Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (CMG)vsEl Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (LOCO)
CMG
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc
$36.20
+0.19%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $46.77B
LOCO
El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc
$15.18
+0.80%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $456.83M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc generates 2381% more annual revenue ($12.42B vs $500.79M). CMG leads profitability with a 11.4% profit margin vs 7.0%. LOCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. LOCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CMG
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
LOCO
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CMG.
Margin of Safety
+20.3%
Fair Value
$13.43
Current Price
$15.18
$1.75 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 65 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 79.2% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 20.8x book value
Earnings declined 1.3%
3.0% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
7.0% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CMG
The strongest argument for CMG centers on Return on Equity.
Bull Case : LOCO
The strongest argument for LOCO centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CMG
The primary concerns for CMG are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.46 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : LOCO
The primary concerns for LOCO are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CMG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — expect wider price swings.
CMG is growing revenue faster at 9.3% — sustainability is the question.
CMG generates stronger free cash flow (463M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RESTAURANTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
LOCO scores higher overall (65/100 vs 56/100). 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.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., often known simply as Chipotle, is an American chain of fast casual restaurants in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and France, specializing in tacos and Mission burritos that are made to order in front of the customer.
Visit Website →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.
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