Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DineEquity, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Period, Policy

Fiscal Periods

The Company has a 52/53 week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday nearest to December 31 of each year. In a 52-week fiscal year, each fiscal quarter contains 13 weeks, comprised of two, four-week fiscal months followed by a five-week fiscal month. In a 53-week fiscal year, the last month of the fourth fiscal quarter contains six weeks. For convenience, the Company refers to all fiscal years as ending on December 31 and fiscal quarters as ending on March 31, June 30 and September 30. The 2013, 2012 and 2011 fiscal years presented herein ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively, and each contained 52 weeks.

Use of Estimates, Policy

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Company's management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if any, at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to provisions for doubtful accounts, legal contingencies, income taxes, and the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company's cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable are potentially subject to concentration of credit risk. Cash and cash equivalents are placed with financial institutions that management believes are creditworthy. The Company does not believe that it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. At times, cash and cash equivalent balances may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits.

Accounts receivable are derived from revenues earned from franchisees and area licensees located primarily in the United States. Financing receivables arise from the financing of restaurant equipment, leases or franchise fees by IHOP franchisees. The Company is subject to a concentration of credit risk with respect to receivables from franchisees that own a large number of Applebee's or IHOP restaurants. As of December 31, 2013, there were 15 franchisees that owned 57 or more restaurants each (11 Applebee's franchisees and four IHOP franchisees). These franchisees operated 1,659 Applebee's and IHOP restaurants in the United States, which comprised 49% of the total Applebee's and IHOP franchise and area license restaurants in the United States. Receivables from these franchisees totaled $59.9 million at December 31, 2013.

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses based upon historical experience while taking into account current economic conditions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investment securities with remaining maturities at the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These cash equivalents are stated at cost which approximates market value. Cash held related to IHOP advertising funds and the Company's gift card programs are classified as unrestricted cash as there are no legal restrictions on the use of these funds.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

Restricted Assets

Restricted Cash

The Company receives funds from Applebee's franchisees pursuant to franchise agreements, usage of which is restricted to advertising activities. Restricted cash balances as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $0.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively. These balances were included as other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

Other Restricted Assets

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, restricted assets related to a captive insurance subsidiary totaled $1.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively, and were included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The captive insurance subsidiary, which has not underwritten coverage since January 2006, was formed to provide insurance coverage to Applebee's and its franchisees. These restricted assets are primarily investments, use of which is restricted to the payment of insurance claims for incidents that occurred during the period the insurance coverage had been provided.

Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy

Investments

The Company's investments comprise certificates of deposit, money market funds and an auction rate security that are the restricted assets related to the captive insurance subsidiary. The Company has classified all investments as available-for-sale with any unrealized gain or loss included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. The contractual maturity of the auction rate security is 2030.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Properties under capital leases are stated at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or remaining useful lives. Leasehold improvements and properties under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives or the lease term, if less. The Company has capitalized certain costs incurred in connection with the development of internal-use software which are included in equipment and fixtures and amortized over the expected useful life of the asset. The general ranges of depreciable and amortizable lives are as follows:

Category	Depreciable Life
Buildings and improvements	25 - 40 years
Leaseholds and improvements	Shorter of primary lease term or between three to 40 years
Equipment and fixtures	Two to 10 years
Properties under capital leases	Primary lease term or remaining primary lease term

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy

Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company tests impairment using historical cash flows and other relevant facts and circumstances as the primary basis for estimates of future cash flows. The Company considers factors such as the number of years a restaurant has been in operation, sales trends, cash flow trends, remaining lease life and other factors which apply on a case-by-case basis. The analysis is performed at the individual restaurant level for indicators of permanent impairment.

Recoverability of a restaurant's assets is measured by comparing the assets' carrying value to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated over the assets' remaining useful life or remaining lease term, whichever is less. If the total expected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, this may be an indicator of impairment. If it is decided that there has been an impairment, the carrying amount of the asset is written down to the estimated fair value as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP governing fair value measurements. The primary method of estimating fair value is by discounting the future cash flows based on the Company's cost of capital. A loss resulting from impairment is recognized as a charge against operations.

The Company may decide to close certain company-operated restaurants. Typically such decisions are based on operating performance or strategic considerations. In these instances, the Company reserves, or writes off, the full carrying value of these restaurants as impaired.

On a regular (at a minimum, semi-annual) basis, the Company assesses whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that potentially indicate the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. See Note 12, Closure and Impairment Charges.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is recorded when the aggregate purchase price of an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. Intangible assets resulting from the acquisition are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and are estimated by management based on the fair value of the assets received. The Company's identifiable intangible assets are comprised primarily of the Applebee's tradename and Applebee's franchise agreements. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives (franchise agreements, recipes and menus) are amortized over the period of estimated benefit using the straight-line method and estimated useful lives. Goodwill and intangible assets considered to have an indefinite life (primarily the Applebee's tradename) are not subject to amortization. The determination of indefinite life is subject to reassessment if changes in facts and circumstances indicate the period of benefit has become finite.

Goodwill has been allocated to three reporting units, the Applebee's company-operated restaurants unit (“Applebee's company unit”), the Applebee's franchised restaurants unit (“Applebee's franchise unit”) and the IHOP franchised restaurants unit (“IHOP franchise unit”), in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The significant majority of the Company's goodwill resulted from the November 29, 2007 acquisition of Applebee's and was allocated between the two Applebee's units. The goodwill allocated to the Applebee's company unit was fully impaired in 2008.

The Company performs a quantitative test for impairment of the goodwill of the Applebee's franchise unit and the tradename of the Applebee's company and franchise units as of October 31 of each year. The goodwill of the IHOP franchise unit is assessed qualitatively as of December 31 of each year. In addition to the annual test of impairment, goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are evaluated more frequently if the Company believes indicators of impairment exist. Such indicators include, but are not limited to, events or circumstances such as a significant adverse change in the business climate, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, adverse legal or regulatory developments or a significant decline in the market price of the Company's common stock.

In the process of the annual quantitative test of goodwill, the Company primarily uses the income approach method of valuation that includes the discounted cash flow method as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies to determine the fair value of goodwill and intangible assets. Significant assumptions used to determine fair value under the discounted cash flow model include future trends in sales, operating expenses, overhead expenses, capital expenditures and changes in working capital, along with an appropriate discount rate based on the Company's estimated cost of equity capital and after-tax cost of debt. The first step of the quantitative impairment test compares the fair value of each of our reporting units to their carrying value. If the fair value is in excess of the carrying value, no impairment exists. If the first step does indicate impairment, a second step must take place. Under the second step, the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated as if the reporting unit were acquired in a business combination. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of the goodwill, to which the carrying value of the goodwill must be adjusted. The fair value of all reporting units is then compared to the current market value of the Company's common stock to determine if the fair values estimated in the impairment testing process are reasonable in light of the current market value.

In the process of the Company's annual impairment review of the tradename, the most significant indefinite life intangible asset, the Company primarily uses the relief of royalty method under income approach method of valuation. Significant assumptions used to determine fair value under the relief of royalty method include future trends in sales, a royalty rate and a discount rate to be applied to the forecast revenue stream.

There were no impairments of goodwill or intangible assets recorded in 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Revenue Recognition, Policy

Revenue Recognition

The Company's revenues are recorded in four categories: franchise operations, company restaurant operations, rental operations and financing operations.

Franchise operations revenue consists primarily of royalty revenues, sales of proprietary IHOP products, IHOP advertising fees and the portion of the franchise fees allocated to the Company's intellectual property. Company restaurant sales are retail sales at company-operated restaurants. Rental operations revenue includes revenue from operating leases and interest income from direct financing leases. Financing operations revenue consists primarily of interest income from the financing of franchise fees and equipment leases, as well as sales of equipment associated with refranchised IHOP restaurants.

Revenues from franchised and area licensed restaurants include royalties, continuing rent and service fees and initial franchise fees. Royalties are recognized in the period in which the sales are reported to have been earned, which occurs at the franchisees' point of sale. Continuing rent and fees are recognized in the period earned. Initial franchise fees are recognized upon the opening of a restaurant, which is when the Company has performed substantially all initial services required by the franchise agreement. Fees from development agreements are deferred and recorded into income as restaurants under the development agreement are opened.

Sales by company-operated restaurants are recognized when food and beverage items are sold. Company restaurant sales are reported net of sales taxes collected from guests that are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities.

The Company records a liability in the period in which a gift card is sold. As gift cards are redeemed, this liability is reduced, with revenue recognized only on redemptions at company-operated restaurants. The Company recognizes gift card breakage income on gift cards issued when the assessment of the likelihood of redemption of the gift card becomes remote. This assessment is based upon Applebee's and IHOP's historical experience with gift card redemptions for their respective gift card program. The Company recorded gift card breakage revenue of $0.2 million, $1.3 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The progressive decline is due to the decrease in the number of Applebee's company-operated restaurants.

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company's best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in existing receivables; however, changes in circumstances relating to receivables may result in additional allowances in the future. The Company determines the allowance based on historical experience, current payment patterns, future obligations and the Company's assessment of the franchisee's or area licensee's ability to pay outstanding balances. The primary indicator of credit quality is delinquency, which is considered to be a receivable balance greater than 90 days past due. The Company continually reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts. Past due balances and future obligations are reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all collection efforts have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

Lease, Policy

Leases

The Company is the lessor or sub-lessor of the properties on which 723 IHOP restaurants and one Applebee's restaurant are located. The restaurants are subleased to franchisees or, in a few instances, are operated by the Company. The Company's IHOP leases generally provide for an initial term of 15 to 25 years, with most having one or more five-year renewal options at the Company's option. In addition, the Company leases a majority of its Applebee's company-operated restaurants. The Applebee's company-operated leases generally have an initial term of 10 to 20 years, with renewal terms of five to 20 years, and provide for a fixed rental plus, in certain instances, percentage rentals based on gross sales. The rental payments or receipts on leases that meet the operating lease criteria are recorded as rental expense or rental income, respectively. Rental expense and rental income for these operating leases are recognized on the straight-line basis over the original terms of the leases. Any difference between straight-line rent expense or income and actual amounts paid or received represents deferred rent and is included in the consolidated balance sheets as other assets or other liabilities, as appropriate. There was $91.4 million and $89.7 million, respectively, of deferred rent receivable included in other assets and $76.8 million and $76.6 million, respectively, of deferred rent payable included in other liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

The rental payments or receipts on those property leases that meet the capital lease criteria result in the recognition of interest expense or interest income and a reduction of capital lease obligation or financing lease receivable, respectively. Capital lease obligations are amortized based on the Company's incremental borrowing rate and direct financing leases are amortized using the implicit interest rate.

The lease term used for straight-line rent expense is calculated from the date the Company obtains possession of the leased premises through the lease termination date. The Company records rent from the possession date through restaurant open date as expense. Once a restaurant opens for business, the Company records straight-line rent over the lease term plus contingent rent to the extent it exceeded the minimum rent obligation per the lease agreement. The Company uses a consistent lease term when calculating depreciation of leasehold improvements, when determining straight-line rent expense and when determining classification of its leases as either operating or capital. For leases that contain rent escalations, the Company records the total rent payable during the lease term, as determined above, on the straight-line basis over the term of the lease (including the rent holiday period beginning upon our possession of the premises), and records the difference between the minimum rents paid and the straight-line rent as a lease obligation. Certain leases contain provisions that require additional rental payments based upon restaurant sales volume (“contingent rent”). Contingent rentals are accrued each period as the liabilities are incurred, in addition to the straight-line rent expense noted above.

Certain lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays and lease premiums, which are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or lease term. For tenant improvement allowances, the Company also records a deferred rent liability or an obligation in non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and amortizes the deferred rent over the term of the lease as a reduction to company restaurant expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Start-up Activities, Cost Policy

Pre-opening Expenses

Expenditures related to the opening of new or relocated restaurants are charged to expense when incurred.

Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost

Advertising

Franchise fees designated for IHOP's national advertising fund and local marketing and advertising cooperatives are recognized as revenue as the fees are earned and become receivables from the franchisee in accordance with U.S. GAAP governing the accounting for franchise fee revenue. In accordance with U.S. GAAP governing advertising costs, related advertising obligations are accrued and the costs expensed at the same time the related revenue is recognized. Due to different contractual terms in Applebee's marketing agreements, franchise fees designated for Applebee's national advertising fund and local advertising cooperatives constitute agency transactions and are not recognized as revenues and expenses. In both cases, the advertising fees are recorded as a liability against which specific costs are charged. Advertising fees included in IHOP franchise revenue and expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $79.5 million, $76.4 million and $75.5 million, respectively.

Advertising expense reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income includes local marketing advertising costs incurred by company-operated restaurants, contributions to the national advertising fund made by Applebee's and IHOP company-operated restaurants and certain advertising costs incurred by the Company to benefit future franchise operations. Costs of advertising are expensed either as incurred or the first time the advertising takes place. Advertising expense included in company restaurant operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $2.9 million, $13.1 million and $23.3 million, respectively. The progressive decline is due to the decrease in the number of Applebee's company-operated restaurants.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy

Fair Value Measurements

The Company determines the fair market values of its financial assets and liabilities, as well as non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis, based on the fair value hierarchy established in U.S. GAAP. As necessary, the Company measures its financial assets and liabilities using inputs from the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy:

• Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• Level 2 inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities.

• Level 3 inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company's own assumptions.

Income Tax, Policy

Income Taxes

The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company also determines its tax contingencies in accordance with U.S. GAAP governing the accounting for contingencies. The Company records estimated tax liabilities to the extent the contingencies are probable and can be reasonably estimated.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy

Stock-Based Compensation

Members of the Board of Directors and certain employees are eligible to receive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance units pursuant to the DineEquity, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company accounts for all stock-based payments to employees and non-employee directors, including grants of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units to be recognized in the financial statements, based on their respective grant date fair values. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service periods. The Company reports the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost as a financing cash flow.

The grant date fair value of restricted stock and stock-settled restricted stock units is determined based on the Company's stock price on the grant date. The Company estimates the grant date fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which considers, among other factors, a risk-free interest rate, the expected life of the award and the historical volatility of the Company's stock price. Cash-settled awards are classified as liabilities with the liability and compensation expense related to cash-settled awards adjusted to fair value at each balance sheet date.

Earnings Per Share, Policy

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net income (loss) per share is calculated using the two-step method prescribed in U.S. GAAP. Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) available to common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) available to common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of common shares and potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period if their effect is dilutive. The Company uses the treasury stock method to calculate the weighted average shares used in the diluted earnings per share calculation. Potentially dilutive common shares include the assumed exercise of stock options, assumed vesting of restricted stock and, during fiscal years in which Series B Preferred Stock was outstanding, assumed conversion of Series B Preferred Stock using the if-converted method.

Comprehensive Income or Loss, Policy

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the income tax benefit or provision allocated to items of other comprehensive income was not significant.

Treasury Stock, Policy

Treasury Stock

The Company may from time to time utilize treasury stock when vested stock options are exercised, when restricted stock awards are granted and when restricted stock units settle in stock upon vesting. The cost of treasury stock re-issued is determined using the first-in, first-out method.

Segment Reporting, Policy

Business Segments

The Company identifies its reporting segments based on the organizational units used by management to monitor performance and make operating decisions. These reporting segments are as follows: franchise operations, company restaurant operations, rental operations and financing operations. Within the franchise and company restaurant segments, the Company operates two different restaurant concepts, Applebee's and IHOP. Applebee's has no material rental or financing operations.

Franchise Segment, Policy

Franchise Segment

As of December 31, 2013, the franchise operations segment consisted of 1,988 restaurants operated by Applebee's franchisees in the United States, one United States territory and 15 countries outside of the United States and 1,607 restaurants operated by IHOP franchisees and area licensees in the United States, two United States territories and eight countries outside of the United States. Franchise operations revenue consists primarily of franchise royalty revenues, sales of proprietary products (primarily IHOP pancake and waffle dry-mixes) and the portion of the franchise fees allocated to IHOP and Applebee's intellectual property. Additionally, franchise fees designated for IHOP's national advertising fund and local marketing and advertising cooperatives are recognized as revenue and expense of franchise operations; however, due to different contractual terms in Applebee's marketing agreements, Applebee's national advertising fund activity constitutes agency transactions and therefore is not recognized as franchise revenue and expense.

Franchise operations expenses include IHOP advertising expense, the cost of proprietary products, pre-opening training expenses and other franchise-related costs.

Company Segment, Policy

Company Segment

As of December 31, 2013, the company restaurant operations segment consisted of 23 Applebee's company-operated restaurants, 10 IHOP company-operated restaurants and three IHOP restaurants reacquired from franchisees and operated by the Company on a temporary basis until refranchised. All company-operated restaurants are located in the United States.

Company restaurant sales are retail sales at company-operated restaurants. Company restaurant expenses are operating expenses at company-operated restaurants and include food, beverage, labor, benefits, utilities, rent and other operating costs.

Rental Segment, Policy

Rental Segment

Rental operations revenue includes revenue from operating leases and interest income from direct financing leases. Rental operations expenses are costs of operating leases and interest expense of capital leases on franchisee-operated restaurants. The rental operations revenue and expenses are primarily generated by IHOP. Applebee's has an insignificant amount of rental activity related to one property that was retained after refranchising a company-operated restaurant.

Financing Segment, Policy

Financing Segment

Financing operations revenue primarily consists of interest income from the financing of IHOP franchise fees and equipment leases, as well as sales of equipment associated with refranchised IHOP restaurants. Financing expenses are the cost of restaurant equipment.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date (“ASU 2013-04”). The amendments in ASU 2013-04 require an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements as the amount the entity agreed to pay on the basis of the arrangement among its co-obligors plus the amount an entity expects to pay on behalf of co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires an entity to disclose the nature, amount and other information about each obligation or group of similar obligations. The Company will adopt ASU 2013-04 effective January 1, 2014, and does not anticipate the adoption will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit, as either a reduction of a deferred tax asset or as a liability, when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 may be applied on a retrospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2013-11 effective January 1, 2014, and does not anticipate the adoption will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

The Company reviewed all other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they either are not applicable to the Company's operations or that no material effect is expected on the Company's financial statements as a result of future adoption.