JACK Stock Today: December 27 — Dec 31 Closures and Del Taco Sale Reset
JACK stock today sits near recent lows as Jack in the Box (JACK) pushes a reset before year‑end. Management plans to close 80–120 underperforming restaurants by December 31 and finished the Del Taco sale for about $119 million to cut debt. Q4 same‑store sales fell 7.4% and the full year posted an $80.7 million net loss. For Canadian investors, the key is whether these moves stabilize cash flow as beef costs stay high and traffic remains soft.
What the price says after Dec 31 cuts
JACK stock today trades around $19.11, between a 52‑week low of $13.99 and high of $44.15. Liquidity looks tight, with a current ratio near 0.51 and negative interest coverage. Enterprise value to EBITDA is elevated near 50, signaling rich leverage against earnings power. The dividend is $0.44 annually, about a 2.14% yield, but sustainability depends on traffic improving in 2026.
Analysts lean cautious: 2 Buy, 3 Hold, 1 Sell, with a Hold consensus and a median target of $20 and consensus near $24.12. JACK stock today screens optically cheap on price to sales near 0.34, yet negative earnings and weak comps limit confidence. The next earnings date is February 25, 2026, a key checkpoint for the turnaround narrative.
Store closures into Dec 31 and beyond
Management aims to shutter 80–120 units by December 31, with further closures planned in 2026, following a 7.4% Q4 comp decline. Multiple reports highlight accelerated actions as the brand adjusts to a fast food downturn. See coverage at Fox Business and The Sun.
JACK stock today hinges on whether closing weak stores improves unit‑level margins and corporate cash generation. With net debt to EBITDA near 39 and a debt ratio around 0.65, even modest cash savings matter. Investors should watch 2026 franchise health, refranchising progress, and whether store exits reduce maintenance capital and steady free cash flow.
Del Taco sale reset and cost pressures
The company completed the Del Taco sale for roughly $119 million to reduce debt and refocus on core operations. That helps, but leverage remains high and cash ratios are thin. Net loss of $80.7 million for FY 2024 signals more fixes are needed. JACK stock today will respond to evidence of lower interest costs and improved store‑level profitability.
Traffic softness and higher beef costs are still headwinds tied to the fast food downturn. Management needs better value propositions and marketing to re‑accelerate visits. If commodity inflation eases while closures lift average unit volumes, margins can stabilize. JACK stock today benefits most if 2026 shows comp recovery and fewer discount‑driven promotions.
Trading setup for Canadian investors
Price sits near the 200‑day average at 20.84 and above the 50‑day at 17.77. RSI near 60 shows neutral‑to‑positive momentum. Bollinger levels around 18.48 and 20.80 frame near‑term support and resistance. JACK stock today may chop within this band until new guidance lands. Watch ADX near 26 for trend strength and volume versus the 1.13 million average.
Key catalysts: closure counts by December 31, updated 2026 guidance, and February 25 earnings. We also track unit economics, marketing efficiency, and beef prices. For Canadians, remember NASDAQ trading in USD affects returns through FX. JACK stock today looks event‑driven; conviction likely requires clear comp stabilization and debt metrics heading lower.
Final Thoughts
JACK stock today reflects a brand in reset mode. The strategy is clear: close 80–120 weak units by December 31, follow with more in 2026, and use about $119 million from the Del Taco sale to chip away at leverage. The data still looks tight, with negative earnings, a low current ratio, and high EV to EBITDA. That puts the burden on traffic recovery, lower commodity pressure, and cleaner franchise economics. For Canadian investors, this is an event‑driven trade into February 25. Consider position sizing, watch support near the lower Bollinger band, and look for signs of comps stabilizing and interest costs falling. Without those, rallies may fade. With them, the turnaround case strengthens.
FAQs
It is in focus because management plans to close 80–120 stores by December 31 and completed the Del Taco sale for about $119 million. These moves could improve cash flow and debt. The shares trade in USD on NASDAQ, so currency and U.S. consumer trends matter for total returns.
Current views are mixed: 2 Buy, 3 Hold, 1 Sell, with a Hold consensus. The median target is $20 and the consensus target is about $24.12. Near term, investors want proof that closures, cost control, and traffic gains can turn negative earnings toward sustainable profits.
Closing underperforming units can lift average unit volumes and margins, and may reduce maintenance capital. The risk is losing revenue faster than costs drop. Watch 2026 guidance, franchise health, and whether the closure plan actually lowers corporate expenses and stabilizes free cash flow.
Two near‑term items stand out: the December 31 closure milestone and the February 25, 2026 earnings report. Updates on comp sales, traffic, and debt costs around these dates will likely drive the stock. Price action may stay range‑bound until new guidance confirms progress.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
