What does the audit of 1 800 Packouts include regarding the understanding of internal control?
1_800_Packouts Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In performing an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, we:
- Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company'sinternal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 67–238)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to 1 800 Packouts' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the audit performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards includes obtaining an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit. This understanding is used to design audit procedures that are appropriate for the circumstances. However, the audit is not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company's internal control, and accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
This means that while the auditors assess 1 800 Packouts' internal controls to plan their audit, they do not provide a separate, formal evaluation of how well those controls function. A prospective franchisee should understand that the audit aims to ensure the financial statements are reliable, but it doesn't guarantee the internal controls are flawless.
This is a fairly standard practice in financial auditing. Auditors focus on whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Franchisees who want a deeper understanding of 1 800 Packouts' internal controls should consider asking the franchisor for more information or conducting their own due diligence.