q2-2008_10q.htm
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 June 25, 2008
 
DENNY'S CORPORATE LOGO

 
 Commission File Number 0-18051
DENNY’S CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
13-3487402
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization
 
Identification No.)

203 East Main Street
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29319-0001
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(864) 597-8000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days 

Yes [X]                                                                                       No [    ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

            Large accelerated filer ¨                                                                                                                     Accelerated filer þ     
            Non-accelerated filer   ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)                                 Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [    ]                                                                                       No [X]

As of July 25, 2008, 95,267,020 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
2

 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.   Financial Statements

Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)

 
   
Quarter Ended
   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Revenue:
                       
Company restaurant sales
 
$
163,233
   
$
218,316
   
$
332,826
   
$
434,117
 
Franchise and license revenue
   
27,039
     
22,626
     
53,442
     
43,576
 
Total operating revenue
   
190,272
     
240,942
     
386,268
     
477,693
 
Costs of company restaurant sales:
                               
Product costs
   
39,032
     
56,323
     
80,979
     
111,449
 
Payroll and benefits
   
69,021
     
91,932
     
142,749
     
184,800
 
Occupancy
   
9,976
     
13,024
     
20,528
     
26,152
 
Other operating expenses
   
24,730
     
31,782
     
49,938
     
62,095
 
Total costs of company restaurant sales
   
142,759
     
193,061
     
294,194
     
384,496
 
Costs of franchise and license revenue
   
8,520
     
6,933
     
16,691
     
13,408
 
General and administrative expenses
   
15,537
     
17,167
     
31,152
     
33,093
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
9,892
     
12,480
     
20,133
     
25,358
 
Operating gains, losses and other charges, net
   
3,027
     
(12,025
)
   
(5,686
)
   
(14,574
)
Total operating costs and expenses
   
179,735
     
217,616
     
356,484
     
441,781
 
Operating income
   
10,537
     
23,326
     
29,784
     
35,912
 
Other expenses:
                               
Interest expense, net
   
8,883
     
10,953
     
18,084
     
22,294
 
Other nonoperating expense (income), net
   
(1,617
)
   
(228
)
   
3,759
     
(425
)
Total other expenses, net
   
7,266
     
10,725
     
21,843
     
21,869
 
Net income before income taxes
   
3,271
     
12,601
     
7,941
     
14,043
 
Provision for income taxes
   
120
     
2,018
     
666
     
2,373
 
Net income
 
$
3,151
   
$
10,583
   
$
7,275
   
$
11,670
 
                                 
Net income per share:
                               
Basic net income per share
 
$
0.03
   
$
0.11
   
$
0.08
   
$
0.12
 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
0.03
   
$
0.11
   
$
0.07
   
$
0.12
 
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
   
95,017
     
93,692
     
94,922
     
93,554
 
Diluted
   
98,911
     
98,967
     
98,659
     
98,796
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
December 26, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Assets
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
12,046
   
$
21,565
 
Receivables, net
   
11,862
     
13,585
 
Receivable from sale of restaurants
     3,223          
Inventories
   
5,810
     
6,485
 
Assets held for sale
   
1,920
     
6,712
 
Prepaid and other current assets
   
7,253
     
9,526
 
Total Current Assets
   
42,114
     
57,873
 
                 
Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $307,133 and $307,047, respectively
   
176,799
     
184,610
 
                 
Other Assets:
               
Goodwill
   
41,064
     
42,439
 
Intangible assets, net
   
60,693
     
62,657
 
Deferred financing costs, net
   
4,461
     
5,078
 
Other assets
   
29,635
     
24,699
 
Total Assets
 
$
354,766
   
$
377,356
 
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Current maturities of notes and debentures
 
$
1,526
   
$
2,085
 
Current maturities of capital lease obligations
   
3,757
     
4,051
 
Accounts payable
   
31,213
     
43,262
 
Other
   
79,045
     
82,069
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
115,541
     
131,467
 
                 
Long-Term Liabilities:
               
Notes and debentures, less current maturities
   
310,913
     
325,971
 
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities
   
21,330
     
20,845
 
Liability for insurance claims, less current portion
   
25,874
     
27,148
 
Deferred income taxes
   
11,753
     
11,579
 
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits
   
41,327
     
42,578
 
Total Long-Term Liabilities
   
411,197
     
428,121
 
Total Liabilities
   
526,738
     
559,588
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Total Shareholders’ Deficit
   
(171,972
)
   
(182,232
)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit
 
$
354,766
   
$
377,356
 

 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4

 
Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Deficit and Comprehensive Loss
(Unaudited)

 
   
Common Stock
               
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
   
Total Shareholders'
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Deficit
   
Loss, Net
   
Deficit
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance, December 26, 2007
   
94,626
   
$
946
   
$
533,612
   
$
(700,284
)
 
$
(13,144
)
 
$
(178,870
)
Goodwill adjustment (Note 3)
   
     
     
     
(3,362
)
   
     
(3,362
)
Balance, December 26, 2007
   
94,626
   
$
946
   
$
533,612
   
$
(703,646
)
 
$
(13,144
)
 
$
(182,232
)
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
   
     
     
     
7,275
     
     
7,275
 
Recognition of unrealized loss on hedge
transactions, net of tax
     
       
       
       
       559        559  
Comprehensive income
   
     
     
     
7,275
     
559
     
7,834
 
Share-based compensation on equity classified
awards
   
     
     
1,623
     
     
     
1,623
 
Issuance of common stock for share-based
compensation
   
210
     
2
     
289
     
     
     
291
 
Exercise of common stock options
   
253
     
3
     
509
     
     
     
512
 
Balance, June 25, 2008
   
95,089
   
$
951
   
$
536,033
   
$
(696,371
)
 
$
(12,585
)
 
$
(171,972
)


See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5

 
Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 

   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
Net income
 
$
7,275
   
$
11,670
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
20,133
     
25,358
 
Operating gains, losses and other charges, net
   
(5,686
)
   
(14,574
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
553
     
585
 
Loss (gain) on early extinguishment of debt
   
(30
)
   
67
 
Loss on change in the fair value of interest rate swap
   
3,048
     
 
Deferred income tax expense
   
295
     
2,047
 
Share-based compensation
   
1,662
     
2,319
 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
               
Decrease (increase) in assets:
               
Receivables
   
2,072
     
938
 
Inventories
   
675
     
134
 
Other current assets
   
2,273
     
2,333
 
Other assets
   
(3,045
)
   
(1,728
)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
   
(6,827
)
   
(826
)
Accrued salaries and vacations
   
(3,756
)
   
(469
)
Accrued taxes
   
(1,207
)
   
(731
)
Other accrued liabilities
   
(4,080
)
   
6,231
 
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits
   
(6,224
)
   
(4,504
)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
   
7,131
     
28,850
 
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Purchase of property
   
(14,829
)
   
(10,992
)
Proceeds from disposition of property
   
18,008
     
26,888
 
Acquisition of restaurant units
   
     
(2,208
)
Net cash flows provided by investing activities
   
3,179
     
13,688
 
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Long-term debt payments
   
(17,837
)
   
(18,996
)
Deferred financing costs paid
   
     
(321
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
512
     
807
 
Net bank overdrafts
   
(2,504
)
   
(2,991
)
Net cash flows used in financing activities
   
(19,829
)
   
(21,501
)
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(9,519
)
   
21,037
 
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at:
               
Beginning of period
   
21,565
     
26,226
 
End of period
 
$
12,046
   
$
47,263
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6



Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

Note 1.   Introduction and Basis of Presentation

Denny’s Corporation, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Denny’s Holdings, Inc. and Denny’s, Inc., owns and operates the Denny’s restaurant brand, or Denny’s.

Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, certain information and notes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented have been included. Such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions; however, we believe that our estimates, including those for the above-described items, are reasonable. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 26, 2007 and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2007. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.

Note 2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Effective December 27, 2007, the first day of fiscal 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 ("SFAS 159"), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. We did not elect the fair value reporting option for any assets and liabilities not previously recorded at fair value.

Effective December 27, 2007, the first day of fiscal 2008, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 ("SFAS 157"), “Fair Value Measurements” for financial assets and liabilities, as well as any other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in financial statements. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. We applied the provisions of FSP FAS 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement 157," which defers the provisions of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities to the first fiscal period beginning after November 15, 2008. The deferred nonfinancial assets and liabilities include items such as goodwill and other nonamortizable intangibles. We are required to adopt SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and are still evaluating the impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
 
   
Fair Value Measurements as of June 25, 2008
   
June 25, 2008
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Valuation Technique
   
(In thousands)
   
Deferred compensation plan investments 
 
$
6,713
   
$
6,713
   
$
   
$
 
market approach 
Interest rate swap liability
   
(2,850
)
   
     
(2,850
   
 
income approach
Total
 
$
3,863
   
$
6,713
   
$
(2,850
)
 
$
   
 
There have been no other material changes to our significant accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Note 2 of our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2007, except as noted in Note 3.
 
Note 3.   Adjustments Related to Goodwill
 
In March 2008, we recorded adjustments to correct an error in accounting for goodwill in relation to the sale of restaurant operations during the quarters ending March 28, 2007, June 27 2007, September 26, 2007 and December 26, 2007. Historically, we did not write-off goodwill when we sold restaurant units to franchisees. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" requires that a portion of the entity level goodwill should be written off based on the relative fair values of the restaurant unit being sold and the remaining value of the entity, in our case, Denny's. The adjustments had no impact on previously reported cash flows.
 
The following line items on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the quarter and two quarters ended June 27, 2007 and the fiscal year ended December 26, 2007 were impacted by the adjustments:
 
   
Quarter Ended June 27, 2007
   
Two Quarters Ended June 27, 2007
   
Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 2007
 
   
Unadjusted
   
Adjustment
   
Adjusted
   
Unadjusted
   
Adjustment
   
Adjusted
   
Unadjusted
   
Adjustment
   
Adjusted
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Operating gains, losses and other charges, net
  $ (13,047 )   $ 1,022     $ (12,025 )   $ (15,680 )   $ 1,106     $ (14,574 )   $ (34,828 )     3,746       (31,082 )
Total operating costs and expenses
    216,594       1,022       217,616       440,675       1,106       441,781       855,838       3,746       859,584  
Operating income
    24,348       (1,022 )     23,326       37,018       (1,106 )     35,912       83,530       (3,746 )     79,784  
Net income before taxes
    13,623       (1,022 )     12,601       15,149       (1,106 )     14,043       39,905       (3,746 )     36,159  
Provision for income taxes
    2,123       (105 )     2,018       2,486       (113 )     2,373       5,192       (384 )     4,808  
Net income
    11,500       (917 )     10,583       12,663       (993 )     11,670       34,713       (3,362 )     31,351  
                                                                         
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.12     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.11     $ 0.14     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.12     $ 0.37     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.33  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.12     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.11     $ 0.13     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.12     $ 0.35     $ (0.03 )   $ 0.32  
 

7

The following line items on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 26, 2007 were impacted by the adjustments:
 
   
December 26, 2007
   
Adjustment
   
Adjusted
December 26, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Goodwill
 
$
46,185
   
$
(3,746
)
 
$
42,439
 
Total assets
   
381,102
     
(3,746
)
   
377,356
 
Deferred income taxes
   
11,963
     
(384
)
   
11,579
 
Total long-term liabilities
   
428,505
     
(384
)
   
428,121
 
Total liabilities
   
559,972
     
(384
)
   
559,588
 
Total shareholders' deficit
   
(178,870
)
   
(3,362
)
   
(182,232
)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit
   
381,102
     
(3,746
)
   
377,356
 
 
The following reflects the adjusted quarterly data for fiscal 2007:
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 2007
 
   
First Quarter
   
Second Quarter
   
Third Quarter
   
Fourth Quarter
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Company restaurant sales
 
$
215,801
   
$
218,316
   
$
216,792
   
$
193,712
 
Franchise and licensing revenue
   
20,950
     
22,626
     
24,617
     
26,554
 
Total operating revenue
   
236,751
     
240,942
     
241,409
     
220,266
 
Total operating costs and expenses
   
224,165
     
217,616
     
225,529
     
192,274
 
Operating income
 
$
12,586
   
$
23,326
   
$
15,880
   
$
27,992
 
                                 
Net income
 
$
1,087
   
$
10,583
   
$
4,950
   
$
14,731
 
                                 
Basic net income per share (a)
 
$
0.01
   
$
0.11
   
$
0.05
   
$
0.16
 
Diluted net income per share (a)
 
$
0.01
   
$
0.11
   
$
0.05
   
$
0.15
 
 
 (a)
Per share amounts do not necessarily sum to the total year amounts due to changes in shares outstanding and rounding.
 
Note 4.   Assets Held for Sale

Assets held for sale of $1.9 million and $6.7 million, as of June 25, 2008 and December 26, 2007, respectively, include restaurants to be sold to franchisees and certain real estate properties. We expect to sell each of these assets within 12 months. Our Credit Facility (defined in Note 7) requires us to make mandatory prepayments to reduce outstanding indebtedness with the net cash proceeds from the sale of specified real estate properties. As a result, we classified a corresponding $0.4 million of our long-term debt as a current liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 26, 2007. This amount represents the net book value of the specified properties as of the balance sheet date. As of June 25, 2008, there were no properties included in assets held for sale for which mandatory prepayment was required.
 
Note 5.   Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
The changes in carrying amounts of goodwill for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 are as follows:
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at December 26, 2007
 
$
42,439
 
Write-offs associated with sale of restaurants
   
(1,253
)
Reversal of valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets (Note 11)
   
(122
)
Balance at June 25, 2008
 
$
41,064
 
 
The following table reflects goodwill and intangible assets as of June 25, 2008 and December 26, 2007:
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
December 26, 2007
 
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Goodwill
 
$
41,064
   
$
   
$
42,439
   
$
 
                                 
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
                               
Trade names
 
$
42,414
   
$
   
$
42,395
   
$
 
Liquor licenses
   
262
     
     
279
     
 
Intangible assets with definite lives:
                               
Franchise and license agreements
   
55,727
     
37,819
     
61,903
     
42,036
 
Foreign license agreements
   
241
     
132
     
241
     
125
 
Intangible assets
 
$
98,644
   
$
 37,951
   
$
104,818
   
42,161
 
                                 
Other assets with definitive lives:
                               
Software development costs
 
$
31,675
   
$
25,515
   
$
30,853
   
$
24,560
 
 
8

Note 6.   Operating Gains, Losses and Other Charges, Net

Operating gains, losses and other charges, net are comprised of the following:
 
   
Quarter Ended
   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Gains on sales of assets and other, net
 
$
(3,176
)
 
$
(13,457
)
 
$
(12,924
)
 
$
(16,644
)
Restructuring charges and exit costs
   
5,719
     
1,192
     
6,754
     
1,830
 
Impairment charges
   
484
     
240
     
484
     
 240
 
Operating gains, losses and other charges, net
 
$
3,027
   
$
(12,025
)
 
$
(5,686
)
 
$
(14,574
)
 
Gains on Sales of Assets
 
Proceeds and gains on sales of assets for the quarters ended June 25, 2008 and June 27, 2007 were comprised of the following:
 
   
Quarter Ended June 25, 2008
   
Quarter Ended June 27, 2007
 
   
Net Proceeds
   
Gains
   
Net Proceeds
   
Gains
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Sales of restaurant operations and related real estate to
franchisees
 
$
5,544
   
$
2,201
   
$
20,241
   
$
12,637
 
Sales of other real estate assets
   
1,647
     
944
     
911
     
305
 
Recognition of deferred gains
   
     
31
     
     
515
 
Total
 
$
7,191
   
$
3,176
   
$
21,152
   
$
13,457
 
 
Proceeds and gains on sales of assets for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 and June 27, 2007 were comprised of the following:
 
   
Two Quarters Ended June 25, 2008
   
Two Quarters Ended June 27, 2007
 
   
Net Proceeds
   
Gains
   
Net Proceeds
   
Gains
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Sales of restaurant operations and related real estate to
franchisees
 
$
21,999
   
$
11,943
   
$
21,853
   
$
12,956
 
Sales of other real estate assets
   
1,622
     
919
     
5,035
     
3,142
 
Recognition of deferred gains
   
     
62
     
     
546
 
Total
 
$
23,621
   
$
12,924
   
$
26,888
   
$
16,644
 
 
Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs

Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:
  
   
Quarter Ended
   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Exit costs
 
$
815
   
$
588
   
$
1,655
   
$
735
 
Severance and other restructuring charges
   
4,904
     
604
     
5,099
     
1,095
 
Total restructuring and exit costs
 
$
5,719
   
$
1,192
   
$
6,754
   
$
1,830
 

Severance and other restructuring charges of $4.9 million for the quarter ended June 25, 2008 primarily resulted from severance costs of $4.3 million related to the reorganization to support our ongoing transition to a franchise-focused business model, which led to the elimination of approximately 50 positions.

The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities are as follows:
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance, beginning of year
 
$
8,339
 
Provisions for units closed during the year (1)
   
414
 
Changes in estimates of accrued exit costs, net (1) 
   
1,241
 
Payments, net
   
(1,831
)
Interest accretion
   
409
 
Balance, end of quarter
   
8,572
 
Less current portion included in other current liabilities
   
1,957
 
Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities
 
$
6,615
 
 
 (1)
Included as a component of operating gains, losses and other charges, net.
 
Estimated net cash payments related to exit cost liabilities in the next five years are as follows:

   
(In thousands)
 
Remainder of 2008
 
$
1,321
 
2009
   
2,182
 
2010
   
1,626
 
2011
   
1,401
 
2012
   
1,143
 
Thereafter
   
2,997
 
Total
   
10,670
 
Less imputed interest
   
2,098
 
Present value of exit cost liabilities
 
$
8,572
 

As of June 25, 2008 and December 26, 2007, we had accrued severance and other restructuring charges of $4.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively.  The balance as of June 25, 2008 is expected to be paid during the next 12 months.

9

Note 7.   Long-Term Debt
 
Credit Facility

Our subsidiaries, Denny's, Inc. and Denny's Realty, LLC (the "Borrowers"), have a senior secured credit agreement consisting of a $50 million revolving credit facility (including up to $10 million for a revolving letter of credit facility), a $137 million term loan and an additional $37 million letter of credit facility (together, the "Credit Facility"). At June 25, 2008, we had outstanding letters of credit of $35.3 million (comprised of $35.0 million under our letter of credit facility and less than $0.3 million under our revolving facility). There were no revolving loans outstanding at June 25, 2008. These balances result in availability of $2.0 million under our letter of credit facility and approximately $49.7 million under the revolving facility.
 
The revolving facility matures on December 15, 2011. The term loan and the $37 million letter of credit facility mature on March 31, 2012. The term loan amortizes in equal quarterly installments at a rate equal to approximately 1% per annum with all remaining amounts due on the maturity date. The Credit Facility is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. We will be required to make mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances (such as required payments related to asset sales) typical for this type of credit facility and may make certain optional prepayments under the Credit Facility. We believe that our estimated cash flows from operations for 2008, combined with our capacity for additional borrowings under our Credit Facility, will enable us to meet our anticipated cash requirements and fund capital expenditures through the end of 2008.

The Credit Facility is guaranteed by Denny's Corporation and its other subsidiaries and is secured by substantially all of the assets of Denny's and its subsidiaries. In addition, the Credit Facility is secured by first-priority mortgages on 119 company-owned real estate assets. The Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants (i.e., maximum total debt to EBITDA (as defined under the Credit Facility) ratio requirements, maximum senior secured debt to EBITDA ratio requirements, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio requirements and limitations on capital expenditures), negative covenants, conditions precedent, material adverse change provisions, events of default and other terms, conditions and provisions customarily found in credit agreements for facilities and transactions of this type. We were in compliance with the terms of the Credit Facility as of June 25, 2008.

A commitment fee of 0.5% is paid on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. Interest on loans under the revolving facility is payable at per annum rates equal to LIBOR plus 250 basis points and will adjust over time based on our leverage ratio. Interest on the term loan and letter of credit facility is payable at per annum rates equal to LIBOR plus 200 basis points. Prior to considering the impact of the interest rate swap described below, the weighted-average interest rate under the term loan was 4.7% and 7.1% as of June 25, 2008 and June 27, 2007, respectively.

Interest Rate Swap

During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $150 million to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our variable rate debt. We designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge of our exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to interest payments on the first $150 million of floating rate debt. Under the terms of the swap, we pay a fixed rate of 4.8925% on the $150 million notional amount and receive payments from the counterparties based on the 3-month LIBOR rate for a term ending on March 30, 2010, effectively resulting in a fixed rate of 6.8925% on the $150 million notional amount at the inception of the swap. Interest rate differentials paid or received under the swap agreement are recognized as adjustments to interest expense.
 
Prior to December 26, 2007, to the extent the swap was effective in offsetting the variability of the hedged cash flows, changes in the fair value of the swap were not included in current earnings, but were reported as adjustments to other comprehensive income. At December 26, 2007, we determined that a portion of the underlying cash flows related to the swap (i.e., interest payments on $150 million of floating rate debt) were no longer probable of occurring over the term of the interest rate swap as a result of the probability of paying the debt down below $150 million through scheduled repayments and prepayments with cash from the sale of company-owned restaurant operations to franchisees. As a result, we discontinued hedge accounting treatment.  The losses related to the fair value of the swap included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 26, 2007 will be amortized to other nonoperating expense over the remaining term of the interest rate swap. Additionally, changes in the fair value of the swap are recorded in other nonoperating expense. 
 
The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income related to the swap for the quarter and two quarters ended June 25, 2008 are as follows:
 
   
Quarter Ended
June 25, 2008
   
Two Quarters Ended
June 25, 2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning of period
  $ (2,091   $ (2,353
Amortization of unrealized losses related to the interest rate swap (recorded in other
nonoperating expense)
    297       559  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, end of period
  $ (1,794   $ (1,794
 
The changes in fair value of the interest rate swap for the quarter and two quarters ended June 25, 2008 are as follows:
 
     
Quarter Ended
June 25, 2008 
     
Two Quarters Ended
June 25, 2008 
 
      (In thousands)   
Fair value of the interest rate swap, beginning of period
  $ (4,723 )   $ (2,753 )
Change in the fair value of the interest rate swap (recorded in other nonoperating expense)
    1,881       (2,489 )
Termination of swap
    (8 )     2,392  
Fair value of the interest rate swap, end of period
  $ (2,850 )   $ (2,850 )
 
On March 26, 2008, we terminated $50 million notional amount of the interest rate swap. The termination resulted in a $2.4 million cash payment, which was made during the quarter ended June 25, 2008.  
 
By using a derivative instrument to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, we expose ourselves to credit risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. We minimize the credit risk by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties whose credit rating is evaluated on a quarterly basis.

10

Note 8.   Defined Benefit Plans

The components of net pension cost of our pension plan and other defined benefit plans as determined under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, "Employer's Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans," are as follows:
 
   
Pension Plan
   
Other Defined Benefit Plans
 
   
Quarter Ended
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Service cost
 
$
87
   
$
88
   
$
   
$
 
Interest cost
   
851
     
789
     
48
     
47
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(966
)
   
(879
)
   
     
 
Amortization of net loss
   
150
     
224
     
5
     
6
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
122
   
$
222
   
$
53
   
$
53
 
 
 
   
Pension Plan
   
Other Defined Benefit Plans
 
   
Two Quarters Ended
   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Service cost
 
$
175
   
$
175
   
$
   
$
 
Interest cost
   
1,694
     
1,572
     
97
     
95
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(1,939
)
   
(1,764
)
   
     
 
Amortization of net loss
   
300
     
441
     
10
     
12
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
230
   
$
424
   
$
107
   
$
107
 
 
We made contributions of $0.9 million and $1.8 million to our qualified pension plan during the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 and June 27, 2007, respectively. We made contributions of $0.1 million and $0.2 million to our other defined benefit plans during the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 and June 27, 2007, respectively. We expect to contribute $0.5 million to our qualified pension plan and $0.5 million to our other defined benefit plans during the remainder of fiscal 2008.

Additional minimum pension liability of $10.8 million is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Deficit and Comprehensive Loss as of June 25, 2008 and December 26, 2007.

Note 9.   Share-Based Compensation

Total share-based compensation included as a component of net income was as follows:

   
Quarter Ended
   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Share-based compensation related to liability classified
restricted stock units
 
$
168
   
$
209
   
$
39
   
$
682
 
Share based compensation related to equity classified awards:
                               
Stock options
 
$
686
   
421
   
$
925
   
619
 
Restricted stock units
   
111
     
426
     
575
     
858
 
Board deferred stock units
   
67
     
79
     
123
     
160
 
Total share-based compensation related to equity classified
awards
   
864
     
926
     
1,623
     
1,637
 
Total share-based compensation
 
$
1,032
   
$
1,135
   
$
1,662
   
$
2,319
 

Additionally, during the two quarters ended June 25, 2008, we issued approximately 97,000 shares of common stock in lieu of cash to pay approximately $0.3 million of incentive compensation.
 
Stock Options

During the two quarters ended June 25, 2008, we granted approximately 1.5 million stock options to certain employees and approximately 0.2 million stock options to the non-employee members of our Board of Directors. These stock options vest evenly over 3 years and have a 10-year contractual life.

The weighted average fair value per option of options granted during the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 was $1.18. The fair value of the stock options granted in the period ended June 25, 2008 was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Use of this option pricing model requires the input of subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected term”), the estimated volatility of our common stock price over the expected term and the number of options that will ultimately not complete their vesting requirements (“forfeitures”). Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of the fair value of share-based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

We used the following weighted average assumptions for the stock option grants for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008:
 
Dividend yield
   
0.0
%
Expected volatility
   
50.1
%
Risk-free interest rate
   
2.7
%
Weighted-average expected term
 
4.6 years
 
 
11

The dividend yield assumption was based on our dividend payment history and expectations of future dividend payments. The expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of our stock for a period approximating the expected life. The risk-free interest rate was based on published U.S. Treasury spot rates in effect at the time of grant with terms approximating the expected life of the option. The weighted average expected term of the options represents the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding based on historical trends.
 
As of June 25, 2008, there was approximately $2.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 2.3 years.

Restricted Stock Units

During the two quarters ended June 25, 2008, we made payments of $0.4 million (before taxes) in cash and issued 0.1 million shares of common stock related to the restricted stock unit awards that vested as of December 26, 2007

Accrued compensation expense included as a component of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was as follows:
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
December 26, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Liability classified restricted stock units:
           
Other current liabilities                                                                                             
 
$
1,377
   
$
1,170
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
 
$
2,277
   
$
2,828
 
                 
Equity classified restricted stock units: 
               
Additional paid-in capital
 
$
4,166
   
$
3,925
 
 
As of June 25, 2008, we had approximately $3.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost (approximately $0.9 million for liability classified units and approximately $2.2 million for equity classified units) related to all unvested restricted stock unit awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.8 years.

Board Deferred Stock Units

During the two quarters ended June 25, 2008, we granted approximately 0.1 million deferred stock units (which are equity classified) with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $3.30 per unit to non-employee members of our Board of Directors. These awards are restricted in that they may not be converted to shares until the recipient has ceased serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Denny's Corporation at which time the awards automatically convert to shares. During the quarter ended June 25, 2008, one board member did not stand for reelection. As a result, the board member's deferred stock units were converted into shares of common stock.
 
Note 10.   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total comprehensive income was $7.8 million and $14.1 million for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 and June 27, 2007, respectively

The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholder’s Deficit are as follows:

   
June 25, 2008
   
December 26, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Additional minimum pension liability
 
$
(10,791
)
 
$
(10,791
)
Unrealized gain on hedged transaction
   
(1,794
)
   
(2,353
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
(12,585
)
 
$
(13,144
)

Note 11.   Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $0.1 million and $0.7 million for the quarter and two quarters ended June 25, 2008, respectively, compared with $2.0 million and $2.4 million for the quarter and two quarters ended June 27, 2007, respectively. The provision for income taxes for the first two quarters of 2008 and 2007 was determined using our effective rate estimated for the entire fiscal year. The two quarters ended June 27, 2007 also included the recognition of $0.3 million of current tax benefits and a $0.6 million reduction to the valuation allowance. These items resulted from the enactment of certain federal and state laws that benefited us during the second quarter of 2007.
 
We have provided valuation allowances related to any benefits from income taxes resulting from the application of a statutory tax rate to our net operating losses (“NOL”) generated in previous periods. In addition, during 2008 and 2007, we utilized certain federal and state NOL carryforwards whose valuation allowance was established in connection with fresh start reporting on January 7, 1998. Accordingly, federal and state deferred tax expense was recorded in connection with fresh start reporting on January 7, 1998 with a corresponding reduction to the goodwill.  The amounts recognized were approximately $0.0 million and $0.1 million for the quarter and two quarters ended June 25, 2008, respectively, and $2.4 million and $2.5 million for the quarter and two quarters ended June 27, 2007, respectively.
 
The reduction in our effective tax rate for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 was due primarily to the utilization of federal net operating loss carryforwards from periods prior to fresh start reporting on January 7, 1998. These federal net operating loss carryforwards were fully utilized during fiscal 2007. We still have certain state net operating loss carryforwards from periods prior to fresh start reporting that have been utilized in both fiscal 2007 and 2008.

12

Note 12.   Net Income Per Share

   
Quarter Ended
   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
 
Numerator:
                       
Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share -
net income
 
$
3,151
   
$
10,583
   
$
7,275
   
$
11,670
 
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Denominator for basic net income per share – weighted
average shares
   
95,017
     
93,692
     
94,922
     
93,554
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Options
   
2,797
     
4,159
     
2,724
     
4,131
 
Restricted stock units and awards
   
1,097
     
1,116
     
1,013
     
1,111
 
Denominator for diluted net income per share - adjusted
weighted average shares and assumed conversions of
dilutive securities
   
98,911
     
98,967
     
98,659
     
98,796
 
                                 
Basic net income per share
 
$
0.03
   
$
0.11
   
$
0.08
   
$
0.12
 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
0.03
   
$
0.11
   
$
0.07
   
$
0.12
 
                                 
Stock options excluded (1)
   
3,814
     
1,853
     
3,182
     
1,799
 

(1)                  Excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding as the impact would have been antidilutive.
 
Note 13.   Supplemental Cash Flow Information

   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Income taxes paid, net
 
$
668
   
$
1,231
 
Interest paid
 
$
17,540
   
$
18,144
 
                 
Noncash investing activities:
               
Net proceeds receivable from disposition of property
 
$
3,223
   
$
 
Notes received in connection with disposition of property
 
$
2,390
   
$
 
Noncash financing activities:
               
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans
 
$
771
   
$
222
 
Execution of capital leases
 
$
2,613
   
$
597
 
 
Note 14.     Related Party Transactions
 
During the quarter and two quarters ended June 25, 2008, we sold company-owned restaurants to franchisees that are former employees. We received cash proceeds of $0.7 million and $1.9 million from the sale of restaurant operations to these related parties during the two periods, respectively. 

Note 15.   Implementation of New Accounting Standards
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 162 ("SFAS 162"), “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (the GAAP hierarchy). This Statement is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AICPA Codification of Auditing Standards, AU Section 411, "The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles." We do not currently believe that adopting SFAS 162 will have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position Financial Accounting Standard 142-3 (“FSP FAS 142-3”), “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.” FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142 ("SFAS 142"), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The intent of the FSP is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations." We are required to adopt FSP FAS 142-3 in the first quarter of 2009 and will apply it prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 (“SFAS 161”), “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which amends and expands Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS 161 requires tabular disclosure of the fair value of derivative instruments and their gains and losses.  This Statement also requires disclosure regarding the credit-risk related contingent features in derivative agreements, counterparty credit risk, and strategies and objectives for using derivative instruments. We are required to adopt SFAS 161 in the first quarter of 2009.  We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 161 on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160 ("SFAS 160"), "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51." SFAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements" to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Among other requirements, this Statement requires that the consolidated net income attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated income statement. SFAS 160 is effective for the first fiscal period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  We are required to adopt SFAS 160 in the first quarter of 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 160 on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007) ("SFAS 141R"), "Business Combinations." SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R applies to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the first fiscal period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS 141R will also require that any additional reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance established in connection with fresh start reporting on January 7, 1998 be recorded as a component of income tax expense rather than as currently reflected as a reduction to the goodwill established in connection with the fresh start reporting. We are required to adopt SFAS 141R in the first quarter of 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 141R on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
13

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. Effective December 27, 2007, the first day of fiscal 2008, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities, as well as any other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in financial statements. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We applied the provisions of FSP FAS 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement 157," which defers the provisions of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities to the first fiscal period beginning after November 15, 2008. The deferred nonfinancial assets and liabilities include items such as goodwill and other nonamortizable intangibles. We are required to adopt SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and are still evaluating the impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption.

Note 16.   Commitments and Contingencies

There are various claims and pending legal actions against or indirectly involving us, including actions concerned with civil rights of employees and guests, other employment related matters, taxes, sales of franchise rights and businesses and other matters. Based on our examination of these matters and our experience to date, we have recorded reserves reflecting our best estimate of liability, if any, with respect to these matters. However, the ultimate disposition of these matters cannot be determined with certainty. We record legal expenses and other litigation costs as those costs are incurred.

Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

The following discussion is intended to highlight significant changes in our financial position as of June 25, 2008 and results of operations for the quarter and two quarters ended June 25, 2008 compared to the quarter and two quarters ended June 27, 2007. The forward-looking statements included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which reflect our best judgment based on factors currently known, involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause our actual performance to be materially different from the performance indicated or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others: competitive pressures from within the restaurant industry; the level of success of our operating initiatives and advertising and promotional efforts; adverse publicity; changes in business strategy or development plans; terms and availability of capital; regional weather conditions; overall changes in the general economy (including with regard to energy costs), particularly at the retail level; political environment (including acts of war and terrorism); and other factors included in the discussion below, or in Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors, contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2007.

Statements of Operations
 
The following table contains information derived from our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations expressed as a percentage of total operating revenues, except as noted below.  Percentages may not add due to rounding.
 
   
Quarter Ended
   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Revenue:
                                               
Company restaurant sales
 
$
163,233
 
85.8
%
 
$
218,316
 
90.6
%
 
$
332,826
 
86.2
%
 
$
434,117
 
90.9
%
Franchise and license revenue
   
27,039
 
14.2
%
   
22,626
 
9.4
%
   
53,442
 
13.8
%
   
43,576
 
9.1
%
Total operating revenue
   
190,272
 
100.0
%
   
240,942
 
100.0
%
   
386,268
 
100.0
%
   
477,693
 
100.0
%
                                                 
Costs of company restaurant sales (a):
                                               
Product costs
   
39,032
 
23.9
%
   
56,323
 
25.8
%
   
80,979
 
24.3
%
   
111,449
 
25.7
%
Payroll and benefits
   
69,021
 
42.3
%
   
91,932
 
42.1
%
   
142,749
 
42.9
%
   
184,800
 
42.6
%
Occupancy
   
9,976
 
6.1
%
   
13,024
 
6.0
%
   
20,528
 
6.2
%
   
26,152
 
6.0
%
Other operating expenses
   
24,730
 
15.1
%
   
31,782
 
14.6
%
   
49,938
 
15.0
%
   
62,095
 
14.3
%
Total costs of company restaurant sales
   
142,759
 
87.5
%
   
193,061
 
88.4
%
   
294,194
 
88.4
%
   
384,496
 
88.6
%
                                                 
Costs of franchise and license revenue (a)
   
8,520
 
31.5
%
   
6,933
 
30.6
%
   
16,691
 
31.2
%
   
13,408
 
30.8
%
                                                 
General and administrative expenses
   
15,537
 
8.2
%
   
17,167
 
7.1
%
   
31,152
 
8.1
%
   
33,093
 
6.9
%
Depreciation and amortization
   
9,892
 
5.2
%
   
12,480
 
5.2
%
   
20,133
 
5.2
%
   
25,358
 
5.3
%
Operating gains, losses and other charges
   
3,027
 
1.6
%
   
(12,025
)
(5.0
%)
   
(5,686
)
(1.5
%)
   
(14,574
)
(3.1
%)
Total operating costs and expenses
   
179,735
 
94.5
%
   
217,616
 
90.3
%
   
356,484
 
92.3
%
   
441,781
 
92.5
%
Operating income
   
10,537
 
5.5
%
   
23,326
 
9.7
%
   
29,784
 
7.7
%
   
35,912
 
7.5
%
Other expenses:
                                               
Interest expense, net
   
8,883
 
4.7
%
   
10,953
 
4.5
%
   
18,084
 
4.7
%
   
22,294
 
4.7
%
Other nonoperating expense (income), net
   
(1,617
)
(0.8
%)
   
(228
)
(0.1
%)
   
3,759
 
1.0
%
   
(425
)
(0.1
%)
Total other expenses, net
   
7,266
 
3.8
%
   
10,725
 
4.5
%
   
21,843
 
5.7
%
   
21,869
 
4.6
%
Net income before income taxes
   
3,271
 
1.7
%
   
12,601
 
5.2
%
   
7,941
 
2.1
%
   
14,043
 
2.9
%
Provision for income taxes
   
120
 
0.1
%
   
2,018
 
0.8
%
   
666
 
0.2
%
   
2,373
 
0.5
%
Net income
 
$
3,151
 
1.7
%
 
$
10,583
 
4.4
%
 
$
7,275
 
1.9
%
 
$
11,670
 
2.4
%
                                                 
Other Data:
                                               
Company-owned average unit sales
 
$
442
       
$
428
       
$
875
       
$
844
     
Franchise average unit sales
   
368
         
380
         
735
         
746
     
Company-owned equivalent units (b)
      369             510             380             514      
Franchise equivalent units (b)
    1,178           1,032           1,168           1,028      
Same-store sales increase (decrease) (company-owned) (c)(d)
   
(0.7
)%
       
2.8
%
       
0.0
%
       
0.5
%
   
Guest check average increase (d)
   
6.4
%
       
3.6
%
       
6.1
%
       
3.1
%
   
Guest count decrease (d)
   
(6.7
)%
       
(0.8
)%
       
(5.7
)%
       
(2.6
)%
   
Same-store sales increase (decrease) (franchised and licensed
units) (c) (d)
   
(3.7
)%
       
4.0
%
       
(2.3
)%
       
1.6
%
   
__________________
(a)
Costs of company restaurant sales percentages are as a percentage of company restaurant sales. Costs of franchise and license revenue percentages are as a percentage of franchise and license revenue. All other percentages are as a percentage of total operating revenue.
   
(b)
Equivalent units are calculated as the weighted average number of units outstanding during a defined time period.
   
(c)
Same-store sales include sales from restaurants that were open the same days in both the current year and prior year.
   
(d)
Prior year amounts have not been adjusted for 2008 comparable units.
14

 
 Quarter Ended June 25, 2008 Compared with Quarter Ended June 27, 2007

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
Company-owned restaurants, beginning of period
   
373
     
517
 
Units opened
   
2
     
 
Units acquired from franchisees
   
     
 
Units sold to franchisees
   
(20
)
   
(28
)
Units closed
   
(1
)
   
(1
)
End of period
   
354
     
488
 
                 
Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period
   
1,177
     
1,028
 
Units opened 
   
2
     
2
 
Units acquired by Company
   
     
 
Units purchased from Company
   
20
     
28
 
Units closed
   
(8
)
   
(7
)
End of period
   
1,191
     
1,051
 
Total company-owned, franchised and licensed restaurants, end of period
   
1,545
     
1,539
 

 Company Restaurant Operations

During the quarter ended June 25, 2008, we incurred a 0.7% decrease in same-store sales, comprised of a 6.4% increase in guest check average and a 6.7% decrease in guest counts. Company restaurant sales decreased $55.1 million, or 25.2%, primarily resulting from a 141 equivalent-unit decrease in company-owned restaurants. The decrease in equivalent-units primarily resulted from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees as part of our Franchise Growth Initiative.
 
Total costs of company restaurant sales as a percentage of company restaurant sales decreased to 87.5% from 88.4%. Product costs decreased to 23.9% from 25.8% due to favorable shifts in menu mix. Payroll and benefits costs increased to 42.3% from 42.1% primarily as a result of increased group insurance and management staffing costs, offset by a decrease in restaurant staffing related to improved scheduling. Occupancy costs increased slightly to 6.1% from 6.0%.  Other operating expenses were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of company restaurant sales:

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Utilities
 
$
8,080
     
4.9
%
 
$
10,032
     
4.6
%
Repairs and maintenance
   
3,607
     
2.2
%
   
4,818
     
2.2
%
Marketing
   
5,592
     
3.4
%
   
7,315
     
3.4
%
Legal
   
487
     
0.3
%
   
985
     
0.4
%
Other direct costs
   
6,964
     
4.3
%
   
8,632
     
4.0
%
Other operating expenses
 
$
24,730
     
15.1
%
 
$
31,782
     
14.6
%

The overall decrease in other operating expenses primarily results from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. 
 
Franchise Operations
 
Franchise and license revenue and costs of franchise and license revenue were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of franchise and license revenue for the periods indicated:
 
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Royalties
 
$
17,156
     
63.5
%
 
$
15,521
     
68.6
%
Initial and other fees    
 1,056
     
 3.9
%    
 1,257
     
 5.6
%
Occupancy revenue
   
8,827
     
32.6
%
   
5,848
     
25.8
%
Franchise and license revenue
   
27,039
     
100.0
%
   
22,626
     
100.0
%
                                 
Occupancy costs
   
6,886
     
25.5
%
   
4,932
     
21.8
%
Other direct costs
   
1,634
     
6.0
%
   
2,001
     
8.8
%
Costs of franchise and license revenue
 
$
8,520
     
31.5
%
 
$
6,933
     
30.6
%

Royalties increased by $1.6 million, or 10.5%, primarily resulting from a 146 equivalent-unit increase in franchised and licensed units, as compared to the prior year quarter, offset by the effects of a 3.7% decrease in same-store sales. The increase in equivalent-units resulted from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. The increase in occupancy revenue of $3.0 million, or 50.9%, is also primarily the result of the sale of restaurants to franchisees. 
 
Costs of franchise and license revenue increased by $1.6 million, or 22.9%. The increase in occupancy costs of $2.0 million, or 39.6%, is primarily the result of the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. Other direct costs benefited by $0.4 million, or 18.3%, primarily as a result of the reorganization of the field management structure that occurred in the third quarter of 2007. As a percentage of franchise and license revenue, costs of franchise and license revenue increased to 31.5% for the quarter ended June 25, 2008 from 30.6% for the quarter ended June 27, 2007.
 
Other Operating Costs and Expenses

Other operating costs and expenses such as general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization expense relate to both company and franchise operations.

15

General and administrative expenses are comprised of the following:

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Share-based compensation
 
$
1,032
   
$
1,135
 
General and administrative expenses
   
14,505
     
16,032
 
Total general and administrative expenses
 
$
15,537
   
$
17,167
 
 
Depreciation and amortization is comprised of the following:

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Depreciation of property and equipment
 
$
7,669
   
$
9,632
 
Amortization of capital lease assets
   
827
     
1,216
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
1,396
     
1,632
 
Total depreciation and amortization expense
 
$
9,892
   
$
12,480
 

The overall decrease in depreciation and amortization expense is due primarily to the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees during fiscal 2007 and 2008. 

Operating gains, losses and other charges, net are comprised of the following:

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Gains on sales of assets and other, net
 
$
(3,176
)
 
$
(13,457
)
Restructuring charges and exit costs
   
5,719
     
1,192
 
Impairment charges
   
484
     
240
 
Operating gains, losses and other charges, net
 
$
3,027
 
 
$
(12,025
)
 
During the quarter ended June 25, 2008, we recognized $2.2 million of gains on the sale of 20 restaurant operations to seven franchisees for net proceeds of $5.5 million compared to $12.6 million of gains on the sale of 28 restaurant operations to five franchisees for net proceeds of $20.2 million during the prior year quarter. The remaining gains for the two periods resulted from the sale of real estate related to closed restaurants and restaurants operated by franchisees and the recognition of deferred gains.
 
Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:
 
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Exit costs
 
$
815
   
$
588
 
Severance and other restructuring charges
   
4,904
     
604
 
Total restructuring and exit costs
 
$
5,719
   
$
1,192
 

During the quarter ended June 25, 2008, we recognized $4.3 million in severance and other restructuring charges related to a reorganization to support our ongoing transition to a franchise-focused business model. The reorganization led to the elimination of approximately 50 positions.

Operating income was $10.5 million for the quarter ended June 25, 2008 compared with $23.3 million for the quarter ended June 27, 2007.

Interest expense, net is comprised of the following:

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Interest on senior notes
 
$
4,363
   
$
4,363
 
Interest on credit facilities
   
2,355
     
4,201
 
Interest on capital lease liabilities
   
915
     
995
 
Letters of credit and other fees
   
504
     
590
 
Interest income
   
(228
)
   
(321
)
Total cash interest
   
7,909
     
9,828
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
277
     
297
 
Interest accretion on other liabilities
   
697
     
828
 
Total interest expense, net
 
$
8,883
   
$
10,953
 
 
The decrease in interest expense resulted primarily from the repayment of $100.3 million on the credit facilities during 2007.

16

The provision for income taxes was $0.1 million and $2.0 million for the quarter ended June 25, 2008 and June 27, 2007, respectively. The provision for income taxes for the quarters of 2008 and 2007 was determined using our effective rate estimated for the entire fiscal year. The quarter ended June 27, 2007 also included the recognition of $0.3 million of current tax benefits and a $0.6 million reduction to the valuation allowance. These items resulted from the enactment of certain federal and state laws that benefited us during the second quarter of 2007. We have provided valuation allowances related to any benefits from income taxes resulting from the application of a statutory tax rate to our net operating losses (“NOL”) generated in previous periods. In addition, during 2008 and 2007, we utilized certain federal and state NOL carryforwards whose valuation allowance was established in connection with fresh start reporting on January 7, 1998. Accordingly, for the quarter ended June 25, 2008 and June 27, 2007, we recognized approximately $0.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively, of federal and state deferred tax expense with a corresponding reduction to the goodwill that was recorded in connection with fresh start reporting on January 7, 1998. The reduction in our effective tax rate for the quarter ended June 25, 2008 was due primarily to the utilization of federal net operating loss carryforwards from periods prior to fresh start reporting on January 7, 1998. These federal net operating loss carryforwards were fully utilized during fiscal 2007. We still have certain state net operating loss carryforwards from periods prior to fresh start reporting that have been utilized in both fiscal 2007 and 2008.

Net income was $3.2 million for the quarter ended June 25, 2008 compared with $10.6 million for the quarter ended June 27, 2007 due to the factors noted above.

Two Quarters Ended June 25, 2008 Compared with Two Quarters Ended June 27, 2007
  
   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
Company-owned restaurants, beginning of period
   
394
     
521
 
Units opened
   
3
     
1
 
Units acquired from franchisees
   
     
1
 
Units sold to franchisees
   
(41
)
   
(34
)
Units closed
   
(2
)
   
(1
)
End of period
   
354
     
488
 
                 
Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period
   
1,152
     
1,024
 
Units opened 
   
11
     
5
 
Units acquired by Company
   
     
(1
)
Units purchased from Company
   
41
     
34
 
Units closed
   
(13
)
   
(11
)
End of period
   
1,191
     
1,051
 
Total company-owned, franchised and licensed restaurants, end of period
   
1,545
     
1,539
 

Company Restaurant Operations

During the two quarters ended June 25, 2008, same-store sales remained unchanged, but were comprised of a 6.1% increase in guest check average and a 5.7% decrease in guest counts. Company restaurant sales decreased $101.3 million, or 23.3%, primarily resulting from a 134 equivalent-unit decrease in company-owned restaurants. The decrease in equivalent-units primarily resulted from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees as part of our Franchise Growth Initiative.
 
Total costs of company restaurant sales as a percentage of company restaurant sales decreased to 88.4% from 88.6%. Product costs decreased to 24.3% from 25.7% due to favorable shifts in menu mix. Payroll and benefits increased to 42.9% from 42.6% primarily as a result of increased management staffing costs, offset by a decrease in restaurant staffing related to improved scheduling. Occupancy costs increased to 6.2% from 6.0%. Other operating expenses were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of company restaurant sales:

   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Utilities
 
$
16,345
     
4.9
%
 
$
20,795
     
4.8
%
Repairs and maintenance
   
7,265
     
2.2
%
   
8,765
     
2.0
%
Marketing
   
11,229
     
3.4
%
   
14,468
     
3.3
%
Legal
   
872
     
0.3
%
   
1,530
     
0.4
%
Other direct costs
   
14,227
     
4.3
%
   
16,537
     
3.8
%
Other operating expenses
 
$
49,938
     
15.0
%
 
$
62,095
     
14.3
%

The overall decrease in other operating expenses primarily results from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. As a percentage of company restaurant sales, other direct costs in fiscal 2007 benefited from $0.6 million of insurance proceeds resulting from income lost due to hurricanes.
 
Franchise Operations

Franchise and license revenue and costs of franchise and license revenue were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of franchise and license revenue for the periods indicated:

   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Royalties
 
$
33,992
     
63.6
%
 
$
30,319
     
69.6
%
Initial fees
   
  2,262
     
  4.2
%    
1,776
     
4.1
%
Occupancy revenue
   
17,188
     
32.2
%
   
11,481
     
26.3
%
Franchise and license revenue
   
53,442
     
100.0
%
   
43,576
     
100.0
%
                                 
Occupancy costs
   
13,407
     
25.1
%
   
9,534
     
21.9
%
Other direct costs
   
3,284
     
6.1
%
   
3,874
     
8.9
%
Costs of franchise and license revenue
 
$
16,691
     
31.2
%
 
$
13,408
     
30.8
%

Royalties increased by $3.7 million, or 12.1%, primarily resulting from a 140 equivalent-unit increase in franchised and licensed units, as compared to the prior year period, offset by the effects of a 2.3% decrease in same-store sales. The increase in equivalent-units resulted from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. The increase in occupancy revenue of $5.7 million, or 49.7%, is also primarily the result of the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. 

17

Costs of franchise and license revenue increased by $3.3 million, or 24.5%. The increase in occupancy costs of $3.9 million, or 40.6%, is primarily the result of the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. Other direct costs benefited by $0.6 million, or 15.2%, primarily as a result of the reorganization of the field management structure that occurred in the third quarter of 2007. As a percentage of franchise and license revenue, costs of franchise and license revenue increased to 31.2% for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008, as compared to 30.8% for the two quarters ended June 27, 2007.
 
Other Operating Costs and Expenses

General and administrative expenses are comprised of the following:

   
Two Quarters Ended
 
  
 
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Share-based compensation
 
$
1,662
   
$
2,319
 
General and administrative expenses
   
29,490
     
30,774
 
Total general and administrative expenses
 
$
31,152
   
$
33,093
 

The decrease in share-based compensation expense is primarily due to the adjustment of the liability classified restricted stock units to fair value as of June 25, 2008.

Depreciation and amortization is comprised of the following:

   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Depreciation of property and equipment
 
$
15,541
   
$
19,436
 
Amortization of capital lease assets
   
1,670
     
2,425
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
2,922
     
3,497
 
Total depreciation and amortization expense
 
$
20,133
   
$
25,358
 
 
The overall decrease in depreciation and amortization expense is due primarily to the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees during fiscal 2007 and 2008. 

Operating gains, losses and other charges, net are comprised of the following:

   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Gains on sales of assets and other, net
 
$
(12,924
)
 
$
(16,644
)
Restructuring charges and exit costs
   
6,754
     
1,830
 
Impairment charges
   
484
     
240
 
Operating gains, losses and other charges, net
 
$
(5,686
)
 
$
(14,574
)
 
During the two quarters ended June 25, 2008, we recognized $11.9 million of gains on the sale of 41 restaurant operations to eleven franchisees for net proceeds of $22.0 million compared to $13.0 million of gains on the sale of 34 restaurant operations to six franchisees for net proceeds of $21.9 million during the prior year period. The remaining gains for the two periods resulted from the sale of real estate related to closed restaurants and restaurants operated by franchisees and the recognition of deferred gains.
 
Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:
         
   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Exit costs 
 
$
1,655
   
$
735
 
Severance and other restructuring charges
   
5,099
     
1,095
 
Total restructuring and exit costs
 
$
6,754
   
$
1,830
 
 
During the two quarters ended June 25, 2008, we recognized $4.3 million in severance and other restructuring charges related to a reorganization to support our ongoing transition to a franchise-focused business model. The reorganization led to the elimination of approximately 50 positions.

Operating income was $29.8 million for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 compared with $35.9 million for the two quarters ended June 27, 2007.

Interest expense, net is comprised of the following:

   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Interest on senior notes
 
$
8,726
   
$
8,726
 
Interest on credit facilities
   
5,019
     
8,853
 
Interest on capital lease liabilities
   
1,858
     
1,999
 
Letters of credit and other fees
   
997
     
1,183
 
Interest income
   
(501
)
   
(672
)
Total cash interest
   
16,099
     
20,089
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
554
     
585
 
Interest accretion on other liabilities
   
1,431
     
1,620
 
Total interest expense, net
 
$
18,084
   
$
22,294
 

The decrease in interest expense resulted primarily from the repayment of $100.3 million on the credit facilities during 2007.

18

The provision for income taxes was $0.7 million and $2.4 million for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 and June 27, 2007, respectively. The provision for income taxes for the two quarters of 2008 and 2007 was determined using our effective rate estimated for the entire fiscal year. The two quarters ended June 27, 2007 also included the recognition of $0.3 million of current tax benefits and a $0.6 million reduction to the valuation allowance. These items resulted from the enactment of certain federal and state laws that benefited us during the second quarter of 2007. We have provided valuation allowances related to any benefits from income taxes resulting from the application of a statutory tax rate to our net operating losses (“NOL”) generated in previous periods. In addition, during 2008 and 2007, we utilized certain federal and state NOL carryforwards whose valuation allowance was established in connection with fresh start reporting on January 7, 1998. Accordingly, for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 and June 27, 2007, we recognized approximately $0.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively, of federal and state deferred tax expense with a corresponding reduction to the goodwill that was recorded in connection with fresh start reporting on January 7, 1998. The reduction in our effective tax rate for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 was due primarily to the utilization of federal net operating loss carryforwards from periods prior to fresh start reporting on January 7, 1998. These federal net operating loss carryforwards were fully utilized during fiscal 2007. We still have certain state net operating loss carryforwards from periods prior to fresh start reporting that have been utilized in both fiscal 2007 and 2008.
 
Net income was $7.3 million for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008 compared with $11.7 million for the two quarters ended June 27, 2007 due to the factors noted above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash generated from operations, borrowings under our Credit Facility (as defined in Note 7) and, in recent years, cash proceeds from the sale of surplus properties and sales of restaurant operations to franchisees. Principal uses of cash are operating expenses, capital expenditures and debt repayments.

The following table presents a summary of our sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents for the periods indicated:

   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
7,131
   
$
28,850
 
Net cash provided by investing activities
   
3,179
     
13,688
 
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(19,829
)
   
(21,501
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(9,519
)
 
$
21,037
 
 
The decrease in operating cash flows primarily resulted from the runoff of working capital deficit following the sale of restaurant operations to franchisees and the timing of certain operating expense payments. We believe that our estimated cash flows from operations for 2008, combined with our capacity for additional borrowings under our credit facility, will enable us to meet our anticipated cash requirements and fund capital expenditures through the end of 2008.
 
Net cash flows provided by investing activities were $3.2 million for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008. These cash flows primarily represent net proceeds of $18.0 million on sales of restaurant operations to franchisees, real estate related to restaurants operated by franchisees and other assets. The proceeds were offset by capital expenditures of $17.4 million for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008, of which $2.6 million was financed through capital leases. Our principal capital requirements have been largely associated with the maintenance of our existing company-owned restaurants and facilities, new construction, remodeling and our strategic initiatives, as follows:

   
Two Quarters Ended
 
   
June 25, 2008
   
June 27, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Facilities
 
$
4,994
   
$
5,419
 
New construction 
   
3,756
     
3,570
 
Remodeling
   
4,436
     
1,597
 
Strategic initiatives
   
1,557
     
 
Other
   
86
     
406
 
Capital expenditures
   
14,829
     
10,992
 
Acquisitions
   
 —
     
 2,208
 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions
 
$
 14,829
   
$
 13,200
 
 
Cash flows used in financing activities were $19.8 million for the two quarters ended June 25, 2008, which included $14.8 million of prepayments and $3.0 million of scheduled debt payments made through a combination of asset sale proceeds, as noted above, and surplus cash.
 
Our credit facility consists of a $50 million revolving credit facility (including up to $10 million for a revolving letter of credit facility), a $137 million term loan and an additional $37 million letter of credit facility. At June 25, 2008, we had outstanding letters of credit of $35.3 million (comprised of $35.0 million under our letter of credit facility and $0.3 million under our revolving facility). There were no revolving loans outstanding at June 25, 2008. These balances result in availability of $2.0 million under our letter of credit facility and $49.7 million under the revolving facility.
 
The revolving facility matures on December 15, 2011. The term loan and the $37 million letter of credit facility mature on March 31, 2012. The term loan amortizes in equal quarterly installments at a rate equal to approximately 1% per annum with all remaining amounts due on the maturity date. The credit facility is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. We will be required to make mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances (such as required payments related to asset sales) typical for this type of credit facility and may make certain optional prepayments under the credit facility.

The credit facility is guaranteed by Denny's Corporation and its other subsidiaries and is secured by substantially all of the assets of Denny's and its subsidiaries. In addition, the credit facility is secured by first-priority mortgages on 119 company-owned real estate assets. The credit facility contains certain financial covenants (i.e., maximum total debt to EBITDA (as defined under the credit facility) ratio requirements, maximum senior secured debt to EBITDA ratio requirements, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio requirements and limitations on capital expenditures), negative covenants, conditions precedent, material adverse change provisions, events of default and other terms, conditions and provisions customarily found in credit agreements for facilities and transactions of this type. We were in compliance with the terms of the credit facility as of June 25, 2008.

As of June 25, 2008, interest on loans under the revolving facility is payable at per annum rates equal to LIBOR plus 250 basis points and will adjust over time based on our leverage ratio. Interest on the term loan and letter of credit facility is payable at per annum rates equal to LIBOR plus 200 basis points. Prior to considering the impact of the interest rate swap, the weighted-average interest rate under the term loan was 4.7% as of June 25, 2008.

19

Our working capital deficit was $73.4 million at June 25, 2008 compared with $73.6 million at December 26, 2007. We are able to operate with a substantial working capital deficit because (1) restaurant operations and most food service operations are conducted primarily on a cash (and cash equivalent) basis with a low level of accounts receivable, (2) rapid turnover allows a limited investment in inventories, and (3) accounts payable for food, beverages and supplies usually become due after the receipt of cash from the related sales.
 
Implementation of New Accounting Standards

See Notes 2 and 15 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk
 
We have exposure to interest rate risk related to certain instruments entered into for other than trading purposes. Specifically, borrowings under the term loan and revolving credit facility bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR plus a spread of 200 basis points per annum for the term loan and letter of credit facility and 250 basis points per annum for the revolving credit facility.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $150 million to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our variable rate debt. We designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge of our exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to interest payments on the first $150 million of floating rate debt. Under the terms of the swap, through March 26, 2008, we paid a fixed rate of 4.8925% on the $150 million notional amount and received payments from the counterparties based on the 3-month LIBOR rate for a term ending on March 30, 2010, effectively resulting in a fixed rate of 6.8925% on the $150 million notional amount. On March 26, 2008, we terminated $50 million of the notional amount of the interest rate swap. As of June 25, 2008, the swap effectively increases our ratio of fixed rate debt from approximately 56% of total debt to approximately 88% of total debt.
 
Based on the levels of borrowings under the credit facility at June 25, 2008, if interest rates changed by 100 basis points our annual cash flow and income before income taxes would change by approximately $0.4 million. This computation is determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on the variable rate portion of the credit facility at June 25, 2008. However, the nature and amount of our borrowings under the credit facility may vary as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors.
 
Our other outstanding long-term debt bears fixed rates of interest. The estimated fair value of our fixed rate long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations and revolving credit facility advances) was approximately $170.2 million, compared with a book value of $175.4 million at June 25, 2008. This computation is based on market quotations for the same or similar debt issues or the estimated borrowing rates available to us. Specifically, the difference between the estimated fair value of long-term debt compared with its historical cost reported in our consolidated balance sheets at June 25, 2008 relates primarily to market quotations for our Denny's Holdings, Inc. 10% Senior Notes due 2012.
 
We also have exposure to interest rate risk related to our pension plan, other defined benefit plans and self-insurance liabilities. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in discount rate would decrease or increase our projected benefit obligation related to our pension plan and other defined benefit plans by $1.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and impact our net periodic benefit cost related to our pension plan by $0.1 million. The impact of a 25 basis point increase or decrease in discount rate on periodic benefit costs related to our other defined benefit plans would be less than $0.1 million. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in discount rate related to our self-insurance liabilities would result in a decrease or increase of $0.2 million, respectively.
 
Commodity Price Risk
 
We purchase certain food products such as beef, poultry, pork, eggs and coffee, and utilities such as gas and electricity, which are affected by commodity pricing and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, production problems, delivery difficulties and other factors that are outside our control and which are generally unpredictable. Changes in commodity prices affect us and our competitors generally and often simultaneously. In general, we purchase food products and utilities based upon market prices established with vendors. Although many of the items purchased are subject to changes in commodity prices, the majority of our purchasing arrangements are structured to contain features that minimize price volatility by establishing fixed pricing and/or price ceilings and floors. We use these types of purchase arrangements to control costs as an alternative to using financial instruments to hedge commodity prices. We have determined that our purchasing agreements do not qualify as derivative financial instruments or contain embedded derivative instruments. In many cases, we believe we will be able to address commodity cost increases which are significant and appear to be long-term in nature by adjusting our menu pricing or changing our product delivery strategy. However, competitive circumstances could limit such actions and, in those circumstances, increases in commodity prices could lower our margins. Because of the often short-term nature of commodity pricing aberrations and our ability to change menu pricing or product delivery strategies in response to commodity price increases, we believe that the impact of commodity price risk is not significant.
 
We have established a policy to identify, control and manage market risks which may arise from changes in interest rates, commodity prices and other relevant rates and prices. We do not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) our management conducted an evaluation (under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer, Nelson J. Marchioli, and our Executive Vice President, Growth Initiatives, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer, F. Mark Wolfinger) as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, Messrs. Marchioli and Wolfinger each concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
 
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

There are various claims and pending legal actions against or indirectly involving us, including actions concerned with civil rights of employees and guests, other employment related matters, taxes, sales of franchise rights and businesses and other matters. Based on our examination of these matters and our experience to date, we have recorded our best estimate of legal and financial liabilities, if any, with respect to these matters. However, the ultimate disposition of these matters cannot be determined with certainty.

20

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The annual meeting of stockholders of Denny’s Corporation was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, and the following matters were voted on by the stockholders of Denny’s Corporation:
 
 (i)
Election of Directors
 
Name
 
 Votes For
 
Votes Against
 
 Votes Abstained
               
 
 Vera K. Farris
 
85,611,630
 
670,535
 
169,601 
 
 Brenda J. Lauderback
 
80,460,640
 
5,912,363  
 
78,763
 
 Nelson J. Marchioli
 
85,957,890
 
412,563
 
81,313
 
 Robert E. Marks
 
85,980,444
 
301,986
 
169,336 
 
 Michael Montelongo
 
85,668,795
 
700,837
 
82,134
 
 Louis P. Neeb
 
85,942,393
 
340,711
 
168,662 
 
 Donald C. Robinson
 
85,935,556
 
347,236
 
168,974 
 
 Donald R. Shepherd
 
85,654,585
 
630,430
 
166,751 
 
 Debra Smithart-Oglesby
 
85,737,996
 
636,451
 
77,319
 
 
 (ii)
Ratification of the Selection of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008
 
Votes For
 
Votes Against
 
Votes Abstaining
           
 
85,663,819
 
672,445
 
115,502
 
 
 (iii)
Proposal to approve the Denny’s Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan
 
Votes For
 
Votes Against
 
Votes Abstaining
 
Broker Non-Votes
               
 
67,991,863
 
8,699,059
 
63,005
 
9,697,839

Item 6.   Exhibits
 
a.   The following are included as exhibits to this report:
 
 Exhibit No.
 
Description 
     
10.1   Denny's Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Denny's Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2008)
     
 10.2   Denny's Corporation Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan
     
31.1
 
Certification of Nelson J. Marchioli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Denny’s Corporation, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2
 
Certification of F. Mark Wolfinger, Executive Vice President, Growth Initiatives, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Denny’s Corporation, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1
 
Certification of Nelson J. Marchioli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Denny’s Corporation and F. Mark Wolfinger, Executive Vice President, Growth Initiatives, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Denny’s Corporation, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

21


SIGNATURES
 
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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

 
 
DENNY'S CORPORATION
 
       
Date: July 29, 2008
By:
/s/  F. Mark Wolfinger
 
   
F. Mark Wolfinger
 
   
Executive Vice President,
Growth Initiatives,
Chief Administrative Officer and
Chief Financial Officer
 
       
       
Date: July 29, 2008
By:
/s/  Jay C. Gilmore
 
   
Jay C. Gilmore
 
   
Vice President,
Chief Accounting Officer and
Corporate Controller
 
       



22