El Pollo Loco (LOCO) Q4 Earnings: Taking a Look at Key Metrics Versus Estimates

Core Insights - El Pollo Loco Holdings reported revenue of $112.25 million for Q4 2023, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 3.2% and an EPS of $0.16, unchanged from the previous year [1] - The revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $108.85 million by 3.12%, while the EPS met the consensus estimate [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Franchise restaurants at the end of the period totaled 323, slightly above the average estimate of 322 [2] - System-wide same-store sales increased by 0.9%, below the average estimate of 1.2% [2] - Total restaurants at the end of the period reached 495, surpassing the average estimate of 493 [2] - Company-owned restaurants remained at 172, matching the average estimate [2] - Franchise advertising fee revenue was reported at $7.33 million, slightly below the average estimate of $7.39 million, but showed a year-over-year increase of 5.9% [2] - Franchise revenue was $10.96 million, exceeding the estimated $10.20 million, representing a 17% year-over-year increase [2] - Company-operated restaurant revenue was $93.96 million, above the average estimate of $91.26 million, but showed a year-over-year decline of 5.7% [2] Stock Performance - El Pollo Loco shares have returned -0.3% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of 3.2% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]