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 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of value investing and highlights El Pollo Loco (LOCO) as a strong candidate for value investors due to its favorable valuation metrics [2][4][7] Group 1: Value Investing Strategy - Value investing focuses on identifying companies that are undervalued by the market using fundamental analysis and traditional valuation metrics [2] - The Zacks Rank system is utilized to find winning stocks, with a specific emphasis on earnings estimates and revisions [1] Group 2: El Pollo Loco (LOCO) Valuation Metrics - LOCO has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and an A grade for Value, indicating strong potential for value investors [4] - The stock's P/E ratio is 12.16, significantly lower than the industry average of 25.09, suggesting it is undervalued [4] - LOCO's P/S ratio is 0.73, compared to the industry's average P/S of 0.74, further indicating its value [5] - The P/CF ratio for LOCO is 8.42, which is attractive compared to the industry's average P/CF of 21.91, reinforcing its undervaluation [6] Group 3: Earnings Outlook - The strength of LOCO's earnings outlook positions it as one of the market's strongest value stocks, appealing to value investors [7]

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, proudly marks its 50th anniversary. From humble beginnings in Sinaloa, Mexico, in 1975 and eventual move to Los Angeles in 1980, El Pollo Loco has always been committed to flavor, quality, and community. To celebrate the milestone, the brand will kick off a year-long celebration, starting with Loco Friday Drops, consisting of various deals and giveaways announced exclusively on Fridays t ...

Core Viewpoint - El Pollo Loco has appointed Joe Taylor as an independent director and member of the Audit Committee, effective January 13, 2025, to support the company's growth strategy [1][2]. Company Overview - El Pollo Loco is the leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain in the U.S., known for its flavorful and healthier offerings. The company operates over 495 restaurants across seven states and has ten licensed locations in the Philippines [4]. Leadership Appointment - Joe Taylor brings 25 years of experience in restaurant and finance leadership, having served as executive vice president and CFO at Brinker International until June 2024. His extensive background includes roles in finance, investor relations, and risk management [3][2]. - The addition of Mr. Taylor increases the Board of Directors from seven to eight members, filling a recent vacancy [1]. Strategic Positioning - The company is well-positioned for growth, with expectations that Mr. Taylor's experience will support its expansion plans into 2025 and beyond [2].

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (“El Pollo Loco”) (NASDAQ: LOCO) today announced that it will host a fireside chat discussion as part of the 27th Annual ICR Conference in Orlando, Florida on January 14, 2025. The Company will also be meeting with institutional investors during the conference. El Pollo Loco’s discussion will begin at 9:30 AM ET and will be webcast live from the corporate website at www.elpolloloco.com under the “Investors” tab. About El Poll ...

Core Viewpoint - El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ: LOCO) is expected to experience sideways movement in its stock price for the time being [1]. Company Analysis - The company operates in the restaurant sector, specifically focusing on various segments including QSR, fast casual, casual dining, fine dining, and family dining [1]. - Advanced analytical models and specialized valuation techniques are employed to provide detailed insights and actionable strategies for investors [1]. Market Engagement - The company actively engages in academic and journalistic initiatives, contributing to institutions that promote individual and economic freedom [1]. - Previous contributions include discussions on monetary policy, financial education, and financial modeling aimed at making these subjects accessible to a broader audience [1].

Group 1 - Value investing is a preferred strategy for identifying strong stocks across various market conditions, utilizing fundamental analysis and traditional valuation metrics to find undervalued stocks [1] - El Pollo Loco (LOCO) is currently rated as a Strong Buy with a Zacks Rank of 1 and an A for Value, trading at a P/E ratio of 12.55 compared to the industry average of 25.28 [2] - LOCO's Forward P/E has fluctuated between 11.59 and 16.11 over the past year, with a median of 13.99, indicating potential undervaluation [2][3] Group 2 - The stock's strong Value grade is supported by various financial metrics, suggesting that LOCO is likely undervalued at present [3] - The Zacks Rank system focuses on earnings estimates and revisions to identify strong stocks, while also considering value, growth, and momentum trends [4] - Investors can utilize the Style Scores system to find stocks with specific traits, with a focus on those with "A" grades for Value and high Zacks Ranks [5] Group 3 - LOCO has a P/CF ratio of 8.59, significantly lower than the industry average of 22.02, indicating potential undervaluation based on operating cash flow [6] - Over the past 52 weeks, LOCO's P/CF has ranged from 6.06 to 10.11, with a median of 7.90, further supporting its value proposition [6]

Group 1 - The restaurant sector has experienced significant rallies in the stock market this year, comparable to the tech sector [1] - CAVA, a Mediterranean fast-casual chain, has seen its stock price nearly triple since its IPO earlier this year [1]

El Pollo Loco (LOCO) is in the right segment of the restaurant industry: healthy eating. This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) is expected to grow earnings by the double digits this year and next.El Pollo Loco is a leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant known for its healthy food. It’s menu features meals with Mexican flavors made daily.It operates 495 company-owned and franchised restaurants across 7 U.S. states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Louisiana. El Pollo Loco also has ...