EarningsQ2 2026 Earnings Report
MX:LOCO Q2 2026 EPS Results
Actual EPS$5.39
Consensus EPS$4.99
Beat/MissBeat by +$0.40
One Year Ago EPS$5.03
MX:LOCO Q2 2026 Revenue Results
Actual Revenue$2.33B
Expected Revenue$2.34B
Beat/MissMissed by -$12.97M
YoY Revenue Growth+2.97%
Earnings Announcement Details
QuarterQ2 2026
Date08/06/2026
TimeAfter Close
Conference CallThursday, August 6, 2026
MX:LOCO Upcoming Earnings
El Pollo LoCo's next earnings date is estimated for October 29, 2026, based on past reporting schedules.
Q2 2026 Earnings Call Audio
MX:LOCO Q2 2026 Earnings Call
0:00 / 0:00
Q2 2026 Earnings Slide Deck
No slide deck is available for this earnings event.
Q2 2026 Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call conveyed clear operational momentum: positive same-store sales, margin improvement, digital and loyalty strength, successful menu innovation, and accelerated unit growth with raised EBITDA guidance and reduced capex. Headwinds remain around commodity inflation (notably produce), modest transaction declines, a quarter-over-quarter reliance on higher checks, a one-time legal settlement impacting G&A comparability, and a modest cash balance. Overall the positive drivers and upward guidance outweigh the challenges discussed.Company Guidance
Same-Store Sales and Revenue Growth
Systemwide same store sales grew 3.9% in Q2 2026; total revenue increased to $129.6M from $125.8M a year ago. Company-operated restaurant revenue rose 3.7% to $108.1M driven by 3% company comparable restaurant sales and contributions from newly opened company restaurants.
Restaurant-Level Margin and Upgraded Margin Guidance
Q2 restaurant contribution margin improved to 19.5% (vs. 19.1% year-ago) and remains within the long-term 18%-20% target. Full-year 2026 restaurant-level margin guidance raised to 18.25%-18.75% (up from 17.8% in 2025).
Digital, Loyalty and Check Growth
Digital sales (app, web, kiosk) represented ~28% of system sales and were up 13% year-over-year. Loyalty members visit ~3x more than non-members and drove frequency and check growth (loyalty outpaced non-loyalty by more than double). Average check increases contributed materially (company avg check +4.2% in Q2; franchise avg check +5.3%).
Adjusted EBITDA and Net Income Improvement
Q2 adjusted EBITDA rose to $19.1M (from $18.5M prior year). GAAP net income was $12.8M ($0.43/diluted share) vs $7.1M ($0.24) prior year. Adjusted net income was $8.9M ($0.30) vs $8.2M ($0.28) year-ago.
New Unit Growth and Geographic Expansion
Opened 5 new franchise and 1 company location in Q2 and 2 additional locations post-quarter; 2026 YTD openings = 10, on track for 18-20 openings. Entered Idaho (10th state) and added Washington and New Mexico within ~24 months — signaling accelerated national expansion momentum.
Menu Innovation and Marketing Momentum
Successful LTOs and new launches (local tenders, loaded quesadillas, Chata coffee) drove trial and guest acquisition — notably younger consumers and late-evening/snacking occasions. Marketing activations (e.g., World Cup exposure, partnerships) generated strong consumer buzz and early product traction.
Off-Premise Growth and Operational Improvements
Off-premise/delivery represented ~17% of sales and grew 12% year-over-year. Operational metrics and guest satisfaction improved (order accuracy, speed, friendliness). Technology and data investments progressing with new CTO hire to support digital and operational scalability.
Raised Financial Guidance and Reduced CapEx
Company increased full-year comparable store sales guidance to 3.5%-4.5% and raised adjusted EBITDA outlook to $68M-$70M. Expected capital spending reduced to $33M-$37M and depreciation & amortization guided to $18M-$18.5M.
Improved G&A and Balance Sheet Actions
Reported $7.1M G&A in Q2 vs $13.5M prior year, including a $6.3M favorable legal settlement. Company paid down $21M on revolver over 26 weeks, had $30M debt outstanding and $13.3M cash at quarter end, and extended $150M revolving credit facility to Aug 4, 2031.
MX:LOCO Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed