Jack in the Box Inc. logo

Jack in the Box Inc.(JACK)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL
1-STAR RATING
PASS
LAST CLOSE
$11.03
10/23/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
  • ALL
  • 1Y
  • 1M
  • 1W
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
  • Loss
  • PASS (Skip)
Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for JACK

10/23/2026: JACK (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

Jack in the Box Inc. is a franchised quick-service restaurant operator known for its diverse menu and late-night service. The company's strengths lie in its high-margin franchise model and the recent addition of the Del Taco brand, which enhances its scale and portfolio. Its primary growth story revolves around digital transformation, store modernization, and unit expansion into new U.S. regions. Key risks include intense competition in the QSR space, significant debt, and the ongoing impact of inflationary pressures on operating costs. The stock may suit dividend and value investors looking for established cash flows, though monitoring development execution and margin stability is essential.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitGrowth potential is tied to regional expansion, but the pace is subject to franchisee financing and development capabilities.
Momentum investorWeak fitThe stock often faces headwinds related to broader sector rotation and cyclical consumer spending concerns.
Value investorStrong fitThe stock often trades at valuation multiples that may be attractive to those seeking cash-flow-generative business models.
Dividend investorStrong fitThe company's commitment to returning capital via dividends makes it a potential candidate for income-focused portfolios.
Low-risk investorMixed fitWhile the franchise model is stable, the company's significant leverage profile introduces higher risk than a typical utility or consumer staple.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMedium / highConsumer sentiment and macro factors frequently cause significant swings in the stock price.
Valuation riskMediumMarket expectations for growth must be consistently met to maintain current valuation levels.
Competition risk (Quick-service market share)HighIntense competition from larger chains limits pricing power and market share gains.
Business qualityMediumThe high franchise mix is a quality feature, but concentration in specific U.S. regions remains a structural limitation.
Dividend incomeMediumDividend sustainability depends on the company's ability to maintain cash flow amidst industry cost pressures.
Execution riskMedium / highSuccessfully integrating brands and managing a large, fragmented franchisee base is operationally complex.

Price Behavior

Downtrend
PRICE PATH

Downtrend

The stock has experienced a sustained decline in price over recent periods.

Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Choppy

The stock has experienced frequent reversals and pronounced short-term price swings.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -51.44%
Avg. Invested days 24
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 1.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 10/23/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
JACK receives a 3-star rating, supported by solid analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by weak unit economics, and weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
JACK has moderate overall fundamentals (3 stars), with moderate financial health, moderate growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, solid cash generation (FCF margin 5.1%) is partially offset by negative earnings growth (-120.0%), negative revenue growth (-6.7%), weak profitability (net margin -5.5%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
JACK's financial health is supported by moderate cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (5.1% of revenue). Profitability is soft (2 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Free-cash-flow growth is JACK's strongest growth driver at +258.9% FY2025 versus FY2024 (strong, 5 stars). By comparison, while revenue growth (-6.7%, negative) and earnings growth (-120.0%, negative) hold the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 107.4% and approximately 64.5% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 9.52% supports management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

Nantahala Capital Management, LLC 18.03%
Callodine Capital Management, LP 8.95%
Biglari Capital Corp. 8.78%
BlackRock Inc 7.00%
Bank of America Corp 6.07%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
JACK generates approximately $287 of gross profit, $-12 of operating income, and $51 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Operating losses explain the 1-star rating, with weak cash conversion and weak capital efficiency.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 21.50%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
JACK has a liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback, while elevated volatility.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedHigh VolatilitySmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Small-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 211.55M USD
Price to earnings Ratio 4.12
1Y Target Price 19.83
Price to earnings Ratio 4.12
1Y Target Price 19.83
Volume (30-day avg) 504.6K shares
Beta 1.43
52 Weeks Range 8.92 - 23.86
Updated Date 10/24/2026
52 Weeks Range 8.92 - 23.86
Updated Date 10/24/2026
Dividends yield (FY) -
Basic EPS (TTM) 2.68

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
Franchise OperationsRoyalty fees and rental income from franchised Jack in the Box and Del Taco restaurants.This is a high-margin revenue stream that provides steady cash flow with limited direct store-level operational costs.
Company-Operated RestaurantsRevenue from food and beverage sales at company-owned locations.This segment is more volatile as it absorbs the full impact of food, labor, and utility costs.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

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Valuation

Trailing PE 4.12
Forward PE 4.36
Enterprise Value 2.69B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.15
Enterprise Value 2.69B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.15
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.89
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 252.4
Shares Outstanding 19.18M
Shares Floating 12.37M
Shares Outstanding 19.18M
Shares Floating 12.37M
Percent Insiders 9.52
Percent Institutions 107.43

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

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