Jack in the Box Inc. — Cyborg Score 4/10

Mixed
Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR) / Fast Casual Dining

Strategic Profile

Jack in the Box launched a nationwide Matcha Platform on February 19, 2026, introducing two matcha beverages across its approximately 2,125 restaurants. The company is targeting systemwide restaurant count of 2,050–2,100 and Adjusted EBITDA of $225–240M for FY2026. The company is undergoing operational restructuring with discontinued dividends and share repurchases.

Cyborg Score Rationale

Q1 FY2026 reported same-store sales fell 6.7% and total revenue fell 5.8% to $349.5M, signaling near-term operational challenges. However, Diluted EPS from continuing operations was $0.75 with Adjusted EBITDA of $68.2M, showing profitability in the streamlined business. Stock has declined significantly but company maintains dividend capacity despite suspending current payouts.

Top Insights

  • Del Taco sale completed December 2025 shifts company toward single-brand focus on Jack in the Box
  • Q1 FY2026 same-store sales declined 6.7% reflecting consumer spending pressure in QSR category
  • Matcha beverage launch (February 2026) demonstrates menu innovation efforts to drive traffic
  • Activist investor Biglari Capital challenged board composition in February 2026, indicating governance concerns

Named Competitors

  • Hamburger Chain — Quick-service hamburger chain with comparable menu and market presence
  • Fast-Casual Restaurant Group — Multi-brand restaurant company with KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut
  • Mexican-American QSR — Specialized in authentic Mexican-American quick-service offering

Recent Developments

  • (February 2026) Matcha Platform launch with two new beverages across 2,125 restaurants
  • (February 2026) Hot Mess Burger return for 75th anniversary celebration with limited-time promotion
  • (February 2026) Biglari Capital urges shareholders to vote against Chairman David Goebel
  • (December 2025) Completed sale of Del Taco subsidiary, narrowing focus to Jack in the Box brand

Open the full interactive Jack in the Box Inc. report

Strategic research, analyst-debate audio, full Cyborg Score breakdown across 11 dimensions, and saved-company audio playlists.

Open report →