LOCO Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
LOCO - El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.
$10.13
-0.02 (-0.20%)
▼
5d:
-4.7%
30d:
-3.52%
90d:
+6.52%
BUY
MODERATE Confidence
Last Updated: January 30, 2026
Earnings: Mar 05, 2026
30d
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
💡 BUY OPPORTUNITY: LOCO shows positive signals but monitor for confirmation. Market pricing in 2.3% decline. Moderate conviction.
💡 BUY OPPORTUNITY: LOCO shows positive signals but monitor for confirmation. Market pricing in 2.3% decline. Moderate conviction.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$13.25
Based on 4.1% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$8.23
Trading above fair value
How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 11.2x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: LOCO is currently trading at $10.13, which is considered oversold relative to its 30-day fair value range of $10.42 to $11.09. The stock's valuation (Forward PE: 10.4) is in line with its historical norms (11.2). Remarkably, the market is currently pricing in an annual earnings decline of 2.3% over the next few years. This pessimistic expectation contrasts with the company's recent 19.0% earnings growth, suggesting potential undervaluation if the company simply maintains stability.
Technical Outlook: Technically, LOCO is in a uptrend. The price is currently testing key support at $10.06. A bounce from this level would confirm strength, while a break below could signal further downside.
Market Sentiment: LOCO has a weak technical setup (25/100), with bearish trendlines and momentum suggesting caution for short-term entries. In the options market, Implied Volatility is low (7th percentile), suggesting options premiums are relatively cheap. This makes it an attractive time for long options strategies if you have a directional bias. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $14.50 (+43.1%). Combining these factors, the current setup offers a favorable risk/reward ratio for buyers.
Technical Outlook: Technically, LOCO is in a uptrend. The price is currently testing key support at $10.06. A bounce from this level would confirm strength, while a break below could signal further downside.
Market Sentiment: LOCO has a weak technical setup (25/100), with bearish trendlines and momentum suggesting caution for short-term entries. In the options market, Implied Volatility is low (7th percentile), suggesting options premiums are relatively cheap. This makes it an attractive time for long options strategies if you have a directional bias. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $14.50 (+43.1%). Combining these factors, the current setup offers a favorable risk/reward ratio for buyers.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
OVERSOLD
Fair Price Range
$10.42 -
$11.09
Company Quality Score
46/100
(HOLD)
Options IV Signal
7th percentile
(COMPLACENCY WARNING)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
65.4%
All Signals
- BULLISH: Price oversold vs 30-day range
- BULLISH: Options cheap (IV 7th percentile)
- BEARISH: Weak technical setup (25/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BULLISH: Trading 43.1% below Wall St target ($14.50)
Fair Price Analysis
30-Day Fair Range
$10.42 -
$11.09
Current vs Fair Value
OVERSOLD
Expected Move (7 Days)
±$0.42
(4.2%)
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$10.07
Resistance Level
$11.34
Current Trend
Uptrend
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
10.44
Wall Street Target
$14.50
(+43.1%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
0.9%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
19.0%
Profit Margin
5.4%
Valuation Discount vs History
-2.3% cheaper
PE vs Historical
10.4 vs 11.2
FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
-2.3%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$9.90
(-2%)
2-Year Target
$9.67
(-5%)
3-Year Target
$9.45
(-7%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 10→11)
$10.13
(0%)
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 22.3, Growth: 4.1%)
$24.39
(+141%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 10.4, Growth: 4.1%)
$11.42
(+13%)
Bear:
(PE: 8.9, Growth: 4.1%)
$9.71
(-4%)
📈
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (12x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (10x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 11.61 | Current EPS (TTM): $0.88
Bull Case
$12.39
(+22%)
Analyst growth 10.2%, PE expands to 12.8
Base Case
$11.27
(+11%)
Market implied 10.2%, PE stable at 11.6
Bear Case
$6.95
(-31%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 9.9
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
💡
Upside Surprise Potential
If earnings stabilize (0% growth), PE could expand from 10.4 to 11.2
Stabilization Target:
$10.86
(+7.2%)
PE Expansion Potential:
+7.2%
Last updated: February 01, 2026 11:03 PM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 12:03 AM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 12:03 AM
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Technical Signals Check
Is LOCO showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
0
Buys
0
Sells
0
Net
NEUTRAL
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