El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) vs Malibu Boats, Inc. (MBUU)

A side-by-side comparison of El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. and Malibu Boats, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — LOCO vs MBUU

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
LOCO +35.1% (+3.1%/yr)MBUU +57.2% (+4.6%/yr)MBUU compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$135$157
LOCO MBUU

LOCO vs MBUU: by the numbers

  • •MBUU is the larger company ($456M vs $440M market cap).
  • •LOCO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.34 vs 314.78 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •LOCO converts more revenue to profit (6.96% vs 0.18% net margin).
  • •LOCO grew revenue faster over the past five years (2.11% vs -0.26% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLOCOMBUU
P/E ratio12.34314.78
Forward P/E14.06N/A
PEG ratio2.14N/A
P/S ratio0.880.50
P/B ratio1.390.87
EV / EBITDA9.2711.61
FCF yield9.33%9.40%

Profitability

MetricLOCOMBUU
Gross margin28.32%15.65%
Operating margin10.58%0.34%
Net margin6.96%0.18%
ROE11.00%0.32%
ROIC7.04%0.28%

Growth (annualized)

MetricLOCOMBUU
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.11%-0.26%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.39%-57.46%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-5.56%-15.70%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-0.27%-20.52%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, LOCO or MBUU?
LOCO has the lower trailing P/E: LOCO trades at 12.34 and MBUU at 314.78. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, LOCO or MBUU?
Over the past five years, LOCO grew revenue faster — LOCO at a 2.11% CAGR versus MBUU at -0.26%.
Is LOCO or MBUU more profitable?
LOCO runs the higher net margin — LOCO at 6.96% versus MBUU at 0.18%.
How have LOCO and MBUU total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, LOCO delivered 3.38% and MBUU delivered 4.30% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.