-- Jack in the Box (JACK) is heading into fiscal Q2 results under growing pressure as heavier exposure to lower-income consumers and broader macro headwinds are expected to weigh on sales and may prompt management to lower its full-year guidance, RBC Capital Markets said Thursday in a report.
RBC expects same-store sales to decline 2.4% in Q2 and is watching how value promotions, menu changes, and store refreshes are translating into traffic.
Also under scrutiny is the company's Jack on Track plan, a multiyear effort focused on closing underperforming stores, improving sales transfer to nearby locations, and reducing debt, the report said.
Franchisees closed 12 restaurants in Q1, with management previously noting that 30% of sales shifted to nearby units, though the pace of closures has been slower than expected as franchisees evaluate leases, the report said.
Q2 earnings are due May 13.
RBC lowered its price target on Jack in the Box stock to $17 from $25 and maintained its outperform rating.
Price: $12.39, Change: $-0.22, Percent Change: -1.71%