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Upturn AI SWOT - About
LOCO 
El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (LOCO)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/15/2025: LOCO (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
5 Analysts rated it
Limited analyst coverage, niche firm, research info may be scarce.
1 Year Target Price $14
1 Year Target Price $14
| 2 | Strong Buy |
| 0 | Buy |
| 3 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -16.62% | Avg. Invested days 44 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  1.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 10/15/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 276.56M USD | Price to earnings Ratio 10.85 | 1Y Target Price 14 |
Price to earnings Ratio 10.85 | 1Y Target Price 14 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 5 | Beta 0.96 | 52 Weeks Range 8.29 - 13.41 | Updated Date 10/17/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 8.29 - 13.41 | Updated Date 10/17/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 0.85 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 5.16% | Operating Margin (TTM) 9.58% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 4.19% | Return on Equity (TTM) 9.46% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 10.85 | Forward PE 14.03 | Enterprise Value 530984303 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.58 |
Enterprise Value 530984303 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.58 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.11 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 9.61 | Shares Outstanding 29995453 | Shares Floating 23137893 |
Shares Outstanding 29995453 | Shares Floating 23137893 | ||
Percent Insiders 2.77 | Percent Institutions 93.19 |
Upturn AI SWOT
El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
El Pollo Loco, founded in Guasave, Mexico, in 1975, expanded to the US in 1980. It went public as El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. in 2014. The company is known for its fire-grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired side dishes. Over the years it has focused on restaurant expansion, menu innovation, and franchise development.
Core Business Areas
- Restaurant Operations: Owns, operates, and franchises quick-service restaurants specializing in fire-grilled chicken.
Leadership and Structure
The leadership team consists of the CEO, CFO, and other key executives overseeing various operational and strategic functions. The organizational structure includes corporate-owned restaurants and franchised locations, managed under a corporate headquarters.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Fire-Grilled Chicken: El Pollo Loco's signature dish, prepared with a special marinade and grilled over an open flame. Competitors include KFC, Popeyes, and other chicken-focused restaurants. Limited market share data is available, but it is a key differentiator.
- Mexican-Inspired Sides: A variety of side dishes such as rice, beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and salads, providing a complete meal experience. Competitors include the sides offered by other QSR chains such as Chipotle and Taco Bell.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry is highly competitive, with numerous chains vying for market share. Trends include healthier options, digital ordering, and delivery services.
Positioning
El Pollo Loco is positioned as a differentiated QSR chain focused on authentic fire-grilled chicken and Mexican flavors, offering a premium experience compared to traditional fast-food options. Its competitive advantage lies in its unique grilling process and distinct flavor profile.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The QSR market is estimated in the hundreds of billions USD. El Pollo Loco's TAM focuses on the growing segment seeking healthier and more authentic dining options, giving the brand a smaller yet focused market.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Unique fire-grilled chicken
- Strong brand recognition in key markets
- Loyal customer base
- Healthy menu options
Weaknesses
- Geographic concentration (primarily in the Western US)
- Fluctuations in chicken prices
- Competition with larger QSR chains
- Higher price point compared to competitors
Opportunities
- Expansion into new geographic markets
- Menu innovation and limited-time offers
- Increased focus on digital ordering and delivery
- Partnerships with third-party delivery services
Threats
- Rising labor costs
- Changing consumer preferences
- Economic downturns affecting discretionary spending
- Increased competition from other QSR chains
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- YUM
- CMG
- TACO
Competitive Landscape
El Pollo Loco competes in a highly fragmented market. Its strengths include its unique product and brand, but faces challenges from larger chains with greater resources and brand awareness.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Historical growth has been moderate, driven by new restaurant openings and same-store sales growth. The growth patterns can be gleaned from past annual reports.
Future Projections: Analyst projections suggest continued growth, focused on expanding its footprint and improving operational efficiency. Requires research of analyst reports.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include streamlining operations, expanding delivery partnerships, and introducing new menu items.
Summary
El Pollo Loco is a differentiated QSR with a strong brand in the Western US. While its unique offerings and healthy options are advantages, its geographic concentration and competition with larger chains pose challenges. Successful expansion and digital innovation are crucial for future growth and improved financial performance.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. Investor Relations
- SEC Filings (10-K, 10-Q)
- Market Research Reports
- Analyst Reports
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market share and financial data are estimates and may vary. Investment decisions should be based on thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Costa Mesa, CA, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 2014-07-25 | CEO & Director Ms. Elizabeth Goodwin Williams | ||
Sector Consumer Cyclical | Industry Restaurants | Full time employees 4143 | Website https://www.elpolloloco.com |
Full time employees 4143 | Website https://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. The company was formerly known as Chicken Acquisition Corp. and changed its name to El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. in April 2014. El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California.
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