Portillo's Inc. (PTLO) stock soared 9.62% in pre-market trading on Tuesday, following the release of its fourth-quarter 2024 financial results and an optimistic outlook for the fiscal year 2025.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the fast-casual restaurant chain reported revenue of $184.6 million, in line with analysts' expectations. However, the company's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.17 significantly surpassed the consensus estimate of $0.04, driven by higher menu prices and cost-management efforts.
For fiscal 2025, Portillo's forecasts adjusted EBITDA growth between 6% and 8%, primarily fueled by targeted menu price increases aimed at mitigating inflationary pressures. The company expects revenue growth of 11% to 12%, supported by the opening of 12 new restaurants and a projected same-restaurant sales increase of up to 2%.
Portillo's implemented multiple menu price hikes in 2024, including a 1.5% increase in January, another 1.5% increase at the end of March, a 1.0% increase in June, and a further 1.5% increase in January 2025. These strategic price adjustments, coupled with effective cost management, have positioned the company for continued profitability growth in the face of inflationary headwinds.