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El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.
LOCOConsumer CyclicalNASDAQUS
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El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. is upgraded from Hold to a soft Buy as fundamentals and comparable sales have improved markedly. LOCO's system-wide comparable sales surged 5.8% in Q1 2026, outpacing inflationary headwinds and demonstrating successful menu innovation and digital growth. Management targets 19–20 new locations and 2–4% system-wide comparable sales growth in 2026, supported by robust digital and loyalty channel expansion.
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOCO) has authorized a $40 million share repurchase program, the Costa Mesa, California-based restaurant chain said Thursday evening. The board of directors approved the repurchase of up to $40 million of its common stock, representing approximately 9% of the company's current market capitalization.
COSTA MESA, Calif., May 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (“El Pollo Loco” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to $40 million of its common stock, representing ~9% of the Company's current market capitalization.
El Pollo Loco is executing a successful 'Taco Bell-ification' strategy, driving higher average checks and resilient traffic. LOCO's menu innovation—especially bowls, salads, and Baja Tostadas—has boosted same-store sales and restaurant-level margins above long-term targets. Systemwide traffic grew 0.6%, the average check rose 5.2%, and the restaurant-level margin reached 19.2%, supporting robust EBITDA and cash generation.
El Pollo Loco NASDAQ: LOCO reported first-quarter 2026 results that management said reflected continued momentum from its ongoing brand transformation, highlighted by same-store sales growth and margin expansion alongside increased marketing and operational initiatives. Get El Pollo Loco alerts:Sign UpFirst-quarter sales and margin performance Chief Executive Officer Liz Williams said the company was “proud of our first quarter results,” citing system-wide same-store sales growth of 5.8% and restaurant-level margin expansion of 320 basis points year-over-year.
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.28 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.22 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.19 per share a year ago.
COSTA MESA, Calif., May 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LOCO) (the “Company”) today announced financial results for the 13-week period ended April 1, 2026.
El Pollo Loco® reimagines this favorite with bold spices and dipping sauces El Pollo Loco® reimagines this favorite with bold spices and dipping sauces
COSTA MESA, Calif., April 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (“El Pollo Loco”) (NASDAQ: LOCO) today announced that it will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time.
El Pollo Loco has rallied over 30% YTD, sharply outperforming a weak restaurant sector and maintaining strong execution amid industry headwinds. LOCO trades at 6.8x FY26 EV/adjusted EBITDA, with a disciplined franchise-focused expansion strategy and mid-single-digit revenue growth outlook. Same-restaurant sales rebounded to 2.1% in Q4, driven by successful menu innovation and value-focused offerings, with franchise comps notably outpacing company-owned stores.
El Pollo Loco has executed an asset-light turnaround, driving a ~30% stock gain and outperforming peers, with a strong Q4 and robust opening pipeline. LOCO's menu innovation, protein-heavy bowls, and competitive pricing are capturing market share from fast-casual rivals like Chipotle, supporting improved same-store sales and margins. Franchise expansion, cost control, and strategic use of failed locations are enhancing unit economics, with management guiding for continued sales and EBITDA growth through FY 2028.
A major move in the restaurant sector captured the market's attention, as El Pollo Loco NASDAQ: LOCO shares rose an impressive 17% on March 13. The catalyst for this sudden rally was El Pollo Loco's fourth-quarter 2025 earnings report, which showcased results that decisively surpassed Wall Street's forecasts for profit and revenue.
The brand expands its loyalty platform beyond discounts, offering members new, high-value rewards and exclusive access. The brand expands its loyalty platform beyond discounts, offering members new, high-value rewards and exclusive access.
El Pollo Loco's restaurants are becoming more profitable. Growth is set to accelerate in 2026.
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
The headline numbers for El Pollo Loco (LOCO) give insight into how the company performed in the quarter ended December 2025, but it may be worthwhile to compare some of its key metrics to Wall Street estimates and the year-ago actuals.
El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.25 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.21 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.2 per share a year ago.
COSTA MESA, Calif., March 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LOCO) today announced financial results for the 14- and 53-week periods ended December 31, 2025.
Looking beyond Wall Street's top-and-bottom-line estimate forecasts for El Pollo Loco (LOCO), delve into some of its key metrics to gain a deeper insight into the company's potential performance for the quarter ended December 2025.
