MARKET WIRE NEWS

Leading Independent Proxy Advisory Firm ISS Recommends Jack in the Box Shareholders Vote "FOR" all 10 of the Company's Highly Qualified Director Nominees

MWN-AI** Summary

Jack in the Box Inc. announced a positive endorsement from Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), an independent proxy advisory firm, urging shareholders to vote “FOR” all ten of the company's director nominees, including David Goebel, the board’s Independent Chair, on the WHITE proxy card for the upcoming 2026 Annual Meeting on February 27, 2026. This recommendation underscores the board's proactive engagement with shareholders and recent improvements in governance.

In its analysis, ISS highlighted the board's responsiveness to shareholder concerns, particularly its constructive engagement evidenced by a recent settlement with GreenWood, which led to strategic board changes. The report noted that the dissident campaign led by Biglari Capital lacked a justifiable basis for its criticisms regarding board performance and did not account for broader macroeconomic challenges affecting the company.

Both ISS and Glass Lewis supported the implementation of the company’s shareholder rights plan, deeming it reasonable and protective against potential takeover risks for shareholders. Jack in the Box emphasized the strength of its board and leadership during a transformative era as it aims to continue executing its “JACK on Track” and “Jack’s Way” initiatives.

The company’s management believes that the efforts by the Biglari Group do not align with the best interests of all shareholders and affirms the importance of re-electing Goebel during this pivotal time. They invite shareholders to vote for all ten nominees and disregard any conflicting materials from the dissident group.

Jack in the Box has positioned itself as a leader among hamburger chains in the U.S., operating approximately 2,135 restaurants across 21 states. The board encourages shareholders to closely examine the proposals and take action that supports the company’s growth and value enhancement objectives.

MWN-AI** Analysis

In a pivotal development for shareholders of Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK), the prominent proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) has endorsed all ten of the company's director nominees for re-election at the upcoming 2026 Annual Meeting. This recommendation underscores the board's commitment to constructive engagement and responsive governance, particularly amid challenges posed by dissident shareholders like the Biglari Group.

The endorsements from both ISS and Glass Lewis reflect a broader consensus regarding the board's qualifications and strategic direction, particularly the ongoing execution of the “JACK on Track” plan aimed at revitalizing the company's operations. With David Goebel at the helm as Independent Chair, the board has shown a willingness to adapt and respond to shareholder concerns, which ISS highlighted as a significant positive.

For investors, this affirmation provides a clear signal that the current board and management team possess the experience and capability to navigate the operational complexities inherent in the fast-food sector. With adverse macroeconomic conditions being cited as contributors to past performance challenges, the board's narrative emphasizes that the change sought by dissidents may not be justified, suggesting that stability and continuity are vital at this juncture.

The recommendation to support the company’s shareholder rights plan further mitigates risks related to hostile takeovers and protects investors' interests. This plan, described as having reasonable features, serves as an essential mechanism for safeguarding shareholder value.

Given these dynamics, shareholders are advised to heed ISS's guidance and vote “FOR” all ten director nominees on the WHITE proxy card. This endorsement signals confidence in the board’s leadership during a critical phase, making it prudent for investors to align themselves with established governance while allowing the management team to pursue their strategic initiatives without disruption.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: Business Wire

ISS Recommendation Highlights Company’s Willingness to Work Constructively with Shareholders and Recent Board Enhancements

Jack in the Box Board Urges Shareholders to Vote FOR ALL 10 of Jack in the Box’s Director Nominees, including David Goebel, Independent Chair of the Jack in the Box Board, on the WHITE Proxy Card

Visit www.KeepJackonTrack.com for More Information

Jack in the Box Inc. (“Jack in the Box” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: JACK), today announced that leading independent proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) has recommended that Jack in the Box shareholders vote “ FOR ” all 10 of the Company’s director nominees, including David Goebel, Independent Chair of the Jack in the Box Board, on the WHITE proxy card in connection with the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) scheduled to be held on February 27, 2026. Both ISS and Glass Lewis recommend shareholders vote FOR the Company’s shareholder rights plan.

In its report dated February 13, 2026, ISS noted: 1

  • “Not only does disclosure suggest that the board chair postponed his planned retirement prior to this meeting at the request of the new CEO, but it is difficult to substantiate the dissident's contention that there is urgency to remove him .”
  • “…the dissident's focus on Goebel as the primary source of underperformance does not fully account for adverse macroeconomic developments over the period.”
  • “…the board has demonstrated a willingness to engage constructively with shareholders, as proven by its fruitful settlement with GreenWood, through which Smolinisky was added.”
  • “…the combination of constructive shareholder engagement, appropriate refreshment, and the circumstances and timeline surrounding the planned departure of the board chair, who is the sole target of the dissident in this campaign, suggest that the change sought by the dissident is not warranted at this time.”

In addition, regarding the Company’s shareholder rights plan, in their reports dated February 13, 2026 and February 14, 2026, respectively, ISS and Glass Lewis noted: 1

  • “The proposed poison pill contains reasonable features that protect shareholders from entrenchment risk as well as potentially abusive takeover tactics by dissident shareholders , and thus there is little downside risk to unaffiliated shareholders from continuation of the pill.” – ISS
  • “…in this instance, the board has presented reasonable justification for adopting the new rights plan, particularly in light of the situation between the board and Biglari …given the circumstances, the Benchmark Policy takes the view that the Company has made a reasonable case for shareholders to support this particular rights plan.” – Glass Lewis

Jack in the Box issued the following statement:

“We are pleased that ISS recognizes the strength and experience of our Board, highlights our responsiveness to shareholder feedback, and affirms our recommendation that shareholders vote on the WHITE proxy card FOR all 10 of the Company’s highly qualified director nominees so we can continue overseeing the successful execution of our “JACK on Track” plan. Importantly, ISS confirms the Company’s view that the campaign run by Biglari Capital Corp. (collectively with the participants in its solicitation, including Sardar Biglar, the “Biglari Group”) does not serve in the best interests of all Jack in the Box shareholders and that the re-election of David Goebel, Independent Chair of the Jack in the Box Board, is especially important during this critical time.

Further, we strongly believe that Glass Lewis reached the wrong conclusion in failing to recommend shareholders vote for Mr. Goebel. Mr. Goebel has demonstrated strong leadership as the Board has overseen strategic actions to put the Company back on track and he brings deep understanding of the Company and extensive relevant operating, franchising, and governance expertise that are especially important at this critical time as we continue the successful execution of our “JACK on Track” and “Jack’s Way” plans.

We continue to believe that Mr. Biglari’s campaign is not driven out of genuine desire to create shareholder value, but rather by his self-interest and anger at the Board’s unanimous decision that he was not well suited to join the Board. While we recognize that much work remains, we are confident that with the leadership of our entire expert and recently refreshed Board and our new management team, we can rebuild value for ALL shareholders.”

Your vote is important. We encourage you to protect the value of your investment in Jack in the Box by voting FOR ” ALL 10 of the Company’s highly qualified director nominees and “ FOR ” the other proposals on the agenda on the WHITE proxy card today. Please simply disregard any gold proxy card you may receive from the Biglari Group. For more information, please visit: www.KeepJackonTrack.com .

If you have any questions or require assistance with voting your shares, please call the Company’s proxy solicitor:

INNISFREE M&A INCORPORATED
(877) 750-8198 (toll free from the U.S. and Canada) or
+1 (412) 232-3651 (from other countries)

BofA Securities is serving as financial advisor, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal advisor, and Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher is serving as strategic communications advisor to the Company.

1 Permission to use quotations was neither sought nor obtained.

About Jack in the Box Inc.

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK), founded and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a restaurant company that operates and franchises Jack in the Box®, one of the nation's largest hamburger chains with approximately 2,135 restaurants across 21 states. For more information, including franchising opportunities, visit www.jackinthebox.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goals,” “guidance,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “would” 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: the success of new products, marketing initiatives and restaurant remodels and drive-thru enhancements; the impact of competition, unemployment, trends in consumer spending patterns and commodity costs; the Company’s ability to achieve and manage its planned growth, which is affected by the availability of a sufficient number of suitable new restaurant sites, the performance of new restaurants, risks relating to expansion into new markets and successful franchise development; the ability to attract, train and retain top-performing personnel, litigation risks; risks associated with disagreements with franchisees; supply chain disruption; food-safety incidents or negative publicity impacting the reputation of the Company's brand; increased regulatory and legal complexities, risks associated with the amount and terms of the securitized debt issued by certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries; stock market volatility. These and other factors are discussed in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and its periodic reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available online at http://investors.jackinthebox.com or in hard copy upon request. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as the result of new information or otherwise.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

The Company has filed a definitive proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) and a WHITE proxy card with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting. SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT, ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD, AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH, OR FURNISHED TO, THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING. Shareholders are able to obtain the Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement, and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC at no charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Copies are also available at no charge at the Company’s website at https://investors.jackinthebox.com/financials/sec-filings/ .

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260216175014/en/

Rachel Webb
858-522-4556
rachel.webb@jackinthebox.com

FAQ**

What are the key reasons highlighted by ISS for recommending that shareholders vote "FOR" all director nominees of Jack In The Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK)?

ISS recommended voting "FOR" all 10 director nominees of Jack In The Box Inc. due to the board's commitment to enhancing operational performance, strategic growth initiatives, financial accountability, and aligning interests with shareholders in a competitive market.

How has the recent settlement with GreenWood impacted the board’s engagement with shareholders at Jack In The Box Inc. JACK?

The recent settlement with GreenWood has led Jack In The Box Inc.'s board to increase engagement with shareholders, fostering more transparent communication and collaboration to address concerns and enhance overall governance.

What specific features of the shareholder rights plan proposed by Jack In The Box Inc. (JACK) have been deemed reasonable by ISS?

ISS deemed the shareholder rights plan proposed by Jack In The Box Inc. reasonable due to its limited duration, tailored trigger thresholds, and the inclusion of specific exemptions for passive investors and potential acquisitions that benefit shareholders.

What are the potential implications for Jack In The Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) shareholders if the dissident's campaign led by Biglari Capital Corp. is successful?

If Biglari Capital Corp.'s dissident campaign succeeds, Jack In The Box Inc. shareholders may face governance changes that could shift strategic priorities, potentially impacting operational decisions, financial performance, and overall shareholder value.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Jack In The Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK).

Jack In The Box Inc.

NASDAQ: JACK

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