6. Leases
The components of lease expense were as follows:
Fiscal Years Ended
September 27,
2025
September 28,
2024
September 30,
2023
(In thousands)
Operating lease cost$8,307 $13,565 $12,324 
Short-term lease cost602 873 340 
Variable lease cost4,827 5,193 5,480 
Total lease cost$13,736 $19,631 $18,144 
The following table summarizes the maturity of lease liabilities under operating leases as of fiscal year ending 2025:
Fiscal years ending
Operating leases
(In thousands)
2026$9,485 
20278,941 
20288,301 
20297,862 
20308,058 
Thereafter33,209 
Total lease payments75,856 
Less imputed interest(16,233)
Total lease liabilities$59,623 

About Leases Disclosures

Lease disclosures under ASC 842 provide a comprehensive view of a company's leased asset portfolio, including the split between operating and finance leases, discount rates used to present-value future payments, and the maturity schedule of lease obligations. This section reveals a significant source of off-balance-sheet commitments that were largely hidden before the current standard.

Key signals: the weighted-average discount rate affects the size of recorded lease liabilities — a higher rate reduces the reported obligation, so compare the chosen rate against the company's incremental borrowing rate. The operating versus finance lease mix affects both EBITDA and operating income presentation. Watch the maturity table for concentration risk: large payment cliffs in specific years may create cash flow pressure. Variable lease payments excluded from the liability measurement represent real obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet. Compare total lease costs against prior-year operating lease expense to assess the true economic burden.