El Pollo Loco's Crazy Surge Was Justified (Upgrade)

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. is upgraded from Hold to a soft Buy as fundamentals and comparable sales have improved markedly. LOCO's system-wide comparable sales surged 5.8% in Q1 2026, outpacing inflationary headwinds and demonstrating successful menu innovation and digital growth. Management targets 19–20 new locations and 2–4% system-wide comparable sales growth in 2026, supported by robust digital and loyalty channel expansion.

Seeking Alpha • Jun 1, 2026

El Pollo Loco authorizes $40M share repurchase program

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOCO) has authorized a $40 million share repurchase program, the Costa Mesa, California-based restaurant chain said Thursday evening. The board of directors approved the repurchase of up to $40 million of its common stock, representing approximately 9% of the company's current market capitalization.

Proactive Investors • May 29, 2026

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Announces $40 Million Share Repurchase Authorization

COSTA MESA, Calif., May 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (“El Pollo Loco” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to $40 million of its common stock, representing ~9% of the Company's current market capitalization.

GlobeNewsWire • May 28, 2026

El Pollo Loco: Loco Tenders Put Pricing Power To The Test

El Pollo Loco is executing a successful 'Taco Bell-ification' strategy, driving higher average checks and resilient traffic. LOCO's menu innovation—especially bowls, salads, and Baja Tostadas—has boosted same-store sales and restaurant-level margins above long-term targets. Systemwide traffic grew 0.6%, the average check rose 5.2%, and the restaurant-level margin reached 19.2%, supporting robust EBITDA and cash generation.

Seeking Alpha • May 28, 2026

El Pollo Loco Q1 Earnings Call Highlights

El Pollo Loco NASDAQ: LOCO reported first-quarter 2026 results that management said reflected continued momentum from its ongoing brand transformation, highlighted by same-store sales growth and margin expansion alongside increased marketing and operational initiatives. Get El Pollo Loco alerts:Sign UpFirst-quarter sales and margin performance Chief Executive Officer Liz Williams said the company was “proud of our first quarter results,” citing system-wide same-store sales growth of 5.8% and restaurant-level margin expansion of 320 basis points year-over-year.

MarketBeat • May 8, 2026

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Seeking Alpha • May 8, 2026

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

COSTA MESA, Calif., May 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LOCO) (the “Company”) today announced financial results for the 13-week period ended April 1, 2026.

GlobeNewsWire • May 7, 2026

El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) Surpasses Q1 Earnings and Revenue Estimates

El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.28 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.22 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.19 per share a year ago.

Zacks Investment Research • May 8, 2026

Chicken Tenders, but Make Them Loco

El Pollo Loco® reimagines this favorite with bold spices and dipping sauces El Pollo Loco® reimagines this favorite with bold spices and dipping sauces

GlobeNewsWire • Apr 23, 2026

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. to Announce First Quarter 2026 Results on Thursday, May 7, 2026

COSTA MESA, Calif., April 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (“El Pollo Loco”) (NASDAQ: LOCO) today announced that it will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time.

GlobeNewsWire • Apr 16, 2026