Filing Flows › El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) › Q3 2026
El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) Q3 2026 earnings results (third quarter 2026)
10-Q filed Nov 6, 2026
El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) reported revenue of $126M for the third quarter 2026 (Q3 2026), +4% from a year earlier and -3% from the quarter before. Operating margin was 8.1%, net earnings $6.9M (5.4% of revenue).
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Q3 2026: revenue $126M (+4% year over year), operating margin 8.1%, net earnings $6.9M, operating cash flow $7.9M. The chart follows the revenue to costs, profit and cash.
| Q3 2026 | Amount | Q/Q | Y/Y |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $126M | -3% | +4% |
| Operating profit | $10.2M | -46% | -11% |
| Net earnings | $6.9M | -46% | -7% |
| Operating cash flow | $7.9M | -75% | -49% |
| Free cash flow | $506K | -98% | -95% |
What changed
Revenue was $126.3M in Q3 2026, up 4% year over year and down 3% from the previous quarter. Company-operated restaurant revenue was the largest line at 83% of revenue. Company-operated restaurant revenue added $4.7M year over year (up 5%), 97% of the total change. Franchise revenue declined 3%.
Operating profit was $10.2M, a 8.1% margin (down 1.4 points year over year). Operating profit fell $1.3M even though revenue rose $4.8M versus Q3 2025, so costs grew faster than sales. Total costs grew 6% against revenue growth of 4%. The fastest-growing cost line was General & admin (+13%). Net earnings were $6.9M, down 7% year over year. The effective tax rate was 28.6%.
Operating cash flow was $7.9M (down 49% year over year), 114% of net earnings. Non-cash charges added back $4.6M of depreciation and amortization and $1.6M of share-based compensation. Working capital and other items used $5.3M. Capital expenditures of $7.4M left free cash flow of $506K.
Questions
What was El Pollo Loco Holdings' revenue in the third quarter 2026?
El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) reported revenue of $126M for the third quarter 2026 (Q3 2026), +4% from a year earlier and -3% from the quarter before.
Was El Pollo Loco Holdings profitable in the third quarter 2026?
Operating profit was $10.2M (8.1% of revenue) and net earnings $6.9M.