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Form 10-Q

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 September 29, 2004

Commission File Number 1‑10275
 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE

75-1914582

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

6820 LBJ FREEWAY, DALLAS, TEXAS  75240
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(972) 980‑9917
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes   X        No _____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes   X        No _____

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 November 3, 2004

Common Stock, $0.10 par value

86,443,414 shares

 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

INDEX
 

Part I - Financial Information Page
   
     Item 1.  Financial Statements  
   
          Consolidated Balance Sheets -
               September 29, 2004 (Unaudited) and June 30, 2004
3
   
          Consolidated Statements of Income
              (Unaudited) - Thirteen week periods ended
               September 29, 2004 and September 24, 2003

4
   
          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
              (Unaudited) - Thirteen week periods ended
              September 29, 2004 and September 24, 2003

5
   
          Notes to Consolidated
             Financial Statements (Unaudited)
6
   
     Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                  Financial Condition and Results of Operations
10
   
     Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
                  About Market Risk
15
   
      Item 4.  Controls and Procedures 15
   
Part II - Other Information  
   
     Item 1.  Legal Proceedings 18
   
     Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and
                  Use of Proceeds
18
   
     Item 6.  Exhibits 19
   
         Signatures 19

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

                                                              

September 29,
2004
(Unaudited)

         June 30,
           2004

ASSETS

Current Assets:

  Cash and cash equivalents

$   50,718

$   226,762

  Accounts receivable

45,884

37,934

  Inventories

42,556

38,113

  Prepaid expenses and other

73,092

74,764

  Deferred income taxes

    19,592

    23,347

   Total current assets

   231,842

   400,920

Property and Equipment, at cost:

  Land

286,635

283,777

  Buildings and leasehold improvements

1,386,668

1,354,671

  Furniture and equipment

686,403

666,415

  Construction-in-progress

    75,498

    72,818

   

2,435,204

2,377,681

  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (850,000)

  (810,835)

   Net property and equipment

 1,585,204

 1,566,846

Other Assets:

  Goodwill

136,021

158,068

  Other

    73,482

    85,957

   Total other assets

   209,503

   244,025

   Total assets

$2,026,549

$2,211,791

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

  Current installments of long-term debt

$   18,131

$   18,099

  Accounts payable

100,141

96,795

  Accrued liabilities

208,867

227,225

  Income taxes payable

         -

    37,043

    Total current liabilities

   327,139

   379,162

Long-term debt, less current installments

640,319

639,291

Deferred income taxes

83,081

81,902

Other liabilities

92,472

85,363

Contingencies (Note 7)

Shareholders' Equity:

  Common stock - 250,000,000 authorized shares; $0.10

   par value; 117,499,541 shares issued and

   96,688,926 shares outstanding at September 29,

   2004, and 117,499,541 shares issued and

   90,647,745 shares outstanding at June 30, 2004

11,750

11,750

  Additional paid-in capital

233,424

357,444

  Accumulated other comprehensive income

658

737

  Retained earnings

 1,292,017

 1,277,298

 

1,537,849

1,647,229

  Less:
  Treasury stock, at cost (20,810,615 shares at September
     29, 2004 and 26,851,796 shares at June 20, 2004)


(652,409)


(619,806)

  Unearned compensation

    (1,902)

    (1,350)

   Total shareholders' equity

   883,538

 1,026,073

   Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$2,026,549

$2,211,791

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

                                                                                                               Thirteen Week Periods Ended

  September 29,
            2004

    September 24,
            2003

 

 

Revenues

$ 910,478

 

$ 870,898

Operating Costs and Expenses:

  Cost of sales

253,089

 

239,902

  Restaurant expenses

509,401

 

486,358

  Depreciation and amortization

45,939

 

    42,409

  General and administrative

   37,152

 

   33,296

  Restructure charges and other impairments

   48,256

 

        -

   Total operating costs and expenses

  893,837

 

  801,965

Operating income

16,641

 

68,933

Interest expense

7,119

 

3,318

Other, net

      442

 

     (257)

Income before income tax benefit (expense)

9,080

 

65,872

 

 

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

    5,639

 

  (21,277)

    Net income

$  14,719

 

$  44,595

Basic net income per share

$    0.16

 

$    0.46

Diluted net income per share                    

$    0.16

 

$    0.45

Basic weighted average

  shares outstanding

   89,761

 

   97,404

Diluted weighted average

  shares outstanding

   90,930

 

   99,367

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

                                                                                                                Thirteen Week Periods Ended

September 29,

September 24,

 

2004

2003

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

Net income

$ 14,719

 

$ 44,595

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash

  provided by operating activities:

   Depreciation and amortization

45,939

 

42,409

   Restructure charges and other impairments

48,256

 

-

   Deferred income taxes                                  

4,977

 

684

   Gain on sale of assets

(3,777)

 

-

   Amortization of deferred costs                         

2,068

 

2,706

   Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding
     effects of dispositions:

       Receivables

(8,067)

 

 2,922

       Inventories

(4,558)

 

143

       Prepaid expenses and other

2,471

 

2,739

       Other assets

351

 

(2,317)

       Current income taxes

(37,043)

 

19,836

       Accounts payable

3,346

 

(8,693)

       Accrued liabilities

(17,224)

 

(11,374)

       Other liabilities

    2,150

 

    3,659

       Net cash provided by operating activities

   53,608

 

   97,309

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

Payments for property and equipment

(84,307)

 

(67,966)

Proceeds from sale of assets

13,482

 

-

Net repayments of advances to affiliates

      116

 

      552  

Issuance of loan to affiliate                                 

        -

 

   (1,300)

       Net cash used in investing activities

  (70,709)

 

  (68,714)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

Purchases of shares under forward contracts

(120,600)

 

-

Purchases of treasury stock

 (42,293)

 

  (51,904)

Proceeds from issuances of treasury stock

4,632

 

4,657

Payments of long-term debt

(682)

 

 (677)

Net borrowings on credit facilities

        -

 

      400

       Net cash used in financing activities

 (158,943)

 

  (47,524)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

(176,044)

 

(18,829)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  226,762

 

   33,492

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$  50,718

 

$  14,563

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1.   BASIS OF PRESENTATION

      The consolidated financial statements of Brinker International, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") as of September 29, 2004 and June 30, 2004 and for the thirteen week periods ended September 29, 2004 and September 24, 2003, have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").  The Company owns, operates, or franchises various restaurant concepts under the names of Chili's Grill & Bar ("Chili's"), Romano's Macaroni Grill ("Macaroni Grill"), Maggiano's Little Italy ("Maggiano's"), On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina ("On The Border"), Corner Bakery Cafe ("Corner Bakery"), and Big Bowl Asian Kitchen ("Big Bowl").  In addition, the Company owns an approximate 43% interest in the legal entities owning and developing Rockfish Seafood Grill ("Rockfish"). 

      The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the interim operating results for the respective periods.  However, these operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. The notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in the June 30, 2004 Form 10-K. Management believes that the disclosures are sufficient for interim financial reporting purposes.

2.    STOCK OPTION PLANS

      The Company accounts for its stock based compensation under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations ("APB 25"), and has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."  Under APB 25, no stock-based compensation cost is reflected in net income for grants of stock options to employees because the Company grants stock options with an exercise price equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant.  Had the Company used the fair value based accounting method for stock compensation expense prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro-forma amounts illustrated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

Thirteen Week Periods Ended

September 29,

September 24,

  2004

 2003

 

 

Net income - as reported

$  14,719

$  44,595

 

 

Add: Reported stock-based
  compensation expense,
  net of taxes



395

 

587

 

 

 

Deduct: Fair value based
  compensation expense,
  net of taxes



         (4,724)



        (4,590)

 

 

Net income - pro-forma

$  10,390

$  40,592

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

Basic - as reported

$    0.16

$    0.46

Basic - pro-forma

$    0.12

$    0.42

 

 

Diluted - as reported

$    0.16

$    0.45

Diluted - pro-forma

$    0.11

$    0.41

3.    RESTRUCTURE CHARGES AND OTHER IMPAIRMENTS

      During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company recorded a $31.2 million impairment charge resulting from the decision to sell nine Big Bowl restaurants and to close the remaining five restaurants.  The decision to dispose of Big Bowl was the result of recent research and testing of the brand's competitive positioning.  The impairment charge consists of goodwill totaling $21.6 million and buildings, furniture, and equipment totaling $9.6 million.  The carrying values of the remaining long-lived assets totaled approximately $6.0 million as of September 29, 2004 and were based on an offer price obtained in connection with the sale of the brand.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company expects to record an additional charge of approximately $3.0 million, primarily related to existing lease obligations associated with the disposition of Big Bowl.

      During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company recorded a $16.9 million charge to fully impair the investment and notes receivable associated with Rockfish as a result of recent declines in operating performance and lower forecasted earnings.  

       During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company recorded a $1.4 million charge for long-lived asset impairments associated with the closure of one Corner Bakery commissary.

      In fiscal 2004, the Company recorded a $39.5 million impairment charge resulting from the decision to close thirty restaurants.  The charge consisted primarily of buildings, furniture, and equipment totaling $31.2 million, lease obligation charges totaling $6.2 million, and the write-off of inventory and other supplies totaling $2.1 million.  The fair value of the long-lived assets was based on estimates from third party real estate brokers who examined comparable property sales values in the respective markets in which the restaurants were located and offer prices received from third parties in connection with the sale of the restaurants.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company recorded a $1.2 million gain related to the thirty closed restaurants consisting of increases in the estimated sales value of previously impaired owned units and decreases in the estimated lease obligation.  The carrying values of the remaining long-lived assets totaled approximately $12.3 million at

September 29, 2004.  In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company made payments totaling $1.6 million primarily related to lease termination costs associated with the closed restaurants, reducing the lease obligation in accrued liabilities to $3.2 million.

4.    CONVERTIBLE DEBT

      In October 2001, the Company issued $431.7 million of zero coupon convertible senior debentures (the "Debentures"), maturing on October 10, 2021, and received proceeds totaling approximately $250.0 million prior to debt issuance costs.  The Debentures require no interest payments and were issued at a discount representing a yield to maturity of 2.75% per annum.  The Debentures are redeemable at the Company's option beginning on October 10, 2004.  If redeemed by the Company, the holders of the Debentures may elect to receive payment in cash or common stock.  The holders may require the Company to redeem the Debentures on October 10, 2005, 2011 or 2016, and in certain other circumstances.  If the holders exercise their redemption rights, the Company may choose to pay in cash, common stock, or a combination of the two.  In addition, each $1,000 Debenture is convertible into 18.08 shares (7.8 million shares in total) of the Company's common stock if the stock's market price exceeds 120% of the accreted conversion price for at least 20 trading days during the first 30 trading days of each quarter, the Company exercises its option to redeem the Debentures, the credit rating of the Debentures is reduced below both Baa3 and BBB-, or upon the occurrence of certain specified corporate transactions.  The market price of the Company's common stock has not exceeded 120% of the accreted conversion price for any quarter, including the second quarter of fiscal 2005, since the issuance of the Debentures.  The conversion trigger price for the Company's third quarter of fiscal 2005 is $42.10.

5.    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

      During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company acquired approximately 3.5 million shares of its common stock for $120.6 million under forward purchase contracts.  The shares repurchased under the contracts are intended to be used to offset the dilutive impact of the convertible debt and are recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  The contracts were settled in October 2004. 

      Pursuant to the Company's stock repurchase plan, the Company repurchased approximately 1.2 million shares of its common stock for $42.3 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2005.  As of September 29, 2004, approximately $132.4 million was available under the Company's share repurchase authorizations, net of the shares acquired under the forward purchase contracts.  The Company's stock repurchase plan will be used to minimize the dilutive impact of the convertible debt and stock option exercises.  The repurchased common stock is recorded in treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

6.    SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

      Cash paid for interest and income taxes for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 is as follows (in thousands):

September 29,
2004

September 24,
2003

Income taxes, net of refunds

$      26,493

$            830

Interest, net of amounts capitalized

    816

    861

   Non-cash investing and financing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 are as follows (in thousands):

September 29,
2004

September 24,
2003

Retirement of fully depreciated assets

$         4,338 

$            101

Net increase (decrease) in fair value of interest rate swaps

5,006

   (8,603)

Restricted common stock issued, net of  forfeitures

1,638 

2,337 

7.    CONTINGENCIES

      In January 1996, the Company entered into a Tip Reporting Alternative Commitment agreement (the "Contract") with the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").  The Contract required the Company, among other things, to implement tip reporting educational programs for its hourly restaurant employees and to establish tip reporting procedures, although employees remain ultimately responsible for accurately reporting their tips.  The IRS has alleged that the Company did not meet the requirements of the Contract and has retroactively and unilaterally revoked it.  As a result of the revocation, the IRS commenced an examination during fiscal 2004 of the Company's 2000 through 2002 calendar years for payroll tax purposes, which involved interviews of a number of current and former employees for the purpose of assessing employer-only Federal Insurance Contributions Act ("FICA") taxes on estimated unreported cash tips.  In connection with this examination, the IRS has also alleged that some portion of these unreported tips should have been treated as service charges subject to employment taxes.  On September 29, 2004, the IRS issued a notice and demand under Section 3121(q) of the Internal Revenue Code for the employer's share of FICA taxes totaling $31.4 million on asserted unreported tips during the examination period.  The proposed assessment was based on the assumption that the cash tip reporting rate should have been approximately two percentage points less than the charge tip reporting rate.  The Company believes that it has complied and continues to comply with all of the terms of the Contract and with the law pertaining to the employment tax treatment of service charges.  The Company intends to vigorously assert that the Contract remains in force and precludes the proposed retroactive assessment of employer-only FICA taxes and to vigorously contest the accuracy of the proposed assessment related to unreported tips.  The Company also intends to vigorously contest the accuracy of any assessment that may be proposed related to service charges.  It is not possible at this time to reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, with respect to either the tip or service charge issue.

      The Company is engaged in various other legal proceedings and has certain unresolved claims pending. The ultimate liability, if any, for the aggregate amounts claimed cannot be determined at this time. However,

management of the Company, based upon consultation with legal counsel, is of the opinion that there are no other matters pending or threatened which are expected to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

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

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

                                                                                                              13 Week Periods Ended

 

September 29,

 

September 24,

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

Revenues                                      

100.0 %

 

100.0 %

 

Operating Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

  Cost of sales

27.8 %

 

27.5 %

 

  Restaurant expenses

55.9 %

 

55.8 %

 

  Depreciation and amortization

  5.0 %

 

  4.9 %

 

  General and administrative

  4.1 %

 

  3.8 %

 

  Restructure charges and other impairments

  5.3 %

 

  0.0 %

 

   Total operating costs and expenses

 98.1 %

 

 92.0 %

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

1.9 %

 

8.0 %

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

  0.8 %

 

  0.4 %

 

Other, net

  0.0 %

 

  0.0 %

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax benefit (expense)

1.1 %

 

7.6 %

 

Income tax benefit (expense)                     

  0.5 %

 

(2.4 %)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

  1.6 %

 

  5.2 %

 

 

  The following table details the number of restaurant openings during the first quarter, total restaurants open at the end of the first quarter, and total projected openings in fiscal 2005.

 

 

Total 

First Quarter
Openings

Total Open at End
Of First Quarter

Projected
Openings

 

Fiscal

Fiscal

Fiscal

Fiscal

Fiscal

 

2005

2004

2005

2004

2005

Chili's:

  Company-owned

14

18

757

711

77-80

  Franchised

  7

  5

  242

  210

  25-30

     Total

21

23

999

921

102-110

 

 

 

 

 

Macaroni Grill:

 

 

 

 

 

  Company-owned

5

4

211

198

15-18

  Franchised

  -

  1

    9

    9

    5-6

     Total

5

5

220

207

20-24

 

 

 

 

 

Maggiano's

2

3

30

28

5

 

 

 

 

 

On The Border:

 

 

 

 

 

  Company-owned

1

-

112

114

8-10

  Franchised

  -

  -

   18

   18

    0-1

     Total

1

-

130

132

8-11

 

 

 

 

 

Corner Bakery:

 

 

 

 

 

  Company-owned

1

1

83

86

8-10

  Franchised

  -

  -

    3

    3

    0-1

     Total

1

1

86

89

8-11

 

 

 

 

 

Big Bowl

-

1

14

19

-

 

 

 

 

 

Rockfish Partnership

  -

  2

   25

   22

      -

 

 

 

 

 

Cozymel's

  -

  -

    -

   16

      -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Grand Total

 30

 35

1,504

1,434

143-161

 

OVERVIEW

     At September 29, 2004, the Company owned, operated, franchised, or was involved in the ownership of 1,504 restaurants.  The Company's core concepts accounted for 83.0% of the total units and included 999 Chili's, 220 Macaroni Grill, and 30 Maggiano's restaurants.

     The Company intends to continue the expansion of its restaurant concepts by opening units in strategically desirable markets. The Company considers the restaurant site selection process critical to its long-term success and devotes significant effort to the investigation of new locations utilizing a variety of sophisticated analytical techniques. The Company intends to concentrate on the development of certain identified markets to achieve penetration levels deemed desirable in order to improve competitive position, marketing potential and profitability. Expansion efforts will be focused not only on major metropolitan areas, but also on smaller market areas and non-traditional locations (such as airports, kiosks and food courts) that can adequately support any of the Company's restaurant concepts. The specific rate at which the Company is able to open new restaurants is determined by its success in locating satisfactory sites, negotiating acceptable lease or purchase terms, securing appropriate local governmental permits and approvals, and by its capacity to supervise construction and recruit and train management personnel.

     The restaurant industry is a highly competitive business, which is sensitive to changes in economic conditions, trends in lifestyles and fluctuating costs.  Operating margins for restaurants are susceptible to fluctuations in prices of commodities, which include among other things, beef, chicken, seafood, dairy, cheese, produce and other necessities to operate a restaurant such as natural gas or other energy supplies.  Additionally, the restaurant industry is characterized by a high initial capital investment, coupled with high labor costs.

     Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 are estimated to increase by 5% to 7% compared to the same quarter in fiscal 2004, driven primarily by capacity gains of 5% to 6%.  Cost of sales is estimated to be 0.5% to 0.6% higher than last year due to the impact of higher beef, chicken and dairy costs.  Restaurant expenses are estimated to be 0.4% to 0.5% lower than last year as a result of potential refranchising gains and lower advertising costs.  General and administrative expenses are estimated to be 0.1% lower due primarily to lower performance based expenses.  Additionally, during the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company expects to record an additional charge of approximately $3.0 million, primarily related to existing lease obligations associated with the disposition of Big Bowl.  The effective tax rate during the second quarter is estimated to be 32.2%.

 REVENUES

     Revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased to $910.5 million, 4.5% over the $870.9 million generated for the same quarter of fiscal 2004. The increase was primarily attributable to a net increase of 35 company-owned restaurants since September 24, 2003.  The Company increased its capacity for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 by approximately 3.5% compared to the respective prior year quarter. Comparable store sales increased 0.3% for the first quarter as compared to the same period of fiscal 2004.  Menu prices in the aggregate increased 2.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2004.

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES

     Cost of sales, as a percent of revenues, increased 0.3% for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2004.  The increase was due to a 1.0% increase in commodity prices for meat, seafood, poultry, dairy and cheese, and a 0.2% unfavorable product mix shift for meat and seafood, partially offset by a 0.7% increase in menu prices, and a 0.2% decrease in commodity prices for produce.

     Restaurant expenses, as a percent of revenues, increased 0.1% for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2004.  The increase was primarily due to increases in labor costs, payroll taxes, and health, workers compensation and general liability insurance.  These increases were partially offset by a $3.8 million gain recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as a result of the sale of nine Chili's restaurants to a new franchise partner, and decreases in manager bonuses and advertising costs.

     Depreciation and amortization increased $3.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2004.  The increase in depreciation expense was due to new unit construction and ongoing remodel costs, partially offset by a decrease in depreciation related to store closures and a declining depreciable asset base for older units.

     General and administrative expenses increased $3.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2004. The increase was primarily due to increased costs related to consumer research and an increase in payroll costs resulting from an increase in headcount, partially offset by a decrease in incentive based compensation.

     Restructure charges and other impairments recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2005 include a $31.2 million impairment charge resulting from the decision to sell nine Big Bowl restaurants and to close the remaining five restaurants, a $16.9 million charge to fully impair the investment and notes receivable associated with Rockfish, a $1.4 million charge associated with the closure of one Corner Bakery commissary, and a $1.2 million gain associated with the thirty restaurants closed in fiscal 2004, consisting of increases in the estimated sales value of previously impaired owned units and decreases in the estimated lease obligation.

     Interest expense increased $3.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2004.  The increase was primarily due to interest expense related to the 5.75% notes issued in May 2004 (the "Notes"), partially offset by debt issuance costs related to the convertible debt being fully amortized in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and a lower average outstanding balance on the senior notes.

     Other, net increased $700,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2004 due primarily to an increase in the Company's share of losses in an equity method investee, partially offset by an increase in interest income associated with the investment of proceeds received from the issuance of the Notes.

INCOME TAXES

     The effective income tax rate decreased to a benefit of 62.1% for the current quarter as compared to an expense of 32.3% for the same quarter last year.  The decrease in the tax rate was primarily due to the disposition of Big Bowl, which allowed the Company to take tax deductions for goodwill impairment charges totaling $48.6 million ($21.6 million recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2005 and $27.0 million recorded in fiscal 2004).

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     Working capital decreased to a deficit of $95.3 million at September 29, 2004 from a working capital surplus of $21.8 million at June 30, 2004, primarily due to payments made under the forward purchase contracts and purchases of treasury stock during the first quarter of fiscal 2005.  Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to $53.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 from $97.3 million during the same period in fiscal 2004 due to decreased profitability and the timing of operational receipts and payments. The Company believes that its various sources of capital, including availability under existing credit facilities, ability to raise additional financing, and cash flow from operating activities, are adequate to finance operations as well as the repayment of current debt obligations.

     Capital expenditures consist of purchases of land for future restaurant sites, new restaurants under construction, purchases of new and replacement restaurant furniture and equipment, and ongoing remodeling programs. Capital expenditures were $84.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 compared to $68.0 million for the same period of fiscal 2004.  The Company estimates that its capital expenditures during the second quarter of fiscal 2005 will approximate $102.0 million.  These capital expenditures will be funded entirely from operations and existing credit facilities.

     During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company sold nine Chili's restaurants to a new franchise partner and received cash proceeds totaling $12.4 million. 

     In connection with the closing of thirty restaurants in fiscal 2004, the Company expects to generate cash of approximately $13.0 million during the remainder of fiscal 2005, primarily related to the sale of real estate.

     During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company acquired approximately 3.5 million shares of its common stock for $120.6 million under forward purchase contracts.  The shares repurchased under the contracts are intended to be used to offset the dilutive impact of the convertible debt and are recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  The contracts were settled in October 2004. 

     Pursuant to the Company's stock repurchase plan, the Company repurchased approximately 1.2 million shares of its common stock for $42.3 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2005.  As of September 29, 2004, approximately $132.4 million was available under the Company's share repurchase authorizations, net of the shares acquired under the forward purchase contracts.  The Company's stock repurchase plan will be used to minimize the dilutive impact of the convertible debt and stock option exercises.  The repurchased common stock is recorded in treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

     The Company is not aware of any other event or trend that would potentially affect its liquidity. In the event such a trend develops, the Company believes that there are sufficient funds available under its credit facilities and from its internal cash generating capabilities to adequately manage the expansion of its business.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

     In September 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 04-8, "The Effect of Contingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings Per Share," which requires shares associated with contingently convertible debt instruments with market price triggers to be included in the computation of diluted earnings per share ("EPS") regardless of whether the market price trigger has been met.  EITF 04-8 also requires that prior period diluted EPS amounts presented for comparative purposes be restated.  EITF 04-8 is effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2004.  The impact of applying EITF 04-8 to the Company's convertible debt will result in reductions to previously reported diluted EPS as follows: 

 

Fiscal Years

Quarters Ended
  2004 2003 2002 Sept. 29,
    2004		 Sept. 24,
    2003
Diluted earnings per share -
as reported		 $1.57 $1.70 $1.52 $0.16 $0.45
Diluted earnings per share -
pro-forma		 $1.50 $1.64 $1.48 $0.16 $0.43

Item 3.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

Item 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

      An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures [as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")], as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely making known to them material information relating to the Company required to be disclosed in the Company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act.

      There were no significant changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect this control during the quarter ended September 29, 2004, that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

      The Company wishes to caution readers that the following important factors, among others, could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements made in this report and from time to time in news releases, reports, proxy statements, registration statements and other written communications, as well as verbal forward-looking statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company.  Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's or the restaurant industry's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking

statements.  Factors that might cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements may include matters such as future economic performance, restaurant openings, operating margins, the availability of acceptable real estate locations for new restaurants, the sufficiency of the Company's cash balances and cash generated from operating and financing activities for the Company's future liquidity and capital resource needs, and other matters, and are generally accompanied by words such as "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "predicts," "expects" and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes.  An expanded discussion of some of these risk factors follows.

Competition may adversely affect the Company's operations and financial results.

      The restaurant business is highly competitive with respect to price, service, restaurant location, nutritional and dietary trends and food quality, and is often affected by changes in consumer tastes, economic conditions, population and traffic patterns.  The Company competes within each market with locally-owned restaurants as well as national and regional restaurant chains, some of which operate more restaurants and have greater financial resources and longer operating histories than the Company.  There is active competition for management personnel and for attractive commercial real estate sites suitable for restaurants.  In addition, factors such as inflation, increased food, labor and benefits costs, and difficulty in attracting hourly employees may adversely affect the restaurant industry in general and the Company's restaurants in particular.

The Company's sales volumes generally decrease in winter months.

      The Company's sales volumes fluctuate seasonally, and are generally higher in the summer months and lower in the winter months, which may cause seasonal fluctuations in the Company's operating results.

Changes in governmental regulation may adversely affect the Company's ability to open new restaurants and the Company's existing and future operations.

      Each of the Company's restaurants is subject to licensing and regulation by alcoholic beverage control, health, sanitation, safety and fire agencies in the state, county and/or municipality in which the restaurant is located.  The Company generally has not encountered any material difficulties or failures in obtaining the required licenses or approvals that could delay or prevent the opening of a new restaurant and although the Company does not, at this time, anticipate any occurring in the future, there can be no assurance that the Company will not experience material difficulties or failures that could delay the opening of restaurants in the future.

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

     The Company is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs such matters as minimum wages, overtime and other working conditions, along with the Americans With Disabilities Act, various family leave mandates and a variety of other laws enacted, or rules and regulations promulgated, by federal, state and local governmental authorities that govern these and other employment matters. The Company expects increases in payroll expenses as a result of federal, state and local mandated increases in the minimum wage, and although

such increases are not expected to be material, the Company cannot assure that there will not be material increases in the future.  In addition, the Company's vendors may be affected by higher minimum wage standards, which may increase the price of goods and services supplied to the Company.

Inflation may increase the Company's operating expenses.

      The Company has not experienced a significant overall impact from inflation.  As operating expenses increase, the Company, to the extent permitted by competition, recovers increased costs by increasing menu prices, by reviewing, then implementing, alternative products or processes, or by implementing other cost-reduction procedures.  There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to continue to recover increases in operating expenses due to inflation in this manner.

Increased energy costs may adversely affect the Company's profitability.

      The Company's success depends in part on its ability to absorb increases in utility costs.  Various regions of the United States in which the Company operates multiple restaurants, particularly California, have experienced significant and temporary increases in utility prices.  If these increases should recur, they will have an adverse effect on the Company's profitability.

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

      The Company intends to evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, joint venture investments, and divestitures as part of its strategic planning initiative.  These transactions involve various inherent risks, including accurately assessing the value, future growth potential, strengths, weaknesses, contingent and other liabilities and potential profitability of acquisition candidates; the Company's ability to achieve projected economic and operating synergies; unanticipated changes in business and economic conditions affecting an acquired business; and the ability of the Company to complete divestitures on acceptable terms and at or near the prices estimated as attainable by the Company.

If the Company is unable to meet its growth plan, the Company's profitability in the future may be adversely affected.

      The Company's ability to meet its growth plan is dependent upon, among other things, its ability to identify available, suitable and economically viable locations for new restaurants, obtain all required governmental permits (including zoning approvals and liquor licenses) on a timely basis, hire all necessary contractors and subcontractors, and meet construction schedules.  The costs related to restaurant and concept development include purchases and leases of land, buildings and equipment and facility and equipment maintenance, repair and replacement.  The labor and materials costs involved vary geographically and are subject to general price increases.  As a result, future capital expenditure costs of restaurant development may increase, reducing profitability.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to expand its capacity in accordance with its growth objectives or that the new restaurants and concepts opened or acquired will be profitable.

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

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

Other risk factors may adversely affect the Company's financial performance.

      Other risk factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, changes in economic conditions, consumer

perceptions of food safety, changes in consumer tastes, governmental monetary policies, changes in demographic trends, availability of employees, terrorist acts, and weather and other acts of God.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

      Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 7 to the Company's consolidated financial statements set forth in Part I of this report.

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

        Shares repurchased during the first quarter of fiscal 2005 are as follows (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

 

Total Number of Shares
Purchased (a)

Average
Price
Paid per
Share

Maximum Dollar
Value that May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Program

July 1, 2004 through
   August 4, 2004

      1,224,800

$34.49

 $253,030(b)

August 5, 2004 through
   September 1, 2004

                    -

         -

 $253,030(c)

September 2, 2004 through
   September 29, 2004

                    -

                  -

            $253,030  

     1,224,800

    $     34.49

 

(a)   All of the shares purchased during the first quarter of fiscal 2005 were purchased as part of the publicly announced program described in Part I of this report.

(b)  The Company entered into forward purchase contracts to acquire 2,714,612 shares of common stock during the five-week period ended August 4, 2004 at an average share price of $35.49, plus fees.  Payment for these shares was made during the five-week period ended August 4, 2004, thereby reducing the remaining amount available for future repurchases to $156.5 million.  These contracts physically settled, and the shares were received, in October 2004.

(c)   The Company entered into forward purchase contracts to acquire 800,000 shares of common stock during the four-week period ended September 1, 2004 at an average share price of $30.03, plus fees.  Payment for these shares was made during the four-week period ended September 1, 2004, thereby reducing the remaining amount available for future repurchases to $132.4 million.  These contracts physically settled, and the shares were received, in October 2004.

Item 6.  EXHIBITS

31(a) Certification by Douglas H. Brooks, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a - 14(a) or 17 CFR 240.15d - 14(a).
   
(31(b) Certification by Charles M. Sonsteby, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a - 14(a) or 17 CFR 240.15d - 14(a).
   
32(a) Certification by Douglas H. Brooks, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32(b) Certification by Charles M. Sonsteby, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

  BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
   
   
Date: November 8, 2004 By:  /s/ Douglas H. Brooks                                  
        Douglas H. Brooks, Chairman of the Board,
        President and Chief Executive Officer
       (Principal Executive Officer)
   
   
   
   
Date: November 8, 2004 By:  /s/ Charles M. Sonsteby                                 
       Charles M. Sonsteby,
       Executive Vice President and
       Chief Financial Officer
       (Principal Financial Officer)
EXHIBIT 31(a)

EXHIBIT 31(a)

 CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Douglas H. Brooks, certify that:

1.       I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Brinker International, Inc.;

2.       Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.       Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.       The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a.        Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.       Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c.        Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.       The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.        All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.       Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 8, 2004

/s/ Douglas H. Brooks                                   

Douglas H. Brooks, Chairman of the Board,

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)
 
EXHIBIT 31(b)

EXHIBIT 31(b)

I, Charles M. Sonsteby, certify that:

1.        I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Brinker International, Inc.;

2.        Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.        Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.        The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

    1. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
       
    2. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
       
    3. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
       
  1. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
     
    1. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
       
    2. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 8, 2004

/s/ Charles M. Sonsteby                      

Charles M. Sonsteby

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)
EXHIBIT 32(a)

EXHIBIT 32(a)

CERTIFICATION

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, the undersigned officer of Brinker International, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certifies that the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2004 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:  November 8, 2004

  By:       /s/  Douglas H. Brooks                            
        Douglas H. Brooks, Chairman of the Board,
        President and Chief Executive Officer
        (Principal Executive Officer)
   
EXHIBIT 32(b)

EXHIBIT 32(b)

CERTIFICATION

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, the undersigned officer of Brinker International, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certifies that the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2004 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:  November 8, 2004

  By:      /s/  Charles M. Sonsteby                       
        Charles M. Sonsteby
        Executive Vice President and
        Chief Financial Officer
        (Principal Financial Officer)