El Pollo Loco’s Stock Shows Strength in Latest FT Scoreboard
El Pollo Loco shows resilience as stock prices rise amid market volatility.
auto_awesome
El Pollo Loco's stock has risen significantly in 2026, climbing 34% since the year's start and reaching a closing price of $13.97. The brand has reported positive same-store sales growth and plans to open 15 to 16 franchised restaurants this year. This marks a rebound for El Pollo Loco after a challenging 2025 where it had lower stock prices.
Why It Matters
Strong stock performance may enhance franchisee confidence and interest in new franchise territories. The planned expansion suggests potential for improved unit economics across the franchise network.
El Pollo Loco's stock has demonstrated notable resilience and growth in 2026, closing at $13.97 on April 9, which marks a 27 percent increase from $11 on March 10 and a 34 percent rise from $10.32 at the start of the year. This surge indicates the brand's stock has achieved its highest price since December 2021, when it closed at $14.49. The positive trend follows a challenging period where the stock fluctuated between $8 and $13 throughout 2025. For the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, El Pollo Loco reported revenues of $123.5 million, an increase from $114.3 million during the same period in 2024.
CEO Liz Williams highlighted the company's performance, stating, “During the fourth quarter, we not only delivered positive same-store sales growth, but also achieved growth in restaurant-level margins.” Moving forward, the company's strategic priorities include driving sustainable traffic growth and selectively accelerating the opening of new locations, with plans to launch three to four company-owned units and 15 to 16 franchised restaurants in 2026. The brand is forecasting a modest same-store sales growth of between 1 and 3 percent over the next year, suggesting a focused effort on enhancing customer engagement while maintaining financial discipline.
