NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of El Pollo Loco Holdings are up 5% to $25.20 in after-hours trading today as the company reported 2014 fourth quarter results that beat analysts' estimates and issued strong 2015 guidance. The Costa Mesa, CA-based company reported pro forma fourth quarter net income of 14 cents per diluted share on revenue of $90 million, surpassing the average of analysts' estimates that had expected earnings of 12 cents and revenue of $81.48 million, according to data compiled by Reuters. "Our system-wide comparable restaurant sales growth of 7.6% marked our 14th consecutive quarter of positive comparable restaurant sales growth, as our unique 'QSR-plus' positioning, compelling value proposition, and broad menu offerings anchored by our signature fire-grilled chicken, continue to resonate with customers," CEO Steve Sather said. "As we look ahead to 2015, we're excited about the opportunity to expand in both new and existing markets, bringing our fresh, hand-crafted Mexican inspired cuisine to customers across the country. Our initial expansion into Texas has gone extremely well and we expect to open 27 new El Pollo Loco restaurants in 2015, including an additional six to eight restaurants in the Houston area," Sather added. The company expects 2015 pro forma diluted net income per share ranging from 67 cents to 71 cents. Analysts expected 68 cents. Pro forma net income guidance for fiscal year 2015 is based, in part, on the following annual assumptions: System-wide comparable restaurant sales growth of approximately 3% to 5%, the opening of 16 new company-owned restaurants and 11 new franchised restaurants, Restaurant contribution margin of 21.7% to 22.%, Pro forma income tax rate of 40.5%, G&A expenses of between 8.2% and 8.4% of total revenue, and adjusted EBITDA of between $66.5 and $69.2 million. El Pollo Loco develops, franchises, licenses and operates quick-service restaurants under the name El Pollo Loco and operates under one business segment. The restaurants, which are located principally in California but also in Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Utah, specialize in flame-grilled chicken in a variety of contemporary Mexican-influenced entrees, including specialty chicken burritos, chicken quesadillas, chicken tortilla soup, Pollo Bowls and Pollo Salads. LOCO data by YCharts
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