DENNY'S Corp - Quarter Report: 2012 September (Form 10-Q)

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 September 26, 2012

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 þ 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	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 October 26, 2012, 93,744,419 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS



	Page
Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Quarter and Three Quarters Ended September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 (unaudited)	4
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited)	5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)	6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	28
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	28

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings	29
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	29
Item 6. Exhibits	30
Signatures	31

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)



	September 26, 2012			December 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,148		$	13,740
Receivables	13,614			14,971
Inventories	2,846			3,438
Assets held for sale	1,582			2,351
Current deferred tax asset	18,706			15,519
Prepaid and other current assets	7,337			11,274
Total current assets	68,233			61,293
Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $249,715 and $241,102, respectively	103,235			112,772
Goodwill	30,402			30,764
Intangible assets, net	49,208			50,921
Deferred financing costs, net	2,177			5,884
Noncurrent deferred tax asset	47,943			60,636
Other noncurrent assets	24,656			28,231
Total assets	$	325,854		$	350,501

Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	9,781		$	2,591
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	4,264			4,380
Accounts payable	17,604			25,935
Other current liabilities	53,673			54,289
Total current liabilities	85,322			87,195
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, less current maturities	166,250			193,257
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities	16,239			18,077
Liability for insurance claims, less current portion	17,581			18,552
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	39,899			43,096
Total long-term liabilities	239,969			272,982
Total liabilities	325,291			360,177

Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders' equity
Common stock $0.01 par value; authorized - 135,000; September 26, 2012: 103,664 shares issued and 94,528 shares outstanding; December 28, 2011: 102,668 shares issued and 95,972 shares outstanding	$	1,037		$	1,027
Paid-in capital	561,665			557,396
Deficit	(501,998		)	(517,827		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(24,009		)	(24,813		)
Shareholders’ equity before treasury stock	36,695			15,783
Treasury stock, at cost, 9,136 and 6,696 shares, respectively	(36,132		)	(25,459		)
Total shareholders' equity (deficit)	563			(9,676		)
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	325,854		$	350,501

See accompanying notes

Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)



	Quarter Ended				Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011		September 26, 2012			September 28, 2011
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue:
Company restaurant sales	$	86,575	$	104,659	$	271,977		$	313,235
Franchise and license revenue	34,370		32,023		100,437			95,105
Total operating revenue	120,945		136,682		372,414			408,340
Costs of company restaurant sales:
Product costs	21,449		25,847		67,684			77,095
Payroll and benefits	34,409		41,261		108,779			127,876
Occupancy	5,780		6,928		17,776			20,581
Other operating expenses	12,170		15,851		37,267			46,437
Total costs of company restaurant sales	73,808		89,887		231,506			271,989
Costs of franchise and license revenue	12,078		10,747		34,776			33,397
General and administrative expenses	14,702		13,335		45,150			41,566
Depreciation and amortization	5,287		6,955		17,174			21,377
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	3,380		1,791		(794		)	843
Total operating costs and expenses, net	109,255		122,715		327,812			369,172
Operating income	11,690		13,967		44,602			39,168
Other expenses:
Interest expense, net	3,088		4,796		10,537			15,390
Other nonoperating expense, net	38		780		7,941			2,526
Total other expenses, net	3,126		5,576		18,478			17,916
Net income before income taxes	8,564		8,391		26,124			21,252
Provision for income taxes	3,201		406		10,295			1,013
Net income	$	5,363	$	7,985	$	15,829		$	20,239

Basic net income per share	$	0.06	$	0.08	$	0.17		$	0.21
Diluted net income per share	$	0.06	$	0.08	$	0.16		$	0.20

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	94,705		96,997		95,472			98,132
Diluted	96,745		98,746		97,196			100,203

Comprehensive income	$	5,631	$	7,985	$	16,633		$	20,239

See accompanying notes

Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)



	Common Stock			Treasury Stock					Paid-in						Accumulated Other Comprehensive			Total Shareholders’ Equity /
	Shares	Amount		Shares		Amount			Capital			(Deficit)			Loss, Net			(Deficit)
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 28, 2011	102,668	$	1,027	(6,696	)	$	(25,459	)	$	557,396		$	(517,827	)	$	(24,813	)	$	(9,676	)
Net income	—	—		—		—			—			15,829			—			15,829
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax benefits of $518	—	—		—		—			—			—			804			804
Share-based compensation on equity classified awards	—	—		—		—			1,508			—			—			1,508
Purchase of treasury stock	—	—		(2,440	)	(10,673		)	—			—			—			(10,673		)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation	192	2		—		—			(2		)	—			—			—
Exercise of common stock options	804	8		—		—			2,115			—			—			2,123
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	—	—		—		—			648			—			—			648
Balance, September 26, 2012	103,664	$	1,037	(9,136	)	$	(36,132	)	$	561,665		$	(501,998	)	$	(24,009	)	$	563

See accompanying notes

Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012			September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	15,829		$	20,239
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	17,174			21,377
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	(794		)	843
Amortization of deferred financing costs	639			1,023
Amortization of debt discount	137			418
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	8,180			2,287
Loss on change in the fair value of interest rate cap	62			—
Deferred income tax expense	8,988			57
Share-based compensation	2,794			3,180
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Receivables	1,034			4,167
Inventories	592			517
Other current assets	3,885			182
Other assets	(2,549		)	965
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable	(4,548		)	(2,145		)
Accrued salaries and vacations	1,246			2,003
Accrued taxes	1,140			1,520
Other accrued liabilities	(5,725		)	(4,722		)
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	(4,061		)	(5,304		)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	44,023			46,607
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property	(7,846		)	(12,927		)
Proceeds from disposition of property	14,168			4,986
Collections on notes receivable	1,642			756
Issuance of notes receivable	(1,652		)	—
Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	6,312			(7,185		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under new credit agreement	190,000			—
Long-term debt payments	(215,590		)	(33,212		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,123			4,793
Tax withholding on share-based payments	(327		)	(377		)
Tax benefit of stock options exercised	648			—
Debt transaction costs	(1,098		)	(814		)
Deferred financing costs	(1,809		)	(3,414		)
Purchase of treasury stock	(10,442		)	(19,170		)
Net bank overdrafts	(3,432		)	(1,355		)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(39,927		)	(53,549		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	10,408			(14,127		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	13,740			29,074
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	24,148		$	14,947

See accompanying notes

Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Introduction and Basis of Presentation

Denny’s Corporation, or Denny’s, is one of America’s largest full-service restaurant chains. The following table shows the unit activity for the quarter and three quarters ended September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011, respectively:



	Quarter Ended				Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011		September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
Company-owned restaurants, beginning of period	177		225		206		232
Units opened	—		2		—		8
Units sold to franchisees	(5	)	(3	)	(28	)	(13	)
Units closed	(1	)	(1	)	(7	)	(4	)
End of period	171		223		171		223

Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period	1,507		1,452		1,479		1,426
Units opened	12		9		27		39
Units relocated	—		—		—		1
Units purchased from Company	5		3		28		13
Units closed (including units relocated)	(8	)	(10	)	(18	)	(25	)
End of period	1,516		1,454		1,516		1,454
Total restaurants, end of period	1,687		1,677		1,687		1,677

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 28, 2011 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 28, 2011. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year ending December 26, 2012.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Newly Adopted Accounting Standards

Fair Value

ASU No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs”

Effective December 29, 2011, we adopted ASU 2011-04, which provides a consistent definition of fair value and ensures that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The amended guidance changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. The adoption did not have a material impact on the disclosures included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Comprehensive Income

ASU No. 2011-05, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income"

Effective December 29, 2011, we adopted ASU 2011-05, which amends existing guidance to allow only two options for presenting the components of net income and other comprehensive income: (1) in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) in two separate but consecutive financial statements consisting of an income statement followed by a statement of other comprehensive income. The new guidance requires retrospective application. The adoption concerns presentation and disclosure only and did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

ASU No. 2011-12, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05"

Effective December 29, 2011, we adopted ASU 2011-12, which effectively defers the changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income. All other requirements of ASU 2011-05 are not affected by this update. The adoption did not have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Goodwill

ASU No. 2011-08, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment”

Effective December 29, 2011, we adopted ASU 2011-08, which modifies the impairment test for goodwill. Under the new guidance, an entity is permitted to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the reporting unit's fair value is less than the carrying value before applying the two-step goodwill impairment model that is currently in place. If it is determined through the qualitative assessment that a reporting unit's fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the remaining impairment steps would be unnecessary. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment. The adoption did not have any impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting Standards to be Adopted

Intangibles

ASU No. 2012-02, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment”

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, which modifies the impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. Under the new guidance, an entity is permitted to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is determined through the qualitative assessment that the indefinite-lived intangible asset's fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the quantitative impairment calculations would be unnecessary. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment. The guidance is effective for impairment tests for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012 (our fiscal 2013). We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note 3. Receivables

Receivables were comprised of the following:



	September 26, 2012			December 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Current assets:
Receivables:
Trade accounts receivable from franchisees	$	9,289		$	9,452
Notes receivable from franchisees and third parties	750			992
Vendor receivables	1,066			2,311
Credit card receivables	752			1,137
Other	1,780			1,087
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(23		)	(8		)
	$	13,614		$	14,971

Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets):
Notes receivable from franchisees and third parties	$	811		$	560

For the quarter and three quarters ended September 26, 2012, we recognized interest income on notes receivable from franchisees of less than $0.1 million. For the quarter and three quarters ended September 28, 2011, we recognized interest income on notes receivable from franchisees of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. These amounts are included as a component of interest expense, net on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Note 4. Assets Held for Sale

Assets held for sale of $1.6 million and $2.4 million as of September 26, 2012 and December 28, 2011, respectively, consist of restaurants to be sold to franchisees. As a result of classifying certain assets as held for sale, we recognized impairment charges of $2.4 million and $2.6 million for the quarter and three quarters ended September 26, 2012, respectively, and $0.8 million for the quarter and three quarters ended September 28, 2011. This expense is included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill:



	September 26, 2012
	(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of year	$	30,764
Write-offs and reclassifications associated with sale of restaurants	(362		)
Balance, end of period	$	30,402

Goodwill and intangible assets were comprised of the following:



	September 26, 2012				December 28, 2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	(In thousands)
Goodwill	$	30,402	$	—	$	30,764	$	—

Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
Trade names	$	44,049	$	—	$	44,046	$	—
Liquor licenses	156		—		164		—
Intangible assets with definite lives:
Franchise and license agreements	37,527		32,580		42,778		36,132
Foreign license agreements	241		185		241		176
Intangible assets	$	81,973	$	32,765	$	87,229	$	36,308

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

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



	Quarter Ended					Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011			September 26, 2012			September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
(Gains) losses on sales of assets and other, net	$	91	$	(867	)	$	(6,772	)	$	(2,742	)
Restructuring charges and exit costs	821		490			2,970			1,359
Impairment charges	2,468		2,168			3,008			2,226
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	$	3,380	$	1,791		$	(794	)	$	843

Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs

Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:



	Quarter Ended				Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011		September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Exit costs	$	233	$	465	$	1,139	$	1,078
Severance and other restructuring charges	588		25		1,831		281
Total restructuring and exit costs	$	821	$	490	$	2,970	$	1,359

The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities are as follows:



	(In thousands)
Balance, December 28, 2011	$	3,863
Exit costs (1)	1,139
Payments, net of sublease receipts	(1,500		)
Reclassification of certain lease liabilities, net	77
Interest accretion	256
Balance, September 26, 2012	3,835
Less current portion included in other current liabilities	1,391
Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities	$	2,444



(1)	Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.

Estimated net cash payments related to exit cost liabilities are as follows:



	(In thousands)
Remainder of 2012	$	834
2013	1,077
2014	803
2015	332
2016	275
Thereafter	1,390
Total	4,711
Less imputed interest	876
Present value of exit cost liabilities	$	3,835

As of September 26, 2012 and December 28, 2011, we had accrued severance and other restructuring charges of $0.5 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively. The balance as of September 26, 2012 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 September 26, 2012
	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	$	6,112	$	6,112	$	—	$	—	market approach
Interest rate caps	$	8	$	—	$	8	$	—	income approach
Total	$	6,120	$	6,112	$	8	$	—



	Fair Value Measurements as of December 28, 2011
	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	$	4,935	$	4,935	$	—	$	—	market approach
Total	$	4,935	$	4,935	$	—	$	—

Those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below:



	Fair Value Measurements as of September 26, 2012
	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)
Assets held for sale (1)	$	1,480	$	—	$	1,480	$	—	market approach
Total	$	1,480	$	—	$	1,480	$	—


(1)	During the third quarter of 2012, assets held for sale with a carrying amount of $3.9 million were written down to their fair value of $1.5 million. Impairment charges of $2.4 million were recognized as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

In addition to the assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis shown above, as of September 26, 2012 and December 28, 2011, impaired assets related to underperforming units were written down to a fair value of $0 based on the income approach.

Disclosures of Fair Value of Other Assets and Liabilities

The liabilities under our credit facility are carried at historical cost in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The estimated fair value of our senior secured term loan approximates its carrying value as of September 26, 2012.

Note 8. Long-Term Debt

On April 12, 2012, Denny's Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries refinanced our credit facility (the "Old Credit Facility") and entered into a new five-year senior secured credit agreement in an aggregate principal of $250 million (the “New Credit Facility”). The New Credit Facility is comprised of a $190 million senior secured term loan and a $60 million senior secured revolver (with a $30 million letter of credit sublimit). A commitment fee of 50 basis points is paid on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. Borrowings for the term loan will bear a tiered interest rate based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio and was initially set at LIBOR plus 300 basis points. The New Credit Facility does not contain an interest rate floor for either the term loan or the revolver. It includes an accordion feature that would allow us to increase the size of the facility to $300 million. The maturity date for the New Credit Facility is April 12, 2017.

The New Credit Facility was used to refinance the Old Credit Facility and is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The New Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company and its material subsidiaries and is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the stock of the Company's subsidiaries. It includes negative covenants that are usual for facilities and transactions of this type. The New Credit Facility also includes certain financial covenants with respect to a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, a minimum consolidated fixed charged coverage ratio and maximum capital expenditures.

The term loan under the New Credit Facility amortizes $19.0 million annually, payable in quarterly installments, with all remaining amounts due on the maturity date. We will be required to make certain mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances and will have the option to make certain prepayments under the New Credit Facility. The optional prepayments can be applied against future amortization. The New Credit Facility includes events of default (and related remedies, including acceleration and increased interest rates following an event of default) that are usual for facilities and transactions of this type.

On April 13, 2012, we entered into interest rate hedges that cap the LIBOR rate on borrowings for the term loan under the New Credit Facility during the first two years of the term loan. The 200 basis point LIBOR cap applies to $150 million of term loan borrowings during the first year and $125 million of term loan borrowings during the second year.

As a result of the debt refinancing, we recorded $7.9 million of losses on early extinguishment of debt, consisting primarily of $1.2 million of transaction costs, $4.7 million from the write-off of deferred financing costs and $2.0 million from the write-off of an original issue discount ("OID") related to the Old Credit Facility. These losses are included as a component of other nonoperating expense in the condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

As of September 26, 2012, we had outstanding term loan borrowings under the New Credit Facility of $176.0 million and outstanding letters of credit under the revolving letter of credit facility of $25.4 million. There were no revolving loans outstanding at September 26, 2012. These balances resulted in availability of $34.6 million under the revolving facility. The weighted-average interest rate under the term loan was 2.98% and 5.25%, as of September 26, 2012 and December 28, 2011.

In March 2012, prior to the April 12, 2012 refinancing, we paid $8.0 million (which included $7.4 million of prepayments and $0.6 million of scheduled payments) on the term loan under the Old Credit Facility. As a result of these prepayments, during the three quarters ended September 26, 2012, we recorded $0.2 million of losses on early extinguishment of debt resulting from the write-off of $0.1 million in deferred financing costs and $0.1 million in OID related to the Old Credit Facility. These losses are included as a component of other nonoperating expense in our condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Subsequent to the April 12, 2012 refinancing, we have paid $14.0 million (which included $4.5 million of prepayments and $9.5 million of scheduled payments) on the term loan under the New Credit Facility. In accordance with the debt covenants, the reduction in term loan debt resulted in a decrease in the interest rate and the commitment fee. The interest rate is currently set at LIBOR plus 275 basis points and the commitment fee was reduced to 37.5 basis points.

Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, at September 26, 2012 are as follows:



	(In thousands)
Remainder of 2012	$	281
2013	19,000
2014	19,000
2015	19,000
2016 and thereafter	118,750
Total long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations	$	176,031

Note 9. Defined Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:



	Pension Plan						Other Defined Benefit Plans
	Quarter Ended						Quarter Ended
	September 26, 2012			September 28, 2011			September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	95		$	84		$	—	$	—
Interest cost	800			841			29		32
Expected return on plan assets	(1,024		)	(1,046		)	—		—
Amortization of net loss	441			251			13		8
Net periodic benefit cost	$	312		$	130		$	42	$	40



	Pension Plan						Other Defined Benefit Plans
	Three Quarters Ended						Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012			September 28, 2011			September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	285		$	251		$	—	$	—
Interest cost	2,400			2,523			87		95
Expected return on plan assets	(3,042		)	(3,137		)	—		—
Amortization of net loss	1,322			753			39		24
Net periodic benefit cost	$	965		$	390		$	126	$	119

We made contributions of $2.8 million and $1.5 million to our qualified pension plan during the three quarters ended September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011, respectively. We made contributions of $0.1 million to our other defined benefit plans during both the three quarters ended September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011. Additionally, we expect to contribute less than $0.1 million to our other defined benefit plans over the remainder of fiscal 2012.

Additional minimum pension liability of $24.0 million and $24.8 million is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity as of September 26, 2012 and December 28, 2011.

Note 10. Share-Based Compensation

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



	Quarter Ended				Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011		September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Stock options	$	200	$	266	$	692	$	788
Restricted stock units	778		512		1,752		1,848
Board deferred stock units	150		253		350		544
Total share-based compensation	$	1,128	$	1,031	$	2,794	$	3,180

Stock Options

As of September 26, 2012, we had approximately $0.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.1 years.

Restricted Stock Units

In February 2012, we granted approximately 0.4 million performance shares and related performance-based target cash awards of $2.0 million 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 $6.05 per share and the payout probability of the target cash awards. The awards granted to our named executive officers also contain a performance condition based on certain operating measures for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2012. The performance period is the three year fiscal period beginning December 29, 2011 and ending December 31, 2014. The performance shares and cash awards will vest and be earned (from 0% to 200% 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 three quarters ended September 26, 2012, we made payments of $0.6 million in cash and issued 0.2 million shares of common stock related to restricted stock unit awards.

As of September 26, 2012, we had approximately $3.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested restricted stock unit awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.47 years.

Board Deferred Stock Units

During the three quarters ended September 26, 2012, we granted approximately 0.1 million deferred stock units (which are equity classified) with a weighted average grant date fair value of $4.05 per unit to non-employee members of our Board of Directors. A director 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. During the three quarters ended September 26, 2012, less than 0.1 million deferred stock units were converted into shares of common stock. As of September 26, 2012, we had approximately $0.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested deferred stock unit awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 0.6 years.

Note 11. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $3.2 million and $10.3 million for both the quarter and three quarters ended September 26, 2012, respectively. The provision for income taxes was $0.4 million and $1.0 million for the quarter and three quarters ended September 28, 2011. For the 2012 periods, the difference in the overall effective tax rate from the U.S. statutory rate was due to discrete tax items, including a $1.3 million out of period adjustment related to the reversal of a portion of the income tax benefit recorded in fourth quarter of 2011. We do not believe the out of period adjustment was material to any prior or current year financial statements or on earnings trends. In addition, a $0.8 million tax benefit was recorded. This benefit arose from additional state credits generated during the second quarter of 2012 related to prior years' activity.

Note 12. Net Income Per Share



	Quarter Ended				Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011		September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
Numerator:
Net income	$	5,363	$	7,985	$	15,829	$	20,239

Denominator:
Weighted average shares - basic	94,705		96,997		95,472		98,132
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options	1,006		803		806		1,022
Restricted stock units and awards	1,034		946		918		1,049
Weighted average shares - diluted	96,745		98,746		97,196		100,203

Basic net income per share	$	0.06	$	0.08	$	0.17	$	0.21
Diluted net income per share	$	0.06	$	0.08	$	0.16	$	0.20

Stock options excluded (1)	116		2,070		1,550		2,177
Restricted stock units and awards excluded (1)	—		538		352		747



(1)	Excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding as the impact would have been antidilutive.

Note 13. Supplemental Cash Flow Information



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Income taxes paid, net	$	1,865	$	988
Interest paid	$	10,371	$	17,057

Noncash investing and financing activities:
Notes received in connection with disposition of property	$	—	$	500
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans	$	856	$	1,482
Execution of capital leases	$	1,581	$	4,094
Treasury stock payable	$	231	$	223

Note 14. Share Repurchase

Our Old Credit Facility permitted and our New Credit Facility permits the payment of cash dividends and the purchase of Denny’s stock subject to certain limitations. In April, 2011, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to an additional 6.0 million shares of our Common Stock. Under the program, we could, from time to time, purchase shares in the open market (including pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to market and business conditions. As of September 26, 2012, we had repurchased 6.0 million shares of Common Stock for approximately $24.0 million under this share repurchase program, thus completing the program.

On May 18, 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to an additional 6.0 million shares of our Common Stock. Under this new program, we may, from time to time, purchase shares in the open market (including pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to market and business conditions. As of September 26, 2012, we had repurchased 135,843 shares of Common Stock for approximately $0.7 million and there were 5.9 million shares remaining to be repurchased under this share repurchase program.

Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies

There are various claims and pending legal actions against or indirectly involving us, incidental to and arising out of the ordinary course of the business. In the opinion of management, based upon information currently available, the ultimate liability with respect to these proceedings and claims will not materially affect the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position. We record legal settlement costs as other operating expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as those costs are incurred.

Note 16. Subsequent Events

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

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

Forward-Looking Statements

The following discussion is intended to highlight significant changes in our financial position as of September 26, 2012 and results of operations for the quarter and three quarters ended September 26, 2012 compared to the quarter and three quarters ended September 28, 2011. 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 and are intended to speak only as of the date such statements are made, 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 28, 2011.

Statements of Income

The following table contains information derived from our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income expressed as a percentage of total operating revenues, except as noted below. Percentages may not add due to rounding.



	Quarter Ended												Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012						September 28, 2011						September 26, 2012						September 28, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenue:
Company restaurant sales	$	86,575			71.6	%	$	104,659			76.6	%	$	271,977			73.0	%	$	313,235		76.7	%
Franchise and license revenue	34,370				28.4	%	32,023				23.4	%	100,437				27.0	%	95,105			23.3	%
Total operating revenue	120,945				100.0	%	136,682				100.0	%	372,414				100.0	%	408,340			100.0	%
Costs of company restaurant sales (a):
Product costs	21,449				24.8	%	25,847				24.7	%	67,684				24.9	%	77,095			24.6	%
Payroll and benefits	34,409				39.7	%	41,261				39.4	%	108,779				40.0	%	127,876			40.8	%
Occupancy	5,780				6.7	%	6,928				6.6	%	17,776				6.5	%	20,581			6.6	%
Other operating expenses	12,170				14.1	%	15,851				15.1	%	37,267				13.7	%	46,437			14.8	%
Total costs of company restaurant sales	73,808				85.3	%	89,887				85.9	%	231,506				85.1	%	271,989			86.8	%
Costs of franchise and license revenue (a)	12,078				35.1	%	10,747				33.6	%	34,776				34.6	%	33,397			35.1	%
General and administrative expenses	14,702				12.2	%	13,335				9.8	%	45,150				12.1	%	41,566			10.2	%
Depreciation and amortization	5,287				4.4	%	6,955				5.1	%	17,174				4.6	%	21,377			5.2	%
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	3,380				2.8	%	1,791				1.3	%	(794		)		(0.2	)%	843			0.2	%
Total operating costs and expenses	109,255				90.3	%	122,715				89.8	%	327,812				88.0	%	369,172			90.4	%
Operating income	11,690				9.7	%	13,967				10.2	%	44,602				12.0	%	39,168			9.6	%
Other expenses:
Interest expense, net	3,088				2.6	%	4,796				3.5	%	10,537				2.8	%	15,390			3.8	%
Other nonoperating expense, net	38				0.0	%	780				0.6	%	7,941				2.1	%	2,526			0.6	%
Total other expenses, net	3,126				2.6	%	5,576				4.1	%	18,478				5.0	%	17,916			4.4	%
Net income before income taxes	8,564				7.1	%	8,391				6.1	%	26,124				7.0	%	21,252			5.2	%
Provision for income taxes	3,201				2.6	%	406				0.3	%	10,295				2.8	%	1,013			0.2	%
Net income	$	5,363			4.4	%	$	7,985			5.8	%	$	15,829			4.3	%	$	20,239		5.0	%

Other Data:
Company-owned average unit sales	$	493					$	468					$	1,447					$	1,383
Franchise average unit sales	$	358					$	355					$	1,061					$	1,043
Company-owned equivalent units (b)	175						224						188						226
Franchise equivalent units (b)	1,511						1,451						1,495						1,441
Same-store sales increase (decrease) (company-owned) (c)(d)	(0.5		)	%			1.1			%			0.1			%			0.7		%
Guest check average increase (d)	1.8			%			1.3			%			1.9			%			0.8		%
Guest count increase (decrease) (d)	(2.2		)	%			(0.2		)	%			(1.8		)	%			0.0		%
Same-store sales increase (franchised and licensed units) (c)(d)	0.6			%			0.8			%			1.4			%			0.3		%


(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 2011 comparable units.

Quarter Ended September 26, 2012 Compared with Quarter Ended September 28, 2011

Unit Activity



	Quarter Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
Company-owned restaurants, beginning of period	177		225
Units opened	—		2
Units sold to franchisees	(5	)	(3	)
Units closed	(1	)	(1	)
End of period	171		223

Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period	1,507		1,452
Units opened	12		9
Units purchased from Company	5		3
Units closed	(8	)	(10	)
End of period	1,516		1,454
Total restaurants, end of period	1,687		1,677

Company Restaurant Operations

During the quarter ended September 26, 2012, we realized a 0.5% decrease in same-store sales, comprised of a 2.2% decrease in guest counts, partially offset by a 1.8% increase in guest check average. Company restaurant sales decreased $18.1 million, or 17.3%, primarily resulting from a 49 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 85.3% from 85.9%. Product costs increased to 24.8% from 24.7% primarily due to the impact of increased commodity costs. Payroll and benefits increased to 39.7% from 39.4% primarily due to $1.3 million of unfavorable workers' compensation claims development, partially offset by improved labor efficiency. Occupancy costs increased to 6.7% from 6.6%. Other operating expenses were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of company restaurant sales:



	Quarter Ended
	September 26, 2012				September 28, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Utilities	$	3,760	4.3	%	$	4,762	4.6	%
Repairs and maintenance	1,578		1.8	%	1,754		1.7	%
Marketing	3,213		3.7	%	3,926		3.8	%
Legal settlement costs	197		0.2	%	607		0.6	%
Other direct costs	3,422		4.0	%	4,802		4.6	%
Other operating expenses	$	12,170	14.1	%	$	15,851	15.1	%

Utilities decreased 0.3 percentage points primarily due to lower natural gas rates in the 2012 period. Other direct costs decreased 0.6 percentage points primarily as a result of higher new store opening expenses in the prior period.

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
	September 26, 2012				September 28, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Royalties	$	21,333	62.1	%	$	20,449	63.9	%
Initial and other fees	728		2.1	%	437		1.3	%
Occupancy revenue	12,309		35.8	%	11,137		34.8	%
Franchise and license revenue	$	34,370	100.0	%	$	32,023	100.0	%

Occupancy costs	9,027		26.2	%	8,349		26.1	%
Other direct costs	3,051		8.9	%	2,398		7.5	%
Costs of franchise and license revenue	$	12,078	35.1	%	$	10,747	33.6	%

Royalties increased by $0.9 million, or 4.3%, primarily resulting from a 60 equivalent unit increase in franchised and licensed units and a 0.6% increase in same-store sales, as compared to the prior year. The increase in equivalent units primarily resulted from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. Initial fees increased by $0.3 million, or 66.6%. The increase in initial fees resulted from the higher number of restaurants opened by and sold to franchisees during the current year period. The increase in occupancy revenue of $1.2 million, or 10.5%, is primarily the result of the sale of restaurants to franchisees over the last 12 months.

Costs of franchise and license revenue increased by $1.3 million, or 12.4%. The increase in occupancy costs of $0.7 million, or 8.1%, is primarily the result of the sale of restaurants to franchisees. Other direct costs increased by $0.7 million, or 27.2%, primarily as a result of an increase in payroll and benefits. As a result, costs of franchise and license revenue as a percentage of franchise and license revenue increased to 35.1% for the quarter ended September 26, 2012 from 33.6% for the quarter ended September 28, 2011.

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
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Share-based compensation	$	1,128	$	1,031
Other general and administrative expenses	13,574		12,304
Total general and administrative expenses	$	14,702	$	13,335

The $1.4 million increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of an increase in performance-based and deferred compensation.

Depreciation and amortization was comprised of the following:



	Quarter Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Depreciation of property and equipment	$	3,702	$	5,228
Amortization of capital lease assets	801		833
Amortization of intangible assets	784		894
Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	5,287	$	6,955

The overall decrease in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily due to the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees during fiscal 2011 and 2012.

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



	Quarter Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Losses (gains) on sales of assets and other, net	$	91	$	(867	)
Restructuring charges and exit costs	821		490
Impairment charges	2,468		2,168
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	$	3,380	$	1,791

We recognized losses of $0.1 million and gains of $0.9 million primarily resulting from the sale of restaurant operations to franchisees during the quarters ended September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011, respectively.

Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:



	Quarter Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Exit costs	$	233	$	465
Severance and other restructuring charges	588		25
Total restructuring and exit costs	$	821	$	490

Impairment charges of $2.5 million for the quarter ended September 26, 2012 resulted primarily from the impairment of six units identified as held for sale. Impairment charges of $2.2 million for the quarter ended September 28, 2011 resulted from the impairment of an underperforming unit and two units identified as assets held for sale.

Operating income was $11.7 million for the quarter ended September 26, 2012 compared with $14.0 million for the quarter ended September 28, 2011.

Interest expense, net was comprised of the following:



	Quarter Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Interest on credit facilities	$	1,425	$	2,917
Interest on capital lease liabilities	890		977
Letters of credit and other fees	383		457
Other interest (income) expense	21		(324		)
Total cash interest	2,719		4,027
Amortization of deferred financing costs	136		361
Amortization of debt discount	—		134
Interest accretion on other liabilities	233		274
Total interest expense, net	$	3,088	$	4,796

The decrease in interest expense resulted from a decrease in interest rates related to the 2012 refinancing of our credit facility, as well as debt reductions during 2011 and 2012.

Other nonoperating expense, net was less than $0.1 million for the quarter ended September 26, 2012 compared with $0.8 million for the quarter ended September 28, 2011.

The provision for income taxes was $3.2 million for the quarter ended September 26, 2012 compared to $0.4 million for the quarter ended September 28, 2011. The provision for income taxes for the third quarters of 2012 and 2011 was determined using our effective rate estimated for the entire fiscal year. The increase in the effective tax rate resulted from the reversal of a significant portion of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Net income was $5.4 million for the quarter ended September 26, 2012 compared with $8.0 million for the quarter ended September 28, 2011 due to the factors noted above.

Three Quarters Ended September 26, 2012 Compared with Three Quarters Ended September 28, 2011

Unit Activity



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
Company-owned restaurants, beginning of period	206		232
Units opened	—		8
Units sold to franchisees	(28	)	(13	)
Units closed	(7	)	(4	)
End of period	171		223

Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period	1,479		1,426
Units opened	27		39
Units relocated	—		1
Units purchased from Company	28		13
Units closed (including units relocated)	(18	)	(25	)
End of period	1,516		1,454
Total restaurants, end of period	1,687		1,677

Company Restaurant Operations

During the three quarters ended September 26, 2012, we realized a 0.1% increase in same-store sales, comprised of a 1.9% increase in guest check average, partially offset by a 1.8% decrease in guest counts. Company restaurant sales decreased $41.3 million, or 13.2%, primarily resulting from a 38 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 85.1% from 86.8%. Product costs increased to 24.9% from 24.6% primarily due to the impact of increased commodity costs. Payroll and benefits decreased to 40.0% from 40.8% primarily due to improved labor efficiency. Occupancy costs decreased to 6.5% from 6.6%. Other operating expenses were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of company restaurant sales:



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012				September 28, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Utilities	$	11,066	4.1	%	$	13,741	4.4	%
Repairs and maintenance	4,901		1.8	%	5,485		1.8	%
Marketing	10,138		3.7	%	11,738		3.7	%
Legal	366		0.1	%	671		0.2	%
Other direct costs	10,796		4.0	%	14,802		4.7	%
Other operating expenses	$	37,267	13.7	%	$	46,437	14.8	%

Utilities decreased 0.3 percentage points primarily due to lower natural gas rates in the 2012 period. Other direct costs decreased 0.7 percentage points primarily as a result of higher new store opening expenses in the prior period.

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:



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012				September 28, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Royalties	$	62,734	62.5	%	$	59,669	62.7	%
Initial fees	2,167		2.2	%	2,050		2.2	%
Occupancy revenue	35,536		35.3	%	33,386		35.1	%
Franchise and license revenue	$	100,437	100.0	%	$	95,105	100.0	%

Occupancy costs	26,455		26.3	%	25,567		26.9	%
Other direct costs	8,321		8.3	%	7,830		8.2	%
Costs of franchise and license revenue	$	34,776	34.6	%	$	33,397	35.1	%

Royalties increased by $3.1 million, or 5.1%, primarily resulting from a 54 equivalent unit increase in franchised and licensed units and a 1.4% increase in same-store sales, as compared to the prior year. The increase in equivalent units primarily resulted from the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees and the conversion of restaurants at Pilot Flying J Travel Centers by franchisees during 2011. Initial fees increased by $0.1 million, or 5.7%. The increase in initial fees resulted from the higher number of restaurants sold to franchisees during the current year period, partially offset by the higher number of restaurants opened by franchisees during the prior year period. The increase in occupancy revenue of $2.2 million, or 6.4%, is primarily the result of the sale of restaurants to franchisees over the last 12 months.

Costs of franchise and license revenue increase by $1.4 million, or 4.1%. The increase in occupancy costs of $0.9 million, or 3.5%, is primarily the result of the sale of restaurants to franchisees. Other direct costs increased by $0.5 million, or 6.3%, primarily as a result of increases in performance-based compensation and payroll and benefits, partially offset by a $0.5 million franchisee settlement recorded during the prior year period. As a result, costs of franchise and license revenue as a percentage of franchise and license revenue decreased to 34.6% for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012 from 35.1% for the three quarters ended September 28, 2011.

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:



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Share-based compensation	$	2,794	$	3,180
Other general and administrative expenses	42,356		38,386
Total general and administrative expenses	$	45,150	$	41,566

The $3.6 million increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of an increase in performance-based and deferred compensation.

Depreciation and amortization is comprised of the following:



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Depreciation of property and equipment	$	12,333	$	15,772
Amortization of capital lease assets	2,446		2,330
Amortization of intangible assets	2,395		3,275
Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	17,174	$	21,377

The overall decrease in depreciation and amortization expense is due primarily to the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees during fiscal 2011 and 2012.

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



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012			September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Gains on sales of assets and other, net	$	(6,772	)	$	(2,742	)
Restructuring charges and exit costs	2,970			1,359
Impairment charges	3,008			2,226
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	$	(794	)	$	843

During the three quarters ended September 26, 2012, we recognized gains of $6.8 million, primarily resulting from the sale of restaurant operations to franchisees and the sale of real estate. During the three quarters ended September 28, 2011, we recognized gains of $2.7 million, primarily resulting from the sale of restaurant operations to franchisees, the sale of real estate and the recognition of deferred gains related to a restaurant sold to a franchisee during a prior period.

Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Exit costs	$	1,139	$	1,078
Severance and other restructuring charges	1,831		281
Total restructuring and exit costs	$	2,970	$	1,359

Severance and other restructuring charges for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012 includes charges related to the departure of the Company's former Chief Operating Officer.

Impairment charges of $3.0 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012 resulted primarily from the impairment of seven units identified as held for sale and the impairment of an underperforming unit. Impairment charges of $2.2 million for the three quarters ended September 28, 2011 resulted primarily from the impairment of an underperforming unit and two units identified as assets held for sale.

Operating income was $44.6 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012 and $39.2 million for the three quarters ended September 28, 2011.

Interest expense, net is comprised of the following:



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012			September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Interest on credit facilities	$	5,761		$	9,666
Interest on capital lease liabilities	2,677			2,929
Letters of credit and other fees	1,234			1,471
Other interest (income) expense	(624		)	(954		)
Total cash interest	9,048			13,112
Amortization of deferred financing costs	639			1,023
Amortization of debt discount	137			418
Interest accretion on other liabilities	713			837
Total interest expense, net	$	10,537		$	15,390

The decrease in interest expense resulted from a decrease in interest rates related to the 2012 refinancing of our credit facility, as well as debt reductions during 2011 and 2012.

Other nonoperating expense, net was $7.9 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012 compared with $2.5 million for the three quarters ended September 28, 2011. The $5.4 million change was primarily the result of $7.9 million of expenses and write-offs of deferred financing costs and original issue discount related to our 2012 debt refinancing, partially offset by the recognition of $1.4 million of costs related to the 2011 debt re-pricing in the prior year period.

The provision for income taxes was $10.3 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012 compared to $1.0 million the three quarters ended September 28, 2011. For the 2012 periods, the difference in the overall effective tax rate from the U.S. statutory rate was due to discrete tax items, including a $1.3 million out-of-period adjustment related to the reversal of a portion of the income tax benefit recorded in fourth quarter of 2011. We do not believe the out-of-period adjustment was material to any prior or current year financial statements or on earnings trends. In addition, a $0.8 million tax benefit was recorded. This benefit arose from additional state credits generated during the second quarter of 2012 related to prior years' activity.

Net income was $15.8 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012 compared with $20.2 million for the three quarters ended September 28, 2011 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 described below) and, in recent years, cash proceeds from sales of restaurant operations to franchisees and sales of surplus properties, 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:



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012			September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	44,023		$	46,607
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	6,312			(7,185		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(39,927		)	(53,549		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	10,408		$	(14,127	)

We believe that our estimated cash flows from operations for 2012, combined with our capacity for additional borrowings under our new credit facility, will enable us to meet our anticipated cash requirements and fund capital expenditures over the next twelve months.

Net cash flows provided by investing activities were $6.3 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012. These cash flows include $14.2 million in proceeds from asset sales and collections of notes receivable of $1.6 million, partially offset by capital expenditures of $7.8 million and issuances of notes receivable of $1.7 million. Our principal capital requirements have been largely associated with the following:



	Three Quarters Ended
	September 26, 2012		September 28, 2011
	(In thousands)
Facilities	$	3,840	$	4,175
New construction	2,850		7,031
Remodeling	89		698
Information technology	195		452
Other	872		571
Capital expenditures	$	7,846	$	12,927

The decrease in new construction is primarily the result of the conversion of restaurants at Pilot Flying J Travel Centers during the prior year. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2012 are expected to be approximately $15-$16 million, comprised primarily of costs related to facilities and new construction.

Cash flows used in financing activities were $39.9 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012, which included long-term debt payments of $215.6 million, stock repurchases of $10.4 million, deferred financing costs of $1.8 million and debt transactions costs of $1.1 million. These uses of cash were partially offset by $190.0 million of borrowings on our credit facility, which related to our debt refinancing, as described below.

Our working capital deficit was $17.1 million at September 26, 2012 compared with $25.9 million at December 28, 2011. The decrease in working capital deficit is primarily related to the accumulation of cash and the timing of payments impacting prepaid and payable balances. 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.

Refinancing of Credit Facility

As of September 26, 2012, under the New Credit Facility, we had outstanding term loan borrowings of $176.0 million and outstanding letters of credit under the revolving letter of credit facility of $25.4 million. There were no revolving loans outstanding at September 26, 2012. These balances resulted in availability of $34.6 million under the revolving facility. The weighted-average interest rate under the term loan was 2.98% as of September 26, 2012. In accordance with the debt covenants, the reduction in term loan debt since the refinancing resulted in a decrease in the interest rate. The rate is currently set at LIBOR plus 275 basis points and the commitment fee was reduced to 37.5 basis points.

Our future contractual obligations relating to long-term debt and related interest obligations as of September 26, 2012 are as follows:



	Payments Due by Period
	Total		Less than 1 Year		1-2 Years		3-4 Years		5 Years and Thereafter
	(In thousands)
Long-term debt	$	176,031	$	9,781	$	38,000	$	128,250	$	—
Interest obligations (1)	18,851		5,134		8,634		5,083		—



(1)	Interest obligation represent payments related to our long-term debt outstanding at September 26, 2012. For long-term debt with variable rates, we have used the rate applicable at September 26, 2012 to project interest over the periods presented in the table above.

See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2011 for information concerning other future contractual obligations and commitments.

Implementation of New Accounting Standards

See Note 2 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, as of September 26, 2012, borrowings under our term loan and revolver bore interest at variable rates based on LIBOR plus a spread of 275 basis points per annum. Up to $150 million of the term loan borrowings has a 200 basis point LIBOR point cap.

Based on the levels of borrowings under the credit facility, if interest rates changed by 100 basis points, our annual cash flow and income before taxes would change by approximately $1.8 million. This computation is determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on the credit facility, taking into consideration the interest rate cap. 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.

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 increase or decrease our projected benefit obligation related to our pension plan by approximately $2.2 million and would impact the pension plan's net periodic benefit cost by less than $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.

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, John C. Miller, 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 Quarterly report on Form 10-Q, 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. Miller and Wolfinger each concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance 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 Messrs. Miller 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.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

The table below provides information concerning repurchases of shares of our Common Stock during the quarter ended September 26, 2012.



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid Per Share (1)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs (2)(3)	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs (2)(3)
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
June 28, 2012 - July 25, 2012	128	$	4.34	128	6,752
July 26, 2012 - August 22, 2012	535	4.63		535	6,217
August 23, 2012 - September 26, 2012	353	4.98		353	5,864
Total	1,016	$	4.71	1,016


(1)	Average price paid per share excludes commissions.

(2)

On April 4, 2011, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved the repurchase of up to 6 million shares of Common Stock ("Repurchase Program II"), in addition to a previous 3 million share authorization completed in 2011 ("Repurchase Program I"). Such repurchases may take place from time to time on the open market (including in pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to market and business conditions. During the quarter ended September 26, 2012, we purchased 879,690 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate consideration of approximately $4.1 million, pursuant to Repurchase Program II, thus completing this repurchase program.

(3)

On May 18, 2012 we announced that our Board of Directors had approved the repurchase of up to an additional 6 million shares of Common Stock ("Repurchase Program III"). Such repurchases are to be made in a manner similar to, and will be in addition to, authorizations under Repurchase Programs I and II. During the quarter ended September 26, 2012, we purchased 135,843 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate consideration of approximately $0.7 million, pursuant to Repurchase Program III.

Item 6. Exhibits

The following are included as exhibits to this report:



Exhibit No.		Description

31.1		Certification of John C. Miller, 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, 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 John C. Miller, President and 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.

101.INS*		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

* In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed "furnished" and not "filed."

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:	November 1, 2012	By:	/s/ F. Mark Wolfinger
			F. Mark Wolfinger
			Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Date:	November 1, 2012	By:	/s/ Jay C. Gilmore
			Jay C. Gilmore
			Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller