Jubilant FoodWorks Concall: CapEx Down 20% YoY, 200 bps Margin Guidance Maintained
Jubilant FoodWorks shared key management guidance from its Q4FY26 and FY26 concall, noting a 20% YoY decline in CapEx per store over three years and plans to open 230–250 new restaurants focused on 600–700 sq ft delivery carry-out formats in metros. Management maintained a long-term margin improvement guidance of 200 basis points while flagging short-term pressure from energy inflation (100–120 bps) and labor costs. A long-term like-for-like growth target of 5%–7% was reiterated, with Q1 FY26 growth expected to surpass Q4 FY26.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Jubilant FoodWorks has shared key management guidance from its Q4FY26 and FY26 analyst and investor conference call held on May 20, 2026. The update covers capital expenditure trends, margin outlook, growth targets, and store expansion plans, offering stakeholders a comprehensive view of the company's strategic direction.
CapEx and Store Expansion
Management highlighted that CapEx per store has decreased by 20% year-on-year for the past three years, attributing the reduction to constant calibration of store formats and kitchen remodeling initiatives. On the expansion front, the company plans to open approximately 230 to 250 new restaurants in the current year, with a focus on smaller delivery carry-out stores measuring 600–700 sq ft, primarily targeting metro markets.
Margin Outlook
Management maintained its long-term margin guidance of 200 basis points improvement, driven by growth, gross margin improvements, premium product offerings, and productivity initiatives. However, the company also flagged short-term margin pressure stemming from inflation across multiple cost heads. Energy inflation is expected to have an impact of 100–120 basis points, while labor cost pressures are arising from minimum wage increases, labor code compliance, and changes in delivery mix. The company acknowledged it cannot quantify the duration of these near-term headwinds.
Growth Guidance
Management reiterated its long-term annual like-for-like growth target of 5% to 7%. The company also expects Q1 FY26 growth to be better than Q4 FY26, signaling improving momentum in the near term.
Key Guidance Summary
The following table summarizes the key guidance metrics shared during the concall:
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| CapEx per Store Change | Down 20% YoY for the past three years |
| Long-term Margin Guidance | 200 basis points improvement |
| Like-for-Like Growth Target | 5% to 7% annually |
| New Restaurant Openings | ~230 to 250 this year |
| Store Format Focus | 600–700 sq ft delivery carry-out stores in metros |
| Energy Inflation Impact | 100–120 basis points |
| Near-term Growth Outlook | Q1 FY26 expected to be better than Q4 FY26 |
The audio recording of the conference call has been hosted on the company's official platform in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Stakeholders can access the recording through the Investor Relations section of the company's website. The filing was signed by Mona Aggarwal, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer.
Historical Stock Returns for Jubilant FoodWorks
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +0.23% | -5.17% | -7.47% | -25.87% | -35.25% | -27.71% |
How might sustained energy and labor cost inflation beyond FY26 affect Jubilant FoodWorks' ability to achieve its 200 basis points long-term margin improvement target?
Could the aggressive shift toward smaller 600–700 sq ft delivery carry-out stores in metros signal a structural change in consumer dining behavior that competitors may need to respond to?
With CapEx per store declining 20% YoY for three consecutive years, at what point does further cost reduction risk compromising store quality or customer experience?


































