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Upturn AI SWOT - About
LOCO 
El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (LOCO)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
03/27/2025: 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.
AI Based Fundamental Rating
Below Average Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -9.68% | Avg. Invested days 44 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  2.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 03/27/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 312.65M USD | Price to earnings Ratio 12.26 | 1Y Target Price 15.33 |
Price to earnings Ratio 12.26 | 1Y Target Price 15.33 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 287690 | Beta 1.44 | 52 Weeks Range 8.17 - 14.25 | Updated Date 04/1/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 8.17 - 14.25 | Updated Date 04/1/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 0.84 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date 2025-03-05 | When Before Market | Estimate 0.135 | Actual 0.2 |
Profitability
Profit Margin 5.43% | Operating Margin (TTM) 7.49% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 4.38% | Return on Equity (TTM) 10.05% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 12.26 | Forward PE 14.03 | Enterprise Value 567539004 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.66 |
Enterprise Value 567539004 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.66 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.2 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 9.97 | Shares Outstanding 29777200 | Shares Floating 21239188 |
Shares Outstanding 29777200 | Shares Floating 21239188 | ||
Percent Insiders 9.21 | Percent Institutions 99.91 |
Analyst Ratings
Rating 3.5 | Target Price 14 | Buy - | Strong Buy 1 |
Buy - | Strong Buy 1 | ||
Hold 3 | Sell - | Strong Sell - | |
Strong Sell - |
Upturn AI SWOT
El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
El Pollo Loco was founded in 1975 in Guasave, Mexico. The first U.S. restaurant opened in 1980 in Los Angeles. El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and went public that same year. The company focuses on fire-grilled chicken and related Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Core Business Areas
- Company-owned Restaurants: Operation of El Pollo Loco restaurants directly owned and managed by the company.
- Franchising: Franchising the El Pollo Loco brand and restaurant system to independent operators, generating revenue through franchise fees and royalties.
Leadership and Structure
As of October 2024, Larry Roberts serves as the interim Chief Executive Officer, Maria Hollandsworth as Chief Operating Officer, and Ira Fils as Chief Financial Officer. The company operates with a standard corporate structure, including a Board of Directors overseeing executive management.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Fire-Grilled Chicken: El Pollo Loco's signature product, marinated and fire-grilled chicken. Market share is difficult to pinpoint precisely, but this is the core of their brand and drives significant revenue. Competitors include KFC, Church's Chicken, and other QSR chicken chains.
- Mexican-Inspired Dishes: A variety of Mexican-inspired dishes such as bowls, burritos, salads, and quesadillas featuring the signature chicken. Competitors include Chipotle, Qdoba, and other fast-casual Mexican restaurants.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry is highly competitive and fragmented. Demand is driven by convenience, affordability, and evolving consumer preferences. Trends include healthier options, digital ordering, and delivery services.
Positioning
El Pollo Loco positions itself as a fast-casual restaurant offering higher-quality, healthier alternatives to traditional fast food, particularly through its focus on fire-grilled chicken. It caters to consumers seeking authentic Mexican flavors and a more premium experience than typical fast-food chains.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The US QSR market is estimated to be several hundred billion dollars. El Pollo Loco is positioned in a subsegment of the market centered on grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired cuisine with a focus on growth in the Southwestern US and California.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand recognition in California and the Southwest
- Unique fire-grilled chicken cooking process
- Emphasis on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors
- Franchise model for expansion
Weaknesses
- Limited geographic presence
- Sensitivity to chicken prices and supply chain disruptions
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
- Dependence on a specific regional cuisine
Opportunities
- Expansion into new geographic markets
- Menu innovation and introduction of new flavors
- Increased focus on digital ordering and delivery
- Partnerships with third-party delivery services
Threats
- Intense competition in the QSR industry
- Rising labor costs and inflationary pressures
- Changing consumer preferences and health trends
- Economic downturn impacting consumer spending
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- YUM
- CMG
- ARCO
Competitive Landscape
El Pollo Loco's advantages lie in its differentiated fire-grilled chicken and authentic Mexican flavors. Disadvantages include its smaller scale, limited geographic presence, and higher price point compared to some competitors. The industry is intensely competitive.
Major Acquisitions
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: El Pollo Loco's growth has been focused on expanding its restaurant base primarily through franchising, with slower growth in company-owned locations. Performance has fluctuated based on economic conditions and competitive pressures.
Future Projections: Future growth projections depend on the company's ability to expand into new markets, innovate its menu, and effectively manage its cost structure. Analyst estimates should be consulted for specific revenue and earnings forecasts.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include investments in digital ordering platforms, menu enhancements focused on health and flavor, and strategies to improve operational efficiencies.
Summary
El Pollo Loco is a niche player in the QSR market known for its fire-grilled chicken. Its strengths are brand recognition in specific regions and a differentiated product. However, limited geographic reach and competition pose challenges. Continued focus on digital innovation and strategic expansion are crucial for future growth.
Similar Companies
- YUM
- CMG
- QSR
- JACK
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company filings (e.g., 10-K reports)
- Industry reports
- Analyst estimates
- Company website
Disclaimers:
This analysis is based on available information and general market conditions. Financial data is illustrative and needs to be updated with the latest reports. This is not financial advice.
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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