El Pollo LoCo (LOCO)
NASDAQ:LOCO
Earnings Data
Report Date
Apr 30, 2026After Close (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q1)Consensus EPS Forecast
0.22Last Year’s EPS
0.19Same Quarter Last Year
Moderate Buy
Based on 4 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call emphasized clear operational momentum: top-line growth, improving restaurant-level margins, successful menu innovations, strong digital and loyalty engagement, and a scaled development pipeline with improved unit economics. These positives are tempered by softer transactions, higher occupancy and G&A costs (including one-time items), modest cash on hand vs. debt, and expected near-term inflationary pressures. Management provided multi-year targets and 2026 guidance that assume continued margin expansion and unit growth while investing in G&A and technology to support scale.Company Guidance
Revenue and Company-Operated Sales Growth
Total Q4 revenue of $123.5M vs $114.3M a year ago (~+10.0%). Company-operated restaurant revenue rose 7.1% to $102.4M from $95.6M, driven by a 0.4% company-operated comparable sales increase and an extra operating week in 2025.
Improving Restaurant-Level Margins and EBITDA
Restaurant contribution margin improved to 17.5% in Q4 from 16.7% a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 increased to $16.9M from $14.3M in 2024. Company provided 2026 restaurant-level margin guidance of ~18.0%–18.5% and adjusted EBITDA guidance of $66M–$68M for 2026.
Profitability and EPS Expansion
GAAP net income of $6.5M in Q4 ($0.22 diluted EPS) vs $6.0M ($0.20) prior-year. Adjusted net income of $7.3M ($0.25) vs $5.9M ($0.20) prior-year, reflecting higher margins and operational improvements.
Successful Menu Innovation Driving Sales
Q4 hits—Double Chicken Street Corn and Queso Crunch Burrito Bowl—exceeded expectations and became permanent menu items. Other successful launches include $29.99 FAM Feasts and Double Pollo Salad; early response to Baja Double Tostadas encouraging. New Loco Tenders planned later in spring.
Digital and Loyalty Momentum
Loyalty revenue and participation rate grew by more than 20% YoY. Delivery grew 12% YoY in 2025. App-based promotions (e.g., Twelve Days of Pollo) attracted new users and increased frequency among members.
Unit Growth and Improved New-Unit Economics
Opened 9 new restaurants in 2025 (including 500th unit) — largest systemwide unit growth since 2022. New units since 2024 averaging >$2.0M annualized sales. 7 of 9 openings used second-generation sites with notably lower build costs (low- to mid-$1M). 2026 target: ~18–20 new restaurants (3–4 company-owned).
Operational and Guest-Experience Improvements
OSAT (customer satisfaction) scores now outpacing QSR industry (SMG) with sequential improvements across accuracy, quality, friendliness, cleanliness and speed. Labor productivity enhanced via scheduling, technology and new POS cloud rollout completed for all restaurants.
Remodel Program and Incremental Sales Lift
Completed 17 company and 52 franchise remodels in 2025 (69 total) with consistent mid-single-digit sales lift in company-operated locations. 2026 remodel plan: 25–35 company and 30–40 franchise remodels.
LOCO Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
LOCO Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Mar 12, 2026 | $10.88 | $12.72 | +16.91% |
Oct 30, 2025 | $9.06 | $10.22 | +12.80% |
Jul 31, 2025 | $10.30 | $10.45 | +1.46% |
May 01, 2025 | $9.43 | $9.08 | -3.71% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does El Pollo LoCo (LOCO) report earnings?
El Pollo LoCo (LOCO) is schdueled to report earning on Apr 30, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
What is El Pollo LoCo (LOCO) earnings time?
El Pollo LoCo (LOCO) earnings time is at Apr 30, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is LOCO EPS forecast?
LOCO EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q1) is 0.22.