El Pollo Loco (LOCO) Q4 Earnings Preview: What You Should Know Beyond the Headline Estimates

The upcoming report from El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $0.13 per share, indicating a decline of 18.8% compared to the year-ago period. Analysts forecast revenues of $113.15 million, representing an increase of 0.8% year over year.The current level reflects no revision in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter over the past 30 days. This demonstrates how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reappraised their initial projections over this period.Prior to a company's earnings release, it is of utmost importance to factor in any revisions made to the earnings projections. These revisions serve as a critical gauge for predicting potential investor behaviors with respect to the stock. Empirical studies consistently reveal a strong link between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.While investors usually depend on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to assess the business performance for the quarter, delving into analysts' forecasts for certain key metrics often provides a more comprehensive understanding.In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain El Pollo Loco metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.Analysts predict that the 'Revenue- Franchise advertising fee revenue' will reach $7.36 million. The estimate suggests a change of +0.4% year over year.Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Revenue- Franchise revenue' should arrive at $11.17 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +1.9%.According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Revenue- Company-operated restaurant revenue' should come in at $94.62 million. The estimate suggests a change of +0.7% year over year.Analysts forecast 'Stores at the End of Period - Franchise restaurants' to reach 326. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 323.The consensus among analysts is that 'Stores at the End of Period - Company-owned Restaurants' will reach 173. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 172.The consensus estimate for 'Stores at the End of Period - Total Restaurants' stands at 499. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 495 in the same quarter last year.View all Key Company Metrics for El Pollo Loco here>>>Over the past month, El Pollo Loco shares have recorded returns of -5% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -1.3% change. Based on its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), LOCO will likely outperform the overall market in the upcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>Just Released: Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2025Hurry – you can still get in early on our 10 top tickers for 2025. Handpicked by Zacks Director of Research Sheraz Mian, this portfolio has been stunningly and consistently successful. From inception in 2012 through November, 2024, the Zacks Top 10 Stocks gained +2,112.6%, more than QUADRUPLING the S&P 500’s +475.6%. Sheraz has combed through 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank and handpicked the best 10 to buy and hold in 2025. You can still be among the first to see these just-released stocks with enormous potential. See New Top 10 Stocks >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks