WallStSmart

Live Ventures Inc (LIVE)vsEl Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (LOCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc generates 14% more annual revenue ($497.05M vs $437.87M). LOCO leads profitability with a 5.9% profit margin vs 0.9%. LOCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

LIVE

Avoid

33

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.02

LOCO

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 6.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.55
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LIVEUndervalued (+86.4%)

Margin of Safety

+86.4%

Fair Value

$143.82

Current Price

$9.06

$134.76 discount

UndervaluedFair: $143.82Overvalued
LOCOUndervalued (+2.4%)

Margin of Safety

+2.4%

Fair Value

$10.97

Current Price

$13.82

$2.85 discount

UndervaluedFair: $10.97Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LIVE1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

LOCO3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
14.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
43.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 43.3% YoY

Areas to Watch

LIVE4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$28.66M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
4.2%3/10

ROE of 4.2% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.9%3/10

0.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.9%3/10

Operating margin of 1.9%

LOCO3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.554/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Market CapQuality
$426.07M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.9%3/10

5.9% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LIVE

The strongest argument for LIVE centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : LOCO

The strongest argument for LOCO centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : LIVE

The primary concerns for LIVE are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.50 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 0.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : LOCO

The primary concerns for LOCO are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LIVE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

LOCO is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.

LOCO generates stronger free cash flow (3M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

LOCO scores higher overall (67/100 vs 33/100). LIVE offers better value entry with a 86.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Live Ventures Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Live Ventures Incorporated is engaged in flooring manufacturing, steel fabrication and retail businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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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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