Jack in the Box Swings to Q1 Loss as Same-Store Sales Slump

The fast-food chain reported a loss of 13 cents per share, a sharp pivot from the $33.7 million profit recorded during the same period last year. On an adjusted basis, earnings reached $1.00 per share, falling short of the $1.08 anticipated by analysts polled by FactSet. While total revenue dipped 5.8% to $349.5 million, the figure narrowly exceeded Wall Street’s expectations of $346.5 million.

Same-store sales fell 6.7%, driven by a significant drop in transaction volume that higher menu prices could not fully offset. This slump contributed to a 7.1% decrease in system-wide sales. CEO Lance Tucker characterized the results as being in line with internal expectations, noting that the company remains focused on its 'JACK on Track' initiative to simplify operations and build a foundation for sustainable growth.

Portfolio Restructuring and Outlook

The quarterly report follows the December sale of the company’s Del Taco unit to Yadav Enterprises for $115 million, a move now reflected in discontinued operations. Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, Jack in the Box reaffirmed its guidance as it moves to optimize its physical footprint through several key maneuvers:

• Opening 20 new restaurant locations.
• Closing between 50 and 100 existing units, primarily franchise-owned.
• Leveraging 75th-anniversary promotions to stabilize guest traffic.

Management expressed optimism regarding early guest response to recent anniversary celebrations. Despite the current headwinds, Tucker stated that the company’s efforts to improve the guest experience would lead to improved performance as the fiscal year progresses.