Financial Performance - Company-operated restaurant revenue for Q4 2024 increased to $95.6 million, up from $94.0 million in Q4 2023, reflecting a 1.6% increase in comparable restaurant revenue[5] - Total revenue for Q4 2024 was $114.3 million, compared to $112.2 million in Q4 2023, representing a year-over-year increase of 1.9%[6] - Net income for Q4 2024 was $6.0 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to $4.4 million, or $0.14 per diluted share in Q4 2023, marking a 36.4% increase in net income[11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $14.3 million, an increase from $13.6 million in Q4 2023[6] - Total revenue for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2024, was $114,284,000, an increase from $112,247,000 for the same period in 2023, representing a growth of 1.8%[35] - Net income for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2024, was $5,953,000, up from $4,351,000 in the same period of 2023, indicating a growth of 37.0%[39] - Adjusted EBITDA for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2024, was $14,339,000, compared to $13,570,000 in the prior year, representing an increase of 5.7%[39] - The adjusted net income for the fifty-two weeks ended December 25, 2024, was $26.801 million, up from $24.526 million in 2023, reflecting a growth of 9.2%[45] Sales and Revenue Growth - System-wide comparable restaurant sales increased by 0.5% in Q4 2024, driven by a 9.0% increase in average check size, despite a 6.8% decrease in transactions[6][7] - Franchise revenue in Q4 2024 rose by 2.5% to $11.2 million, attributed to the opening of four new franchise-operated restaurants[8] - Comparable restaurant sales growth was 2.8% for the fifty-two weeks ended December 25, 2024, compared to 0.3% in the previous year[36] - Franchise revenue increased to $11,232,000 for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2024, from $10,956,000 in 2023, marking a growth of 2.5%[38] - System-wide sales for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2024, reached $262,248,000, compared to $257,619,000 in the same period of 2023, reflecting a growth of 1.0%[38] Expenses and Debt - General and administrative expenses for Q4 2024 were $11.1 million, up from $10.6 million in Q4 2023, primarily due to increased labor-related costs[10] - As of December 25, 2024, the company's outstanding debt was $71.0 million, with $2.5 million in cash and cash equivalents[12] - Total debt decreased to $71,000,000 as of December 25, 2024, down from $84,000,000 as of December 27, 2023[36] Restaurant Operations and Expansion - The company plans to open one to two new company-operated restaurants and eight to nine new franchised restaurants in 2025[13] - The number of company-operated restaurants at the end of the period increased to 173 from 172 in the previous year[36] - El Pollo Loco operates over 495 company-owned and franchised restaurants across seven U.S. states and has ten licensed locations in the Philippines[27] Strategic Focus and Risks - The company aims to expand its digital business, delivery orders, and catering services to enhance customer engagement[29] - The company is subject to various risks, including inflationary pressures and changes in consumer spending, which could impact financial performance[29] - The company faces challenges in opening new restaurants, including site selection and lease negotiations[29] Financial Reporting and Measures - El Pollo Loco utilizes non-GAAP financial measures such as System-wide sales and Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate operational performance[32] - The company is committed to transparency in its financial reporting, providing reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures[33] - El Pollo Loco's financial measures may not be directly comparable to those of other companies, highlighting the importance of context in financial analysis[33] Other Financial Details - The restaurant contribution margin for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2024, was 16.7%, compared to 15.8% in the same period of 2023, showing an improvement of 0.9 percentage points[46] - During the year ended December 25, 2024, the company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $0.1 million, primarily related to two restaurants in Nevada[41] - The company completed the sale of one restaurant in California for cash proceeds of $0.1 million during the year ended December 25, 2024, resulting in a net loss of less than $0.1 million[40] - In the year ended December 27, 2023, the company sold 18 restaurants for cash proceeds of $7.7 million, resulting in a net gain of $5.0 million[40] - Restructuring charges incurred in the year ended December 25, 2024, amounted to $551,000, while the previous year saw restructuring costs of $1.055 million[45] - The company recorded a loss on disposal of assets of $40,000 for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2024, compared to a loss of $226,000 for the same period in 2023[46]

Core Insights - El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. reported financial results for the 13- and 52-week periods ended December 25, 2024, highlighting a foundational year with significant progress and a positive outlook for 2025 [4][5]. Financial Performance - Company-operated restaurant revenue for Q4 2024 increased to $95.6 million, up from $94.0 million in Q4 2023, driven by a $1.5 million increase in comparable restaurant revenue (1.6%) and $0.5 million from new restaurant openings [5][9]. - Franchise revenue rose by 2.5% to $11.2 million, attributed to the opening of four franchise-operated restaurants and the sale of one company-operated restaurant to franchisees [6]. - Total revenue for Q4 2024 was $114.3 million, compared to $112.2 million in Q4 2023, with system-wide comparable restaurant sales increasing by 0.5% [9]. - Net income for Q4 2024 was $6.0 million ($0.20 per diluted share), compared to $4.4 million ($0.14 per diluted share) in Q4 2023 [10][9]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $14.3 million, an increase from $13.6 million in the previous year [9]. Operational Metrics - Income from operations in Q4 2024 was $9.0 million, up from $7.5 million in Q4 2023, with restaurant contribution at $16.0 million (16.7% of company-operated restaurant revenue) compared to $14.8 million (15.8%) in the prior year [7][9]. - General and administrative expenses increased to $11.1 million in Q4 2024 from $10.6 million in Q4 2023, primarily due to higher labor-related costs [8]. Debt and Shareholder Actions - As of December 25, 2024, the company had an outstanding debt balance of $71.0 million, with $2.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. The company repurchased 103,702 shares for approximately $1.3 million during the fourth quarter [11]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates opening one to two new company-operated restaurants and eight to nine new franchised restaurants in 2025, with capital spending projected between $30.0 million and $34.0 million [16].

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2024 results on March 6, 2025. In the last reported quarter, the company’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 23.5%.Stay up-to-date with all quarterly releases: See Zacks Earnings Calendar.Notably, the company’s earnings surpassed the consensus mark in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average of 26.1%.How are Estimates Placed for LOCO?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter earnings is pegged at 13 cents ...

Core Viewpoint - El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) is expected to report a quarterly earnings decline of 18.8% year-over-year, with earnings per share projected at $0.13, while revenues are forecasted to increase by 0.8% to $113.15 million [1] Earnings Projections - Analysts have not revised the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter over the past 30 days, indicating stability in projections [1][2] - Revisions to earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor behavior and short-term stock performance [2] Revenue Estimates - Revenue from Franchise advertising fees is estimated to be $7.36 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.4% [4] - Franchise revenue is projected at $11.17 million, indicating a year-over-year change of 1.9% [4] - Company-operated restaurant revenue is expected to reach $94.62 million, suggesting a 0.7% increase year-over-year [4] Store Metrics - The number of Franchise restaurants at the end of the period is forecasted to be 326, up from 323 a year ago [5] - Company-owned restaurants are expected to total 173, compared to 172 in the previous year [5] - Total restaurants are projected to reach 499, an increase from 495 in the same quarter last year [5] Stock Performance - Over the past month, El Pollo Loco shares have declined by 5%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has decreased by 1.3% [6] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it may outperform the overall market in the near future [6]

Core Insights - El Pollo Loco is expanding its Mango Habanero Chicken flavor to include new Mango Habanero Double Tostadas, available starting February 20, 2025 [1][3] - The new Tostadas come in three variations: classic Fire-Grilled Chicken, Baja shrimp, or a combination of chicken and shrimp, with protein content ranging from 40 to 65 grams [2] - Pricing for the new menu item starts at $11.29, with availability limited to select locations [3] Company Overview - El Pollo Loco is recognized as the leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant in the U.S., known for its flavorful and healthier menu options [5] - The company operates over 495 restaurants across seven U.S. states and has expanded internationally with eight locations in the Philippines [5] - El Pollo Loco has been awarded as the 1 "Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food" in USA TODAY's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards [5]

Following the success of Mango Habanero Chicken Meals, the brand announces more sweet heat offerings New Mango Habanero Double Tostadas El Pollo Loco’s new Mango Habanero Double Tostadas are available for a limited time. COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant, is building on the success of its recent Mango Habanero Chicken Meals by extending the flavor to its Tostadas. Starting February 20, fans can delight in the sweet an ...

COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (“El Pollo Loco”) (NASDAQ: LOCO) today announced that it will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Hosting the call will be Liz Williams, Chief Executive Officer, and Ira Fils, Chief Financial Officer. A press release with fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results will be issued that same day, shortly after the m ...

Core Insights - El Pollo Loco introduces a new menu item, Mango Habanero Fire-Grilled Chicken, which combines sweet and spicy flavors, available starting January 30, 2025 [1][2] - This is the first chicken flavor innovation in nearly a decade, coinciding with the brand's 50th anniversary [2] - The new chicken flavor is part of a broader strategy to enhance customer experience and value offerings [3] Product Details - The Mango Habanero Chicken is available in Individual and Family Chicken Meals at no additional charge [2] - Pricing starts at $9.19 for a 2-piece Individual Chicken Meal and $25.79 for an 8-piece Family Chicken Meal [4] - The Mango Habanero Sauce can also be ordered as a side for dipping or pouring over other menu items [4] Marketing and Promotions - El Pollo Loco has recently launched promotions such as Taco Tuesday and Loco Friday Drops to enhance customer engagement [3] - The company emphasizes its commitment to providing flavorful and healthier options at a value price [3] Company Overview - El Pollo Loco operates over 495 restaurants across seven U.S. states and has ten licensed locations in the Philippines [6] - The company has been recognized as the 1 "Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food" in USA TODAY's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards [6] - El Pollo Loco's culture focuses on inclusivity, with a workforce of over 4,000 employees [6]

I am an Equity Analyst and Accountant specializing in restaurant stocks, with a solid foundation in Business Administration and Accounting, complemented by an MBA in Forensic Accounting and Controllership. As the founder of Goulart's Restaurant Stocks, I lead a company focused on analyzing restaurant stocks in the U.S. market. Our coverage spans multiple segments, including QSR, fast casual, casual dining, fine dining, and family dining. We employ advanced analytical models and specialized valuation techniq ...

Here at Zacks, we focus on our proven ranking system, which places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, to find winning stocks. But we also understand that investors develop their own strategies, so we are constantly looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong companies for our readers.Looking at the history of these trends, perhaps none is more beloved than value investing. This strategy simply looks to identify companies that are being undervalued by the ...