El Pollo Loco(LOCO) ZACKS·2025-03-07 17:40Core Insights - El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) reported strong fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate and showing year-over-year growth [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were 20 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 13 cents by 53.9%, compared to an adjusted loss per share of 16 cents in the prior-year quarter [3]. - Total revenues reached 113 million, reflecting a 1.9% year-over-year increase [3]. - Comparable restaurant revenues increased to 94 million year over year, with a system-wide comparable restaurant sales growth of 0.5% [4]. Operating Highlights - Total expenses rose to 104.8 million year over year, but as a percentage of total revenues, expenses decreased to 92.1% from 93.4% [5]. - Operating income improved to 7.5 million year over year [5]. Annual Overview - For fiscal 2024, total revenues increased to 468.7 million in fiscal 2023, while company-operated restaurant revenues declined to 398.4 million [6]. - The annual adjusted EPS rose to 86 cents from 74 cents reported in fiscal 2023 [6]. Financial Position - As of December 25, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were 7.3 million at the end of fiscal 2023, while total debt decreased to 84 million [7]. Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the results, LOCO stock increased by 5.7% during after-hours trading [2]. Zacks Rank - El Pollo Loco currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [8].