El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call:
On March 6, 2025, at 4:30 PM ET, El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) held its Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call. The call was led by Ira Fils, the Chief Financial Officer, and Liz Williams, the CEO. Participating analysts included Todd Brooks from The Benchmark Company, Larson Rice from Truist, and Tania Anderson from William Blair.
Company Performance
During the call, El Pollo Loco reported impressive financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024. The company’s revenue grew by 11.5% year-over-year, reaching $175.7 million. This growth was driven by a 7.3% increase in comparable restaurant sales and the opening of 17 new restaurants. Net income also rose, reaching $12.7 million, a significant improvement from the same period the previous year.
Impact on Investors
The strong financial performance of El Pollo Loco in the fourth quarter of 2024 was met with enthusiasm from investors. LOCO’s stock price increased by 8.5% in after-hours trading following the earnings release. This growth was attributed to the company’s continued focus on expanding its presence in key markets and its commitment to improving the customer experience through menu innovation and technology.
Impact on Customers
The positive financial results for El Pollo Loco in Q4 2024 may not directly impact customers in their daily lives. However, the company’s continued success could lead to new restaurant openings and innovative menu offerings in their local areas. Additionally, the focus on improving the customer experience through technology could result in more convenient ordering and pickup options.
Impact on the Industry
El Pollo Loco’s strong Q4 2024 earnings report could have a ripple effect on the fast-food industry as a whole. The company’s success in expanding its presence and improving its customer experience could inspire competitors to follow suit. Additionally, the focus on technology and convenience could become a trend in the industry, as consumers increasingly demand quick and easy ordering and pickup options.
Analysts’ Perspective
During the conference call, analysts asked questions about El Pollo Loco’s growth strategy and the potential impact of increased competition. The company’s management team expressed confidence in their ability to continue expanding in key markets and differentiating themselves through menu innovation and technology.
Future Plans
El Pollo Loco plans to continue its growth strategy in 2025, with a focus on expanding in existing markets and entering new ones. The company also plans to invest in technology to improve the customer experience and increase convenience.
- Expansion in existing markets
- Entry into new markets
- Investment in technology
Overall, El Pollo Loco’s strong Q4 2024 earnings report is a positive sign for the company and the fast-food industry as a whole. The focus on expanding and improving the customer experience through technology is likely to be a trend in the industry moving forward.
Conclusion
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.’s Q4 2024 earnings call demonstrated the company’s continued success and growth in the fast-food industry. The strong financial performance was met with enthusiasm from investors, who saw potential for continued expansion and innovation. Customers may benefit from new restaurant openings and improved convenience, while the industry as a whole could see increased competition and a focus on technology.
As El Pollo Loco continues to grow and innovate, it will be interesting to see how the company and the industry adapt to changing consumer preferences and competition. With a strong focus on expanding in existing markets and entering new ones, as well as investing in technology, El Pollo Loco is well-positioned for success in the years to come.
