El Pollo Loco has rallied over 30% YTD, sharply outperforming a weak restaurant sector and maintaining strong execution amid industry headwinds. LOCO trades at 6.8x FY26 EV/adjusted EBITDA, with a disciplined franchise-focused expansion strategy and mid-single-digit revenue growth outlook. Same-restaurant sales rebounded to 2.1% in Q4, driven by successful menu innovation and value-focused offerings, with franchise comps notably outpacing company-owned stores.

El Pollo Loco has executed an asset-light turnaround, driving a ~30% stock gain and outperforming peers, with a strong Q4 and robust opening pipeline. LOCO's menu innovation, protein-heavy bowls, and competitive pricing are capturing market share from fast-casual rivals like Chipotle, supporting improved same-store sales and margins. Franchise expansion, cost control, and strategic use of failed locations are enhancing unit economics, with management guiding for continued sales and EBITDA growth through FY 2028.

A major move in the restaurant sector captured the market's attention, as El Pollo Loco NASDAQ: LOCO shares rose an impressive 17% on March 13. The catalyst for this sudden rally was El Pollo Loco's fourth-quarter 2025 earnings report, which showcased results that decisively surpassed Wall Street's forecasts for profit and revenue.

The brand expands its loyalty platform beyond discounts, offering members new, high-value rewards and exclusive access. The brand expands its loyalty platform beyond discounts, offering members new, high-value rewards and exclusive access.

El Pollo Loco's restaurants are becoming more profitable. Growth is set to accelerate in 2026.

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

The headline numbers for El Pollo Loco (LOCO) give insight into how the company performed in the quarter ended December 2025, but it may be worthwhile to compare some of its key metrics to Wall Street estimates and the year-ago actuals.

El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.25 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.21 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.2 per share a year ago.

COSTA MESA, Calif., March 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LOCO) today announced financial results for the 14- and 53-week periods ended December 31, 2025.

Looking beyond Wall Street's top-and-bottom-line estimate forecasts for El Pollo Loco (LOCO), delve into some of its key metrics to gain a deeper insight into the company's potential performance for the quarter ended December 2025.