JACK IN THE BOX INC - Quarter Report: 2017 January (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

____________________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

_______________________________________________________________________________________

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended January 22, 2017

Commission File Number: 1-9390



DELAWARE		95-2698708
(State of Incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

9330 BALBOA AVENUE, SAN DIEGO, CA		92123
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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 ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation 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 þ No ¨

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.



Large accelerated filer	þ	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	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 ¨ No þ

As of the close of business February 17, 2017, 31,641,734 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX



		Page
	PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	5
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	19
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	34
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	34
	PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	34
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	34
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	35
Item 3.	Defaults of Senior Securities	35
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	35
Item 5.	Other Information	35
Item 6.	Exhibits	35
	Signature	36

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)



	January 22, 2017			October 2, 2016
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash	$	6,090		$	17,030
Accounts and other receivables, net	54,711			73,360
Inventories	8,344			8,229
Prepaid expenses	12,631			40,398
Assets held for sale	18,357			14,259
Other current assets	2,371			2,129
Total current assets	102,504			155,405
Property and equipment, at cost	1,596,676			1,605,576
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(899,077		)	(886,526		)
Property and equipment, net	697,599			719,050
Intangible assets, net	13,793			14,042
Goodwill	166,045			166,046
Other assets, net	278,616			290,469
	$	1,258,557		$	1,345,012
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	55,931		$	55,935
Accounts payable	30,052			40,736
Accrued liabilities	134,701			181,250
Total current liabilities	220,684			277,921
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	985,588			935,372
Other long-term liabilities	325,526			348,925
Stockholders’ deficit:
Preferred stock $0.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	—			—
Common stock $0.01 par value, 175,000,000 shares authorized, 81,824,541 and 81,598,524 issued, respectively	818			816
Capital in excess of par value	445,147			432,564
Retained earnings	1,422,614			1,399,721
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(170,388		)	(187,021		)
Treasury stock, at cost, 50,182,807 and 49,190,992 shares, respectively	(1,971,432		)	(1,863,286		)
Total stockholders’ deficit	(273,241		)	(217,206		)
	$	1,258,557		$	1,345,012

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Revenues:
Company restaurant sales	$	367,270		$	353,221
Franchise rental revenues	71,469			69,738
Franchise royalties and other	49,194			47,864
	487,933			470,823
Operating costs and expenses, net:
Company restaurant costs:
Food and packaging	108,936			108,911
Payroll and employee benefits	106,921			97,907
Occupancy and other	83,044			77,699
Total company restaurant costs	298,901			284,517
Franchise occupancy expenses	51,449			52,219
Franchise support and other costs	3,838			4,862
Selling, general and administrative expenses	55,708			65,872
Impairment and other charges, net	5,057			1,657
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	(137		)	(818		)
	414,816			408,309
Earnings from operations	73,117			62,514
Interest expense, net	12,717			8,175
Earnings from continuing operations and before income taxes	60,400			54,339
Income taxes	23,366			20,442
Earnings from continuing operations	37,034			33,897
Losses from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit	(1,105		)	(676		)
Net earnings	$	35,929		$	33,221

Net earnings per share - basic:
Earnings from continuing operations	$	1.15		$	0.96
Losses from discontinued operations	(0.03		)	(0.02		)
Net earnings per share (1)	$	1.12		$	0.94
Net earnings per share - diluted:
Earnings from continuing operations	$	1.14		$	0.94
Losses from discontinued operations	(0.03		)	(0.02		)
Net earnings per share (1)	$	1.11		$	0.92

Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	32,168			35,458
Diluted	32,442			35,946

Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.40		$	0.30

____________________________


(1)	Earnings per share may not add due to rounding.

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Net earnings	$	35,929		$	33,221
Cash flow hedges:
Net change in fair value of derivatives	23,086			(11,437		)
Net loss reclassified to earnings	2,066			1,444
	25,152			(9,993		)
Tax effect	(9,731		)	3,868
	15,421			(6,125		)
Unrecognized periodic benefit costs:
Actuarial losses and prior service costs reclassified to earnings	1,978			1,398
Tax effect	(766		)	(541		)
	1,212			857
Other:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			(52		)
Tax effect	—			20
	—			(32		)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	16,633			(5,300		)

Comprehensive income	$	52,562		$	27,921

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	35,929		$	33,221
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	27,987			28,514
Deferred finance cost amortization	1,123			823
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	(3,981		)	(2,020		)
Deferred income taxes	2,239			(2,128		)
Share-based compensation expense	3,814			4,088
Pension and postretirement expense	1,297			4,149
Losses on cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance	326			2,466
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	(137		)	(818		)
Losses on the disposition of property and equipment	699			651
Impairment charges and other	1,871			446
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables	19,378			(4,204		)
Inventories	(115		)	(495		)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	31,506			1,205
Accounts payable	(5,487		)	7,386
Accrued liabilities	(43,328		)	(25,403		)
Pension and postretirement contributions	(1,440		)	(1,883		)
Other	(726		)	(1,089		)
Cash flows provided by operating activities	70,955			44,909
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(20,865		)	(31,543		)
Purchases of assets intended for sale and leaseback	(1,770		)	(3,274		)
Proceeds from the sale and leaseback of assets	2,466			5,803
Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants	138			1,021
Collections on notes receivable	298			441
Acquisition of franchise-operated restaurants	—			324
Other	51			(28		)
Cash flows used in investing activities	(19,682		)	(27,256		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	231,000			176,000
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facilities	(167,000		)	(97,000		)
Principal repayments on debt	(14,438		)	(8,479		)
Dividends paid on common stock	(12,962		)	(10,592		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	4,756			492
Repurchases of common stock	(115,354		)	(100,000		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	3,981			2,020
Change in book overdraft	7,804			9,295
Cash flows used in financing activities	(62,213		)	(28,264		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			(32		)
Net decrease in cash	(10,940		)	(10,643		)
Cash at beginning of period	17,030			17,743
Cash at end of period	$	6,090		$	7,100

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nature of operations — Founded in 1951, Jack in the Box Inc. (the “Company”) operates and franchises Jack in the Box^® quick-service restaurants and Qdoba Mexican Eats^® (“Qdoba”) fast-casual restaurants. The following table summarizes the number of restaurants as of the end of each period:



	January 22, 2017	January 17, 2016
Jack in the Box:
Company-operated	419	413
Franchise	1,842	1,840
Total system	2,261	2,253
Qdoba:
Company-operated	376	330
Franchise	336	344
Total system	712	674

References to the Company throughout these notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are made using the first person notations of “we,” “us” and “our.”

Basis of presentation — The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). During fiscal 2012, we entered into an agreement to outsource our Jack in the Box distribution business. In fiscal 2013, we closed 62 Qdoba restaurants (the “2013 Qdoba Closures”) as part of a comprehensive Qdoba market performance review. The results of operations for our distribution business and for the 2013 Qdoba Closures are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Refer to Note 2, Discontinued Operations, for additional information. Unless otherwise noted, amounts and disclosures throughout these notes to condensed consolidated financial statements relate to our continuing operations. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial condition and results of operations for these interim periods have been included. Operating results for one interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for any other interim period or for the full year.

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2016 (“2016 Form 10-K”). The accounting policies used in preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements are the same as those described in our 2016 Form 10-K with the exception of two new accounting pronouncements adopted in fiscal 2017 which are described below.

Reclassifications and adjustments — Certain prior year amounts in the condensed consolidated balance sheets have been reclassified due to the adoption of a new accounting pronouncement. See discussion below.

Fiscal year — Our fiscal year is 52 or 53 weeks ending the Sunday closest to September 30. Fiscal year 2017 includes 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2016 includes 53 weeks. Our first quarter includes 16 weeks and all other quarters include 12 weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, which includes 13 weeks. All comparisons between 2017 and 2016 refer to the 16 weeks (“quarter”) ended January 22, 2017 and January 17, 2016, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.

Principles of consolidation — The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and the accounts of any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where we are deemed the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The financial results and position of our VIE are immaterial to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Use of estimates — In preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management is required to make certain assumptions and estimates that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the disclosure of contingencies. In making these assumptions and estimates, management may from time to time seek advice and consider information provided by actuaries and other experts in a particular area. Actual amounts could differ materially from these estimates.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Effect of new accounting pronouncements adopted in fiscal 2017 — In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under this ASU, an entity presents such costs on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. This new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. We adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2017 and the prior period was retrospectively adjusted. The adjustment resulted in a reclassification of $3.8 million in debt issuance costs from other assets, net to current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt, net of current maturities in the amount of $1.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively, in our October 2, 2016 condensed consolidated balance sheet.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Interest-Imputation of Interest: Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, which addresses line-of-credit arrangements that were omitted from ASU No. 2015-03. This ASU states that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs related to a line-of-credit arrangement as an asset and subsequently amortizing those costs ratably over the term of the arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. This new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. We adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2017 and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements as we continue to present debt issuance costs associated with our line-of-credit arrangement as an asset on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Effect of new accounting pronouncements to be adopted in future periods — In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue Recognition - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive for the transfer of promised goods or services to its customers. The standard also requires additional disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Further, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which clarifies the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 when evaluating when another party, along with the entity, is involved in providing a good or service to a customer. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which clarifies the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 regarding assessing whether promises to transfer goods or services are distinct, and whether an entity's promise to grant a license provides a customer with a right to use, or right to access the entity's intellectual property. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU clarifies the guidance in ASU 2014-09, providing technical corrections and improvements to clarify guidance and correct unintended applications of the guidance. All standards are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within that reporting period. As such, we will be required to adopt these standards in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. These standards are to be applied retrospectively or using a cumulative effect transition method, and early adoption is not permitted. We do not believe the new revenue recognition standard will impact our recognition of restaurant sales, rental revenues or royalty fees from franchisees. However, we are still evaluating the impact that this pronouncement will have on the recognition of certain transactions on our consolidated financial statements, including the initial franchise fees currently recognized upon the opening of a franchise restaurant and our advertising arrangements with franchisees currently reported on a net versus gross basis in our consolidated statements of earnings, and the effect it will have on our disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. As such, we will be required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. This standard requires adoption based upon a modified retrospective transition approach, with early adoption permitted. Based on a preliminary assessment, we expect that most of our operating lease commitments will be subject to the new guidance and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption, resulting in a significant increase in the assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. We are continuing our evaluation, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-04, Liabilities-Extinguishment of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20): Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products, which is designed to provide guidance and eliminate diversity in the accounting for the derecognition of financial liabilities related to certain prepaid stored-value products using a revenue-like breakage model. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. As such, we will be required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

This standard is to be applied retrospectively or using a cumulative effect transition method as of the date of adoption. We are currently evaluating which transition method to use, but believe the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures will be immaterial upon adoption.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This standard is intended to simplify various aspects of accounting for share-based compensation arrangements, including the income tax impact, classification on the statement of cash flows and forfeitures. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. As such, we will be required to adopt this standard in fiscal 2018 and will classify the excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements, which were $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2017, as a discrete item within income tax expense on the consolidated statements of earnings, rather than recognizing such excess income tax benefits in capital in excess of par value on the consolidated statements of stockholders’ deficit. This reclassification will be made on a prospective basis and will also impact the related classification on our consolidated statements of cash flows as excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements are currently reported in cash flows from operating activities and cash flows used in investing activities. Other than these reclassifications, we do not believe the adoption of this ASU will materially impact our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows ( Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This standard is intended to address eight classification issues related to the statement of cash flows to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. As such, we will be required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. This standard requires adoption based upon a retrospective transition method. We are currently evaluating this standard, but do not believe it will have a material impact on the classification of cash flows within our statement of cash flows.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. This standard requires that an entity recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs, rather than deferring the recognition until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. As such, we will be required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The standard requires adoption on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. We are currently evaluating this standard, but do not believe it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-19, Technical Corrections and Improvements. This standard contains amendments that affect a wide variety of topics in the Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments include differences between original FASB guidance and the Accounting Standards Codification, guidance clarification and reference corrections, simplification and minor improvements. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. As such, we will be required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. This standard is not expected have a significant effect on our accounting policies or on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


2.	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Distribution business — During fiscal 2012, we entered into an agreement with a third party distribution service provider pursuant to a plan approved by our Board of Directors to sell our Jack in the Box distribution business. During fiscal 2013, we completed the transition of our distribution centers. The operations and cash flows of the business have been eliminated and in accordance with the provisions of the FASB authoritative guidance on the presentation of financial statements, the results are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

In 2017 and 2016, results of discontinued operations were immaterial to our condensed consolidated results of operations. Our liability for lease commitments related to our distribution centers is immaterial to our consolidated balance sheets as of January 22, 2017 and October 2, 2016. The lease commitment balance relates to one distribution center lease that expires in fiscal 2017 and is currently subleased at a loss.

2013 Qdoba Closures — During fiscal 2013, we closed 62 Qdoba restaurants. The decision to close these restaurants was based on a comprehensive analysis that took into consideration levels of return on investment and other key operating performance metrics. Since the closed locations were not predominantly located near those remaining in operation, we did not expect the majority of cash flows and sales lost from these closures to be recovered. In addition, we did not anticipate any ongoing involvement or significant direct cash flows from the closed stores. Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the FASB authoritative guidance on the presentation of financial statements, the results of operations for these restaurants are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

The following table summarizes the results related to the 2013 Qdoba Closures for each period (in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Unfavorable lease commitment adjustments	$	(2,060	)	$	(1,006	)
Bad debt expense related to subtenants	389			(124		)
Broker commissions	(26		)	—
Ongoing facility related and other costs	(18		)	(38		)
Loss before income tax benefit	$	(1,715	)	$	(1,168	)

We do not expect the remaining costs to be incurred related to these closures to be material; however, our estimates related to our future lease obligations, primarily sublease income, are subject to a high degree of judgment and may differ from actual sublease income due to changes in economic conditions, desirability of the sites and other factors.

Our liability for lease commitments related to the 2013 Qdoba Closures is included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and has changed as follows in 2017 (in thousands):



Balance as of October 2, 2016	$	2,943
Adjustments (1)	2,060
Cash payments	(1,123		)
Balance as of January 22, 2017 (2)	$	3,880

____________________________


(1)	Adjustments relate to revisions to certain sublease assumptions due to changes in market conditions, as well as a charge to terminate two lease agreements, and includes interest expense.


(2)	The weighted average remaining lease term related to these commitments is approximately three years.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


3.	SUMMARY OF REFRANCHISINGS, FRANCHISEE DEVELOPMENT AND ACQUISITIONS

Refranchisings and franchisee development — The following table summarizes the number of restaurants sold to franchisees, the number of restaurants developed by franchisees, and the related fees and gains recognized in each period(dollars in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Restaurants sold to Jack in the Box franchisees	—			1
New restaurants opened by franchisees:
Jack in the Box	7			5
Qdoba	8			6

Initial franchise fees	$	425		$	385

Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants (1)	$	138		$	1,021
Net assets sold (primarily property and equipment)	—			(193		)
Goodwill related to the sale of company-operated restaurants	(1		)	(10		)
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	$	137		$	818

____________________________


(1)	Amounts in 2017 and 2016 include additional proceeds related to restaurants sold in a prior year of $0.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

Franchise acquisitions —There was no acquisition activity in 2017. In 2016, we acquired one Jack in the Box franchise restaurant. We account for the acquisition of franchised restaurants using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. The 2016 purchase price allocation was based on fair value estimates determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The 2016 acquisition was not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements.


4.	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial assets and liabilities — The following table presents our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):



	Total			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (3) (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (3) (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (3) (Level 3)
Fair value measurements as of January 22, 2017:
Non-qualified deferred compensation plan (1)	$	(38,664	)	$	(38,664	)	$	—		$	—
Interest rate swaps (Note 5) (2)	(22,613		)	—			(22,613		)	—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	(61,277	)	$	(38,664	)	$	(22,613	)	$	—
Fair value measurements as of October 2, 2016:
Non-qualified deferred compensation plan (1)	$	(36,933	)	$	(36,933	)	$	—		$	—
Interest rate swaps (Note 5) (2)	(47,765		)	—			(47,765		)	—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	(84,698	)	$	(36,933	)	$	(47,765	)	$	—

____________________________


(1)	We maintain an unfunded defined contribution plan for key executives and other members of management. The fair value of this obligation is based on the closing market prices of the participants’ elected investments.


(2)	We entered into interest rate swaps to reduce our exposure to rising interest rates on our variable rate debt. The fair values of our interest rate swaps are based upon Level 2 inputs which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, discount rates and forward yield curves.


(3)	We did not have any transfers in or out of Level 1, 2 or 3.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The fair values of our debt instruments are based on the amount of future cash flows associated with each instrument discounted using our borrowing rate. At January 22, 2017, the carrying value of all financial instruments was not materially different from fair value, as the borrowings are prepayable without penalty. The estimated fair values of our capital lease obligations approximated their carrying values as of January 22, 2017.

Non-financial assets and liabilities — Our non-financial instruments, which primarily consist of property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets, are reported at carrying value and are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable, non-financial instruments are assessed for impairment. If applicable, the carrying values are written down to fair value.

In connection with our impairment reviews performed during 2017, no material fair value adjustments were required. Refer to Note 6, Impairment and Other Charges, Net, for additional information regarding impairment charges.


5.	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Objectives and strategies — We are exposed to interest rate volatility with regard to our variable rate debt. In April 2014, to reduce our exposure to rising interest rates, we entered into nine forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted $300.0 million of our variable rate borrowings to a fixed-rate basis from October 2014 through October 2018. Additionally, in June 2015, we entered into eleven forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted an additional $200.0 million of our variable rate borrowings to a fixed rate from October 2015 through October 2018, and $500.0 million from October 2018 through October 2022.

These agreements have been designated as cash flow hedges under the terms of the FASB authoritative guidance for derivatives and hedging. To the extent that they are effective in offsetting the variability of the hedged cash flows, changes in the fair values of the derivatives are not included in earnings, but are included in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). These changes in fair value are subsequently reclassified into net earnings as a component of interest expense as the hedged interest payments are made on our variable rate debt.

Financial position — The following derivative instruments were outstanding as of the end of each period (in thousands):



	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
	Balance Sheet Location	January 22, 2017			October 2, 2016
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps (Note 4)	Accrued liabilities	$	(4,100	)	$	(5,857	)
Interest rate swaps (Note 4)	Other long-term liabilities	(18,513		)	(41,908		)
Total derivatives		$	(22,613	)	$	(47,765	)

Financial performance — The following table summarizes the OCI activity related to our interest rate swap derivative instruments (in thousands):



	Location of Loss in Income	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	Location of Loss in Income	January 22, 2017		January 17, 2016
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI	N/A	$	23,086	$	(11,437	)
Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into net earnings	Interest expense, net	$	2,066	$	1,444

Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI into interest expense represent payments made to the counterparties for the effective portions of the interest rate swaps. During the periods presented, our interest rate swaps had no hedge ineffectiveness.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


6.	IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES, NET

Impairment and other charges, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings is comprised of the following (in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017		January 17, 2016
Restructuring costs	$	2,048	$	—
Costs of closed restaurants (primarily lease obligations) and other	1,997		560
Losses on disposition of property and equipment, net	699		651
Accelerated depreciation	313		446
	$	5,057	$	1,657

Restructuring costs — Restructuring charges in 2017 are the result of a plan that management initiated in fiscal 2016 to reduce our general and administrative costs. This plan includes cost saving initiatives from workforce reductions, relocation and consolidation of our Qdoba corporate support center, refranchising initiatives, and the consolidation of information technology across both brands.

The following is a summary of our restructuring costs (in thousands):



Facility closing costs	$	1,202
Employee severance and related costs	477
Other (1)	369
	$	2,048


(1)	Other primarily represents moving expenses related to the relocation of our Qdoba corporate support center and early lease termination costs.

Approximately $0.1 million and $1.8 million of the 2017 restructuring costs are related to our Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurant operating segments, respectively, and approximately $0.1 million is related to shared services functions, such as accounting/finance, information technology, human resources, audit services, legal, tax and treasury. At this time, we are unable to estimate additional charges to be incurred subsequent to 2017, but they are not expected to be material.

Total accrued severance costs related to our restructuring activities are included in accrued liabilities and changed as follows during 2017 (in thousands):



Balance as of October 2, 2016	$	4,198
Additions	477
Cash payments	(3,568		)
Balance as of January 22, 2017	$	1,107

Restaurant closing costs — Costs of closed restaurants primarily consist of future lease commitments and expected ancillary costs, net of anticipated sublease rentals. Accrued restaurant closing costs, included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, changed as follows during 2017 (in thousands):



Balance as of October 2, 2016	$	7,231
Adjustments (1)	742
Interest expense	363
Cash payments	(1,122		)
Balance as of January 22, 2017 (2) (3)	$	7,214

___________________________


(1)	Adjustments relate primarily to revisions of certain sublease and cost assumptions. Our estimates related to our future lease obligations, primarily the sublease income we anticipate, are subject to a high degree of judgment and may differ from actual sublease income due to changes in economic conditions, desirability of the sites and other factors.


(2)	The weighted average remaining lease term related to these commitments is approximately four years.


(3)	This balance excludes $2.6 million of restaurant closing costs that are included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, which were initially recorded as losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants upon sale to Jack in the Box franchisees in prior years.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Accelerated depreciation — When a long-lived asset will be replaced or otherwise disposed of prior to the end of its estimated useful life, the useful life of the asset is adjusted based on the estimated disposal date and accelerated depreciation is recognized. In 2017, accelerated depreciation primarily relates to the anticipated closure of two Jack in the Box and three Qdoba company-operated restaurants. In 2016, accelerated depreciation was primarily related to expenses at Jack in the Box company-operated restaurants for exterior facility enhancements and the replacement of technology equipment.


7.	INCOME TAXES

The income tax provisions reflect tax rates of 38.7% in 2017 and 37.6% in 2016. The major components of the year-over-year change in tax rates were a decrease in tax credits partially offset by a decrease in losses from the market performance of insurance products used to fund certain non-qualified retirement plans which are excluded from taxable income. The Company recognized a benefit from the retroactive reenactment of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for calendar year 2015 during the first quarter of 2016. This credit was extended continuously through December 31, 2019. Therefore, a similar retroactive reenactment was not applicable during the first quarter of 2017. The final annual tax rate cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual 2017 rate could differ from our current estimates.


8.	RETIREMENT PLANS

Defined benefit pension plans — We sponsor two defined benefit pension plans, a “Qualified Plan” covering substantially all full-time employees hired prior to January 1, 2011, and an unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) which provides certain employees additional pension benefits and was closed to new participants effective January 1, 2007. In fiscal 2011, the Board of Directors approved the sunset of our Qualified Plan whereby participants no longer accrue benefits effective December 31, 2015. Benefits under both plans are based on the employee’s years of service and compensation over defined periods of employment.

Postretirement healthcare plans — We also sponsor two healthcare plans, closed to new participants, that provide postretirement medical benefits to certain employees who have met minimum age and service requirements. The plans are contributory; with retiree contributions adjusted annually, and contain other cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance.

Net periodic benefit cost — The components of net periodic benefit cost in each period were as follows (in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Defined benefit pension plans:
Interest cost	$	6,996		$	7,440
Service cost	673			1,616
Expected return on plan assets	(8,659		)	(6,694		)
Actuarial loss (1)	1,881			1,257
Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs (1)	47			74
Net periodic benefit cost	$	938		$	3,693
Postretirement healthcare plans:
Interest cost	$	309		$	389
Actuarial loss (1)	50			67
Net periodic benefit cost	$	359		$	456

___________________________


(1)	Amounts were reclassified from accumulated OCI into net earnings as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Future cash flows — Our policy is to fund our plans at or above the minimum required by law. As of January 1, 2016, the date of our last actuarial funding valuation, there was no minimum contribution funding requirement. Details regarding 2017 contributions are as follows (in thousands):



	SERP		Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Net year-to-date contributions	$	1,122	$	318
Remaining estimated net contributions during fiscal 2017	$	3,400	$	1,000

We continue to evaluate contributions to our Qualified Plan based on changes in pension assets as a result of asset performance in the current market and the economic environment. We do not anticipate making any contributions to our Qualified Plan in fiscal 2017.


9.	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We offer share-based compensation plans to attract, retain and motivate key officers, employees and non-employee directors to work towards the financial success of the Company. During 2017, we granted the following shares related to our share-based compensation awards:



Nonvested stock units	59,248
Performance share awards	29,625
Stock options	89,792

The components of share-based compensation expense recognized in each period are as follows (in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017		January 17, 2016
Nonvested stock units	$	2,146	$	1,815
Performance share awards	824		1,271
Stock options	817		975
Nonvested stock awards	27		27
Total share-based compensation expense	$	3,814	$	4,088


10.	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Repurchases of common stock — In fiscal 2017, we repurchased 992,000 common shares at an aggregate cost of $108.1 million. As of January 22, 2017, there was approximately $27,000 remaining under a stock-buyback program which expires in November 2017, and $300.0 million remaining under a stock-buyback program which expires in November 2018. In our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the 16 weeks ended January 22, 2017, repurchases of common stock includes $7.2 million related to repurchase transactions traded in the prior fiscal year that settled in the current fiscal year.

Dividends — In fiscal 2017, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per common share which was paid on December 16, 2016 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 5, 2016, and totaled $13.0 million. Future dividends are subject to approval by our Board of Directors.


11.	AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

Our basic earnings per share calculation is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Our diluted earnings per share calculation is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding adjusted by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued. Potentially dilutive common shares include stock options, nonvested stock awards and units, and non-management director stock equivalents. Performance share awards are included in the average diluted shares outstanding each period if the performance criteria have been met at the end of the respective periods.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table reconciles basic weighted-average shares outstanding to diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017	January 17, 2016
Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic	32,168	35,458
Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
Nonvested stock awards and units	181	187
Stock options	76	176
Performance share awards	17	125
Weighted-average shares outstanding – diluted	32,442	35,946
Excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:
Antidilutive	44	149
Performance conditions not satisfied at the end of the period	79	—


12.	CONTINGENCIES AND LEGAL MATTERS

Legal matters — We assess contingencies, including litigation contingencies, to determine the degree of probability and range of possible loss for potential accrual in our financial statements. An estimated loss contingency is accrued in the financial statements if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable, assessing contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgments about future events. When evaluating litigation contingencies, we may be unable to provide a meaningful estimate due to a number of factors, including the procedural status of the matter in question, the availability of appellate remedies, insurance coverage related to the claim or claims in question, the presence of complex or novel legal theories, and/or the ongoing discovery and development of information important to the matter. In addition, damage amounts claimed in litigation against us may be unsupported, exaggerated or unrelated to possible outcomes, and as such are not meaningful indicators of our potential liability or financial exposure. We regularly review contingencies to determine the adequacy of the accruals and related disclosures. The ultimate amount of loss may differ from these estimates.

Gessele v. Jack in the Box Inc. — In August 2010, five former employees instituted litigation in federal court in Oregon alleging claims under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and Oregon wage and hour laws. The plaintiffs alleged that the Company failed to pay non-exempt employees for certain meal breaks and improperly made payroll deductions for shoe purchases and for workers’ compensation expenses, and later added additional claims relating to timing of final pay and related wage and hour claims involving employees of a franchisee. In December 2016, the court dismissed the federal claims and those relating to franchise employees. In fiscal 2012, we accrued for a single claim for which we believe a loss is both probable and estimable; this accrued loss contingency did not have a material effect on our results of operations. We have not established a loss contingency accrual for those claims as to which we believe liability is not probable or estimable, and we plan to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. Nonetheless, an unfavorable resolution of this matter in excess of our current accrued loss contingencies could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

Other legal matters — In addition to the matter described above, we are subject to normal and routine litigation brought by former, current or prospective employees, customers, franchisees, vendors, landlords, shareholders or others. We intend to defend ourselves in any such matters. Some of these matters may be covered, at least in part, by insurance. Our insurance liability (undiscounted) and reserves are established in part by using independent actuarial estimates of expected losses for reported claims and for estimating claims incurred but not reported. We believe that the ultimate determination of liability in connection with legal claims pending against us, if any, in excess of amounts already provided for such matters in the condensed consolidated financial statements, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, our annual results of operations, liquidity or financial position; however, it is possible that our business, results of operations, liquidity, or financial condition could be materially affected in a particular future reporting period by the unfavorable resolution of one or more matters or contingencies during such period.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


13.	SEGMENT REPORTING

Our principal business consists of developing, operating and franchising our Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurant concepts, each of which we consider a reportable operating segment. This segment reporting structure reflects our current management structure, internal reporting method and financial information used in deciding how to allocate our resources. Based upon certain quantitative thresholds, each operating segment is considered a reportable segment.

We measure and evaluate our segments based on segment revenues and earnings from operations. The reportable segments do not include an allocation of the costs related to shared service functions; nor do they include unallocated costs such as pension expense, share-based compensation and restructuring expense. These costs are reflected in the caption “Shared services and unallocated costs.” The following table provides information related to our operating segments in each period (in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Revenues by segment:
Jack in the Box restaurant operations	$	353,181		$	347,583
Qdoba restaurant operations	134,752			123,240
Consolidated revenues	$	487,933		$	470,823
Earnings from operations by segment:
Jack in the Box restaurant operations	$	92,404		$	85,690
Qdoba restaurant operations	8,732			8,737
Shared services and unallocated costs	(28,156		)	(32,731		)
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	137			818
Consolidated earnings from operations	73,117			62,514
Interest expense, net	12,717			8,175
Consolidated earnings from continuing operations and before income taxes	$	60,400		$	54,339
Total depreciation expense by segment:
Jack in the Box restaurant operations	$	19,289		$	20,473
Qdoba restaurant operations	6,492			5,588
Shared services and unallocated costs	1,974			2,225
Consolidated depreciation expense	$	27,755		$	28,286

We do not evaluate, manage or measure performance of segments using asset, interest income and expense, or income tax information; accordingly, this information by segment is not prepared or disclosed.

The following table provides detail of the change in the balance of goodwill for each of our reportable segments (in thousands):



	Jack in the Box			Qdoba		Total
Balance at October 2, 2016	$	48,415		$	117,631	$	166,046
Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees	(1		)	—		(1		)
Balance at January 22, 2017	$	48,414		$	117,631	$	166,045

Refer to Note 3, Summary of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development and Acquisitions, for information regarding the transactions resulting in the changes in goodwill.

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


14.	SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (in thousands)



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017		January 17, 2016
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	12,209	$	8,378
Income tax payments	$	47	$	16,012
Decrease in obligations for purchases of property and equipment	$	7,290	$	6,025
Decrease in obligations for treasury stock repurchases	$	7,208	$	—
Non-cash transactions:
Equipment capital lease obligations incurred	$	254	$	271
Increase in dividends accrued or converted to common stock equivalents	$	74	$	53

JACK IN THE BOX INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


15.	SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (in thousands)



	January 22, 2017			October 2, 2016
Accounts and other receivables, net:
Trade	$	45,688		$	66,837
Notes receivable	1,608			1,603
Other	10,065			7,680
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,650		)	(2,760		)
	$	54,711		$	73,360
Prepaid expenses:
Prepaid rent	$	5,690		$	18,613
Prepaid income taxes	—			12,113
Other	6,941			9,672
	$	12,631		$	40,398
Other assets, net:
Company-owned life insurance policies	$	105,631		$	105,957
Deferred tax assets	104,851			117,587
Deferred rent receivable	47,815			47,485
Other	20,319			19,440
	$	278,616		$	290,469
Accrued liabilities:
Insurance	$	39,389		$	38,368
Payroll and related taxes	31,892			44,627
Advertising	11,168			21,827
Sales and property taxes	8,131			14,311
Gift card liability	6,484			5,183
Deferred rent income	4,430			15,909
Deferred franchise fees	1,147			929
Other	32,060			40,096
	$	134,701		$	181,250
Other long-term liabilities:
Defined benefit pension plans	$	158,892		$	161,003
Straight-line rent accrual	46,998			47,070
Other	119,636			140,852
	$	325,526		$	348,925


16.	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On February 21, 2017, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per common share, to be paid on March 20, 2017 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 7, 2017.

Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, we signed non-binding letters of intent with franchisees to sell approximately 75 company restaurants in several different markets. Pre-tax gross proceeds related to these sales are estimated at $40.0 million to $45.0 million.


ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

All comparisons between 2017 and 2016 refer to the 16 weeks (“quarter”) ended January 22, 2017 and January 17, 2016, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.

For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during 2017 and 2016, 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 Quarterly Report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2016.

Our MD&A consists of the following sections:


•	Overview — a general description of our business and 2017 highlights.


•	Financial reporting — a discussion of changes in presentation, if any.


•	Results of operations — an analysis of our condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the periods presented in our condensed consolidated financial statements.


•	Liquidity and capital resources — an analysis of our cash flows including pension and postretirement health contributions, capital expenditures, our credit facility, share repurchase activity, dividends, known trends that may impact liquidity and the impact of inflation, if applicable.


•	Discussion of critical accounting estimates — a discussion of accounting policies that require critical judgments and estimates.


•	New accounting pronouncements — a discussion of new accounting pronouncements, dates of implementation and the impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, if any.


•	Cautionary statements regarding forward-looking statements — a discussion of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements made by management.

We have included in our MD&A certain performance metrics that management uses to assess company performance and which we believe will be useful in analyzing and understanding our results of operations. These metrics include the following:

•

Changes in sales at restaurants open more than one year (“same-store sales”) and average unit volumes (“AUVs”) are presented for franchised restaurants and on a system-wide basis, which includes company and franchise restaurants. Franchise sales represent sales at franchise restaurants and are revenues of our franchisees. We do not record franchise sales as revenues; however, our royalty revenues and percentage rent revenues are calculated based on a percentage of franchise sales. We believe franchise and system same-store sales and AUV information is useful to investors as a significant indicator of the overall strength of our business. Due to the transition from a 53-week year in fiscal 2016 to a 52-week year in fiscal 2017, year-over-year same-store sales comparisons are off by one week. As such, we have included changes in same-store sales on a calendar basis to provide a clearer comparison. Same-store sales data that matches the periods presented in our financial statements is referred to as fiscal basis same-store sales.


•	Company restaurant margin (“restaurant margin”) is defined as company restaurant sales less expenses incurred directly by our restaurants in generating those sales (food and packaging costs, payroll and employee benefit costs, and occupancy and other costs). We also present restaurant margin as a percentage of company restaurant sales.


•	Franchise margin is defined as franchise rental revenues and franchise royalties and other, less franchise occupancy expenses, and franchise support and other costs, and is also presented as a percentage of franchise revenues.

Same-store sales, AUVs, restaurant margin, and franchise margin are not measurements determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and should not be considered in isolation, or as an alternative to income from operations, or other similarly titled measures of other companies.

OVERVIEW

As of January 22, 2017, we operated and franchised 2,261 Jack in the Box quick-service restaurants, primarily in the western and southern United States, including one in Guam, and 712 Qdoba fast-casual restaurants operating primarily throughout the United States and Canada.

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 franchise restaurants, including rental revenue, royalties (based upon a percent of sales) and franchise fees. In addition, we recognize gains or losses from the sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees, which are included as a line item within operating costs and expenses, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

The following summarizes the most significant events occurring in fiscal 2017, and certain trends compared to a year ago:

•

Calendar Basis Same-Store Sales — Calendar basis same-store sales increased 3.1% at Jack in the Box system restaurants compared with a year ago primarily driven by the impact of menu price increases and favorable mix, which were partially offset by a decline in transactions. Qdoba’s calendar basis same-store sales decreased 1.4% at company-operated restaurants compared with a year ago, driven primarily by declines in traffic, partially offset by menu price increases and catering growth.

•

Commodity Costs — Commodity costs decreased approximately 5.6% and 3.0% at our Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurants, respectively, in 2017 compared with a year ago. We expect our overall commodity costs in fiscal year 2017 to be approximately flat to down 1% at both our Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurants. Beef represents the largest portion, or approximately 20%, of the Company’s overall commodity spend. We typically do not enter into fixed price contracts for our beef needs. For the full year, we currently expect beef costs to decrease approximately 5%.

•

Restaurant Margins — Our consolidated company-operated restaurant margin decreased in 2017 to 18.6% from 19.5% a year ago. Jack in the Box’s company-operated restaurant margin improved to 21.6% in 2017 from 20.9% in the prior year due primarily to lower costs for food and packaging, partially offset by minimum wage increases in California that went into effect in January 2016, and higher maintenance costs. Company-operated restaurant margins at our Qdoba restaurants decreased to 13.1% in 2017 from 16.6% a year ago primarily reflecting the impact of new restaurant activity, sales deleverage, labor staffing inefficiencies and wage inflation, and higher costs for food and packaging.


•	Jack in the Box Franchise Margin — Franchise margin increased in 2017 to 52.9%, from 50.1% in the prior year, due primarily to an increase in franchise rental revenue and royalties that were driven by the increase in franchise same-store sales on a fiscal basis, and a decrease in occupancy costs and savings realized in connection with our restructuring plan.

•

Jack in the Box Franchising Program — Franchisees opened a total of seven restaurants in the first quarter of 2017. In fiscal year 2017, we expect to open approximately 20-25 Jack in the Box restaurants system-wide, the majority of which will be franchise locations. Our Jack in the Box system was 81% franchised as of January 22, 2017. We plan to increase franchise ownership of the Jack in the Box system to over 90%. Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, we signed non-binding letters of intent with franchisees to sell approximately 75 company restaurants in several different markets. Pre-tax gross proceeds related to these sales are estimated at $40.0 million to $45.0 million.


•	Qdoba New Unit Growth — In the first quarter of 2017, we opened nine company-operated restaurants, and franchisees opened eight restaurants of which 7 were in non-traditional locations such as military bases and college campuses. In fiscal year 2017, we expect to open 50 to 60 Qdoba restaurants system-wide, of which approximately 30 are expected to be company-operated restaurants.


•	Restructuring Costs — In 2016, we announced a plan to reduce our general and administrative costs. In connection with this plan, we have recorded $2.0 million of restructuring charges in 2017 which are included in impairment and other costs, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings.


•	Return of Cash to Shareholders — We returned cash to shareholders in the form of share repurchases and cash dividends. We repurchased 992,000 shares of our common stock in 2017 at an average price of $109.04 per share, totaling $108.1 million, including the costs of brokerage fees. We also declared dividends of $0.40 per share totaling $13.0 million.

FINANCIAL REPORTING

During fiscal 2012, we entered into an agreement to outsource our Jack in the Box distribution business. In fiscal 2013, we closed 62 Qdoba restaurants (the “2013 Qdoba Closures”) as part of a comprehensive Qdoba market performance review. All charges related to our distribution business and the 2013 Qdoba Closures are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Refer to Note 2, Discontinued Operations, in the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information. Unless otherwise noted, amounts and disclosures throughout our MD&A relate to our continuing operations.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017 we adopted an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs on the balance sheet. Under this ASU, debt issuance costs are to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. We retrospectively adopted this guidance which resulted in the reclassification of $3.8 million in debt issuance costs from other assets, net to current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt, net of current maturities in the amount of $1.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively, in our October 2, 2016 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 1, Basis of Presentation, in the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements for more information.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table presents certain income and expense items included in our condensed consolidated statements of earnings as a percentage of total revenues, unless otherwise indicated. Percentages may not add due to rounding.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS DATA



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017		January 17, 2016
Revenues:
Company restaurant sales	75.3	%	75.0	%
Franchise rental revenues	14.6	%	14.8	%
Franchise royalties and other	10.1	%	10.2	%
Total revenues	100.0	%	100.0	%
Operating costs and expenses, net:
Company restaurant costs:
Food and packaging (1)	29.7	%	30.8	%
Payroll and employee benefits (1)	29.1	%	27.7	%
Occupancy and other (1)	22.6	%	22.0	%
Total company restaurant costs (1)	81.4	%	80.5	%
Franchise occupancy expenses (2)	72.0	%	74.9	%
Franchise support and other costs (3)	7.8	%	10.2	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	11.4	%	14.0	%
Impairment and other charges, net	1.0	%	0.4	%
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	—	%	(0.2	)%
Earnings from operations	15.0	%	13.3	%
Income tax rate (4)	38.7	%	37.6	%

____________________________


(1)	As a percentage of company restaurant sales.


(2)	As a percentage of franchise rental revenues.


(3)	As a percentage of franchise royalties and other.


(4)	As a percentage of earnings from continuing operations and before income taxes.

CHANGES IN SAME-STORE SALES



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	Calendar Basis	Fiscal Basis
	January 22, 2017	January 22, 2017	January 17, 2016
Jack in the Box:
Company	0.6%	—%	0.5%
Franchise	3.9%	3.3%	1.8%
System	3.1%	2.5%	1.4%
Qdoba:
Company	(1.4)%	(2.3)%	1.5%
Franchise	(0.5)%	(1.3)%	2.1%
System	(1.0)%	(1.8)%	1.8%

The following table summarizes the changes in Jack in the Box and Qdoba company-operated same-store sales:



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	Calendar Basis	Fiscal Basis
	January 22, 2017	January 22, 2017	January 17, 2016
Jack in the Box:
Average check (1)	4.9%	4.7%	3.4%
Transactions	(4.3)%	(4.7)%	(2.9)%
Change in fiscal-basis same-store sales	0.6%	—%	0.5%
Qdoba:
Transactions	(2.5)%	(3.6)%	1.3%
Average Check (2)	0.7%	1.0%	(0.8)%
Catering	0.4%	0.3%	1.0%
Change in fiscal-basis same-store sales	(1.4)%	(2.3)%	1.5%

____________________________


(1)	Amount in 2017 on a calendar basis includes price increases of 2.9%. Amounts in 2017 and 2016 on a fiscal basis include price increases of approximately 2.9% and 2.8%, respectively.


(2)	Amount in 2017 on a calendar basis includes price increases of 0.6%. Amounts in 2017 and 2016 on a fiscal basis include price increases of approximately 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively.

The following table summarizes the changes in the number and mix of Jack in the Box (“JIB”) and Qdoba company and franchise restaurants:



	January 22, 2017						January 17, 2016
	Company		Franchise		Total		Company		Franchise		Total
Jack in the Box:
Beginning of year	417		1,838		2,255		413		1,836		2,249
New	2		7		9		—		5		5
Refranchised	—		—		—		(1	)	1		—
Acquired from franchisees	—		—		—		1		(1	)	—
Closed	—		(3	)	(3	)	—		(1	)	(1	)
End of period	419		1,842		2,261		413		1,840		2,253
% of JIB system	19	%	81	%	100	%	18	%	82	%	100	%
Qdoba:
Beginning of year	367		332		699		322		339		661
New	9		8		17		9		6		15
Closed	—		(4	)	(4	)	(1	)	(1	)	(2	)
End of period	376		336		712		330		344		674
% of Qdoba system	53	%	47	%	100	%	49	%	51	%	100	%
Consolidated:
Total system end of period	795		2,178		2,973		743		2,184		2,927
% of consolidated system	27	%	73	%	100	%	25	%	75	%	100	%

Jack in the Box Brand

Company Restaurant Operations

The following table presents Jack in the Box company restaurant sales, costs and margin, and restaurant costs and margin as a percentage of the related sales. Percentages may not add due to rounding (dollars in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017				January 17, 2016
Company restaurant sales	$	238,571			$	236,279
Company restaurant costs:
Food and packaging	67,989		28.5	%	73,133		31.0	%
Payroll and employee benefits	70,183		29.4	%	65,689		27.8	%
Occupancy and other	48,850		20.5	%	48,171		20.4	%
Total company restaurant costs	187,022		78.4	%	186,993		79.1	%
Restaurant margin	$	51,549	21.6	%	$	49,286	20.9	%

Jack in the Box company restaurant sales increased $2.3 million in 2017 driven by the addition of six new company restaurants since a year ago, partially offset by a decrease in AUVs. The following table presents the approximate impact of these increases (decreases) on company restaurant sales (in thousands):



Increase in the average number of restaurants	$	3,400
AUV decrease	(1,100		)
Total change in company restaurant sales	$	2,300

Fiscal basis same-store sales at Jack in the Box company-operated restaurants were flat versus last year as the impact of menu price increases and favorable mix was offset by a decline in transactions. The following table summarizes the change in company-operated fiscal basis same-store sales:



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017		January 17, 2016
Average check (1)	4.7	%	3.4	%
Transactions	(4.7	)%	(2.9	)%
Change in fiscal-basis same-store sales	—	%	0.5	%

____________________________


(1)	Amounts in 2017 and 2016 include price increases of approximately 2.9% and 2.8%, respectively.

Food and packaging costs as a percentage of company restaurant sales decreased to 28.5% in 2017 compared with 31.0% in 2016, due to lower commodity costs, favorable product mix changes, and menu price increases. Commodity costs decreased 5.6% in 2017 compared to a year ago, due primarily to lower costs for pork, beef, eggs and produce. Beef, our most significant commodity, decreased approximately 8% in 2017 compared with the prior year. For fiscal 2017, we currently expect commodity costs to be approximately flat to down 1% at our Jack in the Box restaurants compared with fiscal 2016.

Payroll and employee benefit costs as a percentage of company restaurant sales increased to 29.4% in 2017 compared with 27.8% in 2016 due primarily to higher wages from minimum wage increases and higher levels of incentive compensation driven by operating results.

As a percentage of company restaurant sales, occupancy and other costs increased slightly to 20.5% in 2017 from 20.4% a year ago due to higher costs for repairs and maintenance, and increases in property rent due to routine escalations, partially offset by lower costs for depreciation and supplies.

Franchise Operations

The following table presents Jack in the Box franchise revenues, costs and margin in each period and other information we believe is useful in analyzing the change in franchise operating results (dollars in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Franchise rental revenues	$	71,436		$	69,700

Royalties	42,588			40,870
Franchise fees and other	586			734
Franchise royalties and other	43,174			41,604
Total franchise revenues	114,610			111,304

Rental expense	42,190			42,144
Depreciation and amortization	9,226			10,047
Franchise occupancy expenses	51,416			52,191
Franchise support and other costs	2,537			3,338
Total franchise costs	53,953			55,529
Franchise margin	$	60,657		$	55,775
Franchise margin as a % of franchise revenues	52.9		%	50.1		%

Average number of franchise restaurants	1,839			1,838
% increase	0.1		%	0.9		%
Increase in franchise-operated fiscal basis same-store sales	3.3		%	1.8		%
Franchise restaurant AUVs	$	453		$	438
Royalties as a percentage of franchise restaurant sales	5.1		%	5.1		%

Franchise rental revenues increased $1.7 million, or 2.4%, in 2017 as compared with a year ago, primarily reflecting an increase in franchise same-store sales on a fiscal basis resulting in an increase in revenues from percentage rent and increases in rental income due to routine rent increases.

Franchise royalties and other increased $1.6 million, or 3.8%, reflecting an increase in royalties driven by an increase in franchise same-store sales on a fiscal basis.

Franchise occupancy expenses, principally rents and depreciation on properties subleased or leased to franchisees, decreased $0.8 million in 2017 versus a year ago due to a decrease in depreciation expense as our building assets become fully depreciated.

Franchise support and other costs decreased $0.8 million in 2017 as compared with the prior year, primarily due to savings realized in connection with our restructuring plan.

Qdoba Brand

Company Restaurant Operations

The following table presents Qdoba company restaurant sales, costs and margin, and restaurant costs and margin as a percentage of the related sales. Percentages may not add due to rounding (dollars in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017				January 17, 2016
Company restaurant sales	$	128,699			$	116,942
Company restaurant costs:
Food and packaging	40,947		31.8	%	35,778		30.6	%
Payroll and employee benefits	36,738		28.5	%	32,218		27.6	%
Occupancy and other	34,194		26.6	%	29,528		25.3	%
Total company restaurant costs	111,879		86.9	%	97,524		83.4	%
Restaurant margin	$	16,820	13.1	%	$	19,418	16.6	%

Company restaurant sales increased $11.8 million in 2017 as compared with the prior year due primarily to the addition of 46 net restaurants since a year ago, partially offset by a decrease in AUVs driven by a decrease in traffic. The following table presents the approximate impact of these increases (decreases) on company restaurant sales (in thousands):



Increase in the average number of company restaurants	$	15,800
AUV decrease	(4,000		)
Total change in company restaurant sales	$	11,800

Fiscal basis same-store sales at Qdoba company-operated restaurants decreased 2.3% in 2017 as compared with the prior year primarily driven by declines in traffic, partially offset by menu price increases and catering growth. The following table summarizes the change in company-operated fiscal basis same-store sales:



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017		January 17, 2016
Transactions	(3.6	)%	1.3	%
Average check (1)	1.0	%	(0.8	)%
Catering	0.3	%	1.0	%
Change in fiscal basis same-store sales	(2.3	)%	1.5	%

____________________________


(1)	Amounts in 2017 and 2016 include price increases of approximately 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively.

Food and packaging costs as a percentage of company restaurant sales increased to 31.8% in 2017 from 30.6% in 2016. In 2017, unfavorable product mix and higher discounting were partially offset by the benefit of lower commodity costs. Commodity costs decreased 3.0% in 2017 due primarily to lower costs for beef, poultry and tortillas, partially offset by higher costs for avocados. In 2017, beef costs decreased by approximately 8% as compared with a year ago. Avocados increased most significantly by approximately 23% in 2017 as compared with a year ago. For fiscal 2017, we currently expect commodity costs to be approximately flat to down 1% at our Qdoba restaurants compared with fiscal 2016.

Payroll and employee benefit costs as a percentage of company restaurant sales in 2017 increased to 28.5% in the quarter from 27.6% in 2016. The percent of sales increase is primarily due to the impact of new restaurant openings, labor inefficiencies and wage inflation, and deleverage from a decrease in fiscal basis same-store sales, partially offset by lower levels of incentive compensation.

As a percentage of company restaurant sales, occupancy and other costs increased to 26.6% in 2017 from 25.3% a year ago driven by deleverage from a decrease in fiscal basis same-store sales, higher per store average property rents associated with new restaurants and higher repairs and maintenance costs, partially offset by lower telephone and uniform costs.

Franchise Operations

The following table presents Qdoba franchise revenues, costs and margin in each period and other information we believe is useful in analyzing the change in franchise operating results (dollars in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Franchise rental revenues	$	33		$	38

Royalties	5,431			5,792
Franchise fees and other	589			468
Franchise royalties and other	6,020			6,260
Total franchise revenues	6,053			6,298

Rental expense (1)	33			28
Franchise support and other costs	1,301			1,524
Total franchise costs	1,334			1,552
Franchise margin	$	4,719		$	4,746
Franchise margin as a % of franchise revenues	78.0		%	75.4		%

Average number of franchise restaurants	333			342
% (decrease) increase	(2.6		)%	3.3		%
(Decrease) increase in franchise-operated fiscal basis same-store sales	(1.3		)%	2.1		%
Franchise restaurant AUVs	$	337		$	344
Royalties as a percentage of franchise restaurant sales	4.8		%	4.9		%

________________________________________


(1)	Included in franchise occupancy expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

Franchise royalties and other decreased $0.2 million, or 3.8%, in 2017 as compared with 2016 primarily due to a decrease in the average number of franchise restaurants and a decrease in franchise-operated same-store sales on a fiscal basis resulting in a decrease in revenue from royalties.

Franchise costs, principally support costs, decreased $0.2 million in 2017 versus a year ago due to a decrease in bad debt expense.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses

The following table presents the change in SG&A expenses compared with the prior year (in thousands):



	(Decrease) / Increase
	2017 vs. 2016
Pension and postretirement benefits	$	(2,852	)
Incentive compensation (including share-based compensation and related payroll taxes)	(1,728		)
Consulting	(1,245		)
Qdoba brand conference	(833		)
Pre-opening costs	(613		)
Advertising	(408		)
Other	(2,485		)
	$	(10,164	)

Pension and postretirement benefit costs decreased primarily due to $80.0 million of accelerated contributions made to our qualified pension plan in 2016 which are expected to result in a higher return on plan assets in fiscal 2017, and a resulting decrease in our fiscal 2017 Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation premiums, which is a component of our pension expense. To a lesser extent, the sunsetting of our qualified pension plan during fiscal 2016 resulted in a decrease in the service cost component of our expense in 2017.

Incentive compensation decreased due to lower levels of performance as compared to target bonus levels.

In fiscal 2016, as part of its brand evolution, Qdoba held a conference to communicate the vision and direction of the brand strategy to key stakeholders.

Pre-opening costs decreased in 2017 as compared to a year ago due to a decrease in the number of Qdoba restaurants opened and under construction during the period.

Advertising costs at our Jack in the Box brand are primarily contributions to our marketing fund and are determined as a percentage of gross restaurant sales. Jack in the Box advertising costs decreased $0.9 million in 2017 compared with a year ago due to a decrease in discretionary marketing fund contributions. In 2017, advertising costs associated with our Qdoba brand increased $0.5 million versus a year ago due primarily to a shift in the timing of spending, partially offset by a decrease in the Qdoba marketing fund contribution rate to 1.25% of gross restaurant sales from 2.0% last year.

Other includes savings related to our restructuring plan announced in 2016 that includes workforce reductions and the relocation of our Qdoba corporate support center to reduce our corporate general and administrative costs.

Impairment and Other Charges, Net

Impairment and other charges, net is comprised of the following (in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017		January 17, 2016
Restructuring costs	$	2,048	$	—
Costs of closed restaurants (primarily lease obligations) and other	1,997		560
Losses on disposition of property and equipment, net	699		651
Accelerated depreciation	313		446
	$	5,057	$	1,657

Impairment and other charges, net increased $3.4 million in 2017 compared with a year ago. The increase was primarily driven by $2.0 million of restructuring charges recognized in 2017 and a $1.4 million increase in costs associated with closed restaurant properties primarily related to revisions of certain sublease assumptions for our lease obligations. Restructuring costs included $1.2 million in accelerated depreciation related to the relocation of our Qdoba corporate support center, $0.5 million of employee severance and related costs, and $0.3 million of other costs. Approximately $0.1 million and $1.8 million of the restructuring costs are related to our Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurant operating segments, respectively, and approximately $0.1 million is related to shared services functions. Refer to Note 6, Impairment and Other Charges, Net of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding these costs.

Gains on the Sale of Company-Operated Restaurants (dollars in thousands)

Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants, net are detailed in the following table (dollars in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017		January 17, 2016
Number of restaurants sold to Jack in the Box franchisees	—		1

Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	$	137	$	818

Gains are impacted by the number of restaurants sold and changes in average gains or losses recognized, which relate to the specific sales and cash flows of those restaurants. In 2017 and 2016, gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants include additional gains of $0.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, related to proceeds received in connection with Jack in the Box restaurants sold in previous years. Refer to Note 3, Summary of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development and Acquisitions, of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding these gains.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net is comprised of the following (in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Interest expense	$	12,748		$	8,231
Interest income	(31		)	(56		)
Interest expense, net	$	12,717		$	8,175

Interest expense, net increased $4.5 million in 2017 compared with a year ago due to higher average borrowings and to a lesser extent, higher average interest rates.

Income Taxes

The tax rate in 2017 was 38.7% in the quarter compared with 37.6% a year ago. We expect the fiscal year tax rate to be approximately 38.0% to 39.0%. The final annual tax rate cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual 2017 rate could differ from our current estimates. Refer to Note 7, Income Taxes, of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding income taxes.

Losses from Discontinued Operations, Net

As described in Note 2, Discontinued Operations, in the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements, the results of operations from our distribution business and the 2013 Qdoba Closures have been reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The losses from discontinued operations are immaterial to our condensed consolidated statements of earnings, and the majority of the discontinued operations activity in both years is related to the 2013 Qdoba Closures.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General

Our primary sources of short-term and long-term liquidity are expected to be cash flows from operations and our revolving bank credit facility.

We generally reinvest available cash flows from operations to develop new restaurants or enhance existing restaurants, to reduce debt, to repurchase shares of our common stock, and to pay cash dividends. Our cash requirements consist principally of:


•	working capital;


•	capital expenditures for new restaurant construction and restaurant renovations;


•	income tax payments;


•	debt service requirements; and


•	obligations related to our benefit plans.

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 at least the next twelve months and 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 may at times maintain current liabilities in excess of current assets, which results in a working capital deficit.

Cash Flows

The table below summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities (in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Total cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	70,955		$	44,909
Investing activities	(19,682		)	(27,256		)
Financing activities	(62,213		)	(28,264		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			(32		)
Net decrease in cash	$	(10,940	)	$	(10,643	)

Operating Activities. Operating cash flows in 2017 increased $26.0 million compared with a year ago primarily due to the timing of October rent payments, a $16.0 million decrease in income tax payments made in 2017 compared to 2016, and an increase in net earnings in 2017.

Pension and Postretirement Contributions — Our policy is to fund our pension plans at or above the minimum required by law. As of January 1, 2016, the date of our last actuarial funding valuation, there was no minimum contribution funding requirement for our qualified pension plan (“Qualified Plan”). In fiscal 2016, we made an $80.0 million accelerated contribution to our Qualified Plan and as such do not expect to make any contributions in fiscal 2017. In the first quarter of 2017, we contributed $1.4 million to our non-qualified pension plan and postretirement plans.

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities in 2017 decreased $7.6 million compared with a year ago due primarily to a decrease in capital expenditures, partially offset by a decrease in proceeds from assets held for sale and leaseback.

Capital Expenditures — The composition of capital expenditures in each period follows (in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017		January 17, 2016
Jack in the Box:
Restaurant facility expenditures	$	5,128	$	10,113
New restaurants	2,000		3,059
Other, including information technology	417		706
	7,545		13,878
Qdoba:
New restaurants	8,036		14,394
Restaurant facility expenditures	3,493		1,127
Other, including information technology	748		757
	12,277		16,278
Shared Services:
Information technology	1,037		1,239
Other, including facility improvements	6		148
	1,043		1,387

Consolidated capital expenditures	$	20,865	$	31,543

Our capital expenditure program includes, among other things, investments in new locations and equipment, restaurant remodeling, and information technology enhancements. Capital expenditures decreased $10.7 million compared to a year ago primarily resulting from a decrease in spending related to building new Qdoba and Jack in the Box restaurants and a decrease in spending related to Jack in the Box restaurant facility expenditures. We expect fiscal 2017 capital expenditures to be approximately $100 million. In fiscal 2017, we plan to open approximately 30 new Qdoba company-operated locations, and approximately four new Jack in the Box company-operated locations.

Assets Held for Sale and Leaseback — We use sale and leaseback financing to limit the initial cash investment in our restaurants to the cost of the equipment, whenever possible. During 2017 and 2016, we exercised our right of first refusal related to one and two leased properties, respectively, which we intend to sell and leaseback within the next 12 months of the respective balance sheet date. The following table summarizes the cash flow activity related to sale and leaseback transactions in each period (dollars in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017			January 17, 2016
Number of restaurants sold and leased back	1			3

Proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions	$	2,466		$	5,803
Purchases of assets intended for sale and leaseback	$	(1,770	)	$	(3,274	)

As of January 22, 2017, we had investments of $16.1 million relating to seven restaurant properties that we expect to sell and leaseback during the next 12 months.

Sale of Company-Operated Restaurants — We continue to expand franchise ownership in the Jack in the Box system primarily through the sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees. The following table details proceeds received in connection with our refranchising activities in each period (dollars in thousands):



	Sixteen Weeks Ended
	January 22, 2017		January 17, 2016
Number of restaurants sold to Jack in the Box franchisees	—		1

Total proceeds	$	138	$	1,021

In 2017 and 2016, proceeds include additional gains of $0.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, related to Jack in the Box restaurants sold in previous years. For additional information, refer to Note 3, Summary of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development and Acquisitions, of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Financing Activities. Cash flows used in financing activities increased $33.9 million in 2017 compared with a year ago primarily due to a net increase in borrowings under our credit facility, and an increase in cash used to repurchase our common stock and pay dividends, partially offset by an increase in proceeds from the issuance of our common stock.

Credit Facility — Our credit facility consists of (i) a $900.0 million revolving credit agreement and (ii) a $700.0 million term loan. Both the revolving credit agreement and the term loan have maturity dates of March 19, 2019. As part of the credit agreement, we may also request the issuance of up to $75.0 million in letters of credit, the outstanding amount of which reduces our net borrowing capacity under the agreement. As of January 22, 2017, we had $680.5 million outstanding under the term loan, borrowings under the revolving credit agreement of $346.4 million and letters of credit outstanding of $31.5 million.

The interest rate on our credit facility is based on our leverage ratio and can range from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.25% to 2.25% with a 0% floor on LIBOR. The current interest rate is LIBOR plus 2.00%.

We are subject to a number of customary covenants under our credit facility, including limitations on additional borrowings, acquisitions, loans to franchisees, lease commitments, stock repurchases and dividend payments, and requirements to maintain certain financial ratios as defined in the credit agreement. We were in compliance with all covenants as of January 22, 2017.

Interest Rate Swaps — To reduce our exposure to fluctuating interest rates under our credit facility, we consider interest rate swaps. In April 2014, we entered into nine forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted $300.0 million of our variable rate borrowings to a fixed-rate basis from October 2014 through October 2018. In June 2015, we entered into eleven forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted an additional $200.0 million of our variable rate borrowings to a fixed-rate from October 2015 through October 2018, and $500.0 million from October 2018 through October 2022. For additional information, refer to Note 5, Derivative Instruments, of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements and Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, of this report.

Repurchases of Common Stock — During fiscal 2017, we repurchased 992,000 common shares at an aggregate cost of $108.1 million, compared with 1.3 million common shares at an aggregate cost of $100.0 million in 2016. As of January 22, 2017, there was approximately $27,000 remaining under a stock-buyback program which expires in November 2017, and $300.0 million remaining under a stock-buyback program which expires in November 2018. In our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the 16 weeks ended January 22, 2017, repurchases of common stock includes $7.2 million related to repurchase transactions traded in the prior fiscal year that settled in the current fiscal year.

Dividends — In fiscal 2017, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per common share totaling $13.0 million. Future dividends are subject to approval by our Board of Directors.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have entered into certain off-balance sheet contractual obligations and commitments in the ordinary course of business, which are recognized in our condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. There has been no material change in these arrangements as disclosed in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2016. We are not a party to any other 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.

DISCUSSION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Critical accounting estimates are those that we believe are most important for the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results, and that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments. Judgments and uncertainties regarding the application of these policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under various conditions or using different assumptions. There have been no material changes to the critical accounting estimates previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2016.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Refer to Note 1, Basis of Presentation, of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Any statements contained herein that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goals,” “guidance,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “would”, “should” and similar expressions. These statements are based on management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business and the industry in which we operate. These estimates and assumptions involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that are in some cases beyond our control. Factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

•

Food service businesses such as ours may be materially and adversely affected by changes in consumer preferences or dining habits, and economic, political and socioeconomic conditions. Adverse economic conditions such as unemployment and decreased discretionary spending may result in reduced restaurant traffic and sales, and impose practical limits on pricing. We are also subject to geographic concentration risks, with nearly 70% of system Jack in the Box restaurants located in California and Texas.


•	Our profitability depends in part on food and commodity costs and availability, including animal feed costs, fuel costs, and other supply and distribution costs. The risks of increased commodities costs and volatility in costs could adversely affect our profitability and results of operations.

•

The success of our business strategy depends on the value and relevance of our brands. Multi-unit food service businesses such as ours can be materially and adversely affected by widespread negative publicity of any type, particularly regarding food quality, food safety or public health issues. Negative publicity regarding our brands or the restaurant industry in general could cause a decline in system restaurant sales and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.


•	We are reliant on third party suppliers and distributors, and any shortages or interruptions in supply could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of ingredients.


•	Our business can be materially and adversely affected by severe weather conditions or natural disasters, which can result in lost restaurant sales, supply chain interruptions and increased costs.

•

Growth and new restaurant development involve substantial risks, including risks associated with unavailability of suitable franchisees, limited financing availability, cost overruns and the inability to secure suitable sites on acceptable terms. In addition, our growth strategy includes opening restaurants in new or existing markets where we cannot assure that we will be able to successfully expand or acquire critical market presence, attract customers or otherwise operate profitably.

•

There are risks associated with our franchise business model, including the demand for our franchises, the selection of appropriate franchisees and whether our franchisees and new restaurant developers will have the capabilities to be effective operators and remain aligned with us on operating, promotional and capital-intensive initiatives, in an ever-changing competitive environment. Additionally, our franchisees and operators could experience operational, financial or other challenges that could affect payments to us of rents and/or royalties, or could damage our brands and reputation.

•

Our plan to increase the percentage of Jack in the Box franchise restaurants to over 90% is subject to risks and uncertainties, and we may not achieve the level or the accompanying cost reductions that we desire. We may not be able to identify franchisee candidates with appropriate experience and financial resources or to negotiate mutually acceptable agreements with potential franchisees. Our franchisee candidates may not be able to obtain financing at acceptable rates and terms. We may not be able to increase the percentage of franchised restaurants at the rate we desire or achieve the ownership mix of franchise to company-operated restaurants that we desire.


•	The restaurant and take-away food industry is highly competitive with respect to price, service, location, brand identification, menu quality and product and service innovation. We cannot assure that we will be able to effectively respond to aggressive competitors (including competitors with significantly greater financial resources); or that our

competitive strategies will increase our same-store sales and AUVs; or that our new products, service initiatives, overall strategies or execution of those strategies will be successful.


•	Should our advertising and promotions be less effective than our competitors, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

•

In recent years, we have identified strategies and taken steps to reduce operating costs to align with the increased Jack in the Box franchise ownership and to further integrate Jack in the Box and Qdoba brand systems. The ability to evaluate, identify and implement operating cost reductions through these initiatives is subject to risks and uncertainties, and we cannot assure that these activities, or any other activities that we may undertake in the future, will achieve the desired cost savings and efficiencies.


•	The loss of key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.


•	The costs of compliance with government regulations, including those resulting in increased labor costs, could negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.

•

A material failure or interruption of service or a breach in security of our information technology systems, point of sale (“POS”) systems, or databases could cause reduced efficiency in operations, loss or misappropriation of data or, loss of consumer confidence and/or potential costs, fines and litigation, including costs associated with reputation damage, consumer fraud, privacy breach, or business interruptions, which in turn could affect cash flows or our operating results. In addition, the costs of information security, regulatory compliance, investment in technology and risk mitigation measures may negatively affect our margins or financial results.


•	We maintain a documented system of internal controls over financial reporting, which is reviewed and monitored by an Internal Controls Committee and tested by the Company’s full-time internal audit department. 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 our reporting obligations.


•	We are subject to risks of owning, operating and leasing property, including but not limited to environmental risks. Any of this could result in the imposition of severe penalties or restrictions on operations by governmental agencies or courts of law, which could adversely affect operations.

•

We have a significant amount of indebtedness, which could adversely affect our business and our ability to meet our obligations. Our ability to repay borrowings under our credit facility and to meet our other debt or contractual obligations 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.


•	Changes in accounting standards, policies or related interpretations by accountants or regulatory entities may negatively impact our results.


•	We are subject to litigation which is inherently unpredictable and can result in unfavorable resolutions where the amount of ultimate loss may exceed our estimated loss contingencies, impose other costs related to defense of claims, or occupy management’s time.

These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to: the “Discussion of Critical Accounting Estimates,” and other sections in this Form 10-Q and the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2016 (“Form 10-K”). These documents may be read free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Potential investors are urged to consider these factors, more fully described in our Form 10-K, carefully in evaluating any forward-looking statements, and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are made only as of the date issued, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our primary exposure to risks relating to our financial instruments is changes in interest rates. Our credit facility is comprised of a revolving credit facility and a term loan, bearing interest at a rate equal to the prime rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on a financial leverage ratio. As of January 22, 2017, the applicable margin for the LIBOR-based revolving loans and term loan was set at 2.00%.

We use interest rate swap agreements to reduce exposure to interest rate fluctuations. In April 2014, we entered into nine forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted $300.0 million of our variable rate borrowings to a fixed-rate basis from October 2014 through October 2018. Additionally, in June 2015, we entered into eleven forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted an additional $200.0 million of our variable rate borrowings to a fixed-rate from October 2015 through October 2018, and $500.0 million from October 2018 through October 2022. Based on the applicable margin in effect as of January 22, 2017, these twenty interest rate swaps would yield average fixed rates of 3.90%, 4.41%, 4.62%, 4.89%, 5.07%, 5.17% in years 2017 through 2022, respectively. For additional information related to our interest rate swaps, refer to Note 5, Derivative Instruments, of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

We are also exposed to the impact of commodity and utility price fluctuations. Many of the ingredients we use are commodities or ingredients that are affected by the price of other commodities, weather, seasonality, production, availability and various other factors outside our control. In order to minimize the impact of fluctuations in price and availability, we monitor the primary commodities we purchase and may enter into purchasing contracts and pricing arrangements when considered to be advantageous. However, certain commodities remain subject to price fluctuations. We are exposed to the impact of utility price fluctuations related to unpredictable factors such as weather and various other market conditions outside our control. Our ability to recover increased costs for commodities and utilities through higher prices is limited by the competitive environment in which we operate.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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 13a - 15 and 15d - 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), as of the end of the Company’s quarter ended January 22, 2017, 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 changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended January 22, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

There is no information required to be reported for any items under Part II, except as follows:

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 12, Contingencies and Legal Matters, of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our contingencies and legal matters.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

When evaluating our business and our prospects, you should consider the risks and uncertainties described under Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2016, which we filed with the SEC on November 22, 2016. You should also consider the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. You should also refer to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2016, including our financial statements and the related notes. There have been no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2016. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of the risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business and financial results could be harmed. In that case, the market price of our common stock could decline.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Our credit agreement provides for the potential payment of cash dividends and stock repurchases, subject to certain limitations based on our leverage ratio as defined in our credit agreement.

Stock Repurchases — During fiscal 2017, we repurchased 992,000 common shares at an aggregate cost of $108.1 million. As of January 22, 2017, there was approximately $27,000 remaining under a stock-buyback program which expires in November 2017, and $300.0 million remaining under a stock-buyback program which expires in November 2018.



	(a) Total number of shares purchased	(b) Average price paid per share		(c) Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced programs	(d) Maximum dollar value that may yet be purchased under these programs
					$	408,172,440
October 3, 2016 - October 30, 2016	85,412	$	95.38	85,412	$	400,025,975
October 31, 2016 - November 27, 2016	—	$	—	—	$	400,025,975
November 28, 2016 - December 25, 2016	849,928	$	110.24	849,928	$	306,328,521
December 26, 2016 - January 22, 2017	56,475	$	111.58	56,475	$	300,026,982
Total	991,815	$	109.04	991,815

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS



Number	Description	Form	Filed with SEC
3.1	Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, dated September 21, 2007	10-K	11/20/2009
3.1.1	Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated September 21, 2007	8-K	9/24/2007
3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated August 7, 2013	10-Q	8/8/2013
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	—	Filed herewith
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	—	Filed herewith
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	—	Filed herewith
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	—	Filed herewith
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

* Management contract or compensatory plan.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

	By:	/S/ JERRY P. REBEL
		Jerry P. Rebel
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) (Duly Authorized Signatory)

Date: February 23, 2017