehold improvements, property and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets $ 666 $ 783 Excess tax benefit (deficit) on stock-based compensation recognized in provision for income taxes $ 16,203 $ (6,162) $ $ 1,141 448 SOSARs SOSAR activity under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (in thousands, except years and per share data) was as follows: Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value $ 49,160 Outstanding, January 1, 2019 Granted Exercised Forfeited or cancelled Expired Outstanding, December 31, 2019 Exercisable, December 31, 2019 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2019 Shares 2,151 201 (1,130) (40) (50) 1,132 365 1,095 $ 474.51 601.59 510.35 483.11 559.29 457.14 505.35 454.76 4.4 2.4 4.3 430,270 121,242 418,815 The total intrinsic value of SOSARs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, was $219,984, $35,907, and $4,296, respectively. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for SOSARs as of December 31, 2019 was $30,338 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years. 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: Risk-free interest rate Expected life (years) Expected dividend yield Volatility 2019 2018 2017 2.4% 3.9 2.4% 3.9 0.0% 0.0% 34.7% 32.2% 1.6% 3.7 0.0% 29.9% Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value per share at date of grant $176.79 $77.61 $105.97 46 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) 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 non-vested RSU award activity under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan was as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Outstanding, January 1, 2019 Granted Vested Forfeited or cancelled Outstanding, December 31, 2019 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2019 Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share $ 352.85 627.94 388.08 303.84 408.56 Shares 154 28 (46) (15) 121 113 401.74 The weighted average grant date fair value per RSU granted during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, was $299.25 and $414.36, respectively. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for non-vested RSU stock awards we have determined are probable of vesting was $14,803 as of December 31, 2019, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years. The fair value of shares earned as of the vesting date during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, was $27,197, $4,192, and $3,524, respectively. Non-Vested Performance Stock Awards (PSUs) A summary of non-vested PSU award activity under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan was as follows: Outstanding, January 1, 2019 Granted Vested Expired Outstanding, December 31, 2019 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2019 Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share $ 418.52 583.13 — 518.62 479.83 Shares 70 46 — (13) 103 227 479.61 The weighted average fair value per PSU granted during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, was $327.58 and $466.29, respectively. The Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for non-vested PSU stock awards we have determined are probable of vesting was $60,921 as of December 31, 2019, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years. The fair value of shares earned as of the vesting date during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, was $0, $9,317, and $0, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we awarded two types of performance share awards that are subject to service and performance vesting conditions. The quantity of shares that will vest range from 0% to 300% of the targeted number of shares for both awards. The first award, consisting of 33 shares, will vest based on our growth in comparable restaurant sales and average restaurant margin over a three-year period beginning on January 1, 2019. The second award, consisting of 13 shares, will vest based on achievement of certain targets related to digital sales, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue, and successful completion of a defined number of strategic initiatives in 2019 and 2020. These awards will vest 40% on the third anniversary of the grant date and 60% on the fourth anniversary of the grant date provided required service is completed through these dates. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we awarded performance share awards that are subject to service and performance vesting conditions. The quantity of shares that will vest 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, 2018. If the defined minimum targets are not met, then no shares will vest. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we awarded performance shares that are subject to service, market and performance vesting conditions. Two-thirds of the shares have vesting criteria based on the price of our common stock reaching certain targets for a consecutive number of days during the three-year period starting on the grant date, with the quantity of shares that vest ranging from 0% to 350% of the targeted number of shares. The remaining one-third of the shares have vesting criteria based on reaching certain comparable restaurant sales increases during the three-year period starting on January 1, 2017, with the quantity of shares that vest ranging from 0% to 300% of the targeted number of shares. If the defined minimum targets are not met, then no shares will vest. 2019 Annual Report 47 We have elected to fund our deferred compensation obligation through a rabbi trust. 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. Fair value of mutual funds is measured using Level 1 inputs. The fair value of the investments in the rabbi trust was $12,811 and $10,872 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We record trading gains and losses in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income, 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. Employee Stock Purchase Plan—We also offer an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”). Employees become eligible to participate after one year of service with Chipotle and may contribute up to 15% of their base earnings, subject to an annual maximum dollar amount, toward the monthly purchase of our common stock. The purchase price is 95% of the fair market value of the stock on the last trading date of the monthly exercise period. Under the ESPP, 250 shares of common stock have been authorized and reserved for issuances to eligible employees, of which 246 represent shares that were authorized for issuance but not issued at December 31, 2019. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the number of shares issued each year under the ESPP was less than one. PART II (continued) No stock awards with market conditions were granted during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Measurement of the grant date fair value of stock awards with market conditions in 2017 included a Monte Carlo simulation model, which incorporates into the fair value determination the possibility that the market condition may not be satisfied, using the following assumptions: Risk-free interest rate Expected life (years) Expected dividend yield Volatility 2017 1.5% 3.0 0.0% 29.9% The assumptions are based on the same factors as those described for SOSARs, except that the expected life is based on the contractual performance period for the stock awards. 10. Employee Benefit Plans Defined Contribution Plan—We maintain the Chipotle Mexican Grill 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). We match 100% of the first 3% of pay contributed by each eligible employee and 50% on the next 2% of pay contributed. Employees become eligible to receive matching contributions after one year of service with Chipotle. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, matching contributions totaled approximately $6,968, $6,090 and $6,072, respectively and are included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income. Deferred Compensation Plan—We also maintain the Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Supplemental Deferred Investment Plan (the “Deferred Plan”) which covers our 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 liabilities under the Deferred Plan as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, were $12,811 and $10,872, respectively, and are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. 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. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, we made deferred compensation matches of $412, $152, and $199, respectively, to the Deferred Plan and are included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income. 48 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) 11. Leases Related to the adoption of Topic 842, and for leases executed subsequent to the adoption of Topic 842 our policy elections are as follows: Separation of lease and non-lease components Short-term policy We elected this expedient to account for lease and non-lease components as a single component for our entire population of operating lease assets. We have elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all applicable classes of underlying assets. Short-term disclosures include only those leases with a term greater than one month and 12 months or less, and expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, that do not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that we are reasonably certain to exercise, are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: Operating Leases Right-of-use assets Current lease liabilities Non-current lease liabilities Total lease liabilities Classification Operating lease assets Current operating lease liabilities Long-term operating lease liabilities Weighted average remaining lease term (years) Weighted average discount rate The components of lease cost were as follows: December 31, 2019 $2,505,466 173,139 2,678,374 $ 2,851,513 December 31, 2019 13.4 5.19% Operating lease cost Short-term lease cost Variable lease cost Sublease income Total lease cost Classification Occupancy, General and administrative expenses and Pre-opening costs Other operating costs Occupancy General and administrative expenses Three months ended December 31, 2019 Year ended December 31, 2019 $79,597 $308,586 1,027 9,019 (824) 3,238 36,828 (3,385) $ 88,819 $ 345,267 2019 Annual Report 49 PART II (continued) Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows: Cash paid for operating lease liabilities Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities(1) Derecognition of operating lease assets due to terminations or impairment Three months ended December 31, 2019 $ 75,189 $83,079 $ 3,755 Year ended December 31, 2019 $ 295,113 $2,702,778 $ 17,740 (1) Amounts for the year ended December 31, 2019, include the transition adjustment for the adoption of Topic 842 discussed in Note 1. “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows as of December 31, 2019: 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total lease payments Less: imputed interest Present value of lease liabilities Operating Leases $ 286,807 313,729 313,577 309,068 297,457 2,483,595 4,004,233 1,152,720 $ 2,851,513 As of December 31, 2019, the total lease payments include $2,127,446 related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised, and exclude approximately $105,000 of legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced and $9,514 of future sublease income. As previously disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and under the previous lease accounting, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows as of December 31, 2018: 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Total minimum lease payments Operating Leases $ 294,191 296,579 294,941 295,290 290,980 2,478,397 $3,950,378 As of December 31, 2018, maturities of lease liabilities have not been reduced by minimum sublease income of $11,790 due in the future under our subleases. As of December 31, 2018, we had $90,484 of legally binding minimum lease payments related to leases that have not yet commenced. 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 $2,390 as of December 31, 2018, with the current portion of the liability included in accrued liabilities, and the remaining portion included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. 50 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) 12. Earnings Per Share The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share: Net income Shares: Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (for basic calculation) Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 $350,158 $176,553 $176,253 27,740 27,823 28,491 Dilutive stock awards 555 139 70 Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (for diluted calculation) 28,295 27,962 28,561 Basic earnings per share $ 12.62 $ 6.35 $ Diluted earnings per share $ 12.38 $ 6.31 $ 6.19 6.17 The following stock awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share: Stock awards subject to performance conditions Stock awards that were antidilutive Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 81 95 217 139 1,741 1,695 Total stock awards excluded from diluted earnings per share 220 1,836 1,912 13. 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, amounts owed under contractor and subcontractor agreements, orders submitted for equipment for restaurants under construction, and marketing initiatives and corporate sponsorships. Litigation Data Security Incident In April 2017, we detected malware in our payment processing network that was designed to access payment card data from cards used at point-of-sale devices at most of our restaurants. We removed the malware from our systems and self-reported the issue to payment card processors and law enforcement, and we continue to enhance our security measures. Substantially all of our investigation costs related to this incident have been covered by insurance. As a result of this incident, several lawsuits were filed alleging, among other things, that we negligently failed to provide adequate security to protect the payment card information of the plaintiffs and other similarly situated customers. These lawsuits were consolidated into one action captioned Todd Gordon, et. al. v. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., which was pending in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. In March 2019, we reached an agreement to settle the consolidated Gordon action, and in December 2019 the court granted final approval of the settlement. The financial terms of the Gordon settlement were covered by insurance. As of December 31, 2019, we had a balance of $15,000 for loss contingencies related to the data security incident on the consolidated balance sheet, which is included in the accrued liabilities line item. We ultimately may be subject to liabilities greater or less than the amount accrued. Receipt of Grand Jury Subpoenas On January 28, 2016, we were served with a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in connection with an official criminal investigation being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations. The subpoena required the production of documents and information related to company-wide food safety matters dating back to January 1, 2013. Since then we have received additional subpoenas requesting information related to illness incidents associated with several of our restaurants, and we may receive additional subpoenas in the future related to illness incidents at these or other restaurants. We have cooperated with the investigation, and we are in discussions with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in an effort to resolve this matter through a settlement. We believe that if a settlement is reached, it will contain both monetary and non-monetary elements, including a deferred prosecution agreement and additional undertakings by the Company. We have reserved a total of $25 million in connection with this investigation, which we believe is a reasonable estimate of the amount we may be expected to pay to settle this matter. Based on discussions to date, we are hopeful that a settlement can be reached; however, there can be no assurance that a settlement will 2019 Annual Report 51 PART II (continued) be reached or as to the ultimate timing or monetary or non-monetary terms of such a settlement. Shareholder Class Action On January 8, 2016, Susie Ong filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of a purported class of purchasers of shares of our common stock between February 4, 2015 and January 5, 2016. The complaint purports to state claims against us, each of the co-Chief Executive Officers serving during the claimed class period and the Chief Financial Officer under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and related rules, based on our alleged failure during the claimed class period to disclose material information about our quality controls and safeguards in relation to consumer and employee health. The complaint asserts that those failures and related public statements were false and misleading and that, as a result, the market price of our stock was artificially inflated during the claimed class period. The complaint seeks damages on behalf of the purported class in an unspecified amount, interest, and an award of reasonable attorneys’ fees, expert fees and other costs. On March 22, 2018, the court granted our motion to dismiss, with prejudice. On April 20, 2018, the plaintiffs filed a motion for relief from the judgment and seeking leave to file a third amended complaint, and on November 20, 2018, the court denied the motion. On December 20, 2018, the plaintiff initiated an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. We intend to continue vigorously defending the case, but it is not possible at this time to reasonably estimate the outcome of or any potential liability from the case. Miscellaneous We are involved in various other claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims under which we incur greater liabilities than we currently anticipate, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Accrual for Estimated Liability Excluding the accrual for the data security incident described above, we had a balance of $45,721 on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, which is included in the accrued liabilities line item. We ultimately may be subject to liabilities greater or less than the amount accrued. 14. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following table presents summarized unaudited quarterly financial data from the consolidated statements of income for each of the eight quarters in the periods ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for any subsequent quarter. Basic and diluted net income per share calculations for each quarter is based on the weighted average diluted shares outstanding for that quarter and may not sum to the full year total amount as presented on our consolidated statements of income: Revenue Income from operations Net income Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share Revenue Income from operations Net income Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share 52 2019 Annual Report 2019 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 $1,308,217 $1,434,231 $1,403,697 $1,440,224 $ 110,161 $ 120,020 $ 115,621 $ 88,132 $ 91,028 $ 98,582 $ $ 3.18 $ 3.13 $ 3.28 3.22 $ $ 3.55 3.47 $ $ $ $ 98,156 72,416 2.61 2.55 2018 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 $1,148,397 $1,266,520 $1,225,007 $1,225,061 $ 92,808 $ 67,957 $ 57,991 $ 39,612 $ 59,446 $ 46,884 $ 38,204 $ 32,019 $ $ 2.13 $ 2.13 $ 1.69 1.68 $ $ 1.37 1.36 $ $ 1.15 1.15 PART II (continued) ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures As of December 31, 2019, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2019, in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting The management of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (the “2013 framework”). Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2019, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria established in the 2013 framework. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. This report follows. 2019 Annual Report 53 PART II (continued) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We have audited Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and our report dated February 4, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Irvine, California February 4, 2020 54 2019 Annual Report PART II (continued) ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None. 2019 Annual Report 55 PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans The following table presents information regarding options and rights outstanding under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2019. All options/SOSARs reflected are options to purchase common stock. (a) Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options and Rights(1) (b) Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options and Rights(1) (c) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))(2) Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders Total 1,356,553 None 1,356,553 $457.14 N/A $457.14 2,566,656 None 2,566,656 (1) Includes shares issuable in connection with awards with performance and market conditions, which will be issued based on achievement of performance criteria associated with the awards, with the number of shares issuable dependent on our level of performance. The weighted-average exercise price in column (b) includes the weighted-average exercise price of SOSARs only. (2) Includes 2,320,929 shares remaining available under the Amended and Restated Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan, and 245,727 shares remaining available under the Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In addition to being available for future issuance upon exercise of SOSARs or stock options that may be granted after December 31, 2019, all of the shares available for grant under the Amended and Restated Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan may instead be issued in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or other equity- based awards. Each share underlying a full value award such as restricted stock, restricted stock units or performance shares counts as two shares used against the total number of securities authorized under the plan. Additional information for this item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE Incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES Incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019. 56 2019 Annual Report PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 1. All Financial statements Consolidated financial statements filed as part of this report are listed under Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” 2. Financial statement schedules No schedules are required because either the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto. Description of Chipotle Securities — — — 3. Exhibits Exhibit Number Exhibit Description 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 10.1† 10.2† 10.3† 10.4† 10.5† 10.6† 10.7† 10.8† Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Amended and Restated Bylaws Form of Stock Certificate for Shares of Common Stock Amended and Restated Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement between Steve Ells and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Form of 2019 Performance Share Unit Agreement Form of 2019 Transformation Performance Share Unit Agreement (1) Change in Control Severance Plan, effective June 1, 2019 Form of Participation Agreement for Change in Control Severance Plan Amended and Restated Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Board Restricted Stock Units Agreement Description of Exhibit Incorporated Herein by Reference Form File No. Filing Date Exhibit Number Filed Herewith 10-Q 001-32731 October 26, 2016 3.1 8-K 001-32731 October 6, 2016 10-K 001-32731 February 10, 2012 3.1 4.1 — X 10-K 001-32731 February 17, 2011 10.2 10-Q 001-32731 April 26, 2018 10-Q 001-32731 April 25, 2019 10.1 10.1 10-Q 001-32731 April 25, 2019 10.2 10-Q 001-32731 July 24, 2019 10.1 10-Q 001-32731 July 24, 2019 10.2 8-K 001-32731 May 24, 2018 10-Q 001-32731 July 22, 2014 10.1 10.1 10.1 10.9† Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement 10-Q 001-32731 April 20, 2012 10.10† 10.11† Form of 2014 Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement Form of 2014 Performance-Based Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement 10-K 001-32731 February 7, 2017 10.2.4 10-K 001-32731 February 7, 2017 10.2.5 2019 Annual Report 57 PART IV (continued) Exhibit Description Form File No. Filing Date Exhibit Number Filed Herewith Description of Exhibit Incorporated Herein by Reference Exhibit Number 10.12† 10.13† 10.14† 10.15† 10.16 10.17† 10.18† 10.19† 10.20† 10.21† 10.22† 10.23† 10.24† 10.25 10.26 10.27† 10.28† Form of 2016 Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement Form of 2017 Performance Share Agreement Retention Agreement, dated January 9, 2018, between Jack Hartung and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated January 31, 2006 among Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., McDonald’s Corporation and certain shareholders Board Pay Policies effective May 22, 2018 Retention Agreement, dated January 9, 2018, between Scott Boatwright and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Supplemental Deferred Investment Plan Retention Agreement, dated January 9, 2018, between Curt Garner and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Offer Letter, dated February 11, 2018, between Brian R. Niccol and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Non-Plan Inducement SOSARs Agreement between Brian R. Niccol and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Non-Plan Inducement RSUs Agreement between Brian R. Niccol and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Investor Agreement dated December 14, 2016 between Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. and Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. Registration Rights Agreement dated February 3, 2017, between Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. and Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. 10-Q 001-32731 April 27, 2016 10-Q 001-32731 July 26, 2017 10.1 10.2 8-K 001-32731 January 12, 2018 10.1 10-K 8-K 10-Q 10-Q 001-32731 March 17, 2006 001-32731 May 24, 2018 001-32731 April 26, 2018 001-32731 July 27, 2018 10-Q 001-32731 April 26, 2018 10.6 10.2 10.4 10.3 10.5 10.1 8-K 001-32731 February 15, 2018 10.1 10-K 001-32731 February 10, 2012 10.11 S-8 33-223467 March 6, 2018 4.3 S-8 33-223467 March 6, 2018 4.4 8-K 001-32731 December 19, 2016 10.1 Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement 8-K 001-32731 March 21, 2007 Form of 2018 CEO SOSARs Agreement 8-K/A 001-32731 April 3, 2018 Executive Agreement dated May 29, 2017 between Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. and Scott Boatwright 8-K 001-32731 September 15, 2017 10.1 10-K 001-32731 February 7, 2017 10.11 10.2 58 2019 Annual Report PART IV (continued) Exhibit Number 10.29† 10.30† 10.31† Exhibit Description Form File No. Filing Date Exhibit Number Filed Herewith Description of Exhibit Incorporated Herein by Reference Form of 2018 Premium-priced SOSARs Agreement Executive Chairman Agreement dated November 28, 2017 between Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. and Steve Ells Offer Letter, dated March 9, 2018, between Christopher Brandt and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 8-K/A 001-32731 April 3, 2018 10.3 8-K 001-32731 December 1, 2017 10.1 10-Q 001-32731 April 26, 2018 10.13 10.32† Form of 2018 Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement 10-Q 001-32731 April 26, 2018 10.33† Form of 2018 Restricted Stock Units Agreement 10-Q 001-32731 April 26, 2018 10.14 10.15 10.34 Form of 2019 Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement 21.1 23.1 24.1 31.1 31.2 32.1 101.INS 101.SCH 101.CAL 101.DEF 101.LAB Subsidiaries of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (as the independent registered public accounting firm of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.) Power of Attorney (included on signature page of this report) Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — X X X X X X X X X X X X 2019 Annual Report 59 PART IV (continued) Exhibit Number 101.PRE 104 Exhibit Description Description of Exhibit Incorporated Herein by Reference Form File No. Filing Date Exhibit Number Filed Herewith Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) — — — — — — — — X X (1) Portions of this exhibit have been omitted as permitted by applicable regulations. †- Management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as exhibits. ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY None. 60 2019 Annual Report SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC. By: Name: Title: /s/ JOHN R. HARTUNG John R. Hartung Chief Financial Officer Date: February 4, 2020 POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Brian Niccol and John Hartung, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with full power of substitution, for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or their substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Date Title /S/ BRIAN NICCOL Brian Niccol /S/ JOHN R. HARTUNG John R. Hartung /S/ STEVE ELLS Steve Ells February 4, 2020 Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) February 4, 2020 Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) February 4, 2020 Chairman of the Board of Directors /S/ ALBERT S. BALDOCCHI February 4, 2020 Director Albert S. Baldocchi /S/ PAUL CAPPUCCIO Paul Cappuccio February 4, 2020 Director /S/ PATRICIA FILI-KRUSHEL February 4, 2020 Director Patricia Fili-Krushel /S/ NEIL W. FLANZRAICH February 4, 2020 Director Neil W. Flanzraich /S/ ROBIN S. HICKENLOOPER February 4, 2020 Director Robin S. Hickenlooper /S/ ALI NAMVAR Ali Namvar /S/ SCOTT MAW Scott Maw February 4, 2020 Director February 4, 2020 Director /S/ MATTHEW PAULL February 4, 2020 Director Matthew Paull 2019 Annual Report 61 [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 610 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 Dear Shareholder: April 8, 2020 You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., which will be a virtual meeting conducted exclusively via webcast on May 19, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. (PDT). In light of public health concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and related travel restrictions, the Board of Directors has determined that it is prudent that this year’s annual meeting be held in a virtual-only format via live webcast. Details of the business to be conducted at the annual meeting are given in the notice of meeting and proxy statement that follow. Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the virtual annual meeting, we encourage you to vote in advance of the meeting by telephone, by Internet or by signing, dating and returning your proxy card by mail. You may also vote by attending the virtual annual meeting at http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CMG2020 and voting online. Full instructions are contained in this proxy statement or in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials that was sent to you. On behalf of the Board of Directors and Chipotle’s management, thank you for your commitment to Chipotle. Sincerely, Brian Niccol Chairman and Chief Executive Officer NOTICE OF MEETING The 2020 annual meeting of shareholders of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will be a virtual meeting conducted exclusively via live webcast at http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CMG2020 on May 19, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. (PDT). Shareholders will consider and act on the following matters: 1. Election of the seven director nominees named in this proxy statement, each to serve a one-year term; 2. An advisory vote to approve the compensation of our executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement (known as “say-on-pay”); 3. Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2020; 4. Four shareholder proposals described in the attached Proxy Statement, if properly presented; and 5. Such other business properly brought before the meeting. Information about these matters is contained in the proxy statement that accompanies this notice. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 26, 2020 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. To participate in the virtual annual meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number that appears on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card or the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. This Notice and the accompanying Proxy Statement are first being distributed to shareholders on or about April 8, 2020. Your vote is important. Please note that if you hold your shares through a broker, your broker cannot vote your shares on the election of directors, on the approval, on an advisory basis, of our executive compensation or on any of the four shareholder proposals unless they have your specific instructions on how to vote. In order for your vote to be counted, please make sure that you submit your vote to your broker. By order of the Board of Directors Roger Theodoredis General Counsel and Corporate Secretary April 8, 2020 Proxy Statement Summary INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING Date and Time: Location: Tuesday, May 19, 2020 8:00 am (PDT) Live webcast online at http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CMG2020 Record Date for Shareholders entitled to vote: March 26, 2020 MATTERS TO BE VOTED ON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Election of the seven director nominees named in this proxy statement (page 7) 2. Advisory Say on Pay vote (page 22) 3. Ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors (page 23) 4. Shareholder proposal regarding retention of shares by executive officers (page 26) 5. Shareholder proposal to require an independent Chair of the Board of Directors (page 28) 6. Shareholder proposal requesting a report on arbitration of employment-related claims (page 30) 7. Shareholder proposal related to action by written consent of shareholders (page 32) For For For Against Against Against Against HIGHLIGHTS OF DIRECTOR NOMINEES NAME OF SERVICE INDEPENDENT YEARS BOARD RECOMMENDATION AUDIT COMMITTEE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE NOMINATING & CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE Albert Baldocchi† Patricia Fili-Krushel Neil Flanzraich Lead Independent Director Robin Hickenlooper(1) Scott Maw Ali Namvar Brian Niccol 23 1 13 3 1 3 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR Chairperson ✓ ✓ ✓ Chairperson ✓ Chairperson- Elect ✓ ✓ † Designated as “Audit Committee Financial Expert” under SEC rules. (1) Ms. Hickenlooper will become Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee after the annual meeting, assuming she is re-elected. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT i Proxy Statement Summary (continued) SUMMARY OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS Eight of the nine members on our current Board of Directors are independent. Independent directors are led by a Lead Independent Director. All directors stand for re-election on an annual basis. Directors are elected by majority vote in uncontested elections and any director who does not receive a majority of votes cast is required to submit his or her resignation, for consideration by the Board. Independent Board members meet in executive session at each quarterly Board meeting. Board and Committee performance is reviewed in an annual self-assessment, with reporting to and evaluation by the full Board. We do not have a shareholder rights plan or “poison pill.” All executive officers and directors are prohibited from hedging/pledging shares of our common stock. Bylaws contain proxy access provisions, which enables qualifying shareholders to nominate directors for election to our Board. We have robust stock ownership requirements for executive officers and directors, which are among the highest CEO and CFO ownership requirements amongst our peer group of companies, as described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”. Bylaws permit holders of at least 25% of our outstanding common stock to call special meetings of shareholders. See the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this proxy statement for significant compensation policies and procedures we employ to motivate our employees to build shareholder value and promote the interests of all our shareholders. ii NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Table of Contents Proxy Statement Summary Annual Meeting Information Beneficial Ownership of Our Common Stock Proposal 1 — Election of Directors Information Regarding the Board of Directors Biographical Information Board Qualifications, Skills and Attributes Board Selection and Refreshment Independence of Directors Committees of the Board 2019 Director Compensation Corporate Governance Chairman of the Board Lead Independent Director Board Performance and Self-Evaluation Process How to Contact the Board of Directors Executive Sessions Director Nomination Process Shareholder Engagement Policies and Procedures for Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Oversight Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Prohibition on Hedging and Pledging Proposal 2 — An Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of our Executive Officers as Disclosed in this Proxy Statement Proposal 3 — Ratification of Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Independent Auditors’ Fee Audit Committee Report Policy for Pre-Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services Proposal 4 — Shareholder proposal regarding retention of shares by executive officers Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition Proposal 5 — Shareholder proposal to require an independent Chair of the Board of Directors Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition Proposal 6 — Shareholder proposal requesting a report on arbitration of employment-related claims Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition Proposal 7 — Shareholder proposal related to action by written consent of shareholders Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition i 1 5 7 7 7 10 11 11 12 14 15 16 16 16 17 17 17 18 20 20 21 21 22 23 24 24 24 26 26 28 29 30 30 32 32 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT iii Table of Contents (continued) Executive Officers Letter from the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors Compensation Discussion and Analysis Executive Summary Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives Executive Compensation Program Components and Structures Variable, At Risk Pay Factors in Setting Executive Officer Pay Roles and Responsibilities of the Committee, Compensation Consultant and the CEO in Setting Executive Officer Compensation Role of Market Data and Our Peer Group 2019 Compensation Program Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines Prohibition on Hedging and Pledging Agreements with our Named Executive Officers Compensation Program Risk Assessment Accounting Considerations Compensation Committee Report 2019 Compensation Tables 2019 Summary Compensation Table Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2019 Terms of 2019 Annual Performance Share Units Awards Terms of Transformation Performance Share Unit Awards Terms of 2019 Annual SOSAR Awards Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End 2019 Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2019 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation for 2019 Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control CEO Pay Ratio Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions Shareholder Proposals and Nominations for 2021 Annual Meeting Inclusion of Director Nominations in Our Proxy Statement and Proxy Card under Our Proxy Access Bylaws Availability of SEC Filings, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct, Codes of Ethics and Committee Charters Delivery of Materials to Shareholders with Shared Addresses Attendance at the Meeting Miscellaneous iv NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 34 35 36 36 39 39 39 40 40 41 42 48 48 49 49 50 50 51 51 53 54 54 54 55 56 56 57 61 61 62 63 63 63 63 64 64 Annual Meeting Information ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION This proxy statement contains information related to the virtual annual meeting of shareholders of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. to be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, beginning at 8:00 a.m. (PDT) online at http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CMG2020. This proxy statement was prepared under the direction of Chipotle’s Board of Directors to solicit your proxy for use at the annual meeting. It will be made available to shareholders on or about April 8, 2020. Participation during the virtual annual meeting Shareholders will have the ability to submit questions during the annual meeting via the annual meeting website at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CMG2020. As part of the annual meeting, we will hold a question and answer session, during which we intend to answer questions submitted during the meeting that are pertinent to Chipotle and the meeting matters, as time permits. Who can vote If you were a shareholder of record of our common stock on March 26, 2020, you are entitled to vote at the annual meeting, or at any postponement or adjournment of the annual meeting using the 16-digit control number that appears on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card or the instructions that accompanied the proxy materials. On each matter to be voted on, you may cast one vote for each share of common stock you hold. As of March 26, 2020, there were 27,807,843 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Virtual-only annual meeting format In light of public health concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and related travel restrictions, the Board of Directors has determined that it is prudent that this year’s annual meeting be held in a virtual- only format via live audio webcast. Attending the annual meeting To attend the virtual annual meeting, you must be a shareholder on the record date of March 26, 2020. Shareholders may attend the virtual annual meeting at http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CMG2020. The meeting will only be conducted via webcast; there will be no physical meeting location. To participate in the virtual annual meeting, shareholders will need the 16-digit control number that appears on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card or the instructions that accompanied the proxy materials. If you would like to attend the virtual meeting and you have your control number, please go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CMG2020 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting to log in. If you came through your brokerage firm’s website and do not have your control number, you can gain access to the meeting by logging into your brokerage firm’s website 15 minutes prior to the meeting start, selecting the shareholder communications mailbox to link through to the meeting and the control number will automatically populate. For optimal viewing and usage, this site is best viewed with a screen resolution of 1024x768 and above. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 1 Annual Meeting Information (continued) Voting matters and Board recommendations You will be asked to vote on seven proposals: PROPOSAL 1 – Election of the seven director nominees named in this proxy statement PROPOSAL 2 – An advisory vote to approve the compensation of our executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement (“say-on-pay”). Board Recommendation: FOR FOR PROPOSAL 3 – Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered FOR public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2020 PROPOSAL 4 – Shareholder proposal regarding retention of shares by executive officers AGAINST PROPOSAL 5 – Shareholder proposal to require an independent Chair of the Board of Directors AGAINST PROPOSAL 6 – Shareholder proposal requesting a report on arbitration of employment-related claims AGAINST PROPOSAL 7 – Shareholder proposal related to action by written consent of shareholders AGAINST The Board of Directors is not aware of any other matters to be presented for action at the meeting. Board recommendation The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each candidate for director, FOR Proposals 2 and 3 and AGAINST Proposals 4 through 7. Information about how to vote If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee in “street name,” you need to submit voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee to cast your vote. In most instances you can do this over the Internet. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials that was provided to you has specific instructions for how to submit your vote, or if you have received or request a hard copy of this proxy statement you may mark, sign, date and mail the accompanying voting instruction form in the postage-paid envelope provided. Your vote is revocable by following the procedures outlined in this proxy statement. Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, on voting matters that the NYSE characterizes as “routine,” NYSE member firms have the discretionary authority to vote shares for which their customers do not provide voting instructions. On non-routine proposals, such “uninstructed shares” may not be voted by your broker. Only the proposal to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm is considered a routine matter for this purpose. None of the other proposals presented in this proxy statement are considered routine matters. Accordingly, if you hold your shares through a brokerage firm and do not provide timely voting instructions, your shares will be voted, if at all, only on Proposal 3. We strongly encourage you to exercise your right to vote in the election of directors and other matters to be voted on at the annual meeting. If you are a shareholder of record, you can vote your shares in advance of the meeting over the Internet as described in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials that was provided to you, or if you have received or requested a hard copy of this proxy statement and accompanying form of proxy card you may vote in advance of the meeting by telephone as described on the proxy card, or by mail by marking, signing, dating and mailing your proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided. Your designation of a proxy is revocable by following the procedures outlined in this proxy statement. The method by which you vote will not limit your right to vote online at the virtual annual meeting. Instructions for voting online at the virtual annual meeting are available at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CMG2020. If you receive hard copy materials and sign and return your proxy card without specifying choices, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors. 2 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Annual Meeting Information (continued) Revocation of your proxy You can change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the annual meeting by: • re-submitting your vote on the Internet; • if you are a shareholder of record, by sending a written notice of revocation to our corporate Secretary at our principal offices, 610 Newport Center Dr., Suite 1300, Newport Beach, CA 92660; or • if you are a shareholder of record, by attending the virtual annual meeting and voting online using your 16- digit control number. Attendance at the virtual annual meeting will not by itself revoke your proxy. Quorum requirement A quorum is necessary to conduct business at the annual meeting. At any meeting of our shareholders, the holders of a majority in voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present via webcast or by proxy, constitutes a quorum for all purposes. You are part of the quorum if you have voted by proxy. Abstentions and broker non-votes count as “shares present” at the meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists. Broker non-votes A broker non-vote occurs when a broker, bank or other nominee who holds shares for another does not vote on a particular item because the nominee has not received instructions from the owner of the shares and does not have discretionary voting authority for that item. See “Voting by Beneficial Owners” above for more information. Votes required to approve each proposal Proposal 1 — Re-election of each nominee for director requires that such nominee receive a majority of the votes cast regarding his or her election. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors. Proposals 2 through 7 — Each of the say-on-pay advisory vote, ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2020 and approval of the shareholder proposals (if properly presented at the meeting) requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power present at the annual meeting and entitled to vote in order to be approved. Abstentions represent shares entitled to vote, and therefore will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” a proposal. Broker non-votes, which are expected to occur with respect to the say-on-pay vote (Proposal 2) and the shareholder proposals (Proposals 4 through 7), are not counted as entitled to vote and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of any of these proposals. Because the say-on-pay vote (Proposal 2) and the shareholder proposals (Proposals 4 through 7) are advisory, they will not be binding on the Board or the company. However, the Board will review the voting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation and the subject matter of each of the shareholder proposals. Ratification of our appointment of independent auditors is not required and therefore the vote on Proposal 3 is also advisory only. See Proposal 3 for additional information about the effect of the voting outcome on this proposal. Consequences if a nominee for director does not receive a majority of votes cast regarding his or her election Any director who does not receive at least a majority of votes cast would be required to submit an irrevocable resignation to the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board, and the Committee would make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the resignation or whether other action should be taken. The Board would then act on the resignation, considering the Committee’s recommendation, and publicly disclose (by a press release and filing an appropriate disclosure with the SEC) its decision regarding the resignation, and if such resignation is rejected the rationale behind the decision, within 90 days following certification of the election results. The Committee in making its recommendation and the Board in making its decision each may consider any factors and other information that they consider appropriate and relevant. Delivery of proxy materials We have elected to deliver our proxy materials electronically over the Internet as permitted by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. As required by those rules, we are distributing to our shareholders of record and beneficial owners as of the close of business on March 26, 2020 a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. On the date of distribution of the notice, all shareholders and beneficial owners will have the ability to access all of the proxy materials at the URL address included in the notice. These proxy materials are also available free of charge upon request at 1-800-690-6903, or by e-mail at sendmaterial@proxyvote.com, or by writing to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. Requests by e-mail or in writing NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 3 Annual Meeting Information (continued) should include the control number included on the notice you received. If you would like to receive the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials via e-mail rather than regular mail in future years, please follow the instructions on the notice, or enroll on the Investors page of our website at ir.chipotle.com. Delivering future notices by e-mail will help us reduce the cost and environmental impact of our annual meeting. Proxy solicitation costs We will bear the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials; of making these proxy materials available on the Internet and providing hard copies of the materials to shareholders who request them; and of reimbursing brokers, nominees, fiduciaries and other custodians for the out-of-pocket and clerical expenses of transmitting copies of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and the proxy materials themselves to beneficial owners of our shares. A few of our officers and employees may participate in the solicitation of proxies, without additional compensation, by telephone, e-mail or other electronic means or in person. We have also engaged Alliance Advisors, LLC to assist us in the solicitation of proxies, for which we have agreed to pay a fee of $22,500 plus reimbursement of customary expenses. 4 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Beneficial Ownership of our Common Stock BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK The following tables shows the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock as of March 26, 2020 by: • each person (or group of affiliated persons) known to us to beneficially own more than 5 percent of our common stock; • each of the executive officers listed in the 2019 Summary Compensation Table appearing later in this proxy statement; • each of our directors; and • all of our current executive officers and directors as a group. The number of shares beneficially owned by each shareholder is determined under SEC rules and generally includes shares for which the holder has voting or investment power. The information does not necessarily indicate beneficial ownership for any other purpose. The percentage of beneficial ownership shown in the following tables is based on 27,807,843 outstanding shares of common stock as of March 26, 2020. For purposes of calculating each person’s or group’s percentage ownership, shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the terms of stock options, stock appreciation rights or restricted stock units exercisable or vesting within 60 days after March 26, 2020 are included as outstanding and beneficially owned for that person or group, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person or group. Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficial holders of 5% or more of outstanding common stock The Vanguard Group, Inc.(1) Renaissance Technologies, LLC.(2) BlackRock, Inc.(3) FMR LLC(4) Directors and Executive Officers Brian Niccol(5) Jack Hartung(6) Curt Garner(5) Scott Boatwright(5) Christopher Brandt(5) Albert Baldocchi(7)(8) Paul Cappuccio(9) Patricia Fili-Krushel(9) Neil Flanzraich(7) Robin Hickenlooper(9) Scott Maw(9) Ali Namvar(9) Matthew Paull(9) Shares Beneficially Owned (Outstanding) Shares Beneficially Owned (Right to Acquire) Total Shares Beneficially Owned Percentage of Class Beneficially Owned 2,959,109 1,763,542 1,759,092 1,446,593 5,065 35,272 – – – 72,542 793 11 4,633 293 – 3,277 809 – – – – 2,959,109 1,763,542 1,759,092 1,446,593 10.64% 6.34% 6.33% 5.20% 72,591 7,371 45,827 9,222 15,744 – 460 168 – 460 168 210 460 77,656 42,608 45,827 9,222 15,744 72,542 1,253 179 4,633 753 168 3,487 1,269 * * * * * * * * * * * * * All directors and executive officers as a group (16 people) 122,660 156,239 278,899 1.0% NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 5 Beneficial Ownership of our Common Stock (continued) Less than one percent. * (1) Based solely on a report on Schedule 13G/A filed on February 12, 2020. The address of The Vanguard Group, Inc. is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, Pennsylvania, 19355. The Vanguard Group, Inc. has sole voting power with respect to 39,991 shares of common stock, shared voting power with respect to 7,634 shares of common stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 2,914,105 shares of common stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 45,004 shares of common stock. (2) Based solely on a report on Schedule 13G filed on February 12, 2020. The address of Renaissance Technologies, LLC is 800 Third Avenue, New York, New York, 10022. Renaissance Technologies, LLC has sole voting power with respect to 1,737,998 shares of common stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 1,757,671 shares of common stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 5,871 shares of common stock. (3) Based solely on a report on Schedule 13G/A filed on February 5, 2020. The address of BlackRock, Inc. is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York, 10022. BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power with respect to 1,523,826 shares of common stock and sole dispositive power with respect to 1,759,092 shares of common stock. (4) Based solely on a report on Schedule 13G/A filed on February 7, 2020. The address of FMR LLC is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02219. FMR LLC has sole voting power with respect to 270,660 shares of common stock and sole dispositive power with respect to 1,446,593 shares of common stock. (5) Shares beneficially owned include the following shares underlying stock appreciation rights that are vested or that will vest within 60 days of March 26, 2020: 72,591 shares for Mr. Niccol; 45,827 shares for Mr. Garner; 9,222 shares for Mr. Boatwright; and 15,744 shares for Mr. Brandt. (6) Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Hartung include: 19,782 shares in a revocable trust for Mr. Hartung’s benefit and of which his spouse is the trustee; 35 shares beneficially owned by his children; and 7,371 shares underlying stock appreciation rights that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 26, 2020. Mr. Hartung disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares beneficially owned by his children. (7) Shares beneficially owned by Messrs. Baldocchi and Flanzraich include 460 shares underlying unvested restricted stock units, which are deemed to be beneficially owned because each such director is retirement-eligible, and the vesting of the awards accelerates in the event of the director’s retirement. (8) Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Baldocchi include 69,648 shares he owns jointly with his spouse. (9) Shares beneficially include the following shares underlying restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 26, 2020: 460 shares for Ms. Hickenlooper and Messrs. Cappuccio and Paull; 168 shares for Ms. Fili-Krushel and Mr. Maw; and 210 shares for Mr. Namvar. 6 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Proposal 1 Election of Directors Our Board of Directors currently has nine members, with each director serving for a one-year term. At the annual meeting, shareholders will vote on the seven nominees named below, each of whom is an incumbent member of the Board. Incumbent directors Paul Cappuccio and Matthew Paull are not standing for re-election at the annual meeting. Messrs. Cappuccio and Paull, who have served on the Board since 2016, were vital members of the Board through a transformational time in the company’s history and we extend our appreciation to them for their contributions to our success. Each of the director nominees was elected at the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders and was nominated for re-election by the Board upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each director nominee has consented to serve if elected. If any nominee is unable to serve or will not serve for any reason, the persons designated on the accompanying form of proxy will vote for other candidates in accordance with their judgment. We are not aware of any reason the nominees would not be able to serve if elected. There are no family relationships among our directors, or between our directors and executive officers. Re-election of each nominee for director requires that such nominee receive a majority of the votes cast FOR his or her election. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the outcome of any of these proposals. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the director nominees. INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Biographical Information The following is biographical information about each nominee, including a description of the experience, qualifications and skills that have led the Board to determine that each nominee should serve on the Board. The current terms of all directors expire as of the date of next year’s annual meeting of shareholders. Each director will hold office until their successors are elected and have qualified or their earlier resignation or removal. The age of each director is as of May 19, 2020, the date of the annual meeting. DIRECTORS STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION Background: Mr. Baldocchi has been self-employed since 2000 as a financial consultant and strategic advisor for, and investor in, a variety of privately-held companies. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford University. Qualifications: Mr. Baldocchi’s extensive involvement with restaurant companies for more than 25 years has given him an in-depth knowledge of restaurant company finance, operations and strategy. He also has considerable experience with high-growth companies in the restaurant industry and in other industries, and his experience as a senior investment banker at a number of prominent institutions, including Morgan Stanley, Solomon Brothers and Montgomery Securities, helped him develop solid capabilities in accounting and finance as well. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 7 Albert S. Baldocchi Age: 66 Director Since: 1997 Proposal 1 (continued) Patricia Fili-Krushel Age: 66 Director Since: March 2019 Neil W. Flanzraich Age: 76 Director Since: 2007 Background: Ms. Fili-Krushel has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Talent Innovation, a New York City–based think tank that focuses on global talent strategies since January 2019. From 2011 to 2016, she served as an executive at Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company; as Division Chairman, NBCUniversal News Group; and as Executive Vice President, NBCUniversal. Prior to that, Ms. Fili-Krushel served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Time Warner Inc., a global media and entertainment company, from 2001 to 2011; as President & CEO, WebMD Health Division, of WebMD Health Corp., from 2000 to 2001; as President, ABC Television Network, and President, ABC Daytime, Disney ABC Television Group, of The Walt Disney Company, a diversified worldwide entertainment company; and as Senior Vice President, Programming of Lifetime Entertainment Services, an entertainment and media company, from 1988 to 1992. She serves as a director of Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG). Ms. Fili-Krushel received a Bachelor’s degree in communications from Saint John’s University, and an MBA from Fordham University. Background: Mr. Flanzraich is the Executive Chairman of Cantex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly ParinGenix, Inc.), a privately-owned biotech company, where he previously served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and additionally, is the Executive Chairman of Alzheon, Inc., a privately-owned biotech company. He also has been a private investor since February 2006. From 1998 through its sale in January 2006 to TEVA Pharmaceuticals Industries, Ltd., he served as Vice Chairman and President of IVAX Corporation, an international pharmaceutical company. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Flanzraich served as Chairman of the Life Sciences Legal Practice Group of Heller Ehrman LLP, a law firm, and from 1981 to 1994, served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and member of the Operating and Executive Committees of Syntex Corporation, an international pharmaceutical company. He was a director of Equity One Inc. (NYSE:EQY) and served as its Lead Independent Director until it was acquired on March 1, 2017. Mr. Flanzraich also previously served as a director of a number of additional publicly- traded companies. He received an A.B. from Harvard College and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Qualifications: Ms. Fili-Krushel has extensive leadership, human resources and compensation experience and her contributions to the Board include broad experience in managing global businesses, developing business strategy, talent management and creating organizational cultures. She also brings experience serving on the boards of directors of other public companies. Qualifications: Mr. Flanzraich’s executive experience has helped him develop outstanding skills in leading and managing strong teams of employees, and in oversight of the growth and financing of businesses in a rapidly-evolving market. His legal background also is valuable to us in the risk management area, and Mr. Flanzraich brings to us extensive experience serving as an independent director of other public and privately-held companies. 8 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Proposal 1 (continued) Robin Hickenlooper Age: 41 Director Since: 2016 Scott Maw Age: 52 Director since: March 2019 Background: Ms. Hickenlooper is Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Liberty Media Corporation, an owner of media, communications and entertainment businesses, and has served in senior corporate development roles at Liberty Media and its affiliates since 2010. Prior to joining Liberty Media in 2008, Ms. Hickenlooper worked at Del Monte Foods and in investment banking at Thomas Weisel Partners. Ms. Hickenlooper previously served on the board of directors of FTD Companies, Inc. She earned an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from Duke University. Qualifications: Ms. Hickenlooper brings to the Board significant experience in marketing and new media, as well as public company corporate governance. Qualifications: Mr. Maw brings to our Board expert knowledge in finance, accounting, risk management and public corporate governance and has extensive experience leading global teams. Background: Mr. Maw has served as a Managing Director at WestRiver Group, a private equity investment firm, since August 2019. He was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Starbucks Corporation, a global roaster and retailer of specialty coffee, from 2014 until his retirement at the end of 2018. He also was Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance at Starbucks from 2012 to 2013, and Senior Vice President and Global Controller from 2011 to 2012. From 2010 to 2011, he was Senior Vice President and CFO of SeaBright Holdings, Inc., a specialty workers’ compensation insurer. From 2008 to 2010, he was Senior Vice President and CFO of the Consumer Bank at JP Morgan Chase & Company. Prior to this, Mr. Maw held leadership positions in finance at Washington Mutual, Inc. from 2003 to 2008, and GE Capital from 1994 to 2003. Prior to joining GE Capital, Mr. Maw worked at KPMG’s audit practice from 1990 to 1994. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Avista Corporation (NYSE: AVA) and Alcon Inc. (NYSE: ALC). Mr. Maw holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Gonzaga University. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 9 Proposal 1 (continued) Ali Namvar Age: 50 Director Since: 2016 Brian Niccol Age: 46 Director Since: 2018 Background: Mr. Namvar is a private investor focused on growth companies. He is also an advisory board member of Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P., an investment firm that currently is a significant shareholder of Chipotle. From January 2006 through April 2018, Mr. Namvar was an active partner and senior member of the investment team at Pershing Square. Prior to joining Pershing Square, Mr. Namvar held positions at Blackstone Group and Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Mr. Namvar holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Qualifications: Mr. Namvar has significant investment experience in restaurant companies, high growth businesses and the branded consumer goods sector. He also brings to the Board a deep knowledge of finance, equity markets, strategic transactions and investor relations. Background: Mr. Niccol has served as our Chief Executive Officer and a director since March 5, 2018 and in the additional role as Chairman of the Board since March 3, 2020. From January 2015 to February 2018 Mr. Niccol served as Chief Executive Officer of Taco Bell, a division of Yum! Brands, Inc., a global restaurant company. He joined Taco Bell in 2011 as Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer and served as President from 2013 to 2014. Prior to his service at Taco Bell, from 2005 to 2011 he served in various executive positions at Pizza Hut, another division of Yum! Brands, including General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer. Before joining Yum! Brands, Mr. Niccol spent 10 years at Procter & Gamble Co., serving in various brand management positions. Mr. Niccol holds an undergraduate degree from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He serves as a director of Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) Qualifications: Mr. Niccol brings us extensive experience in brand management, marketing and operations, as well as a proven track record of driving outstanding results at multiple restaurant brands. He also adds to the Board’s experience in corporate governance and public company oversight. Board Qualifications, Skills and Attributes In evaluating current and prospective directors, our Board strives for a highly independent, well-qualified directors, with the diversity, experience and background to be effective and to provide strong oversight and thought leadership to management. In addition to the specific qualifications, skills and experience described above, each director is expected to possess personal traits such as candor, integrity and professionalism and to commit to devote significant time to the Company’s oversight. The Board of Directors held eight meetings in 2019. Each director who served in 2019 attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and of Committees of which he or she was a member during the time in which they served as a member of the Board in 2019. The Board has requested that each of its members attend our annual shareholder meetings absent extenuating circumstances, and all directors serving on the Board following the date of the 2019 annual meeting attended the meeting. Assuming all directors standing for re-election are elected at the annual meeting, the average age of our directors will be 57, and the Board will possess the skills, experiences and attributes reflected in the following table. We believe these skills, experiences and attributes are relevant and important to the company’s achievement of its strategic goals, including making our brand culturally relevant and engaging, digitizing and modernizing the restaurant experience, continuing to ensure a culture of accountability and creativity throughout our organization, and enhancing our economic model to benefit our shareholders. 10 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Proposal 1 (continued) BOARD SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES LEADERSHIP DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY 6/7 directors 3/7 directors (CEO or Executive Officer; Leader of large division, business unit or organization; public company board service) (Social Media Strategy; Technology-Based Consumer Applications; Revenue Opportunities; Cybersecurity) RESTAURANT/FOOD INDUSTRY 4/7 directors (Restaurant Owner/Manager; Sourcing & Supply; Food Safety / Quality Assurance) REAL ESTATE/LEASING 4/7 directors (Site Selection; Property Management and Administration) HR/TALENT MANAGEMENT/COMPENSATION INTERNATIONAL 3/7 directors 5/7 directors (Recruiting; Talent Development & Motivation; Management; HR Compliance) (Non-U.S. Regulations, Customs, Organizational Structures and Tax Implications and Planning) FINANCE/ACCOUNTING 6/7 directors SUSTAINABILITY/ESG 2/7 directors (Financial Reporting; Accounting Systems; Public Filings; Internal Controls) (Waste Reduction, Responsible Sourcing, Environmental Impact, Social & Governance Issues) RISK MANAGEMENT 2/7 directors GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 1/7 directors (Evaluation, Assessment and Oversight) (Lobbying, Regulatory, Investigations & Compliance) BRANDING/MARKETING/MEDIA INVESTOR RELATIONS 4/7 directors 5/7 directors (Branding Strategy & Innovation; Customer Relations; Crisis Management) (Engagement regarding strategy, financial results, executive compensation and corporate governance) Board Selection and Refreshment We seek to strike the right balance between retaining directors with deep knowledge of the Company and adding directors who bring a fresh perspective. Of the directors who are standing for re-election, two have served on the board for over 10 years and five have served for fewer than five years. From time to time the Board retains an executive recruiting firm to assist in identifying, evaluating and conducting due diligence on potential director candidates and instructs the firm to maintain a running list of potential director candidates. The Board is committed to actively seeking to include highly qualified women and individuals from minority groups in the pool from which new director candidates are selected. Each recruiting firm retained by the Board is instructed to specifically focus on identifying candidates who, in addition to having particular skills and experience, also would add to the gender and diversity of the Board. Independence of Directors Our Board of Directors, under direction of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, reviews the independence of our directors to determine whether any relationships, transactions or arrangements involving any director or any family member or affiliate of a director may be deemed to compromise the director’s independence NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 11 Proposal 1 (continued) from us, including under the independence standards contained in the rules of the NYSE. Based on that review, in March 2020 the Board determined that none of our directors who served on the Board in 2019 has any relationships, transactions or arrangements that would compromise his or her independence, except the following directors, as a result of their employment with us: Mr. Ells, who ceased to be a director in March 2020, and Mr. Niccol. In making its determination as to the independence of members of the Board, the Board determined that the following transactions do not constitute relationships that would create material conflicts of interest or otherwise compromise the independence of the directors in attending to their duties as Board members: (i) the registration rights granted to Mr. Baldocchi as described below under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions;” and (ii) our agreements with Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P., in which Mr. Namvar was an employee until April 1, 2018, and for which Messrs. Namvar and Paull currently serve on the advisory board. Accordingly, the Board concluded that each director who served on the Board during 2019, other than Mr. Ells and Mr. Niccol, qualifies as independent. Committees of the Board Our Board of Directors has three standing committees: (1) the Audit Committee, (2) the Compensation Committee, and (3) the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, each composed entirely of persons the Board has determined to be independent as described above. Each member of the Audit Committee has also been determined by the Board to be independent under the definition included in SEC Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and each member of the Compensation Committee has been determined to be independent under NYSE Rule 303A.02(a)(ii) and Rule 10C-1 of the Exchange Act. Each Committee operates pursuant to a written charter adopted by our Board of Directors, which sets forth the Committee’s role and responsibilities and provides for an annual evaluation of its performance. The charters of all three standing committees are available on the Investors page of our corporate website at ir.chipotle.com under the Corporate Governance link. Audit Committee In accordance with its charter, the Audit Committee acts to oversee the integrity of our financial statements and system of internal controls, the annual independent audit of our financial statements, the performance of our internal audit services function (including review of audit plans, budget and staffing), our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the implementation and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, and the evaluation and oversight of risk issues, and also acts to ensure open lines of communication among our independent auditors, accountants, internal audit and financial management. In performing its functions, the Audit Committee acts only in an oversight capacity and necessarily relies on the work and assurance of the company’s management and independent auditors which, in their reports, express opinions on the fair presentation of the company’s financial statements and the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities also include review of the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent auditors, who report directly to the Audit Committee. The Committee regularly holds executive sessions with the audit partner for continued assessment of the performance, effectiveness and independence of the independent audit firm. The Audit Committee also retains, determines the compensation of, evaluates and, when appropriate, replaces our independent auditors and pre-approves audit and permitted non-audit services provided by our independent auditors. The Audit Committee has adopted the “Policy Relating to Pre-Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services” under which audit and non-audit services to be provided to us by our independent auditors are pre-approved. This policy is summarized beginning on page 24 of this proxy statement. The Committee determined that the fees paid to the independent auditor in 2019, including in connection with non-audit services, were appropriate, necessary and cost-efficient in the management of our business, and did not present a risk of compromising the auditor’s independence. The Audit Committee also has adopted and annually reviews compliance with the company’s Hiring Policy for Former Employees of Independent Auditor Firm, which further ensures that the independence of the independent audit firm is not impaired. As required by law, the Audit Committee has established procedures to handle complaints received regarding our accounting, internal controls or auditing matters. It is also required to ensure the confidentiality of employees who have provided information or expressed concern regarding questionable accounting or auditing practices. The Audit Committee also fulfills the oversight function of the Board with respect to risk management, as described under “Corporate Governance – Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Oversight.” The Committee may retain independent advisors at our expense that it considers necessary for the performance of its duties. The Audit Committee held eight meetings in 2019. The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Baldocchi (Chairperson), Cappuccio, Maw and Ms. Hickenlooper. Our Board of Directors has determined 12 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Proposal 1 (continued) that all of the Audit Committee members meet the enhanced independence standards required of audit committee members by regulations of the SEC and are financially literate as defined in the listing standards of the NYSE. The Board has further determined that Mr. Baldocchi qualifies as an “Audit Committee Financial Expert” as defined in SEC regulations. No member of the Audit Committee served on more than three audit or similar committees of publicly held companies, including Chipotle, in 2019. A report of the Audit Committee is found under the heading “Audit Committee Report” on page 24. Compensation Committee The Compensation Committee oversees our executive compensation policies and programs. In accordance with its charter, the Committee determines the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman based on an evaluation of their performance and approves the compensation level of our other executive officers following an evaluation of their performance and recommendation by the Chief Executive Officer. The manner in which the Committee makes determinations as to the compensation of our executive officers is described in more detail below under “Executive Officers and Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” The Compensation Committee charter also grants the Committee the authority to: review and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the establishment of any new incentive compensation and equity-based plans; review and approve the terms of written employment agreements and post-service arrangements for executive officers; review our compensation programs generally to confirm that those plans provide reasonable benefits to us; recommend compensation to be paid to our outside directors; review disclosures to be filed with the SEC and distributed to our shareholders regarding executive compensation and recommend to the Board the filing of such disclosures; assist the Board with its functions relating to our compensation and benefits programs generally; and other administrative matters with regard to our compensation programs and policies. The Committee may delegate any of its responsibilities to a subcommittee comprised of one or more members of the Committee, except where such delegation is not allowed by legal or regulatory requirements. The Compensation Committee has also been appointed by the Board to administer our Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Incentive Plan and to make awards under the plan, including as described below under “Executive Officers and Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – 2019 Compensation Program – Long-Term Incentives – 2019 Performance Share Award Design.” The Committee has for several years, including 2019, delegated its authority under the plan to our executive officers to make grants to non-executive officer level employees, within limitations specified by the Committee in its delegation of authority. The Compensation Committee retained Pay Governance, LLC, an independent executive compensation consulting firm, to advise the Committee regarding compensation matters for 2019 and for the equity compensation awards made to our executive officers in February 2019. All of the fees paid to Pay Governance during 2019 were in connection with the firm’s work on executive and director compensation matters on behalf of the Committee; no fees were paid to the firm for any other work. Pay Governance was retained pursuant to an engagement letter with the Compensation Committee, and the committee determined that the firm’s service to Chipotle did not and does not give rise to any conflict of interest, and considers Pay Governance to have sufficient independence from our company and executive officers to allow it to offer objective advice. In mid-2019, the Compensation Committee retained Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (FW Cook), as its new independent executive compensation consulting firm. FW Cook advised the Committee regarding our executive compensation practices, compensation for 2020 and equity compensation awards made to our executive officers in February 2020. The Compensation Committee held eleven meetings in 2019. Additionally, the Chairman of the Committee held a number of discussions with shareholders regarding executive compensation and related matters. A report of the Committee is found under the heading “Executive Officers and Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Committee Report” on page 50. Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Flanzraich (Chairperson), Namvar, Paull and Ms. Fili-Krushel. There are no relationships between the members of the Committee and our executive officers of the type contemplated in the SEC’s rules requiring disclosure of “compensation committee interlocks.” None of the members of the Compensation Committee is our employee and no member has been an officer of our company at any time. The Board has determined that each member of the committee qualifies as a “Non-Employee Director” under SEC Rule16b-3 and as an “Outside Director” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and that each member satisfies the standards of NYSE Rule 303A.02(a)(ii) NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 13 Proposal 1 (continued) regarding independence of compensation committee members. No member of the committee nor any organization of which any member of the committee is an officer or director received any payments from us during 2019, other than the payments disclosed under “– Director Compensation” below. Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee The responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee include reviewing, at least annually, the adequacy of our corporate governance principles and recommending to the Board any changes to such principles as deemed appropriate, and recommending to the Board appropriate guidelines and criteria to determine the qualifications to serve and continue to serve as a director. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies and reviews the qualifications of, and recommends to the Board, (i) individuals to be nominated by the Board for election to the Board at each annual meeting, (ii) individuals to be nominated and elected to fill any vacancy on the Board which occurs for any reason (including increasing the size of the Board) and (iii) appointments to committees of the Board. The Committee, at least annually, reviews the size, composition and organization of the Board and its committees and recommends any policies, changes or other action it deems necessary or appropriate, including recommendations to the Board regarding retirement age, resignation or removal of a director, independence requirements, frequency of Board meetings and terms of directors. A number of these matters are covered in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which the Committee also reviews at least annually. The Committee also reviews any potential director candidates recommended by our shareholders if such nominations are within the time limits and meet other requirements established by our bylaws. The Committee oversees the annual evaluation of the performance of the Board and its committees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held four meetings in 2019. The members of the Committee are Messrs. Cappuccio (Chairperson), Flanzraich, Namvar and Ms. Hickenlooper. Special Committees In addition to the standing committees described above, in May 2016 the Board established a Demand Review Committee in response to requests from two individual shareholders that the Board investigate potential violations of law relating to food safety matters. In 2017, the scope of the Committee’s authority was broadened to also encompass a demand from a shareholder that the Board investigate potential violations of law in connection with payment card security matters. During 2019, the Demand Review Committee consisted of Messrs. Flanzraich and Cappuccio. The Committee met once in 2019 and dissolved in September 2019 after completion of its responsibilities. 2019 Director Compensation The Compensation Committee of the Board reviews and makes recommendations to the Board on compensation provided to non-employee directors at least biennially, as required by its charter. At the request of the Committee, in May 2019, its independent compensation consultant at the time (Pay Governance) assessed the competitiveness of our non-employee director compensation program as compared to the 2019 peer group disclosed on page 41 and determined that our compensation program was below market. To be able to continue to attract strong director candidates and based on the recommendation of its independent compensation consultant, the Board approved the following changes to our compensation program for non-employee directors, which are effective for Board service after May 2019: • Eliminated Board and Committee meeting fees and, instead, increased the Board member cash retainer from $75,000 to $110,000 and increased the value of the annual restricted stock unit (RSU) grant from $120,000 to $150,000; • Adjusted Committee Chair retainers to align with peer group market practices, and instituted a Committee member retainer for the three standing Board Committees; and • Changed the compensation period from a calendar year basis to (May – April) to better match directors’ one-year term of office after election or re-election at each annual shareholders meeting. 14 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Proposal 1 (continued) Below is a description of the revised compensation program for non-employee directors, approved in May 2019. Directors who are employees of Chipotle do not receive compensation for their services as directors. Directors also are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with their service as directors, including travel expenses for meetings. NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION Annual Director Retainer Committee Chair Retainers: Audit Compensation Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Member Retainers (Excluding Committee Chair): Audit Compensation Nominating and Corporate Governance Lead Independent Director CASH RETAINER(1) $110,000 RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS(2) $150,000 $30,000 $25,000 $20,000 $ 15,000 $ 12,500 $ 10,000 $50,000 (1) All cash retainers are paid in arrears, on a pro rata basis, at the end of April and November. (2) An RSU represents the right to receive shares of our common stock upon vesting. RSUs are granted to non-employee directors on the date of our annual shareholders meeting each year. The number of shares subject to the award is based on the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. We also have stock ownership requirements for our directors, which require each non-employee director to own Chipotle common stock with a market value of five times the annual cash retainer within five years of the director’s election to the Board. All directors then in office met this requirement as of December 31, 2019. RSUs count as shares owned for purposes of this requirement. The compensation paid to each non-employee director who served in 2019 is set forth below. Director compensation for 2019 reflects our prior director compensation program, which included meeting fees, for the first half of 2019 and our new director compensation program, described above, for the second half of 2019. Neither Mr. Niccol nor Mr. Ells received additional compensation for their service on the Board in 2019. NAME Albert S. Baldocchi Paul T. Cappuccio Patricia Fili-Krushel(2) Neil W. Flanzraich Robin Hickenlooper Scott Maw(2) Kimbal Musk(3) Ali Namvar Matthew H. Paull FEES EARNED OR PAID IN CASH $130,000 $130,500 $ 86,040 $185,500 $ 117,500 $ 87,290 $ 33,213 $ 121,750 $ 113,750 STOCK AWARDS(1) $150,150 $150,150 $120,120 $150,150 $150,150 $120,120 – $150,150 $150,150 TOTAL $ 280,150 $280,650 $ 206,160 $ 335,650 $ 267,650 $ 207,410 33,213 $ 271,900 $263,900 (1) Reflects the grant date fair value under FASB Topic 718 of RSUs awarded for the equity portion of each non-employee director’s annual retainer. RSUs in respect of 210 shares of common stock were granted to each non-employee director on May 21, 2019. The RSUs were valued at $715 per share, the closing price of Chipotle common stock on the grant date. The RSUs vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to the director’s continued service as a director through that date. Under the terms of the award agreements, vesting accelerates in the event of the retirement of a director who has served for a total of six years (including any breaks in service), or in the event the director leaves the Board following a change in control of Chipotle. Directors may elect to defer receipt upon vesting of the shares underlying the RSUs; however, none of the directors elected this deferral option in 2019. As of December 31, 2019, Messrs. Baldocchi, Cappuccio, Flanzraich and Paull and Ms. Hickenlooper each held 460 RSUs, Mr. Namvar held 210 RSUs, and Ms. Fili-Krushel and Mr. Maw each held 168 RSUs. (2) Ms. Fili-Krushel and Mr. Maw joined the Board in March 2019 and received pro rata compensation for 2019. (3) Mr. Musk served on the Board from January through May 2019 and received pro rata compensation for 2019. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Our Board of Directors has adopted a number of policies to support our values and provide for good corporate governance, including our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which set forth our principles of corporate governance; our Board committee charters; the Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Code of Conduct, which applies to all NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 15 Proposal 1 (continued) Chipotle officers, directors and employees; and separate Codes of Ethics for our directors, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer/principal accounting officer. The Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct, and each of the Codes of Ethics are available on the Investors page of our corporate website at ir.chipotle.com under the Corporate Governance link. If we make any substantive amendment to, or grant a waiver from, a provision of the Code of Conduct or our Codes of Ethics that apply to our executive officers, we intend to satisfy the applicable SEC disclosure requirement by promptly disclosing the nature of the amendment or waiver on the Investors page of our corporate website at ir.chipotle.com under the Corporate Governance link. Chairman of the Board During 2019, Mr. Ells, our founder, served as Executive Chairman of the Board. In March 2020, the Board appointed Brian Niccol, our Chief Executive Officer, to the additional position of Chairman of the Board and Mr. Ells relinquished that role and ceased to serve as a director. The Chairman of the Board presides at meetings of the Board and exercises and performs such other powers and duties as may be periodically assigned to him in that capacity by the Board or prescribed by our bylaws. We believe it is appropriate at this time in our company’s growth for Mr. Niccol to serve as Chairman because his strong operational experience, extensive knowledge of the restaurant industry, and visionary and leadership skills both empower the company to execute its strategy and also focus our directors’ attention on the most critical business matters facing the company. The Board annually appoints a Lead Independent Director, whose role is described below. In addition, all Board committees are led by independent directors, executive sessions of the directors are held at each regular Board meeting and all directors are actively engaged in oversight of the company. We believe that having independent directors hold key leadership roles provides appropriate safeguards to the combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer role. Although we believe that combining the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is the best structure for our shareholders and the company now, if our Board (particularly the Lead Independent Director and the chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee) believed that a different leadership structure would be better based on the challenges and needs of the business, we would change the structure. Lead Independent Director Mr. Flanzraich was appointed Lead Independent Director in September 2014. The Board believes that maintaining a Lead Independent Director position held by an independent director ensures that our outside directors remain independent of management and provide objective oversight of our business and strategy. The responsibilities of the Lead Independent Director are contained in our Corporate Governance Guidelines and include: (i) chairing any Board meetings during executive session without employee directors present, which are held at least quarterly; (ii) consulting with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer on business issues and with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee on Board management; (iii) coordinating activities of the other independent directors and serving as a liaison between the Chairman and independent directors; (iv) calling meetings of the independent directors when determined to be necessary or appropriate; (v) reviewing and approving the agenda for each Board meeting; (vi) interviewing, along with the Chairman and the Chair and members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, candidates for director positions and making recommendations to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; (vii) working in collaboration with the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to complete the annual Board performance self-evaluation process; (viii) advising the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee on the composition of Board committees and selection of committee chairs; (ix) providing leadership to the Board if circumstances arise in which the Chairman may have, or may be perceived to have, a conflict of interest; (x) considering Board succession planning matters; (xi) together with the chair of the Compensation Committee, leading the annual performance evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer; (xii) participating in shareholder outreach efforts relating to executive compensation and corporate governance matters; and (xiii) writing an annual letter to shareholders to be included in the proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders each year. Board Performance Self-Evaluation Process In consultation with the Lead Independent Director, the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees annual Board and committee self- assessments. The directors’ self-evaluation process includes candid, one-on-one discussions between the Committee Chair and each independent director on topics such as the overall effectiveness of the Board and its committees in performing their oversight responsibilities, the composition of the Board and each committee, the quality, rigor and effectiveness of meetings, the qualifications and effectiveness of incumbent directors, and whether the Board and each committee possess members with the right skills and experience to fulfill their responsibilities. Responses and observations from this process are discussed by the full Board and form the basis for process changes and setting future agendas. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that this self-evaluation process best generates candid and 16 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Proposal 1 (continued) real-time feedback on the efficacy of the Board and its relationship with management and considers each year whether changes in the process would be advisable. How to Contact the Board of Directors Any shareholder or other interested party may contact the Board of Directors, including the Lead Independent Director or the non-employee directors as a group, or any individual director or directors, by writing to the intended recipient(s) in care of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., 610 Newport Center Dr., Suite 1300, Newport Beach, CA 92660, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Any communication to report potential issues regarding accounting, internal controls and other auditing matters will be directed to the Audit Committee. Our Corporate Secretary or general counsel, or their designees, will review and sort communications before forwarding them to the addressee(s), although communications that do not, in the opinion of the Corporate Secretary, our general counsel or their designees, deal with the functions of the Board or a committee or do not otherwise warrant the attention of the addressees may not be forwarded. Executive Sessions Our independent directors met in executive session without management present at the end of each regularly- scheduled Board meeting during 2019. The independent directors also typically hold an executive session prior to each regularly-scheduled Board meeting as well. The Lead Independent Director chaired the non-employee executive sessions of the Board held during 2019. The Board expects to continue to conduct executive sessions of the independent directors at each regularly-scheduled Board meeting during 2020, and independent directors may schedule additional sessions at their discretion. At regularly-scheduled meetings of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, executive sessions are scheduled at the end of each meeting, with only the Committee members or the Committee members and their advisors present, to discuss any topics the Committee members deem necessary or appropriate. Director Nomination Process The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for establishing criteria for nominees to serve on our Board, screening candidates, and recommending for approval by the full Board candidates for vacant Board positions and for election at each annual meeting of shareholders. The Committee’s policies and procedures for consideration of Board candidates are described below. Seven of the nine members of the Board are nominees for election as a director at this year’s annual meeting. Each nominee was recommended to the Board by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Committee considers candidates suggested by its members, other directors, senior management and shareholders. The Committee is also authorized under its charter to retain, at our expense, search firms, consultants, and any other advisors it may deem appropriate to identify and screen potential candidates. The Committee may also retain a search firm to evaluate and perform background reviews on director candidates, including those recommended by shareholders. Any advisors retained by the Committee will report directly to the Committee. Candidate Qualifications and Considerations The Committee seeks to identify candidates of high integrity who have a strong record of accomplishment and who display the independence of mind and strength of character necessary to make an effective contribution to the Board and to represent the interests of all shareholders. Candidates are selected for their ability to exercise good judgment and to provide practical insights and diverse perspectives. In addition to considering the Board’s and Chipotle’s needs at the time a particular candidate is being considered, the committee considers candidates in light of the entirety of their credentials, including each candidate’s: • integrity and business ethics; • strength of character and judgment; • ability and willingness to devote sufficient time to Board duties; • potential contribution to the diversity and culture of the Board; • business and professional achievements and experience and industry background, particularly in light of our principal business and strategies, and alignment with our vision and values; • independence from management, including under requirements of applicable law and listing standards, and any potential conflicts of interest arising from their other business activities; and • experience on public company boards and knowledge of corporate governance practices. These factors may be weighted differently depending on the individual being considered and the needs of the Board at the time. We do not have a particular policy regarding the diversity of nominees or Board members; however, the Board does believe that diverse membership with varying perspectives and breadth of experience is an important attribute of a well-functioning Board. Accordingly, diversity (whether based on factors commonly associated with diversity such as race, gender, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation or identity, as well as on broader NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 17 Proposal 1 (continued) principles such as diversity of perspective and experience) is one of many elements that will be considered in evaluating a particular candidate. Search firms with which we work to identify potential Board nominees have been instructed to specifically focus on identifying candidates who, in addition to bringing particular skills and experience to the Board, also would add to the gender and/or ethnic diversity of the Board. Consideration of Shareholder-Recommended Candidates and Procedure for Shareholder Nominations Shareholders wishing to recommend candidates to be considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee must submit to our Corporate Secretary the following information: a recommendation identifying the candidate, including the candidate’s contact information; a detailed resume of the candidate and an autobiographical statement explaining the candidate’s interest in serving on our Board; and a statement of whether the candidate meets applicable law and listing requirements pertaining to director independence. Candidates recommended by shareholders for consideration will be evaluated in the same manner as any other candidates, as described below under “– Candidate Evaluation Process,” and in view of the qualifications and factors identified above under “– Candidate Qualifications and Considerations.” Under our bylaws, shareholders also may nominate candidates for election as a director at our annual meeting. To do so, a shareholder must comply with the provisions of our bylaws regarding shareholder nomination of directors, including compliance with the deadlines described under “Other Business and Miscellaneous – Shareholder Proposals and Nominations for 2021 Annual Meeting – Bylaw Requirements for Shareholder Submission of Nominations and Proposals” on page 63. Our bylaws also permit qualified shareholders or groups of shareholders to include nominations for election as a director in our proxy materials. To do so, a shareholder must comply with the proxy access provisions in our bylaws. These provisions are described under “Other Business and Miscellaneous – Shareholder Proposals and Nominations for 2021 Annual Meeting – Inclusion of Director Nominations in Our Proxy Statement and Proxy Card under our Proxy Access Bylaws” on page 63. Candidate Evaluation Process The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee initially evaluates candidates in view of the qualifications and factors identified above under “– Candidate Qualifications and Considerations,” and in doing so may consult with the Chairman, the Lead Independent Director, other directors, senior management or outside advisors regarding a particular candidate. The committee also considers the results of recent Board and Board committee self-evaluations and the current size and composition of the Board, including expected retirements and anticipated vacancies. In the course of this evaluation, some candidates may be eliminated from further consideration because of conflicts of interest, unavailability to attend Board or committee meetings or other reasons. Following the initial evaluation, the committee would arrange for interviews of candidates deemed appropriate for further consideration. To the extent feasible, candidates are interviewed by the Chairman, the Lead Independent Director, and the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and potentially other directors as well. The results of these interviews would be considered by the committee in its decision to recommend a candidate to the Board. Those candidates approved by the Board as nominees are named in the proxy statement for election by the shareholders at the annual meeting (or, if between annual meetings, one or more nominees may be elected by the Board itself if needed to fill vacancies, including vacancies resulting from an increase in the number of directors). Investor Agreement Regarding Board Nominations On December 14, 2016, we and Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. (together with funds it advises, “Pershing Square”) entered into a letter of agreement (which we refer to as the “Investor Agreement”) regarding nominations to the Board and a number of related matters. The Investor Agreement provided for the nominations of Ali Namvar and Matthew Paull for election to Chipotle’s Board at the 2017 and 2018 annual meetings of shareholders, a procedure for replacing Mr. Namvar with a successor director in certain cases, and specified voting obligations of Pershing Square with respect to Chipotle’s annual shareholder meetings. Pershing Square further agreed to cause the resignation of Mr. Namvar from Chipotle’s Board in the event Pershing Square’s ownership of Chipotle’s outstanding common stock falls below 5%, which occurred in February 2020. In light of Pershing Square’s reduced ownership, the Board decided that Matthew Paull would not stand for re-election, but Ali Namvar would be nominated for re-election to the Board at the annual meeting. Under the Investor Agreement, Pershing Square is also subject to specified standstill restrictions lasting generally until a specified period after Pershing Square ceases to have any representatives serving on Chipotle’s Board. For further details regarding the Investor Agreement and related agreements, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.” Shareholder Engagement Our management and directors actively engage with shareholders to seek their input on emerging issues and to address shareholder questions and concerns. As in prior 18 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Proposal 1 (continued) years, during 2019 we conducted outreach calls with our largest shareholders. Before we filed our proxy statement for our 2019 annual meeting, we reached out to shareholders holding 58% of our outstanding common stock to solicit their feedback generally and, after we filed our proxy statement, we reached out again to shareholders holding almost 50% of our outstanding common stock. We also reached out to all of our shareholders that presented proposals for consideration at the annual meeting to discuss their proposals and our existing policies and practices and our investor relations team reached out to the investment managers of our largest shareholders. During these discussions, we discussed a wide range of topics including, among others, sustainability and corporate social responsibility, executive compensation, diversity, corporate governance, business strategy and historical financial performance. Overall, these exchanges were candid and constructive. Most of our engagement has been in person or via telephone, and Chipotle participants varied depending on the topics the shareholders wanted to discuss and included directors and members of our executive leadership team. The Board or members of the appropriate Committee were updated about the discussions and considered any actions to be taken in response. The table below generally summarizes our engagement process. ENGAGEMENT CHANNEL TIMING/ FREQUENCY CHIPOTLE PARTICIPANTS Annual meeting-related and issue-based engagement Early in year, usually after fourth quarter and fiscal year earnings are announced and before our first quarter Board meeting Depending on the agenda, representatives of our Investor Relations, Corporate Secretary, Governance and Compensation & Benefits functions, and/ or our Lead Independent Director, Chairs of the Compensation and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committees may participate Investor meetings and conferences Earnings calls Throughout the year (meetings with investors at company or investor offices, at analyst-sponsored conferences Quarterly and special calls from time to time Senior Management and Investor Relations • Company strategy • Financial results and outlook Senior Management and Investor Relations • Company strategy • Financial results and outlook DISCUSSION TOPICS • Executive compensation, including award design & performance metrics • Equity plan parameters OUTCOMES • Adjustments to overall quantum of executive compensation, in certain instances • Revisions to incentive award designs from year to year • Board composition, • Publication of refreshment, nomination & election procedures and related matters • Corporate governance • Sustainability, environmental, human capital and diversity matters comprehensive sustainability report • Adoption of enhancements to Lead Independent Director role • Enhanced proxy statement disclosures around Board skills, recruitment and related matters Implementation of proxy access • • Enhanced investor understanding of our business and strategy • Understanding of financial metrics and other disclosures that are most meaningful to investors • Enhanced investor understanding of our business and strategy • Understanding of financial metrics and other disclosures that are most meaningful to investors NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 19 Proposal 1 (continued) Policies and Procedures for Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons We recognize that transactions in which our executive officers, directors or principal shareholders, or family members or other associates of our executive officers, directors or principal shareholders, have an interest may raise questions as to whether those transactions are consistent with the best interests of Chipotle and our shareholders. Accordingly, our Board has adopted written policies and procedures requiring the Audit Committee to approve in advance, with limited exceptions, any transactions in which any person or entity in the categories named above has any material interest, whether direct or indirect, unless the value of all such transactions in which a related party has an interest during a year total less than $10,000. We refer to such transactions as “related person transactions.” Current related person transactions to which we are a party are described on page 62. A related person transaction will only be approved by the Audit Committee if the committee determines that the related person transaction is beneficial to us and the terms of the related person transaction are fair to us. No member of the Audit Committee may participate in the review, consideration or approval of any related person transaction with respect to which such member or any of his or her immediate family members is the related person. Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Oversight While our executive officers and various other members of management are responsible for the day-to-day management of risk, the Board of Directors and its standing committees exercise an oversight role with respect to risk issues facing our company. The following table summarizes the role of the Board and each of its committees in overseeing risk: Board of Directors Role in Risk Oversight • Oversees with management the Company’s strategic plans, operating performance, senior management development, risk assessment and mitigation, sustainability and shareholder returns • Regular review and analysis with management of most significant business risks as identified by the Board, the Audit Committee, and/or management • Oversees succession planning process for our CEO and other executive officers Audit Committee Role in Risk Oversight • Oversees our risk management framework and the process for identifying, assessing and monitoring key business risks • Oversees assessment of significant and emerging risks and the actions taken by the Company to monitor and mitigate such risks and implement risk mitigation plans • Discusses with management, our internal auditors and independent auditors major financial, operating and other risk exposures, as well as the adequacy and effectiveness of steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures • Oversees compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the Company’s Code of Ethics and whistleblower reporting process and reviews reports on our global compliance hotline calls • Oversees financial risks, including risks relating to key accounting policies • Reviews internal controls with management and evaluates the performance of the internal audit function • Evaluates and oversees related person transactions • Meets regularly with representatives of the independent auditors and evaluates the performance of the independent auditor and lead audit partner Compensation Committee • Oversees risks relating to our compensation programs Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee • Employs an independent compensation consultant to assist in reviewing compensation programs, including potential risks created by the programs • Directly, or with the full Board, reviews periodically with the Chairman and CEO the succession planning process related to positions held by executive officers of the Company • Oversees risks relating to corporate governance matters and processes • Oversees compliance with key corporate governance documents, including our Corporate Governance Guideline • Oversees the annual process of evaluating the performance of the Board and each Committee • Oversees the Company’s policies and programs relating to social responsibility, corporate citizenship and public policy issues significant to the Company 20 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Proposal 1 (continued) Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight Our current Board leadership structure consists of a combined Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, an independent director serving as Lead Independent Director, Board committees led by independent directors, executive sessions of the directors at each regular Board meeting and active engagement by all directors. We believe that having independent directors hold key leadership roles provides appropriate safeguards to the combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer role and facilitates the oversight of risk by combining independent leadership with an experienced Chairman who has intimate knowledge of our business, industry and challenges. The experience and operating expertise that our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer brings to the Board, combined with the independent leadership of our Lead Independent Director, allow the Board to promptly identify and raise key risks, hold special meetings of the Board when necessary to address critical issues, and focus management’s attention on areas of concern. Additionally, the Board’s independent committees, or the independent directors as a whole, can objectively assess the risks identified by the Board or by management, as well as management’s effectiveness in managing such risks. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility From our early commitment to Food With Integrity, to our mission to Cultivate a Better World, we are committed to providing leadership in the area of sustainable business practices. In 2019 we continued our impact in the areas of Food & Animals, People and the Environment. Our Animal Welfare program continues to pave the way for responsible meat and dairy purchasing, most recently receiving and A+ from the Humane Society of the United States and an A in the NRDC Antibiotic Scorecard- both the highest score for any restaurant. We increased both the total pounds of local produce and the number of local growers significantly in 2019, furthering our commitment to locally sourced ingredients. We made a significant investment in the future of farming with our brand efforts around Young Farmers in 2019, donating over a half a million dollars to help ensure the future of real food. We increased our premiums for young farmers within our network and created a Seed Grant program for young farmers in partnership with the National Young Farmers Coalition, awarding over 50 young farmers a grant to keep their farms up and running. We expanded our Employee Assistance Program to all employees and their families, allowing access to quality mental health care for all 83,000 employees and their families. In 2019, we doubled our parental leave policy, allowing new moms and dads to spend more time transitioning to parenthood. We continue to make significant and innovative progress towards our public goal of 50% landfill diversion by the end of 2020. In 2019 we increased our diversion by 5%, keeping over 47% of all the waste we produce out of the landfill and into recycling or compost programs. We also donated over 289,000 pounds of food to those in need in our communities. We expanded our innovative “Gloves to Bag” program, which upcycles our used plastic gloves into our waste bags. We are also committed to transparency surrounding our sustainability progress, publishing a full GRI certified Sustainability Report every two years with a substantial report update in the years in between. Our most recent report and updates are available at www.chipotle.com/sustainability. Prohibition on Hedging and Pledging We prohibit our directors, executive officers and certain employees who have access to material, nonpublic information about our business, from hedging any shares of Chipotle stock, holding shares of Chipotle stock in a margin account or otherwise pledging shares of Chipotle stock as collateral for loans, and engaging in put options, call options, covered call options or other derivative securities in Chipotle common stock on an exchange or in any other organized market. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 21 Proposal 2 An Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of our Executive Officers as Disclosed in this Proxy Statement As required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we are asking shareholders to cast an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives shareholders the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive compensation programs and policies and the compensation paid to our executive officers. We have committed to holding say-on-pay votes at each year’s annual meeting until at least the next shareholder vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes in 2023. Executive Compensation Disclosures Detailed discussion and analysis of our executive compensation begins on page 36. See, in particular, the disclosures under “Executive Officers and Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Executive Summary” for a concise description of shareholder outreach in which we’ve engaged in regards to the compensation of our executive officers, compensation decisions the Compensation Committee made for 2019, and measures we’ve taken to ensure that executive compensation is aligned with company performance and the creation of shareholder value. Say-on-Pay Resolution The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors believes that our executive compensation programs continue to emphasize performance-oriented components that encourage and reward strong operating and financial performance and stock price gains, and that have aligned the interests of our officer team with those of shareholders. Accordingly, our Board asks that you vote in favor of the following shareholder resolution: “RESOLVED, that the compensation of the executive officers of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. as disclosed pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s compensation disclosure rules, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, compensation tables and related material in the company’s proxy statement, are hereby approved.” The say-on-pay vote is advisory and therefore will not be binding on the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors, or Chipotle. However, the Compensation Committee and Board will review the voting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the say-on-pay proposal. 22 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Proposal 3 Ratification of Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Audit Committee, which is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of our independent auditors, has engaged Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors to audit our consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2020 and to perform other permissible, pre-approved services. As a matter of good corporate governance, we are requesting that shareholders ratify the committee’s appointment of Ernst & Young as independent auditors. If shareholders do not ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young, the committee will reevaluate the appointment. Even if the selection is ratified, the committee in its discretion may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during fiscal 2020 if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of Chipotle and our shareholders. The Audit Committee annually evaluates the performance of our independent registered public accounting firm, including the senior audit engagement team, and determines whether to reengage the current independent auditors or consider other audit firms. Factors considered by the committee in deciding whether to retain include: • Ernst & Young’s capabilities considering the scope and complexity of our business, and the resulting demands placed on Ernst & Young in terms of technical expertise and knowledge of our industry and business; • the quality and candor of Ernst & Young’s communications with the committee and management; • Ernst & Young’s independence; • the quality and efficiency of the services provided by Ernst & Young, including input from management on Ernst & Young’s performance and how effectively Ernst & Young demonstrated its independent judgment, objectivity and professional skepticism; • external data on audit quality and performance, including recent Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) reports on Ernst & Young and its peer firms; and • the appropriateness of Ernst & Young’s fees, tenure as our independent auditor, including the benefits of a longer tenure, and the controls and processes in place that help ensure Ernst & Young’s continued independence. Based on this evaluation, the Audit Committee and the Board believe that retaining Ernst & Young to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020, is in the best interests of Chipotle and our shareholders. The Audit Committee also oversees the process for, and ultimately approves, the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm’s lead engagement partner at the five-year mandatory rotation period. Prior to the mandatory rotation period, at the committee’s instruction, Ernst & Young will select candidates to be considered for the lead engagement partner role, who are then interviewed by members of our management. After considering the candidates recommended by Ernst & Young, management makes a recommendation to the committee regarding the new lead engagement partner. After discussing the qualifications of the proposed lead engagement partner with the current lead engagement partner, the members of the committee, individually and/or as a group, will interview the leading candidate, and the committee then considers the appointment and approves the selection as a committee. A new lead engagement partner was appointed for the 2019 audit and the next change in lead engagement partner after the current five- year rotation period is expected to occur for the 2024 audit. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy which sets out procedures that the company must follow when retaining the independent auditor to perform audit, review and attest engagements and any engagements for permitted non-audit services. This policy is summarized below under “– Policy for Pre-Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services” and will be reviewed by the committee periodically, but no less frequently than annually, for purposes of assuring continuing compliance with applicable law. All services performed by Ernst & Young for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with this policy, following a determination by the committee that the fees to be paid to Ernst & Young in each year, including in connection with non-audit services, were appropriate, necessary and cost-efficient in the management of our business, and did not present a risk of compromising the independence of Ernst & Young as our independent auditors. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 23 Proposal 3 (continued) Ernst & Young has served as our independent auditors since 1997. Representatives of Ernst & Young are expected to attend the virtual annual meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and to be available to respond to appropriate questions. INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ FEE The aggregate fees and related reimbursable expenses for professional services provided by Ernst & Young for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were: Fees for Services Audit Fees(1) Audit-Related Fees Tax Fees(2) All Other Fees Total Fees 2019 2018 $1,117,526 $1,144,002 — 119,480 20,605 — 19,960 — $1,257,611 $ 1,163,962 (1) Includes fees and expenses related to the fiscal year audit and interim reviews, notwithstanding when the fees and expenses were billed or when the services were rendered. Audit fees also include fees and expenses, if any, related to SEC filings, comfort letters, consents, SEC comment letters and accounting consultations. (2) Represents fees for tax consulting and advisory services. The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2020. AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT With regard to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Audit Committee (i) reviewed and discussed with management our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2019 and for the year then ended; (ii) discussed with Ernst & Young LLP, the independent auditors, the matters required by Auditing Standards 1301, Communication with Audit Committees and matters required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB and SEC; (iii) received the written disclosures and the letter from Ernst & Young LLP required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding Ernst & Young LLP’s communications with the Audit Committee regarding independence; and (iv) discussed with Ernst & Young LLP their independence. Based on the review and discussions described above, the Audit Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that our audited consolidated financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 for filing with the SEC. The Audit Committee: Albert S. Baldocchi, Chairperson Paul Cappuccio Robin Hickenlooper Scott Maw POLICY FOR PRE-APPROVAL OF AUDIT AND PERMITTED NON-AUDIT SERVICES The Board of Directors has adopted a policy for the pre-approval of all audit and permitted non-audit services proposed to be provided to Chipotle by its independent auditors. This policy requires the Audit Committee to pre-approve all audit, review and attest engagements, either on a case-by-case basis or on a class basis if the relevant services are predictable and recurring. Any internal control-related service may not be approved on a class basis, but must be individually pre-approved by the committee. The policy prohibits the provision of any services that the auditor is prohibited from providing under applicable law or the standards of the PCAOB. Pre-approvals on a class basis for specified predictable and recurring services are granted annually at or about the start of each fiscal year. In considering all pre-approvals, the committee may consider whether the level of non-audit services, even if permissible under applicable law, is appropriate in light of the independence of the auditor. The committee reviews the scope of services to be provided within each class of services and imposes fee limitations and budgetary guidelines in appropriate cases. The committee may pre-approve a class of services for the entire fiscal year. Pre-approval on an individual service 24 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Proposal 3 (continued) basis may be given or effective only up to six months prior to commencement of the services. The committee periodically reviews a schedule of fees paid and payable to the independent auditor by type of covered service being performed or expected to be provided. Our Chief Financial Officer is also required to report to the committee any non-compliance with this policy of which he becomes aware. The committee may delegate pre-approval authority for individual services or a class of services to any one of its members, provided that delegation is not allowed in the case of a class of services where the aggregate estimated fees for all future and current periods would exceed $500,000. Any class of services projected to exceed this limit or individual service that would cause the limit to be exceeded must be pre-approved by the full committee. The individual member of the committee to whom pre-approval authorization is delegated reports the grant of any pre-approval by the individual member at the next scheduled meeting of the committee. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 25 Shareholder Proposals Shareholders have submitted the following proposals, which will be voted on at our annual meeting if properly presented by the shareholder proponent or by a qualified representative on behalf of the shareholder proponent. In accordance with SEC rules, we are reprinting the proposal and supporting statement in this proxy statement as they were submitted to us. We do not believe that certain assertions in these shareholder proposals about Chipotle are correct, but we have not attempted to refute all of these inaccuracies. Our Board of Directors has recommended a vote against each of these proposals for the reasons set forth following each proposal. Proposal 4 – Share Buybacks and Share Retention The Comptroller of the City of New York has notified us that it intends to submit the following proposal at the Annual Meeting. As explained below, our board unanimously recommends that you vote “AGAINST” this shareholder proposal. The Comptroller of the City of New York has indicated that it beneficially owns approximately 33,000 shares of our common stock. We will provide their address promptly upon a shareholder’s oral or written request. We are not responsible for the accuracy or content of the proposal, which is presented as received from the proponent in accordance with SEC rules. Share Buybacks and Share Retention RESOLVED: Shareholders of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (“Company”) urge the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Committee”) to disclose if, and how, it seeks to require that senior executives retain a significant percentage of shares acquired through equity compensation programs until reaching normal retirement age. In its discretion, the Committee may wish to consider: • Defining normal retirement age based on the Company’s qualified retirement plan with the largest number of participants, • Adopting a share retention requirement of at least 25 percent of net after-tax shares awarded, and • Whether this supplements any other share ownership requirements that have been established for senior executives. SUPPORTING STATEMENT: Equity-based compensation is an important component of senior executive compensation at our Company. While we encourage the use of equity-based compensation for senior executives, we are concerned that our Company’s senior executives are generally free to sell shares received from equity compensation plans. Our proposal seeks to better link executive compensation with long-term performance by requiring meaningful retention of shares senior executives receive from the Company’s equity compensation plans. Requiring senior executives to hold a significant percentage of shares obtained through equity compensation plans until they reach retirement age, regardless of when the CEO actually retires, will better align the interests of executives with the interests of shareholders and the Company. In addition, when company senior executives sell their shares during a share buyback, it sends a mixed message to shareholders-on one hand, the board is saying that the company stock is undervalued enough to make the buyback worthwhile while management is saying it is valued highly enough to be worth selling. In our opinion, the Company’s current share ownership guidelines for senior executives do not go far enough to ensure that the Company’s equity compensation plans continue to build stock ownership by senior executives over the long-term. We believe that requiring senior executives to only hold shares equal to a set target loses effectiveness over time. After satisfying these target holding requirements, senior executives are free to sell all the additional shares they receive in equity compensation. For example, our Company’s share ownership guidelines require its CEO to hold 31,000 shares. Our Company granted CEO Brian Niccol equity awards in the amount of 30,141 shares in 2018 coupled with the 2019 grants easily enabled him to satisfy the share ownership requirement. Without stronger retention requirements, the CEO is generally free to sell any additional equity awards granted. We believe that requiring executives to retain a portion of all annual stock awards provides incentives to avoid short- term thinking and to promote long-term shareholder value. BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION This policy should be implemented so as not to violate the Company’s existing contractual obligations or the terms of any compensation or benefit plan currently in effect. The Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal because it is not necessary, would not provide any additional benefit to our shareholders and could negatively impact our ability to attract and retain talent. 26 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Shareholder Proposals (continued) Requiring that our executive officers retain at least 25% of shares they receive each year until reaching normal retirement age would be burdensome to our executives and place undue restrictions on our Compensation Committee’s ability to design a compensation program that drives long- term value for the company. Currently, a significant portion of our executive officers’ total compensation is variable and paid in the form of a performance-based cash bonus and long-term incentive (“LTI”) equity awards, which do not fully vest until three years after the grant date. For example, our CEO’s compensation for 2019 was 38% cash and 62% equity. We believe that our focus on performance- based compensation and LTI awards that are earned and increase in value only if our stock price increases is the best way to incentivize our executives to build sustained shareholder value. Our Board believes that our existing compensation elements already align our executive compensation to long-term shareholder value and that requiring executives to hold our shares until retirement – regardless of the value of their existing stock ownership – would be unnecessarily burdensome to the executive and not provide additional incentive. The proposed policy also is not consistent with current market practices and our Board believes that implementation of this policy would negatively affect our ability to retain and attract high-performing executives. Our robust stock ownership guidelines already require that our executive officers hold significant amounts of our shares. We require our executive officers to hold shares of our common stock at least equal to a multiple of their base salary – • Chief Executive Officer – seven times • Chief Financial Officer – four times • Other Executive Officers – three times See the section titled “Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines” on page 48. In addition, our policies prohibit our executive officers from entering into transactions designed to minimize the risk of owning our shares, including hedging Chipotle stock, pledging their shares as collateral for loans or holding shares in a margin account. Our Board of Directors believes that our executive compensation program, together with our stock ownership guidelines and other policies, effectively align the interests of our executive officers with the creation of long-term shareholder value and that this proposal is not necessary. Our Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST Proposal 4. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 27 Shareholder Proposals (continued) Proposal 5 – Independent Chair The Service Employees International Union Pension Plans Master Trust (the “Trust”) has notified us that it intends to submit the following proposal at the annual meeting. As explained below, our board unanimously recommends that you vote “AGAINST” this shareholder proposal. The Trust has indicated that it beneficially owns 867 shares of our common stock. We will provide their address promptly upon a shareholder’s oral or written request. We are not responsible for the accuracy or content of the proposal, which is presented as received from the proponent in accordance with SEC rules. Shareholder Proposal – Independent Chair RESOLVED: Shareowners of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (“Chipotle”) request the Board of Directors to adopt a policy, and amend the bylaws as necessary, to require the chair of the board to be an independent director. This policy should apply prospectively so as not to violate any contractual obligation. The policy should provide that (i) if the board determines that a chair who was independent when selected is no longer independent, the board shall select a new chair who satisfies the policy within 60 days of that determination; and (ii) compliance with this policy is waived if no independent director is available and willing to serve as chair. SUPPORTING STATEMENT: Chipotle’s board is chaired by Steve Ells, its founder and former chief executive officer (CEO). Ells was replaced as CEO in 2017 after two years of unsuccessful efforts to regain consumer trust following numerous high-profile food safety incidents, including e. coli outbreaks. In our view, a founder and former CEO, especially one who stepped down under these circumstances, should not be leading Chipotle’s board. performance. A 2012 GMI study found that companies with independent board chairs paid less in CEO compensation and were more likely to be rated “aggressive” in GMI’s Accounting and Governance Risk model. Five-year shareholder returns at companies that separated the CEO and chair roles also outperformed companies with a unified structure by 28%, the study found.1 An independent chair may promote more effective management of change and dissent. A 2011 study concluded that retaining a prior CEO as board chair suppresses strategic change and prevents large performance improvements.2 In a recent survey by PwC, directors of companies with a non-executive chairman or lead independent director were less likely to say that “it is difficult to voice a dissenting view” in the boardroom.3 Prominent institutional investors support independent board leadership. For example, Norges Bank Investment Management states that the board should be chaired by an independent director, and CalPERS’ Governance and Sustainability Principles recommend an independent chair in all but “very limited circumstances.” The Council of Institutional Investors’ corporate governance policies favor independent board chairs. We believe that independent board leadership would be particularly constructive at Chipotle, given its continued struggles with food-borne illness. A 2018 outbreak in Ohio was the largest yet, sickening hundreds, and officials identified a type of bacterium found in food stored at the wrong temperature as the culprit.4 In April 2019, Chipotle disclosed receiving several subpoenas related to that outbreak and others, leading to a 6% stock price drop.5 More robust board oversight could help keep food safety a high priority, including ensuring that compensation incentives do not encourage cost reductions or human capital management practices that undermine food safety objectives. Empirical evidence suggests that an independent board chair is associated with more robust oversight and better We urge shareholders to vote for this proposal. 1 2 3 4 5 https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2012/07/13/the-costs-of-a-combined-chairceo/2 https://media.terry.uga.edu/socrates/publications/2013/07/QuigleyandHambrick2012_CEORetention Chair2.pdf https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/governance-insights-center/assets/pwc-2019-annual-corporate-directors-survey- full-report-v2.pdf.pdf, at 8 https://www.npr.org/2018/08/17/639465193/chipotle-to-retrain-employees-after-latest-outbreak-of- food-poisoning; https://www.foodbeast.com/news/chipotle-ohio-outbreak-worst/ https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/25/chipotles-stock-drops-6percent-after-disclosing-subpoena-related- to-2018-illness- incident.html; Filing on Form 10-Q filed on Apr. 4, 2019, p. 13. 28 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Shareholder Proposals (continued) BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION The Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal. This proposal seeks to permanently separate the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, which our Board believes is unnecessarily rigid and will not serve the interests of shareowners over time. Given the competitive environment in which we operate, the Board believes that the optimal leadership structure may vary based on the unique circumstances and challenges confronting the Board and company at any given time. Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our directors elect a Chairman of the Board each year and, at that time, they evaluate which director possesses the individual skills and experiences that are needed to be an effective Chairman. The Board has deep knowledge of our strategic goals, the unique opportunities and challenges we face, and the various capabilities of our directors and senior management and is therefore best positioned to determine the most effective leadership structure to protect and enhance long-term shareholder value. In appointing Brian Niccol as our Chief Executive Officer in March 2018 and then as Chairman of the Board in March 2020, the Board took into consideration the following key factors: • Having one clear leader serving as both Chairman and CEO creates certain synergies and efficiencies that enhance the Board’s ability to effectively oversee the business and also benefit from management’s perspective on the Company’s strategy and operations. • Mr. Niccol’s operational experience, extensive knowledge of the restaurant industry, vision and leadership skills both empower the Company to execute its strategy and also focus Directors’ attention on the most critical business matters. internal and external constituencies and provides unified leadership during a period of significant transformation and growth within the Company. • A Lead Independent Director with clear responsibilities outlined in our Corporate Governance Guidelines provides strong, independent leadership for the Board and serves as a liaison between the independent directors and management. Our Board also believes that our overall leadership structure provides an effective balance between strong company leadership and appropriate oversight and accountability by the independent directors. Our current Board leadership structure consists of a combined Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, an independent director serving as Lead Independent Director, Board committees led by independent directors, executive sessions of the directors at each regular Board meeting and active engagement by all directors. We believe that having independent directors hold key leadership roles provides appropriate safeguards to the combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer role. This is supported by the PwC survey reference included in the proposal, which equates a non-executive chair and lead independent director with respect to facilitating candidate discussions amongst the Board. Although we believe that combining the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is the best structure for our shareholders now, if our Board believed that a different leadership structure would be better based on the challenges and needs of the business, we would change the structure. Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board retains the flexibility to separate or combine the roles as they deem best for the shareholders and the company. We believe the flexibility to modify leadership of the Board based on current needs has served the Company well. This proposal would eliminate the Board’s flexibility. • A combined Chairman and CEO role creates one unified voice that can effectively communicate with various Our Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST Proposal 5. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 29 Shareholder Proposals (continued) Proposal 6 – Report on Employment-Related Arbitration The Comptroller of the State of New York has notified us that it intends to submit the following proposal at the annual meeting. As explained below, our board unanimously recommends that you vote “AGAINST” this shareholder proposal. The Comptroller of the State of New York has indicated that it beneficially owns 51,557 shares of our common stock. We will provide their address promptly upon a shareholder’s oral or written request. We are not responsible for the accuracy or content of the proposal, which is presented as received from the proponent in accordance with SEC rules. Shareholder Proposal – Report on Employment-Related Arbitration RESOLVED that shareholders of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (“Chipotle”) urge the Board of Directors to report to shareholders, at reasonable cost and omitting confidential and proprietary information, on the use of contractual provisions requiring employees of Chipotle to arbitrate employment- related claims. The report should specify the proportion of the workforce subject to such provisions; the number of employment-related arbitration claims initiated and decided in favor of the employee, in each case in the previous calendar year; and any changes in policy or practice Chipotle has made, or intends to make, as a result of California’s ban on agreeing to arbitration as a condition of employment. SUPPORTING STATEMENT In recent years, public attention has focused on the use by companies of agreements requiring employees to pursue employment-related claims, including sexual harassment claims, through arbitration. High-profile sexual harassment cases involving Fox News, Google and Uber highlighted the impact of these agreements. A robust public debate has ensued, including responses by legislators, regulators and state attorneys general. Mandatory arbitration precludes employees from suing in court for wrongs like wage theft, discrimination and harassment, and requires them to submit to private arbitration, which has been found to favor companies and discourage claims. Sexual harassment is an urgent concern in the fast food industry – a 2016 study found that 40% of female fast-food employees had been sexually harassed-and press reports indicate that sexual harassment and assault claims have been brought against Yum chains Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC. Wage theft from low-wage employees is widespread; a study estimated that wage theft costs low-wage workers in three large U.S. cities $3 billion per year.1 A bill to end mandatory arbitration of sexual harassment claims bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in September 2019, and 56 state and territorial attorneys general voiced support for it. A 2019 article characterized the “movement to end forced arbitration” as having “swept Silicon Valley/’ with employee walk-outs and company policy changes.2 California recently banned the practice of requiring arbitration agreements as a condition of employment and Washington State enacted a law in 2018 invalidating contracts requiring arbitration of sexual harassment or assault claims. Finally, because arbitration is private and contractual, arbitrating employment-related claims can allow a toxic culture to flourish, increasing the severity of eventual consequences and harming employee morale. Confidentiality provisions can prevent an employee’s lawyer from using knowledge of wrongdoing to identify other victims. The information sought in this Proposal would allow shareholders to assess the risks posed by the use of mandatory arbitration of employment-related claims. We urge shareholders to vote for this Proposal. BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION The Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal. We are committed to preventing sexual harassment in our workplace and ensuring a safe workplace for all employees, but our Board does not believe that the report requested by this proposal furthers this commitment. The Board and the company’s management team are responsible for exercising their expertise and best judgment in managing the company’s operations. In fulfilling that duty, we regularly evaluate our employment policies and practices, 1 See https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/17pdf/16-285_q81l .pdf#page=32, Dissent, at 26- 27. 2 https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/California-has-a-new-law-against-mandatory- 14511832.php 30 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Shareholder Proposals (continued) monitor employee welfare, solicit advice from appropriate subject matter experts, and report to the Board on legal proceedings and our human capital management. The Board believes that the report requested by this proposal is not only unnecessary given the company’s existing practices, but also would be costly, potentially misleading and distracting to both the Board and management with no practical benefit to the company. In addition, the Board believes that it is neither necessary nor in the best interests of shareholders to encourage the company’s shareholders to provide direct supervision over routine operational matters. There can be benefits to all parties utilizing arbitration to resolve employment-related disputes, including privacy, speed of resolution, the informal nature of the proceeding and location and the fact that the complainant is not required to testify in a public court. We believe arbitration is not suitable for all disputes, and our Board believes that management is in the best position to assess which forum is most suitable based on the specific facts and circumstances of each matter. We regularly weigh all relevant factors in determining whether to proceed in arbitration or in court. The report required by the proposal would not provide sufficient details (and it would be difficult for us, within confidentiality constraints, to provide sufficient details) to allow shareholders to meaningfully assess and evaluate our processes regarding arbitration of employment-related claims. The California law referred to in the proposal has been stayed by a federal district court and is not currently in effect. If implemented, we will of course comply with any applicable federal, state and/or local laws that limit or prohibit arbitration of employment-related claims. Our Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST Proposal 6. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 31 Shareholder Proposals (continued) Proposal 7 – Shareholder Right to Act by Written Consent James McRitchie and Myra Young (the “Shareholder Proponents”) have notified us that they intend to submit the following proposal at the annual meeting. As explained below, our board unanimously recommends that you vote “AGAINST” this shareholder proposal. The Shareholder Proponents have indicated that they beneficially own at least 10 shares of our common stock. We will provide their address promptly upon a shareholder’s oral or written request. We are not responsible for the accuracy or content of the proposal, which is presented as received from the proponent in accordance with SEC rules. Shareholder Right to Act by Written Consent Resolved, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (“CMG” or “Company”) shareholders request our board of directors undertake steps as necessary to permit written consent by shareholders entitled to cast the minimum number of votes necessary to authorize action at a meeting at which all shareholders entitled to vote were present and voting. This written consent is to be consistent with giving shareholders the fullest power to act by written consent consistent with applicable law, including the ability to initiate any topic for written consent consistent with applicable law. Supporting Statement: Shareholder rights to act by written consent and special meetings are often complimentary ways to bring urgent matters to the attention of management and shareholders outside the annual meeting cycle. Many boards and investors assume a false equivalency between rights of written consent and special meetings. However, any shareholder, regardless how many (or few) shares she owns, can seek to solicit written consents on a proposal. By contrast, calling a special meeting may require a two-step process. A shareholder who does not own the minimum shares required must first obtain the support of other shareholders. Once that meeting is called, the shareholder must distribute proxies asking shareholders to vote on the proposal to be presented at the special meeting. This two-step process can take more time and expense than the one-step process of soliciting written consents, especially at our Company, which allows only investors with 25% of outstanding shares to call a special meeting, instead of 10%, as allowed by many companies. Blackrock’s proxy voting guidelines for 2019 include the following: “In exceptional circumstances and with sufficiently broad support, shareholders should have the opportunity to raise issues of substantial importance without having to wait for management to schedule a meeting. We therefore believe that shareholders should have the right to solicit votes by written consent provided that: 1) there are reasonable requirements to initiate the consent solicitation process (in order to avoid the waste of corporate resources in addressing narrowly supported interests); and 2) shareholders receive a minimum of 50% of outstanding shares to effectuate the action by written consent.” This proposal topic won majority shareholder support at 13 major companies in a single year. This included 67% support at both Allstate and Sprint. More recently, the topic won majority votes at Gillead Sciences, Newell Brands, Determine, Sentinel Energy, Flowserve, JetBlue, United Rentals, Capital One, Cigna, Applied Materials Nuance Communications, and others. Our Company should join the hundreds of major companies that enable shareholders to act by written consent. Increase Shareholder Value Vote for Right to Act by Written Consent – Proposal 7 BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION The Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal because it believes that matters that are sufficiently important to require shareholder approval should be communicated in advance and that all shareholders should have the opportunity to consider and vote on them. The Board believes that action presented for a vote at an annual or special meeting advances the interests of shareholders more than action by written consent. Annual or special shareholders meetings offer important protections and advantages that are absent from the written consent process, including: • all shareholders have the opportunity to openly express views on proposed actions and to participate in the meeting and the shareholder vote; • the meeting and the shareholder vote occur in a transparent manner, at a date and time publicly announced in advance of the meeting; • accurate and complete information about the proposed shareholder action is widely distributed in the proxy 32 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Shareholder Proposals (continued) statement before the meeting, which promotes a well- informed discussion on the merits of the proposed action; and • the Board is able to analyze and provide a recommendation with respect to actions proposed to be taken at a shareholder meeting. By contrast, the written consent process is less transparent and less democratic. Adoption of the proposal would make it possible for shareholders owning slightly over 50% of our outstanding common stock to take significant corporate action without any prior notice to the company, the Board or other shareholders, and without giving all shareholders an opportunity to consider, discuss and vote on the actions – actions that may have important ramifications for both the company and its shareholders. A written consent could effectively disenfranchise any shareholders who do not have, or are not given, the opportunity to participate in the written consent process. We believe that shareholders should have an opportunity for fair discussion and to exchange views with the Board before shareholder action is taken. Our Board also believes that our existing corporate governance practices, which the Board regularly reviews and adjusts as necessary to maintain leading governance policies, already give shareholders an effective voice in our practices and make this proposal unnecessary: • Under our Bylaws, shareholders holding 25% or more of our shares may call a special meeting and present matters for a vote by all shareholders, which is a more transparent and equitable process for shareholders than the written consent process. Coalitions of investors wanting to act by written consent (as suggested in the proposal) could instead simply call a special meeting and allow for constructive deliberation and voting at the special meeting. • Our Bylaws provide for “proxy access,” which allows eligible shareholders to include their own nominees for director in our proxy materials along with the Board- nominated candidates. • We have an extensive shareholder engagement process that allows shareholders to bring matters to the attention of the Board and management outside of the annual meeting process. See the section titled “Shareholder Engagement” on page 18. In addition, our strong corporate governance practices enhance Board accountability and protect the rights of shareholders, including: • Annual election of all directors; • Majority vote standard to elect directors; • Election by the independent directors of the Lead Independent Director who has a clearly defined and robust role; • Our director share ownership requirement; • Annual advisory vote to approve executive compensation; • No supermajority voting provisions; and • Our shareholders’ right to directly communicate with and raise concerns to the Board or an individual director. In summary, our Board believes that the implementation of this proposal is not in the best interests of shareholders nor of the company and is unnecessary, given the ability of shareholders to call special meetings and the company’s strong corporate governance practices and policies. In addition, if adopted this proposal would circumvent the protections, procedural safeguards and advantages provided to all shareholders by shareholder meetings. Our Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST Proposal 7. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 33 Executive Officers and Compensation EXECUTIVE OFFICERS In addition to Brian Niccol, our Chief Executive Officer, whose biography is included in Proposal 1 under the heading “Information Regarding the Board of Directors,” our executive officers as of April 1, 2020, are as follows: EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Marissa Andrada, 52, was appointed Chief People Officer in April 2018. Prior to joining Chipotle, Marissa was Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Kate Spade & Company, a fashion company, from July 2016 through October 2017, and Senior Vice President of Partner Resources for Starbucks Corporation, a global coffee roaster and retailer, from November 2010 to March 2016. Prior to Starbucks, she served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at GameStop Corporation and Head of Human Resources at Red Bull North America. Marissa holds a Masters of Business degree from Pepperdine University. Scott Boatwright, 47, was appointed Chief Restaurant Officer in May 2017, and shortly thereafter assumed direct accountability for all restaurant operations. Prior to Chipotle, Mr. Boatwright spent 18 years with Arby’s Restaurant Group, a quick serve restaurant company, in various leadership positions, including for the last six years as the Sr. Vice President of Operations, where he was responsible for the performance of over 1,700 Arby’s restaurants in numerous states. Scott holds an MBA from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. Chris Brandt, 51, was appointed Chief Marketing Officer in April 2018. Prior to joining Chipotle, Chris was Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., a casual dining company, from May 2016 through December 2017; Chief Brand Officer/Chief Marketing Officer for Taco Bell, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., a global restaurant company, from May 2013 to May 2016; and Senior Director and Vice President of Marketing for Taco Bell from November 2010 to May 2013. Chris holds an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA. Curt Garner, 50, was appointed Chief Technology Officer in March 2017. Mr. Garner joined Chipotle in November 2015 as Chief Information Officer, and prior to that had worked for Starbucks Corporation, a global coffee roaster and retailer, for 17 years, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer. Mr. Garner has a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from The Ohio State University. John R. (Jack) Hartung, 62, is Chief Financial Officer and has served in this role since 2002. In addition to having responsibility for all of our financial and reporting functions, Mr. Hartung also oversees supply chain, real estate and development and Chipotle’s European operations. Mr. Hartung joined Chipotle after spending 18 years at McDonald’s Corp., a quick serve restaurant company, where he held a variety of management positions, most recently as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of its Partner Brands Group. Mr. Hartung has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and economics as well as an MBA from Illinois State University. Laurie Schalow, 52, has served as Chief Corporate Reputation Officer since August 2017. Prior to joining Chipotle, Laurie served as Vice President of Public Affairs for Yum! Brands, a global restaurant company, overseeing Global Corporate Social Responsibility, PR, Crisis Management, Social Listening and Community Diversity programs for the 44,000 KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants in 140 countries. Laurie holds an MBA from Case Western Reserve and Wayne State University. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Muhammad Ali Center. 34 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Roger Theodoredis, 61, was appointed Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel in October 2018. Prior to joining Chipotle, Roger was General Secretary of Danone North America, with responsibility for legal, public affairs, communications, scientific affairs and corporate security. He previously served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of The WhiteWave Foods Company, a food and beverage company, until its acquisition by Danone, S.A. in April 2017, having been appointed as General Counsel of WhiteWave Foods in 2005. Prior to joining WhiteWave Foods, Roger served as Division General Counsel for Mead Johnson Nutritionals, a subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb, and in a number of legal roles for Chiquita Brands International. Roger holds a J.D. from Boston University School of Law. Letter from the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors Dear Fellow Shareholder, 2019 was an exceptional year for Chipotle. We launched Chipotle Rewards, which was one of the fastest growing restaurant loyalty programs in history with more than 8.0 million members by year end; introduced several popular new menu items, including Carne Asada and Lifestyle Bowls; increased our digital business 90.3% year over year to reach $1.0 billion in sales; and opened 140 new restaurants (including two relocations). This strong operational performance led to outstanding financial results for 2019 compared to 2018, including: • • • • Revenue growth of 14.8%, which is revenue of $5.6 billion Comparable restaurant sales increase of 11.1%, which includes 7.0% comparable restaurant transactions growth Digital sales increased 90.3% and accounted for 18% of total sales Restaurant level operating margin increased to 20.5%, an increase of 180 bps This strong operating and financial performance drove an increase in shareholder value in 2019 of $11.6 billion, as measured by the increase in our market capitalization from December 2018 to December 2019. During 2019, our stock price increased 93.9%, which was 66% above the return of the S&P 500. We congratulate Brian Niccol, our CEO, and the rest of the executive leadership team for another outstanding year! Given our focus on performance-based compensation, the company’s strong performance in 2019 translated to a corresponding strong payout under our incentive plans. Under our 2019 annual incentive plan, our named executive officers earned a cash bonus equal to 215% of their target awards and our 2017 PSU vested at a 244% payout. As in prior years, during 2019 and early 2020 we conducted outreach calls with shareholders that collectively own over 50% percent of our outstanding shares to solicit their feedback on our executive compensation program, corporate sustainability, corporate governance and other topics important to them. At our 2019 annual meeting, we received 72% support from our shareholders on our say-on-pay vote with respect to our 2018 compensation programs. During our outreach calls with shareholders, we discussed the reasons for the lower than usual shareholder support and took those concerns into account in developing our 2020 executive compensation plans. We would like to extend our thanks to the shareholders with whom we spoke for their insights and candor, and we look forward to continuing to have an open dialogue. Our say-on-pay proposal is Proposal 2, and our Board recommends that you vote “FOR” this proposal. In the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section that follows, we have outlined further details about our compensation philosophy and decisions, which we believe clearly link compensation to performance and align the interests of our management with our shareholders. We have great confidence in the abilities of our executive leadership team to further enhance shareholder value and continue to grow the company. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 35 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) In March 2020, we bid farewell to Steve Ells, our visionary founder and former Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Steve not only created a new and successful brand, but also revolutionized casual dining in 1993 with the introduction of Chipotle and the concept of food with integrity. We are grateful for all that Steve has done for Chipotle, including helping build and guide the current leadership team, and for his service as Executive Chairman during the last two years and we wish him success in all his future endeavors. Neil Flanzraich, Lead Independent Director and Chair of the Compensation Committee Patricia Fili-Krushel Ali Namvar Matthew Paull COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) describes the objectives and principles underlying our executive compensation program, outlines the material elements of the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and our three other most highly compensated executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2019 (the “named executive officers” or “NEOs”), and explains the Compensation Committee’s determinations as to the compensation of our NEOs for 2019. In addition, this CD&A is intended to put into perspective the tables and related narratives regarding the compensation of our NEOs that appear after the narrative section. Executive Summary Our 2019 NEOs and their current positions are: • Brian Niccol, Chairman and CEO • Jack Hartung, CFO • Curt Garner, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) • Scott Boatwright, Chief Restaurant Officer (CRO) • Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Performance Overview for 2019 FINANCIAL +14.8% revenue year-over-year STRATEGIC 98% Restaurants with delivery and pick up capability OPERATIONAL 140 new restaurants opened +11.1% comparable restaurant sales growth 90% 35% Growth in digital sales Reduction in turnover In 2019 we made significant strides in strengthening operations, gaining momentum in digital sales and creating stability in restaurant employment, all of which translated into the creation of significant shareholder value. Key highlights for 2019 include: Financial • Increased revenue to $5.6 billion, an increase of 14.8% from 2018 • Strengthened restaurant level operating margin to 20.5%, an improvement from 18.7% in 2018 36 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) • Grew comparable restaurant sales by 11.1%, net of 20 bps from loyalty deferral, which included 7.0% comparable restaurant transactions growth • Grew digital sales from out-of-restaurant orders, including delivery orders, to 18.0% of total sales, an increase of 90.3% from 2018 Strategic • Expanded our delivery capabilities to over 98% of our restaurants and built digital order pick-up lanes, which we call “Chipotlanes,” in 57 restaurants during the year • Launched our “Behind the Foil” advertising campaign, which showcased our real ingredients, fresh food and the culinary skills of our team members in action • Launched a new loyalty program, Chipotle Rewards, that had more than 8 million members by year end • Continued to enhance our food safety practices, including continuous improvement processes, implementation of quarterly training for all crew members, and planning for improved sanitation of food preparation equipment • Launched several innovative menu items, including our digital only Lifestyle Bowls and Carne Asada, a premium seasoned steak Operational • Opened 140 new restaurants, bringing our total to 2,622 • Received numerous awards and recognition, including from Forbes (one of the Best Employers for Diversity) and Fortune (on the annual list of World’s Most Admired Companies) and we were included in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index • Offered industry leading employee benefits, including tuition assistance and debt-free degrees, medical, mental health and financial wellness benefits The company’s strong operating performance in 2019 translated into $11.6 billion of increased shareholder value over 2019, as measured by the increase in our market capitalization and a 93.9% return to shareholders. This total shareholder return (TSR) was the highest among our peer group and well above the S&P 500 at 31.5%. Pay for Performance Impact in 2019 Consistent with the company’s strong performance in 2019, the performance-based cash annual incentive plan (AIP) paid out at 215% of target for our NEOs. In addition, the performance share units (PSUs) granted in 2017, which were eligible to vest only if and to the extent that the three-year absolute stock price increase and comparable restaurant sales growth goals were achieved, paid out at 244.52% of target, buoyed by our strong financial performance in 2019, which was the last year of the three-year performance period. Aligned with our performance-driven compensation philosophy, for 2019, the Committee allocated a significant portion of our executive officers’ total compensation to variable, performance-based pay elements (AIP and long-term equity incentive (LTI) plan). Within our LTI plan, executive officers received 60% of grant value in PSUs and 40% in stock-only stock appreciation rights (SOSARs). As discussed in further detail below, during 2019, the Committee also granted to the executive officers a one-time performance-based transformation equity award (Transformation PSUs) as part of the 2019 LTI plan, which is intended to reward the achievement of strategic business initiatives that are designed to position the company for long-term growth. Shareholder Outreach for 2019 Annual Meeting At our 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, our advisory vote on executive compensation was supported by 74% of the votes cast by our shareholders. We had expected stronger support from shareholders for our program and, to understand the weaker than expected results, we reached out to many of our largest shareholders to discuss our program and their votes. Before we filed our proxy statement for our 2019 annual meeting, we reached out to shareholders holding 58% of our outstanding common stock and, after we filed our proxy statement, we reached out again to shareholders holding almost 50% of our outstanding common stock. These discussions provided an important opportunity to develop broader relationships with our investors over the long-term and to engage in open dialogue on compensation and governance related matters. See “Corporate Governance – Shareholder Engagement” for more details about our outreach efforts. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 37 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Our discussions with shareholders took place after pay decisions already had been made for 2019. However, based on our discussions with shareholders, our 2020 executive compensation program was revised as follows: • No special one-time equity awards outside the regular LTI plan have been granted or are anticipated in 2020 • Annual equity awards were granted in the form of 60% PSUs with a three-year performance period, 20% SOSARs and 20% RSUs, which executives instead could elect to receive as SOSARs (which all executives elected to do for 2020) • The 2020 annual incentive plan was rebalanced so that 75% is based on financial performance and 25% is based on measurable individual performance • Increase AIP payout maximum to 275% of target for achieving exceptional performance results, but distribute any earn out above 200% of target in restricted stock units (RSUs) vesting over three years for retention and compensation-risk mitigation • Continued PSU leverage with up to 300% of target vesting for exceptional performance results, but cap payouts at 100% of target if our three-year relative TSR is in the bottom quartile of the S&P 500 regardless of performance against the financial goals • Implemented a comprehensive compensation recoupment policy with Board authority to discretionarily clawback previously paid performance-based incentive compensation in the event of management misconduct that contributes to a material financial restatement, and to cause the forfeiture outstanding unpaid cash and equity awards in the event of misconduct or failure to supervise subordinates that results in material reputational harm to Chipotle without a financial restatement In early 2020, we continued our outreach to shareholders to discuss our 2020 executive compensation program and solicit their feedback on our practices, including our corporate sustainability initiatives, and will take those discussions into account when designing our 2021 compensation programs. Alignment of Executive Compensation with Shareholder Interests: What We Do and Don’t Do WHAT WE DO WHAT WE DON’T DO Allow executive officers and directors to hedge or pledge shares of Chipotle stock or holding Chipotle stock in margin accounts. Allow stock option repricing, reloads, exchanges or options granted below market value without shareholder approval. Provide single trigger acceleration of equity awards in connection with a change in control. Allow the committee’s consultant perform additional work for or on behalf of the management. Conduct extensive shareholder engagement on compensation, environmental, social and governance (ESG) related matters. Engage in careful consideration of the annual say-on-pay results and respond to shareholder feedback when deemed appropriate. Employ an annual LTI plan based entirely on performance-based equity awards, and all equity awards fully vest over a minimum of 36 months. Align our executive compensation with achieving meaningful financial, operational, and individual goals that drive shareholder value. Design our executive compensation program to discourage excessive risk taking, with design features including the incorporation of multiple performance measures in our incentive programs, robust executive stock ownership guidelines, long-term performance goals, minimum three-year vesting periods on LTI awards, and a compensation recoupment policy covering cash and equity incentives. Retain an independent compensation consultant who is engaged directly by the Compensation Committee to advise on executive compensation matters. 38 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives We strive to provide our employees with meaningful rewards while maintaining alignment with shareholder interests, corporate values, and important management initiatives. In setting and overseeing the compensation of our executive officers, the Compensation Committee believes our programs and policies should achieve the following specific objectives: • Position target total direct compensation (base salary, target annual incentive bonus opportunity and target LTI opportunity) at a level where we can successfully recruit and retain industry leading talent critical to shaping and executing our business strategy and creating long-term value for our shareholders. • Align relative realized pay with relative performance versus peers by emphasizing long-term equity over short-term cash and performance-based compensation over time-vested compensation. • Differentiate executive rewards based on actual performance. • Align the interests of our executives and shareholders by rewarding the achievement of financial, operational, and strategic goals that we believe enhance shareholder value. Executive Compensation Program Components and Structures Our ongoing annual executive compensation program is comprised of three primary components: BASE SALARY ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN EQUITY COMPENSATION Purpose: To attract and retain executives and provide a fixed, compensation element. Purpose: To incentivize achievement of annual financial, operating and individual goals. Key features: Determined based on the position’s importance within Chipotle, the executive’s experience, and external market data. Key features: Our company-wide AIP provides for variable cash payouts based on achievement against operating and financial performance goals approved by the Committee at the beginning of each year, as well as evaluations of performance against individual goals and objectives. Purpose: Aligns the incentives of our executive officers with shareholder interests and rewards the creation of shareholder value. Key features: LTI was granted 60% in the form of PSUs with a three-year performance period, and 40% in the form of SOSARs that vest in two equal installments on the 2nd and 3rd anniversaries of the grant date. Variable, At-Risk Pay Consistent with our performance-driven compensation philosophy, the Committee allocates a significant portion of our executive officers’ total compensation to variable, performance-based pay elements (performance-based AIP and LTI awards), as illustrated below. As an employee’s responsibilities and ability to affect our financial results increases, base salary becomes a smaller component of his or her total compensation. Chief Executive Officer Other Named Executive Officers Base Salary 9% Annual Bonus 29% s e d Pay a B LTI 62% T o t a l V a ria ble, Performa n c e - Base Salary 12% Annual Bonus 19% s e d Pay a B LTI 69% T o t a l V a ria ble, Performa n c e - NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 39 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Factors in Setting Executive Officer Pay The Compensation Committee sets compensation for the executive officers annually after considering the following factors: • Chipotle’s performance relative to goals approved by the Committee • Each executive officer’s experience, knowledge, skills and personal contributions • Levels of compensation for similar jobs at market reference points • The degree of difficulty in Committee-approved goals • The business climate in the restaurant industry, general economic conditions and other factors With respect to the CEO, at the beginning of each year the Committee reviews and approves the overall corporate objectives that apply to the AIP and LTI, and reviews and approves the CEO’s individual performance objectives. After the end of the year, the Committee evaluates the CEO’s performance against those objectives and makes determinations regarding the CEO’s compensation level based on its evaluation. The Committee also certifies the extent of the company’s achievement of the overall corporate objectives. For other executive officers, the CEO makes recommendations to the Committee about their compensation after reviewing Chipotle’s overall performance, achievement by each executive officer or his or her individual performance objectives and his or her personal contributions to the company’s success. The Committee is responsible for approving executive officer compensation and has broad discretion when setting compensation types and amounts. As part of its reviews of executive compensation, the CEO and Committee review tally sheets that show historical pay for each executive officer (including the CEO), as well as their accumulated equity. These tally sheets are used as a reference point to assist the Committee in understanding the overall compensation opportunity and realized pay provided to each executive officer. Roles and Responsibilities of the Committee, Compensation Consultant and the CEO in Setting Executive Officer Compensation Responsible Party Role and Responsibilities Compensation Committee The Committee is currently comprised of four independent directors and reports to the Board • Retains independent consultants and counsel to assist it in evaluating compensation and fulfilling its obligations as set forth in its charter. • Works with the CEO to set performance goals at the beginning of each year targeted to positively influence shareholder value. • Evaluates CEO performance in relation to those goals and Chipotle’s overall performance. • Determines and approves compensation for our executive officers. • Reviews and approves overall compensation philosophy and strategy, as well as all compensation and benefits programs in which our executive officers participate. • Approves applicable peer group and broader market data as one of multiple reference points. • Conducts an annual assessment of potential compensation-related risks to Chipotle and oversees policies and practices to mitigate such risk, including performance-based incentive arrangements below the executive level. • Engages with shareholders and others to receive stakeholder input on executive compensation matters. 40 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Responsible Party Consultant to the Compensation Committee The Committee retains an independent compensation consultant to provide consulting advice on matters of governance and executive compensation. CEO With the support of other members of the management team, including the internal compensation and benefits team Role and Responsibilities • Provides advice and opinion on the appropriateness and competitiveness of our compensation program relative to market practice, our strategy and internal processes, and compensation-related risk mitigation. • Provides advice regarding compensation decision-making governance. • Provides market data, as requested. • Performs functions at the direction of the Committee. • Attends committee meetings when requested. • Consults on various compensation matters, as reflected in the Committee’s Charter • Confers with the Committee, and, at the discretion of the Committee, the CEO, the CFO and the company’s compensation and benefits team on incentive goals (annual and long-term). • Works with the other executive officers to recommend performance goals at the beginning of each year that are targeted to positively influence shareholder value; individual and company-wide goals are reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee. • Reviews performance of the other executive officers and makes recommendations to the Committee with respect to their compensation. • Confers with the Committee concerning design and development of compensation and benefit plans for Chipotle executive officers and employees. Role of Market Data and Our Peer Group Market Data and Impact on 2019 Pay Levels The Compensation Committee believes the investment community generally assesses our company performance by reference to a peer group composed primarily of other companies in the restaurant industry and other high-growth hospitality and customer- oriented companies. The Committee and management recognize that the talent pool for executives is broader than the restaurant industry and, for that reason, chose to include other non-restaurant companies and consumer-brand companies in our compensation peer group, although the majority of our compensation peers are in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Each year, the Committee’s independent compensation consultant provides the Committee with pay data for executive officer roles and the incentive plan structures of the companies in our peer group, which the Committee considers in setting pay levels for executive officers. This peer group data is only one factor considered by the Committee in setting executive compensation each year. In setting 2019 pay levels, in addition to peer group data, the Committee also considered the progress of achieving its strategic objectives, current target compensation opportunities, internal equitability, the value of outstanding equity awards and the overall design of our executive compensation program. We believe our executive compensation program has consistently demonstrated strong shareholder alignment with value delivery largely tied to shareholder value creation. 2019 Peer Group The peer group used for 2019 was generally comprised of publicly traded companies in the Restaurants or Hotel, Resorts & Cruise Line (focus on hotels) primary industries as defined by the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS), with annual revenues generally between $2 billion and $11 billion (approximately 0.5x to 2.5x Chipotle), subject to reasonable exception for key labor market competitors (for example, our CTO was formerly an executive at Starbucks Corporation). For 2019, the Committee determined to remove five companies (Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., Jack in the Box, Inc., Papa John’s International, Inc., Texas Roadhouse, and Wyndham Destinations, Inc.) due to lack of revenue alignment and replaced them with Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Lululemon Athletica Inc, Marriott International, Inc., Restaurant Brands International, and Ulta Beauty, Inc. These additional peer group companies include non-restaurant companies that have some combination of high brand recognition, attractive growth opportunities, strong customer service and excellent operations, which align with Chipotle’s continued focus on customer service and operational excellence. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 41 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Chipotle’s revenues rank at the 60th percentile of this peer group, and our market capitalization ranks at the 56th percentile of this peer group (as of December 31, 2019), which confirmed for the Committee that this peer group is appropriate in generally reflecting comparable organizational size and related complexity. Data provided by S&P Capital IQ; $ in millions Company Name Starbucks Corporation McDonald’s Corporation Darden Restaurants, Inc. Yum! Brands, Inc. Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. Domino’s Pizza, Inc. Brinker International, Inc. Hyatt Hotels Corporation The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. Marriott International, Inc. Restaurant Brands International Inc. Ulta Beauty, Inc. Lululemon Athletica Inc. Peer Group Median Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Percent Rank (1) Trailing 12 months, as of December 31, 2019. (2) As of December 31, 2019. Revenues(1) Market Cap(2) $24,885 $ 21,077 $ 8,666 $ 5,597 $ 4,139 $ 3,619 $ 3,329 $ 2,434 $ 2,483 $ 3,665 $ 5,435 $ 5,603 $ 7,217 $ 3,749 $ 4,787 $ 103,834 $ 148,819 $ 13,365 $ 30,467 $ 1,892 $ 12,016 $ $ $ 1,570 9,217 1,734 $ 31,295 $ 49,508 $ 19,011 $ 14,470 $ 30,185 $ 16,740 $ 5,586 $23,268 60% 56% The Committee reviews the composition of the peer group periodically and makes adjustments in response to changes in size, business operations and/or strategic focus, mergers and acquisitions, and companies becoming public. For 2020, the Committee decided in September 2019 to remove five companies (Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., Brinker International, Inc. Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Marriot International, Inc. and The Cheesecake Factory) due to lack of revenue alignment and replace them with Expedia Group, Inc., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Vail Resorts, Inc., based on our historic selection criteria. 2019 Compensation Program Base Salaries We pay a base salary to our executive officers to compensate them for services rendered during the year and to provide them with a set income regardless of our stock price performance, which helps avoid incentives to create short-term stock price gains and mitigates the impact of market forces beyond our control, such as general economic and stock market conditions. The Committee reviews the executive officers’ base salary at least annually and makes adjustments as deemed appropriate. 42 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Our CEO makes recommendations to the Committee for base salaries of our executive officers (other than for himself and our former Executive Chairman). The Committee reviews and approves the CEO’s base salary and any changes each year. Adjustments to base salaries, if any, typically occur during the first quarter of each year. For 2019, after an extensive review of market data, salary increases were made for three executive officers to better align with competitive market levels, as set forth below. Executive Officer Brian Niccol Jack Hartung Curt Garner Christopher Brandt Scott Boatwright 2019(1) $1,200,000 $ 800,000 $ 620,000 $ 620,000 $ 475,000 Base Salaries 2018 % Change $1,200,000 $ 800,000 $ 523,631 $ 600,000 $ 430,994 0.0% 0.0% 18.4% 3.3% 10.2% (1) 2019 salaries were effective February 18, 2019 and therefore may not match the salary numbers in the 2019 Summary Compensation Table. Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) The AIP is our annual cash incentive program for certain bonus eligible employees, including our executive officers. Payouts under the 2019 AIP for the Officer team are based on a company performance factor (“CPF”) and adjusted by two modifiers: a food safety modifier, which can modify the CPF by +/-10%, and an individual performance modifier which can modify the CPF by +/-25% as illustrated below: 1 AIP Bonus Target (Salary x Target %) 2 Company Performance Factor (CPF) 3 Apply Food Safety Modifier 4 Apply Individual Modifier Assess Performance against key company metrics with payout per metric and in total from 0% - 200% target Adjust company performance based calculation by +/-10% based on food safety Adjust payout further by +/-25% based on individual performance CPF Metric Weighting Comp Sales (CRS) 40% + Restaurant Cash Flow (RCF) 40% + Site Assessment Requests (SARs) 20% The CPF consists of three key financial and operational objectives: comparable restaurant sales (“CRS”), which is the change in sales year-over-year for restaurants open for at least 13 full calendar months at the end of 2019; restaurant cash flow (“RCF”) margin, which is cash flow generated at the restaurant level resulting from restaurant sales minus all costs incurred to run the restaurant; and site assessment requests (“SARs”), which is a measure of our inventory for new restaurants over the next 12 – 18 months. Target goals for the three financial objectives that comprise the CPF were approved by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the year. Achievement at the target level of each performance metric would yield a CPF of 100%, equating to a NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 43 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) payout at the target level. For achievement of the CPF above or below the target level, the payout is adjusted up to a maximum of 200% or down to 0% based on actual performance. For 2019, the CRS, RCF, and SARs targets all represent significant increases to both target and actual levels of achievement in 2018 and are considered appropriately rigorous. We believe that the achievement of the 2019 CRS, RCF and SARs targets will contribute to strong shareholder value creation. As seen in the chart below, in 2019, Chipotle’s performance was above target on all three objectives, resulting in a CPF of 180% of target. We believe that the 93.9% increase in Chipotle’s stock price during this period supports the Committee’s view that the CPF performance objectives align with and are key drivers of shareholder value creation. Metric CRS RCF SARs Weighting 40.0% 40.0% 20.0% Threshold Performance Target Performance Maximum Performance 2019 Actual Results % Payout 3.0% 19.0% 150 5.0% 20.0% 180 7.0% 21.0% 210 11.10% 20.50% 227 Total CPF 200% 150% 200% 180% In addition to the CPF, an executive’s AIP payout also depends on his or her achievement of individual performance objectives. The individual objectives for the CEO are approved by the Committee, and the objectives for other executive officers are set by the CEO with approval by the Committee. After the end of the year, the Committee evaluates the performance of the CEO against his objectives and approves an individual modifier of +/-25% depending on its evaluation. The CEO evaluates the performance of each of the other executive officers against their objectives and provides a recommendation on the individual performance modifier for each to the Committee, which then approves a modifier +/-25% for each executive officer. In determining the individual performance modifier for the CEO and executive officers, the Committee considered the CEO’s individual accomplishments and the CEO considered each executive’s individual accomplishments that helped the Company achieve significant progress on its long-term transformation and growth strategy, including making the Chipotle brand more visible and loved, creating innovation utilizing a stage-gate process, leveraging our digital-make line to expand access and convenience, engaging with customers through our loyalty program and running successful restaurants with a strong culture that provides great food, hospitality, throughput, and economics. Some of the key accomplishments achieved by our named executive officers during 2019 that the Committee considered when determining the 2019 individual performance modifier include: Brian Niccol Jack Hartung • Led and inspired a culture of people capability, accountability, food culture, inclusiveness and creativity resulting in a highly engaged workforce with momentum to deliver results while establishing and onboarding new talent at the restaurant support centers. • Continued to deliver on Chipotle purpose of Cultivating a Better World through sustainability efforts, by leading innovation through Gloves to Bags program, receiving recognition from Compassion in World Farming for Chipotle’s commitment to serving food with integrity, and increasing standing in BBFAW Animal Welfare and Human Rights Equality Index ratings. • Ensured that the organization remained focused on the Transformation and Growth Strategy and established pipeline of validated strategic initiatives across the organization. • Continued to lead Chipotle’s strong unit economics, as well as a strong and clean balance sheet, and ensured a disciplined approach to capital deployment to enhance shareholder value. • Developed and implemented a multi-year development strategy to accelerate restaurant growth including the rollout of Chipotlane format. • Realized meaningful supply chain savings of $48 million while maintaining Food with Integrity standards. 44 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Curt Garner • Completed US system-wide Digital Make Line and Mobile Order and Pick Up Shelves installations to support mobile, delivery, catering and loyalty program, resulting in digital ordering up nearly 100% and increased digital sales to 18% of total sales. • Retained key talent to ensure system stability maintained and successfully migrated all digital platforms to the cloud. Scott Boatwright • Drove operations execution excellence and improved people and restaurant-related results, including a 20% increase in General Manager stability, which supported comparable restaurant sales growth of 11.1% and restaurant level margins of 20.5%. Chris Brandt • Ran great restaurant operations with great hospitality and throughput, improving overall CSAT scores to 65% and improving throughput +2 across the system. • Increased brand relevance and changed the narrative by launching Chipotle “Behind the Foil” campaign across traditional, digital and social media resulting in 7% transactions growth. Launched Chipotle Rewards loyalty program, becoming the fastest growing restaurant rewards program with more than 8 million members by year-end. • Established pipeline of innovative products using Stage Gate process that drove increased transactions, including the national launch of Lifestyle Bowls and Carne Asada. The executive officers’ collective efforts resulted in the company exceeding our 2019 financial objectives, including increasing revenue by 14.8%, increasing comparable restaurant sales by 11.1%, which includes an increase of 7.0% in comparable restaurant transactions, and growing digital sales by 90.3% to 18.0% of total sales. As a result, the Compensation Committee assigned a +25% individual performance modifier for each executive officer for 2019. In determining the food safety modifier for the CEO and executive officers, the Committee considered that the Company achieved its all-time best score for third party food safety audits in 2019 and the continued enhancements made to the Company’s industry leading food safety practices. As a result, the Compensation Committee assigned a +10% food safety modifier for each executive officer for 2019, which in combination with the CPF and individual performance modifier, resulted in a total AIP payout of 215% of target for 2019. To calculate AIP, each executive officer’s target opportunity is expressed as a percentage of base salary. The opportunity remained unchanged for Mr. Niccol and Mr. Hartung for 2019. The opportunities for the other NEOs were increased from 65% to 70% for appropriate competitive positioning relative to market. The 2019 AIP payouts for each of our NEOs are set forth below. Name Brian Niccol Jack Hartung Curt Garner Christopher Brandt Scott Boatwright Target 2019 AIP Bonus % of Base Salary Dollar Value CPF Individual Modifier Food Safety Modifier Actual 2019 Bonus Actual as % of Target 150% $1,800,000 180% 25% 85% 70% 70% 70% $680,000 180% 25% $434,000 180% 25% $434,000 180% 25% $332,500 180% 25% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% $3,870,000 $1,462,000 $933,100 $933,100 $714,875 215% 215% 215% 215% 215% Fiscal 2019 Annual LTI Awards Each year, the Committee reviews the LTI awards granted to our NEOs to evaluate whether they are properly aligned with the long-term growth of the Company and shareholder interests. For 2019, the Committee chose to grant a combination of PSUs and SOSARs because these vehicles are considered by the Committee to be performance-based and reward management for delivering on key long-term financial performance goals and enhancing long-term shareholder value. In February 2019, the Committee determined a target grant value for each NEO, and split the value 60% in PSUs and 40% in SOSARs. Details of these annual grants are provided below and are disclosed in the Grants of Plan Based Awards Table for Fiscal 2019. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 45 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) 2019 PSU Awards The performance objectives for the 2019 PSUs are based on the company’s three-year CRS growth and three-year average RCF margin, measured from January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2021. The number of shares that can be earned under the award is determined by multiplying the target number of shares by the payout percentage, as set forth in the table below: 3 Year Average RCF Margin 3 Year CRS Growth 19.00% 20.00% 21.00% 22.00% 3.50% 4.00% 4.50% 5.00% 0% 50% 75% 75% 25% 75% 100% 125% 50% 100% 125% 150% 75% 125% 150% 200% 5.50% 100% 150% 200% 250% 6.00% 150% 200% 250% 275% 6.50% 150% 200% 250% 300% 7.00% 175% 250% 300% 300% No PSUs will be earned if either (i) the average RCF Margin is less than 19.0%, or (ii) the CRS growth is less than 3.5%, and no more than 300% of the target number of shares can be earned. If the level of performance for either CRS growth or average RCF margin or both falls between the threshold and maximum performance levels in the table, the payout percentage shall be determined using linear interpolation. The Compensation Committee utilized CRS growth and RCF margin as elements in both our AIP (one-year measurement period) and our LTI program (three-year measurement period). When designing our 2019 executive compensation program, the Committee evaluated a range of possible performance metrics for our incentive programs and determined that because these metrics are key indicators of the company’s short-term operating performance and the primary drivers of long-term stockholder value creation, and because of the different performance periods, they remained appropriate for both the short-term and LTI programs. In addition, the Committee continued its practice of supplementing these measures with additional performance measures in the AIP to strike an appropriate balance with respect to incentivizing top-line growth, profitability, non-financial business imperatives and stockholder returns over both the short-term and long-term horizons. 2019 SOSARs The NEOs were granted annual SOSARs on February 8, 2019. These awards were granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price on the grant date and vest in two equal installments on the 2nd and 3rd anniversaries of the grant date, subject to continued employment. The SOSARs were granted with a 7-year term. Transformation Performance-Based Awards In February 2019, the Compensation Committee granted to the executive officers a performance-based transformation equity award that is intended to incentivize the achievement of strategic business initiatives, with a focus on expanding digital sales, managing G&A expenses and driving innovation. The Committee believes that the strategic importance of gaining digital market share over the next few years warranted the transformation award as success in this area is considered a critical driver of long-term growth. The transformation PSUs will fully vest in 2023 only if and to the extent that the Company achieves all three of the transformation goals by the end of 2020 and, if vested, will settle in shares of Chipotle common stock. The three transformation goals that must be achieved are: (i) 2020 annual digital sales at or greater than the specified target, (ii) 2020 underlying general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue below a specified target, and (iii) a specified number of strategic initiatives, as approved by the Compensation Committee, completing the company’s stage gate process prior to December 31, 2020. If any of the three performance goals are not achieved, the entire award will be forfeited. If earned, 40% of the PSUs will vest on February 8, 2022 and 60% of the PSUs will vest on February 8, 2023, in each case subject to the executive officer’s continued employment with Chipotle through such date. We began a transformation journey in 2018 when Mr. Niccol joined the company and the Compensation Committee believed a separate incentive program supported appropriate focus on these longer-term goals. The transformation PSUs are disclosed in the Grants of Plan Based Awards Table for Fiscal 2019 and, for context, the transformation PSU granted to Mr. Niccol equaled approximately 17.8% of his total annual LTI grant for 2019. 46 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Payout of the 2017 PSU Awards In 2017, we granted PSUs to our executive officers that had a three-year performance period and two performance metrics: absolute stock price at $600 per share or higher, and three-year CRS growth. On the date of grant, the closing price of our common stock was $427.61 per share. Metric Absolute Stock Price 3-Year CRS Growth Weight Performance Period Performance Level Stock Price / 3-Year CRS Goals Payout (as % of target) 2/3 1/3 Feb 19, 2017 To Feb 19, 2020 Jan 1, 2017 to Dec 31, 2019 Threshold Target Maximum Threshold Target Maximum $600 $650 $900 5% 7% 11% 50% 100% 350% 50% 100% 300% In February 2020, the Committee evaluated performance against the goals for the two metrics and certified payout for the 2017 PSUs at 244.52%. Mr. Hartung is the only NEO who, based on the performance described above and continued employment, vested in the 2017 PSUs in February 2020. Benefits and Perquisites In addition to the principal compensation elements described above, we provide our executive officers with access to the same benefits we provide all of our full-time employees. We also provide our officers with perquisites and other personal benefits that we believe are reasonable and justified by market practice, personal safety and convenience that enhances productivity, but that are not available to all employees throughout our company. Perquisites generally include relocation benefits and commuting expenses, company cars or car allowances, payment of certain legal expenses, and other minor, limited personal benefits. These are identified in notes to the 2019 Summary Compensation Table. Executive officers have also used company-owned or chartered airplanes for personal trips, in which case we generally require the executive officer to fully reimburse us for the operating cost, except where prohibited by applicable regulations; however, the Board has preapproved Mr. Niccol’s limited use of the company-owned airplanes for personal trips, which include travel to and from meetings of the board of directors of another company on which he serves as a director. The Lead Independent Director reviews Mr. Niccol’s personal use of the company-owned aircraft each quarter to assess whether it is consistent with the Board’s approval. In addition, in 2018 and 2019, the Board agreed to pay legal fees and expenses, and the ultimate settlement, of a commercial legal proceeding relating to Mr. Niccol’s employment by Chipotle in 2018 and to reimburse him for taxes incurred in connection with those payments. The legal proceeding was resolved in 2019 and no further payments are expected. We believe that the perquisites we provide our executive officers are consistent with market practices and are reasonable and consistent with our compensation objectives. We also administer a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for our senior employees, including our executive officers. The plan allows participants to defer the obligation to pay taxes on certain elements of their compensation while also potentially receiving earnings on deferred amounts. We offer an employer match on a portion of the contributions made by the employees. We believe this plan is an important retention and recruitment tool because it helps facilitate retirement savings and financial flexibility for our key employees, and because many of the companies with which we compete for executive talent provide a similar plan to their key employees. Actions Taken with Respect to 2020 Compensation For 2020, the Committee made some small refinements to the AIP and LTI programs. The Committee rebalanced the AIP so that 75% is based on financial performance and 25% is based on individual performance, and continued to use operating and financial metrics that are deemed critical to the company’s success (40% CRS growth, 40% RCF margin and 20% site-assessment requests). Food safety continues as modifier, with only negative modification from 0% to -20%. The maximum award payout under the AIP was increased to 275%; however, any payout above 200% of target will be in the form of RSUs that vest in two equal installments on the 2nd and 3rd anniversaries of the grant date. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 47 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) For the annual LTI Plan, the Committee continued to grant 60% of the annual grant value in the form of PSUs, and split the remainder evenly in SOSARs and RSUs; however, executives may elect to receive SOSARs in lieu of RSUs for equivalent accounting grant value, and for 2020 all executives elected to receive SOSARs. SOSARs continue to vest in two equal installments on the 2nd and 3rd anniversaries of the grant date. The PSUs continue to have two performance objectives, each with a 3-year performance period: CRS growth and average RCF margin. The maximum payout under the PSUs is 300%; however, the 2020 awards contain a new provision where payout is capped at 100% of target if the company’s 3-year relative TSR is below the 25th percentile of S&P 500 constituent companies. Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines Stock ownership guidelines are intended to ensure that our executive officers retain ownership of a sufficient amount of Chipotle stock to align their interests in a meaningful way with those of our long-term shareholders. Alignment of our employees’ interests with those of our shareholders is a principal purpose of the equity component of our compensation program. In 2019, our Compensation Committee, in consultation with our independent compensation consultant, reviewed our long-standing stock ownership guidelines for our executive officers against market best practices. As a result, the Committee modified our stock ownership guidelines to reflect a multiple of salary, rather than a fixed number of shares. The Committee believes that the new guidelines for our CEO and CFO continue to be robust and are among the highest requirements in our compensation peer group. The table below reflects our new guidelines and compliance by our NEOs with the new guidelines. Ownership Requirement (multiple of base salary) Value of Share Ownership Towards Requirement(1) Actual Share Ownership as Multiple of Base Salary(2) Brian Niccol 7 times $20.5 million Jack Hartung 4 times $28.7 million Curt Garner 3 times $ 3.9 million Scott Boatwright 3 times $ 3.1 million Chris Brandt 3 times $ 1.3 million 17x 36x 6x 7x 2x (1) Includes unvested RSUs. (2) Based on the closing stock price and base salaries as of December 31, 2019. Compliance with the stock ownership requirements will be evaluated each year on the last trading day of the calendar year using the average closing price of Chipotle’s common stock over the 30 trading days ending on and including the last trading day of the calendar year. Executive officers have five years to achieve the requisite ownership; however, if an executive officer is not on track to meet the applicable ownership requirement by the end of the third year, he or she (i) cannot sell shares of common stock owned outright, if any, and (ii) must retain at least 50% of the shares received upon the vesting of a RSU, PSU or other full-value equity award, and/or the exercise of an option, stock appreciation right or SOSAR, measured after withholding of shares by the Company for the exercise price. The guidelines are reviewed for possible adjustment each year and may be adjusted by the Committee at any time. Shares underlying unvested restricted stock or RSUs count towards satisfaction of the guidelines, while shares underlying SOSARs (whether vested or unvested) and unearned performance shares and PSUs do not count. As of March 2020, all of our executive officers satisfied, exceeded or were on track to meet these requirements within the requisite time period. Stock ownership guidelines applicable to non-employee members of our Board are described on page 15. Clawback and Recoupment of Compensation Policy Our Board has adopted a clawback policy that allows the Company to seek reimbursement of incentive compensation paid or awarded to an executive officer if the payment or award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that subsequently were the subject of a restatement, and a lower payment or award would have been made to the executive officer based upon the restated financial results. The clawback applies if management misconduct or failure to manage caused or significantly contributed to the need for the restatement and covers incentive compensation paid or awarded during the three years prior to the restatement. In addition, the Board may require forfeiture of an executive officer’s compensation, both cash and equity, if the executive officer engaged in egregious conduct substantially detrimental to the Company. Prohibition on Hedging and Pledging To further align the interests of our officers with those of our shareholders, we prohibit our directors, executive officers and certain employees that have access to material, nonpublic information, from hedging any shares of Chipotle stock, pledging their shares of Chipotle stock as collateral for loans, or holding shares of Chipotle stock in margin accounts. 48 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Agreements with our Named Executive Officers We do not have a formal severance plan for our employees, and historically, we generally have not entered into written employment, change-in-control, severance or similar agreements with any of our employees, including our executive officers. In addition, payouts under the AIP are conditioned on the employee being employed as of the payout or exercise date. However, in connection with our public search for a new CEO and our appointment of Mr. Niccol to that role, we entered into agreements with certain of our executive officers that contain limited, short- term benefits. We believe these agreements were necessary to ensure a smooth and orderly CEO transition and continuity of leadership during a time of potential uncertainty. We structured these agreements based on an extensive review of external market practices and the specific circumstances of each executive. Retention Bonus In January 2018, we entered into retention agreements with certain employees, including Mr. Hartung, to encourage the executives’ continued service to Chipotle during the pendency of a search for Chipotle’s next CEO and the subsequent leadership transition, which agreements were approved by the Compensation Committee. The agreement with Mr. Hartung provided for a cash retention bonus of $1,000,000, payable on the first anniversary of the appointment of a permanent successor to Steve Ells as Chipotle’s CEO. The bonus was paid on March 5, 2019, the one-year anniversary of the date Mr. Niccol was appointed CEO of the Company. Severance and Change in Control Arrangements Severance Arrangements In 2017 and 2018, we hired several new executives and, in connection with their offers of employment, provided them with limited, short-term severance arrangements. In connection with Mr. Niccol’s hiring, we signed an offer letter providing that if his employment is terminated prior to March 5, 2023 by us, other than for cause, or by Mr. Niccol with good reason, he would be entitled to severance payments equal to two-times the sum of his then current base salary plus his then current target bonus opportunity (or, if higher, his bonus payout for the immediately preceding fiscal year). The severance payments would be made in equal installments over the 24 months after his termination. Mr. Brandt joined us in April 2018, and his offer letter provides that if his employment is terminated by us, other than for cause, prior to March 9, 2023, he would be entitled to a severance payment of the sum of his then current base salary plus his then current target bonus opportunity. The severance payments would be made in equal installments over the 12 months after his termination. Change in Control Severance Plan In 2019, we adopted a Change in Control Severance Plan (“CIC Plan”) to encourage retention of key management employees in the event of a change in control. Chipotle does not have a standard severance plan for its executive officers, and the Board determined that a CIC Plan would help incent key executives to remain with the company during the pendency of any planned or unexpected change in control of the company. Severance benefits are only payable in the event a change in control of the company occurs and an executive officer’s employment is terminated without cause or by him or her for good reason (each as defined in the plan). See “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-In-Control – Change in Control Severance Plan” for more details. Compensation Program Risk Assessment F.W. Cook, an independent executive compensation consulting firm retained by the Compensation Committee, conducted a risk assessment of our compensation programs in March 2020 and concluded that our compensation policies, practices and programs do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Chipotle. F.W. Cook’s assessment included a review of our pay and incentive plan structures, pay practices and policies and governance processes, the Compensation Committee’s oversight of such programs and heightened attention to the available recoupment policies in place to help mitigate risk. The risk assessment considered the following factors: • Our executive compensation program is well-designed to encourage behaviors aligned with the long-term interests of shareholders, with a significant portion of executive compensation awarded in the form of long- term equity incentives. • There is appropriate balance in the executive compensation program structure to mitigate compensation-related risk with fixed and variable pay; cash and equity; corporate and individual goals; formulas and discretion; and short-term and long-term measurement periods. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 49 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) • We have policies to mitigate compensation risk including stock ownership guidelines, insider trading prohibitions, discretion to reduce payments, forfeiture provisions, independent Compensation Committee oversight, and going forward, a newly adopted compensation recoupment and clawback policy. • Compensation Committee oversight extends to incentive plans below the executive officer level, where no potential material compensation-related risk was identified. In structuring and approving our executive compensation programs, as well as policies and procedures relating to compensation throughout our company, the Compensation Committee also considers risks that may be inherent in such programs, policies and procedures. The Compensation Committee reviewed the assessment of the company’s 2019 compensation program and discussed the report with management and, based on its review, determined that any risks arising from the company’s compensation policies and practices for its employees are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the company. Accounting Considerations Various rules under generally accepted accounting principles determine the manner in which we account for equity-based compensation in our financial statements. The committee may consider the accounting treatment under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (FASB Topic 718) of alternative grant proposals when determining the form and timing of equity compensation grants to our executive officers. The accounting treatment of such grants, however, is not generally determinative of the type, timing, or amount of any particular grant of equity- based compensation the committee determines to make. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT The Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this Proxy Statement with management. Based on such review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the SEC. The Compensation Committee. Neil W. Flanzraich, Chairperson Patricia Fili-Krushel Ali Namvar Mathew Paull 50 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) 2019 COMPENSATION TABLES 2019 Summary Compensation Table Name and Principal Position Brian Niccol Year Salary($) Bonus($)(1) Stock Awards($)(2) Option Awards($)(3) Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation($)(4) All Other Compensation($)(5) Total($) 2019 $1,200,000 $ — $5,700,073 $ 2,731,683 $3,870,000 $2,566,388 $ 16,068,144 Chief Executive Officer 2018 $ 969,231 $1,000,000 $12,650,019 $15,683,006 $ 2,381,684 $ 837,000 $33,520,940 Jack Hartung 2019 $ 800,000 $1,000,000 $ 2,800,210 $ 1,170,844 $ 1,462,000 $ 293,547 $ 7,526,601 Chief Financial Officer 2018 $ 800,000 $ — $ 1,800,046 $ 1,231,989 $ 899,747 $ 252,447 $ 4,984,230 Curt Garner 2019 $ 605,174 $ — $ 2,800,210 $ 1,170,844 2017 $ 800,000 $ — $ 4,196,010 $ — $ $ — $ 209,150 $ 5,205,160 933,100 $ 334,307 $ 5,843,636 Chief Technology Officer 2018 $ 518,358 $ 500,000 $ 3,119,990 $ 2,666,469 $ 439,561 $ 882,358 $ 8,126,734 2017 $ 483,299 $ 426,501 $ — $ 2,653,500 Scott Boatwright 2019 $ 468,230 $ — $2,500,083 $ 975,589 Chief Restaurant Officer 2018 $ 427,765 $ 400,000 $ 2,219,991 $ 1,944,290 2017 $ 236,538 $ — $ — $ 1,194,757 Chris Brandt 2019 $ 616,923 $ — $2,200,540 $ 780,505 $ $ $ $ $ 139,786 714,875 352,916 69,624 933,100 Chief Marketing Officer 2018 $ 438,462 $ 500,000 $ 1,348,567 $ 2,082,836 $ 491,306 $ 206,468 $ 3,909,555 $ 125,384 $ 4,784,161 $ 366,207 $ 5,711,169 $ 215,486 $ 1,716,406 $ $ 110,214 $ 4,641,282 178,115 $ 5,039,286 (1) The 2019 “Bonus” for Mr. Hartung represents a one-time retention bonus granted to him in January 2018 to induce him to remain with the company during the pendency of the company’s public search for a new chief executive officer. The bonus vested 100% on March 5, 2019, the one-year anniversary of the date Mr. Niccol was appointed CEO of the Company (2) Amounts under “Stock Awards” represent the grant date fair value under FASB Topic 718 of two grants of performance share units (PSUs) for which vesting was considered probable as of the grant date. See Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 5, 2020 for descriptions of the methodologies and assumptions we use to value stock awards and the manner in which we recognize the related expense pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. The 2019 annual PSU awards will not pay out unless and only to the extent that the performance targets are achieved, which targets are based on three-year comparable restaurant sales growth and average restaurant cash flow margin over the 2019 through 2021 performance period. The transformation PSUs will fully vest in 2023 only if and to the extent that all three of the performance goals are achieved by the end of 2020: (i) 2020 annual digital sales at or greater than the specified target, (ii) 2020 underlying general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue below a specified target, and (iii) a specified number of strategic initiatives, as approved by the Compensation Committee, complete the company’s stage gate process prior to December 31, 2020. The PSU awards reflect an assumed target outcome of the performance conditions and do not reflect the value that ultimately may be realized by the executive officer. The aggregate grant date fair value of the 2019 PSU awards, assuming maximum performance of both awards, is $17,100,220 for Mr. Niccol, $8,400,630 for Messrs. Hartung and Garner, $7,500,250 for Mr. Boatwright and $6,601,619 for Mr. Brandt. For further discussion, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – 2019 Compensation Program – 2019 PSU Awards,” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – 2019 Compensation Program – Transformation Performance-Based Awards.” (3) Amounts under “Option Awards” represent the grant date fair value under FASB Topic 718 of SOSARs awarded in 2019. See Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, as referenced in footnote 2, for descriptions of the methodologies and assumptions we use to value SOSAR awards and the manner in which we recognize the related expense pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. (4) Amounts under “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” represent the amounts earned under the annual incentive plan (AIP) for the relevant year. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 51 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) (5) Amounts shown in the “All Other Compensation” column for 2019 include the following: Name Brian Niccol Jack Hartung Curt Garner Scott Boatwright Chris Brandt Company Contributions to Retirement Plans(a) Commuting Costs(b) Housing / Mortgage Allowance(c) Car Allowance(d) Legal Fees(e) Tax Payments(f) Other(g) Total $139,752 $ 0 $ 0 $35,100 $1,078,867 $1,206,505 $106,163 $2,566,388 $ 69,528 $57,430 $ 67,958 $ 12,383 $ 0 $ 79,709 $ 6,538 $ 293,547 $ 48,701 $ 11,200 $ 53,989 $ $ $ 0 0 0 $60,000 $35,100 $ 0 $ 178,603 $ 11,903 $ 334,307 $60,000 $35,100 $ $ 0 $35,100 $ 0 $ 0 $ 4,015 $ 15,069 $ 125,384 7,379 $ 13,746 $ 110,214 (a) Consists of matching contributions made by the company to Chipotle’s 401(k) Plan and the Supplemental Deferred Investment Plan for the benefit of the executive. The Supplemental Deferred Investment Plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation arrangement for employees who earn compensation in excess of the maximum compensation that can be taken into account with respect to the 401(k) Plan, as set by the Internal Revenue Code. See “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation for 2019” for more details on this plan. (b) Consists of commuting costs, including airfare, airport parking and ground transportation, for travel from Mr. Hartung’s home to our company headquarters. (c) Consists of temporary housing expenses for Mr. Hartung who commutes from his home and our company headquarters location and a mortgage allowance for Messrs. Garner and Boatwright, who relocated to California, to offset increased housing costs. The mortgage allowance was for three years and ends in 2021. The aggregate incremental cost for temporary housing was based on the amount paid to the NEO or the service provider, as applicable. (d) Consists of costs for company car used by the executive, including depreciation expense recognized on company-owned cars or lease payments on leased cars (in either case less employee payroll deductions), insurance premiums, and maintenance and fuel costs. Also includes car allowances paid to executives who choose not to use a company car. (e) Consists of legal fees paid by the company arising from a commercial legal proceeding relating to Mr. Niccol’s employment by Chipotle, and the amount paid to settle the matter. (f) Consists of the company’s reimbursement of taxes payable by the executive in connection with legal fees paid by the company, commuting costs and other perquisites that are not required to be itemized in the table above that are taxable to the executives under Internal Revenue Service rules. Also includes the company’s reimbursement of taxes payable by Mr. Garner for relocation costs that were included in his 2018 compensation but for which the tax reimbursement did not occur until 2019. (g) Consists of the aggregate incremental costs of personal use of company-owned aircraft for Mr. Niccol ($89,267) and Mr. Boatwright ($6,781), including for travel to and from meetings of the board of directors of another public company on which Mr. Niccol serves, which use has been approved by our Board; gym allowance; financial counseling, executive physicals and home security. The aggregate incremental cost include costs billed by the applicable third-party or, for company-owned aircraft, the hourly operating cost of the aircraft, consisting of fuel costs, an allocation of maintenance costs and other operating costs such as crew expenses, catering, landing fees, taxes and other operating costs 52 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Grants of Plan-Based Awards In 2019 Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) Estimated Possible Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2) Award Type Grant Date Threshold ($) Target ($) Maximum ($) Threshold (#) Target (#) Maximum (#) Name Brian Niccol All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options(2) (#) Grant Date Fair Value of Stock And Option Awards ($)(3) Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) AIP PSUs(4) Transformation PSUs(5) SOSARs(6) Jack Hartung AIP PSUs(4) Transformation PSUs(5) SOSARs(6) Curt Garner AIP PSUs(4) Transformation PSUs(5) SOSARs(6) Scott Boatwright AIP PSUs(4) Transformation PSUs(5) SOSARs(6) Chris Brandt AIP PSUs(4) Transformation PSUs(5) SOSARs(6) — $900,000 $1,800,000 $4,230,000 2/8/19 2/8/19 2/8/19 — $340,000 $680,000 $ 1,598,000 2/8/19 2/8/19 2/8/19 — $217,000 $434,000 $ 1,019,900 2/8/19 2/8/19 2/8/19 — $166,250 $332,500 $ 781,375 2/8/19 2/8/19 2/8/19 — $217,000 $434,000 $ 1,019,900 2/8/19 2/8/19 2/8/19 1,802 7,207 21,621 0 2,574 7,722 $4,200,023 $ 1,500,050 15,823 $582.77 $ 2,731,683 772 3,089 9,267 0 1,716 5,148 772 3,089 9,267 0 1,716 5,148 644 2,574 7,722 0 1,716 5,148 515 2,060 6,180 0 1,716 5,148 $ 1,800,177 $ 1,000,033 6,782 $582.77 $ 1,170,844 $ 1,800,177 $ 1,000,033 6,782 $582.77 $ 1,170,844 $ 1,500,050 $ 1,000,033 5,651 $582.77 $ 975,589 $ 1,200,506 $ 1,000,033 4,521 $582.77 $ 780,505 (1) Each executive officer was entitled to a cash award to be paid under our 2014 Cash Incentive Plan. The “Threshold” column reflects amounts that would be paid under the AIP if each executive officer achieved the plan goals at the minimum level required to receive any payout. Amounts under Target reflect the target AIP bonus that would have been paid to the executive officer if the company performance factor under the AIP was achieved at 100 percent. Amounts under Maximum reflect the AIP bonus that would have been payable if the company performance factor, individual modifier and food safety modifier were achieved at the maximum level. Actual AIP bonuses paid are reflected in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the table labeled 2019 Summary Compensation Table above. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – 2019 Compensation Program – Annual Incentive Plan” for further information regarding the AIP. (2) All equity awards are denominated in shares of common stock and were granted under the Amended and Restated Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan. See “Terms of 2019 Annual Performance Share Unit Awards”, “Terms of Transformation Performance Share Units” and “Terms of 2019 Annual SOSAR Awards” below for a description of the vesting terms for the PSUs and SOSARs granted during 2019. (3) See Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 5, 2020, for descriptions of the methodologies and assumptions we used to value equity awards pursuant to FASB Topic 718. (4) PSUs will vest to the extent that the two performance goals – the company’s comparable restaurant sales growth and restaurant cash flow margin over the three-year period from January 1, 2019 – December 2021 – are achieved. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 53 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) (5) Transformation PSUs will fully vest in 2023 only if and to the extent that all three of the performance goals are achieved by the end of 2020: (i) 2020 annual digital sales at or greater than the specified target, (ii) 2020 underlying general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue below a specified target, and (iii) a specified number of strategic initiatives, as approved by the Compensation Committee, complete the company’s stage gate process prior to December 31, 2020. The amount in the “Threshold” column is zero because if all three performance goals are not achieved at target level or above the awards to be forfeited. (6) The SOSAR awards vests 50% on the second anniversary and 50% on the third anniversary of the date of grant. Terms of 2019 Annual Performance Share Unit Awards Annual PSUs granted to the executive officers in 2019 will vest only if and to the extent both of the two performance goals specified in the awards are achieved over the three-year performance period (2019 through 2021). The performance goals are comparable restaurant sales growth and average restaurant-level cash flow margin. The payout range for the PSUs is 0% to 300%, and none of the PSUs will vest if either (i) the average RCF Margin is less than 19.0%, or (ii) the CRS growth is less than 3.5%. If the level of performance for either CRS growth or average RCF margin or both falls between two stated performance levels in the performance goal table, the payout percentage shall be determined using interpolation. Vesting and payout of each PSU is subject to the executive officer’s continued employment through the vesting date, subject to the potential pro-rata payout in the event of termination due to death or disability and continued vesting upon retirement, and to potential accelerated vesting in the event of a change in control transaction. Terms of Transformation Performance Share Unit Awards The Transformation PSUs will fully vest in 2023 only if and to the extent all three of the performance goals are achieved by the end of 2020: (i) 2020 annual digital sales at or greater than the specified target, (ii) 2020 underlying general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue below a specified target, and (iii) a specified number of strategic initiatives, as approved by the Compensation Committee, completing the company’s stage gate process prior to December 31, 2020. If any of the three performance goals are not achieved, the entire award will be forfeited. If earned, 40% of the PSUs will vest on February 8, 2022 and 60% of the PSUs will vest on February 8, 2023. Vesting and payout of each Transformation PSU is subject to the executive officer’s continued employment through the vesting date, subject to the potential pro-rata payout in the event of termination due to death or disability and continued vesting upon retirement, and to potential accelerated vesting in the event of a change in control transaction. Terms of 2019 Annual SOSAR Awards Each stock only stock appreciation right (SOSAR) represents the right to receive shares of common stock in an amount equal to (i) the excess of the market price of the common stock at the time of exercise over the exercise price of the SOSAR, divided by (ii) the market price of the common stock at the time of exercise. The exercise price of the SOSARs is equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The SOSARs have a seven year term and are subject to vesting in two equal amounts on the second and third anniversary of the grant date, subject to potential acceleration of vesting in the event of termination due to death or disability and continued vesting upon or retirement, and to potential accelerated vesting if the SOSARs are not replaced in the event of certain change in control transactions. 54 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End 2019 Name Brian Niccol Jack Hartung Curt Garner Scott Boatwright Chris Brandt Option Awards(1) Stock Awards Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable Unexercisable Option Exercise Price ($) Option Expiration Date Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested (#)(1) Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(2) Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)(4) Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units of Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)(2) 14,742 $ 355.42 3/28/2025 30,000 — $ 543.20 2/3/2021 6,782 $ 582.77 2/8/2026 — — — 18,780(3) 10,321(3) — — — — — — — 12,500 — 5,000 — — — — — — — 76,560(3) 35,390(3) 21,439 15,823 $ 352.18 3/24/2025 — — $400.20 3/4/2025 20,094(3) $16,820,888 $ 323.11 3/28/2025 $ 582.77 2/8/2026 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 18,386 6,782 12,500 13,268 14,709 8,354 5,045 5,651 $ 313.79 1/4/2025 $ 582.77 2/8/2026 4,780 $ 4,001,386 $ 427.61 2/19/2024 $ 355.42 3/28/2025 — $ 417.22 4/26/2023 $ 355.42 3/28/2025 3,824 $ 3,201,109 $ 313.79 1/4/2025 $ 475.70 5/29/2024 $ 582.77 2/8/2026 22,567(3) $403.89 3/28/2025 7,372 4,521 — $ 355.42 3/28/2025 1,548(3) $ 1,295,846 $ 582.77 2/8/2026 — — — — — — 9,285 — 2,574(5) 7,207 5,571 9,000 1,716(5) 3,089 5,014 — 1,716(5) 3,089 — 3,157 — 1,716(5) 2,574 2,786 — 1,716(5) 2,060 $ 7,772,566 — $ 2,154,721 $6,033,052 $4,663,540 $ 7,533,990 $ 1,436,481 $ 2,585,833 $ 4,197,270 — $ 1,436,481 $ 2,585,833 — $ 2,642,756 — $ 1,436,481 $ 2,154,721 $ 2,332,188 — $ 1,436,481 $ 1,724,447 (1) Unless otherwise indicated, SOSARs and RSUs vest ratably on the second and third anniversary of the grant date. (2) Calculated based on the closing stock price of our common stock on December 31, 2019 of $837.11 per share. (3) Represents grants of SOSARs and RSUs awarded as make-whole or inducement awards when the executives joined Chipotle in early 2018. The SOSARs granted to Mr. Niccol have an exercise price equal to 110% and 125% of the closing stock price of Chipotle common stock on the grant date and vest ratably over three years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. The SOSAR granted to Mr. Brandt has an exercise price equal to 125% of the closing stock price of Chipotle common stock on the grant date and his awards vest ratably on the second and third anniversary of the grant date. (4) Unless otherwise indicated, PSUs vest if and to the extent that the performance targets are met at the end of the three-year performance period. The number of shares in the table reflect target achievement of the performance objectives for each grant of PSUs. (5) Represents the transformation PSUs, assuming achievement of all three performance objectives in 2020. The terms of the transformation PSUs are described above under “– Terms of Transformation Performance Share Unit Awards.” NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 55 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2019 Name Brian Niccol Jack Hartung Curt Garner Scott Boatwright Chris Brandt Option Awards Stock Awards Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise(#)(1) 26,875 80,000 31,000 5,045 — Value Realized on Exercise($)(2) $ 12,312,015 $24,261,913 $8,975,685 $ 1,336,241 — Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting(#)(1) Value Realized on Vesting($)(3) 10,047 $6,189,052 — — — — — — — — (1) Reflects the number of shares of Chipotle common stock acquired on exercise of SOSARs or the vesting of RSUs. (2) Equals the number of underlying shares exercised multiplied by the difference between the closing price of Chipotle common stock on the exercise date and the base price of the SOSARs. (3) Equals the closing price the Chipotle’s common stock on the vesting date multiplied by the number of shares vested. NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION FOR 2019 The Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Supplemental Deferred Investment Plan permits eligible management employees, including our executive officers, to make contributions to deferral accounts once the employee has maximized his or her contributions to our 401(k) plan. Contributions are made on the participant’s behalf through payroll deductions from 1% to 50% of the participant’s monthly base compensation, which are credited to the participant’s “Supplemental Account,” and from 1% to 100% of awards under the AIP, which are credited to the participant’s “Deferred Bonus Account.” We also match contributions at the rate of 100% on the first 3% of compensation contributed and 50% on the next 2% of compensation contributed. Amounts contributed to a participant’s deferral accounts are not subject to federal income tax at the time of contribution, fluctuate in value based on the investment choices selected by the participant (which consist of a variety of mutual funds and may be changed by the participant at any time) and are fully vested at all times following contribution. Participants may elect to receive distribution of amounts credited to their accounts in either (1) a lump sum amount paid from two to six years following the end of the year in which the deferral is made, subject to a one-time opportunity to postpone such lump sum distribution, or (2) a lump sum or installment distribution following termination of the participant’s service with us, with installment payments made in accordance with the participant’s election on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis over a period of up to 15 years following termination, subject to a one-time opportunity to change such distribution election within certain limitations. Distributions in respect of a participant’s deferral account are subject to federal income tax as ordinary income in the year the distribution is made. Amounts credited to participants’ deferral accounts are unsecured general obligations of ours to pay the value of the accounts to the participants at times determined under the plan. 56 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) The table below presents contributions by each executive officer, and our matching contributions, to the Supplemental Deferred Investment Plan during 2019, as well as each executive officer’s earnings under the plan and ending balances in the plan on December 31, 2019. Name Brian Niccol Jack Hartung Curt Garner Scott Boatwright Chris Brandt Executive Contributions in Last FY ($)(1) Registrant Contributions in Last FY ($)(2) Aggregate Earnings in Last FY($)(3) Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions($) $ 287,820 $508,502 $ 333,681 $ 0 $ 59,573 $139,752 $ 64,221 $ 38,604 $ 0 $ 28,989 $38,442 $56,942 $27,047 $ 0 $ 5,679 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Aggregate Balance at Last FYE ($)(4) $ 477,712 $7,439,672 $ 541,459 $ $ 0 95,021 (1) These amounts are reported in the 2019 Summary Compensation Table in each participating executive’s “Salary” for 2019. (2) These amounts are reported in the 2019 Summary Compensation Table in each participating executive’s “All Other Compensation” for 2019. (3) These amounts are not reported as compensation in the 2019 Summary Compensation Table because none of the earnings are “above market” as defined in SEC rules. (4) These amounts include amounts previously reported in the Summary Compensation Table for years prior to 2019 as “Salary,” “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” or “All Other Compensation” (excluding for purposes of this footnote any investment losses on balances in the plan and any withdrawals/distributions), in the following aggregate amounts: $21,392 for Mr. Garner and $5,685,931 for Mr. Hartung. POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL Agreements with our Named Executive Officers Agreement with Chief Executive Officer On March 5, 2018, Brian Niccol was appointed CEO of Chipotle. In connection with his hiring, we signed an offer letter with Mr. Niccol providing for severance benefits if Mr. Niccol’s employment is terminated by Chipotle without cause, or by Mr. Niccol with good reason, prior to the fifth anniversary of his hire date. In such event, Mr. Niccol would be entitled to a severance payment of two times the sum of his annual base salary and target annual bonus opportunity (or, if higher, the amount of the annual bonus paid to him for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which such termination of employment occurs). The severance payments would be made in equal installments over the 24 months after his termination and are conditioned on Mr. Niccol’s execution of a general release of claims against the company. In addition, certain of Mr. Niccol’s new hire equity grants include accelerated vesting in the event his employment is terminated by Chipotle without cause or by Mr. Niccol for good reason. Under the offer letter, Mr. Niccol has agreed that while he is employed by Chipotle and for a period of (i) one year thereafter, he will not engage in a business competitive with Chipotle, and (ii) two years thereafter, he will not (a) solicit or hire Chipotle’s employees, or (b) induce any of Chipotle’s suppliers, licensees, or other business relations to cease doing business with Chipotle or interfere with the relationship between any such supplier, licensee, or other business relation and Chipotle. The offer letter also includes customary confidentiality and mutual non-disparagement provisions. Severance Arrangements We do not have a formal severance plan for our employees and, historically, we generally have not entered into written employment, severance or similar agreements with any of our employees, including our executive officers. In addition, payouts under the AIP are conditioned on the employee being employed as of the payout date. However, in connection with our public search for a new Chief Executive Officer and our appointment of Mr. Niccol to that role, we entered into agreements with certain of our executive officers that contain limited, short-term post-termination benefits. We believe these agreements were necessary to ensure a smooth and orderly CEO transition and to ensure continuity of leadership during a time of potential uncertainty. Mr. Brandt joined us in April 2018, and his offer letter provides that if his employment is terminated prior to March 9, 2023 by us, other than for cause, or by Mr. Brandt with good reason, he would be entitled to severance payments equal to the sum of his then current base salary plus his then current target bonus opportunity. Severance payments would be made in equal installments over the NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 57 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) 12 months after his termination and are conditioned on Mr. Brandt’s execution of a general release of claims against the company. Change in Control Severance Plan In 2019, we adopted a Change in Control Severance Plan (“CIC Plan”) to encourage retention of key management employees in the event of a change in control. The Board determined that a CIC Plan would help incent key executives to remain with the company during the pendency of any planned or unexpected change in control of the company. Severance benefits are only payable in the event a change in control of the company occurs and an executive officer’s employment is terminated without cause or by him or her for good reason (each as defined in the plan). Under the plan, each named executive officer would be eligible to receive a (i) lump sum cash payment equal to two times his annual base salary plus target bonus for the year in which the termination occurs, plus a prorated bonus for the portion of the year served prior to termination, and (ii) cash amount equal to the employer portion of the cost of medical insurance coverage for two years after termination. In addition, all unvested LTI held by the named executive officer at the time of termination would vest in full, with PSUs vesting at the greater of (i) target or (ii) actual performance, as determined based on the company’s performance through the date of the change in control. The plan does not provide for any tax gross ups and executives are entitled to the best after tax result of either having payments reduced so as not to trigger excise taxes or receiving full payments and paying excise taxes. As a condition to receipt of any benefits under the plan, the executive officer would be required to sign a release of claims against the company and be subject to customary restrictive covenants. Executive Officer Retention Bonus On January 9, 2018, we entered into retention agreements with certain employees, including Mr. Hartung. The retention agreements were intended to encourage the executives’ continued service to Chipotle during the pendency of a public search for Chipotle’s next Chief Executive Officer and the subsequent leadership transition and were approved by the Compensation Committee. The agreement with Mr. Hartung provided for a cash retention bonus of $1,000,000 if he remained with the company through the first anniversary of the appointment of Chipotle’s new Chief Executive Officer. The bonus was paid on March 5, 2019. Equity Awards The terms of some equity-based award agreements, including for awards granted to our executive officers, provide for post-employment benefits in certain circumstances. New Hire Equity Awards for CEO. In connection with his hiring in March 2018, we granted Mr. Niccol the following equity awards: (i) an annual equity award grant for 2018 consisting of (A) PSUs with a target value of $3.0 million as of the grant date, which have the same terms and conditions as the 2018 annual PSU award grants; and (B) SOSARs with a grant date value of $2.0 million and an exercise price equal to the closing price of Chipotle’s common stock on the grant date, which have a seven-year term and vest in equal amounts on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to possible acceleration of vesting in the event of a termination of employment by Chipotle without cause or by Mr. Niccol for good reason; (ii) a sign-on award consisting of SOSARs for 53,086 shares and an exercise price equal to 125% of the closing price of Chipotle’s common stock on the grant date, which have a seven-year term and vest in equal amounts on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to possible acceleration of vesting as previously described; and (iii) a make-whole award – to replace forfeited unvested equity awards held at his prior employer – consisting of (A) SOSARs for 114,840 shares and an exercise price equal to 110% of the closing price of Chipotle’s common stock on the grant date, which have a seven-year term and vest in equal amounts on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to possible acceleration of vesting as previously described; and (B) RSUs for 30,141 shares, which vest in equal amounts on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to possible acceleration of vesting as previously described. Retention Equity Awards. In January 2018, we entered into retention agreements with Messrs. Garner and Boatwright to encourage their continued service to Chipotle during the pendency of a public search for Chipotle’s next Chief Executive Officer and the subsequent leadership transition. Under the agreements, we granted Mr. Garner SOSARS in respect of 18,386 shares and RSUs in respect of 4,780 shares, and we granted Mr. Boatwright SOSARs in respect of 14,709 shares and RSUs in respect of 3,824 shares. The SOSARs have an exercise price of $313.79 per share, which was the closing price of Chipotle common stock as of the grant date, and both the SOSARs and RSUs vest equally on the second and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to possible acceleration of vesting in the event of the recipient’s termination without cause or resignation for good reason, or a change in control of Chipotle without issuance of a replacement award to the recipient. 58 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) Performance Share Units. The award agreements for the annual award of PSUs and the transformation PSUs provide that if the holder’s employment terminates due to death, disability or retirement, the PSUs will vest on a pro-rata basis, based on the portion of the performance period during which the holder was employed by the company, and will be settled at the same time the PSUs are settled with respect to other PSU holders. Retirement is defined as the holder having a combined age and years of service with the company equal to at least 70. In the event a change in control of the company occurs, the PSUs will immediately vest at the greater of target or actual performance through the date the change in control is completed; provided that, in lieu of immediate vesting, the Compensation Committee may approve the replacement of the company’s PSUs with a comparable performance share unit issued by the company’s successor. Stock Appreciation Rights. The award agreements for the annual stock-only stock appreciation rights (SOSARs) provide that if the holder’s employment terminates due to death or disability, any unvested SOSARs as of the termination date will immediately vest and will remain exercisable until the third anniversary of the termination date. If the holder’s employment terminates due to retirement, any unvested SOSARs will continue to vest on the regularly scheduled vesting date as if the holder remained employed by the company, and the SOSARs will be exercisable until the third anniversary of the termination date, in the case of any SOSARs that were vested as of the termination date, and the third anniversary of the applicable vesting date, in the case of any SOSARs that were unvested as of the termination date. Retirement is defined as the holder having a combined age and years of service with the company equal to at least 70. In the event a change in control of the company occurs that results in our common stock being removed from listing on a national securities exchange, the Compensation Committee is required to arrange for the substitution for any unvested SOSARs with the grant of a replacement award that provides the holder with substantially the same economic value and benefits and that vest on the earlier of the date the SOSARs would otherwise have vested under the terms of this SOSAR Agreement and the third anniversary of the grant date. Restricted Stock Units. The award agreements for annual RSUs provide that if the holder’s employment terminates due to death, disability or the consummation of a change in control of the company, any unvested RSUs as of the termination date will immediately vest; however, the vesting of the RSUs held by Mr. Niccol do not accelerate or continue if the holder’s employment terminates due to retirement or the occurrence of a change in control of the company. The following table presents the potential estimated payments to each executive officer named in this proxy statement if he were terminated as a result of the indicated triggering event as of December 31, 2019, the last day of the fiscal year. The table does not include amounts that we would need to pay regardless of the occurrence of the indicated triggering event, such as accumulated balances in retirement plans. In calculating the amounts reflected in the table, we assumed the following: • each triggering event occurred on December 31, 2019, the last trading day of fiscal 2019, and the price of our common stock was $837.11 share, the closing price of Chipotle common stock on December 31, 2019; • the executive earned a payout under the 2019 AIP equal to the actual payout amount for 2019, since he was employed by the company through the end of the year; and • with respect to equity awards, the PSUs reflect actual projected performance as of December 31, 2019, which for all PSUs (except the 2019 transformation PSUs) equals interpolated amounts that are higher than target performance but less than maximum performance; the 2019 transformation PSUs are reflected at maximum performance. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 59 Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL Officer Brian Niccol Salary(3) Bonus(3) One-time Equity Grant(4) Annual Equity Grants Benefits Jack Hartung Salary Bonus One-time Equity Grant(4) Annual Equity Grants Benefits Curt Garner Salary Bonus One-time Equity Grant(4) Annual Equity Grants Benefits Scott Boatwright Salary Bonus One-time Equity Grant(4) Annual Equity Grants Benefits Chris Brandt Salary(5) Bonus(5) One-time Equity Grant(4) Annual Equity Grants Benefits Termination Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason Change in Control (Double Trigger)(1) Retirement(2) Death or Disability $ 2,400,000 $ 4,763,368 $69,409,374 $ 11,019,646 $ $ $ $ $ $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 13,623,147 $ $ $ 0 0 0 $ 10,898,623 $ $ $ $ $ $ 0 620,000 434,000 0 0 0 $ 2,400,000 $ 6,840,000 $59,052,649 $ 51,517,545 $ 18,328 $ 1,600,000 $ 2,584,000 $ $ $ $ $ $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ $ 0 0 $ 71,043,723 $ 33,161,245 $ $ 0 0 $ 4,309,442 $ 1,089,566 $ 1,089,566 $44,968,743 $35,027,008 $35,027,008 $ 12,535 $ 1,240,000 $ 1,649,200 $ 17,932,590 $ 31,196,850 $ $ 18,329 950,000 $ 1,263,500 $ 15,208,065 $ 19,952,822 $ 12,426 $ 1,240,000 $ 1,649,200 $ 15,381,764 $ 15,423,549 $ 18,512 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ $ 0 0 $ 1,089,566 $ 17,965,616 $ $ 0 0 $ 1,089,566 $ 10,682,374 $ $ 0 0 $ 12,161,888 $ 7,558,455 $ 0 (1) Reflects amounts the executive may receive if both a change in control of Chipotle occurs and the executive’s employment is terminated (other than for cause or by the executive for good reason). If a successor company grants the executive comparable equity awards in replacement of the outstanding Chipotle awards, no accelerated vesting would occur. (2) Retirement is defined as the executive having achieved a combined age and years of service equal to at least 70. Mr. Hartung is the only executive who is eligible for retirement treatment as of December 31, 2019. (3) Mr. Niccol’s offer letter provides that if his employment is terminated prior to March 5, 2023 by Chipotle without cause, or by him with good reason, he would be entitled to severance payments equal to two-times the sum of his base salary plus his target bonus opportunity (or, if higher, his bonus payout for the immediately preceding fiscal year). (4) Represents new hire and retention equity awards for Messrs. Niccol and Brandt and the 2019 transformation PSUs for all executive officers. Value is calculated based on the closing stock price of Chipotle common stock on December 31, 2019 of $837.11 per share. (5) Mr. Brandt’s offer letter provides that if his employment is terminated prior to March 9, 2023 by Chipotle without cause, or by him with good reason, Mr. Brandt would be entitled to severance payments equal to the sum of his base salary plus his target bonus opportunity. 60 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Executive Officers and Compensation (continued) CEO PAY RATIO Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, U.S. publicly-traded companies are required to disclose the ratio of their CEO’s annual total compensation to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees of the company other than the CEO. The rule requires that our median employee be selected from all employees, including full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary employees. Because the SEC rules for identifying the median employee and calculating the pay ratio permit companies to use various methodologies and assumptions, apply certain exclusions, and make reasonable estimates that reflect their employee populations and compensation practices, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable with the pay ratio that we have reported. For example, Chipotle employs around 85,000 people around the world, and approx. 69,500 are hourly restaurant crew employees in our over 2,600 restaurants. Importantly, all of our restaurants are company-owned and not franchised, which impacts the comparability of our CEO pay ratio to the ratio of many other restaurant or retail companies that operate under a franchise model (and who do not employ all of the hourly restaurant or retail crew employees). We calculated our CEO to median employee pay ratio in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act and Item 402(u) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K, to arrive at a reasonable estimate calculated in accordance with SEC regulations and guidance. We identified our median employee by using total 2019 compensation for all individuals, excluding our CEO, who were employed by us on December 31, 2019 and we annualized the compensation of all full- and part-time employees who joined Chipotle during 2019. The pay ratio disclosure rules provide an exemption for companies to exclude non-U.S. employees from the median employee calculation if non-U.S. employees in a particular jurisdiction account for five percent (5%) or less of the company’s total number of employees. We applied this de minimis exemption when identifying the median employee by excluding 720 employees in Canada, 109 employees in the United Kingdom, 173 employees in France and 43 employees in Germany. To arrive at a consistently applied compensation measure, we excluded from total 2019 compensation certain unusual or non-recurring items not available to all employees generally. This resulted in identification of a median employee with total compensation of $14,155, which is the compensation for an hourly employee who works part-time at one of our restaurants in California. This total compensation figure is not necessarily representative of the compensation of other restaurant employees or of our overall compensation practices. For our CEO, we used the total compensation for Brian Niccol, our CEO, as reported in the 2019 Summary Compensation Table. Based on an annual total compensation of our median employee for 2019 of $14,155, and the annual total compensation for our CEO in 2019 of $16.1 million, the ratio of our CEO’s annual total compensation to our median employee’s annual total compensation is 1,136 to 1. Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our officers and directors and holders of greater than 10 percent of our outstanding common stock to file initial reports of their ownership of our equity securities and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC. Based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations from our officers and directors, we believe that all Section 16(a) filing requirements were complied with on a timely basis in 2019, except for the following: Chipotle inadvertently failed to file one Form 4 for Mr. Steve Ells, Chipotle’s Executive Chairman during 2019, to reflect his receipt of one SOSAR. The SOSAR was granted in February 2019 and the Form 4 was filed in August 2019, promptly after the oversight was discovered. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 61 Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions Agreements with Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. See “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Director Nomination Process – Investor Agreement Regarding Board Nominations” for details regarding the Investor Agreement entered into with Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. on December 14, 2016. Pursuant to this agreement, directors Ali Namvar and Matthew Paull were initially appointed to the Board. Pershing Square’s beneficial ownership of Chipotle shares dropped below 5% in February 2020 and, in light of the reduced ownership, Matthew Paull is not standing for re-election to the Board at the annual meeting, but Ali Namvar is standing for re-election. Concurrent with the Investor Agreement, we also entered into a Confidentiality Agreement allowing Pershing Square to receive non-public information regarding Chipotle, subject to specified confidentiality obligations. Additionally, on February 3, 2017, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with Pershing Square. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, Pershing Square may make up to four requests that we file a registration statement to register the sale of shares of our common stock that Pershing Square beneficially owns, subject to the limitations and conditions provided in the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement also provides that we will file and keep effective, subject to certain limitations, a shelf registration statement covering shares of our common stock beneficially owned by Pershing Square, and also provides certain piggyback registration rights to Pershing Square. We would be responsible for the expenses of any such registration. The registration rights provided in the agreement terminate as to any Pershing Square shareholder upon the earliest of (i) the date on which such shares are disposed of pursuant to an effective registration statement, (ii) the date on which such securities are sold pursuant to Rule 144, and (iii) such shareholder ceasing to beneficially own at least 5% of our outstanding common stock, provided such shareholder no longer has a representative serving on our Board, and is permitted to sell shares of common stock beneficially owned by such shareholder under Rule 144(b)(1) of the Securities Act. The Registration Rights Agreement also contains customary indemnification provisions. The Investor Agreement, Confidentiality Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement contain various other obligations and provisions applicable to Chipotle and Pershing Square. The foregoing descriptions of the Investor Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Investor Agreement (including the form of Confidentiality Agreement included as an exhibit thereto), which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 19, 2016, and the Registration Rights Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 10.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 7, 2017. Other Registration Rights Prior to our initial public offering in 2006, certain of our current shareholders, including Albert Baldocchi, a member of our Board, and Mr. Ells, a former member of our Board, entered into a registration rights agreement with us relating to shares of common stock they held at the time the agreement was executed. Under the agreement, Mr. Baldocchi and Mr. Ells are entitled to piggyback registration rights with respect to registration statements we file under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, subject to customary restrictions and pro rata reductions in the number of shares to be sold in an offering. We would be responsible for the expenses of any such registration. Director and Officer Indemnification We have entered into agreements to indemnify our directors and executive officers, in addition to the indemnification provided for in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. These agreements, among other things, provide for indemnification of our directors and executive officers for certain expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any such person in any action or proceeding, including any action by or in the right of our company, arising out of such person’s services as a director or executive officer of ours, any subsidiary of ours or any other company or enterprise to which the person provided services at our request. We believe that these provisions and agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and executive officers. 62 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT Other Business and Miscellaneous The Board and our management do not know of any other matters to be presented at the annual meeting. If other matters do properly come before the annual meeting, it is intended that the persons named in the accompanying proxy vote the proxy in accordance with their best judgment on such matters. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS FOR 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Inclusion of Proposals in Our Proxy Statement and Proxy Card under the SEC’s Rules Any proposal of a shareholder intended to be included in our proxy statement and form of proxy/voting instruction card for the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders pursuant to SEC Rule 14a-8 must be received by us no later than December 9, 2020, unless the date of our 2021 annual meeting is more than 30 days before or after May 19, 2021, in which case the proposal must be received a reasonable time before we begin to print and send our proxy materials. All proposals must be addressed to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., 610 Newport Center Dr., Suite 1300, Newport Beach, CA 92660, Attn: Corporate Secretary. Inclusion of Director Nominations in Our Proxy Statement and Proxy Card under our Proxy Access Bylaws Our proxy access bylaws permit qualified shareholders or groups of shareholders to include nominations for election as a director in our proxy statement and form of proxy/ voting instruction card, if the shareholder(s) comply with the proxy access provisions in our bylaws. For the 2021 annual meeting, notice of a proxy access nomination must be received at the address provided above no earlier than November 9, 2020, and no later than December 9, 2020. Bylaw Requirements for Shareholder Submission of Nominations and Proposals A shareholder nomination of a person for election to our Board of Directors or a proposal for consideration at our 2021 annual meeting must be submitted in accordance with the advance notice procedures and other requirements set forth in Article II of our bylaws. These requirements are separate from, and in addition to, the requirements discussed above to have the shareholder nomination or other proposals included in our proxy statement and form of proxy/voting instruction card pursuant to the SEC’s rules. Our bylaws require that the proposal or nomination must be received by our corporate Secretary at the above address no earlier than the close of business on January 19, 2021, and no later than the close of business on February 18, 2021, unless the date of the 2021 annual meeting is more than 30 days before or 60 days after May 19, 2021. If the date of the 2021 annual meeting is more than 30 days before or 60 days after May 19, 2021, we must receive the proposal or nomination no earlier than the 120th day before the meeting date and no later than the 90th day before the meeting date, or if the date of the meeting is announced less than 100 days prior to the meeting date, no later than the tenth day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of the 2021 annual meeting is made. AVAILABILITY OF SEC FILINGS, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES, CODE OF CONDUCT, CODES OF ETHICS AND COMMITTEE CHARTERS Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed with the SEC, our Codes of Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and any reports of beneficial ownership of our common stock filed by executive officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of the outstanding shares of either class of our common stock are posted on and may be obtained on the Investors page of our website at www.chipotle.com without charge, or may be requested (exclusive of exhibits), at no cost by mail to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., Newport Center Dr. Suite 1300, Newport Beach, CA 92660, Attn: Corporate Secretary. DELIVERY OF MATERIALS TO SHAREHOLDERS WITH SHARED ADDRESSES Beneficial holders who own their shares through a broker, bank or other nominee and who share an address with another such beneficial owner are only being sent one Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or set of proxy materials, unless such holders have provided contrary instructions. If you wish to receive a separate copy of these materials or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive a single copy, please contact Chipotle investor relations by writing to Investor Relations, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., 610 Newport Center Dr., Suite 1300, Newport Beach, CA 92660, or by email to NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT 63 Other Business and Miscellaneous (continued) ir@chipotle.com or by calling (949) 524-4132. We will promptly deliver a separate copy to you upon written or oral request ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING To attend the meeting, you must be a shareholder on the record date of March 26, 2020. The meeting will only be conducted via webcast; there will be no physical meeting location. To participate in the annual meeting, shareholders will need the 16-digit control number that appears on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card or the instructions that accompanied the proxy materials. If you would like to attend the virtual meeting and you have your control number, please go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CMG2020 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting to log in. If you came through your brokerage firm’s website and do not have your control number, you can gain access to the meeting by logging into your brokerage firm’s website 15 minutes prior to the meeting start, selecting the shareholder communications mailbox to link through to the meeting and the control number will automatically populate. For optimal viewing and usage, this site is best viewed with a screen resolution of 1024x768 and above. MISCELLANEOUS If you request physical delivery of these proxy materials, we will mail along with the proxy materials our 2019 Annual Report, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2019 (and the financial statements included in that report) as filed with the SEC; however, it is not intended that the Annual Report on Form 10-K be a part of the proxy statement or a solicitation of proxies. You are respectfully urged to enter your vote instruction via the Internet as explained on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials that was mailed to you, or if you are a holder of record and have received a proxy card, via telephone as explained on the proxy card. We will appreciate your prompt response. 64 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND 2020 PROXY STATEMENT [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] (cid:17)(cid:396)(cid:349)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:272)(cid:381)(cid:367)(cid:3) (cid:18)(cid:346)(cid:258)(cid:349)(cid:396)(cid:373)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:3)(cid:258)(cid:374)(cid:282)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:346)(cid:349)(cid:286)(cid:296)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:454)(cid:286)(cid:272)(cid:437)(cid:410)(cid:349)(cid:448)(cid:286)(cid:3) (cid:75)(cid:296)(cid:296)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:286)(cid:396)(cid:3) (cid:68)(cid:4)(cid:69)(cid:4)(cid:39)(cid:28)(cid:68)(cid:28)(cid:69)(cid:100)(cid:3)(cid:100)(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:68)(cid:3) (cid:58)(cid:258)(cid:272)(cid:364)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:258)(cid:396)(cid:410)(cid:437)(cid:374)(cid:336)(cid:3) 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