Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

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 December 29, 2010

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

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

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  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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 definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

 

x

  

Accelerated filer

 

¨

Non-accelerated filer

 

¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  

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  ¨    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 January 31, 2011

Common Stock, $0.10 par value

  89,274,290 shares


Table of Contents

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

INDEX

 

          Page  

Part I - Financial Information

  

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 29, 2010 (Unaudited) and June 30, 2010

     3   

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) – Thirteen week and twenty-six week periods ended December 29, 2010 and December 23, 2009

     4   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – Twenty-six week periods ended December 29, 2010 and December 23, 2009

     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

     20   

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

     20   

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

     23   

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

     23   

Signatures

     24   

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     December 29,
2010
    June 30,
2010
 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 114,465      $ 344,624   

Accounts receivable

     90,475        45,140   

Inventories

     27,488        26,735   

Prepaid expenses and other

     64,214        63,961   

Income taxes receivable

     14,061        0   

Deferred income taxes

     14,854        20,607   
                

Total current assets

     325,557        501,067   
                

Property and Equipment at Cost:

    

Land

     158,362        163,018   

Buildings and leasehold improvements

     1,377,552        1,367,646   

Furniture and equipment

     533,467        556,815   

Construction-in-progress

     3,439        11,870   
                
     2,072,820        2,099,349   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (988,052     (970,272
                

Net property and equipment

     1,084,768        1,129,077   
                

Other Assets:

    

Goodwill

     124,089        124,089   

Deferred income taxes

     30,113        44,213   

Other

     47,810        53,658   
                

Total other assets

     202,012        221,960   
                

Total assets

   $ 1,612,337      $ 1,852,104   
                

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Current installments of long-term debt

   $ 21,976      $ 16,866   

Accounts payable

     84,821        112,824   

Accrued liabilities

     326,099        300,540   

Income taxes payable

     0        19,647   
                

Total current liabilities

     432,896        449,877   
                

Long-term debt, less current installments

     513,544        524,511   

Other liabilities

     138,340        148,968   

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)

    

Shareholders’ Equity:

    

Common stock – 250,000,000 authorized shares; $0.10 par value; 176,246,649 shares issued and 88,877,156 shares outstanding at December 29, 2010, and 176,246,649 shares issued and 101,571,588 shares outstanding at June 30, 2010

     17,625        17,625   

Additional paid-in capital

     463,077        465,721   

Retained earnings

     1,955,554        1,923,561   
                
     2,436,256        2,406,907   

Less treasury stock, at cost (87,369,493 shares at December 29, 2010 and 74,675,061 shares at June 30, 2010)

     (1,908,699     (1,678,159
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     527,557        728,748   
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,612,337      $ 1,852,104   
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Thirteen Week Periods Ended     Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended  
     December 29,
2010
    December 23,
2009
    December 29,
2010
    December 23,
2009
 

Revenues

   $ 671,886      $ 705,515      $ 1,326,779      $ 1,402,058   
                                

Operating Costs and Expenses:

        

Cost of sales

     179,298        207,336        353,778        407,210   

Restaurant labor

     213,465        227,719        430,611        458,968   

Restaurant expenses

     162,050        162,403        327,199        336,469   

Depreciation and amortization

     32,452        34,512        65,025        69,665   

General and administrative

     31,387        32,368        61,431        67,456   

Other gains and charges

     2,774        18,042        5,894        20,951   
                                

Total operating costs and expenses

     621,426        682,380        1,243,938        1,360,719   
                                

Operating income

     50,460        23,135        82,841        41,339   

Interest expense

     7,034        6,812        14,230        13,760   

Other, net

     (2,000     (1,504     (3,734     (3,659
                                

Income before provision for income taxes

     45,426        17,827        72,345        31,238   

Provision for income taxes

     7,962        2,990        13,450        6,122   
                                

Income from continuing operations

     37,464        14,837        58,895        25,116   

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     0        3,487        0        8,975   
                                

Net income

   $ 37,464      $ 18,324      $ 58,895      $ 34,091   
                                

Basic net income per share:

        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.41      $ 0.14      $ 0.61      $ 0.25   
                                

Income from discontinued operations

   $ 0.00      $ 0.04      $ 0.00      $ 0.08   
                                

Net income per share

   $ 0.41      $ 0.18      $ 0.61      $ 0.33   
                                

Diluted net income per share:

        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.41      $ 0.14      $ 0.61      $ 0.24   
                                

Income from discontinued operations

   $ 0.00      $ 0.04      $ 0.00      $ 0.09   
                                

Net income per share

   $ 0.41      $ 0.18      $ 0.61      $ 0.33   
                                

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     90,936        102,481        95,815        102,362   
                                

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     92,111        102,994        96,847        103,005   
                                

Cash dividends per share

   $ 0.14      $ 0.11      $ 0.28      $ 0.22   
                                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended  
     December 29,
2010
    December 23,
2009
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

Net income

   $ 58,895      $ 34,091   

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     0        (8,975

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     65,025        69,665   

Restructure charges and other impairments

     4,129        24,146   

Gain on sale of assets

     (1,468     (3,545

Stock-based compensation

     6,455        8,297   

Deferred income taxes

     19,467        (30,090

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of dispositions:

    

Accounts receivable

     (46,463     (40,732

Inventories

     (782     3,287   

Prepaid expenses and other

     2,899        7,069   

Current income taxes

     (37,070     37,113   

Other assets

     1,033        610   

Accounts payable

     (23,285     (3,944

Accrued liabilities

     25,556        38,953   

Other liabilities

     (4,386     2,074   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     70,005        138,019   
                

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

    

Payments for property and equipment

     (31,842     (21,307

Proceeds from sale of assets

     6,873        19,568   

Investment in equity method investee

     (1,556     0   

Decrease in restricted cash

     0        29,749   
                

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (26,525     28,010   
                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

    

Purchases of treasury stock

     (251,818     (2,841

Payments of dividends

     (28,562     (23,161

Proceeds from issuances of treasury stock

     12,165        469   

Payments on long-term debt

     (5,564     (140,544

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     140        129   
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (273,639     (165,948
                

Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations:

    

Net cash provided by operating activities

     0        18,421   

Net cash used in investing activities

     0        (2,347
                

Net cash provided by discontinued operations

     0        16,074   
                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (230,159     16,155   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     344,624        94,156   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 114,465      $ 110,311   
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

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 December 29, 2010 and June 30, 2010 and for the thirteen week and twenty-six week periods ended December 29, 2010 and December 23, 2009 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We are principally engaged in the ownership, operation, development, and franchising of the Chili’s Grill & Bar (“Chili’s”) and Maggiano’s Little Italy (“Maggiano’s”) restaurant brands. At December 29, 2010, we owned, operated, or franchised 1,559 restaurants in the United States and 29 countries and two territories outside of the United States.

We sold On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (“On The Border”) to OTB Acquisition LLC (“OTB Acquisition”), an affiliate of San Francisco-based Golden Gate Capital, in June 2010. On The Border has been presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2010. See Note 3 for additional disclosure.

At the beginning of fiscal 2011, we began reporting certain labor expenses in a separate caption on the consolidated statements of income titled restaurant labor. Restaurant labor includes all compensation-related expenses, including benefits and incentive compensation, for restaurant team members at the general manager level and below. Labor-related expenses attributable to supervision above the individual restaurant level continue to be included in restaurant expenses. These reclassifications have no effect on our net income or financial position as previously reported.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and costs and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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 30, 2010 Form 10-K. We believe the disclosures are sufficient for interim financial reporting purposes.

 

6


Table of Contents

2. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings 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 earnings 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 5.6 million stock options and restricted share awards outstanding at December 29, 2010 and 7.9 million stock options and restricted share awards outstanding at December 23, 2009 that were not included in the dilutive earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

3. SALE OF ON THE BORDER AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In March 2010, we entered into an agreement with OTB Acquisition for the sale of On The Border for gross proceeds of $180 million. We recorded a gain upon completion of the sale in June 2010. As part of the sale, we entered into an agreement with OTB Acquisition whereby we provide corporate support services for the new entity through the end of fiscal 2011. The income generated offsets the internal cost of providing the services.

On The Border has been presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2010. Discontinued operations include only the revenues and expenses which can be specifically identified with On The Border and exclude any allocation of corporate costs, including general and administrative expenses. The results of On The Border consist of the following (in thousands):

 

    

Thirteen Week

Period Ended

December 23,

2009

    

Twenty-Six Week

Period Ended

December 23,

2009

 
     

Revenues

   $ 76,338       $ 157,876   
                 

Income before income taxes from discontinued operations

     4,955         12,880   

Income tax expense

     1,468         3,905   
                 

Net income from discontinued operations

   $ 3,487       $ 8,975   
                 

 

7


Table of Contents

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In determining fair value, the accounting standards establish a three level hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value, as follows:

 

   

Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

   

Level 2 – inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities.

 

   

Level 3 – inputs are unobservable and reflect our own assumptions.

(a) Non-Financial Assets Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis

We review the carrying amount of property and equipment in the second and fourth quarters or when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount is not recoverable, we record an impairment charge for the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value.

Included in other gains and charges in the consolidated statement of income for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 is a $1.1 million charge related to the impairment of long-lived assets held for use associated with two underperforming restaurants that had a carrying value of $1.4 million. We determined fair value based on projected discounted future operating cash flows of the restaurants over their remaining service life using a discount rate that is commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model, which reflects our own judgment. Our non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Long-lived assets held for use

   $ —         $ —         $ 0.3       $   0.3   

(b) Other Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates their carrying amounts while the fair value of the 5.75% notes is based on quoted market prices. At December 29, 2010, the 5.75% notes had a carrying value of $289.5 million and a fair value of $304.8 million. At June 30, 2010, the 5.75% notes had a carrying value of $289.4 million and a fair value of $302.6 million.

 

8


Table of Contents

5. OTHER GAINS AND CHARGES

Other gains and charges consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     Thirteen Week Periods Ended     Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended  
     December 29,     December 23,     December 29,     December 23,  
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Restaurant impairment charges

   $ 1,125      $ 15,174      $ 1,125      $ 15,174   

Restaurant closure charges

     1,362        5,764        2,538        8,438   

Severance and other benefits

     892        1,205        3,653        1,738   

Gains on the sale of assets, net

     (600     (3,545     (1,176     (3,545

Other gains and charges, net

     (5     (556     (246     (854
                                
   $ 2,774      $ 18,042      $ 5,894      $ 20,951   
                                

We recorded impairment charges of $1.1 million and $15.2 million in the second quarters of fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. The impairment charges, which were associated with underperforming restaurants that continue to operate, were measured as the excess of the carrying amount of property and equipment over the fair value. See Note 4 for fair value disclosures related to the fiscal 2011 charges.

During the first two quarters of fiscal 2011, we recorded $2.5 million in charges, including $1.8 million in lease termination charges, associated with restaurants closed in prior years. We also incurred $3.7 million in severance and other benefits resulting from organizational changes.

During the first two quarters of fiscal 2010, we recorded $8.4 million in charges, including $5.4 million of long-lived asset impairments, resulting from the decision to close 9 company-owned restaurants and $2.4 million in lease termination charges associated with restaurants closed in prior years. We also incurred $1.2 million and $0.5 million in severance and other benefits resulting from organizational changes initiated in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we sold 21 restaurants to a franchisee for $19.0 million and recorded a gain of $2.8 million.

6. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Our Board of Directors has authorized a total of $2,635.0 million of share repurchases. Pursuant to our stock repurchase plan, we repurchased approximately 13.6 million shares of our common stock for $249.9 million during the first two quarters of fiscal 2011. As of December 29, 2010, approximately $365 million was available under our share repurchase authorizations. 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 under our plan based on several factors, including our cash position, share price, operational liquidity, proceeds from divestitures and planned investment and financing needs. Repurchased common stock is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.

During the first two quarters of fiscal 2011, we paid dividends of $28.6 million to common stock shareholders, compared to $23.2 million in the prior year. Our Board of Directors approved a 27 percent increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.11 to $0.14 per share effective with the July dividend payment which was declared in March 2010. Additionally, we declared a quarterly dividend of $12.4 million in November 2010 to be paid on December 30, 2010.

 

9


Table of Contents

7. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash paid for income taxes and interest for the first two quarters of fiscal 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 29,
2010
     December 23,
2009
 

Income taxes, net of refunds

   $ 38,092       $ 3,240   

Interest, net of amounts capitalized

     12,801         12,278   

Non-cash investing activities for the first two quarters of fiscal 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 29,
2010
     December 23,
2009
 

Retirement of fully depreciated assets

   $ 43,444       $ 31,765   

8. CONTINGENCIES

As of December 29, 2010, we remain secondarily liable for lease payments totaling $188.3 million resulting from the sale of restaurants to franchisees and brand divestitures. This amount represents the maximum potential liability of future payments under the guarantees. These leases have been assigned to the buyers and expire at the end of the respective lease terms, which range from fiscal 2011 through fiscal 2023. In the event of default, the indemnity and default clauses in our assignment agreements govern our ability to pursue and recover damages incurred. No material liabilities have been recorded as of December 29, 2010.

Certain current and former hourly restaurant team members 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. On July 22, 2008, the California Court of Appeal decertified the class action on all claims with prejudice. On October 22, 2008, the California Supreme Court granted a writ to review the decision of the Court of Appeal. 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 other 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, management, based upon consultation with legal counsel, is 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


Table of Contents
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 for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

     Thirteen Week Periods Ended     Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended  
     December 29,     December 23,     December 29,     December 23,  
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Revenues

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0
                                

Operating Costs and Expenses:

        

Cost of sales

     26.7     29.4     26.7     29.0

Restaurant labor

     31.8     32.3     32.5     32.7

Restaurant expenses

     24.1     23.0     24.7     24.0

Depreciation and amortization

     4.8     4.9     4.9     5.1

General and administrative

     4.7     4.6     4.6     4.8

Other gains and charges

     0.4     2.6     0.4     1.5
                                

Total operating costs and expenses

     92.5     96.8     93.8     97.1
                                

Operating income

     7.5     3.2     6.2     2.9

Interest expense

     1.0     0.9     1.1     1.0

Other, net

     (0.3 )%      (0.2 )%      (0.3 )%      (0.3 )% 
                                

Income before provision for income taxes

     6.8     2.5     5.4     2.2

Provision for income taxes

     1.2     0.4      1.0     0.4
                                

Income from continuing operations

     5.6     2.1     4.4     1.8

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     0.0     0.5     0.0     0.6
                                

Net income

     5.6     2.6     4.4     2.4
                                

 

11


Table of Contents

The following table details the number of restaurant openings during the second quarter, year-to-date, total restaurants open at the end of the second quarter, and total projected openings in fiscal 2011 (excluding On The Border).

 

     Second  Quarter
Openings
     Year-to-Date
Openings
     Total Open at End
Of  Second Quarter
     Projected
Openings
 
     Fiscal
2011
     Fiscal
2010
     Fiscal
2011
     Fiscal
2010
     Fiscal
2011
     Fiscal
2010
     Fiscal
2011
 

Chili’s:

                    

Company-owned

     —           —           —           —           825         835         —     

Domestic Franchised

     3         26         7         32         470         465         10-13   
                                                              

Total

     3         26         7         32         1,295         1,300         10-13   

Maggiano’s:

     —           —           —           —           44         44         —     

International:(a)

                    

Company-owned

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —     

Franchised

     6         9         9         13         220         205         35-40   
                                                              

Total

     6         9         9         13         220         205         35-40   

Grand Total

     9         35         16         45         1,559         1,549         45-53   
                                                              

 

(a)

At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2011, international franchised restaurants by brand included 219 Chili's and one Maggiano’s restaurant.

At December 29, 2010, we owned the land and buildings for 189 of the 869 company-owned restaurants. The net book values of the land and buildings associated with these restaurants totaled $142.8 million and $138.0 million, respectively.

 

12


Table of Contents

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 December 29, 2010 and December 23, 2009, the MD&A should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this quarterly report.

OVERVIEW

We are principally engaged in the ownership, operation, development, and franchising of the Chili’s Grill & Bar (“Chili’s”) and Maggiano’s Little Italy (“Maggiano’s”) restaurant brands. At December 29, 2010, we owned, operated, or franchised 1,559 restaurants. We sold On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (“On The Border”) to OTB Acquisition LLC (“OTB Acquisition”), an affiliate of San Francisco-based Golden Gate Capital, in June 2010. On The Border has been presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2010.

We are committed to strategies and initiatives that are centered on long-term sales and profit growth, enhancing the guest experience and team member engagement. These strategies are intended to differentiate our brands from the competition, reduce the costs associated with managing our restaurants and establish a strong presence for our brands in key markets around the world. We will continue to take actions that will allow us to maintain a strong balance sheet and increase our ability to provide results in all operating environments.

Economic conditions continued to provide a challenging operating environment for Brinker and the casual dining industry this quarter. Key economic factors such as total employment, consumer confidence and spending levels have improved recently; however, the economy remains suppressed. We anticipate that market conditions will continue to affect our business and consumers will remain cautious. We will continue to evaluate our business and implement initiatives that will improve short-term sales and profitability as well as provide opportunities for long-term growth.

We are focused on strengthening our business with multidimensional strategies that are designed to drive profitable sales growth and improve the guest experience in our restaurants. We have implemented a team service model at Chili’s which has resulted in labor efficiencies and better guest feedback. Additional labor savings are expected to be achieved through new food preparation procedures, a component of our kitchen retrofit initiative which was implemented at an accelerated pace in the second quarter. We are implementing new restaurant information systems which we anticipate will increase profits through increased kitchen efficiency, better inventory control and reduced software maintenance costs. We are also retrofitting our kitchens with better technology and equipment to provide a more consistent, high quality product at a faster pace, while generating substantial labor cost savings. In addition to executing these operational strategies, we have repurchased shares of our common stock in order to return value to our shareholders. It is critical to improve margins and maximize profitability in the current business environment; however, maintaining or improving our market share is a significant priority.

We plan to leverage our improved business model and elevated guest experience by implementing multiple initiatives that will further enhance guest traffic and sales. We continually evaluate our menu at Chili’s to improve quality, freshness and value by introducing new items and improving existing favorites. Our new lunch menu items are focused on value and pace to drive our lunch daypart sales. We will continue to utilize promotional activities as a tool to drive incremental sales; however, this is only one aspect of our overall sales strategy. We intend to remodel a significant number of company-owned restaurants beginning in fiscal 2011, revitalizing Chili’s in a way which modernizes the brand and raises guest

 

13


Table of Contents

expectations regarding the quality of the experience. Improvements at Chili’s will make the most significant impact on the business; however, our results will also benefit through additional contributions from Maggiano’s and our global business. Maggiano’s sales trends are improving driven by new menu items and direct marketing. We believe our unique food and signature drinks, improved service and our updated atmospheres will result in stronger brands and sustainable sales and profit growth through increased guest loyalty and traffic.

Global expansion allows further diversification which is intended to enable us to build strength in a variety of markets and economic conditions. This expansion will come through joint venture arrangements, equity investments, and franchise relationships, taking advantage of demographic and eating trends that will accelerate in the international market over the next decade. Our growing percentage of franchise operations both domestically and internationally enable us to improve margins as royalty payments impact the bottom line.

The casual dining industry is a competitive business which is sensitive to changes in economic conditions, trends in lifestyles and fluctuating costs. Our priority remains increasing profitable growth over time in all operating environments. We have designed both operational and financial strategies to achieve this goal and in our opinion, improve shareholder value. Success with our initiatives to improve sales trends and operational effectiveness will enhance the profitability of our restaurants and will strengthen our competitive position. The effective execution of our financial strategies, including repurchasing shares of our common stock, disciplined use of capital and efficient management of operating expenses will further enhance our profitability and return value to our shareholders. We remain confident in the financial health of our company, the long-term prospects of the industry as well as our ability to perform effectively in a competitive marketplace and a variety of economic environments.

REVENUES

Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 decreased to $671.9 million, a 4.8% decrease from the $705.5 million generated for the same quarter of fiscal 2010. Revenues for the twenty-six week period ended December 29, 2010 were $1,326.8 million, a 5.4% decrease from the $1,402.1 million generated for the same period in fiscal 2010. The decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to a decrease in comparable restaurant sales as well as net declines in capacity at company-owned restaurants as follows:

 

     Thirteen Week Period Ended December 29, 2010
       Comparable  
Sales
  Price
  Increase  
    Mix Shift       Traffic       Capacity  

Company-owned

   (3.5)%   1.0%   0.6%   (5.1)%   (3.0)%

Chili’s

   (4.9)%   1.0%   1.2%   (7.1)%   (3.1)%

Maggiano’s

   4.7%   1.0%   (2.0)%   5.7%   0.0%

Franchise (1)

   (4.1)%        

Domestic

   (6.5)%        

International

   2.9%        

System-wide (2)

   (3.7)%        

 

14


Table of Contents
     Thirteen Week Period Ended December 23, 2009
     Comparable
Sales
  Price
Increase
  Mix Shift   Traffic   Capacity

Company-owned

   (2.9)%   1.1%   (1.4)%   (2.6)%   (19.5)%

Chili’s

   (3.2)%   1.2%   (1.3)%   (3.1)%   (4.0)%

Maggiano’s

   (1.6)%   0.5%   (2.2)%   0.1%   3.6%

Franchise (1)

   (4.8)%        

Domestic

   (4.8)%        

International

   (4.6)%        

System-wide (2)

   (3.6)%        

 

     Twenty-Six Week Period Ended December 29, 2010
     Comparable
Sales
  Price
Increase
  Mix Shift   Traffic   Capacity

Company-owned

   (3.9)%   1.0%   1.0%   (5.9)%   (3.2)%

Chili’s

   (4.9)%   1.2%   1.5%   (7.6)%   (3.3)%

Maggiano’s

   3.2%   0.6%   (1.8)%   4.4%   0.0 %

Franchise (1)

   (4.2)%        

Domestic

   (6.1)%        

International

   1.7%        

System-wide (2)

   (4.0)%        

 

     Twenty-Six Week Period Ended December 23, 2009
     Comparable
Sales
  Price
Increase
  Mix Shift   Traffic   Capacity

Company-owned

   (4.6)%   1.5%   (2.0)%   (4.1)%   (20.0)%

Chili’s

   (4.7)%   1.7%   (2.0)%   (4.4)%   (3.9)%

Maggiano’s

   (3.8)%   0.7%   (2.0)%   (2.5)%   4.2%

Franchise (1)

   (5.9)%        

Domestic

   (6.3)%        

International

   (4.4)%        

System-wide (2)

   (5.0)%        

 

(1)

Franchise sales are not included in revenues on the consolidated statements of income; however, we generate royalty revenue, advertising fees and rental payments based on franchise sales, where applicable. We believe including franchise comparable restaurant sales provides investors information regarding brand performance that is relevant to current operations and may impact future restaurant development.

 

15


Table of Contents
(2)

System-wide comparable restaurant sales are derived from sales generated by company-owned Chili’s and Maggiano’s restaurants in addition to the sales generated at franchisee restaurants.

Chili’s revenues decreased to $548.3 million, a 7.4% decrease for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 from $592.3 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2010. For the year-to-date period, Chili’s revenues decreased to $1,106.1 million, a 7.5% decrease from $1,196.1 million in fiscal 2010. These decreases were primarily driven by a decrease in comparable restaurant sales of 4.9% for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2011. The decrease in comparable restaurant sales resulted from declines in customer traffic, partially offset by favorable product mix shifts and increases in menu prices for both the quarter and year-to-date period. Revenues were also impacted by a decrease in capacity of 3.1% and 3.3% for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2011 (as measured by average-weighted sales weeks) compared to the respective prior year periods. The reduction in capacity was primarily due to the sale of 21 restaurants to a franchisee in December 2010 and 10 restaurant closures since the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

Maggiano’s revenue increased to $107.8 million, a 10.7% increase for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 from $97.4 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2010. For the year-to-date period, Maggiano’s revenue increased to $189.5 million, an 8.2% increase from $175.1 million in fiscal 2010. These increases were driven by an increase in comparable restaurant sales of 4.7% and 3.2% for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2011, respectively, and changes to banquet billing and compensation structure. The increases in comparable restaurant sales resulted from an increase in customer traffic and menu prices, partially offset by unfavorable product mix shifts. Capacity remained flat for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2011.

Royalty and franchise revenues decreased 4.3% to $15.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to $16.5 million in the prior year. For the year-to-date period, royalty and franchise revenues decreased slightly to $31.1 million compared to $31.4 million in fiscal 2010. The decrease is primarily due to the recognition of franchise and development fees associated with the sale of 21 restaurants to a franchisee in the prior year, partially offset by an increase in royalty revenues due to the net addition of five domestic and 15 international franchised restaurants since December 23, 2009. Royalty revenues are recognized based on the sales generated by our franchisees and reported to us. Our franchisees generated $372.5 million in sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2011, an increase of 1.3% over prior year. For the year-to-date period, our franchisees generated $743.4 million in sales, an increase of 2.0% over prior year.

COSTS AND EXPENSES

Cost of sales, as a percent of revenues, decreased to 26.7% for the second quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2011 from 29.4% and 29.0% for the respective prior year periods. Cost of sales was positively impacted in the current year primarily due to a decrease in usage from changes in menu promotions at Chili’s and commodity price decreases in chicken, ribs, oils and cheese.

Restaurant labor, as a percent of revenues, decreased to 31.8% for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 from 32.3% in the prior year and to 32.5% for the year-to-date period from 32.7% in the prior year. The decrease was primarily driven by decreased labor hours due to the efficiencies achieved from the team service initiative at Chili’s, partially offset by sales deleverage and higher restaurant manager compensation at Chili’s. Restaurant labor includes all compensation-related expenses, including benefits and incentive compensation, for restaurant team members at the general manager level and below.

 

16


Table of Contents

Restaurant expenses, as a percent of revenues, increased to 24.1% for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 from 23.0% in the prior year and to 24.7% for the year-to-date period from 24.0% in the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by the receipt of a $3.3 million credit card class action lawsuit settlement in fiscal 2010 and current year changes to Maggiano’s banquet billing and compensation structure.

Depreciation and amortization decreased $2.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and $4.6 million for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2011 compared to the same periods of the prior year primarily driven by an increase in fully depreciated assets and restaurant closures. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in depreciation due to asset replacements and investments in existing restaurants.

General and administrative expenses decreased $1.0 million, or 3.0%, for the second quarter of fiscal 2011, and $6.0 million, or 8.9%, for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2011 as compared to the same periods of fiscal 2010. The decreases were primarily due to reduced salary and stock-based compensation expenses resulting from lower headcount driven by organizational changes.

Other gains and charges in fiscal 2011 include charges of $1.1 million related to the impairment of long-lived assets held for use associated with underperforming restaurants. Additionally, we incurred $2.5 million in lease termination and other charges related to previously closed restaurants. We also incurred $3.7 million in severance and other benefits resulting from organizational changes.

Other gains and charges in fiscal 2010 included a $15.2 million charge related to the impairment of long-lived assets held for use associated with 15 underperforming restaurants. Additionally, we incurred $5.4 million in charges primarily related to long-lived asset impairments resulting from the decision to close 9 company-owned restaurants and $2.4 million in lease termination charges associated with restaurants closed in prior years. We also incurred $1.2 million and $0.5 million in severance and other benefits resulting from organizational changes initiated in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively. These charges were partially offset by gains of $3.5 million related to the sale of 21 restaurants to a franchisee and land sales.

Interest expense increased to $7.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and $14.2 million for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2011 compared to $6.8 million for the second quarter and $13.8 million for the year-to-date period of the prior year due to higher interest rates, partially offset by the impact of a lower average borrowing base.

INCOME TAXES

The effective income tax rate increased to 17.5% for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to 16.8% for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 primarily due to an increase in earnings, partially offset by the resolution of certain tax positions resulting in a positive impact in the current quarter. The positive impact to tax expense also caused the decrease in the year-to-date effective income tax rate from 18.6% in fiscal 2011 compared to 19.6% for the same period of the prior year. Excluding the impact of discrete items, the effective income tax rate from continuing operations increased to 27.3% for the second quarter and to 27.5% for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2011 compared to 27.1% and 26.7% for the respective prior year periods primarily driven by increased earnings.

 

17


Table of Contents

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows

Cash Flow from Operating Activities – Continuing Operations

During the first two quarters of fiscal 2011, net cash flow provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $70.0 million compared to $138.0 million in the prior year. The decrease was driven by significant changes in working capital during the fiscal year. The settlement of liabilities associated with the On The Border brand and cash paid for taxes in the current year negatively impacted operating cash flow in comparison to the prior year. Cash paid for taxes in the prior year were positively impacted by the recognition of losses related to the Macaroni Grill divestiture and changes in the treatment of certain expenses.

Working capital decreased to a deficit of $107.3 million at December 29, 2010 from a surplus of $51.2 million at June 30, 2010 primarily due to purchases of treasury stock, quarterly dividend payments, and the seasonal increase in gift card liability in the first six months of fiscal 2011, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable due to third party gift card sales during the holiday season and the timing of income tax and operational payments.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities – Continuing Operations

 

     Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended  
     December 29,
2010
    December 23,
2009
 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (in thousands):

    

Payments for property and equipment

   $ (31,842   $ (21,307

Proceeds from sale of assets

     6,873        19,568   

Investment in equity method investee

     (1,556     —     

Decrease in restricted cash

     —          29,749   
                
   $ (26,525   $ 28,010   
                

Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations for the first six months of fiscal 2011 increased to approximately $26.5 million compared to $28.0 million provided by investing activities in the prior year. Capital expenditures increased to $31.8 million for the first six months of fiscal 2011 compared to $21.3 million for the same period of fiscal 2010 driven primarily by increases in asset replacements. Capital spending also includes investments in information technology infrastructure. We estimate that our capital expenditures during fiscal 2011 will be approximately $115 million to $120 million and will be funded entirely by cash from operations.

During the first six months of fiscal 2010, we sold 21 Chili’s restaurants to a franchisee for $19.0 million. We also dissolved our wholly-owned captive insurance company which allowed us to access $29.7 million of cash that was previously pledged as collateral and classified as restricted.

 

18


Table of Contents

Cash Flow from Financing Activities – Continuing Operations

 

     Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended  
     December 29,
2010
    December 23,
2009
 

Net cash used in financing activities (in thousands):

    

Purchases of treasury stock

   $ (251,818   $ (2,841

Payments of dividends

     (28,562     (23,161

Proceeds from issuances of treasury stock

     12,165        469   

Payments on long-term debt

     (5,564     (140,544

Other

     140        129   
                
   $ (273,639   $ (165,948
                

Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations for the first six months of fiscal 2011 increased to approximately $273.6 million compared to $165.9 million in the prior year primarily due to higher purchases of treasury stock and dividend payments, partially offset by higher debt payments in the same period of the prior year.

Pursuant to our stock repurchase plan, we repurchased approximately 8.3 million shares of our common stock for $157.2 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and a total of 13.6 million shares for approximately $249.9 million year-to-date. The share repurchases were funded using proceeds from the On The Border divestiture in June 2010 as well as excess free cash flow from operations.

We paid dividends of $28.6 million to common stock shareholders in the first six months of fiscal 2011 compared to $23.2 million in dividends paid in same period of fiscal 2010. Our Board of Directors approved a 27 percent increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.11 to $0.14 per share effective with the first quarter 2011 payment. Additionally, we declared a quarterly dividend in November 2010 to be paid on December 30, 2010. We will continue to target a 40 percent dividend payout ratio to provide additional return to shareholders.

During the second quarter, we paid our required quarterly installment of $5.0 million on our five-year term loan agreement bringing the outstanding balance to $195.0 million as of December 29, 2010. 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 3.25%, and expires in June 2015. Based on our current credit rating, we are paying interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% (3.01% as of December 29, 2010).

As of December 29, 2010, we have an undrawn $200 million revolving credit facility, which expires in June 2015. The revolving credit facility 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 3.25%. Based on our current credit rating, the revolving credit facility carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% (3.01% as of December 29, 2010). We are in compliance with all financial debt covenants.

Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”) had reaffirmed our debt rating of BBB- (investment grade) with a stable outlook in fiscal 2010. In December 2010, Moody’s reaffirmed our corporate family rating of Ba1 (non-investment grade) and our senior unsecured note rating of Ba2 (non-investment grade) with a stable outlook. Our balance sheet is a primary focus as we have committed to reducing our leverage allowing us to retain the investment grade rating from S&P and ultimately regain our investment grade rating from Moody’s.

 

19


Table of Contents

In November 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a $325 million increase to our existing share repurchase program, bringing the total $2,635.0 million. As of December 29, 2010, approximately $365 million was available under our share repurchase authorizations. 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. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, we repurchased approximately 2.1 million shares for $50 million. We intend to repurchase additional shares with excess free cash flow over time as business results permit. Repurchased common stock is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.

We have evaluated ways to monetize the value of our owned real estate and determined that the alternatives considered are more costly than other financing options currently available due to a combination of the income tax impact and higher effective borrowing rates.

Cash Flow Outlook

We believe that our various sources of capital, including future cash flow from operating activities of continuing operations and availability under our existing credit facility are adequate to finance operations as well as the repayment of current debt obligations. 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 facility and from our internal cash generating capabilities to adequately manage our ongoing business.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

We reviewed all significant newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they either are not applicable to our operations or that no material effect is expected on our financial statements as a result of future adoption.

 

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 second quarter ended December 29, 2010, 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. We have identified certain factors in Part I, Item IA “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2010 and below in Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this report on Form 10-Q, 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. We further caution that it is not possible to see all such factors, and you should not consider the identified factors as a complete list of all risks and uncertainties.

 

20


Table of Contents

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.

The risks related to our business include:

 

   

The effect of competition on our operations and financial results.

 

   

The impact of the global economic crisis on our business and financial results in fiscal 2011 and the material affect of a prolonged recession on our future results.

 

   

The impact of the current economic crisis on our landlords or other tenants in retail centers in which we or our franchisees are located, which in turn could negatively affect our financial results.

 

   

The risk inflation may increase our operating expenses.

 

   

The effect of potential changes in governmental regulation on our ability to maintain our existing and future operations and to open new restaurants.

 

   

Increases in energy costs and the impact on our profitability.

 

   

Increased costs or reduced revenues from shortages or interruptions in the availability and delivery of food and other supplies.

 

   

Our ability to consummate successful mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic transactions that are important to our future growth and profitability.

 

   

The inability to meet our business strategy plan and the impact on our profitability in the future.

 

   

The importance of the success of our franchisees to our future growth.

 

   

The general decrease in sales volumes during winter months.

 

   

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

 

   

Dependence on information technology and any material failure of that technology impairing our ability to efficiently operate our business.

 

   

Outsourcing of certain business processes to third-party vendors that subject us to risk, including disruptions in business and increased costs.

 

   

The impact of disruptions in the financial markets on the availability and cost of credit and consumer spending patterns.

 

21


Table of Contents
   

Declines in the market price of our common stock or changes in other circumstances that may indicate an impairment of goodwill possibly adversely affecting our financial position and results of operations.

 

   

Changes to estimates related to our property and equipment, or operating results that are lower than our current estimates at certain restaurant locations, possibly causing us to incur impairment charges on certain long-lived assets.

 

   

Failure to protect the integrity and security of individually identifiable data of our guests and teammates possibly exposing us to litigation and damage our reputation.

 

   

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

 

   

Other risk factors may adversely affect our financial performance, including, pricing, consumer spending and consumer confidence, changes in economic conditions and financial and credit markets, credit availability, increased costs of food commodities, increased fuel costs and availability for our team members, customers and suppliers, health epidemics or pandemics or the prospects of these events, 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 and other acts of God.

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 30, 2010.

The above risks and other risks described in this report and our other filings with the SEC could have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. It is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also impair our operations. Therefore, the risks identified are not intended to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.

 

22


Table of Contents
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Shares repurchased during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 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 (b)
 

September 30, 2010 through November 3, 2010

     5,091,683       $ 19.16         5,091,028       $ 99,482   

November 4, 2010 through December 1, 2010

     3,171,364       $ 18.78         3,170,600       $ 364,884   

December 2, 2010 through December 29, 2010

     1,485       $ 19.78         —         $ 364,884   
                       
     8,264,532       $ 19.01         8,261,628      
                       

 

(a)

These amounts include shares purchased as part of our publicly announced programs and shares owned and tendered by team members 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 team members to satisfy tax withholding obligations were purchased at the average of the high and low prices of the Company’s shares on the date of vesting. During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, 2,904 shares were tendered by team members at an average price of $19.53.

(b)

In November 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a $325.0 million increase to our existing share repurchase program bringing the total to $2,635.0 million.

 

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 Guy J. Constant, 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 Guy J. Constant, 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.

 

23


Table of Contents

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: February 7, 2011

 

By:

 

/s/ Douglas H. Brooks

    Douglas H. Brooks,
    Chairman of the Board,
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: February 7, 2011

 

By:

 

/s/ Guy J. Constant

    Guy J. Constant,
    Executive Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial Officer)

 

24