Blenders aren't the only things bearing fruit at Jamba
Revenue fell by 21%, to $58.9 million, but don't panic. Analysts had been targeting a 24% top-line slide. As part of its refranchising initiative, Jamba has been transferring company-owned stores to franchisees. The end result should be chunkier margins at the expense of meaty revenue.
The move is working, as profitability more than doubled to $0.05 a share. Wall Street had figured Jamba would earn only $0.03 a share during the quarter.
Jamba is clawing its way back to popularity, posting a 2.9% increase in systemwide comparable sales. Its company-owned stores have now posted positive year-over-year comps in three consecutive quarters, while its franchised locations bumped the streak up to four quarters.
Not everything is peaches and soy milk. The store count could use one of the chain's signature energy boosts. There are now 746 Jamba Juice stores out there, but it opened just two net new stores during the period domestically (as five company-owned stores opened, but three locations were shuttered). Its Korean master developer did open four new outlets in South Korea.
It's refreshing to see that Jamba isn't fading away just because Starbucks
All of these outlets armed with blenders or slush machines aren't slowing Jamba down. In fact, Jamba's turnaround in comps began shortly after the rollout of McCafe smoothies began last summer.
This remains a highly seasonal business. Jamba should have another strong current quarter during the summer, followed by the year's two challenging quarters. The refranchising efforts should smoothen some of that, but if the company continues to keep its corporate overhead in check and patrons continue to take to its broadened food and beverage offerings, this may finally be the turnaround that Jamba investors have been waiting on.
Have you tried a McDonald's, Jamba, or Starbucks smoothie? What did you think? Share your critique in the comments box below.
