Genesco vs El Pollo Loco

Genesco Inc and El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc are presented here in a straightforward comparison. This page examines their business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand how each company operates within its sector. The aim is to provide neutral, accessible information that supports informed consideration without making recommendations. Educational content, not financial advice.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

GCO

Metric

LOCO

$395.01M

Market Cap

$325.91M

13.44%

Potential Profit

53.40%

Hold

Analyst Rating

Buy

Investment Analysis

Genesco

GCO

Pros

Genesco’s Q2 2025 revenue beat expectations, showing resilience with $546 million despite reporting an adjusted loss per share better than anticipated.
The company demonstrates improving profitability metrics with an 18.8% return on equity indicating effective shareholder capital management.
Genesco operates multiple diversified retail footwear and apparel segments, providing broad market exposure and growth avenues.

Considerations

Genesco reported negative net income with a loss per share of around $2.30, reflecting ongoing profitability challenges.
The stock has experienced significant volatility, with a 3-year negative return near 36% despite recent short-term gains.
High operational expenses close to gross profit levels indicate margin pressure and a narrow net profit margin near -1%.

El Pollo Loco

LOCO

Pros

El Pollo Loco operates a substantial network of fast-casual chicken restaurants, benefiting from strong brand recognition in the United States.
The company’s market valuation at around $310 million reflects a mid-sized growth potential within the quick-service restaurant sector.
El Pollo Loco trades at a reasonable P/E ratio near 12, suggesting potentially attractive valuation relative to earnings.

Considerations

El Pollo Loco faces intense competition in the fast-casual segment, which could pressure same-store sales and margins.
Limited available data shows moderate market cap growth, which might indicate slower expansion or uncertain near-term catalysts.
The company may encounter operational risks linked to franchising models that can affect revenue consistency and brand control.

About The Companies

Genesco (GCO)

Genesco Inc. is a US-based speciality retailer with a primary focus on footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company operates through several distinct segments, offering a diverse portfolio of brands to a wide range of customers. Its key retail chains include Journeys Group, which targets teens and young adults with on-trend footwear, and Schuh Group, a prominent footwear retailer in the UK and Ireland. The Johnston & Murphy Group caters to men and women with premium footwear and apparel, while the Genesco Brands Group manages licensed brands such as Levi's and Dockers footwear. With over 1,250 retail stores and a robust e-commerce presence, Genesco utilises an omnichannel strategy to engage shoppers. It's important for potential investors to remember that the value of shares can go down as well as up, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

El Pollo Loco (LOCO)

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) is a small-cap, fast-casual restaurant chain best known for fire-grilled, citrus-marinated chicken and Mexican-inspired menu items, primarily operating in the US Southwest. Investors should know the company’s performance hinges on same-store sales, unit expansion (including franchising), and its digital and delivery channels. Margins can be affected by commodity costs (chicken, produce), labour and rent, while marketing, menu innovation and operational efficiency drive customer frequency. As a smaller-cap restaurant operator, LOCO can be more volatile than larger peers and sensitive to economic cycles and competitive pressure from both quick-service and fast-casual brands. Financial strength, franchise mix and execution of growth initiatives are key factors to watch in quarterly reports. This summary is for educational purposes only and not personalised investment advice; consider your risk tolerance and consult a qualified adviser before investing.

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Comparison Snapshot