Business
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Announces $40 Million Share Repurchase Authorization
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Announces $40 Million Share Repurchase
About this update from El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"COSTA MESA, Calif., May 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (“El Pollo Loco” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LOCO), the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to $40 million of its common stock, representing ~9% of the Company’s current market capitalization. “Our Board’s approval of a new share repurchase program reflects our strong balance sheet, with less than one times leverage, and confidence in our future outlook as we accelerate our unit growth cadence and, by extension, our EBITDA growth in the coming years,” said Liz Williams, Chief Executive Officer. “Due to the strong cash flow generation of our business model, we have the financial flexibility to invest in organic growth, our top capital allocation priority, while simultaneously returning cash to shareholders through share repurchases to enhance long-term shareholder value.” The share repurchase program is effective immediately, does not have a fixed expiration date, does not obligate El Pollo Loco to repurchase any specific number of shares and may be expanded, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. It permits shares to be repurchased from time to time at management’s discretion through a variety of methods, including open market purchases, block trades, privately negotiated transactions, transactions pursuant to a 10b5-1 trading plan, or transactions otherwise in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The timing and number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including price, general business, economic and market conditions, alternative investment opportunities, and funding considerations. The Company intends to fund the repurchases with existing cash, future cash flow from operations, future borrowings, or other sources of cash at the Company’s discretion.About El Pollo LocoEl Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO) is the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant known for its craveable, flavorful, and better-for-you offerings. Our menu features innovative meals with Mexican flavors all made in our restaurants daily using quality ingredients. At El Pollo Loco, inclusivity is at the heart of our culture. Our community of over 4,000 employees reflects our commitment to creating...