Chipotle vs Starbucks (CMG vs SBUX)
Chipotle (CMG) vs Starbucks (SBUX) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Chipotle (CMG) and Starbucks (SBUX) compete in restaurants. Here are Chipotle and Starbucks side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Chipotle or Starbucks.
Chipotle vs Starbucks: the figures
| Figure | Chipotle | Starbucks |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $35.20 (November 4, 2026) | $109.70 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $44.5 billion | $125.1 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 32.9x | 49.6x |
| Forward P/E | 26.5x | 29.4x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +9.6% | -4.5% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 10.8% | 6.7% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 2.1x | 3.2x |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 2.41% |
| Beta | 0.99 | 1.01 |
Chipotle and Starbucks figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Chipotle or Starbucks figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Chipotle and Starbucks
- Valuation: Starbucks trades at 49.6x its annual earnings and Chipotle at 32.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of Starbucks profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Dividend: Starbucks pays a dividend yielding 2.41% and Chipotle pays none.
- Growth: Chipotle grew sales +9.6% year on year in its latest quarter, against -4.5% for Starbucks.
Chipotle or Starbucks: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Chipotle is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Starbucks pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Chipotle has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Chipotle trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Chipotle nor Starbucks wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Chipotle and Starbucks make money
Chipotle (CMG)
Chipotle Mexican Grill runs its own fast-casual Mexican restaurants rather than franchising them, selling made-to-order burritos, bowls, tacos and salads in store and through its app. Nearly all revenue comes from food and beverage sales, with delivery fees making up the rest. Most locations are in the United States. Full Chipotle analysis.
Starbucks (SBUX)
Starbucks sells coffee, drinks and food in company-operated and licensed stores. It reports North America, its largest segment; International, where China is a key market; and Channel Development, which earns money from packaged coffee and ready-to-drink beverages sold in grocery stores, largely through its alliance with Nestlé. Full Starbucks analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Chipotle vs Starbucks
Is Chipotle or Starbucks the better stock?
Choosing between Chipotle and Starbucks depends on what you are looking for. Chipotle is growing faster right now, and Chipotle trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Chipotle or Starbucks: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Chipotle or Starbucks?
As of November 4, 2026, Starbucks yields 2.41% and Chipotle pays none. Also check how much of their profit Chipotle and Starbucks pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Chipotle or Starbucks?
On P/E, Starbucks (49.6x) is more expensive than Chipotle (32.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Chipotle and Starbucks?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Chipotle and Starbucks, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Chipotle or Starbucks.
More comparisons with Chipotle or Starbucks
More companies like Chipotle and Starbucks: restaurants stocks. Educational content about Chipotle and Starbucks, not investment advice.