You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. Jack in the Box announced fourth quarter financial results for its Jack in the Box and Del Taco brands Thursday after market and let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.  Same-store sales at Jack in the Box fell 7.4%, comprised of a decrease in company-operated same-store sales of 5.3% and a decrease in franchise same-store sales of 7.6%. The performance was driven by a decrease in transactions and unfavorable menu mix, whi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, same-store sales for Jack in the Box declined 7.4%, with franchise same-store sales down 7.6% and company-owned same-store sales down 5.3% [19] - Jack restaurant level margin decreased by 240 basis points to 16.1% due to sales deleverage, commodity inflation of 6.9%, and elevated labor costs [20] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $45.6 million, down from $65.5 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower same-store sales [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Jack in the Box had 15 restaurant openings and 47 closures in Q4, ending the year with 2,136 restaurants [19] - Del Taco's system same-store sales declined 3.9%, with company-owned same-store sales down 3.1% and franchise same-store sales down 4.2% [24] - Del Taco restaurant level margin decreased to 6.8% from 9.3% in the prior year, driven by transaction declines and inflationary increases in commodities [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Chicago market had a negative 130 basis point drag on overall company restaurant level margin due to elevated labor costs from new restaurant openings [21] - Franchise level margin for Jack in the Box was $62.6 million, or 38.9% of franchise revenues, compared to $70.9 million, or 40.4% a year ago [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the "Jack on Track" plan, which includes simplifying the business and divesting Del Taco to strengthen the Jack in the Box brand [8][9] - A comprehensive reimage program is in progress, with a focus on modernizing restaurants and enhancing customer experience [15][99] - The company aims to achieve same-store sales growth and improve operational efficiency while managing costs effectively [16][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects 2026 to be a rebuilding year, with same-store sales returning to positive as operational improvements are implemented [16] - The company anticipates challenges in the first quarter due to comparisons with stronger results from the previous year and external factors like government shutdowns [40][48] - Management is optimistic about the long-term potential, aiming for a stronger, more disciplined brand by the end of 2026 [18] Other Important Information - The company plans to pay down $263 million in debt by retiring the August 2026 tranche of its securitization with proceeds from the Del Taco divestiture and real estate sales [34] - Capital expenditures for Q4 were $17.9 million, with cash flows from operations for the quarter at $33.7 million [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the main drivers of same-store sales improvement in 2026? - Management expects the first quarter to be soft but anticipates improvements in the second quarter due to marketing initiatives and anniversary promotions [39] Question: What is the assumption in the current EBITDA guidance regarding real estate sales and closures? - Management confirmed that block closures are included in the guidance, with expectations of 60-100 closures and $50 million to $70 million in real estate sales [41][42] Question: How is franchisee sentiment regarding the brand and investment in the Jack on Track plan? - Franchisees are under pressure but remain supportive, with a willingness to invest in the brand as conditions improve [66][69] Question: What are the expectations for top and bottom line growth in the long term? - Management indicated that long-term guidance will be provided once the company is further along in the Jack on Track program, with expectations for moderate growth in the future [73] Question: What is the current status of the reimage program? - The company has a reimage plan in place and is focused on ensuring that significant contributions are made to enhance restaurant appearances [96][99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, Jack in the Box reported a system same-store sales decline of 7.4%, with franchise same-store sales down 7.6% and company-owned same-store sales down 5.3% [17] - The overall sales trends improved by approximately 300 basis points throughout the quarter, despite ongoing pressure on check sizes due to previous price increases [9][10] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $45.6 million, down from $65.5 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower same-store sales [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Jack in the Box opened 15 restaurants and closed 47 in Q4, ending the year with 2,136 locations [17] - Del Taco experienced a system same-store sales decline of 3.9%, with company-owned same-store sales down 3.1% and franchise same-store sales down 4.2% [21] - Del Taco's restaurant level margin decreased to 6.8% from 9.3% in the prior year, driven by transaction declines and inflationary increases in commodities [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Chicago market had a negative impact on overall company restaurant level margin, contributing a drag of 130 basis points due to elevated labor costs from rapid new restaurant openings [19] - Franchise level margin for Jack in the Box was $62.6 million, or 38.9% of franchise revenues, compared to $70.9 million, or 40.4% a year ago [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the "Jack on Track" plan, which includes divesting Del Taco to concentrate on strengthening the Jack in the Box brand [6][14] - A comprehensive reimage program is in development, with a focus on modernizing restaurants and enhancing customer experience [13][62] - The company aims to achieve positive same-store sales in 2026 through operational improvements and a barbell promotional strategy [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that 2025 was a challenging year but expressed confidence in the company's ability to restore momentum and drive long-term shareholder value [15] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for same-store sales to return to positive, completion of the Del Taco divestiture, and significant debt reduction [14][29] - Management noted that the competitive landscape is more intense, and consumer spending is cautious, necessitating a focus on value perception and operational excellence [10][11] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with total debt of $1.7 billion and a net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio of six times [26] - Capital expenditures for Q4 were $17.9 million, with cash flows from operations for the quarter at $33.7 million [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the main drivers of improvement in same-store sales for 2026? - Management expects the first quarter to be soft but anticipates improvements in the second quarter due to promotional activities and the 75th anniversary celebrations [32] Question: What is the assumption in the current EBITDA guidance? - The guidance includes block closures and real estate sales, with expectations of $50 million to $70 million in real estate sales built into the guidance [34][35] Question: How is franchisee sentiment amid competitive pressures? - Franchisees are focused on driving sales and are willing to support the brand, although profitability pressures exist [44][46] Question: What are the expectations for G&A expenses in 2026? - G&A is expected to be elevated in the first half of the year but should improve in the second half as the company restructures following the Del Taco sale [41]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter same store sales decreased by 4.4%, with franchise restaurant comp down 4.5% and company-owned sales down 4% [12][14] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $66.5 million, down from $75.7 million in the prior year, primarily due to Del Taco refranchising and sales deleverage [19] - The company reported a consolidated GAAP diluted loss per share of negative $7.47 compared to diluted earnings per share of $1.26 in the prior year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Jack brand's restaurant level margin percentage decreased to 19.6% from 23.6% a year ago, driven by lower sales and inflation [14] - Del Taco's system same store sales declined 3.6%, with franchise sales down 4.2% and company-owned comp down 1.7% [15][16] - Del Taco restaurant level margin was 12.8%, down 400 basis points from the prior year, primarily due to lower sales and inflation [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital sales now account for 18% of system-wide sales, aided by the implementation of kiosks and mobile ordering [9][16] - The company experienced a decline in transactions across both brands, impacting overall sales performance [12][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on becoming a simpler, asset-light organization to drive sustainable growth for franchisees and investors [6] - The "Jack on Track" plan aims to strengthen the balance sheet, accelerate cash flow, and close underperforming restaurants [11] - The company is committed to technology modernization, including the rollout of a new point of sale system [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged significant pressure on multiple income cohorts, leading to negative traffic [8] - The company remains focused on driving same store sales as a top priority despite current challenges [9] - Management expressed optimism about the long-term transformation and growth potential of the company [6][11] Other Important Information - The company recorded a non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment of $203.2 million for the Del Taco reporting unit [19] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $21.5 million, focusing on technology and digital initiatives [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current trends at Jack relative to the down 4.4% in Q2 - Management indicated that trends in Q3 are in line with Q2, facing a challenging industry environment [25][26] Question: Comp pressure driven by company-specific headwinds - Management noted IT issues impacting 1% to 2% in same store sales and highlighted the over-indexing on low-income consumers [30][31] Question: Key priorities for Del Taco during strategic alternatives exploration - Management emphasized the need for operational execution and revamping marketing strategies [36][38] Question: Allowance for doubtful accounts and potential bad debt expense - Management clarified that the increase is related to a specific franchise matter and does not anticipate an impact from the closure program [41] Question: Value positioning in the current environment - Management discussed the importance of perceived value and satisfaction rather than just low prices [45][46] Question: Conversations with franchisees post Jack on Track rollout - Management reported positive feedback from franchisees, who are supportive of long-term changes [50][51] Question: Geographic concentration of closures - Management stated that closures will be spread throughout the system, focusing on economic factors [55][56] Question: Strategic alternatives for Del Taco - Management indicated significant interest in the brand and is exploring various options, including potential divestiture [62][63] Question: Update on new unit development commitments - Management expressed excitement about new unit growth and ongoing developments in various markets [67][68] Question: Performance across different dayparts - Management noted even pressure across lunch and dinner, with some successful promotions [70][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter same store sales for Jack brand decreased by 4.4%, with franchise restaurant comp decrease of 4.5% and company-owned sales decrease of 4% [11] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $66.5 million, down from $75.7 million in the prior year, primarily due to Del Taco refranchising and sales deleverage [18] - The company reported a consolidated GAAP diluted loss per share of negative $7.47 compared to diluted earnings per share of $1.26 in the prior year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Jack brand's restaurant level margin percentage decreased to 19.6% from 23.6% a year ago, driven by lower sales and inflation [13] - Del Taco's system same store sales declined by 3.6%, with franchise sales decline of 4.2% and company-owned comp decrease of 1.7% [14] - Del Taco's restaurant level margin was 12.8%, down 400 basis points from the prior year, mainly due to lower sales and inflation [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital sales now account for 18% of system-wide sales, with a target of reaching 20% ahead of schedule [12] - The company experienced commodity inflation of 3.4% for Jack and 5.7% for Del Taco during the quarter [13][15] - Labor costs as a percentage of sales increased to 33.8% for Jack and 38.2% for Del Taco, primarily due to wage inflation [13][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on becoming a simpler asset-light organization that drives sustainable growth for franchisees and investors [5] - The "Jack on Track" plan aims to strengthen the balance sheet, accelerate cash flow, and close underperforming restaurants [10] - The company is committed to technological advancements, including the rollout of a new point of sale system and modernization of legacy systems [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged significant pressure on multiple income cohorts leading to negative traffic and emphasized the importance of driving same store sales [6] - The company is facing challenges from cautious consumer behavior and self-inflicted issues related to technology integration [24] - Management remains optimistic about long-term growth despite current challenges, with a focus on core strengths and value offerings [26] Other Important Information - The company recorded a non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment of $203.2 million for the Del Taco reporting unit [18] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $21.5 million, focusing on technology and digital initiatives [19] - The company has discontinued its dividend and did not repurchase any shares during the quarter [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current trends at Jack relative to the down 4.4% in 2Q - Management indicated that trends in the third quarter are in line with the second quarter, facing a challenging industry environment [24] Question: Company-specific headwinds affecting comp pressure - Management noted IT issues impacting 1% to 2% in same store sales and highlighted the brand's over-indexing on low-income consumers [29] Question: Key priorities for Del Taco during strategic alternatives exploration - Management emphasized the need for operational execution and revamping marketing strategies for Del Taco [36] Question: Allowance for doubtful accounts and potential bad debt expense - Management clarified that the increase is related to a specific franchise matter and does not anticipate it affecting the closure program [40] Question: Value positioning in the current environment - Management discussed the importance of perceived value rather than just low prices, focusing on core offerings and Munchie Meals [46] Question: Conversations with franchisees post Jack on Track rollout - Management reported positive feedback from franchisees, who are supportive of long-term changes [51] Question: Geographic concentration of upcoming closures - Management stated that closures will be spread throughout the system and will not concentrate in any specific area [56] Question: Strategic alternatives for Del Taco and potential divestiture - Management indicated significant interest in Del Taco and is exploring various options, with divestiture being a strong possibility [63] Question: Update on new unit development commitments - Management expressed excitement about new unit growth and mentioned ongoing developments in various markets [68] Question: Performance across different dayparts - Management noted even pressure across dayparts, with some successful promotions and partnerships [73]