UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 26, 2008

 

Commission File Number 1-10275

 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE

 

75-1914582

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

6820 LBJ FREEWAY, DALLAS, TEXAS  75240

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(972) 980-9917

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  x   No   o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer x

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  o   No   x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

 

Outstanding at April 30, 2008

Common Stock, $0.10 par value

 

101,252,356 shares

 

 



 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

INDEX
 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

Part I - Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.           Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets -
March 26, 2008 (Unaudited) and June 27, 2007

 

3

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited) – Thirteen week and thirty-nine week periods ended March 26, 2008 and March 28, 2007

 

4

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited) – Thirty-nine week periods ended March 26, 2008 and March 28, 2007

 

5

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

6

 

 

 

Item 2.           Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

11

 

 

 

Item 3.           Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

19

 

 

 

Item 4.           Controls and Procedures

 

19

 

 

 

Part II - Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.           Legal Proceedings

 

22

 

 

 

Item 1A.        Risk Factors

 

22

 

 

 

Item 2.           Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

22

 

 

 

Item 6.           Exhibits

 

23

 

 

 

Signatures

 

24

 

2



 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

 

March 26,
2008

 

June 27,
2007

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

89,779

 

$

84,823

 

Accounts receivable

 

41,894

 

49,851

 

Inventories

 

34,732

 

28,915

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

67,446

 

69,600

 

Income taxes receivable

 

25,704

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

50,338

 

16,100

 

Assets held for sale

 

218,411

 

423,378

 

Total current assets

 

528,304

 

672,667

 

Property and Equipment at Cost:

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

202,842

 

201,732

 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

 

1,524,098

 

1,381,281

 

Furniture and equipment

 

641,435

 

603,066

 

Construction-in-progress

 

47,274

 

94,659

 

 

 

2,415,649

 

2,280,738

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(899,385

)

(815,497

)

Net property and equipment

 

1,516,264

 

1,465,241

 

Other Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

139,140

 

138,876

 

Deferred income taxes

 

5,501

 

4,778

 

Other

 

41,694

 

36,459

 

Total other assets

 

186,335

 

180,113

 

Total assets

 

$

2,230,903

 

$

2,318,021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current installments of long-term debt

 

$

1,918

 

$

1,761

 

Accounts payable

 

184,771

 

167,789

 

Accrued liabilities

 

349,444

 

329,925

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

21,555

 

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

 

16,840

 

23,856

 

Total current liabilities

 

552,973

 

544,886

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current installments

 

910,860

 

826,918

 

Other liabilities

 

167,434

 

141,128

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock – 250,000,000 authorized shares; $0.10 par value; 176,246,649 shares issued and 101,179,844 shares outstanding at March 26, 2008, and 176,246,666 shares issued and 110,127,072 shares outstanding at June 27, 2007

 

17,625

 

17,625

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

459,448

 

450,665

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(92

)

(37

)

Retained earnings

 

1,813,070

 

1,791,311

 

 

 

2,290,051

 

2,259,564

 

Less Treasury stock, at cost (75,066,805 shares at March 26, 2008 and 66,119,594 shares at June 27, 2007)

 

(1,690,415

)

(1,454,475

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

599,636

 

805,089

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

2,230,903

 

$

2,318,021

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Thirteen Week Periods Ended

 

Thirty-nine Week Periods Ended

 

 

 

March 26,

 

March 28,

 

March 26,

 

March 28,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

907,664

 

$

944,028

 

$

2,670,956

 

$

2,712,882

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

262,565

 

267,680

 

753,466

 

757,996

 

Restaurant expenses

 

509,169

 

523,936

 

1,498,193

 

1,498,070

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

39,958

 

38,653

 

117,582

 

119,708

 

General and administrative

 

39,618

 

42,164

 

120,176

 

135,277

 

Other gains and charges

 

26,273

 

(966

)

4,837

 

(2,176

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

 

877,583

 

871,467

 

2,494,254

 

2,508,875

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

30,081

 

72,561

 

176,702

 

204,007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

10,800

 

6,446

 

36,191

 

19,297

 

Other, net

 

(1,368

)

(995

)

(3,470

)

(2,627

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

20,649

 

67,110

 

143,981

 

187,337

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

3,417

 

20,011

 

41,987

 

59,176

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

17,232

 

47,099

 

101,994

 

128,161

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

(56,050

)

7,472

 

(48,732

)

18,241

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(38,818

)

$

54,571

 

$

53,262

 

$

146,402

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.39

 

$

0.98

 

$

1.04

 

Income (Loss) from discontinued operations

 

$

(0.55

)

$

0.06

 

$

(0.47

)

$

0.15

 

Net income (loss) per share

 

$

(0.38

)

$

0.45

 

$

0.51

 

$

1.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.37

 

$

0.97

 

$

1.02

 

Income (Loss) from discontinued operations

 

$

(0.55

)

$

0.06

 

$

(0.47

)

$

0.14

 

Net income (loss) per share

 

$

(0.38

)

$

0.43

 

$

0.50

 

$

1.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

101,175

 

122,019

 

103,713

 

123,213

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

102,377

 

125,712

 

105,624

 

126,144

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends per share

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.09

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.25

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Thirty-nine Week Periods Ended

 

 

 

March 26,

 

March 28,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

53,262

 

$

146,402

 

(Income) Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

48,732

 

(18,241

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

117,582

 

119,708

 

Restructure charges and other impairments

 

28,803

 

2,748

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

(29,234

)

(1,736

)

Stock-based compensation

 

12,695

 

21,702

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(1,938

)

(15,545

)

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of dispositions:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

9,438

 

8,814

 

Inventories

 

(6,128

)

1,549

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

4,193

 

4,288

 

Other assets

 

5

 

(4,741

)

Accounts payable

 

34,538

 

29,218

 

Accrued liabilities

 

7,394

 

18,784

 

Income taxes

 

(29,590

)

6,376

 

Other liabilities

 

6,079

 

17,095

 

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

 

255,831

 

336,421

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments for property and equipment

 

(211,511

)

(287,858

)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

121,917

 

26,189

 

Investment in equity method investee

 

(6,425

)

 

Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations

 

(96,019

)

(261,669

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net proceeds from issuance of debt

 

399,287

 

 

Net (payments) borrowings on credit facilities

 

(314,786

)

94,397

 

Payments on long-term debt

 

(797

)

(1,959

)

Purchases of treasury stock

 

(240,783

)

(222,129

)

Proceeds from issuances of treasury stock

 

2,724

 

58,935

 

Payments of dividends

 

(31,768

)

(30,352

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 

302

 

4,339

 

Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations

 

(185,821

)

(96,769

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations

 

40,965

 

54,137

 

Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations

 

(10,000

)

(13,230

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by discontinued operations

 

30,965

 

40,907

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

4,956

 

18,890

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

84,823

 

55,016

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

89,779

 

$

73,906

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

1.             BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

References to “Brinker,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” in this Form 10-Q are references to Brinker International, Inc. and its subsidiaries and any predecessor companies of Brinker International, Inc.

 

Our consolidated financial statements as of March 26, 2008 and June 27, 2007 and for the thirteen week and thirty-nine week periods ended March 26, 2008 and March 28, 2007 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  We  own, operate, or franchise various restaurant brands under the names of Chili’s Grill & Bar (“Chili’s”), Romano’s Macaroni Grill (“Macaroni Grill”), On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (“On The Border”), and Maggiano’s Little Italy (“Maggiano’s”).  Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, Macaroni Grill has been presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements.  See Note 4 for additional disclosures.

 

The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) which are, in our opinion, necessary to fairly state the interim operating results for the respective periods.  However, these operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. The notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in the June 27, 2007 Form 10-K. We believe the disclosures are sufficient for interim financial reporting purposes.

 

Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to fiscal 2008 presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on our net income or financial position as previously reported.

 

2.             EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period.  Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.  For the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, the basic weighted average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted share awards determined using the treasury stock method.  We had approximately 7.6 million stock options and restricted share awards outstanding at March 26, 2008 and 48,000 stock options and restricted share awards outstanding at March 28, 2007 that were not included in the dilutive earnings (loss) per share calculation because the effect would have been antidilutive.

 

6



 

3.             OTHER GAINS AND CHARGES

 

 

 

Thirteen Week Periods
Ended

 

Thirty-nine Week Periods
Ended

 

 

 

March 26,

 

March 28,

 

March 26,

 

March 28,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Restaurant closures and impairments

 

$

8,969

 

$

717

 

$

16,767

 

$

2,748

 

Development-related costs

 

12,111

 

 

12,111

 

 

Severance-related costs

 

5,193

 

 

5,193

 

 

Gains on the sale of restaurants

 

 

(1,683

)

(29,234

)

(1,683

)

Gain on termination of swaps

 

 

 

 

(3,241

)

 

 

$

26,273

 

$

(966

)

$

4,837

 

$

(2,176

)

 

In the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we recorded a $9.0 million charge primarily for long-lived asset impairments resulting from the decision to close or decline lease renewals for 21 restaurants including 15 Chili’s and six On The Border restaurants.  The decision to close the restaurants and decline lease renewals was based on a comprehensive analysis that examined restaurants not performing at required levels of return.  During the quarter, we also made the decision to reduce future domestic company-owned restaurant development as well as discontinue certain projects that do not align with our strategic goals.  As a result, we evaluated our infrastructure needed to support this evolving business model, which resulted in the restructuring of our Restaurant Support Center and the elimination of certain administrative positions.  In connection with these actions, we incurred $12.1 million in charges related to asset write-offs for sites under development and other discontinued projects.  In addition, we incurred costs related to ongoing termination benefits under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits,” of approximately $5.4 million in severance and $0.7 million in vacation and other benefits and recorded income of $0.9 million related to the forfeiture of stock-based compensation awards resulting from these actions.  Approximately $0.8 million in benefit payments remained to be paid as of March 26, 2008.

 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we recorded $7.3 million in charges primarily related to long-lived asset impairments.  The charges included a $5.5 million impairment related to two restaurants which were impaired based on an analysis of projected operating performance and operating cash flows.  Also included is a $1.0 million charge related to the decrease in estimated sales value of land associated with previously closed restaurants and $646,000 related to restaurants closed in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.  We completed the sale of 76 company-owned Chili’s restaurants to ERJ Dining IV, LLC in November 2007 for approximately $122 million and recorded a gain of $29.2 million.  The net assets sold totaled approximately $88.2 million and consisted primarily of property and equipment of $86.4 million.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we recorded a $512,000 charge for asset impairments related to the relocation of a restaurant and the decrease in estimated sales value of land associated with a previously closed restaurant.

 

In the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the sale of one company-owned On The Border restaurant to a franchisee was completed for a gain of $1.7 million.  Additionally, we recorded a $717,000 charge related to remaining lease obligations associated with closed restaurants.  In the second quarter of fiscal 2007, we recorded a $2.0 million charge for long-lived asset impairments resulting from the decision to close four restaurants, including three On The Border and one Chili’s restaurants.  We terminated our interest rate swaps on certain fixed-rate lease obligations in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 and recorded a $3.2 million gain.

 

7



 

4.             ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

In February 2008, we entered into tentative agreements to sell nine Chili’s and 11 On The Border restaurants to a franchisee. The assets and liabilities associated with these restaurants have been classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets at March 26, 2008 and June 27, 2007.  The combined net assets to be sold totaled approximately $15.2 million at March 26, 2008 and consisted primarily of property and equipment of $15.5 million. The buyer is in the process of obtaining financing, but we expect the transactions to close in early fiscal 2009.  We also expect to record a gain in the financial statements at the time the sale is completed.

 

We committed to a plan to sell Macaroni Grill in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, which was the result of our focus on achieving return on investment and growth targets. Macaroni Grill has been presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements.  Discontinued operations includes only the revenues and expenses which can be specifically identified with Macaroni Grill and excludes any allocation of corporate costs, including general and administrative expenses, or rental charges on company-owned properties.  The results of Macaroni Grill consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

Thirteen Week Periods Ended

 

Thirty-nine Week Periods Ended

 

 

 

March 26,

 

March 28,

 

March 26,

 

March 28,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

169,519

 

$

179,400

 

$

490,698

 

$

521,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value impairments

 

$

73,126

 

$

 

$

82,641

 

$

 

Restaurant closures

 

30,606

 

2,224

 

34,703

 

10,823

 

Severance and other

 

3,230

 

 

3,302

 

 

Other gains and charges

 

$

106,962

 

$

2,224

 

$

120,646

 

$

10,823

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) before taxes from discontinued operations

 

(90,807

)

10,217

 

(83,170

)

24,300

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(34,757

)

2,745

 

(34,438

)

6,059

 

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

$

(56,050

)

$

7,472

 

$

(48,732

)

$

18,241

 

 

We are currently in negotiations with multiple potential buyers; however, recent contraction in the credit markets has made it difficult to obtain necessary financing.  In addition, the expected performance of the brand has declined due to lower revenues and increased commodity and labor costs.  As a result, in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets,” we recorded an impairment charge of $73.1 million to write-down the net assets of Macaroni Grill to their estimated fair value less costs to sell at March 26, 2008.  Our estimate of fair value is based on the best available information including values obtained in recent sales of company-owned restaurants to franchisees and forecasted operating performance of Macaroni Grill.  Due to uncertainty in the credit markets and other factors outside of our control, management cannot be certain that further adjustments will not be necessary until the transaction is completed.

 

In addition, during the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we made the decision to close 25 Macaroni Grill restaurants which resulted in $30.6 million of long-lived asset impairment and lease charges and $1.8 million of severance costs. The assets and liabilities related to these restaurants are no longer included in held for sale as of March 26, 2008.  Additionally, we incurred $1.4 million in charges related to the planned sale of the brand.

 

8



 

Other gains and charges in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 consists primarily of a $3.2 million impairment charge associated with restaurant closures and $1.9 million in charges related to the planned sale of the brand. Other gains and charges in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 consists primarily of a $9.2 million impairment charge to adjust the value of certain restaurants to their fair value less expected costs to sell to a franchisee. This transaction was not completed; however, these assets are still held for sale as part of the expected sale of the brand.

 

Other gains and charges in fiscal 2007 includes $2.2 million related to lease charges associated with restaurant closures in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 and $8.6 million of impairment charges associated with restaurant closures in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

As of March 26, 2008, the net assets of Macaroni Grill to be sold totaled approximately $186.4 million and consisted primarily of property and equipment of $180.9 million. We expect to complete the sale of the brand in the first half of fiscal 2009.

 

5.             TAXES

 

Effective June 28, 2007, we adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). As a result of the adoption we recognized an $847,000 decrease in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, net of the federal deferred tax benefit, with a corresponding increase to retained earnings.

 

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations by tax authorities for fiscal years before 2006.  We are audited by the taxing authorities of most states and certain foreign countries and are subject to examination by these taxing jurisdictions for fiscal years generally after 2003.

 

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of June 28, 2007 was $23.2 million ($17.4 million of which would favorably affect the effective tax rate if resolved in our favor due to the effect of deferred tax benefits).  During the twelve months following adoption, we anticipate that it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by approximately $786,000 ($604,000 of which would affect the effective tax rate due to the effect of deferred tax benefits) either because our tax position will be sustained upon audit or as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for specific jurisdictions.

 

We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  We had $4.3 million ($3.3 million net of a $1.0 million federal deferred tax benefit) of interest and penalties accrued at June 28, 2007.

 

6.             SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

The Board of Directors has authorized a total of $2,060.0 million of share repurchases.  Pursuant to our stock repurchase plan, we repurchased approximately 9.1 million shares of our common stock for approximately $240 million during the first three quarters of fiscal 2008.  As of March 26, 2008, approximately $60 million was available under our share repurchase authorizations.  The repurchased common stock is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.  Our stock repurchase plan has been and will be used to return capital to shareholders and to minimize the dilutive impact of stock options and other share-based awards. In the future, we may consider additional share repurchases based on several factors, including our cash position, share price, operational liquidity, and planned investment and financing needs.  On January 31, 2008, we announced the declaration of a dividend to common stock shareholders in the amount of $0.11 per share.  Dividends of $11.1 million were paid in March 2008, and we have paid approximately $31.8 million in dividends year-to-date.

 

9



 

7.             SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

Cash paid for income taxes and interest for the first three quarters of fiscal 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 26,
2008

 

March 28,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes, net of refunds

 

$

62,760

 

$

70,067

 

Interest, net of amounts capitalized

 

34,835

 

14,352

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities for the first three quarters of fiscal 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 26,
2008

 

March 28,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retirement of fully depreciated assets

 

$

18,309

 

$

19,495

 

 

8.             CONTINGENCIES

 

As of March 26, 2008, we guarantee lease payments totaling $161.3 million as a result of the sale of certain brands and the sale of restaurants to franchisees.  This amount represents the maximum potential liability of future payments under the guarantees.  These leases have been assigned to the buyers and the expiration dates of current lease terms range from fiscal 2008 through fiscal 2023.  We remain secondarily liable for the leases.  In the event of default, the terms and conditions in our assignment agreements govern our ability to pursue and recover damages incurred.  No material liabilities have been recorded as of March 26, 2008.

 

Certain current and former hourly restaurant employees filed a lawsuit against us in California Superior Court alleging violations of California labor laws with respect to meal and rest breaks.  The lawsuit seeks penalties and attorney’s fees and was certified as a class action in July 2006.  In October 2007, the California Court of Appeal decertified the class action on all claims, but has been asked to reconsider that decision. We intend to vigorously defend our position.  It is not possible at this time to reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any.

 

We are engaged in various legal proceedings and have certain unresolved claims pending. The ultimate liability, if any, for the aggregate amounts claimed cannot be determined at this time. However, based upon consultation with legal counsel, we are of the opinion that there are no matters pending or threatened which are expected to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

10



 

Item 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table sets forth selected operating data as a percentage of total revenues from continuing operations for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

 

 

Thirteen Week Periods Ended

 

Thirty-nine Week Periods Ended

 

 

 

March 26,

 

March 28,

 

March 26,

 

March 28,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

100

.0%

 

100

.0%

 

100

.0%

 

100

.0%

 

Operating Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

28

.9%

 

28

.4%

 

28

.2%

 

27

.9%

 

Restaurant expenses

 

56

.1%

 

55

.5%

 

56

.1%

 

55

.3%

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4

.4%

 

4

.1%

 

4

.4%

 

4

.4%

 

General and administrative

 

4

.4%

 

4

.4%

 

4

.5%

 

5

.0%

 

Other gains and charges

 

2

.9%

 

(0

.1)%

 

0

.2%

 

(0

.1)%

 

Total operating costs and expenses

 

96

.7%

 

92

.3%

 

93

.4%

 

92

.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

3

.3%

 

7

.7%

 

6

.6%

 

7

.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

1

.2%

 

0

.7%

 

1

.3%

 

0

.7%

 

Other, net

 

(0

.2)%

 

(0

.1)%

 

(0

.1)%

 

(0

.1)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

2

.3%

 

7

.1%

 

5

.4%

 

6

.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

0

.4%

 

2

.1%

 

1

.6%

 

2

.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

1

.9%

 

5

.0%

 

3

.8%

 

4

.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from discontinued operations,
net of taxes

 

(6

.2)%

 

0

.8%

 

(1

.8)%

 

0

.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(4

.3)%

 

5

.8%

 

2

.0%

 

5

.4%

 

 

11



 

The following table details the number of restaurant openings during the third quarter, year-to-date, total restaurants open at the end of the third quarter, and total projected openings in fiscal 2008.

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Year-to-Date

 

Total Open at End

 

Projected

 

 

 

Openings

 

Openings

 

Of Third Quarter

 

Openings

 

 

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Chili’s:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company-owned

 

23

 

34

 

51

 

90

 

881

 

977

 

59-61

 

Domestic Franchised

 

7

 

4

 

23

 

12

 

401

 

206

 

35

 

Total

 

30

 

38

 

74

 

102

 

1,282

 

1,183

 

94-96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Macaroni Grill:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company-owned

 

 

 

3

 

3

 

193

 

216

 

3

 

Domestic Franchised

 

1

 

2

 

5

 

4

 

18

 

15

 

6

 

Total

 

1

 

2

 

8

 

7

 

211

 

231

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On The Border:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company-owned

 

 

6

 

5

 

11

 

133

 

131

 

7

 

Domestic Franchised

 

 

1

 

3

 

3

 

29

 

25

 

5

 

Total

 

 

7

 

8

 

14

 

162

 

156

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maggiano’s

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

3

 

42

 

40

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International:(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company-owned

 

 

 

1

 

 

6

 

5

 

2

 

Franchised

 

4

 

7

 

24

 

22

 

165

 

141

 

36

 

Total

 

4

 

7

 

25

 

22

 

171

 

146

 

38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Total

 

36

 

55

 

116

 

148

 

1,868

 

1,756

 

154-156

 

 


(a)                                  At the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2008, international company-owned restaurants by brand included five Chili’s and one Macaroni Grill.  International franchise restaurants by brand included 152 Chili’s, 12 Macaroni Grill’s and one On the Border.

 

At March 26, 2008, we owned the land and buildings for 229 of the 1,062 company-owned restaurants (excluding Macaroni Grill).  The net book values of the land and buildings associated with these restaurants totaled $184.8 million and $195.8 million, respectively.

 

12



 

GENERAL

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand Brinker International, our operations, and our current operating environment. For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the quarters ended March 26, 2008 and March 28, 2007, the MD&A should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this quarterly report.  The results of operations discussed in MD&A exclude discontinued operations, except where otherwise noted.

 

OVERVIEW

 

At March 26, 2008, we owned, operated, or franchised 1,868 restaurants through our four brands:  Chili’s, Macaroni Grill, On The Border, and Maggiano’s.

 

Our third quarter of fiscal 2008 proved to be both rewarding and challenging.  While we experienced encouraging trends in comparable restaurant sales, which increased 1.1% for the quarter, our operations continue to be negatively impacted by cost pressures from increased commodities and labor costs.  During the quarter, we also evaluated our portfolio of assets and supporting infrastructure.  As a result, we made decisions that resulted in over $26 million of special charges in continuing operations for the quarter.  These charges, which primarily related to restaurant closures, the adjustment of our development strategy and corporate restructuring, represent the impact of initiatives that will lay the groundwork for achieving profitable long-term growth.

 

Our ultimate goal is to build a business model that will enable us to achieve sustainable growth in a variety of economic environments in order to create long-term value for our shareholders.  We believe the key to reaching this goal resides within our existing restaurants by leveraging the strong positioning and operating strength of our world-class brands to grow profitable ongoing comparable restaurant sales. The basis of this business model will be grounded in our five areas of focus – hospitality; food and beverage excellence; restaurant atmosphere; pace and convenience; and international expansion. Our organization is focused on these five priorities that are designed to grow our base business by engaging and delighting our guests, differentiating our brands from competitors throughout the industry, reducing the costs associated with managing our restaurants and establishing a strong presence in key markets around the world.

 

To support this effort, we have further refined our projected domestic company-owned restaurant development schedule.  We expect to open approximately 70 company-owned restaurants in fiscal 2008, approximately 15 in fiscal 2009 and even fewer restaurants in fiscal 2010. With our focus on existing company-owned restaurants, we will restrict development to a limited number of new restaurants that meet or exceed our internal hurdle rates to ensure appropriate returns and shift a greater proportion of new restaurant development to our expanding franchise network in the United States and internationally.  As a result, our overall revenues will now be driven in a more balanced manner of comparable restaurant sales and increasing franchise royalties.  We expect to realize operating margin improvement from this focus inside the four walls of our existing restaurants and less effort towards opening new restaurants, the removal of underperforming restaurants from our system and a more focused organization.

 

These are challenging times for the casual dining industry.  As evidenced during fiscal 2008, the industry is a highly competitive business, which is sensitive to changes in economic conditions, trends in lifestyles and fluctuating costs. By capitalizing on our previous experiences during other challenging times, our team is responding to the difficult environment and driving results. We remain confident in the long-term prospects of the industry as well as in our ability to perform effectively in an extremely competitive marketplace and a variety of economic environments.

 

13



 

REVENUES

 

Revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 were $907.7 million, a 3.9% decrease from the $944.0 million generated for the same quarter of fiscal 2007. Revenues for the thirty-nine week period ended March 26, 2008 were $2,671.0 million, a 1.5% decrease from the $2,712.9 million generated for the same period in fiscal 2007. The decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to declines in capacity at company-owned restaurants, partially offset by comparable restaurant sales as follows:

 

 

 

Thirteen Week Period Ended March 26, 2008

 

 

 

Comparable
Sales

 

Price
Increase

 

Mix Shift

 

Capacity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brinker International

 

1.1

%

3.1

%

0.3

%

(6.7

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chili’s

 

1.6

%

3.2

%

0.9

%

(8.7

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On The Border

 

(1.8

)%

2.8

%

(1.0

)%

4.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maggiano’s

 

(0.4

)%

2.9

%

(2.0

)%

5.0

%

 

 

 

Thirteen Week Period Ended March 28, 2007

 

 

 

Comparable
Sales

 

Price
Increase

 

Mix Shift

 

Capacity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brinker International

 

(4.4

)%

1.0

%

(1.0

)%

9.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chili’s

 

(4.4

)%

1.1

%

(1.4

)%

10.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On The Border

 

(5.7

)%

0.6

%

1.7

%

6.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maggiano’s

 

(3.0

)%

0.7

%

(1.1

)%

7.3

%

 

 

 

Thirty-nine Week Period Ended March 26, 2008

 

 

 

Comparable
Sales

 

Price
Increase

 

Mix Shift

 

Capacity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brinker International

 

(0.4

)%

2.5

%

0.6

%

(2.4

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chili’s

 

(0.1

)%

2.6

%

1.2

%

(4.0

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On The Border

 

(3.8

)%

2.1

%

(0.6

)%

6.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maggiano’s

 

0.7

%

2.7

%

(2.2

)%

7.1

%

 

14



 

 

 

Thirty-nine Week Period Ended March 28, 2007

 

 

 

Comparable
Sales

 

Price
Increase

 

Mix Shift

 

Capacity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brinker International

 

(2.7

)%

2.0

%

(0.1

)%

9.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chili’s

 

(2.7

)%

2.1

%

(0.5

)%

10.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On The Border

 

(3.9

)%

1.5

%

2.8

%

5.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maggiano’s

 

(1.9

)%

1.8

%

(0.5

)%

8.3

%

 

Our capacity decreased 6.7% for the third quarter and 2.4% for the year-to-date period (as measured by average-weighted sales weeks) compared to the respective prior year periods. The reduction in capacity is primarily due to the sale of 172 company-owned restaurants to franchisees since the third quarter of fiscal 2007 and other restaurant closures, partially offset by the development of new company-owned restaurants.  Including the impact of restaurant sales to franchisees, we experienced a net decrease of 91 company-owned restaurants since March 28, 2007.

 

Comparable restaurant sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 increased 1.1% compared to the same quarter of the prior year due to the increase in comparable restaurant sales of 1.6% at Chili’s, partially offset by declines at On The Border and Maggiano’s. Comparable restaurant sales for the year-to-date period decreased 0.4% compared to the same period of the prior year due to the decrease in comparable restaurant sales of 0.1% at Chili’s and 3.8% at On The Border, partially offset by an increase at Maggiano’s.  Comparable restaurant sales for the quarter and year-to-date periods were positively impacted by price increases at all brands and favorable mix shift at Chili’s, partially offset by unfavorable mix shift at On The Border and Maggiano’s.  However, guest traffic declined at all brands compared to the prior year periods.

 

Royalty revenues from franchisees increased approximately 75% to $15.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to $9.0 million in the prior year.  For the year-to-date period, royalty revenues from franchisees increased 59% to $41.5 million compared to $26.1 million in fiscal 2007.  The increases are primarily due to the net addition of 223 franchise restaurants since March 28, 2007. In addition, the company recognized franchise and development fee revenue of $1.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and $8.7 million for the year-to-date period as compared to $745,000 and $3.5 million in the respective prior year periods.

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

Cost of sales, as a percent of revenues, increased to 28.9% for the third quarter from 28.4% in the prior year and to 28.2% for the year-to-date period from 27.9% in the prior year.  Cost of sales across all of our brands was negatively impacted in the current year by unfavorable commodity prices, primarily beef, ribs, cheese, dairy and other food items, and we expect this trend will continue due to volatility in the commodity markets.  Cost of sales was also affected by unfavorable product mix shifts related to new menu items, partially offset by favorable menu price changes and increased revenues from franchisees at Chili’s.

 

Restaurant expenses, as a percent of revenues, increased to 56.1% for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2008 as compared to 55.5% and 55.3% in the same periods of the prior year. The increase was driven by higher labor and restaurant supply costs at all brands, partially offset by increased revenues from franchisees at Chili’s and lower pre-opening expenses at all brands.

 

15



 

Depreciation and amortization increased $1.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the same quarter of the prior year primarily driven by depreciation expense related to new restaurants and remodel investments, partially offset by the sale of 76 restaurants to franchisees and restaurant closures in the last year.  Depreciation and amortization decreased $2.1 million for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2008 compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to the sale of restaurants to franchisees, partially offset by depreciation expense related to new restaurants and remodel investments.

 

General and administrative expenses decreased $2.5 million, or 6.0%, for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2007 primarily due to reduced salary and team member related expenses subsequent to a corporate restructuring that eliminated certain administrative positions during the third quarter of 2008. As a result, we expect to realize savings of approximately $15 million in general and administrative costs in fiscal 2009.  General and administrative expenses decreased $15.1 million, or 11.2%, for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2008 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2007 primarily due to lower performance and stock-based compensation expenses.

 

Other gains and charges consist of net charges of $26.3 and $4.8 million for the third quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2008, respectively, compared to net gains of $1.0 and $2.2 million for the third quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2007, respectively. The increase is due to impairment charges on long-lived assets and restructuring actions initiated in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  We made the decision to close 21 restaurants based on a comprehensive analysis that examined restaurants not performing at required levels of return resulting in $9.0 million of long-lived asset impairment and lease termination charges.  In addition we made the decision to reduce future domestic company-owned restaurant development as well as discontinue certain projects that do not align with our strategic goals, which resulted in asset write-offs and lease termination charges of approximately $12.1 million.  We also incurred approximately $5.2 million in severance related to the restructuring of the company’s Restaurant Support Center and the elimination of certain administrative positions.  Other gains and charges in fiscal 2008 also includes a $29.2 million gain related to the sale of 76 Chili’s restaurants to ERJ Dining IV, LLC, partially offset by $7.3 million in charges primarily related to long-lived asset impairments recorded in the second quarter.

 

Interest expense was $10.8 million for the third quarter and $36.2 million for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2008 compared to $6.4 million for the third quarter and $19.3 million for the year-to-date period of the prior year.  The increase in interest expense in fiscal 2008 is primarily due to additional debt outstanding of $400 million borrowed under a three-year term loan used to fund share repurchases in fiscal 2007 and for general corporate purposes.

 

INCOME TAXES

 

The effective income tax rate for continuing operations decreased to 16.5% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 from 29.8% in prior year and to 29.2% for year-to-date fiscal 2008 as compared to 31.6% for the same period of fiscal 2007.  The decrease in the tax rate was primarily due to a decrease in income before taxes related to other gains and charges, an increase in federal tax credits, leverage from FICA tip credits on restaurant employee compensation, and a decrease in incentive stock option expense.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our primary source of liquidity is cash flows generated from our restaurant operations.  We expect our ability to generate strong cash flows from operations to continue into the future.  Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 decreased to approximately $255.8 million compared to $336.4 million in the prior year due to lower adjusted earnings, reduced income taxes payable and the timing of operational payments and receipts.

 

16



 

Capital expenditures consist of purchases of land for future restaurant sites, new restaurants under construction, purchases of new and replacement restaurant furniture and equipment, and ongoing remodeling programs.  Capital expenditures were $211.5 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2008 compared to $287.9 million for the same period of fiscal 2007.  The reduction in capital expenditures is primarily due to a decrease in new restaurants developed this year.  We estimate that our capital expenditures for fiscal 2008 will be approximately $265 million and will be funded entirely from operations and existing credit facilities.

 

On January 31, 2008, we announced the declaration of a cash dividend to common stock shareholders in the amount of $0.11 per share.  Dividends of $11.1 million were paid in March 2008 and we have paid approximately $31.8 million in dividends year-to-date.

 

The Board of Directors has authorized a total of $2,060.0 million in share repurchases, which has been and will be used to return capital to shareholders and to minimize the dilutive impact of stock options and other share-based awards. In June 2007, we entered into a written trading plan in compliance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which provided for the purchase of up to $140.0 million of shares of our common stock.  Following the completion of this plan, we entered into another 10b5-1 plan for the purchase of up to $100.0 million of shares of our common stock in November 2007. The latest trading plan was completed on November 23, 2007.  Pursuant to our stock repurchase plan, we repurchased approximately 9.1 million shares of our common stock for approximately $240 million during the first three quarters of fiscal 2008, which was funded using proceeds from the sales of restaurants to franchisees. In the future, we may consider additional share repurchases based on several factors, including our cash position, share price, operational liquidity, and planned investment and financing needs.  The repurchased common stock is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.

 

In August 2007, we extended the $50.0 million uncommitted credit facility through August 2008.  In September 2007, we increased the $50.0 million uncommitted credit facility to $100.0 million and extended the expiration date to September 2008.

 

On October 24, 2007 we entered into a three-year term loan agreement for $400 million and terminated the one-year unsecured committed credit facility of $400 million set to expire in April 2008.  The term loan proceeds were used to pay off all outstanding amounts under the one-year unsecured committed credit facility.  The term loan bears interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin, which is a function of our credit rating at such time, but is subject to a maximum of LIBOR plus 1.5%  Based on our current credit rating, we are paying interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 0.65%.

 

Excluding the impact of assets held for sale, the working capital deficit decreased to $226.2 million at March 26, 2008 from $271.7 million at June 27, 2007 primarily due to increases in income taxes receivable and deferred tax assets resulting from declining earnings and tax law changes that provide additional bonus depreciation for capital asset purchases during calendar year 2008. These decreases were partially offset by increases in accounts payable due to timing of operational payments, increases in gift card liabilities from the holiday season and increases in lease reserves related to restaurant closures that occurred in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

 

We believe that our various sources of capital, including availability under existing credit facilities, ability to acquire additional financing, and cash flow from operating activities of continuing operations, are adequate to finance operations as well as the repayment of current debt obligations. We also expect to receive cash proceeds from the sale of Macaroni Grill in the first half of fiscal 2009.  When the timing and amount of the proceeds are firmly established, we will make the determination as to the appropriate use of the funds for the business at that time.  We are not aware of any other event or trend that would potentially affect our liquidity. In the event such a trend develops, we believe that there are sufficient funds available under our credit facilities and from our internal cash generating capabilities to adequately manage our ongoing business.

 

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RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141R, “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R requires most identifiable assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and goodwill acquired in a business combination to be recorded at full fair value.  The Statement applies to all business combinations, including combinations among mutual entities and combinations by contract alone. Under SFAS 141R, all business combinations will be accounted for by applying the acquisition method. SFAS 141R is effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and will be effective for us beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 for business combinations occurring after the effective date.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51,” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 will require noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interests) to be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability or other item outside of permanent equity.  The Statement applies to the accounting for noncontrolling interests and transactions with noncontrolling interest holders in consolidated financial statements.  SFAS 160 is effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and is effective for us beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.  We do not expect that SFAS 160 will have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

In December 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 clarifies the definition of fair value, describes methods used to appropriately measure fair value, and expands fair value disclosure requirements, but does not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument is carried at fair value. For financial assets and liabilities, SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, which will require us to adopt these provisions in fiscal 2009.  For nonfinancial assets and liabilities, SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, which will require us to adopt these provisions in fiscal 2010. In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 provides companies with an option to report selected assets and liabilities at fair value. This statement contains financial statement presentation and disclosure requirements for assets and liabilities reported at fair value as a consequence of the election and is effective for us beginning in fiscal 2009. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact that SFAS 157 and SFAS 159 may have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

The Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus on EITF 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards” (“EITF 06-11”) in June 2007. The EITF consensus indicates that the tax benefit received on dividends associated with share-based awards that are charged to retained earnings should be recorded in additional paid-in capital and included in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb potential future tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards. The consensus is effective for the tax benefits of dividends declared in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. EITF 06-11 will be effective for us beginning in fiscal 2009. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact that EITF 06-11 may have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Item 3.           QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There have been no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative market risks since the prior reporting period.

 

Item 4.           CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Based on their evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [the “Exchange Act”]), as of the end of the period covered by this report, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our third quarter ended March 26, 2008, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

We wish to caution you that our business and operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.  The factors listed below are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical results and from those projected in forward-looking statements contained in this report, in our other filings with the SEC, in our news releases, written or electronic communications, and verbal statements by our representatives.

 

You should be aware that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.  These risks and uncertainties may cause our or our industry’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words like “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “expects,” and other similar expressions that convey uncertainty about future events or outcomes.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Competition may adversely affect our operations and financial results.

 

The restaurant business is highly competitive as to price, service, restaurant location, nutritional and dietary trends and food quality, and is often affected by changes in consumer tastes, economic conditions, financial and credit markets, population and traffic patterns.  We compete within each market with locally-owned restaurants as well as national and regional restaurant chains, some of which operate more restaurants and have greater financial resources and longer operating histories than ours.  There is active competition for management personnel and hourly employees, and for attractive commercial real estate sites suitable for restaurants.

 

Our sales volumes generally decrease in winter months.

 

Our sales volumes fluctuate seasonally and are generally higher in the summer months and lower in the winter months, which may cause seasonal fluctuations in our operating results.

 

Changes in governmental regulation may adversely affect our ability to open new restaurants and our existing and future operations.

 

Each of our restaurants is subject to licensing and regulation by alcoholic beverage control, health, sanitation, safety and fire agencies in the state, county and/or municipality where the restaurant is located.  We generally have not encountered any material difficulties or failures in obtaining the required licenses and approvals that could delay or prevent the opening of a new restaurant, or impact the continuing operations of an existing restaurant.  Although we do not, at this time, anticipate any occurring in the future, we cannot assure you that we will not experience material difficulties or failures that could delay the opening of restaurants in the future or impact the continuing operations of an existing restaurant.

 

We are subject to federal and state environmental regulations, and although these have not had a material negative effect on our operations, we cannot ensure that there will not be a material negative effect in the future.  More stringent and varied requirements of local and state governmental bodies with respect to zoning, land use and environmental factors could delay or prevent development of new restaurants in particular locations.

 

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We are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs such matters as minimum wages, overtime and other working conditions, along with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, various family leave mandates and a variety of other laws enacted, or rules and regulations promulgated, by federal, state and local governmental authorities that govern these and other employment matters.  We expect increases in payroll expenses as a result of federal and state mandated increases in the minimum wage, and although such increases are not expected to be material, we cannot assure you that there will not be material increases in the future.  In addition, our vendors may be affected by higher minimum wage standards, which may increase the price of goods and services they supply to us.

 

Inflation may increase our operating expenses.

 

We have not experienced a significant overall impact from inflation.  Inflation can cause increased food, labor and benefits costs and can increase our operating expenses.  We may continue to experience increased food costs due to the diversion of food crop production to nontraditional uses.  As operating expenses increase, we, to the extent permitted by competition, recover increased costs by increasing menu prices, or by reviewing, then implementing, alternative products or processes, or by implementing other cost reduction procedures.  We cannot ensure, however, that we will be able to continue to recover increases in operating expenses due to inflation in this manner.

 

Our profitability may be adversely affected by increases in energy costs.

 

Our success depends in part on our ability to absorb increases in utility costs.  Various regions of the United States in which we operate multiple restaurants have experienced significant increases in utility prices.  If these increases continue to occur, it would have an adverse effect on our profitability.

 

Successful mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic transactions are important to our future growth and profitability.

 

We evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, franchisees of new and existing restaurants, joint venture investments, and divestitures as part of our strategic planning initiative.  These transactions involve various inherent risks, including accurately assessing:

 

·                  the value, future growth potential, strengths, weaknesses, contingent and other liabilities and potential profitability of acquisition candidates;

 

·                  our ability to achieve projected economic and operating synergies;

 

·                  unanticipated changes in business and economic conditions affecting an acquired business;

 

·                  the ability to obtain adequate funding and financing for the transaction; and

 

·                  our ability to complete divestitures on acceptable terms and at or near the prices estimated as attainable by us.

 

If we are unable to meet our strategic plans, our profitability in the future may be adversely affected.

 

Our ability to meet our strategic plans is dependent upon, among other things, the ability to:

 

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·                  identify by us and our franchisees available, suitable and economically viable locations for new restaurants,

 

·                  identify adequate sources of capital to fund and finance strategic initiatives, including new restaurant development,

 

·                  obtain all required governmental permits (including zoning approvals and liquor licenses) on a timely basis,

 

·                  hire all necessary contractors and subcontractors, and

 

·                  meet construction schedules.

 

The costs related to restaurant and brand development include purchases and leases of land, buildings and equipment and facility and equipment maintenance, repair and replacement.  The labor and materials costs involved vary geographically and are subject to general price increases.  As a result, future capital expenditure costs of restaurant development may increase, reducing profitability.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to expand our capacity in accordance with our growth objectives or that the new restaurants and brands opened or acquired will be profitable.

 

Unfavorable publicity relating to one or more of our restaurants in a particular brand may taint public perception of the brand.

 

Multi-unit restaurant businesses can be adversely affected by publicity resulting from poor food quality, illness or health concerns or operating issues stemming from one or a limited number of restaurants.  In particular, since we depend heavily on the Chili’s brand for a majority of our revenues, unfavorable publicity relating to one or more Chili’s restaurants could have a material adverse effect on the Chili’s brand, and consequently on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Identification of material weakness in internal control may adversely affect our financial results.

 

We are subject to the ongoing internal control provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  Those provisions provide for the identification of material weaknesses in internal control.  If such a material weakness is identified, it could indicate a lack of adequate controls to generate accurate financial statements.  We routinely assess our internal controls, but we cannot assure you that we will be able to timely remediate any material weaknesses that may be identified in future periods, or maintain all of the controls necessary for continued compliance.  Likewise, we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain sufficient skilled finance and accounting personnel, especially in light of the increased demand for such personnel among publicly traded companies.

 

Other risk factors may adversely affect our financial performance.

 

Other risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements by affecting, among many things, pricing, consumer spending and consumer confidence, include, without limitation, changes in economic conditions and financial and credit markets, credit availability, increased fuel costs and availability for our employees, customers and suppliers, health epidemics or pandemics or the prospects of these events (such as reports on avian flu), consumer perceptions of food safety, changes in consumer tastes and behaviors, governmental monetary policies, changes in demographic trends, availability of employees, terrorist acts, energy shortages and rolling blackouts, and weather (including, major hurricanes and regional snow storms) and other acts of God.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.                              LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements set forth in Part I of this report.

 

Item 1A.                     RISK FACTORS

 

There has been no material change in the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 27, 2007.

 

Item 2.                              UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Shares repurchased during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 are as follows (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

 

 

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (a)

 

Average
Price
Paid per
Share

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Program

 

Approximate
Dollar Value
that May Yet
be Purchased
Under the
Program

 

December 27, 2007 through January 30, 2008

 

69

 

$

28.63

 

 

$

59,797

 

January 31, 2008 through February 27, 2008

 

 

 

 

$

59,797

 

February 28, 2008 through March 26, 2008

 

2,079

 

$

17.96

 

 

$

59,797

 

 

 

2,148

 

$

18.30

 

 

 

 

 


(a)          These amounts include shares owned and tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations on the vesting of restricted share awards which are not deducted from shares available to be purchased under publicly announced programs.  Unless otherwise indicated, shares owned and tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations were purchased at the closing price of our shares on the date of vesting.

 

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Item 6.  EXHIBITS

 

31(a)

 

Certification by Douglas H. Brooks, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a – 14(a) or 17 CFR 240.15d – 14(a).

 

 

 

31(b)

 

Certification by Charles M. Sonsteby, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a – 14(a) or 17 CFR 240.15d – 14(a).

 

 

 

32(a)

 

Certification by Douglas H. Brooks, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32(b)

 

Certification by Charles M. Sonsteby, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we have duly caused this report to be signed on our behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

Date: May 5, 2008

By:

/s/ Douglas H. Brooks

 

 

Douglas H. Brooks,

 

 

Chairman of the Board,

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

Date: May 5, 2008

By:

/s/ Charles M. Sonsteby

 

 

Charles M. Sonsteby,

 

 

Executive Vice President and

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

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