Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) & Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (CMG) - August 15, 2024
Chipotle Mexican Grill's (CMG) stock, with over 3,200 locations, continues to excel, reflecting its robust growth and operational success. In contrast, Starbucks (SBUX), which operates more than 37,000 stores, had been underperforming in the U.S. Consumer Services Sector until earlier this week. Starbucks' stock surged from approximately $77 to $95 per share—a 24% increase—following the announcement of Brian Niccol as the new CEO. Niccol, the former CEO of Chipotle, is expected to drive positive changes at Starbucks, contributing to this recent boost. We’ll assess whether this turnaround is sustainable and also review the current status of Chipotle stock in this daily double stock report. Previously, on May 2, 2024, we noted Starbucks’ underperformance and its position at the bottom of our matrix reports, trading near the $70 level. The news of Niccol’s appointment led to a significant 25% stock jump, but the sustainability of this rise remains to be seen. According to our "relative strength" analysis, SBUX has moved into the Neutral Yellow Zone of the SIA S&P 500 Index Report. Historical data shows that while SBUX has occasionally reached the Favored Green Zone, it has lacked staying power. A sustained move into the top of the Favored Green Zone and consistent outperformance of the market and peers are necessary to confirm the turnaround. Additionally, the candlestick chart reveals that SBUX has been confined within a long-term trading range for over five years. This range, supported by volume differentials, shows high trading volumes at $60-$70 and declining volumes as the stock approaches $100-$110. Currently trading at $93.90 after a sharp one-day rally, the risk/reward profile appears unfavorable. New investments should be considered near support levels as the new CEO honeymoon phase fades. A rise above $100, or ideally $110, would indicate a true turnaround, though it may take time.
Turning to Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (CMG), it has been a standout in the consumer services sector, with shares climbing from $35 in April 2023 to $68 over the past 18 months. The stock experienced two consolidation phases, one last summer and another this summer. The point-and-figure (P&F) chart shows a double bottom pattern in July, reflecting a period of distribution. Although CMG has recently bounced back into the Neutral Yellow Zone, technical resistance levels at $56.34, $60.40, and $68.75 are crucial. A break through these levels would confirm continued growth. Support levels are at $49.50, $46.63, and $42.64. Chipotle retains a bullish SMAX score of 7 out of 10, indicating strong short-term performance relative to other asset classes.
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