Latest news with #LizWilliams
Spectator
6 days ago
- Business
- Spectator
How happy are private renters?
Coined terms Liz Williams, a Reform UK council candidate in May's local elections, began a High Court action trying to overturn the result after she lost on the toss of a coin, having tied with the Green candidate Hannah Robson. The toss of a coin has been used several times to decide local elections. Has chance favoured a particular party? 1987 Labour candidate Bob Blizzard defeated the Conservative May Reader in Pakefield Ward of Waveney District Council after the toss of a coin. 2000 Labour defeated the Conservatives on the toss of a coin in the Worksop North East ward of Bassetlaw District Council. 2007 The Tory Christopher Underwood-Frost defeated the Lib Dem candidate on toss of coin in West Lindsey, Lincolnshire. 2022 The Labour candidate won over the Conservative in Carmarthen's Bigyn ward. There is only one recorded instance of a tie in a general election – in Ashton-under-Lyne in 1886. On that occasion the returning officer used a casting vote to elect the Conservative candidate John Addison. Bag news Which retailers sold the most single-use plastic bags in 2023/24 (legislation compels them to charge at least 10p for each one)? Ocado 190.4m Morrisons 53.3m Co-op 24.8m Aldi 11.4m Sainsbury's 8.8m Farmfoods 7.9m Source: Defra Flat rate How happy are private renters? 80% say they are happy with their current accommodation (75% of social renters and 94% of owner occupiers say the same). Private renters say they pay an average of 31% of their income on rent. They have been in their current accommodation for an average of nearly 4 years. 73% say they left their last rented home because they wanted to move; 10% because the fixed rental period ended; 6% because their landlord asked them to move. Of the latter, 61% said their landlord wanted to sell the property. Source: English Housing Survey The pension gap What percentage of their earnings are employees putting into their pensions? Males, public sector: 7.1% employee contribution and 20% employer. Females, public sector: 6.8% and 17.9%. Males, private sector: 4.3% and 4.5%. Females, private sector: 4.1% and 4%. Across both sectors men between ages of 55 and 59 have average accumulated pension wealth of £156,000 and women £81,000. Source: DWP
Telegraph
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Reform candidate opens court battle after losing election on ‘coin toss'
A Reform UK candidate who lost a council election when a tie was settled with a random draw has asked the High Court to overturn the result. Liz Williams was beaten by Hannah Robson, a Green party candidate, in May's local elections, after several counts left them tied on 889 votes. The counsellor for the Littletons ward, in Worcestershire, was then chosen at random. Two ballot papers were placed in a box and Ms Robson's name was drawn out to secure her the victory for the county council seat. Now Ms Williams has handed an 'election petition' to the High Court in London, claiming the result should be declared void as the victory was decided by a 'toss of the coin'. At a preliminary hearing this week, Mrs Justice Yip said the petition, naming Ms Robson and Vic Allison, the deputy returning officer, as respondents, will be decided at the High Court later this year. According to Ms Williams's petition, the 'result was determined only by folding and placing two used election ballot papers into a ballot box and the deputy returning officer pulling one out'. The petition states the process was 'open to fraud and corruption' and did not allow the candidates time to seek legal advice before they were 'pressured into accepting the process in principle'. Ms Williams said she was not able to 'witness the entire process without obstruction'. She added: 'I could not see the box for all of the preparation and was not included in that. 'I did not agree to a third person shuffling the papers... Only the returning officer should have had their hand in the box.' Footage posted online shows the returning officer putting his hand into a large black box and pulling out a slip of paper, before declaring the winner. Ms Robson was said to have won by 890 to 889 votes. Ms Robson was not represented during the preliminary hearing this week, but Timothy Straker KC, representing the returning officer, said he would apply to dismiss Ms Williams' petition later this year. It is not the first time a council election in the UK has ended in a dead heat. In Blyth in 2007, the winner in one ward was chosen by the drawing of straws, while a candidate in Yorkshire in 2022 offered to play poker to decide the winner, before going on to draw straws. Electoral Commission guidance states: 'When two or more candidates have the same number of votes, and the addition of a vote would entitle any of those candidates to be declared elected, you must decide between the candidates by lot. 'Whichever candidate wins the lot is treated as though they had received an additional vote that enables them to be declared elected.'
The Independent
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Reform UK candidate in court battle after losing election in bizarre ‘name out of the hat' draw
A Reform UK candidate beaten by a Green Party councillor in a bizarre 'name out of the hat'-style draw after an election dead heat is fighting to overturn the result in the High Court. The election was decided at random after recounts left Liz Williams and Green candidate Hannah Robson tied on 889 votes in a rural Worcestershire election in May. Two ballot papers were placed in a box, and Mrs Robson's name was pulled out, securing victory for the Green candidate, who took her seat on the county council. But Mrs Williams is now challenging the result after launching an "election petition" at the High Court in London, claiming that what happened was not fair. As well as citing various alleged irregularities during the vote and count process, Mrs Williams says her defeat was on the equivalent of a "toss of a coin" and that the election should be declared void. At a preliminary hearing this week, Mrs Justice Yip said the petition, naming Green Party candidate Mrs Robson and deputy returning officer Vic Allison as respondents, will be decided at the High Court later this year. The two women were rival candidates for the Littletons ward, which comprises three tiny villages, of Worcestershire County Council, when the unlikely dead heat occurred. According to Mrs Williams' petition, several counts resulted in the rivals being tied on 889 votes, with traditional party candidates behind. "The declared result was determined only by folding and placing two used election ballot papers into a ballot box and the deputy returning officer pulling one out," she says. "The petitioner believes this process was not carried out in accordance with due process of law, open to fraud and corruption and did not allow time for independent legal advice to be obtained when being pressured into accepting the process in principle. "I did not feel able to witness the entire process without obstruction, nor my concerns to be heard at the time. "I could not see the box for all of the preparation and was not included in that. "I did not agree to a third person shuffling the papers. Once in the ballot box, only the returning officer should have had their hand in the box." Footage posted online shows the returning officer putting his hand into a large black box and pulling out a slip of paper, before declaring her winner to cheers and applause in the counting room at Pershore Leisure Centre. Mrs Robson was declared to have won by 890 to 889 votes. Afterwards, she said: "I think I am still in shock and probably will be all weekend. This was just something - maybe next level. "I am feeling like I don't know whether to be sick or jump up in excitement. I have never seen something like this and I know the staff here hasn't either." Challenging the result, Mrs Williams says she wants, "a declaration that the said Hannah Robson was not elected by a due process of law, namely by the electorate as the Representation of Peoples Act 1983 provides; but by an equivalent of a 'toss of a coin' and therefore the election declaration be void." As well as complaints about the way the dead heat was decided, she complains of irregularities in the vote and count. Mrs Robson was not represented during the preliminary hearing this week, but Timothy Straker KC, representing the returning officer, said he would be applying to dismiss Mrs Williams' petition when the case comes back to court later this year. "It would be on the basis that the petition cannot proceed because, unfortunately, from the petitioner's point of view, it is out of time and the time cannot be extended," he said. As well as the winning candidate and the returning officer, Mrs Williams originally named local police and the council's chief executive in her petition. But the cases against them were struck out by Mrs Justice Yip, who said the rules only allow winning candidates and returning officers to be respondents to election petitions. Although very rare, it is not the first time a council election in the UK has ended in a dead heat between two candidates, leading to the winner being picked at random. In Blyth in 2007, the winner in one ward was chosen by the drawing of straws, while a candidate in Yorkshire in 2022 offered to play poker to decide the winner, before going on to draw straws too. Electoral Commission guidance to returning officers states: "When two or more candidates have the same number of votes, and the addition of a vote would entitle any of those candidates to be declared elected, you must decide between the candidates by lot. "Whichever candidate wins the lot is treated as though they had received an additional vote that enables them to be declared elected." Mrs Williams' challenge to the Littletons election result is expected to go ahead at the High Court after September.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LOCO Q1 Earnings Call: Menu Innovation and Brand Relaunch Aim to Counter Flat Sales
Fast food chain El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ:LOCO) reported Q1 CY2025 results beating Wall Street's revenue expectations , with sales up 2.6% year on year to $119.2 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.19 per share was in line with analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy LOCO? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $119.2 million vs analyst estimates of $118.5 million (2.6% year-on-year growth, 0.6% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.19 vs analyst estimates of $0.19 (in line) Adjusted EBITDA: $13.93 million vs analyst estimates of $13.71 million (11.7% margin, 1.6% beat) Operating Margin: 7.5%, in line with the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow Margin: 1.1%, down from 6% in the same quarter last year Locations: 499 at quarter end, up from 495 in the same quarter last year Same-Store Sales were flat year on year (5.1% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $284.9 million El Pollo Loco's first quarter was shaped by a challenging consumer environment, with management citing continued pressure on consumers across all demographics, including the Hispanic segment. CEO Liz Williams acknowledged that the brand turnaround remains a work in progress, highlighting recent menu innovation—like the Mango Habanero chicken—and operational investments such as new kitchen equipment and customer feedback systems. Williams emphasized that while initial results were modest, these efforts are laying the groundwork for improved performance in the coming quarters. Looking ahead, management is focused on a brand relaunch and the introduction of new menu items, including fresco wraps, salads, and quesadillas, as key strategies to drive guest traffic and improve value perception. Williams noted, 'Our brand relaunch couldn't come at a better time,' while CFO Ira Fils projected moderate labor and commodity cost inflation for the rest of the year, supported by ongoing productivity initiatives and supply chain optimizations. The company is targeting a sequential acceleration in same-store sales later in the year, driven by these initiatives. El Pollo Loco's leadership identified menu innovation, operational improvements, and development momentum as central to the first quarter's performance and near-term strategy. Management cited both internal and external headwinds that contributed to flat same-store sales and pressured margins, but expressed conviction in the underlying brand transformation and upcoming product launches. Menu innovation impact: The launch of Mango Habanero chicken attracted new guests and demonstrated consumer appetite for new flavors. Management believes ongoing menu updates, like the upcoming fresco wraps and quesadillas, will further drive trial and value perception. Brand relaunch strategy: The company is undertaking a comprehensive brand relaunch this quarter, including a new aesthetic and marketing campaign aimed at modernizing the brand and reinforcing its focus on quality and affordability. Operational efficiency initiatives: Investments in kitchen equipment and rollout of holding cabinets have improved productivity in company-owned restaurants. New technology, such as kiosks, is being used to streamline ordering and could eventually enhance guest engagement. Customer feedback integration: The implementation of a new customer feedback system has highlighted opportunities in service consistency, particularly order accuracy and hospitality. Management is addressing these issues through back-to-basics training and new standards programs. Development pipeline growth: The company opened two new restaurants in Q1 and expects at least 10 openings in 2025, with the majority outside California. Early signs suggest the pipeline is strengthening for accelerated growth in 2026, with the next opening marking the chain's 500th location. Management's outlook for the remainder of the year centers on driving traffic with menu innovation, operational improvements, and a brand relaunch, while navigating ongoing consumer and cost pressures. Menu innovation and value focus: Upcoming launches of fresco wraps, salads, and quesadillas are expected to address consumer demand for affordable, portable options, targeting both core and younger audiences. Operational productivity gains: Continued rollout of kitchen equipment, labor deployment improvements, and supply chain optimization (Project FIRE) are projected to help offset wage and commodity inflation, supporting margin stability. Remodels and new builds: Modernization of existing restaurants and the introduction of a lower-cost prototype ('Iconic') are intended to improve unit economics and accelerate development, particularly in emerging markets outside California. Management noted these initiatives are expected to boost both sales performance and cash returns. Jeremy Hamblin (Craig-Hallum Capital Group): Asked about expectations for Q2 same-store sales and the timeline for impact from new menu items; management indicated continued headwinds in Q2 but expects sequential improvement later in the year as new products launch. Jake Bartlett (Truist Securities): Inquired about regional and demographic performance, specifically pressures on the Hispanic customer; CEO Liz Williams confirmed broad consumer pullback and added that the Hispanic segment is experiencing additional strain. Jake Bartlett (Truist Securities): Requested clarity on menu pricing trends and cost of goods; CFO Ira Fils stated menu price increases will moderate to around 3% for the year, with further efficiencies expected from supply chain projects. Andy Barish (Jefferies): Probed into operational execution and the impact of weather and product cycles on March sales; management cited unusually rainy weather in Southern California and acknowledged that repeat visits for Mango Habanero could have been stronger. Andy Barish (Jefferies): Sought an update on kiosk rollout and its effect on productivity; management said kiosks are in most company restaurants and are being optimized for better guest engagement and merchandising. In future quarters, the StockStory team will be watching (1) the performance of new menu items like fresco wraps and quesadillas and their impact on guest traffic, (2) the effectiveness of the brand relaunch in shifting consumer perception and driving sales, and (3) the pace of new restaurant openings, particularly outside California. Additionally, operational execution—especially improvements in service consistency and margin recovery—will be key factors to monitor. El Pollo Loco currently trades at a forward EV-to-EBITDA ratio of 4.4×. Should you load up, cash out, or stay put? The answer lies in our free research report. The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (LOCO) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Revenue Growth Amid ...
Release Date: May 01, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:LOCO) reported a 2.6% increase in total revenue for Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The company successfully launched Mango Habanero Fire Grilled Chicken, which drove trial from new guests and showcased the potential of menu innovation. El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:LOCO) opened two new restaurants in Q1 and plans to open at least 10 more in 2025, indicating growth in their restaurant footprint. The company is focusing on improving customer experience through investments in operations and a new customer feedback system. El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:LOCO) is optimistic about its brand relaunch and menu innovations, including new products like fresco wraps and quesadillas, which are expected to drive growth in the latter half of the year. The company reported a decrease in restaurant contribution margin to 16% from 17.6% in the previous year, primarily due to labor inflation and higher operating costs. Comparable restaurant sales decreased by 1.3% for franchise-operated restaurants, indicating challenges in maintaining sales momentum. El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:LOCO) experienced a 3.8% decrease in transactions, despite an increase in average check size. The company faced headwinds from consumer pullback and macroeconomic uncertainties, impacting sales performance. Weather conditions in Southern California negatively affected sales, particularly during lunch hours, contributing to softer performance in March. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with LOCO. Q: What are your expectations for Q2 same-store sales given the current environment? A: We expect headwinds to continue in Q2 due to consumer pullback. However, we are focusing on our brand relaunch and menu innovations like the quesadilla to drive growth. We anticipate easier comparisons in Q3 and Q4, which should help improve our performance. - Liz Williams, CEO Q: How effective was the Mango Habanero launch, and what impact do you expect from upcoming product launches? A: Mango Habanero drove trial and showed that consumers want innovation. We are excited about our upcoming launches of Fresco wraps and salads in May and quesadillas in June. These products are expected to attract different consumer segments and drive sales. - Liz Williams, CEO Q: Can you provide more details on the impact of kitchen equipment investments on labor costs? A: We've rolled out equipment like holding cabinets that improve chicken quality and reduce labor time. These investments are expected to enhance operational efficiency and help manage labor costs. - Liz Williams, CEO and Ira Phils, CFO Q: Are there regional differences in consumer behavior, particularly among Hispanic consumers? A: We see a consistent consumer pullback across regions and income bands. The Hispanic consumer is under pressure, but the trend is similar across different demographics. - Liz Williams, CEO Q: What is your guidance for menu pricing for the year? A: We expect menu pricing to be around 3% for the year, with 3% in Q2 and about 2% in Q3 and Q4. - Ira Phils, CFO Q: Can you elaborate on the development pipeline momentum? A: We are confident in opening 10 new units this year, and the pipeline for next year is strong. We expect to accelerate growth beyond the 10 units planned for this year. - Liz Williams, CEO Q: What operational challenges did you face in March, and how are you addressing them? A: March was impacted by weather and consumer uncertainty. We also saw some operational execution issues with Mango Habanero. We are focusing on improving order accuracy and customer service to address these challenges. - Liz Williams, CEO Q: What is the status of the kiosk rollout, and what benefits are you seeing? A: Kiosks are installed in most company restaurants, with some remaining installations planned for this year. We see opportunities to use kiosks as merchandising tools to drive guest engagement and check size. - Ira Phils, CFO For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
