Form 8-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

 FORM 8-K

 Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 25, 2005

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State of Incorporation)

1-10275
(Commission File
Number)

74-1914582
(IRS Employment
Identification No.)

6820 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75240
(Address of principal executive offices)

 Registrant's telephone number, including area code    972-980-9917

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

____   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425).

____   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12).

____   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
           240.14d-2(b)).

____   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act  (17 CFR
           240.13e-4(c)).


 

Item 2.02.  Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

          The information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including the Exhibit attached hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section.  Furthermore, the information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, amended.

          On January 25, 2005, Brinker International, Inc. issued a Press Release announcing its second quarter fiscal 2005 results.  The information in the Press Release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.

Item 9.01.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c)     Exhibits.

          99   Press Release, dated January 25, 2005.

 

SIGNATURE

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

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Date: January 28, 2005

By:  /s/Douglas H. Brooks                                

     Douglas H. Brooks, Chairman of the Board,

     President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 99

Exhibit 99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:  Louis Adams, Chris Barnes, Media Relations               Lynn Schweinfurth, Investor Relations
                (972) 770-4967, (972) 770-4959                                   (972) 770-7228

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES SECOND QUARTER DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE OF $0.47 EXCLUDING CHARGES; REPORTED EARNINGS PER SHARE OF $0.44

 

     DALLAS (Jan. 25, 2005) - Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), reported net income of $41.4 million, or $0.44 diluted earnings per share, including restructure charges primarily associated with Big Bowl Asian Kitchen, for the company's second quarter ended December 29, 2004.  Excluding the charges, net income was $44.2 million or $0.47 diluted earnings per share compared to $0.42 diluted earnings per share reported in the same quarter of fiscal 2004.

     "We are pleased that our second quarter results came in higher than expected," said Todd Diener, Chief Operating Officer for Brinker. "Moving forward, understanding and satisfying the needs of our guests will remain our top priority. We will continue to leverage consumer research to guide our operations and culinary strategy and fill our product development pipeline with craveable offerings that drive sustained, positive traffic and sales growth."

     During the second quarter of fiscal 2005, Brinker recorded an after-tax charge totaling $2.8 million largely attributed to the decision to dispose of Big Bowl Asian Kitchen, which was announced last October.  The charge consists of existing lease obligations, severance costs, and the write-off of inventory and supplies.

     Also during the second quarter, the company adopted EITF 04-8, "The Effect of Contingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings Per Share." This resulted in adding back interest expense and including additional shares in the weighted average share base for contingently convertible debt instruments in diluted earnings per share. The company's second quarter fiscal 2005 and 2004 earnings per diluted share reflect the impact of this new accounting pronouncement. 

     In December 2004, Brinker resolved a dispute with the Internal Revenue Service and paid an assessment of $17.3 million for employer-only Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes on unreported cash tips for calendar years 2000 through 2002. The payment is included in restaurant expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2005.  Brinker also recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $16.9 million, consisting primarily of federal income tax credits related to the additional FICA taxes paid. The IRS resolution resulted in a negative impact on net income of approximately $400,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2005. 


     As previously reported, the company has corrected its computation of straight-line rent expense and the related deferred rent liability following a review of its accounting policy.  As a result, Brinker's diluted earnings per share decreased by approximately $0.01 for the second quarter of both fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004. The restatement did not have any impact on the company's previously reported cash flows, sales, comparable store sales, or compliance with any covenant under its credit facility or other debt instruments.  

     Other results for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 included:

 


     The company acquired approximately 3.5 million shares under forward purchase contracts that settled on October 21, 2004, as previously reported. At the end of the quarter, approximately $132.4 million was available under the company's share repurchase authorization.

December 2004 Comparable Store Sales

     For the four-week period ending December 29, 2004, comparable store sales increased 6.9 percent. December comparable store sales for the company and the four reported brands were as follows:

Dec. FY '05

Dec. FY '04

Brinker

6.9%

4.9%

Chili's

6.6%

4.2%

Macaroni Grill

6.3%

4.4%

Maggiano's

6.8%

8.8%

On The Border

9.9%

7.8%

     December price increases and product mix-shifts for Brinker and the four reported brands were as follows:

 

Price Increase

Product Mix-Shift

Brinker

2.4%

0.4%

Chili's

2.8%

0.8%

Macaroni Grill

2.1%

0.6%

Maggiano's

2.2%

0.4%

On The Border

1.2%

-1.4%


     The company estimates December sales were positively impacted 6 to 7 percent due to the fiscal period starting one week later than the prior year.  This was offset approximately 2 percent by the negative impact of holiday shifts.  Excluding the impact of the fiscal period comparison, comparable store sales increased 2 to 3 percent.

Redemption of Convertible Debentures

     Brinker also announced it has completed the redemption of its outstanding zero coupon convertible senior debentures due 2021.  Debenture holders chose to convert debentures with an accreted value of approximately $10.8 million into 308,092 shares of common stock of Brinker International, Inc., plus cash in lieu of fractional shares.  The company redeemed the balance of the debentures at the price of $633.54 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity, or approximately $262.7 million.  The company funded the cash redemption with a combination of cash on hand and available lines of credit.

     "We are highly confident in the future growth prospects of our company," said Charles Sonsteby, Chief Financial Officer for Brinker.  "This transaction underscores our focus on improving our capital structure and cost of capital to increase long-term shareholder value."

Third Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2005 Forecast

     The company expects third quarter revenue growth of 6 to 8 percent and comparable store sales growth of 1 to 3 percent.  The company's estimate for third quarter earnings per diluted share is $0.63 to $0.65, excluding any potential refranchising gains.  This assumes weighted average shares of approximately 91 million.


     The company's estimate for full-year fiscal 2005 earnings per diluted share is $2.12 to $2.18, excluding charges and gains.  Full year estimates are based on expectations of comparable store sales growth of 1 to 3 percent and weighted average shares of approximately 94 million.

     January sales results will be published on February 9, 2005, after the market closes.  Investors and interested parties are invited to listen to today's conference call, as management will provide further details of the quarter and an outlook for future periods.  The call will be broadcast live on the Brinker Web site (http://www.brinker.com) at 9 a.m. CST today (Jan. 25).  For those who are unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the call will be available shortly thereafter and will remain on the Brinker Web site until the end of the day February 8, 2005.

     At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2005, Brinker International either owned, operated, franchised, or was involved in the ownership of 1,531 restaurants under the names Chili's Grill & Bar (1,023 units), Romano's Macaroni Grill (227 units), Maggiano's Little Italy (32 units), On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (131 units), Corner Bakery Cafe (86 units), Big Bowl Asian Kitchen (9 units), and Rockfish Seafood Grill (23 units).

     The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and, consequently, could be affected by general business and economic conditions, the impact of competition, the seasonality of the company's business, adverse weather conditions, future commodity prices, fuel and utility costs and availability, terrorists acts, consumer perception of food safety, changes in consumer taste, changes in demographic trends, availability of employees, unfavorable publicity, the company's ability to meet its growth plan, acts of God, governmental regulations, and inflation.      


 

 BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

                                                                                             Thirteen Week Periods Ended                             Twenty Six Week Periods Ended

December 29,

December 24,

                       December 29,

December 24,

2004

2003

                              2004

2003

 

(as restated)

 

(as restated)

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$    950,793  

$   886,490

$1,861,271

$  1,757,388

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

  Cost of sales

270,114

245,217

523,203

     485,119

  Restaurant expenses (a)

535,020

491,242

1,045,713

     978,763

  Depreciation and amortization

46,397

43,366

92,336

      85,775

  General and administrative

42,687 

     36,626

79,839 

      69,922

  Restructure charge and other impairments

       4,143

      2,034

    52,399

       2,034

   Total operating costs and expenses

     898,361   

    818,485

 1,793,490 

   1,621,613

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

52,432

68,005

67,781

     135,775

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

7,081

2,933

14,200

       6,251

Other, net

       1,093 

      1,127

     1,535 

         870

 

 

 

Income before income tax benefit (expense)

44,258

63,945

52,046

     128,654

Income tax benefit (expense) (b)

      (2,855)

    (20,586)

     3,266 

     (41,422)

 

 

 

 

    Net income

$     41,403 

$    43,359

$   55,312 

 $    87,232

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share

$       0.47 

$      0.45

$     0.62 

 $      0.90 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share

$       0.44 

$      0.42

$     0.59 

 $      0.85 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average

 

 

 

 

  shares outstanding

      87,505 

     96,156

     88,633 

      96,780

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average

 

 

 

  shares outstanding

      96,471 

    105,531

     97,599 

     106,335

a)  Current year restaurant expenses include a $17.3 million charge related to the IRS resolution and increases in rent expense of $1.3 million and $2.6 million for the second quarter and year-to-date, respectively, due to the correction of the computation of straight-line rent expense.  Prior year restaurant expenses include a $2.4 million gain as a result of the sale of four Chili's to a franchise partner and the sale of one real estate property.  Also included in prior year restaurant expenses are increases in rent expense of $1.2 million and $2.4 million for the second quarter and year-to-date, respectively, due to the correction of the computation of straight-line rent expense.

b)  Current year income tax benefit (expense) includes a $16.9 million benefit related to the IRS settlement. 


 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

December 29,

June 30,

 

2004

2004

 

 

(as restated)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

  Total current assets

    $    323,916

    $    400,920

 

  Net property and equipment

       1,604,397

       1,566,846

 

  Total other assets (a)

          204,866

          239,620

 

  Total assets

   $  2,133,179

   $  2,207,386

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

  Total current liabilities

    $    390,923

   $    379,162

 

  Long-term debt, less current installments

          617,394

         639,291

 

  Other liabilities (a)

          199,141

         178,511

 

  Total shareholders' equity

          925,721

      1,010,422

 

  Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

   $  2,133,179

  $  2,207,386

 

 

 

a)  Other liabilities at December 29, 2004 and June 30, 2004 reflect an increase in the straight-line rent liability associated with the restatement totaling $23.4 million and $20.7 million, respectively.  Offsetting this increase in other liabilities is the corresponding decrease in deferred tax liabilities related to the restatement of $10.8 million and $9.4 million, at December 29, 2004 and June 30, 2004, respectively.  Other assets at December 29, 2004 and June 30, 2004 reflect the restatement associated with the intangible franchise rights purchased in fiscal 1998.  Other assets decreased by $4.4 million and there was no effect on net income.

  

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

UNITS SUMMARY

Total Units

Second Quarter Fiscal 2005

Total Units

Projected Openings

Sep. 29, 2004

Net Activity

Dec. 29, 2004

Fiscal 2005

Company-Owned
Units:
       

  Chili's

757

                              23

780

77-80

  Macaroni Grill

211

                                3

214

15-18

  Maggiano's

30

                                2

32

5

  On The Border

112

                                1

113

8-10

  Corner Bakery

83

                                 -

83

8-10

  Big Bowl

   14

                              (5)

    9

      0

1,207

                               24

1,231

113-123

 

 

 

 

JV/Franchise Units:

 

 

 

 

  Chili's

242

                                 1

243

25-30

  Macaroni Grill

9

                                 4

13

5-6

  On The Border

18

                                  -

18

0-1

  Corner Bakery

3

                                  -

3

0

  Rockfish

   25

                               (2)

   23

      0

  297

                                  3

  300

  30-37

 

 

 

 

Total Units:

 

 

 

 

  Chili's

999

                                24

1,023

102-110

  Macaroni Grill

220

                                  7

227

20-24

  Maggiano's

30

                                  2

32

5

  On The Border

130

                                  1

131

8-11

  Corner Bakery

86

                                   -

86

8-10

  Big Bowl

14

                                (5)

9

0

  Rockfish

   25

                                (2)

   23

      0

1,504

                                27

1,531

143-160

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

LYNN SCHWEINFURTH
INVESTOR RELATIONS
(972) 770-7228
6820 LBJ FREEWAY
DALLAS, TEXAS 75240