CHICAGO, Dec. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the holiday season in full swing, Portillo’s is spreading cheer and delicious deals to members of its loyalty program, Portillo’s Perks, with a variety of holiday promotions throughout the month. Portillo’s Season of Surprises will gift free menu items, discounted merchandise, personalized offers, and exclusive secret menu drops to help Perks members savor the season and make lasting holiday memories with Portillo’s unrivaled Chicago-style staples. “When we la ...

Core Insights - The Alger Small Cap Focus Fund's third-quarter 2025 investor letter indicates that U.S. equity markets experienced significant growth, with the S&P 500 Index rising by 8.12% due to improving economic conditions, solid corporate earnings, and expectations for monetary easing [1] - The fund's class A shares underperformed compared to the Russell 2000 Growth Index during the same period [1] Company Overview: Portillo's Inc. (NASDAQ:PTLO) - Portillo's Inc. is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, operating company-owned locations across the U.S. [3] - The stock of Portillo's Inc. experienced a one-month return of -2.80% and a significant decline of 54.44% over the past 52 weeks, closing at $5.21 per share with a market capitalization of $374.767 million as of November 27, 2025 [2] Financial Performance - In the third quarter of 2025, Portillo's Inc. reported revenue of $181.4 million, which is an increase of $3.2 million compared to Q3 2024 [4] - The company reported weaker-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results, leading management to reduce full-year guidance for same-restaurant sales due to softer traffic and underperformance at newer locations [3] Investment Sentiment - Portillo's Inc. is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 18 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q3 2025, down from 26 in the previous quarter [4] - While the potential for Portillo's Inc. as an investment is acknowledged, the fund suggests that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]

Core Insights - Portillo's Inc. reported a revenue increase of 1.8% to $181.4 million for Q3 2025 compared to $178.3 million in Q3 2024, driven by new restaurant openings despite a decline in same-restaurant sales [4][9][10] - The company experienced a significant decrease in net income, which fell by 91.1% to $0.8 million from $8.8 million in the previous year, primarily due to increased operating expenses and impairment charges [8][9][10] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 23.4% to $21.4 million, reflecting challenges in maintaining profitability amid rising costs and a competitive market [10][9] Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q3 2025 were $181.4 million, up $3.2 million or 1.8% from Q3 2024 [4][9] - Same-restaurant sales decreased by 0.8%, attributed to a 2.2% drop in transactions, partially offset by a 1.4% increase in average check [4][9] - Total restaurant operating expenses rose by 6.2% to $144.7 million, driven by new restaurant openings and a 6.3% increase in commodity prices [5][9] - General and administrative expenses increased by 9.4% to $20.0 million, largely due to dead site costs [6][9] Operational Highlights - The company opened four new restaurants in Q3 2025, bringing the total to 99, with plans for three more openings in Q4 2025 [11][12] - Portillo's introduced a new in-line restaurant format, with future openings focusing on a smaller prototype designed for efficiency [12][11] - The company aims to open a total of eight new restaurants in fiscal 2025 [14] Financial Targets - Management updated fiscal 2025 targets, projecting revenues between $730 million and $733 million, with same-restaurant sales expected to decline by 1% to 1.5% [14] - Adjusted EBITDA is targeted between $90 million and $94 million, with capital expenditures estimated at $97 million to $100 million [14]

Core Insights - Portillo's, Inc. is scheduled to host its Q3 2025 earnings webcast on November 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. EST, with the earnings release occurring before market open on the same day [1]. Company Overview - Portillo's has expanded from a small hot dog trailer in Chicago to over 90 restaurants across 10 states, offering a unique menu that includes Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, char-grilled burgers, fresh salads, and chocolate cake [2]. - The company operates a model that focuses on creating experience-oriented destinations, combining dine-in, drive-thru, takeout, and delivery services to meet customer demands [2]. - Portillo's aims to extend its iconic food and dining experience to a broader audience across the United States after six decades of successful operations [2].

Core Viewpoint - Portillo's has appointed Michael Miles Jr as interim CEO following the departure of Michael Osanloo, who served as president and CEO for seven years and will assist in the transition for 90 days [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Michael Miles Jr, previously the chairman of Portillo's board, has taken over as interim CEO [1][5]. - Osanloo expressed gratitude for his time leading the company and acknowledged the contributions of the team [1]. - A search committee has been formed to find a permanent CEO, consisting of directors Paulette Dodson, GJ Hart, Eugene I Lee Jr, and Michael Miles Jr [2]. Group 2: Executive Background - Michael Miles Jr has extensive experience in the retail and restaurant sectors, having previously served as president and COO of Staples and COO of Pizza Hut [3]. - Eugene Lee Jr has been appointed as the lead independent director, bringing experience from his tenure as CEO of Darden Restaurants [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Portillo's operates 90 outlets across ten US states, known for its Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, Chicago-style hot dogs, salads, and chocolate cake [5].

Company Leadership Transition - Portillo's Inc. has appointed Michael A. Miles, Jr. as Interim CEO, effective immediately, succeeding Michael Osanloo who has departed the company [2][5] - A Search Committee has been established to identify the next CEO, comprising Directors Paulette Dodson, G.J. Hart, Eugene I. Lee, Jr., and Michael A. Miles, Jr., with assistance from an executive search firm [3] - Eugene I. Lee, Jr. has been appointed as Lead Independent Director during this transition period [5] Leadership Experience - Michael A. Miles, Jr. brings extensive leadership experience from the retail and restaurant industries, having previously served as President and COO of Staples and COO of Pizza Hut [4] - Miles has been Chairman of the Board at Portillo's since 2014 and served as Interim CEO from 2014 to 2015 [4] Company Overview - Portillo's has grown from a small hot dog trailer in Chicago to over 90 restaurants across 10 states, known for its menu of Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and other offerings [6] - The company operates a model that focuses on experience, blending dine-in, drive-thru, takeout, and delivery to serve its guests [6]

Core Insights - Portillo's is implementing a strategic reset to focus on core markets, enhance unit economics, and ensure long-term success [1][2] - The company aims to drive sustainable traffic through consistent service and value, while also emphasizing disciplined development for strong unit economics [2] Financial Performance - Same-restaurant sales for Q3 2025 are expected to decline by 2.0% to 2.5% due to pricing and promotional dynamics [3] - Updated fiscal 2025 financial targets include: - Unit growth revised from 12 new units to 8 new units - Same-restaurant sales target adjusted from 1% to 3% to a range of (1%) to (1.5%) - Revenue target set at $730 to $733 million - Restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin revised from 22.5% to 23% to 21.0% to 21.5% - General and administrative expenses reduced from $78 to $80 million to $72 to $75 million - Pre-opening expenses decreased from $11 to $12 million to approximately $9 million - Adjusted EBITDA target set at $94 to $98 million [4][5] Development Outlook - The company plans to open 8 new restaurants in fiscal 2026, including its first airport location at DFW, with an average net build cost of less than $5 million per restaurant [6]

Core Viewpoint - Portillo's is implementing a strategic reset of its development and growth plans to focus on core markets, enhance unit economics, and ensure long-term success [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company anticipates same-restaurant sales for Q3 2025 to decline by 2.0% to 2.5% due to pricing and promotional dynamics in the industry [3]. - Updated fiscal 2025 financial targets include: - Unit growth revised from 12 new units to 8 new units - Same-restaurant sales target adjusted from 1% to 3% to a range of (1%) to (1.5%) - Revenue target set at $730 to $733 million - Restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin revised from 22.5% to 23% to a range of 21.0% to 21.5% - General and administrative expenses reduced from $78 to $80 million to a range of $72 to $75 million - Pre-opening expenses decreased from $11 to $12 million to approximately $9 million - Adjusted EBITDA target set at $94 to $98 million [4][5]. Development Outlook - For fiscal 2026, the company plans to open 8 new restaurants, including its first airport location at DFW, with an average net build cost of less than $5 million per restaurant [7]. Strategic Initiatives - The company aims to drive transactions by reinforcing value and service, simplifying operations, and optimizing capital deployment to achieve positive free cash flow in 2026 [8].

Core Insights - Portillo's has appointed Denise Lauer as Chief Marketing Officer, effective September 22, 2025, bringing over two decades of marketing experience in the foodservice and food CPG industries [1][2]. Company Overview - Portillo's is a unique restaurant brand that has expanded from a small hot dog trailer in Chicago to over 95 locations across 10 states, offering a menu that includes Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and more [6]. Leadership and Strategy - Denise Lauer previously served as CMO for Marco's Pizza, where she led initiatives that positioned the brand as a top competitor in the U.S. pizza market, focusing on brand growth, digital marketing, and customer experience [2][3]. - Lauer's appointment is part of Portillo's strategy to strengthen its leadership team and enhance sales and transaction growth while providing exceptional dining experiences [4]. Marketing Initiatives - At Marco's Pizza, Lauer developed a multi-year innovation pipeline and a successful value platform that increased customer check and trip frequency, alongside driving digital transformation for online ordering [3]. - Lauer aims to enhance Portillo's digital capabilities and grow brand awareness as the company expands into new markets [5].

Core Insights - Portillo's Inc. reported a revenue increase of 3.6% to $188.5 million for Q2 2025 compared to $181.9 million in Q2 2024, driven by new restaurant openings and same-restaurant sales growth [4][8][28] - Same-restaurant sales rose by 0.7%, attributed to a 2.1% increase in average check, despite a 1.4% decrease in transactions [4][8] - Net income increased by 17.7% to $10.0 million in Q2 2025, up from $8.5 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to a tax receivable agreement liability adjustment [8][9] Financial Performance - Total restaurant operating expenses rose by 4.9% to $144.0 million, influenced by the opening of nine new restaurants and a 1.9% increase in commodity prices [5][28] - General and administrative expenses increased by 4.8% to $18.8 million, mainly due to higher professional fees and advertising costs [6][28] - Operating income decreased by 3.2% to $17.5 million, reflecting changes in revenue and expenses [7][28] Development Highlights - No new restaurants were opened in Q2 2025, but one new location was opened in Tomball, Texas, after the quarter, bringing the total to 95 [11][12] - The company plans to open 12 new restaurants in the second half of 2025, focusing on the Sunbelt region and entering Atlanta [12][13] Fiscal Targets - Updated fiscal 2025 targets include revenue growth of 5% to 7%, down from a previous target of 10% to 12% [13] - Same-restaurant sales growth target remains at 1% to 3%, with adjusted EBITDA growth expected to be flat to low single digits [13][14] Long-Term Outlook - Long-term financial targets include annual unit growth of 12% to 15% and mid-teens revenue growth [14][15]