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            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 March 26, 2003

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, 2003: 97,102,213



            BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

            INDEX

Part I - Financial Information

      Item 1.  Financial Statements

           Consolidated Balance Sheets -
            March 26, 2003 (Unaudited) and June 26, 2002                                                 3

           Consolidated Statements of Income
            (Unaudited) - Thirteen week and thirty-nine week
            periods ended March 26, 2003 and
            March 27, 2002                                                                                                  4

           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
            (Unaudited) - Thirty-nine week periods ended
            March 26, 2003 and March 27, 2002                                                                 5

           Notes to Consolidated
                        Financial Statements (Unaudited)                                                       6 - 9

      Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
            Financial Condition and Results of Operations                                           10 - 15

      Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
                        About Market Risk                                                                              15

      Item 4.  Controls and Procedures                                                                           15

Part II - Other Information

      Item 1.  Legal Proceedings                                                                                    17

      Item 6.  Exhibits                                                                                                    18

           Signatures                                                                                                        19

           Certifications                                                                                            20 - 22



PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)


 

                                                              

March 26,
2003

         June 26,
           2002

                                                            

  (Unaudited)

 

 

ASSETS

Current Assets:

  Cash and cash equivalents

$    9,195

$   10,091

  Accounts receivable

30,089

22,613

  Inventories

24,352

25,190

  Prepaid expenses and other

69,476

66,727

  Income taxes receivable

-

15,673

  Deferred income taxes

     3,064

     1,660

   Total current assets

   136,176

   141,954

Property and Equipment, at Cost:

  Land

267,952

254,000

  Buildings and leasehold improvements

1,217,973

1,091,434

  Furniture and equipment                                        

573,213

635,403

  Construction-in-progress                                    

    59,163

    57,015

   

2,118,301

2,037,852

  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (644,657)

  (682,435)

   Net property and equipment

 1,473,644

 1,355,417

Other Assets:

  Goodwill, net                                                   

193,899

193,899

  Other

    86,133

    92,066

   Total other assets                                         

   280,032

   285,965

   Total assets

$1,889,852

$1,783,336

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

  Current installments of long-term debt

$   17,605

$   17,292

  Accounts payable

93,402

118,418

  Accrued liabilities

   169,678

   166,510

  Income taxes payable

    26,652

         -

    Total current liabilities

   307,337

   302,220

Long-term debt, less current installments                         

395,348

426,679

Deferred income taxes                                               

37,654

17,295

Other liabilities  

70,934

60,046

Shareholders' Equity:

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

   par value; 117,499,541 shares issued and

   97,102,213 shares outstanding at March 26,

   2003, and 117,500,054 shares issued and

   97,440,391 shares outstanding at June 26, 2002                  

11,750

11,750

  Additional paid-in capital

330,852

330,191

  Retained earnings

 1,083,090

   954,701

  Accumulated other comprehensive income

       648

         -

                                                                  

1,426,340

1,296,642

  Less:

  Treasury stock, at cost (20,397,328 shares at March

    26, 2003 and 20,059,663 shares at June 26, 2002)

(345,402)

(317,674)

  Unearned compensation

    (2,359)

    (1,872)

   Total shareholders' equity

 1,078,579

   977,096

   Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$1,889,852

$1,783,336

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   Thirty-Nine Week Periods Ended

 

March 26,

March 27,

March 26,

March 27,

  2003

 2002

 2003

 2002

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$ 840,776

$ 745,786

$ 2,409,178

$ 2,104,192

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

  Cost of sales

231,054

207,871

659,151

584,529

  Restaurant expenses

461,360

417,407

 1,332,309

1,161,487

  Depreciation and amortization

40,380

34,273

116,238

92,610

  General and administrative

   34,810

   29,586

     99,131

     87,833

   Total operating costs and expenses

  767,604

  689,137

  2,206,829

  1,926,459

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

73,172

56,649

202,349

177,733

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

3,730

4,034

10,151

10,655

Other, net

      237

      998

       (593)

      1,806

 

 

 

 

Income before provision for

 

 

 

 

 income taxes

69,205

51,617

192,791

165,272

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

   23,045

   17,447

     64,402

     56,832

 

 

 

 

 

    Net income

$  46,160

$  34,170

$   128,389

$   108,440

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share

$    0.48

$    0.35

$      1.32

$      1.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share   

$    0.47

$    0.34

$      1.30

$      1.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average

 

 

 

 

  shares outstanding

   97,025

   97,694

     96,996

     97,924

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average

 

 

 

 

  shares outstanding

   98,901

  100,652

     98,988

    100,588

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

                                                                                                            Thirty-Nine Week Periods Ended

March 26,

March 27,

                                                             

2003

2002

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

Net income

$ 128,389

 

$  108,440

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash

  provided by operating activities:

   Depreciation and amortization

116,238

 

92,610

   Amortization of deferred costs                         

8,961

 

5,311

   Deferred income taxes                                  

18,955

 

7,672

   Impairment of intangible asset                         

4,123

 

-

   Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding

effects of acquisitions:

 

 

 

       Receivables       

(7,622)

 

6,514

       Inventories                                            

838

 

2,756

       Prepaid expenses and other                          

2,699

 

(591)

       Other assets

3,103

 

3,171

       Current income taxes

42,325

 

(303)

       Accounts payable    

(25,016)

 

22,396

       Accrued liabilities

5,555

 

27,231

       Other liabilities

    2,935

 

      640

       Net cash provided by operating activities

  301,483

 

  275,847

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

Payments for property and equipment

(239,762)

 

(304,303)

Payments for purchases of restaurants                         

-

 

(60,491)

Proceeds from sale of affiliate

-

 

4,000

Investment in equity method investees

(1,750)

 

(12,322)

Repayment of notes receivable from affiliate

11,000

 

325

Issuance of loan to affiliate

(3,800)

 

(1,000)

Net repayments from (advances to) affiliates

      146

 

     (817)

       Net cash used in investing activities               

 (234,166)

 

 (374,608)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

Net payments on credit facilities

(36,234)

 

(61,240)

Net proceeds from issuance of debt

-

 

244,243

Proceeds from issuances of treasury stock

21,354

 

33,459

Purchases of treasury stock                                

  (53,333)

 

 (107,886)

       Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities 

  (68,213)

 

  108,576

Net change in cash and cash equivalents                      

(896)

 

9,815

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     

   10,091

 

   13,312

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                 

$   9,195

 

$  23,127

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 March 26, 2003 and June 26, 2002 and for the thirteen week and thirty-nine week periods ended March 26, 2003 and March 27, 2002, respectively, 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"), On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina ("On The Border"), Maggiano's Little Italy ("Maggiano's"), Corner Bakery Cafe ("Corner Bakery"), Big Bowl Asian Kitchen ("Big Bowl"), and Cozymel's Coastal Grill ("Cozymel's").  In addition, the Company owns an approximate 43% interest in the legal entities (collectively, the "Rockfish Partnership") 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 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 generally accepted accounting principles 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 26, 2002 Form 10-K. Company management believes that the disclosures are sufficient for interim financial reporting purposes.

      Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with fiscal 2003 classifications.  These reclassifications have no effect on the Company's net income or financial position as previously reported.

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 Standard ("SFAS") No. 123.  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

Thirty-Nine Week Periods Ended

March 26,

March 27,

March 26,

March 27,

  2003

 2002

 2003

 2002

 

 

 

 

Net income - as reported

$  46,160

$  34,170

$  128,389

$  108,440

 

 

 

 

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

 

310

 

655

 

1,505

 

1,730

 

 

 

 

 

Deduct: Fair value based
  compensation expense,
  net of taxes

 

   (4,311)

 

   (4,541)

 

  (13,342)

 

  (12,700)

 

 

 

 

Net income - pro-forma

$  42,159

$  30,284

$ 116,552

$  97,470

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

Basic - as reported

$    0.48

$    0.35

$    1.32

$    1.11

Basic - pro-forma

$    0.43

$    0.31

$    1.20

$    1.00

 

 

 

 

Diluted - as reported

$    0.47

$    0.34

$    1.30

$    1.08

Diluted - pro-forma

$    0.43

$    0.30

$    1.18

$    0.97

3.    Investment in Equity Method Investees

       In July 2001, the Company acquired a partnership interest in Rockfish Partnership, a privately held Dallas-based restaurant company. The Company made a $12.3 million capital contribution to Rockfish Partnership in exchange for an approximate 40% ownership interest.  In October 2002, the Company made an additional $1.8 million capital contribution to Rockfish Partnership increasing its ownership interest to approximately 43%.

      The Company entered into a note agreement (the "Note") with Rockfish Partnership in December 2002.  The Note is intended to fund future Rockfish development and allows Rockfish Partnership to borrow up to $4.0 million and bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.5%.  The Note's original maturity date of March 2003 has been extended to July 2003.  At March 26, 2003, $3.8 million was outstanding under the Note.

4.   Provision for Impaired Assets and Restaurant Closings

      During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recorded a $5.4 million charge for long-lived asset impairments and exit costs resulting from the decision to close nine restaurants and to write down the assets of one under-performing restaurant.  Substantially all of the assets were fully impaired. The impairment charges and exit costs are included in restaurant expenses in the consolidated statement of income.

     During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company closed one of the two remaining PIZZAAHHH! restaurant locations and cancelled all future development plans for the concept.  As a result of this decision, a $4.1 million impairment charge was recorded, representing the remaining net book value of the intellectual property rights associated with the PIZZAAHHH! concept.  The impairment charge is included in restaurant expenses in the consolidated statement of income.


 

5.   Shareholders' Equity

      Pursuant to the Company's stock repurchase plan, the Company repurchased approximately 1.9 million shares of its common stock for $53.3 million for year-to-date fiscal 2003, resulting in a cumulative repurchase total of approximately 17.9 million shares of its common stock for $380.9 million of the approved $410.0 million repurchase program. The Company's stock repurchase plan is used by the Company to increase shareholder value, offset the dilutive effect of stock option exercises, and for other corporate purposes. The repurchased common stock is reflected as a reduction of shareholders' equity. 

     The Company had other comprehensive income, net of tax, of $648,000 for the thirteen week and thirty-nine week periods ended March 26, 2003, which consisted solely of unrealized gains on investments in mutual funds.  Total comprehensive income, net of tax, for the thirteen week and thirty-nine week periods ended March 26, 2003 was $46.8 million and $129.0 million, respectively. 

6.   Supplemental Cash Flow Information

   Cash paid for interest and income taxes is as follows (in thousands):

Mar. 26, 2003

Mar. 27, 2002

Interest, net of amounts capitalized     

     $ 1,937

     $ 6,712

Net income tax payments                  

        3,122

      49,462

   Non-cash investing and financing activities are as follows (in thousands):

Mar. 26, 2003

Mar. 27, 2002

Restricted common stock issued, net of forfeitures    

   $ 4,644 

     $ 2,435

Increase in fair value of interest rate swaps and debt

         294

           544

Increase (decrease) in fair value of interest rate swaps on real estate leasing facility

      8,470

      (1,370)

Unrealized gains on investments in mutual funds

          648

               -



7.   Related Party Transaction

      In fiscal 2002, the Company recorded an approximate $8.7 million charge in restaurant expenses to reduce its notes receivable from Eatzi's Corporation ("Eatzi's") to their net realizable value of $11.0 million. In November 2002, the Company completed the divestiture of Eatzi's and received an $11.0 million cash payment and a $4.0 million promissory note. The promissory note is unsecured and payable only upon the closing of an initial public offering by Eatzi's.  Due to the uncertainty of collecting the promissory note, the Company has established a reserve for the entire principal balance.

8.    Contingencies

      In April 2003, the Attorney General of California filed a complaint under California's Proposition 65 seeking penalties and injunctive relief against multiple restaurant groups, including the Company.  Proposition 65 is a notice statute requiring a party to advise the public and its employees if a premise contains products that are known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.  Methyl mercury compounds, which are listed under Proposition 65 to cause cancer and reproductive toxicity, can be found in certain select fish that have been or are served by the Company's restaurants.  The complaint alleges the Company did not post appropriate notices in its restaurants related to these mercury compounds.  The Company is in the preliminary stages of settlement discussions with the Attorney General.  It is not possible at this time to reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any.

      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 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

  39 Week Periods Ended

 

Mar. 26,

 

Mar. 27,

 

Mar. 26,

 

Mar. 27,

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues                               

100.0 %

 

100.0 %

 

100.0 %

 

100.0 %

 

Operating Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Cost of sales

27.5 %

 

27.9 %

 

27.4 %

 

27.8 %

 

  Restaurant expenses

54.9 %

 

56.0 %

 

55.3 %

 

55.2 %

 

  Depreciation and amortization

  4.8 %

 

  4.6 %

 

  4.8 %

 

  4.4 %

 

  General and administrative

  4.1 %

 

  4.0 %

 

  4.1 %

 

  4.2 %

 

   Total operating costs and expenses

 91.3 %

 

 92.5 %

 

 91.6 %

 

 91.6 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

8.7 %

 

7.5 %

 

8.4 %

 

8.4 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

  0.5 %

 

  0.5 %

 

  0.4 %

 

  0.5 %

 

Other, net

  0.0 %

 

  0.1 %

 

  0.0 %

 

  0.1 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

8.2 %

 

6.9 %

 

8.0 %

 

7.8 %

 

Provision for income taxes             

  2.7 %

 

  2.3 %

 

  2.7 %

 

  2.7 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

  5.5 %

 

  4.6 %

 

  5.3 %

 

  5.1 %

 

      The following table details the number of restaurant openings during the third quarter and year-to-date and total restaurants open at the end of the third quarter.

Third Quarter

 

Year-to-Date

 

Total Open at End

 

Openings

 

 Openings

 

Of Third Quarter

 

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

Chili's:

  Company-owned

16

16

 

52

 

41

 

677

 

618

  Franchised

  5

  6

 

  15

 

  20

 

  203

 

  188

     Total

21

22

 

67

 

61

 

880

 

806

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Macaroni Grill:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Company-owned

3

6

 

15

 

13

 

189

 

172

  Franchised

  1

  -

 

   1

 

   -

 

    7

 

    6

     Total

4

6

 

16

 

13

 

196

 

178

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On The Border:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Company-owned

  -

4

 

4

 

7

 

115

 

108

  Franchised

  -

  1

 

   1

 

   2

 

   19

 

   18

     Total

  -

5

 

5

 

9

 

134

 

126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maggiano's

1

1

 

4

 

4

 

24

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corner Bakery:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Company-owned

3

3

 

8

 

9

 

81

 

70

  Franchised

  -

  -

 

   1

 

   -

 

    3

 

    2

     Total

3

3

 

9

 

9

 

84

 

72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Bowl

2

2

 

6

 

2

 

17

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cozymel's

-

1

 

-

 

1

 

15

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rockfish Partnership

  4

  -

 

   8

 

   2

 

   20

 

   10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Grand Total

 35

 40

 

 115

 

 101

 

1,370

 

1,236



REVENUES

      Revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2003 increased to $840.8 million, 12.7% over the $745.8 million generated for the same quarter of fiscal 2002.  Revenues for the thirty-nine week period ended March 26, 2003 rose 14.5% to $2,409.2 million from the $2,104.2 million generated for the same period of fiscal 2002.  The increases are primarily attributable to a net increase of 106 company-owned restaurants since March 27, 2002 and an increase in comparable store sales for the third quarter and year-to-date of fiscal 2003 as compared to the same periods of fiscal 2002. The Company increased its capacity (as measured in sales weeks) for the third quarter and year-to-date of fiscal 2003 by 11.6% and 13.5%, respectively, compared to the respective prior year periods. Comparable store sales increased 0.9% and 1.3% for the third quarter and year-to-date, respectively, from the same periods of fiscal 2002.  Menu prices in the aggregate increased 1.4% in fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002.

COSTS AND EXPENSES (as a Percent of Revenues)

      Cost of sales decreased 0.4% for the third quarter and year-to-date of fiscal 2003 as compared to the same periods of fiscal 2002. These decreases were due primarily to a 0.3% increase in menu prices for meat, seafood, and alcohol and an approximate 0.8% decrease in commodity prices for meat, seafood, dairy and cheese, offset by a 0.7% unfavorable product mix shift for meat, seafood and produce.

      Restaurant expenses decreased 1.1% for the third quarter of fiscal 2003, as compared to the same period of fiscal 2002.  The decrease was primarily due to an approximate $11.0 million expense recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 related to the settlement of certain California labor matters.  The decrease was partially offset by higher payroll taxes, health insurance and worker's compensation costs and lower labor productivity due to poor weather. Restaurant expenses increased 0.1% for year-to-date fiscal 2003 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2002.  The increase was primarily due to $5.4 million in charges resulting from the decision to close nine restaurants and to write down the assets of one under-performing restaurant and a $4.1 million impairment of intellectual property rights, both recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2003 (see Note 4).  The increase was substantially offset by the expense associated with the settlement of certain California labor matters previously discussed.

      Depreciation and amortization increased 0.2% and 0.4% for the third quarter and year-to-date of fiscal 2003, respectively, as compared to the same periods of fiscal 2002. These increases were due to new unit construction, ongoing remodel costs, the acquisition of previously leased equipment and real estate assets and restaurants acquired during fiscal 2002. These increases were partially offset by increased sales leverage and a declining depreciable asset base for older units.

      General and administrative expenses increased 0.1% for the third quarter of fiscal 2003 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2002.  This increase was primarily due to increased labor and health insurance costs. General and administrative expenses decreased 0.1% for year-to-date of fiscal 2003 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2002. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in sales leverage.

      Interest expense remained flat for the third quarter of fiscal 2003 as compared with the same period of fiscal 2002.  Interest expense decreased 0.1% for year-to-date fiscal 2003 as compared with the same period of fiscal 2002. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in interest expense on the revolving lines-of-credit resulting from a lower average outstanding balance, and an increase in interest capitalization related to increased new restaurant construction activity.  These decreases were partially offset by the amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts on the Company's $431.7 million convertible debt.


 

      Other, net decreased 0.1% for the third quarter of fiscal 2003 as compared with the same period of fiscal 2002.  The decrease was primarily due to an approximate $740,000 decrease in net savings plan obligations, partially offset by increased equity losses related to the Company's share in equity method investees. Other, net decreased 0.1% for the first nine months of fiscal 2003 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2002.  The decrease was primarily due to gains from life insurance proceeds received during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2003 totaling approximately $3.5 million.  These gains were partially offset by a $775,000 increase in the Company's net savings plan obligations and a $1.2 million increase in equity losses.

INCOME TAXES

      The Company's effective income tax rate decreased to 33.3% for the third quarter of fiscal 2003 from 33.8% for the third quarter of fiscal 2002. The Company's effective income tax rate decreased to 33.4% for year-to-date fiscal 2003 from 34.4% for year-to-date fiscal 2002.  These decreases were primarily due to the non-taxable gains from life insurance proceeds.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

      The working capital deficit increased from $160.3 million at June 26, 2002 to $171.2 million at March 26, 2003.  Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $301.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2003 from $275.8 million during the same period in fiscal 2002 due to increased profitability and the timing of operational receipts and payments.  The Company believes that its various sources of capital, including availability under existing credit facilities and cash flow from operating activities, are adequate to finance operations as well as the repayment of current debt obligations.

      The Company's contractual obligations and credit facilities as of March 26, 2003 are as follows:

Payment Due by Period
(in thousands)


Total

Less than 1 Year

2-3
Years

4-5
Years

After 5
 Years

Convertible debt (a)

$      260,278

$                 -

$                 -

$                 -

$      260,278

Senior notes

46,247

16,384

29,863

-

-

Credit facilities

29,200

 

29,200

-

-

Capital leases

83,923

5,312

9,234

9,200

60,177

Mortgage loan obligations

 

41,905

 

2,259

 

7,108

 

4,353

 

28,185

Operating leases

898,830

94,783

183,008

163,962

457,077

Amount of Credit Facility Expiration by Period
(in thousands)

Total Commitment

Less than 1 year (b)

2-3
Years

4-5
Years

Over 5
 Years

Credit facilities

$       345,000

$        70,000

$      275,000

$                 -

$                 -



(a)     The convertible debt was issued at a discount representing a yield to maturity of 2.75% per annum.  The $260.3 million balance is the accreted carrying value of the debt at March 26, 2003.  The convertible debt will continue to accrete at 2.75% per annum and if held to maturity in October 2021 the obligation will total $431.7 million.

(b)     The portion of the credit facilities that expires in less than one year is an uncommitted obligation giving the lenders the option not to extend the Company funding.  However, the lenders have not exercised this option in the past and the Company anticipates that these funds will be available in the future. Should any or all of these obligations not be extended, the Company has adequate capacity under the committed facility, which does not expire until fiscal 2006.

        In October 2002, the Company made an additional $1.8 million capital contribution to Rockfish Partnership increasing its ownership interest to approximately 43%. Additionally, the Company continued its investment strategy related to Rockfish by entering into a note agreement (the "Note") with Rockfish Partnership in December 2002.  The Note is intended to fund future Rockfish development and allows Rockfish Partnership to borrow up to $4.0 million and bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.5%. The Note's original maturity date of March 2003 has been extended to July 2003. Upon maturity, Rockfish intends to replace the Note with long-term financing provided by the Company or third-party lenders.  At March 26, 2003, $3.8 million was outstanding under the Note.

        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, net of amounts funded under the respective equipment and real estate leasing facilities, were $239.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2003 compared to $304.3 million for the same period of fiscal 2002. The decrease is due primarily to the acquisition of the remaining assets leased under the equipment and real estate leasing facilities in fiscal 2002, partially offset by an increase in the number of new store openings during fiscal 2003. The Company estimates that its capital expenditures during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 will approximate $94 million. These capital expenditures will be funded entirely from operations and existing credit facilities.

       Pursuant to the Company's stock repurchase plan, approximately 1.9 million shares of its common stock were repurchased for $53.3 million for year-to-date fiscal 2003.  As of March 26, 2003, approximately 17.9 million shares had been repurchased for $380.9 million under the approved $410.0 million stock repurchase plan.  The Company repurchases common stock to increase shareholder value, offset the dilutive effect of stock option exercises, satisfy obligations under its savings plans, and for other corporate purposes. The repurchased common stock is reflected as a reduction of shareholders' equity. The Company financed the repurchase program through a combination of cash provided by operations and drawdowns on its available credit facilities.

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



RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

      In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Interpretation No. ("FIN") 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities".  This interpretation provides guidance on the identification of, and financial reporting for, variable interest entities.  Variable interest entities are entities that lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or lack sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support.  FIN 46 requires a company to consolidate a variable interest entity if that company is obligated to absorb the majority of the entity's expected losses or entitled to receive the majority of the entity's residual returns, or both.  FIN 46 also requires disclosures about variable interest entities that a company is not required to consolidate but in which it has a significant variable interest.  FIN 46 is applicable immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003.  For all variable interest entities created prior to February 1, 2003, FIN 46 is applicable to periods beginning after June 15, 2003.  The Company is in the process of assessing the impact that FIN 46 will have on its consolidated financial statements. 

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

       Within the 90-day period prior to the filing of this report, 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-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

      There were no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

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, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, 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 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 and/or municipality in which the restaurant is located.  The Company has not encountered any 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, there can be no assurance 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 by the states that govern these and other employment law matters. Although the Company expects increases in payroll expenses as a result of federal and state mandated increases in the minimum wage, and although such increases are not expected to be material, there can be no assurance that there will not be material increases in the future.  However, the Company's vendors may be affected by higher minimum wage standards, which may result in increases in 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, experienced significant increases in utility prices during the 2001 fiscal year.  If these increases should recur, they will have an adverse effect on the Company's profitability.

      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 Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

      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

      In April 2003, the Attorney General of California filed a complaint under California's Proposition 65 seeking penalties and injunctive relief against multiple restaurant groups, including the Company.  Proposition 65 is a notice statute requiring a party to advise the public and its employees if a premise contains products that are known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.  Methyl mercury compounds, which are listed under Proposition 65 to cause cancer and reproductive toxicity, can be found in certain select fish that have been or are served by the Company's restaurants.  The complaint alleges the Company did not post appropriate notices in its restaurants related to these mercury compounds.  The Company is in the preliminary stages of settlement discussions with the Attorney General.  It is not possible at this time to reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any.

      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 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 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)   Exhibits

       99(1)    Certification by Ronald A. McDougall, Chairman of the Board 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.

       99(2)    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:  May 12, 2003                By:       /s/ Ronald A. McDougall                                               
                                                          Ronald A. McDougall,
                                                         Chairman of the Board and
                                                         Chief Executive Officer
                                                         (Principal Executive Officer)

                                           

Date:  May 12, 2003                 By:     /s/ Charles M. Sonsteby                                                  
                                                          Charles M. Sonsteby,
                                                           Executive Vice President and
                                                           Chief Financial Officer 
                                                           (Principal Financial Officer) 

             



CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Ronald A. McDougall, certify that:

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

2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly 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 quarterly 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 quarterly report.

4.   The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

      a.    designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 quarterly report is being prepared;

      b.    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

       c.    presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.   The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

       a.    all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

       b.    any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6.   The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

Date:  May 12, 2003                By:    /s/ Ronald A. McDougall                                        
                                                         Ronald A. McDougall,
                                                        Chairman of the Board and
                                                         Chief Executive Officer
                                                         (Principal Executive Officer)


 

 

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 quarterly 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 quarterly 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 quarterly report.

4.  The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

      a.    designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 quarterly report is being prepared;

      b.    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

      c.    presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.   The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

      a.    all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

      b.    any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6.   The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

Date:  May 12, 2003                By:    /s/ Charles M. Sonsteby                                           
                                                          Charles M. Sonsteby,
                                                          Executive Vice President and
                                                          Chief Financial Officer
                                                          (Principal Financial Officer)