Jack In The Box To Expand Franchising

CNNMoney:

Fast-food chain Jack in the Box Inc. on Friday said it plans to continue to expand franchise operations and open more Jack in the Box and Qdoba brands in fiscal 2008.

The company plans to sell 100 to 120 Jack in the Box restaurants to franchisees in fiscal 2008 for gains of $45 million to $48 million.

It also expects to open 35 to 45 new Jack in the Box restaurants, including 13 to 17 franchised locations and 75 to 90 new Qdoba restaurants, including 60 to 70 franchised locations.

The company expects to earnings between $1.98 and $2.06 per share, including a 4-cent per share charge from revamping some franchisee restaurants and a 6-cent per share facility charge from kitchen enhancements at restaurants. The estimate includes a 5-cent per share impact due to a higher tax rate…