Del Taco Restaurants (TACO) is withdrawing financial guidance

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc., (NASDAQ: TACO), the second largest Mexican-American quick service restaurant chain by units in the United States, today provided a business update related to the impact of COVID-19.

John D. Cappasola, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Del Taco, commented, “The health and safety of our employees, franchisees and guests is a critical focus as we serve communities across the country through limited contact or contactless channels such as drive-thru, takeout and delivery. In doing so, we are truly grateful for our employees and franchisees who are doing an exceptional job providing great food and service during this time of uncertainty.”

Cappasola added, “In order to enhance our financial flexibility, we elected to draw down $50.0 million on our revolving credit facility as a precautionary measure. We have also deferred planned non-essential capital expenditures and have adjusted our operating expenses in view of the current economic uncertainties. We believe that our actions have us well positioned for both the near term and when this crisis is firmly behind us.”

Business Update

Del Taco continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic with the health and safety of its employees, franchisees and guests in mind, while focusing on business continuity. The Company successfully transitioned its Restaurant Support Center into a virtual office on March 16, 2020 and is not currently experiencing any meaningful disruptions to its supply chain. Of Del Taco’s 597 system-wide restaurants, there are currently four temporary closures, including one company-operated restaurant.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has closed substantially all system-wide dining rooms and continues to operate through limited contact or contactless channels such as drive-thru, takeout and delivery. Historically, prior to the introduction of delivery, drive-thru and takeout represented more than 85% of Del Taco’s company-operated restaurant sales. On the recent fiscal fourth quarter 2019 earnings call the Company reported that delivery had grown to approximately 3% of company-operated restaurant sales following the late 2019 launch of its third delivery service provider. Last week, Del Taco entered into an agreement with its fourth delivery service provider, Uber Eats, which is expected to go live during the fiscal second quarter 2020.

Increased Cash Reserves

The Company has increased its cash position by drawing down $50.0 million under its revolving credit facility. With the draw down and existing cash, the Company currently has over $56.0 million in cash on hand. The increased borrowing was taken as a precautionary measure to bolster Del Taco’s cash position and enhance its financial flexibility as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 Outlook

Due to the current unprecedented global market and economic conditions in the United States and around the world, the Company is withdrawing financial guidance for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2020. The Company plans to provide an update on the business during its fiscal first quarter 2020 earnings call, which has not yet been scheduled.

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