Businessweek

Jack in the Box Inc. announced the promotion of Elana M. "Lani" Hobson to Senior Vice President of Operations. Hobson, a 36-year veteran of the company, was previously Vice President of Operations. Hobson joined Jack in the Box in 1977 as a Team Member at a restaurant in Hayward, Calif. After serving as Team Leader and assistant manager, she was promoted to Manager of a Jack in the Box restaurant in San Lorenzo, Calif., in 1981. In the years that followed, Hobson took on positions of increasing responsibility, including District Manager in 1986 and Area Manager in 1998. In 2003, she was promoted to regional Vice President of the company's North Coast region, which included more than 160 restaurants in Northern California and Hawaii. In 2007, Hobson relocated to the company's corporate offices in San Diego as Division Vice President of Guest Service Systems, and in 2009, was promoted to Division Vice President, Operations Initiatives. In addition to her executive responsibilities, Hobson serves on the board of the nonprofit Jack in the Box Foundation, which supports numerous charitable organizations in Jack in the Box restaurant communities. She also serves on the boards of Natural High and the California Diversity Council.

Jack in the Box Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for second quarter and six months ended April 14, 2013. For the quarter, the company's total revenues were $355,623,000 against $366,484,000 a year ago. Earnings from operations were $24,730,000 against $37,335,000 a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations and before income tax were $21,304,000 against $32,801,000 a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations were $13,410,000 against $21,632,000 a year ago. Net earnings were $13,290,000 against $21,632,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings from continuing operations were $0.30 against $0.48 a year ago. Diluted net earnings per share were $0.29 against $0.48 a year ago. Non-GAAP operating earnings per share were $0.33 against $0.30 a year ago. The company generated $14.4 million more in franchise revenues than last year, and its rental stream contributed more than 35% of consolidated EBITDA. For the six months, the company's total revenues were $821,146,000 against $824,405,000 a year ago. Earnings from operations were $64,395,000 against $61,590,000 a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations and before income tax were $55,604,000 against $50,999,000 a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations were $37,354,000 against $33,582,000 a year ago. Net earnings were $33,979,000 against $33,582,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings from continuing operations were $0.84 against $0.75 a year ago. Diluted net earnings per share were $0.76 against $0.75 a year ago. Cash flows provided by operating activities were $121,605,000 against $69,588,000 a year ago. Purchases of property and equipment were $41,754,000 against $40,609,000 a year ago. Non-GAAP operating earnings per share were $0.88 against $0.55 a year ago. For the fiscal year ending September 29, 2013, capital expenditures are expected to be $95 to $105 million. The tax rate is expected to be approximately 35% to 36%. Operating earnings per share, which the company defines as diluted earnings per share from continuing operations on a GAAP basis excluding restructuring charges and gains from refranchising, are now expected to range from $1.55 to $1.65 in fiscal 2013 as compared to operating earnings per share of $1.20 in fiscal 2012. Diluted earnings per share include approximately $0.03 of incentive payments to Jack in the Box franchisees in fiscal 2013 to complete the installation of new signage as compared to $0.11 in fiscal 2012 to complete the re-image program. Company continues to expect same-store sales for the full year to increase approximately 1.5% to 2% at Jack in the Box company restaurants. Full-year guidance would imply diluted earnings per share of approximately $0.67 to $0.77 in the back half of the year, which would expect to be more weighted to the fourth quarter. For the third quarter of 2013, the company expecting same-store sales growth to increase approximately 1% to 3% compared to a 3.4% increase last year.

For the fiscal year 2013, Jack in the Box Inc. plans to open approximately 20 new Jack in the Box restaurants, including approximately 6 company locations. The company also plans to open 70 to 75 new Qdoba restaurants, of which approximately 40 are expected to be company locations.

Jack in the Box Inc., Q2 2013 Earnings Call, May 16, 2013

Jack in the Box Inc. introduced a Piña Colada Smoothie. Available in 16- and 24-ounce sizes, the new Piña Colada Smoothie delivers the unbelievable flavor of tropical piña colada through a blend of Minute Maid fruit juice and nonfat frozen yogurt. It joins the restaurant chain's line of Real Fruit Smoothies that includes Mango, Strawberry and Strawberry Banana. The company announced that the new Piña Colada Smoothie is a great way to evoke all of the pleasures associated with this tropical drink, from relaxing in an exotic paradise to partying poolside with family and friends.