WallStSmart

El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (LOCO)vsYum! Brands Inc (YUM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Yum! Brands Inc generates 1576% more annual revenue ($8.21B vs $490.05M). YUM leads profitability with a 19.0% profit margin vs 5.4%. LOCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. YUM 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

YUM

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9
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
YUMUndervalued (+38.8%)

Margin of Safety

+38.8%

Fair Value

$259.74

Current Price

$159.16

$100.58 discount

UndervaluedFair: $259.74Overvalued

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

YUM2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
31.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.9%

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.7% YoY

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

YUM4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.964/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
28.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : YUM

The strongest argument for YUM centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 31.9%.

Bear Case : LOCO

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

Bear Case : YUM

The primary concerns for YUM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LOCO profiles as a value stock while YUM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

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.

YUM generates stronger free cash flow (482M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LOCO scores higher overall (59/100 vs 59/100). YUM offers better value entry with a 38.8% margin of safety. 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.

Yum! Brands Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Yum! Brands, Inc. is an American fast food corporation listed on the Fortune 1000. Yum! operates the brands KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill, and WingStreet worldwide, except in China, where the brands are operated by a separate company, Yum China.

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