DENN 10-Q Quarterly Report June 30, 2010 | Alphaminr

DENN 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 2010

DENNY'S CORP
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10-Q 1 q2-2010_10q.htm DENNY'S QUARTER 2 2010 10-Q q2-2010_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 30 , 2010

DENNY'S CORPORATION 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 þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes ¨ 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
o
Accelerated filer
þ
Non-accelerated filer
o
Smaller reporting company
o
(Do not check if a 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 þ

As of July 30, 2010, 99,623,334 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2



Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)

Quarter Ended
Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue:
Company restaurant sales
$
105,301
$
125,500
$
213,084
$
261,076
Franchise and license revenue
29,776
30,313
59,565
60,497
Total operating revenue
135,077
155,813
272,649
321,573
Costs of company restaurant sales:
Product costs
24,500
29,306
50,192
61,589
Payroll and benefits
43,363
52,151
87,539
109,911
Occupancy
6,908
8,056
14,309
17,100
Other operating expenses
15,994
17,994
31,858
38,592
Total costs of company restaurant sales
90,765
107,507
183,898
227,192
Costs of franchise and license revenue
11,123
10,689
23,489
21,987
General and administrative expenses
13,111
15,907
26,185
29,754
Depreciation and amortization
7,291
8,015
14,664
16,727
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net
(117
)
(3,751
)
306
(3,453
)
Total operating costs and expenses
122,173
138,367
248,542
292,207
Operating income
12,904
17,446
24,107
29,366
Other expenses:
Interest expense, net
6,514
8,239
12,912
16,730
Other nonoperating expense (income), net
570
(745
)
558
(1,231
)
Total other expenses, net
7,084
7,494
13,470
15,499
Net income before income taxes
5,820
9,952
10,637
13,867
Provision for income taxes
362
616
591
224
Net income
$
5,458
$
9,336
$
10,046
$
13,643
Net income per share:
Basic
$
0.05
$
0.10
$
0.10
$
0.14
Diluted
$
0.05
$
0.09
$
0.10
$
0.14
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
99,263
96,113
98,179
96,079
Diluted
101,983
98,457
101,068
97,893
See accompanying notes

3


Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
June 30, 2010
December 30, 2009
(In thousands)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
21,677
$
26,525
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $147 and $171, respectively
13,352
18,106
Inventories
3,741
4,165
Assets held for sale
2,941
Prepaid and other current assets
12,583
9,549
Total current assets
54,294
58,345
Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $254,158 and $258,695, respectively
122,987
131,484
Other assets:
Goodwill
32,283
32,440
Intangible assets, net
53,587
55,110
Deferred financing costs, net
2,128
2,676
Other noncurrent assets
31,386
32,572
Total assets
$
296,665
$
312,627
Liabilities and shareholders' deficit
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of notes and debentures
$
753
$
900
Current maturities of capital lease obligations
3,785
3,725
Accounts payable
17,676
22,842
Other current liabilities
55,251
64,641
Total current liabilities
77,465
92,108
Long-term liabilities:
Notes and debentures, less current maturities
239,467
254,357
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities
19,934
19,684
Liability for insurance claims, less current portion
20,973
21,687
Deferred income taxes
13,109
13,016
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits
38,628
39,273
Total long-term liabilities
332,111
348,017
Total liabilities
409,576
440,125
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' deficit:
Common stock $0.01 par value; authorized - 135,000; issued – 99,362 and 96,613, respectively
994
966
Paid-in capital
546,922
542,576
Deficit
(642,781
)
(652,827
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(18,046
)
(18,213
)
Total shareholders' deficit
(112,911
)
(127,498
)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit
$
296,665
$
312,627

See accompanying notes
4

Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
Common Stock
Paid-in
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Total Shareholders'
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Loss, Net
Deficit
(In thousands)
Balance, December 30, 2009
96,613
$
966
$
542,576
$
(652,827
)
$
(18,213
)
$
(127,498
)
Comprehensive income:
Net income
10,046
10,046
Amortization of unrealized loss on
hedged transactions, net of tax
167
167
Comprehensive income
10,046
167
10,213
Share-based compensation on equity
classified awards
1,038
1,038
Issuance of common stock for share-based
compensation
198
2
(2
)
Exercise of common stock options
2,551
26
3,310
3,336
Balance, June 30, 2010
99,362
$
994
$
546,922
$
(642,781
)
$
(18,046
)
$
(112,911
)
See accompanying notes
5

Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
10,046
$
13,643
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
14,664
16,727
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net
306
(3,453
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs
516
542
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt
7
12
(Gain) loss on interest rate swap
167
(875
)
Deferred income tax expense
93
278
Share-based compensation
1,249
2,702
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Receivables
2,344
1,242
Inventories
424
1,072
Other current assets
(3,040
)
(5,051
)
Other assets
(1,268
)
(1,100
)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable
(2,472
)
(3,112
)
Accrued salaries and vacations
(7,899
)
(3,067
)
Accrued taxes
(105
)
(342
)
Other accrued liabilities
(2,470
)
(9,230
)
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits
(1,870
)
(2,561
)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
10,692
7,427
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property
(6,310
)
(7,936
)
Proceeds from disposition of property
3,322
13,030
Collections on notes receivable
2,691
Net cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities
(297
)
5,094
Cash flows from financing activities:
Long-term debt payments
(16,793
)
(12,025
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
3,336
24
Net bank overdrafts
(1,786
)
(1,697
)
Net cash flows used in financing activities
(15,243
)
(13,698
)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(4,848
)
(1,177
)
Cash and cash equivalents at:
Beginning of period
26,525
21,042
End of period
$
21,677
$
19,865
See accompanying notes
6

Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)

Note 1.     Introduction and Basis of Presentation

Denny’s Corporation, or Denny’s, is one of America’s largest family-style restaurant chains. At June 30, 2010, the Denny’s brand consisted of 1,556 restaurants, 1,328 (85%) of which were franchised/licensed restaurants and 228 (15%) of which were company-owned and operated.
The following table shows the unit activity for the quarter and two quarters ended June 30, 2010 and July 1, 2009:

Quarter Ended
Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
Company-owned restaurants, beginning of period
237
286
233
315
Units opened
4
1
Units sold to franchisees
(9
)
(22
)
(9
)
(52
)
Units closed
(1
)
(1
)
End of period
228
263
228
263
Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period
1,322
1,260
1,318
1,226
Units opened
7
10
13
20
Units purchased from Company
9
22
9
52
Units closed
(10
)
(11
)
(12
)
(17
)
End of period
1,328
1,281
1,328
1,281
Total restaurants, end of period
1,556
1,544
1,556
1,544

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 30, 2009 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 30, 2009. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year ending December 29, 2010.

Note 2.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Newly Adopted Accounting Standards
Fair Value

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”

Effective March 31, 2010, we adopted ASU No. 2010-06, which improves disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements under the Codification. The new disclosure requirements relate to transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2. ASU No. 2010-06 also includes separate disclosure requirements about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements, which we are required to adopt in the first quarter of 2011. The adoption did not have a material impact on the disclosures included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Subsequent Events

ASU No. 2010-09, “Subsequent Events (Topic 855): Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements"
Effective December 31, 2009, the first day of fiscal 2010, we adopted ASC No. 2010-09, which removes the requirement to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. The adoption did not have a material impact on the disclosures included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 18 .
7

Variable Interest Entities

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 “Consolidation”

Effective December 31, 2009, the first day of fiscal 2010, we adopted FASB ASC 810, which amends the guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity and modifies the methods allowed for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. In addition, it requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and enhanced disclosures related to an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. The adoption did not have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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 30, 2009.
Accounting Standards to be Adopted
Fair Value

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”
As mentioned under the "Fair Value" section above, we are required to adopt the disclosure requirements of ASU 2010-06 about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements in the first quarter of 2011. We do not anticipate the adoption to have a material impact on the disclosures included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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 our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption.
Note 3.     Notes Receivables
Notes receivable were comprised of the following:
June 30, 2010
December 30, 2009
(In thousands)
Current assets (included as a component of receivables):
Receivables related to sale of restaurants to franchisees
$
1,093
$
3,504
Receivables related to sale of real estate to a third party
62
61
Total current notes receivable
$
1,155
$
3,565
Noncurrent (included as a component of other noncurrent assets):
Receivables related to sale of restaurants to franchisees
$
1,844
$
1,894
Receivables related to sale of real estate to a third party
80
111
Total noncurrent notes receivable
$
1,924
$
2,005
Note 4.     Assets Held for Sale

Assets held for sale of $2.9 million as of June 30, 2010, include restaurants and real estate to be sold to franchisees. There were no assets held for sale as of December 30, 2009. We expect to sell each of these assets within 12 months. Our Credit Facility (defined in Note 8) requires us to make mandatory prepayments to reduce outstanding indebtedness with the net cash proceeds from the sale of specified real estate properties, restaurant assets and restaurant operations to franchisees, net of a voluntary $10.0 million annual exclusion related to proceeds from the sale of restaurant operations to franchisees and a voluntary $10.0 million annual exclusion related to proceeds from the sale of restaurant assets. As of June 30, 2010 and December 30, 2009, no reclassification of long-term debt to current liabilities was required. There were no impairment charges recognized related to assets held for sale for the quarter and two quarters ended June 30, 2010.  As a result of classifying certain assets as held for sale, we recognized impairment charges of $0.1 million and $0.4 million for the quarter and two quarters ended July 1, 2009. This expense is included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
8

Note 5.    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The changes in carrying amounts of goodwill for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 are as follows:
(In thousands)
Balance at December 30, 2009
$
32,440
Write-offs associated with sale of restaurants
(157
)
Balance at June 30, 2010
$
32,283

Goodwill and intangible assets were comprised of the following:
June 30, 2010
December 30, 2009
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
(In thousands)
Goodwill
$
32,283
$
$
32,440
$
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
Trade names
$
42,463
$
$
42,454
$
Liquor licenses
176
176
Intangible assets with definite lives:
Franchise and license agreements
46,513
35,649
50,787
38,397
Foreign license agreements
241
157
241
151
Intangible assets
$
89,393
$
35,806
$
93,658
$
38,548
Other assets with definite lives:
Software development costs
$
33,438
$
29,392
$
32,806
$
28,401
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 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Gains on sales of assets and other, net
$
(1,266
)
$
(3,508
)
$
(1,476
)
$
(4,032
)
Restructuring charges and exit costs
1,149
(673
)
1,782
(244
)
Impairment charges
430
823
Operating gains, losses and other charges, net
$
(117
)
$
(3,751
)
$
306
$
(3,453
)
Gains on Sales of Assets
Proceeds and gains on sales of assets were comprised of the following:
Quarter Ended
June 30, 2010
Quarter Ended
July 1, 2009
Net Proceeds
Gains
Net Proceeds
Gains
(In thousands)
Sales of restaurant operations and related real estate to franchisees
$
3,003
$
1,196
$
6,960
$
2,343
Sales of other real estate assets
515
39
2,754
1,134
Recognition of deferred gains
31
31
Total
$
3,518
$
1,266
$
9,714
$
3,508

9

During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, we recognized $1.2 million of gains on the sale of nine restaurant operations to four franchisees for net proceeds of $3.0 million (which included a note receivable of $0.2 million). During the quarter ended July 1, 2009, we recognized $2.3 million of gains on the sale of 22 restaurant operations to eight franchisees for net proceeds of $7.0 million (which included a note receivable of $0.1 million).
Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
Two Quarters Ended
July 1, 2009
Net Proceeds
Gains
Net Proceeds
Gains
(In thousands)
Sales of restaurant operations and related real estate to franchisees
$
2,998
$
1,366
$
11,751
$
2,803
Sales of other real estate assets
524
48
2,754
1,134
Recognition of deferred gains
62
95
Total
$
3,522
$
1,476
$
14,505
$
4,032
During the two quarters ended June 30, 2010, we recognized $1.2 million of gains on the sale of nine restaurant operations to four franchisees for net proceeds of $3.0 million (which included a note receivable of $0.2 million) and additional gains on prior year restaurant sale transactions. During the two quarters ended July 1, 2009, we recognized $2.8 million of gains on the sale of 52 restaurant operations to ten franchisees for net proceeds of $11.8 million (which included notes receivable of $1.5 million).
Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs

Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:
Quarter Ended
Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Exit costs
$
235
$
(795
)
$
863
$
(745
)
Severance and other restructuring charges
914
122
919
501
Total restructuring and exit costs
$
1,149
$
(673
)
$
1,782
$
(244
)
The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities are as follows:
(In thousands)
Balance at December 30, 2009
$
6,555
Provisions for units closed during the year (1)
500
Changes in estimates of accrued exit costs, net (1)
363
Payments, net of sublease receipts
(1,628
)
Interest accretion
295
Balance at June 30, 2010
6,085
Less current portion included in other current liabilities
1,838
Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities
$
4,247
(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 2010
$
1,449
2011
1,583
2012
1,086
2013
800
2014
677
Thereafter
1,422
Total
7,017
Less imputed interest
932
Present value of exit cost liabilities
$
6,085
10

As of June 30, 2010 and December 30, 2009, we had accrued severance and other restructuring charges of $1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.  The balance as of June 30, 2010 is expected to be paid during the next 12 months.
Note 7.     Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
Fair Value Measurements as of June 30, 2010
Total
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
$
6,192
$
6,192
$
$
market approach
Total
$
6,192
$
6,192
$
$
Fair Value Measurements as of December 30, 2009
Total
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
$
5,721
$
5,721
$
$
market approach
Total
$
5,721
$
5,721
$
$
In addition to the financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, we measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. As of June 30, 2010, there were no such nonrecurring measurements. As of December 30, 2009, impaired assets related to an underperforming unit were written down to a fair value of $0 based on the income approach.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt
The book value and estimated fair value of our long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, was as follows:
June 30, 2010
December 30, 2009
(In thousands)
Book value:
Fixed rate long-term debt
$
175,220
$
175,257
Variable rate long-term debt
65,000
80,000
Long term debt excluding capital lease obligations
$
240,220
$
255,257
Estimate fair value:
Fixed rate long-term debt
$
175,220
$
179,194
Variable rate long-term debt
65,000
80,000
Long term debt excluding capital lease obligations
$
240,220
$
259,194
The market quotation for our Denny’s Holdings, Inc. 10% Senior Notes due 2012 (“the 10% Notes”) was equal to their par value as of June 30, 2010. Therefore, there was no difference between the estimated fair value of long-term debt and its historical cost reported in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2010. The difference between the estimated fair value and historical cost at December 30, 2009 directly relates to the market quotations for the 10% Notes.

Note 8.     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 for short term needs), a $65 million term loan and an additional $30 million letter of credit facility for longer term needs (together, the "Credit Facility"). At June 30, 2010, we had outstanding letters of credit of $24.5  million (comprised of $24.4 million under our letter of credit facility and less than $0.1 million under our revolving letter of credit facility). There were no revolving loans outstanding at June 30, 2010. These balances result in availability of $5.6 million under our letter of credit facility and $49.9 million under the revolving facility.
11

The revolving facility matures on December 15, 2011. The term loan and the $30 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 2010, combined with our capacity for additional borrowings under our Credit Facility, will enable us to meet our anticipated cash requirements and fund capital expenditures over the next twelve months.
The Credit Facility is guaranteed by Denny's 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 approximately 100 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.

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. The weighted-average interest rate under the term loan was 2.5% and 3.6% as of June 30, 2010 and July 1, 2009, respectively. Taking into consideration our interest rate swap, described below, the weighted-average interest rate under the term loan was 6.4% as of July 1, 2009.
Note 9.     Derivative Financial Instruments

We may choose to utilize derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate risk and commodity risk in relation to natural gas costs. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
As of June 30, 2010 and December 30, 2009, there were no derivative instruments included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The gains (losses) recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of interest rate swaps and natural gas hedge contracts are as follows:
Quarter Ended
Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Realized gains (losses):
Interest rate swap - included as a component of interest expense
$
$
(927
)
$
$
(1,794
)
Natural gas contracts - included as a component of utility expense, which is
included in other operating expenses
$
$
(438
)
$
$
(1,020
)
Unrealized gains (losses) included as a component of nonoperating expense:
Interest rate swap
$
$
312
$
(167
)
$
875
Natural gas contracts
$
$
400
$
$
406
The unrealized gains (losses) related to the interest rate swap include both the changes in the fair value of the swap and the amortization of losses previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Interest Rate Swap
In 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $150 million that was designated as a cash flow hedge of our interest rate exposure. Under the terms of the swap, we paid a fixed rate of 4.8925% on the 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 notional amount. Interest rate differentials paid or received under the swap agreement were recognized as adjustments to interest expense. At the end of 2007, we determined that a portion of the underlying cash flows related to the swap were no longer probable of occurring over the term of the swap as a result of the probability of paying the debt down below the notional amount. As a result, we discontinued hedge accounting treatment. The losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 26, 2007 were amortized to other nonoperating expense over the remaining term of the swap. In 2008, we terminated $50 million of the notional amount of the swap. In the fourth quarter of 2009 we terminated the remaining $100 million of the notional amount of the swap. The 2009 termination resulted in a $1.3 million cash payment, which was made in the fourth quarter of 2009. There were no interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 30, 2009 or June 30, 2010.
Natural Gas Hedge Contracts
Realized gains (losses) on the contracts are recorded as utility cost which is a component of other operating expenses. The contracts are not accounted for under hedge accounting; therefore, changes in the contracts' fair value are recorded in other nonoperating expense.
12

Note 10.     Defined Benefit Plans
The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:

Pension Plan
Other Defined Benefit Plans
Quarter Ended
Quarter Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Service cost
$
94
$
107
$
$
Interest cost
858
862
34
38
Expected return on plan assets
(979
)
(864
)
Amortization of net loss
240
313
6
3
Net periodic benefit cost
$
213
$
418
$
40
$
41

Pension Plan
Other Defined Benefit Plans
Two Quarters Ended
Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Service cost
$
188
$
195
$
$
Interest cost
1,716
1,726
69
76
Expected return on plan assets
(1,964
)
(1,732
)
Amortization of net loss
457
653
11
7
Net periodic benefit cost
$
397
$
842
$
80
$
83
We did not make any contributions to our qualified pension plan during the two quarters ended June 30, 2010. We made contributions of $0.6 million to our qualified pension plan during the two quarters ended July 1, 2009. We made contributions of $0.1 million and $0.1 million to our other defined benefit plans during the two quarters ended June 30, 2010 and July 1, 2009, respectively. We do not expect to contribute to our qualified pension plan during 2010. We expect to contribute an additional $0.1 million to our other defined benefit plans over the remainder of fiscal 2010.

Additional minimum pension liability of $18.0 million is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Deficit and Comprehensive Income as of June 30, 2010 and December 30, 2009.
Note 11.     Share-Based Compensation

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

Quarter Ended
Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Share-based compensation related to liability classified restricted stock units
$
(513
)
$
523
$
211
$
596
Share based compensation related to equity classified awards:
Stock options
$
225
$
364
$
535
$
506
Restricted stock units
105
781
408
1,443
Board deferred stock units
74
149
95
157
Total share-based compensation related to equity classified awards
404
1,294
1,038
2,106
Total share-based compensation
$
(109
)
$
1,817
$
1,249
$
2,702
Stock Options

During the two quarters ended June 30, 2010, we granted approximately 0.6 million stock options to certain employees. These stock options vest evenly over 3 years and have a 10-year contractual life.
The weighted average fair value per option for options granted during the two quarters ended June 30, 2010 was $1.21. The fair value of these stock options 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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
13

We used the following weighted average assumptions for the stock option grants for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010:
Dividend yield
0.0
%
Expected volatility
60.2
%
Risk-free interest rate
2.48
%
Weighted average expected term
4.7 years
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 30, 2010, we had approximately $1.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.8 years.
Restricted Stock Units
In June 2010, we granted two awards of less than 0.1 million restricted stock units to certain non-employee board members. One award had a grant date fair value of $2.72 and the other had a grant date fair value of $2.82. The units vest 12 months from the grant date and, based on the participant's election, are converted to shares of Denny's stock either upon vesting or upon the board member's separation from the Board of Directors.
In January 2010, we granted approximately 0.1 million performance shares and 0.1 million performance units to certain employees. As these awards contain a market condition, a Monte Carlo valuation was used to determine the performance shares grant date fair value of $2.69 per share. The awards granted to our named executive officers also contain a performance condition based on certain operating measures for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2010. The performance units were valued at $2.00 per unit. The performance period is the three year fiscal period beginning December 31, 2009 and ending December 26, 2012. The performance shares and units will vest and be earned (from 0% to 150% of the target award for each such increment) at the end of the performance period based on the Total Shareholder Return of our stock compared to the Total Shareholder Returns of a group of peer companies.
During the two quarters ended June 30, 2010, we made payments of $0.9 million (before taxes) in cash and issued 0.2 million shares of common stock related to the restricted stock unit awards that vested as of December 30, 2009.
Accrued compensation expense included as a component of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was as follows:
June 30, 2010
December 30, 2009
(In thousands)
Liability classified restricted stock units:
Other current liabilities
$
440
$
1,303
Other noncurrent liabilities
$
596
$
506
Equity classified restricted stock units:
Additional paid-in capital
$
5,207
$
5,237
As of June 30, 2010, we had approximately $1.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost (approximately $0.6 million for liability classified units and approximately $1.0 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 1.4 years.
Board Deferred Stock Units

During the two quarters ended June 30, 2010, we granted 0.1 million deferred stock units (which are equity classified) with a weighted average grant date fair value of $2.92 per unit to non-employee members of our Board of Directors. The directors may elect to convert these awards into shares of common stock either on a specific date in the future (while still serving as a member of the Board of Directors) or upon termination as a member of the Board of Directors.
Note 12.     Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total comprehensive income was $10.2 million and $14.2 million for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010 and July 1, 2009, respectively.
The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholder’s Deficit and Comprehensive Loss are as follows:

June 30, 2010
December 30, 2009
(In thousands)
Additional minimum pension liability
$
(18,046
)
$
(18,046
)
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap
(167
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
(18,046
)
$
(18,213
)
14

Note 13.     Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $0.4 and $0.6 million for the quarter and two quarters ended June 30, 2010 compared to $0.6 million and $0.2 million for the quarter and two quarters ended July 1, 2009. The provision for income taxes for the first two quarters of 2010 and 2009 was determined using our effective rate estimated for the entire fiscal year. The increase in our effective tax rate for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010 results primarily from the recognition of $0.7 million of current tax benefits during the first quarter of 2009 related to the enactment of certain federal laws during the first quarter of 2009. 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.
Note 14.     Net Income Per Share
Quarter Ended
Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
Numerator:
Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share - net income
$
5,458
$
9,336
$
10,046
$
13,643
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share – weighted average shares
99,263
96,113
98,179
96,079
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options
1,235
1,311
1,585
1,132
Restricted stock units and awards
1,485
1,033
1,304
682
Denominator for diluted net income per share – adjusted weighted average
shares and assumed conversions of dilutive securities
101,983
98,457
101,068
97,893
Basic net income per share
$
0.05
$
0.10
$
0.10
$
0.14
Diluted net income per share
$
0.05
$
0.09
$
0.10
$
0.14
Stock options excluded (1)
2,313
6,147
2,231
5,583
Restricted stock units and awards excluded (1)
420
420

(1)
Excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding as the impact would have been antidilutive.
Note 15.     Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Income taxes paid, net
$
882
$
791
Interest paid
$
12,612
$
15,750
Noncash investing activities:
Notes received in connection with disposition of property
$
200
$
1,475
Execution of direct financing leases
$
$
2,275
Noncash financing activities:
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans
$
438
$
1,021
Execution of capital leases
$
2,084
$
35
Note 16.     Related Party Transactions:
During the quarter and two quarters ended July 1, 2009, we sold company-owned restaurants to franchisees that are former employees, including a former executive. We received cash proceeds of $1.1 million and recognized losses of $0.1 million from these related party sales during the quarter and two quarters ended July 1, 2009.  In relation to these sales, we may enter into leases or subleases with the franchisees. These leases and subleases are entered into at fair market value.
15

Note 17.     Commitments and Contingencies

On July 23, 2010, the Company received notice that our former Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) has elected to arbitrate issues with respect to the settlement of any outstanding obligations related to his departure. Under the terms of the employment agreement with our former CEO, such arbitration proceeding is to be held before a single arbitrator in Charlotte, North Carolina in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association and is to be completed within 60 days of the delivery of such notice. We estimate that the arbitration could result in payments to our former CEO ranging from approximately $0.8 million to $3.2 million. At June 30, 2010, we have recorded $0.8 million of severance and other restructuring charges related to the resolution of this matter.
In addition, there are various other claims and pending legal actions against or indirectly involving us, including actions involving 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.
Note 18.     Subsequent Events

We performed an evaluation of subsequent events and determined that no events required disclosure.


Forward-Looking Statements

The following discussion is intended to highlight significant changes in our financial position as of June 30, 2010 and results of operations for the quarter and two quarters ended June 30, 2010 compared to the quarter and two quarters ended July 1, 2009. 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 30, 2009.
16

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 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(Dollars in thousands)
Revenue:
Company restaurant sales
$
105,301
78.0
%
$
125,500
80.5
%
$
213,084
78.2
%
$
261,076
81.2
%
Franchise and license revenue
29,776
22.0
%
30,313
19.5
%
59,565
21.8
%
60,497
18.8
%
Total operating revenue
135,077
100.0
%
155,813
100.0
%
272,649
100.0
%
321,573
100.0
%
Costs of company restaurant sales (a):
Product costs
24,500
23.3
%
29,306
23.4
%
50,192
23.6
%
61,589
23.6
%
Payroll and benefits
43,363
41.2
%
52,151
41.6
%
87,539
41.1
%
109,911
42.1
%
Occupancy
6,908
6.6
%
8,056
6.4
%
14,309
6.7
%
17,100
6.5
%
Other operating expenses
15,994
15.2
%
17,994
14.3
%
31,858
15.0
%
38,592
14.8
%
Total costs of company restaurant sales
90,765
86.2
%
107,507
85.7
%
183,898
86.3
%
227,192
87.0
%
Costs of franchise and license revenue (a)
11,123
37.4
%
10,689
35.3
%
23,489
39.4
%
21,987
36.3
%
General and administrative expenses
13,111
9.7
%
15,907
10.2
%
26,185
9.6
%
29,754
9.3
%
Depreciation and amortization
7,291
5.4
%
8,015
5.1
%
14,664
5.4
%
16,727
5.2
%
Operating (gains), losses and other charges
(117
)
(0.1
%)
(3,751
)
(2.4
%)
306
0.1
%
(3,453
)
(1.1
%)
Total operating costs and expenses
122,173
90.4
%
138,367
88.8
%
248,542
91.2
%
292,207
90.9
%
Operating income
12,904
9.6
%
17,446
11.2
%
24,107
8.8
%
29,366
9.1
%
Other expenses:
Interest expense, net
6,514
4.8
%
8,239
5.3
%
12,912
4.7
%
16,730
5.2
%
Other nonoperating expense (income), net
570
0.4
%
(745
)
(0.5
%)
558
0.2
%
(1,231
)
(0.4
%)
Total other expenses, net
7,084
5.2
%
7,494
4.8
%
13,470
4.9
%
15,499
4.8
%
Net income before income taxes
5,820
4.3
%
9,952
6.4
%
10,637
3.9
%
13,867
4.3
%
Provision for income taxes
362
0.3
%
616
0.4
%
591
0.2
%
224
0.1
%
Net income
$
5,458
4.0
%
$
9,336
6.0
%
$
10,046
3.7
%
$
13,643
4.2
%
Other Data:
Company-owned average unit sales
$
448
$
460
$
906
$
915
Franchise average unit sales
$
339
$
357
$
681
$
719
Company-owned equivalent units (b)
235
272
235
285
Franchise equivalent units (b)
1,322
1,273
1,321
1,257
Same-store sales decrease (company- owned) (c)(d)
(6.2
%)
(2.7
%)
(5.8
%)
(1.1
%)
Guest check average (decrease) increase (d)
(2.7
%)
2.3
%
(1.3
%)
1.3
%
Guest count decrease (d)
(3.7
%)
(4.9
%)
(4.6
%)
(2.5
%)
Same-store sales decrease (franchised and li censed units) (c) (d)
(5.9
%)
(4.7
%)
(6.1
%)
(3.1
%)
__________________
(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 period in the prior year.
(d)
Prior year amounts have not been restated for 2010 comparable units.

17

Quarter Ended June 30, 2010 Compared with Quarter Ended July 1, 2009
Unit Activity
Quarter Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
Company-owned restaurants, beginning of period
237
286
Units opened
Units sold to franchisees
(9
)
(22
)
Units closed
(1
)
End of period
228
263
Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period
1,322
1,260
Units opened
7
10
Units purchased from Company
9
22
Units closed
(10
)
(11
)
End of period
1,328
1,281
Total restaurants, end of period
1,556
1,544

Company Restaurant Operations
During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, we incurred a 6.2% decrease in same-store sales, comprised of a 2.7% decrease in guest check average and a 3.7% decrease in guest counts. Company restaurant sales decreased $20.2 million, or 16.1%, primarily resulting from a 37 equivalent-unit decrease in company-owned restaurants. The decrease in equivalent units primarily resulted from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees.
Total costs of company restaurant sales as a percentage of company restaurant sales increased to 86.2% from 85.7%. Product costs decreased to 23.3% from 23.4%. Payroll and benefits decreased to 41.2% from 41.6% primarily as a result of a decrease in incentive compensation, partially offset by the deleveraging effect of lower sales and unfavorable workers’ compensation claims development. Occupancy costs increased to 6.6% from 6.4% primarily due to the effect of lower sales. Other operating expenses were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of company restaurant sales:

Quarter Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(Dollars in thousands)
Utilities
$
4,391
4.2
%
$
5,584
4.4
%
Repairs and maintenance
1,999
1.9
%
2,533
2.0
%
Marketing
4,522
4.3
%
4,812
3.8
%
Legal settlement costs
77
0.1
%
0.0
%
Other direct costs
5,005
4.8
%
5,065
4.0
%
Other operating expenses
$
15,994
15.2
%
$
17,994
14.3
%
Utilities decreased 0.2 percentage points primarily due to the recognition of $0.4 million in losses on natural gas contracts during the prior year quarter. Marketing increased 0.5 percentage points as we funded additional advertising for the Super Bowl promotion and the $2/$4/$6/$8 value menu program. Other direct costs increased 0.8 percentage points primarily as a result of charges for excess promotional materials.
Franchise Operations
Franchise and license revenue and related costs were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of franchise and license revenue for the periods indicated:
Quarter Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(Dollars in thousands)
Royalties
$
17,824
59.9
%
$
17,991
59.4
%
Initial and other fees
679
2.3
%
1,287
4.2
%
Occupancy revenue
11,273
37.8
%
11,035
36.4
%
Franchise and license revenue
$
29,776
100.0
%
$
30,313
100.0
%
Occupancy costs
8,642
29.0
%
8,586
28.3
%
Other direct costs
2,481
8.4
%
2,103
7.0
%
Costs of franchise and license revenue
$
11,123
37.4
%
$
10,689
35.3
%
18

Royalties decreased by $0.2 million, or 0.9%, primarily resulting from the effects of a 5.9% decrease in same-store sales, partially offset by a 49 equivalent unit increase in franchised and licensed units. The increase in equivalent units resulted primarily from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. Initial fees decreased by $0.6 million, or 47.2%, as fewer restaurants were opened by and sold to franchisees during the current year quarter. The increase in occupancy revenue of $0.2 million, or 2.2%, is also primarily the result of the sale of restaurants to franchisees over the last 12 months.
Costs of franchise and license revenue increased by $0.4 million, or 4.1%. The increase in occupancy costs of $0.1 million, or 0.7%, is primarily the result of the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. Other direct costs increased by $0.4 million, or 18.0%, primarily as a result of expenses associated with future restaurant openings related to the Pilot Flying J transaction (See Recent Events section). As a result, costs of franchise and license revenue as a percentage of franchise and license revenue increased to 37.4% for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 from 35.3% for the quarter ended July 1, 2009.

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.

General and administrative expenses were comprised of the following:

Quarter Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Share-based compensation
$
(109
)
$
1,817
Other general and administrative expenses
13,220
14,090
Total general and administrative expenses
$
13,111
$
15,907
The $1.9 million 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 30, 2010 and a $0.5 million reduction in expense related to forfeitures resulting from the departure of the Company's former Chief Executive Officer. The $0.9 million decrease in other general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of a $2.6 million decrease in incentive and deferred compensation, partially offset by a $1.5 million increase in costs related to our recent proxy contest.

Depreciation and amortization was comprised of the following:

Quarter Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Depreciation of property and equipment
$
5,328
$
6,028
Amortization of capital lease assets
691
678
Amortization of intangible assets
1,272
1,309
Total depreciation and amortization expense
$
7,291
$
8,015

The overall decrease in depreciation and amortization expense is due to the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees during fiscal 2009.

Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net were comprised of the following:

Quarter Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Gains on sales of assets and other, net
$
(1,266
)
$
(3,508
)
Restructuring charges and exit costs
1,149
(673
)
Impairment charges
430
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net
$
(117
)
$
(3,751
)
During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, we recognized $1.2 million of gains on the sale of nine restaurant operations to four franchisees for net proceeds of $3.0 million (which included a note receivable of $0.2 million). During the quarter ended July 1, 2009, we recognized $2.3 million of gains on the sale of 22 restaurant operations to eight franchisees for net proceeds of $7.0 million (which included a note receivable of $0.1 million). The remaining gains for the two periods resulted from the recognition of gains on the sale of other real estate assets and deferred gains.
19

Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:
Quarter Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Exit costs
$
235
$
(795
)
Severance and other restructuring charges
914
122
Total restructuring and exit costs
$
1,149
$
(673
)
Severance and other restructuring charges for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 includes $0.8 million related to the departure of the Company's former Chief Executive Officer (see Part II Item 1. Legal Proceedings).
Impairment charges for the quarter ended July 1, 2009 relate to underperforming restaurants as well as restaurants held for sale.

Operating income was $12.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 compared with $17.4 million for the quarter ended July 1, 2009.
Interest expense, net was comprised of the following:
Quarter Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Interest on senior notes
$
4,363
$
4,363
Interest on credit facilities
444
2,118
Interest on capital lease liabilities
1,046
932
Letters of credit and other fees
387
398
Interest income
(388
)
(442
)
Total cash interest
5,852
7,369
Amortization of deferred financing costs
258
271
Interest accretion on other liabilities
404
599
Total interest expense, net
$
6,514
$
8,239

The decrease in interest expense resulted primarily from the repayment of $15.0 million and $46.7 million of term loan debt during 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Other nonoperating expense (income), net was $0.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 compared with other nonoperating income of $0.7 million for the quarter ended July 1, 2009.
The provision for income taxes was $0.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 compared to $0.6 million for the quarter ended July 1, 2009. The provision for income taxes for the second quarters of 2010 and 2009 was determined using our effective rate estimated for the entire fiscal year. 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.
Net income was $5.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 compared with $9.3 million for the quarter ended July 1, 2009 due to the factors noted above.
Two Quarters Ended June 30, 2010 Compared with Two Quarters Ended July 1, 2009
Unit Activity

Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
Company-owned restaurants, beginning of period
233
315
Units opened
4
1
Units sold to franchisees
(9
)
(52
)
Units closed
(1
)
End of period
228
263
Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period
1,318
1,226
Units opened
13
20
Units purchased from Company
9
52
Units closed
(12
)
(17
)
End of period
1,328
1,281
Total restaurants, end of period
1,556
1,544
20

Company Restaurant Operations

During the two quarters ended June 30, 2010, we realized a 5.8% decrease in same-store sales, comprised of a 1.3% decrease in guest check average and a 4.6% decrease in guest counts. Company restaurant sales decreased $48.0 million, or 18.4%, primarily resulting from a 50 equivalent-unit decrease in company-owned restaurants. The decrease in equivalent-units primarily resulted from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees.
Total costs of company restaurant sales as a percentage of company restaurant sales decreased to 86.3% from 87.0%. Product costs remained constant at 23.6%. Payroll and benefits decreased to 41.1% from 42.1% primarily as a result of a decrease in incentive compensation. Occupancy costs increased to 6.7% from 6.5% primarily due to the deleveraging effect of lower sales. Other operating expenses were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of company restaurant sales:

Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(Dollars in thousands)
Utilities
$
9,042
4.2
%
$
12,433
4.8
%
Repairs and maintenance
3,944
1.9
%
5,098
2.0
%
Marketing
8,824
4.1
%
9,594
3.7
%
Legal
200
0.1
%
355
0.1
%
Other direct costs
9,848
4.6
%
11,112
4.3
%
Other operating expenses
$
31,858
15.0
%
$
38,592
14.8
%

Utilities decreased 0.6 percentage points primarily due to the recognition of $1.0 million in losses on natural gas contracts during the prior year. Marketing increased 0.4 percentage points as we funded additional advertising for the Super Bowl promotion and the $2/$4/$6/$8 value menu program.
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 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(Dollars in thousands)
Royalties
$
35,818
60.1
%
$
35,885
59.3
%
Initial fees
1,112
1.9
%
2,906
4.8
%
Occupancy revenue
22,635
38.0
%
21,706
35.9
%
Franchise and license revenue
$
59,565
100.0
%
$
60,497
100.0
%
Occupancy costs
17,319
29.1
%
16,608
27.4
%
Other direct costs
6,170
10.3
%
5,379
8.9
%
Costs of franchise and license revenue
$
23,489
39.4
%
$
21,987
36.3
%
Royalties decreased by $0.1 million, or 0.2% primarily resulting from the effects of a 6.1% decrease in same-store sales, offset by a 64 equivalent-unit increase in franchised and licensed units. The increase in equivalent-units resulted primarily from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. Initial fees decreased by $1.8 million, or 61.7%, as fewer restaurants were opened by and sold to franchisees during the current year period. The increase in occupancy revenue of $0.9 million, or 4.3%, is also primarily the result of the sale of restaurants to franchisees over the last 12 months.

Costs of franchise and license revenue increased by $1.5 million, or 6.8%. The increase in occupancy costs of $0.7 million, or 4.3%, is primarily the result of the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. Other direct costs increased by $0.8 million, or 14.7%, primarily as a result of expenses associated with future restaurant openings related to the Pilot Flying J transaction (See Recent Events section). As a result, costs of franchise and license revenue as a percentage of franchise and license revenue increased to 39.4% for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010 from 36.3% for the two quarters ended July 1, 2009.
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.
General and administrative expenses are comprised of the following:

Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Share-based compensation
$
1,249
$
2,702
General and administrative expenses
24,936
27,052
Total general and administrative expenses
$
26,185
$
29,754
21

The $1.5 million decrease in share-based compensation expense is primarily due to a $0.5 million reduction in expense related to forfeitures resulting from the departure of the Company's former Chief Executive Officer and the adoption of lower cost share-based compensation plans during recent years. The $2.1 million decrease in other general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of a $4.1 million decrease in incentive and deferred compensation, partially offset by a $2.0 million increase in costs related to our recent proxy contest.
Depreciation and amortization is comprised of the following:

Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Depreciation of property and equipment
$
10,796
$
12,604
Amortization of capital lease assets
1,345
1,396
Amortization of intangible assets
2,523
2,727
Total depreciation and amortization expense
$
14,664
$
16,727
The overall decrease in depreciation and amortization expense is due primarily to the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees during fiscal 2009.
Operating gains, losses and other charges, net are comprised of the following:

Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Gains on sales of assets and other, net
$
(1,476
)
$
(4,032
)
Restructuring charges and exit costs
1,782
(244
)
Impairment charges
823
Operating gains, losses and other charges, net
$
306
$
(3,453
)
During the two quarters ended June 30, 2010, we recognized $1.2 million of gains on the sale of nine restaurant operations to four franchisees for net proceeds of $3.0 million (which included a note receivable of $0.2 million) and additional gains on prior year restaurant sale transactions. During the two quarters ended July 1, 2009, we recognized $2.8 million of gains on the sale of 52 restaurant operations to ten franchisees for net proceeds of $11.8 million (which included notes receivable of $1.5 million). The remaining gains for the two periods resulted from the recognition of gains on the sale of other real estate assets and deferred gains.

Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:
Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Exit costs
$
863
$
(745
)
Severance and other restructuring charges
919
501
Total restructuring and exit costs
$
1,782
$
(244
)
Severance and other restructuring charges for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010 includes $0.8 million related to the departure of the Company's former Chief Executive Officer (see Part II Item 1. Legal Proceedings).
Impairment charges for the two quarters ended July 1, 2009 generally relate to underperforming restaurants as well as restaurants and real estate held for sale.
Operating income was $24.1 million for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010 and $29.4 million for the two quarters ended July 1, 2009.
22

Interest expense, net is comprised of the following:

Two Quarters Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Interest on senior notes
$
8,726
$
8,726
Interest on credit facilities
927
4,299
Interest on capital lease liabilities
1,979
1,896
Letters of credit and other fees
776
859
Interest income
(838
)
(830
)
Total cash interest
11,570
14,950
Amortization of deferred financing costs
517
542
Interest accretion on other liabilities
825
1,238
Total interest expense, net
$
12,912
$
16,730

The decrease in interest expense resulted primarily from the repayment of $15.0 million and $46.7 million of term loan debt during 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Other nonoperating expense (income), net was $0.6 million for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010 compared with other nonoperating income of $1.2 million for the two quarters ended July 1, 2009.
The provision for income taxes was $0.6 for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010 compared to $0.2 million for the two quarters ended July 1, 2009. The provision for income taxes for the first two quarters of 2010 and 2009 was determined using our effective rate estimated for the entire fiscal year. The increase in our effective tax rate for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010 results primarily from the recognition of $0.7 million of current tax benefits during the first quarter of 2009 related to the enactment of certain federal laws during the first quarter of 2009. 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.
Net income was $10.0 million for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010 compared with $13.6 million for the two quarters ended July 1, 2009 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 8) and, in recent years, cash proceeds from the sale of surplus properties and sales of restaurant operations to franchisees, to the extent allowed by our Credit Facility. 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 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
10,692
$
7,427
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(297
)
5,094
Net cash used in financing activities
(15,243
)
(13,698
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(4,848
)
$
(1,177
)
The increase in operating cash flows is primarily the result of timing differences in marketing spending and the reduction in our interest payments. We believe that our estimated cash flows from operations for 2010, combined with our capacity for additional borrowings under our Credit Facility, will enable us to meet our anticipated cash requirements and fund capital expenditures over the next twelve months.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $0.3 million for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010. These cash flows include capital expenditures of $8.4 million, of which $2.1 million was financed through capital leases. These expenditures were partially offset by $3.3 million in proceeds from the sales of restaurant operations to franchisees and the sale of other real estate assets and collections of notes receivable of $2.7 million. Our principal capital requirements have been largely associated with the maintenance of our existing company-owned restaurants and facilities, new construction, remodeling, information technology and our strategic initiatives, as follows:
23

Quarter Ended
June 30, 2010
July 1, 2009
(In thousands)
Facilities
$
2,742
$
2,904
New construction
1,630
1,819
Remodeling
756
1,253
Information technology
597
35
Strategic initiatives
11
836
Other
574
1,089
Capital expenditures
$
6,310
$
7,936
We generally expect our capital requirements to trend downward as we reduce our company-owned restaurant portfolio and remain selective in our new restaurant investments.

Cash flows used in financing activities were $15.2 million for the two quarters ended June 30, 2010, which included $14.6 million of term loan prepayments and $0.4 million of scheduled term loan payments.

Our Credit Facility consists of a $50 million revolving credit facility (including up to $10 million for a revolving letter of credit facility for short term needs), a $65 million term loan and an additional $30 million letter of credit facility for longer term needs. At June 30, 2010, we had outstanding letters of credit of $24.5  million (comprised of $24.4 million under our letter of credit facility and less than $0.1 million under our revolving letter of credit facility). There were no revolving loans outstanding at June 30, 2010. These balances result in availability of $5.6 million under our letter of credit facility and $49.9 million under the revolving facility.
The revolving facility matures on December 15, 2011. The term loan and the $30 million letter of credit facility mature on March 31, 2012. The term loan amortizes in equal quarterly installments at a rate equal to 1% per annum with all remaining amounts due on the maturity date. The revolving 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 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 approximately 100 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 30, 2010.

As of June 30, 2010, 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. As of June 30, 2010, the weighted-average interest rate under the term loan was 2.5%.

Our working capital deficit was $23.2 million at June 30, 2010 compared with $33.8 million at December 30, 2009. The decrease in working capital deficit resulted primarily from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees during 2009 and 2010 and a $2.9 million increase in assets held for sale. 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.
Recent Events
As previously disclosed, Denny's has been selected as the full-service restaurant operator of choice for Pilot Travel Centers LLC (“Pilot”). On June 30, 2010, the Federal Trade Commission approved Pilot’s merger with Flying J Travel Centers (“Flying J”). Now named Pilot Flying J, the company is North America’s largest retail operator of travel centers. Up to 140 Flying J full-service restaurants could be converted to Denny’s. We began converting former Flying J restaurant operations in July 2010 and expect to have 80 sites converted by year end 2010, including 10 sites which will operate as company restaurants. Denny’s franchisees will convert and operate most of the Flying J locations with the Company planning to convert and operate approximately fifteen of the restaurants. We also expect up to an additional 50 Denny's restaurants will open in existing and proposed Pilot Travel Centers over the next several years.
Implementation of New Accounting Standards

See Note 2 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
24

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.
Based on the levels of borrowings under the Credit Facility at June 30, 2010, if interest rates changed by 100 basis points, our annual cash flow and income before income taxes would change by approximately $0.7 million. This computation is determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on the variable rate portion of the Credit Facility at June 30, 2010. 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 book value and estimated fair value of our fixed rate long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations and revolving credit facility advances) was approximately $175.2 million at June 30, 2010. This computation is based on market quotations for the same or similar debt issues or the estimated borrowing rates available to us. The market quotation for the 10% Notes was equal to their par value as of June 30, 2010, therefore there was no difference between the estimated fair value of long-term debt compared with its historical cost.
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 by approximately $1.8 million and would impact the pension plan's net periodic benefit cost by $0.1 million. The impact of a 25 basis point increase or decrease in discount rate would decrease or increase our projected benefit obligation related to our other defined benefit plans by less than $0.1 million while the plans' net periodic benefit cost would remain flat. 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. 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 use derivative instruments for trading purposes.

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 Interim Chief Executive Officer, Debra Smithart-Oglesby, and our Executive Vice President, 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, Ms. Smithart-Oglesby and Mr. 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 (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including Ms. Smithart-Oglesby and Wolfinger, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
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.


On July 23, 2010, the Company received notice that our former Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) has elected to arbitrate issues with respect to the settlement of any outstanding obligations related to his departure. Under the terms of the employment agreement with our former CEO, such arbitration proceeding is to be held before a single arbitrator in Charlotte, North Carolina in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association and is to be completed within 60 days of the delivery of such notice. We estimate that the arbitration could result in payments to our former CEO ranging from approximately $0.8 million to $3.2 million. At June 30, 2010, we have recorded $0.8 million of severance and other restructuring charges related to the resolution of this matter.

In addition, there are various other claims and pending legal actions against or indirectly involving us, including actions involving 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.
25

The following are included as exhibits to this report:
Exhibit No.
Description
31.1
Certification of Debra Smithart-Oglesby, Interim 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, 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 Debra Smithart-Oglesby, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Denny’s Corporation and F. Mark Wolfinger, Executive Vice President, 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.

26

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:  August 3, 2010
By:
/s/  F. Mark Wolfinger
F. Mark Wolfinger
Executive Vice President,
Chief Administrative Officer and
Chief Financial Officer
Date:  August 3, 2010
By:
/s/  Jay C. Gilmore
Jay C. Gilmore
Vice President,
Chief Accounting Officer and
Corporate Controller
27


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