Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 02, 2016

Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]

Basis of presentation — The accompanying 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 the consolidated financial statements relate to our continuing operations.

Reclassifications [Text Block]

Reclassifications and adjustments — Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the table disclosing the fair values of our defined benefit pension plan’s assets within Note 11, Retirement Plans, to conform to the fiscal 2016 presentation.

Principles of consolidation

Principles of consolidation — The 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 Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance on consolidation requires the primary beneficiary of a VIE to consolidate that entity. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is an enterprise that has a controlling financial interest in the VIE. Controlling financial interest exists when an enterprise has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The primary entities in which we possess a variable interest are franchise entities, which operate our franchise restaurants. We do not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities. We have reviewed these franchise entities and determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the entities and therefore, these entities have not been consolidated. We hold and consolidate a variable interest in a subsidiary formed for the purpose of operating a franchisee lending program. The financial results and position of our VIE are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.

Description of New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Text Block]

Effect of new accounting pronouncement adopted in fiscal 2016 — In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. This standard requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This standard is effective prospectively or retrospectively for all periods presented for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We early adopted this standard in 2016 and the prior period was retrospectively adjusted, resulting in a $40.0 million reclassification of current deferred income taxes to other assets, net on our September 27, 2015 consolidated balance sheet.

Effect of new accounting pronouncements to be adopted in future periods — In April 2015, the 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. As such, we will be required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and will reclassify debt issuance costs from other assets, net to long-term debt within our consolidated balance sheets. As of October 2, 2016, the carrying amount of unamortized debt issuance costs totaled $8.2 million. Other than this reclassification, the adoption of this ASU will not impact our consolidated financial statements.

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. 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 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 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 (see below). 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, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures upon adoption in fiscal 2017.

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. 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 $7.5 million in fiscal 2016, 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) equity. 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. 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.

Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block]

Buildings, equipment and leasehold improvements are generally depreciated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, over the initial lease term for certain assets acquired in conjunction with the lease commencement for leased properties, or the remaining lease term for certain assets acquired after the commencement of the lease for leased properties. In certain situations, one or more option periods may be used in determining the depreciable life of assets related to leased properties if we deem that an economic penalty would be incurred otherwise. In either circumstance, our policy requires lease term consistency when calculating the depreciation period, in classifying the lease and in computing straight-line rent expense. Building, leasehold improvement assets and equipment are assigned lives that range from 1 to 35 years. Depreciation expense related to property and equipment was $92.1 million, $88.8 million and $90.7 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Fiscal year

Fiscal year — Our fiscal year is 53 or 52 weeks ending the Sunday closest to September 30. Comparisons throughout these notes to the consolidated financial statements refer to the 53-week period ended October 2, 2016 for the fiscal year 2016 and 52-week periods ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 for fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Use of estimates

Use of estimates — In preparing the 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.

Accounts and other receivables, net

Accounts and other receivables, net is primarily comprised of receivables from franchisees, tenants and credit card processors. Franchisee receivables primarily include rents, royalties, and marketing fees associated with lease and franchise agreements. Tenant receivables relate to subleased properties where we are on the master lease agreement. We accrue interest on notes receivable based on the contractual terms. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience and a review of existing receivables. Changes in accounts and other receivables are classified as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Inventories

Inventories consist principally of food, packaging and supplies, and are valued at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. Changes in inventories are classified as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Assets held for sale

Assets held for sale typically represent the costs for new sites and existing sites that we plan to sell and lease back within the next year. Gains or losses realized on sale-leaseback transactions are deferred and amortized over the lease terms. If the determination is made that we no longer expect to sell an asset within the next year, the asset is reclassified out of assets held for sale. Assets held for sale also periodically includes the net book value of property and/or equipment we plan to sell within the next year.

Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block]

Assets held for sale consisted of the following at each fiscal year-end (in thousands):



	2016		2015
Assets held for sale and leaseback	$	14,259	$	15,216
Other property and equipment held for sale	—		300
Assets held for sale	$	14,259	$	15,516

Property and equipment, at cost

Property and equipment, net — Expenditures for new facilities and equipment, and those that substantially increase the useful lives of the property, are capitalized. Facilities leased under capital leases are stated at the present value of minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease term, not to exceed fair value. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and gains or losses on the dispositions are reflected in results of operations.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Impairment of long-lived assets — We evaluate our long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. This review generally includes a restaurant-level analysis, except when we are actively selling a group of restaurants in which case we perform our impairment evaluations at the group level. Impairment evaluations for individual restaurants take into consideration a restaurant’s operating cash flows, the period of time since a restaurant has been opened or remodeled, refranchising expectations, and the maturity of the related market, which are all significant unobservable inputs (“Level 3 Inputs”). Impairment evaluations for a group of restaurants take into consideration the group’s expected future cash flows and sales proceeds from bids received, if any, or fair market value based on, among other considerations, the specific sales and cash flows of those restaurants. If the assets of a restaurant or group of restaurants subject to our impairment evaluation are not recoverable based upon the forecasted, undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment loss by the amount which the carrying value of the assets exceeds fair value. Refer to Note 9, Impairment and Other Charges, Net, for additional information. Long-lived assets that meet the held for sale criteria, which excludes assets intended to be sold and leased back, are held for sale and reported at the lower of their carrying value or fair value, less estimated costs to sell.

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and intangible assets — Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired, if any. We generally record goodwill in connection with the acquisition of restaurants from franchisees. Likewise, upon the sale of restaurants to franchisees, goodwill is decremented. The amount of goodwill written-off is determined as the fair value of the reporting unit disposed of as a percentage of the fair value of the reporting unit retained. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we perform a two-step impairment test of goodwill. In the first step, we estimate the fair value of the reporting unit using Level 3 Inputs and compare it to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the second step is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In the second step, the amount of the impairment loss is the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over its implied fair value.

Intangible assets, net is comprised primarily of our Qdoba trademark, acquired franchise contract costs, lease acquisition costs and reacquired franchise rights. Our Qdoba trademark and acquired franchise contract costs were recorded in connection with our acquisition of Qdoba Restaurant Corporation in fiscal 2003. Acquired franchise contract costs represent the acquired value of franchise contracts, which are amortized over the term of the franchise agreements plus options based on the projected royalty revenue stream. Our Qdoba trademark asset has an indefinite life and is not amortized. Lease acquisition costs primarily represent the fair values of acquired lease contracts having contractual rents lower than fair market rents and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining initial lease term. Reacquired franchise rights are recorded in connection with our acquisition of franchised restaurants and are amortized over the remaining contractual period of the franchise contract in which the right was granted.

Our non-amortizing intangible asset is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, we compare the fair value of the non-amortizing intangible asset, established using Level 3 Inputs, with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the excess.

Company-owned life insurance

Company-owned life insurance — We have purchased company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies to support our non-qualified benefit plans. The cash surrender values of these policies were $106.0 million and $99.5 million as of October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015, respectively, and are included in other assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Changes in cash surrender values are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings. These policies reside in an umbrella trust for use only to pay plan benefits to participants or to pay creditors if the Company becomes insolvent.

Leases

Leases — We review all leases for capital or operating classification at their inception under the FASB authoritative guidance for leases. Our operations are primarily conducted under operating leases. Within the provisions of certain leases, there are rent holidays and escalations in payments over the base lease term, as well as renewal periods. The effects of the holidays and escalations have been reflected in rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Differences between amounts paid and amounts expensed are recorded as deferred rent. The lease term commences on the date when we have the right to control the use of the leased property. Certain leases also include contingent rent provisions based on sales levels, which are accrued at the point in time we determine that it is probable such sales levels will be achieved.

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition — Revenue from company restaurant sales is recognized when the food and beverage products are sold and are presented net of sales taxes.

Our franchise arrangements generally provide for franchise fees and continuing fees based upon a percentage of sales (“royalties”). In order to renew a franchise agreement upon expiration, a franchisee must obtain the Company’s approval and pay then current fees. Franchise development and license fees are recorded as deferred revenue until we have substantially performed all of our contractual obligations and the restaurant has opened for business. Franchise royalties are recorded in revenues on an accrual basis. Among other things, a franchisee may be provided the use of land and building, generally for a period of 20 years, and is required to pay negotiated rent, property taxes, insurance and maintenance. Franchise rents based on fixed rental payments are recognized as revenue over the term of the lease. Certain franchise rents, which are contingent upon sales levels, are recognized in the period in which the contingency is met.

Gift cards

Gift cards — We sell gift cards to our customers in our restaurants and through selected third parties. The gift cards sold to our customers have no stated expiration dates and are subject to actual and/or potential escheatment rights in several of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We recognize income from gift cards when redeemed by the customer.

While we will continue to honor all gift cards presented for payment, we may determine the likelihood of redemption to be remote for certain card balances due to, among other things, long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, to the extent we determine there is no requirement for remitting balances to government agencies under unclaimed property laws, card balances may be recognized as a reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.

Pre-opening costs

Pre-opening costs associated with the opening of a new restaurant consist primarily of property rent and employee training costs, and are expensed as incurred in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.

Restaurant closure costs

Restaurant closure costs — All costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized when they are incurred. Restaurant closure costs, which are included in impairment and other charges, net and (gains) losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings, primarily consist of future lease commitments, net of anticipated sublease rentals, and expected ancillary costs.

Self-insurance

Self-insurance — We are self-insured for a portion of our workers’ compensation, general liability, employee medical and dental, and automotive claims. We utilize a paid-loss plan for our workers’ compensation, general liability and automotive programs, which have predetermined loss limits per occurrence and in the aggregate. We establish our insurance liability (undiscounted) and reserves using independent actuarial estimates of expected losses for determining reported claims and as the basis for estimating claims incurred, but not reported. As of October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015, our estimated liability for general liability and workers’ compensation claims exceeded our self-insurance retention limits by $8.6 million and $25.8 million, respectively, which we expect our insurance providers to pay on our behalf in accordance with the contractual terms of our insurance policies.

Advertising costs

Advertising costs — We administer marketing funds which include contractual contributions. In fiscal 2016 and 2015, the marketing funds at franchise and company-operated restaurants were generally 5% and 2% of gross revenues at Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurants, respectively. In fiscal 2014 the marketing funds were approximately 5% and 1% of gross revenues at Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurants, respectively. We record contributions from franchisees as a liability included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets until such funds are expended. The contributions to the marketing funds are designated for sales driving and marketing-related initiatives and advertising, and we act as an agent for the franchisees with regard to these contributions. Therefore, we do not reflect franchisee contributions to the funds in our consolidated statements of earnings.

Production costs of commercials, programming and other marketing activities are charged to the marketing funds when the advertising is first used for its intended purpose, and the costs of advertising are charged to operations as incurred. Total contributions and other marketing expenses are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.

Share-based compensation

Share-based compensation — We account for our share-based compensation under the FASB authoritative guidance on stock compensation, which generally requires, among other things, that all employee share-based compensation be measured using a fair value method and that the resulting compensation cost be recognized in the financial statements. Compensation expense for our share-based compensation awards is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the vesting period or the period from the date of grant to the date the employee becomes eligible to retire.

Income taxes

Income taxes — Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as tax loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize interest and, when applicable, penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of our income tax provision.

Authoritative guidance issued by the FASB prescribes a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position.

Derivative instruments

Derivative instruments — From time to time, we use interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate exposure. We do not speculate using derivative instruments. We purchase derivative instruments only for the purpose of risk management.

All derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based upon quoted market prices. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded in earnings or other comprehensive income (“OCI”), based on whether or not the instrument is designated as a hedge transaction. Gains or losses on derivative instruments that qualify for hedge designation are reported in OCI and are reclassified to earnings in the period the hedged item affects earnings. If the underlying hedge transaction ceases to exist, any associated amounts reported in OCI are reclassified to earnings at that time. Any ineffectiveness is recognized in earnings in the current period.

Contingencies

Contingencies — We recognize liabilities for contingencies when we have an exposure that indicates it is probable that an asset has been impaired or that a liability has been incurred and the amount of impairment or loss can be reasonably estimated. Our ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to such matters cannot be estimated with certainty and requires the use of estimates. When the reasonable estimate is a range, the recorded loss will be the best estimate within the range. We record legal settlement costs when those costs are probable and reasonably estimable.

Segment reporting

Segment reporting — An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, and about which separate financial information is regularly evaluated by our chief operating decision makers in deciding how to allocate resources. Similar operating segments can be aggregated into a single operating segment if the businesses are similar. We operate our business in two operating segments, Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurant operations.