WallStSmart

El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (LOCO)vsRestaurant Brands International Inc (QSR)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Restaurant Brands International Inc generates 1825% more annual revenue ($9.43B vs $490.05M). QSR leads profitability with a 8.2% profit margin vs 5.4%. QSR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. LOCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

LOCO

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 5.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0

QSR

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.93
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LOCOUndervalued (+39.8%)

Margin of Safety

+39.8%

Fair Value

$17.78

Current Price

$14.12

$3.66 discount

UndervaluedFair: $17.78Overvalued
QSRSignificantly Overvalued (-295.4%)

Margin of Safety

-295.4%

Fair Value

$17.88

Current Price

$72.92

$55.04 premium

UndervaluedFair: $17.88Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LOCO2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
15.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

QSR2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
24.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
26.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.4%

Areas to Watch

LOCO2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$422.68M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.4%3/10

5.4% margin — thin

QSR3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
-57.4%2/10

Earnings declined 57.4%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.932/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LOCO

The strongest argument for LOCO centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : QSR

The strongest argument for QSR centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin. PEG of 1.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : LOCO

The primary concerns for LOCO are Market Cap, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : QSR

The primary concerns for QSR are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LOCO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — expect wider price swings.

LOCO is growing revenue faster at 8.1% — sustainability is the question.

QSR generates stronger free cash flow (441M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor RESTAURANTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

LOCO scores higher overall (59/100 vs 57/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary El Pollo Loco, Inc., develops, franchises, licenses and operates quick service restaurants under the name El Pollo Loco. The company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California.

Restaurant Brands International Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Restaurant Brands International Inc. owns, operates and franchises quick-service restaurants under the Tim Hortons (TH), Burger King (BK) and Popeyes (PLK) brands. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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