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Stock comparison · Signal date 2026-11-03

LOCO vs PZZA: stock comparison and AI forecast

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) and Papa Johns International Inc (PZZA) compared on price performance, valuation, profitability and the daily AI forecast. · Alpha · vs market

Share
Nasdaq · Retail-Eating Places

LOCO El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.

Price
$15.57 +19.8% · 6M
Market Cap
$474M
P/E Ratio
14.3x
Size
small-cap
AI Forecast
Full analysis →
Nasdaq · Retail-Eating Places

PZZA Papa Johns International Inc

Price
$18.45 -49.0% · 6M
Market Cap
$608M
P/E Ratio
21.5x
Size
small-cap
AI Forecast
Full analysis →
Model output

Which one does the AI model favor?

Intratio's model scores both stocks every trading day. Sign in to see their current direction; the exact ratings and forecasts come with a plan or a free follow slot.

6M · 2026-05-04 → 2026-10-30

Six-month price performance

Closing prices rebased to 100 at the start of the window.

6080100120
LOCO +19.8% PZZA -49.0%
LOCO · PZZA

Key facts

  • PZZA is 1.3 times larger than LOCO by market capitalization ($608M against $474M).
  • LOCO trades at 14.3 times trailing earnings, PZZA at 21.5 times.
  • Over the last six months LOCO returned +19.8% and PZZA -49.0%.
  • LOCO turns 7.0% of its revenue into net income, against 1.4% for PZZA.
  • PZZA yields 10.12% in dividends; LOCO pays none.
  • Both companies share the SEC industry classification Retail-Eating Places.
Fundamentals

Fundamentals side by side

Trailing twelve months.

Valuation & Market

MetricLOCOPZZA
Market Cap$474M$608M
P/E Ratio14.29x21.46x
P/B Ratio1.49x–
Dividend Yield–10.12%
EPS$1.09$0.86
Book Value/Share$10.42–
Revenue/Share$16.46$59.76
FCF/Share$1.35$1.04

Profitability & Margins

MetricLOCOPZZA
ROE11.0%–
ROA5.6%3.4%
ROIC9.9%16.2%
Gross Margin–24.1%
Operating Margin10.5%4.3%
Net Margin7.0%1.4%
EBT Margin9.8%2.3%
Tax Rate29.1%36.6%

Financial Health

MetricLOCOPZZA
Current Ratio0.41x0.83x
Quick Ratio0.38x0.71x
D/E Ratio0.95x–
Financial Leverage1.95x–
Interest Coverage33.3x4.5x
Working Capital-$50M-$48M

Cash Flow

MetricLOCOPZZA
Operating Cash Flow$74M$95M
Free Cash Flow$41M$34M
Capital Spending-$33M-$61M
OCF Growth YoY97.0%-27.8%
FCF Growth YoY98.0%-40.9%
FCF/Sales8.2%1.7%
CapEx/Sales6.6%3.1%

Operational Efficiency

MetricLOCOPZZA
Asset Turnover0.81x2.44x
Receivables Turnover–20.8x
Inventory Turnover–45.9x
Fixed Assets Turnover5.0x8.1x
Days Sales Outstanding–18 days
Days Inventory–8 days
Payables Period–17 days
Cash Conversion Cycle–9 days

Income Statement

MetricLOCOPZZA
Total Revenue$501M$1.97B
Operating Income$53M$85M
Net Income$35M$28M
Cost of Goods Sold–$1.49B

Dividend & Shareholder Information

MetricLOCOPZZA
Dividends Per Share–$1.87
Payout Ratio–217.4%
Shares Outstanding30M33M
Net Income Growth41.0%-63.4%
EPS Growth28.2%-64.9%
FAQ

LOCO vs PZZA: stock comparison and AI forecast

Which is bigger, LOCO or PZZA?

PZZA is 1.3 times larger than LOCO by market capitalization ($608M against $474M).

Which is cheaper on earnings, LOCO or PZZA?

LOCO trades at 14.3 times trailing earnings, PZZA at 21.5 times.

Which stock performed better over the last six months, LOCO or PZZA?

Over the last six months LOCO returned +19.8% and PZZA -49.0%.

Which one does Intratio's AI model rank higher, LOCO or PZZA?

Intratio's model scores both stocks every trading day. Sign in to see their current direction; the exact ratings and forecasts come with a plan or a free follow slot.

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This analysis is generated automatically using our proprietary AI systems and should not be considered personalized investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a financial advisor before making investment decisions.