FORM 10-Q

                   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                         WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

             QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE

                    SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



For the Quarter Ended March 26, 1997

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

Number of shares of common stock of registrant outstanding at March
26, 1997: 67,470,737




                      BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

                               INDEX




Part I Financial Information

          Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
           March 26, 1997 and June 26, 1996               3 - 4

          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations -
           Thirteen Weeks and Thirty-Nine Weeks ended
           March 26, 1997 and March 27, 1996                  5

          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
           Thirty-Nine Weeks ended March 26, 1997
           and March 27, 1996                                 6

          Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 7

          Management's Discussion and Analysis of
           Financial Condition and Results of Operations 8 - 11


Part II Other Information                                     12


                      BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                            (In thousands)
                             (Unaudited)


March 26, June 26, 1997 1996 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 11,168 $ 27,073 Marketable Securities 46,412 - Accounts Receivable 18,940 14,142 Inventories 12,037 10,839 Prepaid Expenses 28,352 24,648 Deferred Income Taxes 10,818 11,653 Total Current Assets 127,727 88,355 Property and Equipment, at Cost: Land 168,551 150,391 Buildings and Leasehold Improvements 511,147 430,037 Furniture and Equipment 283,120 240,880 Construction-in-Progress 49,770 31,923 1,012,588 853,231 Less Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 283,616 242,001 Net Property and Equipment 728,972 611,230 Other Assets: Marketable Securities - 70,012 Goodwill 79,003 73,250 Other 56,158 45,987 Total Other Assets 135,161 189,249 Total Assets $ 991,860 $888,834 (continued)
BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Unaudited)
March 26, June 26, 1997 1996 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Short-term Debt $182,400 $ 15,000 Current Installments of Long-term Debt 321 348 Accounts Payable 69,393 58,902 Accrued Liabilities 69,731 64,140 Total Current Liabilities 321,845 138,390 Long-term Debt, Less Current Installments 102,567 102,801 Deferred Income Taxes 15,396 12,900 Other Liabilities 21,356 26,573 Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' Equity: Preferred Stock - 1,000,000 Authorized Shares; $1.00 Par Value; No Shares Issued - - Common Stock - 250,000,000 Authorized Shares; $.10 Par Value; 77,684,237 Shares Issued and 67,470,737 Shares Outstanding at March 26, 1997, and 77,255,783 Shares Issued and Outstanding at June 26, 1996 7,768 7,726 Additional Paid-In Capital 269,444 266,561 Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities 392 (620) Retained Earnings 375,859 334,503 653,463 608,170 Less: Treasury Stock, at cost (10,213,500 shares) (122,767) - Total Shareholders' Equity 530,696 608,170 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $991,860 $888,834
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended Mar. 26, 1997 Mar. 27, 1996 Mar. 26, 1997 Mar. 27, 1996 Revenues $ 345,510 $ 284,206 $ 965,099 $ 863,322 Costs and Expenses: Cost of Sales 96,450 79,521 272,812 246,854 Restaurant Expenses 189,596 154,075 522,023 463,089 Depreciation and Amortization 20,608 15,734 57,059 48,007 General and Administrative 17,381 13,623 48,899 40,198 Interest Expense 2,289 1,356 5,494 3,015 Gain on Sales of Concepts - - - (9,262) Restructuring Charge - - - 50,000 Other, Net (862) (1,116) (3,377) (2,709) Total Costs and Expenses 325,462 263,193 902,910 839,192 Income Before Provision for Income Taxes 20,048 21,013 62,189 24,130 Provision for Income Taxes 6,716 7,144 20,833 8,235 Net Income $ 13,332 $ 13,869 $ 41,356 $ 15,895 Primary Net Income Per Share $ 0.18 $ 0.18 $ 0.53 $ 0.21 Fully Diluted Net Income Per Share $ 0.18 $ 0.18 $ 0.53 $ 0.20 Primary Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 75,704 78,389 78,163 77,421 Fully Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 75,704 78,816 78,315 77,822
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) (Unaudited)
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended March 26, 1997 March 27, 1996 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Income $ 41,356 $ 15,895 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Depreciation and Amortization of Property and Equipment 46,842 40,458 Amortization of Goodwill and Other Assets 10,217 7,549 Gain on Sales of Concepts - (9,262) Restructuring Charge - 50,000 Changes in Assets and Liabilities, Excluding Effects of Acquisitions and Dispositions: (Increase) Decrease in Accounts Receivable (4,995) 2,039 Increase in Inventories (950) (900) Increase in Prepaid Expenses (3,620) (3,491) Increase in Other Assets (16,163) (10,748) Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable 10,491 (16,847) Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities 4,910 (2,173) Increase in Deferred Income Taxes 2,814 1,011 Decrease in Other Liabilities (5,394) (408) Other 481 1,604 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 85,989 74,727 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Payments for Property and Equipment (153,536) (150,127) Payments for Purchase of Restaurants (15,863) - Purchases of Marketable Securities (38,795) (48,772) Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities 59,003 17,327 Proceeds from Sales of Concepts - 73,115 Other - 375 Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (149,191) (108,082) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings of Short-term Debt 167,373 15,000 Payments of Long-term Debt (234) (1,494) Proceeds from Issuances of Common Stock 2,925 2,930 Purchases of Treasury Stock (122,767) - Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities 47,297 16,436 Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents (15,905) (16,919) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 27,073 44,911 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 11,168 $ 27,992 CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD: Income Taxes $ 22,359 $ 16,423 Interest, Net of Amounts Capitalized $ 3,035 $ 873 NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS DURING THE PERIOD: Common Stock Issued in Connection with Acquisitions $ - $ 66,362 Notes Received in Connection with Sales of Concepts $ - $ 9,800
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 1.Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements of Brinker International, Inc. ("Company") as of March 26, 1997 and June 26, 1996 and for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended March 26, 1997 and March 27, 1996 have been prepared by the Company, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company owns or franchises over 690 restaurants under the names of Chili's Grill & Bar ("Chili's"), Romano's Macaroni Grill ("Macaroni Grill"), On The Border Cafes ("On The Border"), Cozymel's Coastal Mexican Grill ("Cozymel's"), Maggiano's Little Italy ("Maggiano's"), Corner Bakery ("Corner Bakery"), and Eatzi's Market & Bakery ("Eatzi's"). The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the operating results for the respective periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's June 26, 1996 Form 10-K. Company management believes that the disclosures are sufficient for interim financial reporting purposes. Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. 2.Net Income Per Share Both primary and fully diluted net income per share are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period increased by common equivalent shares (stock options) determined using the treasury stock method. Primary weighted average equivalent shares are determined based on the average market price exceeding the exercise price of the stock options. Fully diluted weighted average equivalent shares are determined based on the higher of the average or ending market price exceeding the exercise price of the stock options. 3.Debt On January 23, 1997, the Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase up to $150 million of the Company's common stock. During the quarter, the Company repurchased $122.8 million of the $150 million in accordance with applicable securities regulations. The repurchased common stock will be used by the Company to satisfy obligations under its savings plans, to meet the needs of its various stock option plans, or for other corporate purposes. The Company has financed the repurchase program through a combination of cash provided by operations, partial liquidation of its marketable securities portfolio, and drawdowns on its available credit facilities. As a result of the repurchase program and projected capital expenditures in the fourth quarter and fiscal 1998, the Company has classified its available-for-sale marketable securities portfolio as a current asset. On March 27, 1997, the Company increased a short-term credit facility to $75 million. On April 1, 1997, the Company modified and amended its revolving line of credit. The facility was increased to $260 million in total commitments, and its maturity was extended until April, 2002. No other significant changes or modifications were made to the terms or covenants. The Company now has credit facilities totaling $375 million. 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 condensed consolidated statements of operations.
13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended Mar. 26, 1997 Mar. 27, 1996 Mar. 26, 1997 Mar. 27, 1996 Revenues 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Costs and Expenses: Cost of Sales 27.9% 28.0% 28.3% 28.6% Restaurant Expenses 54.9% 54.2% 54.1% 53.6% Depreciation and Amortization 6.0% 5.5% 5.9% 5.6% General and Administrative 5.0% 4.8% 5.1% 4.7% Interest Expense 0.7% 0.5% 0.6% 0.3% Gain on Sales of Concepts -% -% -% (1.1)% Restructuring Charge -% -% -% 5.8% Other, Net (0.3)% (0.4)% (0.4)% (0.3)% Total Costs and Expenses 94.2% 92.6% 93.6% 97.2% Income Before Provision for Income Taxes 5.8% 7.4% 6.4% 2.8% Provision for Income Taxes 1.9% 2.5% 2.2% 1.0% Net Income 3.9% 4.9% 4.3% 1.8%
The following table details the number of restaurant openings during the third quarter and year-to-date, as well as total restaurants open at the end of the third quarter.
Total Open at End 3rd Quarter Openings Year-to-Date Openings of Third Quarter Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 Chili's: Company-owned 6 8 25 33 389 347 Franchised 7 4 19 19 141 127 Total 13 12 44 52 530 474 Macaroni Grill: Company-owned 10 2 23 13 92 63 Franchised -- -- -- 1 2 2 Total 10 2 23 14 94 65 On The Border: Company-owned 6 2 9 6 31 20 Franchised 1 -- 3 -- 5 4 Total 7 2 12 6 36 24 Cozymel's -- 5 1 8 12 11 Maggiano's 1 -- 2 -- 5 3 Corner Bakery 2 1 5 3 13 7 Eatzi's -- 1 -- 1 1 1 Concepts sold -- -- -- 12 -- 1 Grand total 33 23 87 96 691 586
REVENUES Revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 1997 increased to $345.5 million, 21.6% over the $284.2 million generated for the same quarter of fiscal 1996. Revenues for the thirty-nine weeks ended March 26, 1997 rose 11.8% to $965.1 million from the $863.3 million generated for the same period of fiscal 1996. The increase is primarily attributable to the 90 Company-operated restaurants opened or acquired since March 27, 1996. The Company increased its capacity (as measured in sales weeks) for the third quarter and year-to-date of fiscal 1997 by 19.3% and 10.3%, respectively, compared to the respective prior year periods. Average weekly sales increased 2.0% and 1.3% for the second quarter and year-to-date, respectively, from the same periods of fiscal 1996. COSTS AND EXPENSES (as a percent of Revenues) Cost of sales decreased for the third quarter and year-to-date of fiscal 1997 as compared to the respective periods for fiscal 1996. The decrease was due to favorable commodity prices for seafood and other food items, as well as menu price increases partially offset by unfavorable commodity prices for meat, poultry, and dairy. Restaurant expenses increased on both a comparative third quarter and year-to-date basis, primarily as a result of increases in management and hourly labor. The increase in management labor is due to increases in base pay to remain competitive in the industry. At the restaurant operating level, hourly labor costs are up due to regulatory increases in the minimum wage as well as wage rate increases for non-minimum wage employees in order to meet industry competition and retain quality employees. Partially offsetting the labor increases were reduced insurance costs resulting from an aggressive safety program and claims management strategies put in place by the Company over the last two to three years. Depreciation and amortization increased for both the third quarter and year-to-date of fiscal 1997. Depreciation and amortization increased due to fiscal 1996 acquisitions, new unit construction costs, and ongoing remodel costs. General and administrative expenses increased in the third quarter and year-to-date of fiscal 1997 compared to the respective fiscal 1996 periods. Incremental costs are primarily attributable to additional staff and support as the Company continues the expansion of its restaurant concepts, the accrual of profit sharing, and non- recurring severance costs. Interest expense increased in the third quarter and year-to-date of fiscal 1997 compared to the respective fiscal 1996 periods primarily due to incremental borrowings on the Company's credit facilities in the third quarter to fund the Company's stock repurchase plan. Other, net, decreased for the third quarter and increased for the year-to-date of fiscal 1997. Other, net, was negatively impacted in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 due to a partial liquidation of the marketable securities portfolio resulting in a reduction of income earned as well as the realization of losses on marketable securities sales. The proceeds from liquidation were used to fund a portion of the Company's stock repurchase plan. Year-to-date increased primarily due to gains on sales of land in the second quarter. INCOME TAXES The Company's effective income tax rate was 33.5% for the third quarter and year-to-date of fiscal 1997 compared to 34.0% and 34.1% for the same periods of fiscal 1996. The fiscal 1997 effective income tax rate has decreased as a result of the Congressional enactment of the work opportunity tax credit and an increase in the Federal FICA tax credits for tipped wages. NET INCOME AND NET INCOME PER SHARE Operating results before restructuring related items (gain on sales of concepts and restructuring charge in fiscal 1996) are summarized as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
39 Weeks Ended Mar. 26, Mar. 27, 1997 1996 Income Before Restructuring Related Items and Income Taxes $ 62.2 $ 64.9 Income Taxes Before Restructuring Related Items 20.8 22.5 Net Income Before Restructuring Related Items $ 41.4 $ 42.4 Net Income Per Share Before Restructuring Related Items $ 0.53 $ 0.55
Year-to-date net income and primary net income per share before restructuring related items declined 2.4% and 3.6%, respectively, compared to fiscal 1996. The decrease in net income before restructuring related items in light of the increase in revenues was due to the increases in costs and expenses mentioned above. IMPACT OF INFLATION 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 raising menu prices. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The working capital deficit increased from $50.0 million at June 26, 1996 to $194.1 million at March 26, 1997, due primarily to the Company's capital expenditures and stock repurchase plan discussed below. Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $86.0 million for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 1997 from $74.7 million during the same period in fiscal 1996 due to timing of operational receipts and payments. Long-term debt outstanding at March 26, 1997 consisted of $100 million of unsecured senior notes and obligations under capital leases. Capital expenditures were $153.5 million for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 1997 as compared to $150.1 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 1996. 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 the ongoing remodeling program. The Company estimates that its capital expenditures during the fourth quarter will approximate $57 million. These capital expenditures will be funded from internal operations, cash equivalents, income earned from investments, the partial liquidation of the marketable securities portfolio, build-to-suit lease agreements with landlords, and drawdowns on the Company's available lines of credit. On January 23, 1997, the Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase up to $150 million of the Company's common stock. During the quarter, the Company repurchased $122.8 million of the $150 million in accordance with applicable securities regulations. The repurchased common stock will be used by the Company to satisfy obligations under its savings plans, to meet the needs of its various stock option plans, or for other corporate purposes. The Company has financed the repurchase program through a combination of cash provided by operations, partial liquidation of its marketable securities portfolio, and drawdowns on its available credit facilities. The timing of the remaining repurchases will be dependent upon market conditions, share price and other factors. The Company intends to finance the remaining repurchases in a manner consistent with the repurchases to date. As a result of the repurchase program and projected capital expenditures in the fourth quarter and fiscal 1998, the Company has classified its available-for-sale marketable securities portfolio as a current asset. The Company intends to repay a portion of the short-term debt outstanding on its credit facilities with the proceeds from a sale and leaseback of a portion of its real estate locations in the first quarter of fiscal 1998. On March 27, 1997, the Company increased a short-term credit facility to $75 million. On April 1, 1997, the Company modified and amended its revolving line of credit. The facility was increased to $260 million in total commitments, and its maturity was extended until April, 2002. No other significant changes or modifications were made to the terms or covenants. The Company now has credit facilities totaling $375 million. At March 26, 1997, the Company had $183.0 million in available funds from credit facilities, adjusted for such amendments. The Company is not aware of any other event or trend which would potentially affect its liquidity. In the event such a trend would develop, the Company believes that there are sufficient funds available to it under the lines of credit and strong internal cash generating capabilities to adequately manage the expansion of business. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 ("SFAS 128"), "Earnings Per Share", which is required to be adopted after December 15, 1997. At that time, the Company will be required to change the method currently used to compute earnings per share and to restate all prior periods. Under the new requirements for calculating basic earnings per share, the dilutive effect of stock options will be excluded. The impact of Statement 128 on the calculation of primary earnings per share and fully diluted earnings per share for the periods presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations is not material. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The Company wishes to caution readers that various factors could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements made from time to time in news releases, reports, proxy statements, registration statements and other written communications (including the preceding sections of this Management's Discussion and Analysis), as well as oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company. Except for historical information, matters discussed in such oral and written communications are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to general business conditions, the impact of competition, the seasonality of the Company's business, taxes, inflation, and governmental regulations. PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 6: EXHIBITS Exhibit 27 Financial Data Schedule. Filed with EDGAR version. 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: May 12, 1997 By:__________________________ Ronald A. McDougall, President and Chief Executive Officer (Duly Authorized Signatory) Date: May 12, 1997 By:___________________________ Debra Smithart, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 

5 1,000 9-MOS JUN-25-1997 JUN-27-1996 MAR-26-1997 11,168 46,412 19,146 206 12,037 127,727 1,012,588 283,616 991,860 321,845 102,567 0 0 7,768 645,695 991,860 954,557 965,099 272,812 851,614 0 280 5,494 62,189 20,833 41,356 0 0 0 41,356 0.53 0.53