UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

 

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-9390

 

JACK IN THE BOX INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
(858) 571-2121

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 and Regulations S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ

 

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price reported in the NASDAQ — Composite Transactions as of April 12, 2009, was approximately $1,457.4 million.

 

Number of shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of the close of business November 12, 2009 — 57,291,586.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

 

 

JACK IN THE BOX INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

The Company

 

Overview.  Jack in the Box Inc. (the “Company”), based in San Diego, California, operates and franchises more than 2,700 Jack in the Box^® quick-service restaurants (“QSR”) and Qdoba Mexican Grill^® fast-casual restaurants. In fiscal 2009, we generated total revenues from continuing operations of $2.5 billion. References to the Company throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K are made using the first person notations of “we,” “us” and “our.”

 

Jack in the Box — The first Jack in the Box restaurant, which offered only drive-thru service, opened in 1951. Jack in the Box is one of the nation’s largest hamburger chains, and based on the number of units, is the second or third largest QSR hamburger chain in most of our major markets. As of the end of our fiscal year on September 27, 2009, the Jack in the Box system included 2,212 restaurants in 18 states, of which 1,190 were company-operated and 1,022 were franchise-operated.

 

Qdoba Mexican Grill — To supplement our core growth and balance the risk associated with growing solely in the highly competitive hamburger segment of the QSR industry, in January 2003, we acquired Qdoba Restaurant Corporation, operator and franchisor of Qdoba Mexican Grill. As of September 27, 2009, the Qdoba system included 510 restaurants in 42 states, as well as the District of Columbia, of which 157 were company-operated and 353 were franchise-operated. In recent years, Qdoba has emerged as a leader in the fast-casual segment of the restaurant industry.

 

Discontinued Operations — We had also operated a proprietary chain of 61 convenience stores and fuel stations called Quick Stuff^®, which were each adjacent to a Jack in the Box restaurant. In the fourth quarter of 2008, our Board of Directors approved a plan to sell Quick Stuff and we completed the disposition in the fourth quarter of 2009. Refer to Note 2, Discontinued Operations, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for more information.

 

Strategic Plan.  Our Company vision of being a national restaurant company is supported by four key strategic initiatives: (i) reinvent the Jack in the Box brand, (ii) expand franchising operations, (iii) improve the business model, and (iv) grow Jack in the Box and Qdoba Mexican Grill.

 

Strategic Plan — Brand Reinvention.  We believe that reinventing the Jack in the Box brand by focusing on the following three initiatives will differentiate us from our competition by offering our guests a better restaurant experience than typically found in the QSR segment:

 

 

 

Strategic Plan — Expand Franchising Operations.  Our second strategic initiative is to continue expanding our franchising operations to generate higher margins and returns for the Company while creating a business model that is less capital intensive and not as susceptible to cost fluctuations. Through the sale of 194 company-operated Jack in the Box restaurants to franchisees and development of 21 new franchised restaurants, we increased franchise ownership of the Jack in the Box system to approximately 46% at fiscal year end from approximately 38% at the end of fiscal 2008. We remain on track with our long-term goal to increase franchise ownership to approximately 70-80% of the system by the end of fiscal 2013. We also executed development agreements with several franchisees to further expand the Jack in the Box brand in new and existing markets in 2010 and beyond. The Qdoba system is predominantly franchised, and we anticipate that future growth will continue to be mostly franchised. In fiscal 2009, Qdoba franchisees opened 38 restaurants in existing and new markets.

 

Strategic Plan — Improve the Business Model.  This sweeping strategy involves focusing our entire organization on improving restaurant profitability and returns as well as on administrative efficiencies. We will continue to focus on reducing food, packaging and labor costs through product design, menu innovation and operations simplification, as well as pricing optimization. We expect our selling, general and administrative expenses to continue to decrease as we continue reengineering our processes and systems and transition to a business model comprised of predominantly franchised restaurant locations.

 

Strategic Plan — Grow Jack in the Box and Qdoba Mexican Grill.

 

 

 

Restaurant Concepts

 

Jack in the Box.  Jack in the Box restaurants offer a broad selection of distinctive, innovative products targeted primarily at the adult fast-food consumer. Our menu features a variety of hamburgers, salads, specialty sandwiches, tacos, drinks, smoothies, real ice cream shakes and side items. Hamburger products include our signature Jumbo Jack^®, Sourdough Jack^®, Ultimate Cheeseburger and Jack’s 100% Sirloin Burger. Jack in the Box restaurants also offer premium entrée salads, specialty sandwiches and Teriyaki Bowls to appeal to a broader customer base, including more women and consumers older than the traditional QSR target market of 18-34 year old men. Furthermore, Jack in the Box restaurants offer value-priced products, known as “Jack’s Value Menu,” to compete against price-oriented competitors and because value is important to certain fast-food customers. Jack in the Box restaurants also offer customers both the ability to customize their meals and to order any product, including breakfast items, any time of the day. We believe that our distinctive menu has been instrumental in developing brand loyalty and is appealing to customers with a broad range of food preferences. Furthermore, we believe that, because of our diverse menu, our restaurants are less dependent than other QSR chains on the commercial success of one or a few products.

 

The Jack in the Box restaurant chain was the first major hamburger chain to develop and expand the concept of drive-thru restaurants. In addition to drive-thru windows, most of our restaurants have seating capacities ranging from 20 to 100 persons and are open 18-24 hours a day. Drive-thru sales currently account for approximately 70% of sales at company-operated restaurants.

The following table summarizes the changes in the number of company-operated and franchised Jack in the Box restaurants since the beginning of fiscal 2005:

 

 

Qdoba Mexican Grill.  Qdoba restaurants use fresh, high quality ingredients and traditional Mexican flavors fused with popular ingredients from other regional cuisines to give a unique “Nouveau-Mexican” taste to our broad menu. A few examples of Qdoba’s unique flavors are its signature Poblano Pesto and Ancho Chile BBQ sauces. While the great flavors start with the core philosophy of “the fresher the ingredients, the fresher the flavors^tm”, our ability to deliver these flavors is made possible by the commitment to professional preparation methods. Throughout each day, guacamole is prepared on site using fresh Hass avocados, black and pinto beans are slow-simmered, shredded beef and pork are slow-roasted and adobo-marinated chicken and steak are flame-grilled. Customer orders are prepared in full view, which gives our guests the control they desire to build a meal that is specifically suited to their individual taste preferences and nutritional needs. We also offer a variety of catering options that can be tailored to feed groups of five to several hundred. Our Hot Taco, Nacho and Naked Burrito Bars come with everything needed, including plates, napkins, serving utensils, chafing stands and sternos. Each Hot Bar is set up buffet-style so diners have the ability to prepare their meal to their liking, just like in the restaurant. The seating capacity at Qdoba restaurants ranges from 60 to 80 persons, including outdoor patio seating at many locations.

The following table summarizes the changes in the number of company-operated and franchised Qdoba restaurants since the beginning of fiscal 2005:

 

 

Restaurant Expansion and Site Selection and Design

 

Restaurant Expansion.  Our long-term growth strategy for our Jack in the Box brand consists of continued restaurant expansion, including expansion into new contiguous markets through Company investment and franchise development. Qdoba’s growth is expected to come primarily from increasing the number of franchise-developed locations. We remain committed to growing our fast-casual subsidiary and believe that Qdoba has significant expansion potential.

 

Site Selection and Design.  Site selections for all new company-operated restaurants are made after an economic analysis and a review of demographic data and other information relating to population density, traffic, competition, restaurant visibility and access, available parking, surrounding businesses and opportunities for market penetration. Restaurants developed by franchisees are built to our specifications on sites we have reviewed.

 

We have a restaurant prototype with different seating capacities to help reduce costs and improve our flexibility in locating restaurants. Management believes that the flexibility provided by the alternative configurations enables the Company to match the restaurant configuration with the specific economic, demographic, geographic and physical characteristics of a particular site. The majority of our Jack in the Box restaurants are constructed on leased land. Typical costs to develop a traditional Jack in the Box restaurant, excluding the land value, range from $1.3 million to $1.8 million. Whenever possible, we use sale and leaseback financing and other means to lower the initial cash investment in a typical Jack in the Box restaurant to the cost of equipment, which averages approximately $0.4 million. Qdoba restaurant development costs typically range from $0.5 million to $1.2 million depending on geographic region with most closer to the lower end of the range.

 

Franchising Program

 

Jack in the Box.  The Jack in the Box franchise agreement generally provides for an initial franchise fee of $50,000 per restaurant for a 20-year term, and in most instances, marketing fees at 5% of gross sales. Royalty rates, typically 5% of gross sales, range from 2.5% to as high as 15% of gross sales, and some existing agreements provide for variable rates. We offer development agreements for construction of one or more new restaurants over a defined period of

time and in a defined geographic area. Developers are required to pay a fee, a portion of which may be credited against franchise fees due when restaurants open in the future. Developers may forfeit such fees and lose their rights to future development if they do not maintain the required schedule of openings. In fiscal 2009, we began offering a new market development incentive to our franchisees whereby the first 10% of restaurants opening on schedule in a new market may be eligible to receive a royalty rate reduction of 2.5% of gross sales for the first two years after opening, subject to certain limitations.

 

In connection with the sale of a company-operated restaurant, the restaurant equipment and the right to do business at that location are sold to the franchisee. The aggregate price is equal to the negotiated fair market value of the restaurant as a going concern, which depends on various factors, including the history of the restaurant, its location and its sales and cash flow potential. In addition, the land and building are leased or subleased to the franchisee at a negotiated rent, generally equal to the greater of a minimum base rent or a percentage of gross sales. The franchisee is usually required to pay property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.

 

We view our non-franchised Jack in the Box restaurants as a resource, which based on our strategic plan, can be sold to franchisees, thereby providing increased cash flows and gains when sold while still generating future cash flows and earnings through franchise rents and royalties.

 

Qdoba Mexican Grill.  The current Qdoba franchise agreement provides for, in most instances, an initial franchise fee of $30,000 per restaurant, a 10-year term with a 10-year option to extend, royalties of 5% of gross sales and marketing fees of up to 2% of gross sales. We typically offer area development agreements for the construction of 5 to 20 new restaurants over a defined period of time and in a defined geographic area for a development fee, a portion of which may be credited against franchise fees due for restaurants to be opened in the future. If the developer does not maintain the required schedule of openings, they may forfeit such fees and lose their rights to future development.

 

Restaurant Operations

 

Restaurant Management.  Restaurants are operated by a company-employed manager or a franchisee that is directly responsible for the operations of the restaurant, including product quality, service, food safety, cleanliness, inventory, cash control and the conduct and appearance of employees. Our restaurant managers are required to attend extensive management training classes involving a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training in specially designated training restaurants. Restaurant managers and supervisory personnel train other restaurant employees in accordance with detailed procedures and guidelines using training aids available at each location. We also use an interactive system of computer-based training (“CBT”), with a touch-screen computer terminal at our Jack in the Box restaurants. The CBT technology incorporates audio, video and text, all of which are updated on the computer via satellite technology. CBT is also designed to reduce the administrative demands on restaurant managers.

 

For Company operations, regional group vice presidents supervise regional directors, who supervise area coaches, who in turn supervise restaurant managers. Under our performance system, regional group vice presidents, regional directors, area coaches and restaurant managers are eligible for periodic bonuses based on achievement of goals related to location sales, our “Voice of the Guest” consumer feedback program, profitability and/or certain other operational performance standards.

 

Customer Satisfaction.  We devote significant resources toward ensuring that all restaurants offer quality food and good service. We place great emphasis on ensuring that ingredients are delivered timely to the restaurants. Restaurant food production systems are continuously developed and improved, and we train our employees to be dedicated to delivering consistently good service. Through our network of quality assurance, facilities services and restaurant management personnel, we standardize specifications for food preparation and service, employee conduct and appearance, and the maintenance of our restaurant premises. Operating specifications and procedures are documented in on-line reference manuals and CBT presentations. During fiscal 2009, most Jack in the Box restaurants received at least two quality, food safety and cleanliness inspections. In addition, our “Voice of the Guest” program provides restaurant managers with guest surveys each period regarding their Jack in the Box experience. In 2009, we received more than one million guest survey responses. We also receive guest feedback through our 800 number.

Quality Assurance

 

Our “farm-to-fork” food safety and quality assurance program is designed to maintain high standards for the food products and food preparation procedures used by company-operated and franchised restaurants. We maintain product specifications and approve product sources. We have a comprehensive, restaurant-based Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (“HACCP”) system for managing food safety and quality. HACCP combines employee training, testing by suppliers, documented restaurant practices and detailed attention to product quality at every stage of the food preparation cycle. The USDA, FDA and the Center for Science in the Public Interest have recognized our HACCP program as a leader in the industry.

 

In addition, our HACCP system uses ServSafe^®, a nationally recognized food-safety training and certification program administered in partnership with the National Restaurant Association. Jack in the Box Inc. is a member of the International Food Safety Council, a coalition of industry members of the National Restaurant Association that have demonstrated a corporate commitment to food safety. Our standards require that all restaurant managers and grill employees receive special grill certification training and be certified annually.

 

Purchasing and Distribution

 

We provide purchasing, warehouse and distribution services for all Jack in the Box company-operated restaurants, nearly 74% of our Jack in the Box franchise-operated restaurants, and approximately 45% of Qdoba’s company and franchise-operated restaurants. The remaining Jack in the Box franchisees and Qdoba restaurants purchase product from approved suppliers and distributors. Some products, primarily dairy and bakery items, are delivered directly by approved suppliers to both company and franchise-operated restaurants. In 2009, we outsourced the transportation services portion of our supply chain to JB Hunt as a means of reducing our risk associated with the transportation business without increasing our costs.

 

Regardless of whether we provide distribution services to a restaurant or not, we require that all suppliers meet our strict HACCP program standards previously discussed. The primary commodities purchased by the restaurants are beef, poultry, pork, cheese and produce. We monitor the primary commodities we purchase in order to minimize the impact of fluctuations in price and availability, and make advance purchases of commodities when considered to be advantageous. However, certain commodities remain subject to price fluctuations. All essential food and beverage products are available, or can be made available, upon short notice from alternative qualified suppliers.

 

Information Systems

 

We have centralized financial and accounting systems for company-operated restaurants, which we believe are important in analyzing and improving profit margins and accumulating marketing information. Our restaurant satellite-enabled software allows for daily, weekly and monthly polling of sales, inventory and labor data from the restaurants. We use a standardized Windows-based touch screen point-of-sale (“POS”) platform in our Jack in the Box company and franchised restaurants, which allows us to accept credit cards and JACK CA$H^®, our re-loadable gift cards. We have an order confirmation system with color screens and contactless payment technology throughout our system which allows us to accept new credit card types and to prepare for future innovation. We have also developed business intelligence systems to provide visibility to the key metrics in the operation of company and franchised restaurants. We use an interactive computer-based training (“CBT”) system in our Jack in the Box restaurants as the standard training tool for new hire training and periodic workstation re-certifications, and have a labor scheduling system to assist in managing labor hours based on forecasted sales volumes. We also have a highly reliable inventory management system, which enables timely deliveries to our restaurants with excellent control over food safety. To support order accuracy and speed of service, our drive-thru restaurants use order confirmation screens. Qdoba restaurants use POS software with touch screens, accept debit and credit cards at all locations and use back-of-the-restaurant software to control purchasing, inventory, food and labor costs. These software products have been customized to meet Qdoba’s operating standards.

 

Advertising and Promotion

 

We build brand awareness through our marketing and advertising programs and activities. These activities are supported primarily by contractual contributions from all company and franchised restaurants based on a

percentage of sales. Activities to advertise restaurant products, promote brand awareness and attract customers include, but are not limited to, regional and local campaigns on television, national cable television, radio and print media, as well as Internet advertising on specific sites and broad-reach Web portals.

 

Employees

 

At September 27, 2009, we had approximately 35,700 employees, of whom 34,100 were restaurant employees, 900 were corporate personnel, 300 were distribution employees and 400 were field management and administrative personnel. Employees are paid on an hourly basis, except certain restaurant managers, operations and corporate management, and certain administrative personnel. We employ both full and part-time restaurant employees in order to provide the flexibility necessary during peak periods of restaurant operations.

 

We have not experienced any significant work stoppages and believe our labor relations are good. Over the last several years, we have realized improvements in our hourly restaurant employee retention rate. In 2005 and 2008, Jack in the Box and Qdoba, respectively, received the Spirit Award, an honor awarded by Nation’s Restaurant News and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to the restaurant companies with the most innovative workforce programs for enhancing employee satisfaction. We support our employees, including part-time workers, by offering competitive wages, competitive benefits, including a pension plan for all of our employees meeting certain requirements, and discounts on dining. Furthermore, we offer all hourly employees meeting certain minimum service requirements access to health coverage, including vision and dental benefits. As an additional incentive to team members with more than a year of service, we will pay a portion of their premiums. We also provide our restaurant employees with a program called “Sed de Saber” (Thirst for Knowledge), an electronic home study program to assist Spanish-speaking restaurant employees in improving their English skills. We believe these programs have contributed to lower turnover, training costs and workers’ compensation claims.

 

Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth the name, age (as of September 27, 2009), position and years with the Company of each person who is an executive officer of Jack in the Box Inc.:

 

 

The following sets forth the business experience of each executive officer for at least the last 5 years.

 

Ms. Lang has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since October 2005. She was President and Chief Operating Officer from November 2003 to October 2005, and was Executive Vice President from

July 2002 to November 2003. From 1996 through July 2002, Ms. Lang held officer-level positions with marketing or operations responsibilities.

 

Mr. Schultz has been President and Chief Operating Officer since October 2005. He was Executive Vice President, Operations and Franchising from November 2004 to October 2005, Senior Vice President, Operations and Franchising from August 1999 to November 2004, and was Vice President from May 1988 to August 1999. In September 2009, Mr. Schultz announced his retirement from the Company effective January 2010.

 

Mr. Rebel has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since October 2005. He was previously Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2005 and Vice President and Controller of the Company from September 2003 to January 2005. Prior to joining the company, he was Vice President and Controller for Fleming Companies. Mr. Rebel has more than 20 years of corporate finance experience, including senior level positions with the CVS Corporation and People’s Drugs.

 

Mr. Rudolph has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since November 2007. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Rudolph was Vice President and General Counsel for Ethical Leadership Group of Wilmette, Ill. He was previously a Partner with Foley Hoag, LLP, a Vice President and U.S. and International General Counsel at McDonald’s Corporation, and a Partner with the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP. Mr. Rudolph has more than 24 years of legal experience.

 

Ms. Graham has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer since September 2007. She was previously Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer from December 2004 to September 2007, Vice President of Marketing from May 2003 to December 2004 and Vice President of Brand Communications and Regional Marketing from July 2002 to May 2003. Ms. Graham has 18 years of experience with the company in various marketing positions.

 

Mr. Watson has been Senior Vice President since September 2008 and Chief Development Officer since November 2007. Mr. Watson served as Vice President, Restaurant Development since rejoining the Company in April 1997. Mr. Watson has 23 years of experience with the Company in various development and franchising positions.

 

Dr. Blankenship has been Vice President, Human Resources and Operational Services since October 2005. He was Division Vice President, Human Resources from October 2001 to September 2005. Dr. Blankenship has more than 12 years experience with the Company in various human resource and training positions.

 

Ms. DiRaimo has been Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications since July 2008. She previously held various positions with Applebee’s International, Inc., including Vice President of Investor Relations from February 2004 to November 2007. Ms. DiRaimo has more than 25 years of corporate finance and public accounting experience.

 

Mr. Beisler has been Chief Executive Officer of Qdoba Restaurant Corporation since November 2000 and President since January 1999. He was Chief Operating Officer from April 1998 to December 1998.

 

Trademarks and Service Marks

 

The Jack in the Box and Qdoba Mexican Grill names are of material importance to us and each is a registered trademark and service mark in the United States. In addition, we have registered numerous service marks and trade names for use in our businesses, including the Jack in the Box logo, the Qdoba logo and various product names and designs.

 

Seasonality

 

Restaurant sales and profitability are subject to seasonal fluctuations, and are traditionally higher during the spring and summer months because of factors such as increased travel and improved weather conditions, which affect the public’s dining habits.

Competition and Markets

 

The restaurant business is highly competitive and is affected by population trends, traffic patterns, competitive changes in a geographic area, changes in consumer dining habits and preferences, new information regarding diet, nutrition and health and local and national economic conditions, including unemployment levels, that affect consumer spending habits. Key elements of competition in the industry are the type and quality of the food products offered, price, quality and speed of service, personnel, advertising, name identification, restaurant location and attractiveness of the facilities.

 

Each Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurant competes directly and indirectly with a large number of national and regional restaurant chains, as well as with locally-owned and/or independent quick-service restaurants and the fast-casual segment. In selling franchises, we compete with many other restaurant franchisors, some of whom have substantially greater financial resources and higher total sales volume.

 

Regulation

 

Each restaurant is subject to regulation by federal agencies, as well as licensing and regulation by state and local health, sanitation, safety, fire, zoning, building and other departments. Difficulties or failures in obtaining and maintaining any required permits, licensing or approval could result in closures of existing restaurants or delays or cancellations in the opening of new restaurants.

 

We are also subject to federal and state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises. Such laws impose registration and disclosure requirements on franchisors in the offer and sale of franchises and may also apply substantive standards to the relationship between franchisor and franchisee, including limitations on the ability of franchisors to terminate franchises and alter franchise arrangements.

 

We are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and various state laws governing such matters as minimum wages, exempt status classification, overtime, breaks, and other working conditions. A significant number of our food service personnel are paid at rates based on the federal and state minimum wage and, accordingly, increases in the minimum wage increase our labor costs. Federal and state laws may also require us to provide paid and unpaid leave to our employees, which could result in significant additional expense to us.

 

We are subject to certain guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and various state codes and regulations, which require restaurants to provide full and equal access to persons with physical disabilities. To comply with such laws and regulations, the cost of remodeling and developing restaurants has increased.

 

We are also subject to various federal, state and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment. The cost of complying with these laws increases the cost of operating existing restaurants and developing new restaurants. Additional costs relate primarily to the necessity of obtaining more land, landscaping and storm drainage control and the cost of more expensive equipment necessary to decrease the amount of effluent emitted into the air, ground and surface waters.

 

Many of our Qdoba restaurants sell alcoholic beverages, which require licensing. The regulations governing licensing may impose requirements on licensees including minimum age of employees, hours of operation, advertising and handling of alcoholic beverages. The failure of a Qdoba Mexican Grill restaurant to obtain or retain a license could adversely affect the store’s results of operations.

 

We have processes in place to monitor compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing our operations.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

From time to time, we make oral and written forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic performance, financial condition and achievements of the Company. A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events. Whenever possible, we try to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goals,” “guidance,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions. Certain forward-looking statements are included in this Form 10-K, principally in the

sections captioned “Business,” “Legal Proceedings,” “Consolidated Financial Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” including statements regarding our strategic plans and operating strategies. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such expectations may prove to be materially incorrect due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties.

 

In some cases, information regarding certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement appears together with such statement. In addition, the factors described under “Risk Factors” and “Critical Accounting Estimates,” as well as other possible factors not listed, could cause actual results and/or goals to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. As a result, investors should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. The Company is under no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise.

 

 

We caution you that our business and operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The factors listed below are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical results and from projections in forward-looking statements contained in this report, in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in our news releases and in oral statements by our representatives. However, other factors that we do not anticipate or that we do not consider significant based on currently available information may also have an adverse effect on our results.

 

Risks Related to the Food Service Industry.  Food service businesses may be materially and adversely affected by changes in consumer tastes, national and regional economic and political conditions, and changes in consumer eating habits, whether based on new information regarding diet, nutrition and health, or otherwise. Recessionary economic conditions, including higher levels of unemployment, lower levels of consumer confidence, and decreased consumer spending can reduce restaurant traffic and sales and impose practical limits on pricing. If recessionary economic conditions persist for an extended period of time, consumers may make long-lasting changes to their spending behavior. The performance of individual restaurants may be adversely affected by factors such as traffic patterns, demographics and the type, number and location of competing restaurants, as well as local regulatory and political conditions, terrorist acts or government responses, weather conditions and catastrophic events such as earthquakes, fires, floods or other natural disasters.

 

Multi-unit food service businesses such as ours can also be materially and adversely affected by widespread negative publicity of any type, particularly regarding food quality, nutritional content, illness or public health issues (such as epidemics or the prospect of a pandemic), obesity, safety, injury or other health concerns. Adverse publicity in these areas could damage the trust customers place in our brand. We have taken steps to mitigate each of these risks. To minimize the risk of food-borne illness, we have implemented a HACCP system for managing food safety and quality. Nevertheless, these risks cannot be completely eliminated. Any outbreak of such illness attributed to our restaurants or within the food service industry or any widespread negative publicity regarding our brands or the restaurant industry in general could cause a decline in our sales and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Unfavorable trends or developments concerning factors such as inflation, increased cost of food, labor, fuel, utilities, technology, insurance and employee benefits (including increases in hourly wages, workers’ compensation and other insurance costs and premiums), increases in the number and locations of competing restaurants, regional weather conditions and the availability of qualified, experienced management and hourly employees, may also adversely affect the food service industry in general. Because a significant number of our restaurants are company-operated, we may have greater exposure to operating cost issues than chains that are more heavily franchised. Exposure to these fluctuating costs, including increases in commodity costs, could negatively impact our margins. Our continued success will depend in part on our ability to anticipate, identify and respond to changing conditions.

 

Risks Associated with Suppliers.  Dependence on frequent deliveries of fresh produce and other food products subjects food service businesses such as ours to the risk that shortages or interruptions in supply could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of ingredients or require us to incur additional costs to obtain adequate

supplies. Our deliveries of supplies may be affected by adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, supplier financial or solvency issues, product recalls, failure to meet our high standards for quality or other issues.

 

Risks Associated with Development.  We intend to grow by developing additional company-owned restaurants and through new restaurant development by franchisees. Development involves substantial risks, including the risk of (i) the availability of financing for the Company and for franchisees at acceptable rates and terms, (ii) development costs exceeding budgeted or contracted amounts, (iii) delays in completion of construction, (iv) the inability to identify, or the unavailability of suitable sites on acceptable leasing or purchase terms, (v) developed properties not achieving desired revenue or cash flow levels once opened, (vi) the unpredicted negative impact of a new restaurant upon sales at nearby existing restaurants, (vii) competition for suitable development sites; (viii) incurring substantial unrecoverable costs in the event a development project is abandoned prior to completion, (ix) the inability to obtain all required governmental permits, including, in appropriate cases, liquor licenses; (x) changes in governmental rules, regulations, and interpretations (including interpretations of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act), and (xi) general economic and business conditions.

 

Although we manage our development activities to reduce such risks, we cannot assure you that present or future development will perform in accordance with our expectations. Our inability to expand in accordance with our plans or to manage our growth could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Reliance on Certain Geographic Markets.  Because approximately 60% of our restaurants are located in the states of California and Texas, the economic conditions, state and local laws, government regulations, weather conditions and natural disasters affecting those states may have a material impact upon our results.

 

Risks Related to Entering New Markets.  Our growth strategy includes opening restaurants in markets where we have no existing locations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully expand or acquire critical market presence for our brands in new geographical markets, as we may encounter well-established competitors with substantially greater financial resources. We may be unable to find attractive locations, acquire name recognition, successfully market our products or attract new customers. Competitive circumstances and consumer characteristics in new market segments and new geographical markets may differ substantially from those in the market segments and geographical markets in which we have substantial experience. It may also be difficult for us to recruit and retain qualified personnel to manage restaurants. We cannot assure that company or franchised restaurants can be operated profitably in new geographical markets. Management decisions to curtail or cease investment in certain locations or markets may result in impairment charges.

 

Competition.  The restaurant industry is highly competitive with respect to price, service, location, personnel, advertising, brand identification and the type and quality of food, and there are many well-established competitors. Each of our restaurants competes directly and indirectly with a large number of national and regional restaurant chains, as well as with locally-owned and/or independent quick-service restaurants, fast-casual restaurants, sandwich shops and similar types of businesses. The trend toward convergence in grocery, deli and restaurant services may increase the number of our competitors. Such increased competition could decrease the demand for our products and negatively affect our sales and profitability. Some of our competitors have substantially greater financial, marketing, operating and other resources than we have, which may give them a competitive advantage. Certain of our competitors have introduced a variety of new products and engaged in substantial price discounting in the past and may adopt similar strategies in the future. Our promotional strategies or other actions during unfavorable competitive conditions may adversely affect our margins. We plan to take various steps in connection with our on-going “brand re-invention” strategy, including making improvements to the facility image at our restaurants, introducing new, higher-quality products, discontinuing certain menu items, and implementing new service and training initiatives. However, there can be no assurance (i) that our facility improvements will foster increases in sales and yield the desired return on investment, (ii) of the success of our new products, initiatives or our overall strategies or (iii) that competitive product offerings, pricing and promotions will not have an adverse effect upon our sales results and financial condition. We have an on-going “profit improvement program” which seeks to improve efficiencies and lower costs in all aspects of operations. Although we have been successful in improving efficiencies and reducing costs in the past, there is no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so in the future.

Risks Related to Increased Labor Costs.  We have a substantial number of employees who are paid wage rates at or slightly above the minimum wage. As federal, state and local minimum wage rates increase, our labor costs will increase. If competitive pressures or other factors prevent us from offsetting the increased costs by increases in prices, our profitability may decline. In addition, various proposals that would require employers to provide health insurance for all of their employees are currently being considered in Congress and various states. We offer access to healthcare benefits to our restaurant team members. The imposition of any requirement that we provide health insurance to all employees on terms materially different from our existing programs could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Risks Related to Advertising.  Some of our competitors have greater financial resources, which enable them to purchase significantly more television and radio advertising than we are able to purchase. Should our competitors increase spending on advertising and promotion, should the cost of television or radio advertising increase or our advertising funds decrease for any reason, including implementation of reduced spending strategies, or should our advertising and promotion be less effective than our competitors, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Also, the trend toward fragmentation in the media favored by our target consumers poses challenges and risks for our marketing and advertising strategies. Failure to effectively tackle these challenges and risks could also have a materially adverse effect on our results.

 

Taxes.  Our income tax provision is sensitive to expected earnings and, as expectations change, our income tax provisions may vary from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year. In addition, from time to time, we may take positions for filing our tax returns that differ from the treatment for financial reporting purposes. The ultimate outcome of such positions could have an adverse impact on our effective tax rate.

 

Risks Related to Achieving Increased Franchise Ownership and Reducing Operating Costs.  At September 27, 2009, approximately 46% of the Jack in the Box restaurants were franchised. Our plan to increase the percentage of franchise restaurants and move towards a level of franchise ownership more closely aligned with that of the quick service restaurant industry is subject to risks and uncertainties. We may not be able to identify franchisee candidates with appropriate experience and financial resources or to negotiate mutually acceptable agreements with them. Our franchisee candidates may not be able to obtain financing at acceptable rates and terms. Current credit market conditions may slow the rate at which we are able to refranchise. We may not be able to increase the percentage of franchised restaurants at the annual rate we desire or achieve the ownership mix of franchise to company-operated restaurants that we desire. Our ability to sell franchises and to realize gains from such sales is uncertain. Sales of our franchises and the realization of gains from franchising may vary from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year, and may not meet expectations. We anticipate that our operating costs will be reduced as the number of company-operated restaurants decreases. The ability to reduce our operating costs through increased franchise ownership is subject to risks and uncertainties, and we may not achieve reductions in costs at the rate we desire.

 

Risks Related to Franchise Operations.  The opening and success of franchised restaurants depends on various factors, including the demand for our franchises, the selection of appropriate franchisee candidates, the availability of suitable sites, the negotiation of acceptable lease or purchase terms for new locations, permitting and regulatory compliance, the ability to meet construction schedules, the availability of financing, and the financial and other capabilities of our franchisees and developers. See “Risks Associated with Development” and “Risks Related to Achieving Increased Franchise Ownership and Reducing Operating Costs” above. We cannot assure you that developers planning the opening of franchised restaurants will have the business abilities or sufficient access to financial resources necessary to open the restaurants required by their agreements. As the number of franchisees increases, our revenues derived from royalties at franchised restaurants will increase, as will the risk that revenues could be negatively impacted by defaults in the payment of royalties. In addition, franchisee business obligations may not be limited to the operation of Jack in the Box restaurants, making them subject to business and financial risks unrelated to the operation of our restaurants. These unrelated risks could adversely affect a franchisee’s ability to make payments to us or to make payments on a timely basis. We cannot assure you that franchisees will successfully participate in our strategic initiatives or operate their restaurants in a manner consistent with our concept and standards. There are significant risks to our business if a franchisee, particularly one who operates a large number of restaurants, fails to adhere to our standards and projects an image inconsistent with our brand.

Risks Related to Government Regulations.  See also “Item 1. Business — Regulation.” The restaurant industry is subject to extensive federal, state and local governmental regulations. The trend of increasing the amount and complexity of regulations, including regulations relating to the preparation, labeling, advertising and sale of food and those relating to building and zoning requirements may increase both our costs of compliance and our exposure to claims of violation of law. The Company and its franchisees are also subject to licensing and regulation by state and local departments relating to health, sanitation and safety standards, liquor licenses, and laws governing our relationships with employees, including work eligibility requirements. Changes in, or failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us to fines or legal actions. See also “Risks Related to Increased Labor Costs” above. We are also subject to federal regulation and certain state laws, which govern the offer and sale, termination and renewal of franchises. Many state franchise laws impose substantive requirements on franchise agreements, including limitations on noncompetition provisions and on provisions concerning the termination or nonrenewal of a franchise. Some states require that certain materials be registered before franchises can be offered or sold in that state. The failure to obtain or retain licenses or approvals to sell franchises could adversely affect us and our franchisees. We are subject to consumer protection and other laws and regulations governing the security of information. The costs of compliance, including increased investment in technology in order to protect such information, may negatively impact our margins. Changes in, and the cost of compliance with, government regulations could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

 

Risks Related to Computer Systems and Information Technology.  We rely on computer systems and information technology to conduct our business. A material failure or interruption of service or a breach in security of our computer systems could cause reduced efficiency in operations, loss of data and business interruptions, and significant capital investment could be required to rectify the problems. In addition, any security breach involving our point of sale or other systems could result in loss of consumer confidence and potential costs associated with consumer fraud.

 

Risks Related to Interest Rates.  We have exposure to changes in interest rates based on our financing, investing and cash management activities. Changes in interest rates could materially impact our profitability.

 

Risks Related to Availability of Credit.  To the extent that banks in our revolving credit facility become insolvent, this could limit our ability to borrow to the full level of our facility.

 

Risks Related to the Failure of Internal Controls.  We maintain a documented system of internal controls, which is reviewed and monitored by an Internal Controls Committee and tested by the Company’s full time Internal Audit Department. The Internal Audit Department reports to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. We believe we have a well-designed system to maintain adequate internal controls on the business, however, we cannot be certain that our controls will be adequate in the future or that adequate controls will be effective in preventing errors or fraud. If our internal controls are ineffective, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. Any failures in the effectiveness of our internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our operating results or cause us to fail to meet reporting obligations.

 

Environmental Risks and Regulations.  As is the case with any owner or operator of real property, we are subject to a variety of federal, state and local governmental regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge, emission and disposal of hazardous materials. Failure to comply with environmental laws could result in the imposition of severe penalties or restrictions on operations by governmental agencies or courts of law, which could adversely affect operations. Accordingly, we have engaged and may engage in real estate development projects and own or lease several parcels of real estate on which our restaurants are located. We are unaware of any significant hazards on properties we own or have owned, or operate or have operated, the remediation of which would result in material liability for the Company. We do not have environmental liability insurance nor do we maintain a reserve to cover such events. In the event of the determination of contamination on such properties, the Company, as owner or operator, could be held liable for severe penalties and costs of remediation. We also operate motor vehicles and warehouses and handle various petroleum substances and hazardous substances, and are not aware of any current material liability related thereto.

 

Risks Related to Leverage.  The Company has a $565.0 million credit facility, which is comprised of a $150.0 million revolving credit facility and a $415.0 million term loan. Increased leverage resulting from borrowings under the credit facility could have certain material adverse effects on the Company, including, but

not limited to the following: (i) our credit rating may be reduced; (ii) our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, and general corporate or other purposes could be impaired, or any such financing may not be available on terms favorable to us; (iii) a substantial portion of our cash flows could be required for debt service and, as a result, might not be available for our operations or other purposes; (iv) any substantial decrease in net operating cash flows or any substantial increase in expenses could make it difficult for us to meet our debt service requirements or force us to modify our operations or sell assets; (v) our ability to withstand competitive pressures may be decreased; and (vi) our level of indebtedness may make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and reduce our flexibility in responding to changing business, regulatory and economic conditions. Our ability to repay expected borrowings under our credit facility and to meet our other debt or contractual obligations (including compliance with applicable financial covenants) will depend upon our future performance and our cash flows from operations, both of which are subject to prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control.

 

Risks of Market Volatility.  Many factors affect the trading price of our stock, including factors over which we have no control, such as reports on the economy or the price of commodities, as well as negative or positive announcements by competitors, regardless of whether the report relates directly to our business. In addition to investor expectations about our prospects, trading activity in our stock can reflect the portfolio strategies and investment allocation changes of institutional holders and non-operating initiatives such as a share repurchase program. Any failure to meet market expectations whether for sales growth rates, refranchising goals, earnings per share or other metrics could cause our share price to drop.

 

Risks of Changes in Accounting Policies and Assumptions.  Changes in accounting standards, policies or related interpretations by auditors or regulatory entities may negatively impact our results. Many accounting standards require management to make subjective assumptions and estimates, such as those required for stock compensation, tax matters, pension costs, litigation, insurance accruals and asset impairment calculations. Changes in those underlying assumptions and estimates could significantly change our results.

 

Litigation.  Litigation trends and potential class actions by consumers, shareholders and employees, and the costs and other effects of legal claims by employees, franchisees, customers, vendors, stockholders and others, including settlement of those claims, could negatively impact our results.

 

 

None.

 

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurant properties as of September 27, 2009:

 

 

Our leases generally provide for fixed rental payments (with cost-of-living index adjustments) plus real estate taxes, insurance and other expenses. In addition, less than 20% of the leases provide for contingent rental payments between 1% and 13% of the restaurant’s gross sales once certain thresholds are met. We have generally been able to renew our restaurant leases as they expire at then-current market rates. The remaining terms of ground leases range from approximately one year to 50 years, including optional renewal periods. The remaining lease terms of our

other leases range from approximately one year to 48 years, including optional renewal periods. At September 27, 2009, our restaurant leases had initial terms expiring as follows:

 

 

Our principal executive offices are located in San Diego, California in an owned facility of approximately 150,000 square feet. We also own our 70,000 square foot Innovation Center and approximately four acres of undeveloped land directly adjacent to it. Qdoba’s corporate support center is located in a leased facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. We also lease seven distribution centers, with remaining terms ranging from eight to 16 years, including optional renewal periods.

 

Certain of our personal property is pledged as collateral under our credit agreement and certain of our real property may be pledged as collateral in the event of a ratings downgrade as defined in the credit agreement.

 

 

The Company is subject to normal and routine litigation. In the opinion of management, based in part on the advice of legal counsel, the ultimate liability from all pending legal proceedings, asserted legal claims and known potential legal claims should not materially affect our operating results, financial position or liquidity.

 

 

The Company did not submit any matter during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 to a vote of its stockholders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

 

 

Market Information.  The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for our common stock during the fiscal quarters indicated, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ — Composite Transactions:

 

 

 

Dividends.  We did not pay any cash or other dividends during the last two fiscal years and do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. Our credit agreement provides for $50.0 million for the potential payment of cash dividends.

 

Stock Repurchases.  In November 2007, the Board approved a program to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of our common stock over three years expiring November 9, 2010. As of September 27, 2009, the aggregate

remaining amount authorized and available under our credit agreement for repurchase was $97.4 million. There were no stock repurchases during fiscal 2009.

 

Stockholders.  As of September 27, 2009, there were 617 stockholders of record.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.  The following table summarizes the equity compensation plans under which Company common stock may be issued as of September 27, 2009. Stockholders of the Company approved all plans.

 

 

 

Performance Graph.  The following graph compares the cumulative return to holders of the Company’s common stock at September 30th of each year (except 2004 when the comparison date is October 3 due to the fifty-third week in fiscal 2004) to the yearly weighted cumulative return of a Restaurant Peer Group Index and to the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index for the same period. In 2009, we updated the composition of our peer group to maintain consistency with the peer group used by the Company for compensation purposes. In the year of transition, both the old and new peer groups have been included in the performance graph.

 

The below comparison assumes $100 was invested on September 30, 2004 in the Company’s common stock and in the comparison group, and assumes reinvestment of dividends. The Company paid no dividends during these periods.

 

 

 

 

Our fiscal year is 52 or 53 weeks, ending the Sunday closest to September 30. All years presented include 52 weeks. The selected financial data reflects Quick Stuff as a discontinued operation for all years presented. The following selected financial data of Jack in the Box Inc. for each fiscal year was extracted or derived from our audited financial statements.

 

 

 

 

GENERAL

 

For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the past three fiscal years, we believe our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in this Annual Report as indexed on page F-1.

 

All comparisons under this heading among 2009, 2008 and 2007 refer to the 52-week periods ended September 27, 2009, September 28, 2008, and September 30, 2007, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.

 

Our MD&A consists of the following sections:

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

Our primary source of revenue is from retail sales at Jack in the Box and Qdoba company-operated restaurants. We also derive revenue from Jack in the Box and Qdoba franchised restaurants, including royalties based upon a percent of sales, rents, franchise fees and distribution sales of food and packaging commodities. In addition, we recognize gains from the sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees, which are presented as a reduction of operating costs and expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.

 

The quick-service restaurant industry is complex and challenging. Challenges currently facing the sector include higher levels of consumer expectations, intense competition with respect to market share, restaurant locations, labor, menu and product development, changes in the economy, including the current recessionary environment, significant promotional and discounting activity in the QSR and casual dining segments of the industry, costs of commodities and trends for healthier eating. In light of these challenges, we were able to grow earnings in fiscal 2009 due in large part to the successful execution of strategic initiatives, such as refranchising, new unit growth and improving our cost structure.

 

The following summarizes the most significant events occurring in fiscal 2009:

 

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

The results of operations and cash flows for Quick Stuff are reflected as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Refer to Note 2, Discontinued Operations, in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

 

In 2009, restaurant operating costs have been separated into two components: “Payroll and employee benefits” and “Occupancy and other.” Prior year amounts have been adjusted to conform to this new method of presentation.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table sets forth, unless otherwise indicated, the percentage relationship to total revenues of certain items included in our consolidated statements of earnings. This information is derived from the consolidated statements of earnings found elsewhere in this report.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS DATA

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

Restaurant sales decreased 6.0% in 2009 and 2.3% 2008, primarily reflecting the sale of Jack in the Box company-operated restaurants to franchisees. To a lesser extent, decreases in same-store sales at Jack in the Box restaurants in 2009 and Qdoba restaurants in both years also contributed to the sales decline. Additionally, in 2008, the loss of approximately 1,300 restaurant operating days due to the impact of Hurricane Ike contributed to the decline in restaurant sales. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the number of Qdoba company-operated restaurants and, in 2008, modest increases in per store average (“PSA”) sales at Jack in the Box company-operated restaurants. Same-store sales at Jack in the Box company-operated restaurants decreased 1.2% in 2009 compared with a 0.2% increase in 2008 and include the impact of price increases of approximately 2.8% and 2.2%, respectively.

 

Distribution sales to Jack in the Box and Qdoba franchisees grew to $302.1 million in 2009 from $275.2 million in 2008 and $222.6 million in 2007. The increase in distribution sales in 2009 and 2008 primarily relates to an increase in the number of Jack in the Box and Qdoba franchised restaurants serviced by our distribution centers, partially offset by lower per store average volumes in 2009. Higher food costs in 2008 also contributed to the sales increase per comparison with 2007.

 

The following table reflects the detail of our franchised restaurant revenues in each year (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

The increase in franchised restaurant revenues is primarily attributable to an increase in the number of franchised restaurants reflecting the franchising of Jack in the Box company-operated restaurants and new restaurant development by Qdoba and Jack in the Box franchisees.

 

Operating Costs and Expenses

 

Food and packaging costs decreased to 32.4% of restaurant sales in 2009 from 33.4% in 2008 and compared with 31.9% in 2007. The decline in 2009 included the benefit of selling price increases, favorable product mix changes and margin improvement initiatives, offset in part by commodity cost increases of approximately 2.0%. In 2008, higher commodity costs, primarily cheese, shortening, eggs, and beef were partially offset by selling price increases.

 

Payroll and employee benefit costs improved to 29.7% of restaurant sales in 2009 and 2008 from 30.0% in 2007, due primarily to labor productivity initiatives and lower workers’ compensation costs which more than offset minimum wage increases.

 

Occupancy and other costs were 21.7% of restaurant sales in 2009, 20.9% in 2008 and 20.3% in 2007. The percent of sales increase in 2009 was due primarily to higher depreciation expense related to the ongoing re-image program at Jack in the Box restaurants and a kitchen enhancement project completed in 2008, higher rent and depreciation related to new restaurant development at Qdoba and sales deleverage at Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurants, which were partially offset by lower utility costs. The percentage increase in 2008 is primarily attributable to higher utility costs and an increase in depreciation expense related to our re-image and kitchen enhancement programs.

Distribution costs of sales increased to $300.9 million in 2009 from $273.4 million in 2008 and $220.2 million in 2007, primarily reflecting increases in the related sales. These costs were 99.6% of distribution sales in 2009, 99.3% in 2008, and 99.0% in 2007. The percentage increase in 2009 compared with 2008 is due primarily to costs incurred in connection with outsourcing our transportation services and lower volumes. The percentage increase in 2008 primarily relates to higher fuel and delivery costs compared with 2007.

 

Franchised restaurant costs, principally rents and depreciation on properties leased to Jack in the Box franchisees, increased $13.4 million in 2009 and $8.5 million in 2008, due primarily to an increase in the number of franchised restaurants that sublease property from us as a result of our refranchising activities.

 

The following table sets forth the change in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense components between periods (in thousands):

 

 

Our contributions to the marketing fund, which are determined as a percentage of restaurant sales, decreased primarily due to our refranchising strategy and contributed to the decline in SG&A expenses in both 2009 and 2008. Additionally, in 2009, the partial recovery of prior year losses related to the cash surrender value of our COLI policies, net of changes in our non-qualified deferred compensation obligation supported by these policies, also contributed to the decrease. In 2009, these decreases were partially offset by higher preopening costs related to the opening of 43 Jack in the Box restaurants versus 23 in 2008, and severance costs. In 2008, the decrease in SG&A expenses also relates to lower incentive compensation and the impact of our refranchising strategy on field management and administrative expenses. These decreases were offset in part by losses on the cash surrender value of our COLI policies, net, losses related to hurricanes and an increase in facility charges related to the Jack in the Box re-image program, the kitchen enhancement project and the impairment of seven restaurants we continue to operate.

 

Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants were $78.6 million, $66.3 million and $38.1 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The change in gains relates to the number of restaurants sold and the specific sales and cash flows of those restaurants. In 2009, we sold 194 Jack in the Box restaurants, compared with 109 in 2008, and 76 in 2007.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense was $22.2 million, $28.1 million, and $32.1 million, in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decreases in interest expense in 2009 and 2008 primarily relate to lower average interest rates which were partially offset by higher average borrowings in 2009. Fiscal 2007 also included a $1.9 million charge in the first quarter to write-off deferred financing fees in connection with the replacement of our credit facility.

Interest Income

 

Interest income was $1.4 million, $0.6 million, and $8.8 million, in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in 2009 from a year ago primarily reflects interest earned on notes receivable. The decrease in 2008 compared with 2007 is due to lower average cash balances.

 

Income Taxes

 

The income tax provisions reflect effective tax rates of 37.7%, 37.3%, and 35.6% of pretax earnings from continuing operations in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The higher tax rates in 2009 and 2008 are primarily attributable to market performance of insurance investment products used to fund certain non-qualified retirement plans. Changes in the cash value of the insurance products are not deductible or taxable.

 

Earnings from Continuing Operations

 

Earnings from continuing operations were $131.0 million or $2.27 per diluted share, in 2009; $118.2 million or $1.99 per diluted share, in 2008; and $124.7 million or $1.85 per diluted share, in 2007.

 

Earnings from Discontinued Operations, Net

 

As described in the “Financial Reporting” section, Quick Stuff’s results of operations have been reported as discontinued operations. In 2009, the loss from discontinued operations, net was $12.6 million, reflecting the $15.0 million net of tax loss from the sale of Quick Stuff in the fourth quarter. Earnings from discontinued operations, net were $1.1 million and $0.9 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

General.  Our primary sources of short-term and long-term liquidity are expected to be cash flows from operations, the revolving bank credit facility, the sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees and the sale and leaseback of certain restaurant properties.

 

Our cash requirements consist principally of:

 

 

Based upon current levels of operations and anticipated growth, we expect that cash flows from operations, combined with other financing alternatives in place or available, will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure, working capital and debt service requirements for the foreseeable future.

 

As is common in the restaurant industry, we maintain relatively low levels of accounts receivable and inventories and our vendors grant trade credit for purchases such as food and supplies. We also continually invest in our business through the addition of new units and refurbishment of existing units, which are reflected as long-term assets and not as part of working capital. As a result, we typically maintain current liabilities in excess of current assets that result in a working capital deficit.

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased $5.1 million to $53.0 million at September 27, 2009 from $47.9 million at the beginning of the fiscal year. This increase is primarily due to cash flows provided by operating activities, proceeds received from the sale of Quick Stuff and company-operated restaurants, and collections on notes receivable. These cash inflows were partially offset by cash used to repay borrowings under our revolving credit facility and purchase property and equipment. We generally reinvest available cash flows from operations to develop new restaurants or enhance existing restaurants, to repurchase shares of our common stock and to reduce debt.

Cash Flows.  The table below summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for each of the past three fiscal years (in thousands).

 

 

Operating Activities.  Operating cash flows from continuing operations decreased $19.7 million in 2009 due to a decrease in earnings from continuing operations adjusted for non-cash items (primarily our provision for deferred income taxes), partially offset by fluctuations due to the timing of working capital receipts and disbursements. In 2008, cash flows from continuing operations decreased $6.7 million compared with 2007 primarily due to the timing of working capital receipts and disbursements, including an increase in pension contributions, partially offset by an increase in earnings from continuing operations adjusted for non-cash items. Operating cash flows from our discontinued operations were not material to our consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

Investing Activities.  Cash flows used in investing activities from continuing operations decreased $60.8 million compared with a year ago. This decrease is primarily due to an increase in cash proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees, lower spending for purchases of property and equipment and an increase in collections on notes receivable, offset in part by an increase in spending related to assets held for sale and leaseback and cash used in 2009 to acquire Qdoba franchise-operated restaurants. In 2008, cash flows used in investing activities increased $8.0 million due to higher capital expenditures offset in part by an increase in proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees and the impact of cash used in 2007 to acquire Qdoba restaurants previously operated by franchisees.

 

In 2009, cash flows provided by discontinued operations increased $32.6 million compared with a year ago due primarily to proceeds received in 2009 of $34.4 million related to the sale of our Quick Stuff convenience and fuel stores. In 2008, the decrease in cash flows used in investing activities relates to a decrease in capital expenditures.

 

Capital Expenditures.  The composition of capital expenditures used in continuing operations in each year follows (in thousands):

 

 

Our capital expenditure program includes, among other things, investments in new locations, restaurant remodeling, new equipment and information technology enhancements. In 2009, capital expenditures decreased due to lower spending related to our reimage program as well as the inclusion of a kitchen enhancement project and the purchase of our smoothie equipment in 2008, which also contributed to the increased spending in 2008 compared with 2007. The kitchen enhancements were designed to increase restaurant capacity for new product introductions while also reducing utility expense using energy-efficient equipment. The reimage program, which

began in 2006, is an important part of the chain’s holistic brand-reinvention initiative and is intended to create a warm and inviting dining experience for Jack in the box guests. In 2009, we focused our reimage efforts on completing the restaurant exteriors as the majority of the Company’s business is conducted through the drive-thru. With the exteriors substantially completed, we will focus on reimaging restaurant interiors. As of September 27, 2009, approximately 53% of all company-operated restaurants feature all interior and exterior elements of the reimage program and we now expect system-wide completion by the end of fiscal year 2012.

 

In fiscal 2010, capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $125-$135 million, including investment costs related to the Jack in the Box restaurant re-image program. We plan to open approximately 30 new Jack in the Box and 15 new Qdoba company-operated restaurants in 2010.

 

Sale of Company-Operated Restaurants.  We have continued our strategy of selectively selling Jack in the Box company-operated restaurants to franchisees. In 2009, we generated cash proceeds and notes receivable of $116.5 million from the sale of 194 restaurants compared with $85.0 million in 2008 from the sale of 109 restaurants and $51.3 million in 2007 from the sale of 76 restaurants. Fiscal years 2009 and 2008 include $21.6 million and $27.9 million, respectively, of financing provided to facilitate the closing of certain transactions. The $20 million in notes receivable at September 28, 2008 related to franchising transactions was repaid in 2009. As of September 27, 2009, notes receivable related to refranchisings were $12.2 million, of which we anticipate approximately $4.5 million will be repaid in fiscal 2010. We expect total proceeds of $85-$95 million from the sale of 150-170 Jack in the Box restaurants in 2010.

 

Acquisition of Franchise-Operated Restaurants.  In the first quarter of 2009, Qdoba acquired 22 franchise-operated restaurants for approximately $6.8 million, net of cash received. The total purchase price was allocated to property and equipment, goodwill and other income. The restaurants acquired are located in Michigan and Los Angeles, which we believe provide good long-term growth potential consistent with our strategic goals. In the third quarter of 2007, Qdoba acquired nine franchise-operated restaurants for approximately $7.0 million in cash. The primary assets acquired include $2.5 million in net property and equipment and $4.5 million in goodwill.

 

Financing Activities.  Cash used in financing activities increased $96.8 million primarily attributable to cash used in 2009 for the repayment of borrowings under our revolving credit facility. In 2008, cash used in financing activities decreased due to a decrease in share repurchases and proceeds from the issuance of common stock, offset in part by a decrease in credit facility borrowings.

 

Financing.  Our credit facility is comprised of (i) a $150.0 million revolving credit facility maturing on December 15, 2011 and (ii) a term loan maturing on December 15, 2012, both bearing interest at London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.125%. As part of the credit agreement, we may request the issuance of up to $75.0 million in letters of credit, the outstanding amount of which reduces the net borrowing capacity under the agreement. The credit facility requires the payment of an annual commitment fee based on the unused portion of the credit facility. The credit facility’s interest rates and the annual commitment rate are based on a financial leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement. Our obligations under the credit facility are secured by first priority liens and security interests in the capital stock, partnership and membership interests owned by us and (or) our subsidiaries, and any proceeds thereof, subject to certain restrictions set forth in the credit agreement. Additionally, the credit agreement includes a negative pledge on all tangible and intangible assets (including all real and personal property) with customary exceptions. At September 27, 2009, we had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility, $415.0 million outstanding under the term loan and letters of credit outstanding of $35.5 million.

 

Loan origination costs associated with the credit facility were $7.4 million and are included as deferred costs in other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheet. Deferred financing fees of $1.9 million related to the prior credit facility were written-off in fiscal 2007 and are included in interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of earnings for the year ended September 30, 2007.

 

Covenants.  We are subject to a number of customary covenants under our credit facility, including limitations on additional borrowings, acquisitions, loans to franchisees, capital expenditures, lease commitments, stock repurchases and dividend payments, and requirements to maintain certain financial ratios. Following the end of each fiscal year, we may be required to prepay the term debt with a portion of our excess cash flows for such fiscal year, as defined in the credit agreement. Other events and transactions, such as certain asset sales, may also trigger

an additional mandatory prepayment. In connection with the sale of Quick Stuff in 2009, we estimate we will be required to make a term loan prepayment of $21.0 million in February 2010, which will be applied to the remaining scheduled principal installments on a pro-rata basis.

 

Interest Rate Swaps.  To reduce our exposure to rising interest rates under our credit facility, we entered into two interest rate swaps that effectively converted $200.0 million of our variable rate term loan borrowings to a fixed-rate basis until April 1, 2010. These agreements have been designated as cash flow hedges with effectiveness assessed on changes in the present value of the term loan interest payments. There was no hedge ineffectiveness in 2009 or 2008. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap contracts were recorded, net of taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at the end of each period.

 

Repurchases of Common Stock.  In November 2007, the Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of our common stock over three years expiring November 9, 2010. During fiscal 2008, we repurchased 3.9 million shares at an aggregate cost of $100.0 million. As of September 27, 2009, the aggregate remaining amount authorized and available under our credit agreement for repurchase was $97.4 million.

 

In fiscal 2007, pursuant to a tender offer in December 2006, we accepted for purchase approximately 2.3 million shares of common stock for a total cost of $143.3 million. All shares repurchased were subsequently retired. In fiscal 2007, we also repurchased 3.2 million shares of stock for $220.1 million and 1.6 million shares for $100.0 million in connection with stock repurchase authorizations made by our Board of Directors in 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Share-based Compensation.  Proceeds from the issuance of common stock decreased $4.1 million in 2009 reflecting a decline in the exercise of employee stock options compared with 2008, which also resulted in a corresponding decrease in tax benefits from share-based compensation. As options granted are exercised, the Company will continue to receive proceeds and a tax deduction, but the amount and the timing of these cash flows cannot be reliably predicted as option holders’ decisions to exercise options will be largely driven by movements in the Company’s stock price.

 

Off-balance sheet arrangements.  Other than operating leases, we are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. We finance a portion of our new restaurant development through sale-leaseback transactions. These transactions involve selling restaurants to unrelated parties and leasing the restaurants back. Additional information regarding our operating leases is available in Item 2, Properties, and Note 8, Leases, of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Contractual obligations and commitments.  The following is a summary of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of September 27, 2009 (in thousands):

 

 

 

The contractual obligations and commitments table includes $24.8 million in contributions we expect to make to our pension plans in fiscal 2010. We maintain two pension plans, a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (“qualified pension plan”) covering substantially all full-time employees and an unfunded supplemental executive plan (“non-qualified pension plan’). Our policy is to fund our qualified pension plan at amounts necessary to satisfy the minimum amount required by law, plus additional amounts as determined by management to improve the plan’s funded status. Based on the funding status of our qualified pension plan as of our last measurement date, we are not required to make a minimum contribution in 2010, however, we currently expect to make voluntary contributions of approximately $22.0 million during the fiscal year. Contributions beyond fiscal 2010 will depend on changes in the discount rate and returns on plan assets. As of September 27, 2009, our qualified pension plan had a projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) of $290.5 million and plan assets of $231.6 million, and our non-qualified pension plan had a PBO of $49.5 million.

 

DISCUSSION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

We have identified the following as our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results and require management’s most subjective and complex judgments. Information regarding our other significant accounting estimates and policies are disclosed in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Share-based Compensation — We offer share-based compensation plans to attract, retain and motivate key officers, non-employee directors and employees to work toward the financial success of the Company. Share-based compensation cost for our stock option grants is estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair-value as calculated by an option pricing model and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period. The option pricing models require various highly judgmental assumptions including volatility, forfeiture rates, and expected option life. If any of the assumptions used in the model change significantly, share-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period.

 

Retirement Benefits — Our defined benefit and other postretirement plans’ costs and liabilities are determined using several statistical and other factors, which attempt to anticipate future events, including assumptions about the discount rate and expected return on plan assets. Our discount rate is set annually by us, with assistance from our actuaries, and is determined by considering the average of pension yield curves constructed of a population of high-quality bonds with a Moody’s or Standard and Poor’s rating of “AA” or better meeting certain other criteria. As of September 27, 2009, our discount rate was 6.16% for our defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans. Our expected long-term rate of return on assets is determined taking into consideration our projected asset allocation and economic forecasts prepared with the assistance of our actuarial consultants. As of September 27, 2009, our assumed expected long-term rate of return was 7.75% for our qualified defined benefit plan. The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower turnover and retirement rates or longer or shorter life spans of participants. These differences may affect the amount of pension expense we record. A hypothetical 25 basis point reduction in the assumed discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would have resulted in an estimated increase of $2.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively, in our fiscal 2010 pension expense. We expect our pension expense to increase in fiscal 2010 principally due to a decrease in our discount rate from 7.30% to 6.16%.

 

Self Insurance — We are self-insured for a portion of our losses related to workers’ compensation, general liability, automotive, medical and dental programs. In estimating our self-insurance accruals, we utilize independent actuarial estimates of expected losses, which are based on statistical analysis of historical data. These assumptions are closely monitored and adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances. Should a greater

amount of claims occur compared to what was estimated or medical costs increase beyond what was expected, accruals might not be sufficient, and additional expense may be recorded.

 

Long-lived Assets — Property, equipment and certain other assets, including amortized intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. This review generally includes a restaurant-level analysis, except when we are actively selling a group of restaurants in which case we perform our impairment evaluations at the group level. Impairment evaluations for individual restaurants take into consideration a restaurant’s operating cash flows, the period of time since a restaurant has been opened or remodeled, refranchising expectations, and the maturity of the related market. Impairment evaluations for a group of restaurants take into consideration the group’s expected future cash flows and sales proceeds from bids received, if any, or fair market value based on, among other considerations, the specific sales and cash flows of those restaurants. If the assets of a restaurant or group of restaurants subject to our impairment evaluation are not recoverable based upon the forecasted, undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment loss by the amount which the carrying value of the assets exceeds fair value. Our estimates of cash flows used to assess impairment are subject to a high degree of judgment and may differ from actual cash flows due to, among other things, economic conditions or changes in operating performance.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles — We also evaluate goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. If the determined fair values of these assets are less than the related carrying amounts, an impairment loss is recognized. The methods we use to estimate fair value include future cash flow assumptions, which may differ from actual cash flows due to, among other things, economic conditions or changes in operating performance. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we reviewed the carrying value of our goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets and determined that no impairment existed as of September 27, 2009.

 

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts — Our trade receivables consist primarily of amounts due from franchisees for rents on subleased sites, royalties and distribution sales. We continually monitor amounts due from franchisees and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses. This estimate is based on our assessment of the collectibility of specific franchisee accounts, as well as a general allowance based on historical trends, the financial condition of our franchisees, consideration of the general economy and the aging of such receivables. We have good relationships with our franchisees and high collection rates; however, if the future financial condition of our franchisees were to deteriorate, resulting in their inability to make specific required payments, we may be required to increase the allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Legal Accruals — The Company is subject to claims and lawsuits in the ordinary course of its business. A determination of the amount accrued, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each matter. We continually evaluate such accruals and may increase or decrease accrued amounts, as we deem appropriate.

 

Income Taxes — We estimate certain components of our provision for income taxes. These estimates include, among other items, depreciation and amortization expense allowable for tax purposes, allowable tax credits, effective rates for state and local income taxes and the tax deductibility of certain other items. We adjust our annual effective income tax rate as additional information on outcomes or events becomes available.

 

Our estimates are based on the best available information at the time that we prepare the income tax provision. We generally file our annual income tax returns several months after our fiscal year-end. Income tax returns are subject to audit by federal, state and local governments, generally years after the returns are filed. These returns could be subject to material adjustments or differing interpretations of the tax laws.

 

FUTURE APPLICATION OF ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on fair value measurements. This guidance clarifies the definition of fair value, describes methods used to appropriately measure fair value, and expands fair value disclosure requirements. This guidance applies under other accounting pronouncements that currently require or permit fair value measurements and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those years. We adopted the provisions of the fair value measurement guidance for our financial assets and liabilities and have elected to defer adoption for our nonfinancial assets and liabilities until fiscal year

2010. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact this guidance may have on our consolidated financial statements related to our nonfinancial assets and liabilities.

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for consolidation, which changes the approach for determining which enterprise has a controlling financial interest in variable interest entity and requires more frequent reassessments of whether an enterprise is a primary beneficiary. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact this guidance may have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

 

 

Our primary exposure to risks relating to financial instruments is changes in interest rates. Our credit facility, which is comprised of a revolving credit facility and a term loan, bears interest at an annual rate equal to the prime rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on a financial leverage ratio. As of September 27, 2009, the applicable margin for the LIBOR-based revolving loans and term loan was set at 1.125%.

 

We use interest rate swap agreements to reduce exposure to interest rate fluctuations. At September 27, 2009, we had two interest rate swap agreements having an aggregate notional amount of $200.0 million expiring April 1, 2010. These agreements effectively convert a portion of our variable rate bank debt to fixed-rate debt and have an average pay rate of 4.875%, yielding a fixed-rate of 6.00% including the term loan’s applicable margin of 1.125%.

 

A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in short-term interest rates, based on the outstanding unhedged balance of our revolving credit facility and term loan at September 27, 2009 would result in an estimated increase of $2.2 million in annual interest expense.

 

We are also exposed to the impact of commodity and utility price fluctuations related to unpredictable factors such as weather and various other market conditions outside our control. Our ability to recover increased costs through higher prices is limited by the competitive environment in which we operate. From time to time, we enter into futures and option contracts to manage these fluctuations. At September 27, 2009, we had 20 natural gas Over the Counter Call Option agreements in place that represent approximately 33% of our total requirements for natural gas for the months of November 2009 through March 2010.

 

 

The consolidated financial statements and related financial information required to be filed are indexed on page F-1 and are incorporated herein.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Based on an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13(a) — 15(e) and 15(d) — 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), as of the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended September 27, 2009, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively) have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 27, 2009. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Management has concluded that, as of September 27, 2009, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on these criteria.

 

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, which follows.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Jack in the Box Inc.:

 

We have audited Jack in the Box Inc.’s (the Company’s) internal control over financial reporting as of September 27, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, Jack in the Box Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 27, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Jack in the Box Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for the fifty-two weeks ended September 27, 2009, September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, and our report dated November 19, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

 

San Diego, California

November 19, 2009

 

Not applicable.

 

 

That portion of our definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the captions “Election of Directors — Committees of the Board of Directors Member Qualifications” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after September 27, 2009 and to be used in connection with our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

Information regarding executive officers is set forth in Item 1 of Part I of this Report under the caption “Executive Officers.”

 

That portion of our definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the caption “Audit Committee,” relating to the members of the Company’s Audit Committee and the Audit Committee financial expert, is also incorporated herein by reference.

 

That portion of our definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the caption “Other Business,” relating to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend candidates for director to the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors, is also incorporated herein by reference.

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics, which applies to all Jack in the Box Inc. directors, officers and employees, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and all of the financial team. The Code of Ethics is posted on the Company’s website, www.jackinthebox.com (under the “Investors — Corporate Governance — Code of Conduct” caption). We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of the Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller or persons performing similar functions, by posting such information on our website. No such waivers have been issued during fiscal 2009.

 

We have also adopted a set of Corporate Governance Principles and Practices and charters for all of our Board Committees, including the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Governance Committees. The Corporate Governance Principles and Practices and committee charters are available on our website at www.jackinthebox.com and in print free of charge to any shareholder who requests them. Written requests for our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Corporate Governance Principles and Practices and committee charters should be addressed to Jack in the Box Inc., 9330 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

 

The Company’s primary website can be found at www.jackinthebox.com. We make available free of charge at this website (under the caption “Investors — SEC Filings”) all of our reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports. These reports are made available on the website as soon as reasonably practicable after their filing with, or furnishing to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

That portion of our definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the caption “Executive Compensation” to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after September 27, 2009 and to be used in connection with our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

 

That portion of our definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after September 27, 2009 and to be used in connection with our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby

incorporated by reference. Information regarding equity compensation plans under which Company common stock may be issued as of September 27, 2009 is set forth in Item 5 of this Report.

 

 

That portion of our definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the caption “Certain Transactions,” if any, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after September 27, 2009 and to be used in connection with our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

 

That portion of our definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accountant Fees and Services” to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after September 27, 2009 and to be used in connection with our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

 

ITEM 15(a) (1) Financial Statements.  See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of this Report.

 

ITEM 15(a) (2) Financial Statement Schedules.  Not applicable.

 

ITEM 15(a) (3) Exhibits.

 

 

 

 

ITEM 15(b) All required exhibits are filed herein or incorporated by reference as described in Item 15(a)(3).

 

ITEM 15(c) All supplemental schedules are omitted as inapplicable or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

JACK IN THE BOX INC.

 

Jerry P. Rebel

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial officer)

(Duly Authorized Signatory)

 

Date: November 19, 2009

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Schedules not filed: All schedules have been omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Jack in the Box Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Jack in the Box Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for the fifty-two weeks ended September 27, 2009, September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Jack in the Box Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the fifty-two weeks ended September 27, 2009, September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for defined benefit plans in fiscal 2007 and its method of accounting for uncertainty in income taxes in fiscal 2008 due to the adoption of new accounting pronouncements.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Jack in the Box Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 27, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated November 19, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

San Diego, CA

November 19, 2009

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS