We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
El Pollo Loco (LOCO) Opens New Restaurant in California
Read MoreHide Full Article
The leading fire-grilled chicken chain of the U.S., El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO - Free Report) , opened its newest outlet in Bishop, CA on Nov 11, 2016. The 3,200 square feet restaurant is located at 785 N. Main Street and can accommodate 75 guests.
The outlet features the brand’s hacienda design and has an open kitchen layout to display the preparation of its signature dish. Owned and operated by franchise partner Sierra Pollo, Inc., it marks the first outlet for El Pollo Loco in Bishop and the sixth for the franchisee.
The company currently has more than 450 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah, and is looking to expand its presence in key markets like Houston and Dallas.
El Pollo Loco has opened over 22 restaurants year to date with the expectation of opening an additional 17–18 company-operated restaurants and 11–12 franchised restaurants in 2016.
However, the company loses out in terms of international presence. Whereas other restaurateurs like Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM - Free Report) , McDonalds Corporation (MCD - Free Report) and Papa John’s International, Inc. (PZZA - Free Report) are following aggressive global expansion policies, El Pollo Loco seems to be weak on this front.
Nonetheless, the company has joined the S&P 600 Small Cap Index after the close of trading on Sep 12. We believe El Pollo Loco's addition to one of the most widely followed small-cap benchmarks is a key positive for the company.
Notably, the company reported weak third-quarter 2016 results with both earnings and sales missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company also slashed its 2016 earnings outlook.
However, the third quarter marked the 21st consecutive quarter of positive comps, courtesy of various sales and digital initiatives. Interestingly, menu innovation and limited time offers have been contributing to traffic. Going forward, the company’s increased focus on catering to health-conscious customers by offering customized meals without compromising on flavors should boost traffic.
Yet, a challenging sales environment and lower consumer spending in the U.S. restaurant space remain headwinds for the company’s top line.
El Pollo Loco currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>>
Unique Zacks Analysis of Your Chosen Ticker
Pick one free report - opportunity may be withdrawn at any time
Image: Bigstock
El Pollo Loco (LOCO) Opens New Restaurant in California
The leading fire-grilled chicken chain of the U.S., El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO - Free Report) , opened its newest outlet in Bishop, CA on Nov 11, 2016. The 3,200 square feet restaurant is located at 785 N. Main Street and can accommodate 75 guests.
The outlet features the brand’s hacienda design and has an open kitchen layout to display the preparation of its signature dish. Owned and operated by franchise partner Sierra Pollo, Inc., it marks the first outlet for El Pollo Loco in Bishop and the sixth for the franchisee.
The company currently has more than 450 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah, and is looking to expand its presence in key markets like Houston and Dallas.
El Pollo Loco has opened over 22 restaurants year to date with the expectation of opening an additional 17–18 company-operated restaurants and 11–12 franchised restaurants in 2016.
However, the company loses out in terms of international presence. Whereas other restaurateurs like Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM - Free Report) , McDonalds Corporation (MCD - Free Report) and Papa John’s International, Inc. (PZZA - Free Report) are following aggressive global expansion policies, El Pollo Loco seems to be weak on this front.
EL POLLO LOCO Price
EL POLLO LOCO Price | EL POLLO LOCO Quote
Nonetheless, the company has joined the S&P 600 Small Cap Index after the close of trading on Sep 12. We believe El Pollo Loco's addition to one of the most widely followed small-cap benchmarks is a key positive for the company.
Notably, the company reported weak third-quarter 2016 results with both earnings and sales missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company also slashed its 2016 earnings outlook.
However, the third quarter marked the 21st consecutive quarter of positive comps, courtesy of various sales and digital initiatives. Interestingly, menu innovation and limited time offers have been contributing to traffic. Going forward, the company’s increased focus on catering to health-conscious customers by offering customized meals without compromising on flavors should boost traffic.
Yet, a challenging sales environment and lower consumer spending in the U.S. restaurant space remain headwinds for the company’s top line.
El Pollo Loco currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Confidential from Zacks
Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>>