10-Q 1 soncfy2018q1.htm 10-Q Document

 
 
 
 
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________
FORM 10-Q
_____________________

sonclogoa04.jpg
(Mark One)
[X]     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended November 30, 2017

OR

[  ]     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to ________________

Commission File Number 0-18859
_____________________
SONIC CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_____________________

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
73-1371046
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
300 Johnny Bench Drive
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
73104
(Zip Code)
໿
(405) 225-5000
(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  ☒  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 (§232.405 of this chapter) 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,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
    
Large accelerated filer ☒
Accelerated filer                  ☐
Non-accelerated filer   ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ☐
 
Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  ☐  No  ☒

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

As of January 3, 2018, approximately 38,458,052 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.
 
 
 
 
 


SONIC CORP.
Index


໿

 
Page
Number
 

 
 
Item 1.
 

 
 
 

 
 


 
 


 
 


 
 
Item 2.

 
 
Item 3.

 
 
Item 4.

 
 
 

 
 
Item 1.

 
 
Item 1A.

 
 
Item 2.

 
 
Item 6.
໿



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements
SONIC CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
November 30,
2017
 
August 31,
2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 

 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
23,532

 
$
22,340

Restricted cash
 
14,808

 
19,736

Accounts and notes receivable, net
 
35,844

 
33,758

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
12,531

 
13,350

Total current assets
 
86,715

 
89,184

Noncurrent restricted cash
 
41,382

 
42,120

Notes receivable, net
 
10,905

 
9,801

Property, equipment and capital leases
 
618,426

 
616,001

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(312,519
)
 
(303,621
)
Property, equipment and capital leases, net
 
305,907

 
312,380


 
 

 
 

Goodwill
 
75,756

 
75,756

Debt origination costs, net
 
2,274

 
2,439

Other assets, net
 
29,974

 
30,064

Total assets
 
$
552,913

 
$
561,744


 
 

 
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
10,911

 
$
9,213

Franchisee deposits
 
662

 
1,093

Accrued liabilities
 
31,570

 
44,846

Income taxes payable
 
1,784

 
—

Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases
 
3,061

 
3,464

Total current liabilities
 
47,988

 
58,616

Obligations under capital leases due after one year
 
15,573

 
16,167

Long-term debt, net
 
666,600

 
628,116

Deferred income taxes
 
40,407

 
40,101

Other non-current liabilities
 
19,625

 
20,502

Total non-current liabilities
 
742,205

 
704,886

Stockholders’ deficit:
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock, par value $.01;  1,000 shares authorized; none outstanding
 
—

 
—

Common stock, par value $.01;  245,000 shares authorized; 118,309 shares issued (118,309 shares issued at August 31, 2017)
 
1,183

 
1,183

Paid-in capital
 
234,603

 
236,895

Retained earnings
 
939,204

 
934,017

Treasury stock, at cost; 79,539 shares (78,081 shares at August 31, 2017)
 
(1,412,270
)
 
(1,373,853
)
Total stockholders’ deficit
 
(237,280
)
 
(201,758
)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
 
$
552,913

 
$
561,744


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

4

SONIC CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
Three months ended
November 30,

 
2017
 
2016
Revenues:
 
 

 
 

Company Drive-In sales
 
$
62,540

 
$
87,152

Franchise Drive-Ins:
 
 

 
 

Franchise royalties and fees
 
40,778

 
40,139

Lease revenue
 
1,684

 
1,381

Other
 
426

 
879

Total revenues
 
105,428

 
129,551


 
 

 
 

Costs and expenses:
 
 

 
 

Company Drive-Ins:
 
 

 
 

Food and packaging
 
17,713

 
24,116

Payroll and other employee benefits
 
22,774

 
31,766

Other operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below
 
13,579

 
19,426

Total cost of Company Drive-In sales
 
54,066

 
75,308


 
 

 
 

Selling, general and administrative
 
19,769

 
19,754

Depreciation and amortization
 
9,366

 
10,277

Other operating income, net
 
(221
)
 
(2,840
)
Total costs and expenses
 
82,980

 
102,499

Income from operations
 
22,448

 
27,052


 
 

 
 

Interest expense
 
7,675

 
7,189

Interest income
 
(382
)
 
(494
)
Net interest expense
 
7,293

 
6,695

 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
15,155

 
20,357

Provision for income taxes
 
3,725

 
7,239

Net income
 
$
11,430

 
$
13,118


 
 

 
 

Basic income per share
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.29

Diluted income per share
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.28


 
 

 
 

Cash dividends declared per common share
 
$
0.16

 
$
0.14


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



5

SONIC CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Three months ended
November 30,

 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
11,430

 
$
13,118

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
9,366

 
10,277

Stock-based compensation expense
 
970

 
1,073

Other
 
343

 
(3,028
)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash
 
5,016

 
7,472

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable and other assets
 
3,703

 
1,391

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
 
1,065

 
3,284

Increase (decrease) in accrued and other liabilities
 
(12,175
)
 
(19,361
)
Increase (decrease) in income taxes
 
3,358

 
5,005

Total adjustments
 
11,646

 
6,113

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
23,076

 
19,231


 
 

 
 

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 

 
 

Purchases of property and equipment 
 
(4,055
)
 
(14,845
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
 
685

 
10,826

Proceeds from sale of investment in refranchised drive-in operations
 
—

 
6,958

(Increase) decrease in notes receivable
 
(6,444
)
 
3,479

Other
 
361

 
799

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
(9,453
)
 
7,217


 
 

 
 

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 

 
 

Purchases of treasury stock
 
(42,735
)
 
(49,096
)
Payment of dividends
 
(6,227
)
 
(6,345
)
Payments on debt
 
(22,000
)
 
(1,062
)
Proceeds from borrowings
 
60,000

 
—

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
959

 
29

Other
 
(2,428
)
 
(976
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(12,431
)
 
(57,450
)

 
 

 
 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
1,192

 
(31,002
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
22,340

 
72,092

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
23,532

 
$
41,090


 
 

 
 

Supplemental cash flow information
 
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 
 

 
 

Interest
 
$
7,088

 
$
6,700

Income taxes (net of refunds)
 
61

 
2,514

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 

 
 

Net additions to capital lease obligations
 
$
14

 
$
1,433

Change in obligation to acquire treasury stock
 
(1,942
)
 
1,458

Stock options exercised by swap
 
4,592

 
—

Tax benefit related to exercise of stock awards
 
1,714

 
—


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

6

SONIC CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
1.
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements of Sonic Corp. (the “Company”).  In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature, including recurring accruals, necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP.  In certain situations, recurring accruals, including franchise royalties, are based on more limited information at interim reporting dates than at the Company’s fiscal year end due to the abbreviated reporting period.  Actual results may differ from these estimates.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year or any other interim period.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and a number of Company Drive-Ins in which a subsidiary has a controlling ownership interest.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.  The standard also requires additional disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.  The ASU will replace most of the existing revenue recognition requirements in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective.  Further, the FASB has issued clarifying guidance with ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net),” ASU No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” and ASU No. 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU No. 2016-08 provides guidance for evaluating when another party, along with the entity, is involved in providing a good or service to a customer.  ASU No. 2016-10 clarifies assessing whether promises to transfer goods or services are distinct, and whether an entity's promise to grant a license provides a customer with a right to use or right to access the entity's intellectual property. ASU No. 2016-20 provides corrections or improvements to issues that affect narrow aspects of the guidance.
The Company plans to adopt the standards in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, which aligns with the required adoption date.  The standards are to be applied retrospectively or using a cumulative effect transition method.  The Company does not believe the new revenue recognition standard will impact the recognition of sales from Company Drive-Ins or the recognition of royalty fees from franchisees, nor will it have a material impact to the recognition of gift card breakage. The Company expects the pronouncement will impact the recognition of the initial franchise fee, which is currently recognized upon the opening of a Franchise Drive-In. The impact on these fees is not expected to be material to total revenue, and the Company anticipates electing the cumulative effect transition method. The Company continues to evaluate the effect that this pronouncement will have on principal versus agent considerations, other transactions, the financial statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases.”  The new standard, which replaces existing lease guidance, requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset. The guidance also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Accounting guidance for lessors is largely unchanged. The standard is effective for fiscal year 2020, with early application permitted. This standard requires adoption based upon a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with optional practical expedients. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company expects that most of

7
SONIC CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

its operating lease commitments will be subject to the new guidance and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption, resulting in a significant increase in the assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company is continuing its assessment, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses.” The update was issued to provide more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments. The update replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The update is effective for fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The update should be adopted using a modified-retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this update will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” The update is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified and will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented in the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for fiscal year 2019. The new standard will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case the amendments will apply prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this update but does not believe it will have a material impact on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, "Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory," as part of its simplification initiatives. The update requires that an entity recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs, rather than deferring the recognition until the asset has been sold to an outside party as is required under current GAAP. The update is effective for fiscal year 2019. The new standard will require adoption on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this update will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash." The update requires that restricted cash be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for fiscal year 2019. The amendments should be adopted on a retrospective basis to each period presented, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this update will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting," which provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. An entity will account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value of the modified award is the same as the original award, the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the original award and the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or liability instrument is the same as the original award. The update is effective for fiscal year 2019. The update is to be adopted prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this update but does not believe it will have a material impact on its financial statements and related disclosures.
The Company has reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded they are not applicable or not expected to be significant to our operations.




8
SONIC CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

2.
Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 
Three months ended
November 30,

 
2017
 
2016
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
11,430

 
$
13,118


 
 

 
 

Denominator:
 
 

 
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding– basic
 
39,327

 
45,720

Effect of dilutive employee stock options and unvested restricted stock units
 
558

 
823

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
 
39,885

 
46,543


 
 

 
 

Net income per common share – basic
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.29

Net income per common share – diluted
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.28


 
 

 
 

Anti-dilutive securities excluded (1)
 
1,288

 
821

__________________
(1)
Anti-dilutive securities consist of stock options and unvested restricted stock units that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because either the exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price of the common stock or the total assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method resulted in negative incremental shares and thus the inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
3.
Share Repurchase Program

In October 2016, the Company's Board of Directors increased the authorization under the share repurchase program by $40.0 million. During fiscal year 2017, approximately 6.7 million shares were repurchased for a total cost of $172.9 million, resulting in an average price per share of $25.71.  In August 2017, the Board of Directors approved an incremental $160.0 million share repurchase authorization of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock through August 31, 2018.

During the first three months of fiscal year 2018, approximately 1.7 million shares were repurchased for a total cost of $40.8 million, resulting in an average price per share of $24.51. The total remaining authorized under the share repurchase program as of November 30, 2017 was $119.2 million.

Share repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or otherwise, including through an accelerated share repurchase program, under terms of a Rule 10b5-1 plan, in privately negotiated transactions or in round lot or block transactions.  The share repurchase program may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time.
4.
Income Taxes

The following table presents the Company’s provision for income taxes and effective income tax rate for the periods below:

 
Three months ended
November 30,

 
2017
 
2016
Provision for income taxes
 
$
3,725

 
$
7,239

Effective income tax rate
 
24.6
%
 
35.6
%


9
SONIC CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

The lower effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 was primarily attributable to the recognition of excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises. Excess tax benefits in the amount of $1.7 million were recognized in the consolidated statements of income as a component of the provision for income taxes during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, resulting in a favorable effective tax rate impact of 11%.

On December 22, 2017, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” ("H.R. 1") was signed into law, significantly impacting several sections of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company is currently analyzing the impact of these changes; therefore, an estimate of the impact to income taxes is not yet available. The Company will remeasure all deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 22, 2017, based on the provisions of H.R. 1, which include a reduction in the federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21%. The impact of the remeasurement will be recorded in the second quarter. In addition to the reduction of the federal statutory tax rate, the H.R. 1 provisions currently being analyzed as having an impact on the Company's effective tax rate in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 include, but are not limited to, the following:

Changes effective fiscal year 2018 and future years:
•
Bonus depreciation expensing - increased from 50% to 100% for qualified property placed in service after September 27, 2017 and before 2023
•
Impact of H.R. 1 on state income taxes

Changes effective fiscal year 2019 and future years:
•
Interest expense limitations - net interest expense deduction is limited to 30% of adjusted taxable income
•
Repealed the tax deduction for qualified domestic production income
•
Employee compensation to covered employees (CEO and CFO plus next three highest compensated officers) in excess of $1 million is non-deductible.

The Company continues to work through all aspects of H.R. 1 to determine the impact on the Company’s financial statements.
5.
Accounts and Notes Receivable

Accounts and notes receivable consist of the following:

 
November 30,
2017
 
August 31,
2017
Current accounts and notes receivable:
 
 
 
 
Royalties and other trade receivables
 
$
15,842

 
$
19,571

Notes receivable from franchisees
 
1,972

 
1,441

Receivables from system funds
 
11,540

 
6,360

Other
 
7,416

 
7,475

Accounts and notes receivable, gross
 
36,770

 
34,847

Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable
 
(926
)
 
(1,089
)
Current accounts and notes receivable, net
 
$
35,844

 
$
33,758


 
 

 
 

Noncurrent notes receivable:
 
 

 
 

Receivables from franchisees
 
$
7,723

 
$
6,810

Receivables from system funds
 
3,228

 
3,033

Allowance for doubtful notes receivable
 
(46
)
 
(42
)
Noncurrent notes receivable, net
 
$
10,905

 
$
9,801


The Company’s receivables are primarily due from franchisees, all of whom are in the restaurant business.  Substantially all of the notes receivable from franchisees are collateralized by real estate or equipment. The receivables from system funds represent transactions in the normal course of business. 

10
SONIC CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

6.
Contingencies

Litigation

As reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017, the Company was named as a defendant in five purported class action complaints related to a payment card breach at certain Sonic Drive-Ins. The Company has since been named as a defendant in four additional purported class action complaints filed on October 9, 2017, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, on November 3, 2017, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, on November 13, 2017, in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, and on December 17, 2017, in the Northern District of Illinois (the nine actions are collectively referred to as the “Litigation”). Each of these complaints asserts various claims related to the Company’s alleged failure to safeguard customer credit card information, and the plaintiffs seek monetary damages, injunctive and declaratory relief and attorneys’ fees and costs. The Litigation has since been centralized in the Northern District of Ohio for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the Litigation and intends to vigorously oppose the claims asserted in the complaints. We cannot reasonably estimate the range of potential losses that may be associated with the Litigation because of the early stage of each lawsuit. We also cannot assure you that we will not become subject to other inquiries or claims relating to the payment card breach in the future. Although we maintain cyber liability insurance, we currently believe it is possible that the ultimate amount paid by us, if we are unsuccessful in defending all of the Litigation, will be in excess of our cyber liability insurance coverage applicable to claims of this nature. We are unable to estimate the amount of any such excess.

The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings and has certain unresolved claims pending.  Based on the information currently available, management believes that all such other claims currently pending are either covered by insurance or would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or financial condition.

Note Repurchase Agreement

On December 20, 2013, the Company extended a note purchase agreement to a bank that serves to guarantee the repayment of a franchisee loan, with a term through 2018.  In the event of default by the franchisee, the Company would purchase the franchisee loan from the bank, thereby becoming the note holder and providing an avenue of recourse with the franchisee.  The Company recorded a liability for this guarantee which was based on the Company’s estimate of fair value.  As of November 30, 2017, the balance of the franchisee’s loan was $5.5 million.

Lease Commitments

The Company has obligations under various operating lease agreements with third-party lessors related to the real estate for certain Company Drive-In operations that were sold to franchisees.  Under these agreements, which expire through 2029, the Company remains secondarily liable for the lease payments for which it was responsible as the original lessee.  As of November 30, 2017, the amount remaining under these guaranteed lease obligations totaled $14.1 million.  At this time, the Company does not anticipate any material defaults under the foregoing leases; therefore, zero liability has been provided.
7.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.  The Company has no financial liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities recorded at fair value based on the following fair value hierarchy established by the FASB:

•
Level 1 valuations use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.  An active market is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
•
Level 2 valuations use inputs other than actively quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 2 inputs include: (a) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, (b) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active,

11
SONIC CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

(c) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals and (d) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
•
Level 3 valuations use unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.  Unobservable inputs are used to the extent observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The Company’s cash equivalents, some of which are included in restricted cash, are carried at cost which approximates fair value and totaled $70.9 million at November 30, 2017 and $73.9 million at August 31, 2017.  This fair value is estimated using Level 1 inputs.

At November 30, 2017 and August 31, 2017, the fair value of the Company’s Series 2016-1 Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes, Class A-2 (the “2016 Fixed Rate Notes”) and Series 2013-1 Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes, Class A-2 (the “2013 Fixed Rate Notes” and, together with the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes, the “Fixed Rate Notes”) approximated the carrying value, including accrued interest, of $578.2 million.  At November 30, 2017 the fair value of the Company's Series 2016-1 Senior Secured Variable Funding Notes, Class A-1 (the “2016 Variable Funding Notes” and, together with the Fixed Rate Notes, the “Notes”) approximated the carrying value of $98.2 million, including accrued interest. At August 31, 2017 the 2016 Variable Funding Notes had $60.1 million balance. The fair value of the Notes is estimated using Level 2 inputs from market information available for public debt transactions for companies with ratings that are similar to the Company’s ratings and from information gathered from brokers who trade in the Company’s notes.
8.
Other Operating Income

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, the Company recorded a gain of $3.8 million on the sale of minority investments in franchise operations retained as part of a refranchising transaction that occurred in fiscal year 2009. The gain is reflected in other operating income, net, on the condensed consolidated statement of income.
9.
Refranchising Initiative

The Company completed a refranchising initiative in fiscal year 2017. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, 56 Company Drive-Ins were refranchised, and the Company retained a non-controlling minority investment in the franchise operations. Income from minority investments is included in other revenue on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The gains and losses below are recorded in other operating income, net, on the condensed consolidated statement of income.


12
SONIC CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the pretax activity recorded as a result of the refranchising initiative (in thousands, except number of refranchised Company Drive-Ins):

 
 
Three months ended
November 30, 2016
Number of refranchised Company Drive-Ins
 
56

 
 
 
Proceeds from sales of Company Drive-Ins
 
$
8,950

 
 
 
Assets sold, net of retained minority investment (1)
 
(5,461
)
Initial lease payments for real estate option (2)
 
(3,810
)
Goodwill related to sales of Company Drive-Ins
 
(377
)
Loss on assets held for sale
 
(259
)
Refranchising initiative losses, net
 
$
(957
)
_______________
(1)
Net assets sold consisted primarily of equipment.
(2)
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, as part of a 53 drive-in refranchising transaction, the Company entered into a direct financing lease which included an option for the franchisee to purchase the real estate within the next 24 months. In accordance with lease accounting requirements, because the exercise of this option could occur at any time within 24 months, the portion of the proceeds from the refranchising attributable to the fair value of the option was applied as the initial minimum lease payment for the real estate. The franchisee exercised the option in the last six months of fiscal year 2017. Until the option was fully exercised, the franchisee made monthly lease payments which were included in other operating income, net of sub-lease expense.

13

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

In the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Sonic Corp.,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Sonic Corp. and its subsidiaries.
Overview

System same-store sales decreased 1.7% during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 as compared to a decrease of 2.0% for the same period last year. Same-store sales at Company Drive-Ins decreased 3.2% during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 as compared to a decrease of 2.4% for the same period last year.  The same-store sales decreases reflect a decline in traffic, driven by sluggish consumer spending in the restaurant industry and aggressive competitive activity, as well as adverse weather in the quarter. We continue to execute on our long-term strategies, including new technology, people initiatives, product innovation, personalized service, targeted value promotions and our fully integrated media strategy.  All of these initiatives fuel Sonic’s growth strategy, which incorporates same-store sales growth, new drive-in development and deployment of cash.  Same-store sales growth is the most important layer and drives operating leverage and increased operating cash flows.

Revenues decreased to $105.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 from $129.6 million for the same period last year, due to a decrease in Company Drive-In sales. The decrease in Company Drive-In sales was a result of refranchising certain Company Drive-Ins during fiscal year 2017, as part of our initiative to move toward an approximately 95%-franchised system. To a lesser degree the decline in revenues is also attributed to decreased same-store sales. Restaurant margins at Company Drive-Ins were unfavorable by 10 basis points during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 as compared to the same period last year, reflecting commodity cost inflation and the de-leveraging impact of same-stores sales decreases, offset by the impact of refranchising underperforming drive-ins.

First quarter results for fiscal year 2018 reflected net income of $11.4 million or $0.29 per diluted share as compared to net income of $13.1 million or $0.28 per diluted share for the same periods last year.  Adjustments to net income are detailed below in Results of Operations.

The Company completed a refranchising initiative in fiscal year 2017. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, 56 Company Drive-Ins were refranchised, and the Company retained a non-controlling minority investment in the franchise operations. The Company recorded a loss of $1.0 million, which is included in other operating income, net, on the consolidated statement of income. For additional information on transactions associated with the refranchising initiative, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.



໿



14

The following table provides information regarding the number of Company Drive-Ins and Franchise Drive-Ins operating as of the end of the periods indicated as well as the system change in sales and average unit volume.  System information includes both Company Drive-In and Franchise Drive-In information, which we believe is useful in analyzing the growth of the brand as well as the Company’s revenues since franchisees pay royalties based on a percentage of sales.
System Performance
($ in thousands)

 
 

 
Three months ended
November 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in total sales
 
(0.5
)%
 
(0.9
)%

 
 

 
 

System drive-ins in operation (1):
 
 

 
 

Total at beginning of period
 
3,593

 
3,557

Opened
 
5

 
14

Closed (net of re-openings)
 
(10
)
 
(12
)
Total at end of period
 
3,588

 
3,559


 
 

 
 

Average sales per drive-in
 
$
298

 
$
301


 
 

 
 

Change in same-store sales (2)
 
(1.7
)%
 
(2.0
)%
__________________
(1)
Drive-ins that are temporarily closed for various reasons (repairs, remodeling, relocations, etc.) are not considered closed unless the Company determines that they are unlikely to reopen within a reasonable time.
(2)
Represents percentage change for drive-ins open for a minimum of 15 months.
Results of Operations

Revenues.  The following table sets forth the components of revenue for the reported periods and the relative change between the comparable periods.
Revenues
($ in thousands)

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Three months ended
November 30,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)

 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Company Drive-In sales
 
$
62,540

 
$
87,152

 
$
(24,612
)
 
(28.2
)%
Franchise Drive-Ins:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Franchise royalties
 
40,627

 
39,882

 
745

 
1.9
 %
Franchise fees
 
151

 
257

 
(106
)
 
(41.2
)%
Lease revenue
 
1,684

 
1,381

 
303

 
21.9
 %
Other
 
426

 
879

 
(453
)
 
(51.5
)%
Total revenues
 
$
105,428

 
$
129,551

 
$
(24,123
)
 
(18.6
)%
໿
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


15

The following table reflects the changes in sales and same-store sales at Company Drive-Ins.  It also presents information about average unit volumes and the number of Company Drive-Ins, which is useful in analyzing the change in Company Drive-In sales.
Company Drive-In Sales
($ in thousands)

 
 
 
 

 
Three months ended
November 30,

 
2017
 
2016
Company Drive-In sales
 
$
62,540

 
$
87,152

Percentage increase (decrease)
 
(28.2
)%
 
(16.1
)%

 
 
 
 
Company Drive-Ins in operation (1):
 
 
 
 
Total at beginning of period
 
228

 
345

Opened
 
—

 
—

Sold to franchisees
 
—

 
(56
)
Closed (net of re-openings)
 
—

 
(3
)
Total at end of period
 
228

 
286


 
 
 
 
Average sales per Company Drive-In
 
$
274

 
$
270


 
 
 
 
Change in same-store sales (2)
 
(3.2
)%
 
(2.4
)%
__________________
(1)
Drive-ins that are temporarily closed for various reasons (repairs, remodeling, relocations, etc.) are not considered closed unless the Company determines that they are unlikely to reopen within a reasonable time.
(2)
Represents percentage change for drive-ins open for a minimum of 15 months.

Same-store sales for Company Drive-Ins decreased 3.2% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, as compared to a decrease of 2.4% for the same period last year, reflecting a decrease in traffic due to sluggish consumer spending in the restaurant industry and aggressive competitive activity.  We continue to focus on our innovative product pipeline, multi-day-part promotions and increased media effectiveness.  Company Drive-In sales decreased $24.6 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 as compared to the same period last year. The decrease in Company Drive-In sales in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 is primarily due to the sale of certain Company Drive-Ins to franchisees under the refranchising initiative in fiscal year 2017. Associated sales declines related to those divestitures for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 are $23.3 million. The decrease in same-store sales resulted in sales declines for the same period of $2.0 million.




16

The following table reflects the change in franchise sales, the number of Franchise Drive-Ins, average unit volumes and franchising revenues.  While we do not record Franchise Drive-In sales as revenues, we believe this information is important in understanding our financial performance since these sales are the basis on which we calculate and record franchise royalties.  This information is also indicative of the financial health of our franchisees.

Franchise Information
($ in thousands)

 
 
 
 

 
Three months ended
November 30,

 
2017
 
2016
Franchise Drive-In sales
 
$
994,942

 
$
975,782

Percentage increase
 
2.0
 %
 
0.7
 %

 
 
 
 
Franchise Drive-Ins in operation (1):
 
 
 
 
Total at beginning of period
 
3,365

 
3,212

Opened
 
5

 
14

Acquired from the company
 
—

 
56

Closed (net of re-openings)
 
(10
)
 
(9
)
Total at end of period
 
3,360

 
3,273


 
 
 
 
Average sales per Franchise Drive-In
 
300

 
304


 
 
 
 
Change in same-store sales (2)
 
(1.6
)%
 
(2.0
)%

 
 
 
 
Franchising revenues (3)
 
$
42,462

 
$
41,520

Percentage increase
 
2.3
 %
 
—
 %

 
 
 
 
Effective royalty rate (4)
 
4.08
 %
 
4.09
 %
__________________
(1)
Drive-ins that are temporarily closed for various reasons (repairs, remodeling, relocations, etc.) are not considered closed unless the Company determines that they are unlikely to reopen within a reasonable time.
(2)
Represents percentage change for drive-ins open for a minimum of 15 months.
(3)
Consists of revenues derived from franchising activities, including royalties, franchise fees and lease revenues.  See Revenue Recognition Related to Franchise Fees and Royalties in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section of Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.
(4)
Represents franchise royalties as a percentage of Franchise Drive-In sales.

Same-store sales for Franchise Drive-Ins decreased 1.6% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 as compared to a decrease of 2.0% for the same period last year, reflecting a decrease in traffic due to sluggish consumer spending in the restaurant industry and aggressive competitive activity.  We continue to focus on our innovative product pipeline, multi-day-part promotions and increased media effectiveness. Franchising revenues increased $0.9 million, or 2.3%, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, compared to the same period last year.  Franchise royalties were positively impacted by an increase in royalties related to franchisee acquisitions of Company Drive-ins and net new unit growth, partially offset by the decrease in same-store sales.


17

Operating Expenses.  The following table presents the overall costs of drive-in operations as a percentage of Company Drive-In sales.  Other operating expenses include direct operating costs such as marketing, telephone and utilities, repair and maintenance, rent, property tax and other controllable expenses.
Company Drive-In Margins

 
 
 
 

 
Three months ended
November 30,
 
Percentage Points
Increase (Decrease)

 
2017
 
2016
 
Costs and expenses
 
 
 
 

 
 
Company Drive-Ins:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Food and packaging
 
28.3
%
 
27.7
%
 
0.6
Payroll and other employee benefits
 
36.4

 
36.4

 
—
Other operating expenses
 
21.8

 
22.3

 
(0.5)
Cost of Company Drive-In sales
 
86.5
%
 
86.4
%
 
0.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Drive-in level margins at Company Drive-Ins were unfavorable by 10 basis points during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018.  Food and packaging costs were unfavorable by 60 basis points during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 as a result of commodity cost inflation and a higher level of discounting as compared to the prior year period.  Payroll and other employee benefits were flat for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, reflecting the de-leveraging impact of same-store sales offset by lower variable compensation and the impact of refranchising underperforming drive-ins. Other operating expenses were favorable by 50 basis points during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, driven by the impact of refranchising underperforming drive-ins and more effective management of operating expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”).  SG&A expenses were flat at $19.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, as compared to the same period last year.

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization decreased $0.9 million, or 8.9%, to $9.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, as compared to the same period last year.  This is primarily attributable to a decrease in Company assets related to the refranchising of certain Company Drive-Ins in the first half of fiscal year 2017, disposition of real estate in the last quarter of fiscal year 2017 and assets that fully depreciated in the prior fiscal year, partially offset by an increase in technology assets.

Net Interest Expense.  Net interest expense increased $0.6 million, or 8.9%, to $7.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, as compared to the same period last year.  The increase is due to the net borrowings on the Company's Series 2016-1 Senior Secured Variable Funding Notes, Class A-1 (the “2016 Variable Funding Notes”) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, as compared to no net borrowings on the 2016 Variable Funding Notes in the same period last year. For additional information on long-term debt, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.

Income Taxes.  The provision for income taxes reflects an effective tax rate of 24.6% for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 as compared to 35.6% for the same period in 2017. The lower effective income tax rate during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 was due primarily to the recognition of excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises. Excess tax benefits in the amount of $1.7 million were recognized in the consolidated statements of income as a component of the provision for income taxes during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, resulting in a favorable effective tax rate impact of 11%. Our tax rate may continue to vary significantly from quarter to quarter depending on the timing of stock option exercises and dispositions by option-holders and as circumstances on other tax matters change.

On December 22, 2017, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” ("H.R. 1") was signed into law, significantly impacting several sections of the Internal Revenue Code.  In the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, we will remeasure all deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the date of enactment to account for the reduction in the federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21%.  Based on our fiscal year, the federal statutory tax rate will be a blended rate of 25.7% for fiscal year 2018. The new rate of 21% will apply to us as of September 1, 2018. In addition, we are currently analyzing the impact of the other changes to the effective tax rate as discussed in note 4 - Income taxes, included in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements,” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  
  


18

Non-GAAP Adjustments. Excluding the non-GAAP adjustments further described below, net income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 increased 5% and diluted earnings per share for the quarter increased 25%.

The following analysis of non-GAAP adjustments is intended to supplement the presentation of the Company’s financial results in accordance with GAAP.  We believe the exclusion of these items in evaluating the change in net income and diluted earnings per share for the periods below provides useful information to investors and management regarding the underlying business trends and the performance of our ongoing operations and is helpful for period-to-period and company-to-company comparisons, which management believes will assist investors in analyzing the financial results for the Company and predicting future performance.

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
Three months ended
November 30, 2017
 
Three months ended
November 30, 2016

 
Net
Income
 
Diluted
EPS
 
Net
Income
 
Diluted
EPS
Reported – GAAP
 
$
11,430

 
$
0.29

 
$
13,118

 
$
0.28

Payment card breach expense (1)
 
642

 
0.02

 
—

 
—

Tax impact on payment card breach expense (2)
 
(245
)
 
(0.01
)
 
—

 
—

Net loss on refranchising transactions (3)
 
—

 
—

 
957

 
0.02

Tax impact on refranchising transactions (4)
 
—

 
—

 
(340
)
 
(0.01
)
Gain on sale of investment in refranchised drive-in operations (5)
 
—

 
—

 
(3,795
)
 
(0.08
)
Tax impact on sale of investment in refranchised drive-in operations (4)
 
—

 
—

 
1,350

 
0.03

Adjusted - Non-GAAP
 
$
11,827

 
$
0.30

 
$
11,290

 
$
0.24

________________
(1)
Costs include legal fees, investigative fees and costs related to customer response, reflected in selling, general and administrative on the condensed consolidated statement of income.
(2)
Tax impact during the period at a consolidated blended statutory tax rate of 38.2%.
(3)
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, we completed two transactions to refranchise the operations of 56 Company Drive-Ins, reflected in other operating income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of income.
(4)
Tax impact during the period at an effective tax rate of 35.6%.
(5)
Gain on sale of investment in refranchised drive-ins is related to minority investments in franchise operations retained as part of a refranchising transaction that occurred in fiscal year 2009. Income from minority investments is included in other revenue on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
໿
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Position

Total assets decreased $8.8 million, or 1.6%, to $552.9 million during the first three months of fiscal year 2018 from $561.7 million at the end of fiscal year 2017.  The decrease in total assets was driven by a decrease in restricted cash related to the timing of royalty payments and a decrease in net property, equipment and capital leases, primarily driven by depreciation, partially offset by purchases of property, equipment and technology. Additionally, there was an increase in accounts and notes receivable, primarily related to short-term notes extended to the system funds and franchisees, partially offset by a decrease in royalties receivable related to the reduction in sales as compared to the prior fiscal year end period.

Total liabilities increased $26.7 million, or 3.5%, to $790.2 million during the first three months of fiscal year 2018 from $763.5 million at the end of fiscal year 2017.  The increase was primarily attributable to the $38.0 million net borrowings on the 2016 Variable Funding Notes. This was partially offset by a decrease of $13.2 million in accrued liabilities, which is mainly related to payment of wages and incentive compensation and other tax liabilities that were accrued as of August 31, 2017.

Total stockholders’ deficit increased $35.5 million, or 17.6%, to a deficit of $237.3 million during the first three months of fiscal year 2018 from a deficit of $201.8 million at the end of fiscal year 2017.  This increase was primarily attributable to $40.8 million in purchases of common stock during the first three months of the fiscal year and the payment of $6.2 million in dividends, partially offset by current-year earnings of $11.4 million.

19

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

Operating Cash Flows.  Net cash provided by operating activities increased $3.9 million to $23.1 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2018 as compared to $19.2 million for the same period in fiscal year 2017.  The increase was due to changes in working capital, primarily related to higher incentive compensation paid in the prior fiscal year period, as well as the timing of payments for operational, payroll and tax transactions.

Investing Cash Flows.  Net cash used in investing activities was $9.5 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2018 as compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $7.2 million for the same period in fiscal year 2017.  During the first three months of fiscal year 2017, we received $17.8 million in proceeds as a result of the sale of assets related to stores sold to franchisees as part of the refranchising initiative and the sale of investment in refranchised drive-in operations. Additionally, we had decreased investments in property and equipment of $10.8 million, mainly due to a $6.7 million decrease related to the timing of rebuilds, relocations and remodels of existing drive-ins. This was offset by an increase in notes receivable of $9.9 million, related to short-term notes extended in the current period to the system funds and franchisees as compared to repayments on notes by franchisees in the prior year period.

The table below outlines our use of cash in millions for investments in property and equipment for the first three months of fiscal year 2018:
Brand technology investments
$
2.3

Newly constructed drive-ins leased or sold to franchisees
0.8

Purchase and replacement of equipment and technology
0.7

Rebuilds, relocations and remodels of existing drive-ins
0.3

Total investments in property and equipment
$
4.1


Financing Cash Flows.  Net cash used in financing activities decreased $45.1 million to $12.4 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2018, as compared to $57.5 million for the same period in fiscal year 2017.  The current-year period includes net borrowings of $38.0 million and a reduction in purchases of treasury stock of $6.4 million. For additional information on long-term debt, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.

In October 2016, the Company's Board of Directors increased the authorization under the share repurchase program by $40.0 million. During fiscal year 2017, approximately 6.7 million shares were repurchased for a total cost of $172.9 million, resulting in an average price per share of $25.71.  In August 2017, the Board of Directors approved an incremental $160.0 million share repurchase authorization of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock through August 31, 2018.

During the first three months of fiscal year 2018, approximately 1.7 million shares were repurchased for a total cost of $40.8 million, resulting in an average price per share of $24.51. The total remaining authorized under the share repurchase program as of November 30, 2017 was $119.2 million.

As of November 30, 2017, our total cash balance of $79.7 million ($23.5 million of unrestricted and $56.2 million of restricted cash balances) reflected the impact of the cash generated from operating activities, 2016 Variable Funding Notes borrowing proceeds and repayments, cash used for share repurchases, dividends and capital expenditures mentioned above.  We believe that existing cash, funds generated from operations and the amount available under our 2016 Variable Funding Notes will meet our needs for the foreseeable future.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Critical accounting policies are those the Company believes are most important to portraying its financial conditions and results of operations and also require the greatest amount of subjective or complex judgments by management.  Judgments and uncertainties regarding the application of these policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under various conditions or using different assumptions.  There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a description of new accounting pronouncements, see note 1 - Basis of Presentation, included in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements,” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  

20

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There has been no material change in the quantitative and qualitative market risks set forth in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended November 30, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On October 4, 2017, the Company issued a public statement notifying guests that it had discovered that credit and debit card numbers may have been acquired without authorization as part of a malware attack experienced at certain Sonic Drive-In locations. As we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017, the Company was named as a defendant in five purported class action complaints. The Company has since been named as a defendant in four additional purported class action complaints filed on October 9, 2017, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, on November 3, 2017, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, on November 13, 2017, in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, and on December 17, 2017, in the Northern District of Illinois (the nine actions are collectively referred to as the “Litigation”). Each of these complaints asserts various claims related to the Company’s alleged failure to safeguard customer credit card information, and the plaintiffs seek monetary damages, injunctive and declaratory relief and attorneys’ fees and costs. The Litigation has since been centralized in the Northern District of Ohio for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the Litigation and intends to vigorously oppose the claims asserted in the complaints. We cannot reasonably estimate the range of potential losses that may be associated with the Litigation because of the early stage of each lawsuit. We also cannot assure you that we will not become subject to other inquiries or claims relating to the payment card breach in the future. Although we maintain cyber liability insurance, we currently believe it is possible that the ultimate amount paid by us, if we are unsuccessful in defending all of the Litigation, will be in excess of our cyber liability insurance coverage applicable to claims of this nature. We are unable to estimate the amount of any such excess.

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings and has certain unresolved claims pending.  Based on the information currently available, management believes that all claims currently pending are either covered by insurance or would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results or financial condition.
Item 1A. Risk Factors

There has been no material change in the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.

21

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

(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Shares repurchased during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Period
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price
Paid per
Share
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
 
Maximum Dollar
Value that May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Program(1)
September 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017
 
666

 
$
23.88

 
666

 
$
144,089

October 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017
 
631

 
25.06

 
631

 
128,286

November 1, 2017 through November 30, 2017
 
367

 
24.70

 
367

 
119,208

Total
 
1,664

 
 

 
1,664

 
 

__________________
(1)
In August 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors extended the Company’s share repurchase program, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $160.0 million of its outstanding shares of common stock through August 31, 2018.  Share repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or otherwise, including through an accelerated share repurchase program, under terms of a Rule 10b5-1 plan, in privately negotiated transactions or in round lot or block transactions.  The share repurchase program may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time.  Please refer to note 3 – Share Repurchase Program of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

22

Item 6.  Exhibits

 
Exhibits.
 
31.01
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14
31.02
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14
32.01
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.02
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


23

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.
 
 
SONIC CORP.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Claudia S. San Pedro
 
 
Claudia S. San Pedro
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Date:  January 8, 2018

24

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number and Description


 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


25