El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) Stock Overview
Through its subsidiary, El Pollo Loco, Inc., develops, franchises, licenses, and operates quick-service restaurants under the El Pollo Loco name. More details
| Snowflake Score | |
|---|---|
| Valuation | 2/6 |
| Future Growth | 1/6 |
| Past Performance | 4/6 |
| Financial Health | 4/6 |
| Dividends | 0/6 |
Rewards
Risk Analysis
No risks detected for LOCO from our risk checks.
LOCO Community Fair Values
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Analyst Price Targets
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Competitors
Price History & Performance
| Historical stock prices | |
|---|---|
| Current Share Price | US$13.82 |
| 52 Week High | US$15.90 |
| 52 Week Low | US$8.99 |
| Beta | 0.71 |
| 1 Month Change | -1.29% |
| 3 Month Change | 25.07% |
| 1 Year Change | 25.07% |
| 3 Year Change | 46.40% |
| 5 Year Change | -19.28% |
| Change since IPO | -42.49% |
Recent News & Updates
Narrative Update • Jun 03
LOCO: Brand Transformation And Expansion Efforts Will Drive A Cautiously Balanced Outlook
Narrative Update on El Pollo Loco Holdings The updated analyst price target for El Pollo Loco Holdings has moved from $13.00 to $15.00, with analysts pointing to consistent same store sales trends, the brand's transformation efforts, and interest in franchised expansion as key reasons for revisiting earnings and P/E assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent research has highlighted both constructive and cautious views on El Pollo Loco Holdings, with updated price targets and rating changes tied closely to store level performance, the brand transformation plan, and the pace of franchised expansion.Seeking Alpha • May 28
El Pollo Loco: Loco Tenders Put Pricing Power To The Test
Summary 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. I reiterate a 'Buy' rating with a $17 to $20 short-term target, citing asset-light expansion, strong cost control, and potential for further re-rating. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • May 11
LOCO: Menu Transformation And Franchised Expansion Will Drive Future Upside
Analysts have raised the fair value estimate for El Pollo Loco Holdings from $15.63 to $17.88, citing higher Street price targets and support from consistent same-store sales trends, menu and marketing initiatives, operational improvements, and early indications of renewed interest in franchised expansion. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts have raised price targets, which supports the higher fair value estimate and reflects growing confidence in execution on the current transformation playbook.Recent updates
Narrative Update • Jun 03
LOCO: Brand Transformation And Expansion Efforts Will Drive A Cautiously Balanced Outlook
Narrative Update on El Pollo Loco Holdings The updated analyst price target for El Pollo Loco Holdings has moved from $13.00 to $15.00, with analysts pointing to consistent same store sales trends, the brand's transformation efforts, and interest in franchised expansion as key reasons for revisiting earnings and P/E assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent research has highlighted both constructive and cautious views on El Pollo Loco Holdings, with updated price targets and rating changes tied closely to store level performance, the brand transformation plan, and the pace of franchised expansion.Seeking Alpha • May 28
El Pollo Loco: Loco Tenders Put Pricing Power To The Test
Summary 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. I reiterate a 'Buy' rating with a $17 to $20 short-term target, citing asset-light expansion, strong cost control, and potential for further re-rating. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • May 11
LOCO: Menu Transformation And Franchised Expansion Will Drive Future Upside
Analysts have raised the fair value estimate for El Pollo Loco Holdings from $15.63 to $17.88, citing higher Street price targets and support from consistent same-store sales trends, menu and marketing initiatives, operational improvements, and early indications of renewed interest in franchised expansion. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts have raised price targets, which supports the higher fair value estimate and reflects growing confidence in execution on the current transformation playbook.Narrative Update • Apr 26
LOCO: Menu And Store Expansion Efforts Will Drive Future Upside
Analysts have lifted the fair value estimate for El Pollo Loco Holdings to $15.63 from $14.00, reflecting updated assumptions around discount rates, profit margins, and future P/E multiples in light of recent price target increases and commentary on consistent same store sales and expansion efforts. Analyst Commentary Recent research reports present a mixed but generally constructive view on El Pollo Loco, with some analysts becoming more optimistic about the company’s execution and others taking a wait and see approach regarding traffic trends and expansion.
Narrative Update • Apr 12
LOCO: Same Store Sales And Brand Transformation Will Drive Future Repricing
El Pollo Loco Holdings' analyst price targets have shifted modestly higher, with recent moves to $13 and $14. Analysts point to consistent same store sales, traction from the brand transformation playbook, and interest in franchised expansion, while still flagging the need for more proof of geographic portability and sustained traffic growth.Narrative Update • Mar 29
LOCO: Brand Transformation Progress And Mixed Expansion Risks Will Shape Balanced Outlook
El Pollo Loco's updated analyst price target edges up from $12 to $13, as analysts point to consistent same store sales, traction from the brand transformation playbook, and improved expected returns on new units as key supports for a slightly higher fair value and modestly lower assumed P/E and discount rate. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around El Pollo Loco centers on two themes that matter to you as an investor.Narrative Update • Mar 15
LOCO: Same Store Sales Consistency And Franchise Expansion Will Drive Repricing
Our updated narrative raises El Pollo Loco Holdings' fair value estimate to $20.00 from $18.00, reflecting analysts' higher price targets around $13 to $14 and their focus on consistent same store sales, brand transformation efforts, and potential benefits from renewed franchise expansion. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research has centered on how El Pollo Loco is executing its brand transformation and what that could mean for valuation as the story evolves.Narrative Update • Feb 22
LOCO: Higher Protein Menu And Steady Assumptions Will Support Balanced Outlook
Analysts have kept their price target for El Pollo Loco Holdings steady at $12.00. This reflects small adjustments to discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions that together leave their overall valuation view broadly unchanged.Narrative Update • Feb 08
LOCO: Protein Focus And Stable Assumptions Will Support Measured Upside Potential
Analysts have nudged their price target on El Pollo Loco Holdings to US$12.00, with the adjustment tied to updated assumptions around discount rates, modest revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E levels. What's in the News El Pollo Loco launched Double Pollo Salads, positioned as higher protein options that aim to keep flavor while focusing on "eating better," featuring double portions of fire grilled, citrus marinated chopped chicken breast.Narrative Update • Jan 25
LOCO: Margin Outperformance And Unit Expansion Are Expected To Support Upside
Analysts have trimmed their 12 month price target on El Pollo Loco to $12 from $13, citing Q3 margin and EBITDA outperformance, quarter to date same store sales of 2.2%, and expectations for roughly 2% or better same store sales in Q4 and FY26, supported by multiple catalysts and an acceleration in unit growth. Analyst Commentary Recent research has kept a positive rating on El Pollo Loco while trimming the 12 month price target to US$12 from US$13.Narrative Update • Jan 10
LOCO: Steady Margins And Unit Expansion Expected To Support Future Performance
Analysts have adjusted their fair value estimate for El Pollo Loco Holdings to $12.00 from $11.00, citing recent research that highlights resilient margins, an updated discount rate, modestly revised growth assumptions, and expectations for steady same store sales and unit expansion that support the new price target framework. Analyst Commentary Recent research around El Pollo Loco reflects a more careful stance from some bearish analysts, even with supportive margin and EBITDA data in the latest quarter.Analysis Article • May 29
Earnings Working Against El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LOCO) Share Price
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:LOCO ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 11.8x might make it look like a...Seeking Alpha • Apr 17
El Pollo Loco Holdings: No More Poison Pills
Summary El Pollo Loco Holdings is a potential buyout target, with Sardar Biglari of Biglari Capital offering to acquire remaining shares after accumulating a 15.1% stake. Biglari's proven track record in restaurant takeovers and potential for long-term transformation makes LOCO an attractive investment, with a potential price rise to $12-14. The Board's confidentiality agreement with Biglari Capital, including a standstill condition, indicates serious negotiations and a constructive tone towards a potential buyout. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 20
El Pollo Loco: A Slowdown Is Here, Back Out Of This Stock (Downgrade)
Summary Restaurant stocks have seen a significant slowdown in same-store sales growth, but El Pollo Loco’s deceleration to just 0.5% growth stands out as particularly weak. The company has aggressive expansion plans to open ~10 new locations in FY25, supported by a lower new build cost from a new store blueprint that it pioneered last fall. However, El Pollo Loco failed to meet its original new build guidance for FY24, and may do so again in FY25 if sales are anemic. I’m downgrading El Pollo Loco to a neutral rating and moving to the sidelines. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 13
El Pollo Loco: Exploiting Restaurant Shutdowns For Nationwide Growth Of Pollo Loco
Summary Pollo Loco's Q4 FY 2024 results beat expectations with EPS of $0.20 and revenue of $114.28 million, despite market pessimism and recession fears. Pollo Loco plans to expand beyond California, focusing on franchise growth and repurposing closed restaurant sites to reduce construction costs and improve ROI. FY 2025 guidance includes 4.56% revenue growth, 10 new restaurant openings, and an EPS of $0.94, indicating strong future performance. Pollo Loco remains undervalued with a P/E of 11.26x, offering a significant margin of safety and a potential 51% upside, justifying a 'Buy' rating. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Feb 27
What Does El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LOCO) Share Price Indicate?
While El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. ( NASDAQ:LOCO ) might not have the largest market cap around , it received a lot of...Seeking Alpha • Jan 23
El Pollo Loco: Channeling Taco Bell's Playbook With A Unique Twist For 2025
Summary El Pollo Loco improved margins to 16.7% despite labor inflation, focusing on price increases and operational efficiencies. FY 2025 promises a stronger marketing calendar with new product launches inspired by Taco Bell's successful strategy. The new lean prototype model aims to boost franchise expansion with reduced construction costs and shorter payback periods. Despite current challenges, the stock is undervalued with a potential 25% margin of safety, making it an attractive medium-term investment. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 27
El Pollo Loco: Already Marinating, Now Offering A 25%+ Safety Margin (Upgrade)
Summary El Pollo Loco's stock price drop to around $11 offers a +25% margin of safety, making it a safer entry point for investors. Despite declining traffic and higher menu prices, value promotions and a strong 2025 calendar could drive growth and recovery. The worst-case scenario still suggests a price target above current levels, justifying a rating change from 'Hold' to 'Buy'. El Pollo Loco's focus on value offerings and digital-first initiatives positions it well for a potential rebound in FY 2025. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 19
El Pollo Loco: Tremendous Value Not To Be Ignored
Summary Initiating El Pollo Loco at a buy rating. This small-cap grilled chicken chain is a great value play for 2025. The company posted ~3% same-store sales growth in its most recent quarter, outperforming many "unhealthy" fast-food chain rivals. It has found success in drawing customers to a value-conscious, healthy menu offering priced between $9-10. The company is planning on reducing its new build costs, which may trigger more franchisee development. The stock trades at a very appealing <8x forward adjusted EBITDA multiple, less than half of where peers like McDonald's and Yum Brands are trading. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Nov 03
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Just Beat Analyst Forecasts, And Analysts Have Been Updating Their Predictions
Last week, you might have seen that El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. ( NASDAQ:LOCO ) released its quarterly result to the...Seeking Alpha • Sep 25
El Pollo Loco Stock: 3 Reasons To Stay Bullish
Summary El Pollo Loco stock is at a near three-year high amid strong financial results. The company's effort to transfer restaurants to franchisees is supporting higher profitability margins. We see good value in LOCO and expect shares to climb higher. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
New Narrative • Sep 24
Revitalized Fire-grilled Burritos And Digital First Strategy Propel Margins And Customer Loyalty
Revamped Fire-grilled Burritos and digital-first strategies aim to boost customer attraction and retention, enhancing revenue through better value and loyalty programs.Analysis Article • Aug 19
Returns On Capital At El Pollo Loco Holdings (NASDAQ:LOCO) Have Stalled
Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Ideally, a business...Analysis Article • Aug 04
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Just Recorded A 19% EPS Beat: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting Next
It's been a good week for El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. ( NASDAQ:LOCO ) shareholders, because the company has just...Seeking Alpha • Jul 12
El Pollo Loco: Franchising Growth Drives An Undervalued Growth Strategy
Summary El Pollo Loco operates and franchises restaurants, with the strategy turning more into franchised restaurants. The franchising growth provides capital light, low-risk earnings growth with proceeds from company-owned restaurant divestitures into franchisees. The downward long-term margins should reverse with greater franchising margins, franchised locations' better long-term comparable sales performance, and identified cost savings. Q1 showed an impressive comparable restaurant growth in a slowly performing restaurant industry, with the momentum carrying onto April as well. The stock's valuation seems to undervalue the expansion strategy. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • May 04
There Are Reasons To Feel Uneasy About El Pollo Loco Holdings' (NASDAQ:LOCO) Returns On Capital
If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for...Analysis Article • Mar 16
We Think That There Are Some Issues For El Pollo Loco Holdings (NASDAQ:LOCO) Beyond Its Promising Earnings
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:LOCO ) healthy profit numbers didn't contain any surprises for investors...Shareholder Returns
| LOCO | US Hospitality | US Market | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7D | -7.1% | -1.1% | -2.8% |
| 1Y | 25.1% | -8.6% | 22.8% |
Return vs Industry: LOCO exceeded the US Hospitality industry which returned -8.6% over the past year.
Return vs Market: LOCO exceeded the US Market which returned 23.5% over the past year.
Price Volatility
| LOCO volatility | |
|---|---|
| LOCO Average Weekly Movement | 6.3% |
| Hospitality Industry Average Movement | 7.2% |
| Market Average Movement | 7.2% |
| 10% most volatile stocks in US Market | 16.6% |
| 10% least volatile stocks in US Market | 3.1% |
Stable Share Price: LOCO has not had significant price volatility in the past 3 months compared to the US market.
Volatility Over Time: LOCO's weekly volatility (6%) has been stable over the past year.
About the Company
| Founded | Employees | CEO | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | 4,034 | Liz Williams | www.elpolloloco.com |
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary, El Pollo Loco, Inc., develops, franchises, licenses, and operates quick-service restaurants under the El Pollo Loco name. The company operates and franchises restaurants located in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Utah, and Louisiana. It also licenses its brand to restaurants in the Philippines.
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Fundamentals Summary
| LOCO fundamental statistics | |
|---|---|
| Market cap | US$420.89m |
| Earnings (TTM) | US$29.16m |
| Revenue (TTM) | US$497.05m |
14.4x
P/E Ratio0.8x
P/S RatioIs LOCO overvalued?
See Fair Value and valuation analysisEarnings & Revenue
| LOCO income statement (TTM) | |
|---|---|
| Revenue | US$497.05m |
| Cost of Revenue | US$383.20m |
| Gross Profit | US$113.85m |
| Other Expenses | US$84.69m |
| Earnings | US$29.16m |
Last Reported Earnings
Apr 01, 2026
Next Earnings Date
n/a
| Earnings per share (EPS) | 0.96 |
| Gross Margin | 22.90% |
| Net Profit Margin | 5.87% |
| Debt/Equity Ratio | 14.5% |
How did LOCO perform over the long term?
See historical performance and comparisonCompany Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/06/07 17:43 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/06/05 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/04/01 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. is covered by 11 analysts. 5 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Todd Brooks | Benchmark Company |
| Todd Brooks | CL King & Associates, Inc. |
| Jeremy Hamblin | Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC |