Document
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 28, 2016
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 o
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  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 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
o
Non-accelerated filer
o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o
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 January 30, 2017
Common Stock, $0.10 par value
48,877,805 shares



Table of Contents

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
INDEX
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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)
(Unaudited)
 
December 28,
2016
 
June 29,
2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
34,058

 
$
31,446

Accounts receivable, net
90,495

 
43,944

Inventories
25,784

 
25,104

Restaurant supplies
45,972

 
45,455

Prepaid expenses
27,959

 
30,825

Total current assets
224,268

 
176,774

Property and Equipment, at Cost:
 
 
 
Land
149,098

 
147,626

Buildings and leasehold improvements
1,649,258

 
1,626,924

Furniture and equipment
681,091

 
663,472

Construction-in-progress
11,167

 
23,965

 
2,490,614

 
2,461,987

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(1,472,393
)
 
(1,418,835
)
Net property and equipment
1,018,221

 
1,043,152

Other Assets:
 
 
 
Goodwill
163,706

 
164,007

Deferred income taxes, net
33,360

 
27,003

Intangibles, net
28,297

 
30,225

Other
30,253

 
28,299

Total other assets
255,616

 
249,534

Total assets
$
1,498,105

 
$
1,469,460

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Current installments of long-term debt
$
3,815

 
$
3,563

Accounts payable
88,369

 
95,414

Gift card liability
174,979

 
122,329

Accrued payroll
63,429

 
70,999

Other accrued liabilities
131,373

 
121,324

Income taxes payable
7,839

 
18,814

Total current liabilities
469,804

 
432,443

Long-term debt, less current installments
1,416,212

 
1,110,693

Other liabilities
142,675

 
139,423

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)

 

Shareholders’ Deficit:
 
 
 
Common stock—250,000,000 authorized shares; $0.10 par value; 176,246,649 shares issued and 49,675,092 shares outstanding at December 28, 2016, and 176,246,649 shares issued and 55,420,656 shares outstanding at June 29, 2016
17,625

 
17,625

Additional paid-in capital
458,255

 
495,110

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(13,739
)
 
(11,594
)
Retained earnings
2,579,905

 
2,558,193

 
3,042,046

 
3,059,334

Less treasury stock, at cost (126,571,557 shares at December 28, 2016 and 120,825,993 shares at June 29, 2016)
(3,572,632
)
 
(3,272,433
)
Total shareholders’ deficit
(530,586
)
 
(213,099
)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit
$
1,498,105

 
$
1,469,460

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
  
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
  
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
December 28,
2016
 
December 23,
2015
 
December 28,
2016
 
December 23,
2015
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company sales
$
748,709

 
$
765,672

 
$
1,486,119

 
$
1,506,153

Franchise and other revenues
22,334

 
22,938

 
43,416

 
45,016

Total revenues
771,043

 
788,610

 
1,529,535

 
1,551,169

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company restaurants (excluding depreciation and amortization)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
193,537

 
203,799

 
385,839

 
400,402

Restaurant labor
248,692

 
247,596

 
499,262

 
494,173

Restaurant expenses
193,131

 
190,660

 
389,774

 
379,833

Company restaurant expenses
635,360

 
642,055

 
1,274,875

 
1,274,408

Depreciation and amortization
39,305

 
39,114

 
78,191

 
78,285

General and administrative
33,546

 
31,909

 
66,083

 
65,020

Other gains and charges
1,306

 
(87
)
 
7,384

 
1,590

Total operating costs and expenses
709,517

 
712,991

 
1,426,533

 
1,419,303

Operating income
61,526

 
75,619

 
103,002

 
131,866

Interest expense
13,641

 
7,907

 
22,450

 
15,674

Other, net
(383
)
 
(560
)
 
(682
)
 
(833
)
Income before provision for income taxes
48,268

 
68,272

 
81,234

 
117,025

Provision for income taxes
13,631

 
20,578

 
23,364

 
36,124

Net income
$
34,637

 
$
47,694

 
$
57,870

 
$
80,901

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per share
$
0.70

 
$
0.81

 
$
1.11

 
$
1.35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income per share
$
0.69

 
$
0.80

 
$
1.09

 
$
1.34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
49,833

 
59,198

 
52,339

 
59,712

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
50,480

 
59,899

 
53,028

 
60,553

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
$
(1,664
)
 
$
(460
)
 
$
(2,145
)
 
$
(3,265
)
Other comprehensive loss
(1,664
)
 
(460
)
 
(2,145
)
 
(3,265
)
Comprehensive income
$
32,973

 
$
47,234

 
$
55,725

 
$
77,636

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends per share
$
0.34

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.68

 
$
0.64


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
December 28,
2016
 
December 23,
2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
57,870

 
$
80,901

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
78,191

 
78,285

Stock-based compensation
8,152

 
7,522

Deferred income taxes, net
(6,356
)
 
16,305

Restructure charges and other impairments
8,000

 
1,229

Net gain on disposal of assets
(811
)
 
(274
)
Undistributed earnings on equity investments
(70
)
 
(213
)
Other
1,194

 
823

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
(38,518
)
 
(41,551
)
Inventories
(829
)
 
(720
)
Restaurant supplies
(1,014
)
 
(481
)
Prepaid expenses
2,805

 
(4,279
)
Intangibles
(24
)
 
(511
)
Other assets
(249
)
 
(213
)
Accounts payable
(4,424
)
 
(11,899
)
Gift card liability
52,651

 
51,313

Accrued payroll
(7,553
)
 
(9,439
)
Other accrued liabilities
6,614

 
(2,507
)
Current income taxes
(15,324
)
 
(13,254
)
Other liabilities
831

 
5,202

Net cash provided by operating activities
141,136

 
156,239

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Payments for property and equipment
(60,055
)
 
(52,199
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
3,022

 
2,756

Payment for business acquisition, net of cash acquired
0

 
(105,577
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(57,033
)
 
(155,020
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
350,000

 
0

Purchases of treasury stock
(349,994
)
 
(140,089
)
Payments on revolving credit facility
(138,000
)
 
(20,000
)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility
100,000

 
207,500

Payments of dividends
(36,944
)
 
(37,363
)
Payments for debt issuance costs
(10,216
)
 
0

Proceeds from issuances of treasury stock
3,837

 
1,691

Payments on long-term debt
(1,862
)
 
(1,698
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
1,688

 
4,907

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(81,491
)
 
14,948

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
2,612

 
16,167

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
31,446

 
55,121

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
34,058

 
$
71,288

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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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 28, 2016 and June 29, 2016 and for the twenty-six week periods ended December 28, 2016 and December 23, 2015 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 28, 2016, we owned, operated or franchised 1,658 restaurants in the United States and 30 countries and two territories outside of the United States.
The foreign currency translation adjustment included in comprehensive income on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income represents the unrealized impact of translating the financial statements of our Canadian restaurants and our Mexican joint venture from their respective functional currencies to U.S. dollars. This amount is not included in net income and would only be realized upon disposition of the businesses. The accumulated other comprehensive loss is presented on the consolidated balance sheets. We reinvest foreign earnings, therefore, United States deferred income taxes have not been provided on foreign earnings.
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 periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This update requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. This update is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, which required us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Accordingly, we reclassified the debt issuance cost balances associated with the 2.60% notes and 3.88% notes of $1.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively, from other assets to long-term debt, less current installments on the consolidated balance sheet as of June 29, 2016. The reclassification did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. This update provides guidance to companies that purchase cloud computing services to determine whether or not the arrangement includes a software license and the related accounting treatment. This update is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, which required us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. We adopted the guidance prospectively and the adoption did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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, financial position and cash flows 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 29, 2016 Form 10-K. We believe the disclosures are sufficient for interim financial reporting purposes.

2. ACQUISITION OF CHILI'S RESTAURANTS

On June 25, 2015, we completed the stock acquisition of Pepper Dining Holding Corp. ("Pepper Dining"), a franchisee of 103 Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants primarily located in the Northeast and Southeast United States. The purchase price of $106.5 million, excluding cash and customary working capital adjustments of $0.9 million, was funded with borrowings from our existing credit facility. The results of operations of these restaurants are included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The assets and liabilities of the restaurants were recorded at their respective fair values as of the date of acquisition.


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Table of Contents

The acquisition of Pepper Dining resulted in the recognition of $31.9 million of goodwill and we expect $12.8 million of the goodwill balance to be deductible for tax purposes. The portion of the purchase price attributable to goodwill represents the benefits expected as a result of the acquisition, including sales and unit growth opportunities.
3. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting periods. Diluted net income 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 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. Stock options and restricted share awards with an anti-dilutive effect are not included in the diluted net income per share calculation.
Basic weighted average shares outstanding is reconciled to diluted weighted average shares outstanding as follows (in thousands):
 
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
 
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
December 28, 2016
 
December 23, 2015
 
December 28, 2016
 
December 23, 2015
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
49,833

 
59,198

 
52,339

 
59,712

Dilutive stock options
223

 
314

 
235

 
356

Dilutive restricted shares
424

 
387

 
454

 
485

 
647

 
701

 
689

 
841

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
50,480

 
59,899

 
53,028

 
60,553

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Awards excluded due to anti-dilutive effect on diluted net income per share
890

 
682

 
959

 
519

4. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

 
December 28,
2016
 
June 29,
2016
Revolving credit facility
$
492,250

 
$
530,250

5.00% notes
350,000

 
0

3.88% notes
300,000

 
300,000

2.60% notes
250,000

 
250,000

Capital lease obligations
36,817

 
37,532

Total long-term debt
1,429,067

 
1,117,782

Less unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts
(9,040
)
 
(3,526
)
Total long-term debt less unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts
1,420,027

 
1,114,256

Less current installments
(3,815
)
 
(3,563
)
 
$
1,416,212

 
$
1,110,693

On September 23, 2016, we completed the private offering of $350 million of our 5.0% senior notes due October 2024. We received proceeds of $350.0 million prior to debt issuance costs of $6.2 million and utilized the proceeds to fund a $300 million accelerated share repurchase agreement and to repay $50.0 million on the amended $1 billion revolving credit facility. See Note 9 for additional disclosures related to the accelerated share repurchase agreement. The notes require semi-annual interest payments beginning on April 1, 2017.
On September 13, 2016, we amended the revolving credit agreement to increase the borrowing capacity from $750 million to $1 billion. We capitalized debt issuance costs of $4.0 million associated with the amendment of the revolving credit facility which is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2016. During the first two quarters of fiscal 2017, net payments of $38.0 million were made on the revolving credit facility.

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Table of Contents

Under the amended $1 billion revolving credit facility, the maturity date for $890.0 million of the facility was extended from March 12, 2020 to September 12, 2021 and the remaining $110.0 million remains due on March 12, 2020. The amended revolving credit facility bears interest of LIBOR plus an applicable margin, which is a function of our credit rating and debt to cash flow ratio, but is subject to a maximum of LIBOR plus 2.00%. Based on our current credit rating, we are paying interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.38% for a total of 2.15%. One month LIBOR at December 28, 2016 was approximately 0.77%. As of December 28, 2016, $507.7 million of credit is available under the revolving credit facility.
Our debt agreements contain various financial covenants that, among other things, require the maintenance of certain leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios. The financial covenants were not significantly changed as a result of the new and amended debt agreements. We are currently in compliance with all financial covenants.

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 28,
2016
 
December 23,
2015
 
December 28,
2016
 
December 23,
2015
Gain on the sale of assets, net
$
(2,569
)
 
$
0

 
$
(2,569
)
 
$
(1,762
)
Restaurant impairment charges
1,851

 
468

 
1,851

 
525

Restaurant closure charges
321

 
0

 
2,827

 
0

Information technology restructuring
209

 
0

 
2,700

 
0

Severance
0

 
209

 
293

 
2,368

Litigation
0

 
(2,032
)
 
0

 
(2,032
)
Acquisition costs
0

 
0

 
0

 
580

Other
1,494

 
1,268

 
2,282

 
1,911

 
$
1,306

 
$
(87
)
 
$
7,384

 
$
1,590

Fiscal 2017
During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we recorded a $2.6 million gain on the sale of property, partially offset by restaurant impairment charges of $1.9 million primarily related to the long-lived assets and reacquired franchise rights of six underperforming Chili's restaurants which will continue to operate. See Note 8 for fair value disclosures.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we recorded restaurant closure charges of $2.5 million primarily related to lease termination charges for restaurants closed during the quarter. Additionally, we incurred $2.5 million of professional fees and severance associated with the information technology restructuring.
Fiscal 2016
We were a plaintiff in a class action lawsuit against US Foods styled as In re U.S. Foodservice, Inc. Pricing Litigation. A settlement agreement was fully executed by all parties in September 2015 and we received approximately $2.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2016 in settlement of this litigation. Additionally, we incurred expenses of $1.2 million to reserve for royalties, rents and other outstanding amounts related to a bankrupt franchisee. We also recorded impairment charges of $0.5 million primarily related to a capital lease asset that is subleased to a franchisee and an undeveloped parcel of land that we own for the excess of the carrying amounts over the fair values. See Note 8 for fair value disclosures.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we incurred $2.2 million in severance and other benefits related to organizational changes. Additionally, we recorded a $1.8 million gain on the sale of property.


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Table of Contents

6. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our operating segments are Chili's and Maggiano's. The Chili’s segment includes the results of our company-owned Chili’s restaurants in the U.S. and Canada as well as the results from our domestic and international franchise business. The Maggiano’s segment includes the results of our company-owned Maggiano’s restaurants.

Company sales are derived principally from the sales of food and beverages. Franchise and other revenues primarily includes royalties, development fees, franchise fees, banquet service charge income, gift card breakage and discounts, tabletop device revenue, Chili's retail food product royalties and delivery fee income. We do not rely on any major customers as a source of sales, and the customers and long-lived assets of our operating segments are predominantly in the U.S. There were no material transactions amongst our operating segments.

Our chief operating decision maker uses operating income as the measure for assessing performance of our segments. Operating income includes revenues and expenses directly attributable to segment-level results of operations. Operational expenses include food and beverage costs, restaurant labor costs and restaurant expenses. The following tables reconcile our segment results to our consolidated results reported in accordance with GAAP (in thousands):
 
 
Thirteen Week Period Ended December 28, 2016
 
 
Chili's
 
Maggiano's
 
Other
 
Consolidated
Company sales
 
$
632,085

 
$
116,624

 
$
0

 
$
748,709

Franchise and other revenues
 
15,278

 
7,056

 
0

 
22,334

Total revenues
 
647,363

 
123,680

 
0

 
771,043

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operational expenses (a)
 
537,170

 
98,098

 
92

 
635,360

Depreciation and amortization
 
32,643

 
4,055

 
2,607

 
39,305

General and administrative
 
9,414

 
1,688

 
22,444

 
33,546

Other gains and charges
 
2,943

 
12

 
(1,649
)
 
1,306

Total operating costs and expenses
 
582,170

 
103,853

 
23,494

 
709,517

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
$
65,193

 
$
19,827

 
$
(23,494
)
 
$
61,526

 
 
Thirteen Week Period Ended December 23, 2015
 
 
Chili's
 
Maggiano's
 
Other
 
Consolidated
Company sales
 
$
651,004

 
$
114,668

 
$
0

 
$
765,672

Franchise and other revenues
 
15,543

 
7,395

 
0

 
22,938

Total revenues
 
666,547

 
122,063

 
0

 
788,610

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operational expenses (a)
 
545,569

 
97,519

 
(1,033
)
 
642,055

Depreciation and amortization
 
32,915

 
3,673

 
2,526

 
39,114

General and administrative
 
9,295

 
1,513

 
21,101

 
31,909

Other gains and charges
 
(166
)
 
(7
)
 
86

 
(87
)
Total operating costs and expenses
 
587,613

 
102,698

 
22,680

 
712,991

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
$
78,934

 
$
19,365

 
$
(22,680
)
 
$
75,619




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Table of Contents

 
 
Twenty-Six Week Period Ended December 28, 2016
 
 
Chili's
 
Maggiano's
 
Other
 
Consolidated
Company sales
 
$
1,280,728

 
$
205,391

 
$
0

 
$
1,486,119

Franchise and other revenues
 
32,193

 
11,223

 
0

 
43,416

Total revenues
 
1,312,921

 
216,614

 
0

 
1,529,535

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operational expenses (a)
 
1,092,740

 
181,683

 
452

 
1,274,875

Depreciation and amortization
 
65,244

 
7,941

 
5,006

 
78,191

General and administrative
 
19,344

 
3,212

 
43,527

 
66,083

Other gains and charges
 
4,869

 
746

 
1,769

 
7,384

Total operating costs and expenses
 
1,182,197

 
193,582

 
50,754

 
1,426,533

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
$
130,724

 
$
23,032

 
$
(50,754
)
 
$
103,002

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment assets
 
$
1,189,921

 
$
168,440

 
$
139,744

 
$
1,498,105

Equity method investment
 
9,267

 
0

 
0

 
9,267

Payments for property and equipment
 
45,618

 
8,116

 
6,321

 
60,055

 
 
Twenty-Six Week Period Ended December 23, 2015
 
 
Chili's
 
Maggiano's
 
Other
 
Consolidated
Company sales
 
$
1,304,055

 
$
202,098

 
$
0

 
$
1,506,153

Franchise and other revenues
 
33,145

 
11,871

 
0

 
45,016

Total revenues
 
1,337,200

 
213,969

 
0

 
1,551,169

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operational expenses (a)
 
1,094,335

 
180,660

 
(587
)
 
1,274,408

Depreciation and amortization
 
66,046

 
7,307

 
4,932

 
78,285

General and administrative
 
18,714

 
3,326

 
42,980

 
65,020

Other gains and charges
 
(1,108
)
 
166

 
2,532

 
1,590

Total operating costs and expenses
 
1,177,987

 
191,459

 
49,857

 
1,419,303

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
$
159,213

 
$
22,510

 
$
(49,857
)
 
$
131,866

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment assets
 
$
1,243,430

 
$
168,733

 
$
164,031

 
$
1,576,194

Equity method investment
 
11,131

 
0

 
0

 
11,131

Payments for property and equipment
 
35,688

 
10,272

 
6,239

 
52,199

____________________________________________________________________
(a)
Operational expenses includes cost of sales, restaurant labor and restaurant expenses.

Reconciliation of operating income to income before provision for income taxes:
 
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
 
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
December 28, 2016
 
December 23, 2015
 
December 28, 2016
 
December 23, 2015
Operating income
$
61,526

 
$
75,619

 
$
103,002

 
$
131,866

Less interest expense
(13,641
)
 
(7,907
)
 
(22,450
)
 
(15,674
)
Plus other, net
383

 
560

 
682

 
833

Income before provision for income taxes
$
48,268

 
$
68,272

 
$
81,234

 
$
117,025


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7. ACCRUED AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Other accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
 
December 28,
2016
 
June 29,
2016
Sales tax
$
22,464

 
$
26,280

Insurance
24,540

 
19,976

Property tax
18,335

 
15,762

Dividends
16,887

 
17,760

Other
49,147

 
41,546

 
$
131,373

 
$
121,324

Other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
 
December 28,
2016
 
June 29,
2016
Straight-line rent
$
57,103

 
$
56,896

Insurance
38,851

 
38,433

Landlord contributions
27,104

 
24,681

Unfavorable leases
5,807

 
6,521

Unrecognized tax benefits
6,131

 
5,811

Other
7,679

 
7,081

 
$
142,675

 
$
139,423


8. 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 amounts of property and equipment, reacquired franchise rights and transferable liquor licenses semi-annually or when events or circumstances indicate that the fair value may not exceed the carrying amount. We record an impairment charge for the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value.

We determine the fair value of property and equipment and reacquired franchise rights based on discounted projected future cash flows of the restaurants over their remaining service life using a risk adjusted discount rate that is commensurate with the inherent risk. Based on our semi-annual review, during the first six months of fiscal 2017, long-lived assets and reacquired franchise rights with a carrying value of $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, primarily related to six underperforming restaurants, were determined to have a total fair value of $0.2 million resulting in an impairment charge of $1.8 million. During the first six months of fiscal 2016, long-lived assets with a carrying value of $106,000, primarily related to underperforming restaurants previously impaired, were determined to have no fair value resulting in an impairment charge of $106,000.

We determine the fair value of transferable liquor licenses based on prices in the open market for licenses in the same or similar jurisdictions. Based on our semi-annual review, during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, we determined there was no impairment.


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We review the carrying amounts of goodwill annually 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 implied fair value. We determined that there was no impairment of goodwill during our annual test in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 as the fair value of our reporting units was substantially in excess of the carrying value. No indicators of impairment were identified through the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we recorded an impairment charge of $187,000 related to a parcel of undeveloped land that we own. The land had a carrying value of $937,000 and was written down to the fair value of $750,000. The fair value was based on the sales price of comparable properties. Additionally, we recorded an impairment charge of $231,000 related to a capital lease asset that is subleased to a franchisee. The capital lease asset had a carrying value of $338,000 and was written down to the fair value of $107,000. The fair value of the capital lease asset is based on discounted projected future cash flows from the sublease.

All impairment charges were included in other gains and charges in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the periods presented.

The following table presents fair values for those assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 28, 2016 and December 23, 2015 (in thousands):

 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Total
Long-lived assets held for use:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 28, 2016
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
192

 
$
192

At December 23, 2015
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Other long-lived assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 28, 2016
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

At December 23, 2015
$
0

 
$
750

 
$
107

 
$
857



(b)
Other Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying amounts because of the short maturity of these items. The carrying amount of debt outstanding related to the amended revolving credit facility approximates fair value as the interest rate on this instrument approximates current market rates (Level 2). The fair values of the 2.60% notes, 3.88% notes and 5.00% notes are based on quoted market prices for similar instruments and are considered Level 2 fair value measurements.
The carrying amounts, which are net of unamortized debt issuance costs, and fair values of the 2.60% notes, 3.88% notes and 5.00% notes are as follows (in thousands):
 
December 28, 2016
 
June 29, 2016
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
2.60% Notes
$
249,206

 
$
250,658

 
$
248,918

 
$
252,445

3.88% Notes
$
297,734

 
$
284,571

 
$
297,556

 
$
302,655

5.00% Notes
$
344,020

 
$
349,923

 
$
0

 
$
0

9. SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

In August 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a $150.0 million increase to our existing share repurchase program resulting in total authorizations of $4.3 billion. In September 2016, we entered into a $300.0 million accelerated share repurchase agreement ("ASR Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A. (“BofA”). Pursuant to the terms of the ASR Agreement, we paid BofA $300.0 million in cash, and on September 26, 2016, we received an initial delivery of approximately 4.6 million shares of common stock. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we received approximately 483,000 shares for a then-current total of 5.1 million shares received under the ASR Agreement. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, we received approximately 846,000 shares

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of our common stock from BofA in full and final settlement of the ASR Agreement, bringing the total shares received to 5.9 million. The accelerated share repurchase transaction qualifies for equity accounting treatment. Shares that have been paid for but not yet delivered are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in capital while other repurchased common stock is reflected as an increase in treasury stock within shareholders’ deficit. We also repurchased approximately 1.0 million additional shares of common stock for a total of 6.1 million shares repurchased during the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 for $350.0 million. The repurchased shares included shares purchased as part of our share repurchase program and shares repurchased to satisfy team member tax withholding obligations on the vesting of restricted shares. As of December 28, 2016, approximately $135.8 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. We evaluate potential share repurchases under our plan based on several factors, including our cash position, share price, operational liquidity, proceeds from divestitures, borrowings, and planned investment and financing needs.
During the first two quarters of fiscal 2017, we granted approximately 492,000 stock options with a weighted average exercise price per share of $54.20 and a weighted average fair value per share of $9.63, and approximately 216,000 restricted share awards with a weighted average fair value per share of $54.27. Additionally, during the first two quarters of fiscal 2017, approximately 142,000 stock options were exercised resulting in cash proceeds of approximately $3.8 million. We received an excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation of approximately $1.2 million, net of a $0.5 million tax deficiency, during the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 primarily as a result of the vesting and distribution of restricted stock grants and performance shares and stock option exercises. The excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation represents the additional income tax benefit received resulting from the increase in the fair value of awards from the time of grant to the exercise date.
During the first two quarters of fiscal 2017, we paid dividends of $36.9 million to common stock shareholders, compared to $37.4 million in the prior year. Additionally, our Board of Directors approved a 6.25% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.32 to $0.34 per share effective with the dividend declared in August 2016. We also declared a quarterly dividend of $16.9 million in November 2016 which was paid on December 29, 2016. The dividend accrual was included in other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2016.
10. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for income taxes and interest in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 and 2016 are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 28,
2016
 
December 23,
2015
Income taxes, net of refunds
$
41,605

 
$
26,966

Interest, net of amounts capitalized
15,117

 
13,828

 
Non-cash investing and financing activities for the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 and 2016 are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 28,
2016
 
December 23,
2015
Retirement of fully depreciated assets
$
13,157

 
$
9,901

Dividends declared but not paid
17,527

 
18,912

Accrued capital expenditures
4,311

 
1,283

Capital lease additions
1,147

 
0

11. CONTINGENCIES
In connection with the sale of restaurants to franchisees and brand divestitures, we have, in certain cases, guaranteed lease payments. As of December 28, 2016 and June 29, 2016, we have outstanding lease guarantees or are secondarily liable for $75.4 million and $72.9 million, respectively. These amounts represent 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 2017 through fiscal 2027. 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 28, 2016.
We provide letters of credit to various insurers to collateralize obligations for outstanding claims. As of December 28, 2016, we had $31.3 million in undrawn standby letters of credit outstanding. All standby letters of credit are renewable annually.

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Evaluating contingencies related to litigation is a complex process involving subjective judgment on the potential outcome of future events, and the ultimate resolution of litigated claims may differ from our current analysis. Accordingly, we review the adequacy of accruals and disclosures pertaining to litigated matters each quarter in consultation with legal counsel, and we assess the probability and range of possible losses associated with contingencies for potential accrual in the consolidated financial statements.
We are engaged in various legal proceedings and have certain unresolved claims pending. Reserves have been established based on our best estimates of our potential liability in certain of these matters. Based upon consultation with legal counsel, management 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.
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 19, 2017, we completed a reorganization of the Chili’s restaurant operations team and certain departments at the corporate headquarters to better align our staffing with the current management strategy and resource needs. This reorganization is complete and no further actions are anticipated to complete this plan. This employee separation action will result in severance charges and accelerated stock based compensation expenses of approximately $6.0 million. We anticipate that substantially all of the severance amounts will be paid by the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2017 and no further cash expenditures will be required. These amounts will be recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 in the other gains and charges caption of our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

13. EFFECT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230). This update provides clarification regarding how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This update is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The update will be applied on a retrospective basis. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718). This update was issued as part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and affects all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. The amendments in this update cover such areas as the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies, the classification of those excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, the amount an employer can withhold to cover income taxes and still qualify for equity classification and the classification of those taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.  Adoption of the new guidance will require recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income on a prospective basis, with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for any prior year excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies not previously recorded. In addition, this guidance will require reclassification of excess tax benefits from cash flows from financing activities to cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. We expect to apply this change on a retrospective basis. The adoption of the provisions related to excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements depending on the changes in fair value of our share-based payment awards. We expect that adoption of the remaining provisions in the update will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
    
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset for virtually all leases, other than leases with a term of 12 months or less. The update also requires additional disclosures about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This update is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. This update will be applied on a modified retrospective basis. We anticipate implementing the standard by taking advantage of the practical expedient option. We had operating leases with remaining rental payments of approximately $639 million at the end of fiscal 2016. The discounted minimum remaining rental payments will be the starting point for determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability. We expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets due to recognition of the right-of-use asset and lease liability related to our current operating leases. The process of evaluating the full impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures is ongoing, but we anticipate the initial evaluation of the impact will be completed in fiscal 2017.

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In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The FASB has subsequently amended this update by issuing additional ASU's that provide clarification and further guidance around areas identified as potential implementation issues. These updates provide a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. These updates also require additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 delaying the effective date of adoption. These updates are now effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early application in fiscal 2018 is permitted. These updates permit the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We do not believe the standard will impact our recognition of revenue from sales generated at company-owned restaurants or our recognition of royalty fees from franchisees. We are continuing to evaluate the impact the adoption of this standard will have on the recognition of revenue from our gift card and loyalty programs and our franchise agreements, as well as which adoption method will be used. The process of evaluating the full impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures is ongoing, but we anticipate the initial evaluation of the impact will be completed in fiscal 2017.





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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 (unless otherwise noted) for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income:
 
 
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
 
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
December 28,
2016
 
December 23,
2015
 
December 28,
2016
 
December 23,
2015
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company sales
97.1
 %
 
97.1
 %
 
97.2
%
 
97.1
%
Franchise and other revenues
2.9
 %
 
2.9
 %
 
2.8
%
 
2.9
%
Total revenues
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company restaurants (excluding depreciation and amortization)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales (1)
25.8
 %
 
26.6
 %
 
26.0
%
 
26.6
%
Restaurant labor (1)
33.3
 %
 
32.4
 %
 
33.6
%
 
32.8
%
Restaurant expenses (1)
25.8
 %
 
24.9
 %
 
26.2
%
 
25.2
%
Company restaurant expenses (1)
84.9
 %
 
83.9
 %
 
85.8
%
 
84.6
%
Depreciation and amortization
5.1
 %
 
5.0
 %
 
5.1
%
 
5.0
%
General and administrative
4.4
 %
 
4.0
 %
 
4.3
%
 
4.2
%
Other gains and charges
0.2
 %
 
0.0
 %
 
0.5
%
 
0.1
%
Total operating costs and expenses
92.0
 %
 
90.4
 %
 
93.3
%
 
91.5
%
Operating income
8.0
 %
 
9.6
 %
 
6.7
%
 
8.5
%
Interest expense
1.8
 %
 
1.0
 %
 
1.4
%
 
1.0
%
Other, net
(0.1
)%
 
(0.1
)%
 
0.0
%
 
0.0
%
Income before provision for income taxes
6.3
 %
 
8.7
 %
 
5.3
%
 
7.5
%
Provision for income taxes
1.8
 %
 
2.7
 %
 
1.5
%
 
2.3
%
Net income
4.5
 %
 
6.0
 %
 
3.8
%
 
5.2
%

(1) 
As a percentage of company sales.

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The following table details the number of restaurant openings during the respective second quarter, year-to-date, total restaurants open at the end of the second quarter, and total projected openings in fiscal 2017:
 
 
Second Quarter Openings
 
Year-to-Date Openings
 
Total Open at End Of Second Quarter
 
Projected
Openings
 
Fiscal 2017
 
Fiscal 2016
 
Fiscal 2017
 
Fiscal 2016
 
Fiscal 2017
 
Fiscal 2016
 
Fiscal 2017
Company-owned restaurants:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chili's domestic
1
 
4
 
3
 
8
 
935
 
935
 
5-6
Chili's international
1
 
0
 
1
 
0
 
14
 
13
 
1
Maggiano's
1
 
2
 
2
 
2
 
52
 
51
 
2
Total company-owned
3
 
6
 
6
 
10
 
1,001
 
999
 
8-9
Franchise restaurants:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chili's domestic
1
 
1
 
2
 
2
 
316
 
326
 
5-8
Chili's international
8
 
11
 
12
 
17
 
341
 
321
 
35-40
Total franchise
9
 
12
 
14
 
19
 
657
 
647
 
40-48
Total restaurants:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chili's domestic
2
 
5
 
5
 
10
 
1,251
 
1,261
 
10-14
Chili's international
9
 
11
 
13
 
17
 
355
 
334
 
36-41
Maggiano's
1
 
2
 
2
 
2
 
52
 
51
 
2
Grand total
12
 
18
 
20
 
29
 
1,658
 
1,646
 
48-57
At December 28, 2016, we owned the land and buildings for 190 of the 1,001 company-owned restaurants. The net book value of the land totaled $143.2 million and the buildings totaled $101.0 million associated with these restaurants.


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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, Inc., our operations, and our current operating environment. For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the quarters ended December 28, 2016 and December 23, 2015, 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 28, 2016, we owned, operated, or franchised 1,658 restaurants.
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.
Growing sales and traffic continues to be a challenge with increasing competition and heavy discounting in the casual dining industry along with recent economic pressures resulting from low oil prices and increasing health care costs. We also believe that casual dining traffic was negatively impacted in the holiday season due in part to lower retail traffic in general. U.S. economic growth has been steady in recent years, but wage growth in the higher paying sectors has been slow. This wage pressure has challenged both casual dining restaurant operators and consumers as discretionary income available for restaurant visits has been limited. More consumers are opting to eat at home because the decline in grocery costs relative to casual dining prices allows consumers to save money. The industry has been softer than we anticipated this year, and, as a result, we are reevaluating our strategies. In response to these economic factors and industry pressures, we have developed both short and long-term strategies that we believe are appropriate for all operating conditions and will provide a solid foundation for future earnings growth. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, we completed a reorganization of the Chili's restaurant operations team and certain departments at the corporate headquarters to better align staffing with our current strategy. We anticipate that this reorganization will result in pre-tax savings of over $5 million in fiscal 2017 and approximately $12 million on an annualized basis.
We have completed a number of significant initiatives in recent years which we believe will help us drive profitable sales and traffic growth and improve the guest experience in our restaurants. Investments in restaurant reimages, new kitchen equipment and operations software have improved the relevance of our brands and the efficiency of our restaurants. We believe that these initiatives have positively impacted the guest perception of our restaurants in both the dining room and bar areas and provide us with a foundation for continued success. We plan to build on this foundation with new initiatives designed to further leverage technology in a manner that we believe will enhance the guest experience and drive sales.
The Chili’s brand has leveraged technology initiatives to create a digital guest experience that we believe will help us engage our guests more effectively. All domestic Chili’s restaurants with the exception of airport and college locations are now outfitted with tabletop devices, which gives us one of the largest networks of tabletop devices in the country. The Ziosk branded tabletop device is a multi-functional device which provides ordering, guest survey and pay-at-the-table capabilities, as well as loyalty program and entertainment functionality. We have also leveraged our tabletop devices to launch our partnership with Plenti, a consumer rewards program comprised of a coalition of major national brands. We believe the integration of the My Chili’s Rewards program with Plenti will allow us to drive sales and profits by allowing us to create more relevant and customized incentives for our guests. We have also launched a new online ordering system that expands our current capabilities and gives our guests greater control of their to go experience. We expect this platform to help us capitalize on a quickly growing part of our business and to improve the guest experience and execution. Our Nowait application is another in-restaurant technology that we utilize to enhance the guest experience. This application allows our hosts to provide more accurate wait times when a guest arrives and provides a text message to guests when their table is ready. Guests can also add themselves to the wait list via the Chili’s mobile app. This technology allows us to better control the optimization of our seating capacity and to reduce wait times in our restaurants.
We continually evaluate our menu at Chili's to identify opportunities to improve quality, freshness and value by introducing new items and improving existing favorites. We have introduced the smokehouse platters to the menu this quarter and are pleased with the guest preference results. This platform features jalapeno cheese sausage, bone-in chicken and our signature baby-back ribs. We also fully launched our new line of craft beers featuring regional and national favorites and our Presidente margarita on tap. These additions are contributing to an improved alcohol sales mix in the current quarter.

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    We remain competitive with our value offerings. These value offerings provide options to our guests that we believe drive traffic. Guests have shown a strong preference for our new "3 for Me™" platform that allows them to combine a salad and mini molten dessert with their choice of fajitas, burgers, smoked chicken or ribs for just $10.00. This platform is flexible in terms of the offerings we can provide and we believe the variety and value will drive sales and traffic. We continually seek opportunities to reinforce value and create interest for the Chili's brand with new and varied offerings to further enhance sales and drive incremental traffic. We are committed to offering a compelling everyday menu that provides items our guests prefer at a solid value.
We believe that the improvements at Chili's will have a significant impact on the business; however, our results will also benefit through additional contributions from Maggiano's and our global business. Maggiano's opened one restaurant this quarter, which is based on our new prototype with a flexible dining area that may be used for banquets or opened up for general seating. This new prototype allows the brand to enter new markets for which the prior model was not suited, but still accommodate smaller banquets. Maggiano's is committed to delivering high quality food and a dining experience in line with this brand's heritage. We plan to continue to strengthen this brand’s business model with kitchen efficiency and inventory controls that we believe will continue to enhance profitability.
Our global Chili's business continues to grow with locations in 30 countries and two territories outside of the United States. Our international franchisees opened 8 new restaurants this quarter with plans to open 35-40 new restaurants this year.
REVENUES
Total revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 decreased to $771.0 million, a 2.2% decrease from the $788.6 million generated for the same quarter of fiscal 2016 driven by a 2.2% decrease in company sales. Total revenues for the twenty-six week period ended December 28, 2016 were $1,529.5 million, a 1.4% decrease from the $1,551.2 million generated for the same period in fiscal 2016 driven by a 1.3% decrease in company sales. The decrease in company sales for the second quarter and year-to-date periods was driven by a decline in comparable restaurant sales, partially offset by an increase in restaurant capacity (see table below).
 
Thirteen Week Period Ended December 28, 2016
 
Comparable
Sales (1)
 
Price
Increase
 
Mix
Shift (2)
 
Traffic
 
Capacity
Company-owned
(2.9
)%
 
2.0
%
 
0.9
 %
 
(5.8
)%
 
0.4
%
Chili’s
(3.3
)%
 
1.8
%
 
1.4
 %
 
(6.5
)%
 
0.2
%
Maggiano’s
(0.8
)%
 
2.6
%
 
(0.9
)%
 
(2.5
)%
 
4.0
%
Chili's Franchise (3)
(3.5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
(3.0
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
(4.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chili's Domestic (4)
(3.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
System-wide (5)
(3.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen Week Period Ended December 23, 2015
 
Comparable
Sales (1)
 
Price
Increase
 
Mix
Shift (2)
 
Traffic
 
Capacity
Company-owned
(2.6
)%
 
1.2
%
 
0.1
 %
 
(3.9
)%
 
12.4
%
Chili’s
(2.8
)%
 
0.8
%
 
0.4
 %
 
(4.0
)%
 
13.0
%
Maggiano’s
(1.8
)%
 
2.3
%
 
(1.2
)%
 
(2.9
)%
 
2.1
%
Chili's Franchise (3)
0.9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
(0.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
2.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chili's Domestic (4)
(2.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
System-wide (5)
(1.6
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Twenty-Six Week Period Ended December 28, 2016
 
Comparable
Sales (1)
 
Price
Increase
 
Mix
Shift (2)
 
Traffic
 
Capacity
Company-owned
(2.1
)%
 
1.7
%
 
1.0
 %
 
(4.8
)%
 
0.6
%
Chili’s
(2.4
)%
 
1.5
%
 
1.4
 %
 
(5.3
)%
 
0.4
%
Maggiano’s
(0.7
)%
 
2.5
%
 
(1.1
)%
 
(2.1
)%
 
3.5
%
Chili's Franchise (3)
(2.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
(2.3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
(1.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chili's Domestic (4)
(2.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
System-wide (5)
(2.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
Twenty-Six Week Period Ended December 23, 2015
 
Comparable
Sales (1)
 
Price
Increase
 
Mix
Shift (2)
 
Traffic
 
Capacity
Company-owned
(2.1
)%
 
1.2
%
 
(0.4
)%
 
(2.9
)%
 
12.3
%
Chili’s
(2.2
)%
 
1.0
%
 
(0.4
)%
 
(2.8
)%
 
12.8
%
Maggiano’s
(1.7
)%
 
2.6
%
 
(1.1
)%
 
(3.2
)%
 
3.0
%
Chili's Franchise (3)
1.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
0.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
3.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chili's Domestic (4)
(1.6
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
System-wide (5)
(1.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Comparable restaurant sales includes all restaurants that have been in operation for more than 18 months.
(2)
Mix shift is calculated as the year-over-year percentage change in company sales resulting from the change in menu items ordered by guests.
(3)
Revenues generated by franchisees are not included in revenues on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income; however, we generate royalty revenue and advertising fees 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.
(4)
Chili's domestic comparable restaurant sales percentages are derived from sales generated by company-owned and franchise operated Chili's restaurants in the United States.
(5)
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 franchise operated Chili's restaurants.
Chili’s company sales decreased 2.9% to $632.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from $651.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. For the year-to-date period, Chili's company sales decreased 1.8% to $1,280.7 million in fiscal 2017 from $1,304.1 million in fiscal 2016. The decreases were primarily due to a decline in comparable restaurant sales, partially offset by an increase in restaurant capacity. Chili's comparable restaurant sales decreased 3.3% and 2.4% for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2017, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Company-owned restaurant capacity increased 0.2% and 0.4% for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2017, respectively (as measured by sales weeks) compared to the prior year periods due to one net restaurant opening since the second quarter of fiscal 2016.
Maggiano’s company sales increased 1.7% to $116.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from $114.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. For the year-to-date period, Maggiano’s company sales increased 1.6% to $205.4 million in fiscal 2017 from $202.1 million in fiscal 2016. The increases were primarily driven by increased restaurant capacity, partially offset by a decline in comparable restaurant sales. Maggiano's capacity increased 4.0% and 3.5% for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2017, respectively (as measured by sales weeks) compared to the prior year periods due to one net restaurant opening since the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Comparable restaurant sales decreased 0.8% and 0.7% for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2017, respectively, compared to the prior year periods.

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Franchise and other revenues decreased 2.6% to $22.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to $22.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. For the year-to-date period, franchise and other revenues decreased 3.6% to $43.4 million in fiscal 2017 from $45.0 million in fiscal 2016. The decreases were primarily due to a decline in domestic and international franchise comparable restaurant sales. Our franchisees generated approximately $320 million and $644 million in sales for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2017, respectively.
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of sales, as a percent of company sales, decreased to 25.8% for the second quarter and 26.0% for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2017 from 26.6% for the respective prior year periods. Cost of sales, as a percent of company sales, was positively impacted by increased menu pricing and favorable commodity pricing primarily related to poultry, burgers and prime rib, partially offset by unfavorable menu item mix and commodity pricing related to avocados.
Restaurant labor, as a percent of company sales, increased to 33.3% for the second quarter and 33.6% for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2017 from 32.4% and 32.8% for the respective prior year periods primarily due to increased wage rates, employee health insurance expenses and sales deleverage.
Restaurant expenses, as a percent of company sales, increased to 25.8% for the second quarter and 26.2% for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2017 from 24.9% and 25.2% for the respective prior year periods primarily due to sales deleverage, higher advertising and repairs and maintenance expenses.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.2 million for the second quarter compared to the prior year due to depreciation on asset replacements and new restaurant openings, partially offset by an increase in fully depreciated assets and restaurant closures. Depreciation and amortization decreased $0.1 million for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2017 compared to the prior year primarily due to an increase in fully depreciated assets and restaurant closures, partially offset by depreciation on asset replacements and new restaurant openings.
General and administrative expense increased approximately $1.6 million for the second quarter and $1.1 million for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2017 compared to the respective prior year periods primarily due to higher stock compensation and payroll expenses, partially offset by lower performance-based compensation.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, other gains and charges were $1.3 million. We recorded a $2.6 million gain on the sale of property, partially offset by restaurant impairment charges of $1.9 million primarily related to the long-lived assets and reacquired franchisee rights of six underperforming Chili's restaurants which will continue to operate. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, other gains and charges were $6.1 million. We recorded restaurant closure charges of $2.5 million primarily related to lease termination charges for restaurants closed during the first quarter. Additionally, we incurred $2.5 million of professional fees and severance associated with information technology restructuring.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, other gains and charges totaled to a net gain of $87,000. We were a plaintiff in a class action lawsuit against US Foods styled as In re U.S. Foodservice, Inc. Pricing Litigation. A settlement agreement was fully executed by all parties in September 2015 and we received approximately $2.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2016 in settlement of this litigation. Additionally, we incurred expenses of $1.2 million to reserve for royalties, rents and other outstanding amounts related to a bankrupt franchisee. We also recorded impairment charges of $0.5 million primarily related to a capital lease asset that is subleased to a franchisee and an undeveloped parcel of land that we own for the excess of the carrying amounts over the fair values. In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, other gains and charges were $1.7 million consisting primarily of severance charges and acquisition costs, partially offset by a gain on the sale of property.
Interest expense increased approximately $5.7 million for the second quarter and $6.8 million for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2017 compared to the respective prior year periods primarily due to higher average borrowing balances.
INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rate decreased to 28.2% and 28.8% for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2017 compared to 30.1% and 30.9% in the prior year comparable periods primarily due to lower profits and the impacts of tax credits.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flows
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
During the first six months of fiscal 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $141.1 million compared to $156.2 million in the prior year. Cash flow from operations decreased due to the timing of tax payments and decreased earnings in the current year, partially offset by an increase due to the prior year impact of the acquisition of Pepper Dining. Fiscal 2016 cash from operations was negatively impacted by the settlement of liabilities assumed as part of the acquisition.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
December 28,
2016
 
December 23,
2015
Net cash used in investing activities (in thousands):
 
 
 
Payments for property and equipment
$
(60,055
)
 
$
(52,199
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
3,022

 
2,756

Payment for business acquisition, net of cash acquired
0

 
(105,577
)
 
$
(57,033
)
 
$
(155,020
)
Capital expenditures increased to approximately $60.1 million for the first six months of fiscal 2017 compared to $52.2 million for the prior year primarily due to the purchase of new beer taps for the new line of craft beers at Chili's, partially offset by a decrease in Chili's new restaurant construction.
On June 25, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Pepper Dining, a franchisee of 103 Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants, for $105.6 million.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
December 28,
2016
 
December 23,
2015
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (in thousands):
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
$
350,000

 
$
0

Purchases of treasury stock
(349,994
)
 
(140,089
)
Payments on revolving credit facility
(138,000
)
 
(20,000
)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility
100,000

 
207,500

Payments of dividends
(36,944
)
 
(37,363
)
Payments for debt issuance costs
(10,216
)
 
0

Proceeds from issuances of treasury stock
3,837

 
1,691

Payments on long-term debt
(1,862
)
 
(1,698
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
1,688

 
4,907

 
$
(81,491
)
 
$
14,948

Net cash used in financing activities for the first six months of fiscal 2017 increased to $81.5 million from net cash provided by financing activities of $14.9 million in the prior year primarily due to increases in spending on share repurchases, net payment activity on the revolver, payment of debt issuance costs, and a decrease in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and an increase in proceeds from issuance of treasury stock.

22

Table of Contents

In September 2016, we entered into a $300.0 million accelerated share repurchase agreement ("ASR Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A. (“BofA”). Pursuant to the terms of the ASR Agreement, we paid BofA $300.0 million in cash, and on September 26, 2016, we received an initial delivery of approximately 4.6 million shares of common stock.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we received approximately 483,000 shares for a then-current total of 5.1 million shares received under the ASR Agreement. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, we received approximately 846,000 shares of our common stock from BofA in full and final settlement of the ASR Agreement, bringing the total shares received to 5.9 million. We also repurchased approximately 1.0 million additional shares of common stock for a total of 6.1 million shares during the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 for $350.0 million. The repurchased shares included shares purchased as part of our share repurchase program and shares repurchased to satisfy team member tax withholding obligations on the vesting of restricted shares.
On September 23, 2016, we completed the private offering of $350 million of our 5.0% senior notes due October 2024. We received proceeds of $350.0 million prior to debt issuance costs of $6.2 million and utilized the proceeds to fund a $300 million accelerated share repurchase agreement and to repay $50.0 million on the amended $1 billion revolving credit facility. The notes require semi-annual interest payments beginning on April 1, 2017.
On September 13, 2016, we amended the revolving credit agreement to increase the borrowing capacity from $750 million to $1 billion. We capitalized debt issuance costs of $4.0 million associated with the amendment of the revolving credit facility which is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2016. During the first two quarters of fiscal 2017, net payments of $38.0 million were made on the revolving credit facility.
Under the amended $1 billion revolving credit facility, the maturity date for $890.0 million of the facility was extended from March 12, 2020 to September 12, 2021 and the remaining $110.0 million remains due on March 12, 2020. The amended revolving credit facility bears interest of LIBOR plus an applicable margin, which is a function of our credit rating and debt to cash flow ratio, but is subject to a maximum of LIBOR plus 2.00%. Based on our current credit rating, we are paying interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.38% for a total of 2.15%. One month LIBOR at December 28, 2016 was approximately 0.77%. As of December 28, 2016, $507.7 million of credit is available under the revolving credit facility. As of December 28, 2016, we were in compliance with all financial debt covenants.
As of December 28, 2016, our credit rating by Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") and Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”) was BB+ and our Corporate Family Rating by Moody's was Ba1, all with a stable outlook. In August 2016, Fitch downgraded Brinker from BBB- to BB+ with a stable outlook and in September confirmed the rating. In September 2016, S&P downgraded Brinker's corporate credit rating from BBB- to BB+ with a stable outlook and Moody's downgraded Brinker's Corporate Family Rating from Baa3 to Ba1 with a stable outlook. Our goal is to maintain strong free cash flow to support leverage that we believe is appropriate to allow ongoing investment in the business and return of capital to shareholders.
We paid dividends of $36.9 million to common stock shareholders in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 compared to $37.4 million in dividends paid in the same period of fiscal 2016. Additionally, our Board of Directors approved a 6.25% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.32 to $0.34 per share effective with the dividend declared in August 2016. We also declared a quarterly dividend of $16.9 million in November 2016 which was paid on December 29, 2016. We will continue to target a 40 percent dividend payout ratio to provide additional return to shareholders through dividend payments.
In August 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a $150.0 million increase to our existing share repurchase program resulting in total authorizations of $4.3 billion. As of December 28, 2016, approximately $135.8 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. Repurchased common stock is reflected as an increase in treasury stock within shareholders’ deficit.
During the first six months of fiscal 2017, approximately 142,000 stock options were exercised resulting in cash proceeds of $3.8 million. We received an excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation of approximately $1.2 million, net of a $0.5 million tax deficiency, during the first six months of fiscal 2017, primarily as a result of the normally scheduled vesting and distribution of restricted stock grants and performance shares and stock option exercises. The excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation represents the additional income tax benefit received resulting from the increase in the fair value of awards from the time of grant to the exercise date.
Cash Flow Outlook
We believe that our various sources of capital, including future cash flow from operating activities and availability under our existing credit facility are adequate to finance operations and the repayment of current debt obligations for the foreseeable future. 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. We periodically evaluate ways to monetize the value of our owned real estate and should

23

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alternatives become available that are more cost effective than our financing options currently available, we will consider execution of those alternatives.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We have obligations for guarantees on certain lease agreements and letters of credit as disclosed in Note 11 - Contingencies, in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q. Other than these items, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230). This update provides clarification regarding how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This update is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The update will be applied on a retrospective basis. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718). This update was issued as part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and affects all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. The amendments in this update cover such areas as the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies, the classification of those excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, the amount an employer can withhold to cover income taxes and still qualify for equity classification and the classification of those taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.  Adoption of the new guidance will require recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income on a prospective basis, with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for any prior year excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies not previously recorded. In addition, this guidance will require reclassification of excess tax benefits from cash flows from financing activities to cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. We expect to apply this change on a retrospective basis. The adoption of the provisions related to excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements depending on the changes in fair value of our share-based payment awards. We expect that adoption of the remaining provisions in the update will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset for virtually all leases, other than leases with a term of 12 months or less. The update also requires additional disclosures about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This update is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. This update will be applied on a modified retrospective basis. We anticipate implementing the standard by taking advantage of the practical expedient option. We had operating leases with remaining rental payments of approximately $639 million at the end of fiscal 2016. The discounted minimum remaining rental payments will be the starting point for determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability. We expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets due to recognition of the right-of-use asset and lease liability related to our current operating leases. The process of evaluating the full impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures is ongoing, but we anticipate the initial evaluation of the impact will be completed in fiscal 2017.    

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The FASB has subsequently amended this update by issuing additional ASU's that provide clarification and further guidance around areas identified as potential implementation issues. These updates provide a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. These updates also require additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 delaying the effective date of adoption. These updates are now effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early application in fiscal 2018 is permitted. These updates permit the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We do

24


not believe the standard will impact our recognition of revenue from sales generated at company-owned restaurants or our recognition of royalty fees from franchisees. We are continuing to evaluate the impact the adoption of this standard will have on the recognition of revenue from our gift card and loyalty programs and our franchise agreements, as well as which adoption method will be used. The process of evaluating the full impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures is ongoing, but we anticipate the initial evaluation of the impact will be completed in fiscal 2017.

25


Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative market risks set forth in Part II, Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2016.
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), 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 28, 2016, 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, and investing in our securities involves a degree of risk. 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 29, 2016 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. In any such event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. We further caution that it is not possible to identify all such factors, and you should not consider the identified factors as a complete list of all risks and uncertainties.
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. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
The risks related to our business include:
The effect of competition on our operations and financial results.
Changes in consumer preferences may decrease demand for food at our restaurants.
Food safety incidents at our restaurants or in our industry or supply chain may adversely affect customer perception of our brand or industry and result in declines in sales and profits.
Global and domestic economic conditions may negatively impact consumer discretionary spending and could have a materially negative affect on our financial performance.
Disruptions in the global financial markets may affect our business plan by adversely impacting the availability and cost of credit.
A decrease in our credit ratings may increase our cost of credit.
The large number of company-owned restaurants concentrated in Texas, Florida and California makes us susceptible to changes in economic and other trends in those regions.
The effect of governmental regulation on our ability to maintain our existing and future operations and to open new restaurants.
Increased costs and/or reduced revenues from shortages or interruptions in the availability and delivery of food and other supplies.
The risk that inflation may increase our operating expenses.
Our ability to consummate successful strategic transactions that are important to our future growth and profitability.
Our inability to meet our business strategy plan and the impact on our profitability in the future.

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Table of Contents

Loss of key management personnel could hurt our business and limit our ability to operate and grow successfully.
The impact of slow economic growth 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 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 company-owned or franchised restaurants in a particular brand that may taint public perception of the brand.
Failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media could adversely impact our business.
Litigation could have a material adverse impact on our business and our financial performance.
Dependence on information technology and any material failure in the operation or security of that technology or our ability to execute a comprehensive business continuity plan could impair our ability to efficiently operate our business.
Failure to protect the integrity and security of individually identifiable data of our guests and teammates and confidential and proprietary information of the company could expose us to litigation and damage our reputation.
Failure to protect our service marks and intellectual property could harm our business.
Outsourcing of certain business processes to third-party vendors that subject us to risk, including disruptions in business and increased costs.
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.
Identification of a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting may adversely affect our stock price.
Failure to achieve our target for growth in total return to shareholders may adversely affect our stock price.
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, consumer confidence, and operating costs, include, without limitation, changes in financial and credit markets (including rising interest rates); increases in costs of food commodities; increases in fuel costs and availability for our team members, customers and suppliers; increases in utility and energy costs on regional or national levels; increases in health care costs; health epidemics or pandemics or the prospects of these events; changes in consumer behaviors; changes in demographic trends; labor shortages and availability of employees; union organization; strikes; terrorist acts; energy shortages and rolling blackouts; and weather (including major hurricanes and regional winter storms) and other acts of God.

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Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements set forth in Part I of this report.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes 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 29, 2016.
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 business, financial condition or results of operations. Therefore, the risks identified are not intended to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Shares repurchased during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 are as follows (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
 
 
Total Number
of  Shares
Purchased (a)(b)
 
Average
Price
Paid per
Share (b)
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Program (b)
 
Approximate
Dollar Value
that May Yet
be Purchased
Under the
Program (b)
September 29, 2016 through November 2, 2016
483,586

 
$
51.49

 
483,423

 
$
135,800

November 3, 2016 through November 30, 2016
370

 
$
48.79

 
0

 
$
135,800

December 1, 2016 through December 28, 2016
81

 
$
51.30

 
0

 
$
135,800

 
484,037

 
$
51.49

 
483,423

 
 

(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 2017, 614 shares were tendered by team members at an average price of $49.51.
(b)
In September 2016, we entered into a $300 million accelerated share repurchase agreement ("ASR Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A. (“BofA”). Pursuant to the terms of the ASR Agreement, we paid BofA $300 million in cash, which immediately reduced the remaining amount available under our share repurchase program, and received an initial delivery of approximately 4.6 million shares of common stock. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we received approximately 483,000 shares for a total of 5.1 million shares received as of December 28, 2016. The average price paid per share for shares received pursuant to the ASR Agreement reflects the average of the daily volume-weighted average prices of the Company's common stock through December 28, 2016. Final settlement of the ASR Agreement occurred in January 2017, resulting in a total of 5.9 million shares received.


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Table of Contents

Item 6. EXHIBITS
 
31(a)
Certification by Wyman T. Roberts, 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 Thomas J. Edwards, Jr., 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 Wyman T. Roberts, 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 Thomas J. Edwards, Jr., 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.
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Presentation Linkbase


29

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 3, 2017
By:
 
/s/ Wyman T. Roberts
 
 
 
Wyman T. Roberts,
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Date: February 3, 2017
By:
 
/s/ Thomas J. Edwards, Jr.
 
 
 
Thomas J. Edwards, Jr.,
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)


30