COSTA MESA, Calif. - El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOCO) today announced the appointment of Elizabeth "Liz" Williams as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 11, 2024. Williams will also join the company's Board of Directors. She succeeds Maria Hollandsworth, who has served as interim CEO since November 3, 2023. Hollandsworth has been named President of El Pollo Loco in addition to her ongoing role as Chief Operating Officer.
Williams, 47, brings a wealth of experience to El Pollo Loco, having previously led high-growth, multi-unit retail, restaurant, and service businesses. Her most recent role was as CEO of Outfox Hospitality, the parent company of modern café and convenience store chain Foxtrot, and Dom's Kitchen and Market. Williams has also held leadership positions at Drybar and Hart House, and spent a decade with Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) and Taco Bell, where her responsibilities included Chief Financial Officer and President of Taco Bell International.
William Floyd, Chairman of the Board, expressed confidence in Williams' ability to drive growth and improve financial performance for El Pollo Loco. He also extended gratitude to Hollandsworth for her leadership during her interim tenure.
In her statement, Williams expressed her excitement about joining El Pollo Loco and the potential for brand growth. She highlighted El Pollo Loco's unique position in the restaurant industry with its fire-grilled chicken and fresh ingredients.
El Pollo Loco, known for its citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken, operates over 490 company-owned and franchised restaurants across several U.S. states. The company aims to expand its presence through new company and franchisee development.
This announcement is based on a press release statement from El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.
InvestingPro Insights
As El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOCO) welcomes Elizabeth Williams as its new CEO, the company's financial health and strategic direction remain a focal point for investors. With a market capitalization of $307.78 million and a P/E ratio standing at 11.93, El Pollo Loco appears to be trading at a discount relative to its near-term earnings growth prospects. The company's P/E ratio over the last twelve months as of Q3 2023 was slightly higher at 12.56, which still underscores its potential as a value play.
From an operational standpoint, El Pollo Loco has shown a commitment to enhancing shareholder value, as evidenced by management's aggressive share buyback initiatives. This is complemented by a high shareholder yield, according to InvestingPro Tips. Additionally, the company has been profitable over the last twelve months, which aligns with analysts' expectations for profitability in the current fiscal year.
InvestingPro Data reveals that El Pollo Loco's revenue growth over the last twelve months as of Q3 2023 was 2.02%, with a gross profit margin of 19.66%. These figures suggest a stable financial base from which the new CEO can work to implement growth strategies. However, it's important to note that short-term obligations exceed liquid assets, indicating potential liquidity constraints that may need to be addressed under the new leadership.
Investors interested in a deeper dive into El Pollo Loco's financials and strategic outlook can explore additional InvestingPro Tips, with 6 more tips available, which could provide further insights into the company's potential. To access these insights and more, visit https://www.investing.com/pro/LOCO and consider using the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.
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