• Same-Store Sales (Jack in the Box): Positive 40 basis points for Q1.
• Same-Store Sales (Del Taco): Expected negative result for Q2.
• Restaurant Openings (Jack in the Box): 5 openings in Q1.
• Restaurant Closures (Jack in the Box): 6 closures in Q1.
• Restaurant Openings (Del Taco): 1 opening in Q1.
• Restaurant Closures (Del Taco): 6 closures in Q1.
• Restaurant Level Margin: Flat year over year at 23.2% for Jack in the Box.
• GAAP Diluted EPS: $1.75 for Q1, down from $1.93 in the prior year.
• Operating EPS: $1.02 for Q1, down from $1.95 in the prior year.
• Share Repurchase: 124,000 shares repurchased for $5 million in Q1.
• Capital Expenditure Guidance: Updated to $100 million to $105 million for the fiscal year.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 9 Warning Signs with JACK.

Release Date: February 25, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Jack In The Box Inc (NASDAQ:JACK) reported positive same-store sales growth of 40 basis points in Q1, despite challenging macroeconomic conditions.
• The company successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and made significant investments in its technology stack, enhancing its digital competitiveness.
• Jack In The Box Inc (NASDAQ:JACK) plans to open between 35 and 45 new restaurants in fiscal year 2025, including expansions into Chicago and Florida.
• The company completed a new beverage partner contract, which positively impacted restaurant-level margins by 200 basis points in Q1.
• Del Taco's menu optimization initiative has shown encouraging results, driving higher attach rates and better average checks.

Negative Points

• Jack In The Box Inc (NASDAQ:JACK) expects negative same-store sales results for both brands in Q2 due to ongoing macroeconomic pressures.
• The company experienced a decrease in GAAP diluted earnings per share, from $1.93 in the prior year to $1.75 in Q1 2025.
• Del Taco faced a challenging quarter with pressured same-store sales results and is also expected to post negative same-store sales in Q2.
• Jack In The Box Inc (NASDAQ:JACK) reduced its share repurchase allocation from $20 million to $5 million for the fiscal year.
• The company anticipates a slight reduction in capital expenditures, adjusting the range to $100 million to $105 million for the year.

Q & A Highlights

Q: As you came into the role of CFO, you suggested you were going to bring a sharpened focus to capital allocation and cash flow. Is the slight reduction to cap guidance for this year a sign of more to come in your journey to improve free cash flow? Also, can you help us understand your priorities for capital allocation and where debt reduction stands? A: Lance Tucker, Interim Principal Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer: When I came into the role of CFO, my first task was to evaluate capital allocation. We've made some quick decisions to slow CapEx and halt additional share repurchases. More changes are likely coming in May to unlock free cash flow. Regarding leverage, reducing debt is a priority, and we will ensure investments are made in the right areas to drive growth.

Q: Jack had previously talked about ramping company store openings in certain markets. How are you assessing that strategy and whether that's the right use of capital? Also, can you discuss your sales strategy for the rest of the year? A: Lance Tucker: We will continue with company store builds but as a complement to franchisee efforts, not as the primary growth driver. Regarding sales strategy, despite a challenging consumer environment, we have a strong marketing calendar, innovation, and digital capabilities to re-accelerate comps in the back half of the year.

Q: What are your thoughts on the restaurant industry environment so far in 2025, and is Jack in the Box outperforming the industry? A: Lance Tucker: It's hard to say if we're outperforming the industry, but we are facing similar pressures. Consumer confidence is low, leading to cautious spending. However, our fundamentals are strong, and we have the right menu and strategies to compete effectively.

Q: Can you elaborate on the decision to reduce share repurchase activity and focus on debt reduction? A: Lance Tucker: We decided to reduce share repurchases to prioritize debt reduction and other capital allocations that can drive growth and shareholder value. This decision aligns with our strategy to unlock free cash flow and strengthen our financial position.

Q: How is Jack in the Box planning to leverage its digital capabilities to drive sales? A: Lance Tucker: Our digital capabilities are expanding rapidly, thanks to investments and efforts by our IT team. We are focusing on enhancing our digital presence to drive sales and improve customer engagement, which is a key part of our strategy for the rest of the year.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.