In Friday trading, shares of El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. (LOCO, Financial) gained more than 8% after the company reported its financial results for the fourth quarter. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of 11 cents. The company’s revenue of $95.2 million grew 2.9% from the prior-year quarter. Moreover, the company beat earnings estimates by one cent and was in-line with revenue.
President and CEO Steve Sather said the quarterly results included system-wide comparable store sales growth of 1.4% as well as adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $13.4 million. The company plans to invest in restaurant training and the development of technology platforms.
The company now expects 2018 pro forma diluted net income per share between 68 cents and 73 cents. The restaurant contribution margin is expected to range from 18.7% to 19.6%. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to range between $61 million and $64 million.
Big Lots Inc. (BIG, Financial) lost ground after the company reported its financial results for the fourth quarter. The company posted earnings of $2.57 per share on $1.64 billion in revenue, which increased 3.8% from the prior-year quarter. Moreover, the company beat consensus earnings estimates by 14 cents, but fell short of revenue expectations by $20 million.
The company also said the gross margin increased 10 basis points to 41.5%, adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses rose 40 basis points to 29.5% and the adjusted operating margin fell 20 points to 10.2%.
The retailer's board of directors also approved a share repurchase program of up to $100 million.
Looking ahead to the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the company expects earings per share between $1.15 and $1.22. For full fiscal 2018, earnings are projected to range from $4.75 to $4.95 per diluted share.
Disclosure: The author holds no position in any stocks mentioned.
