Why do Del Taco's fiscal 2024 results include two fewer days?

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the reason that Del Taco's fiscal 2024 results include two fewer days is due to a shift in the company's fiscal year. Previously, Del Taco operated on a fiscal year ending the Tuesday closest to September 30. However, beginning in fiscal year 2024, Del Taco's fiscal year was adjusted to align with that of Jack in the Box, which is the 52 or 53 weeks ending the Sunday closest to September 30. This change in the fiscal year caused Del Taco's fiscal 2024 to be shorter by two days.

This change in fiscal year reporting has implications for franchisees as it affects how Del Taco's financial performance is compared across different periods. The FDD notes that comparisons throughout the document refer to the 52-week periods ended September 29, 2024, October 1, 2023, and October 2, 2022, for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. This standardization is important for accurately assessing year-over-year growth and trends.

Prospective franchisees should be aware of this change when reviewing Del Taco's financial statements. While the adjustment ensures consistency with Jack in the Box, it also means that fiscal year 2024's results cover a slightly shorter period. Franchisees should consider this when analyzing revenue, expenses, and other key performance indicators to ensure they are making informed decisions about their investment.