10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(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, 2012

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	73-1371046
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
300 Johnny Bench Drive Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	73104
(Address of principal executive offices)	(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  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

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

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

As of December 28, 2012, approximately 55,630,107 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

SONIC CORP.

Index

		Page Number
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012		3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011		4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011		5
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		6
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		10
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		15
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		15
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		16
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		16
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		16
Item 6.	Exhibits		17

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

SONIC CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	November 30, 2012			August 31, 2012
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	42,730		$	52,647
Restricted cash		8,092			10,200
Accounts and notes receivable, net		23,742			27,073
Assets held for sale		33,559			—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		14,652			17,231
Total current assets		122,775			107,151
Noncurrent restricted cash		7,855			7,903
Notes receivable, net		11,406			11,641
Property, equipment and capital leases		707,516			764,893
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(308,452	)		(321,885	)
Property, equipment and capital leases, net		399,064			443,008
Goodwill		76,997			76,997
Debt origination costs, net		9,913			10,555
Other assets, net		28,797			23,505
Total assets	$	656,807		$	680,760
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	11,612		$	11,048
Deposits from franchisees		2,943			3,055
Accrued liabilities		29,286			32,607
Income taxes payable		7,208			14,326
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases		19,501			19,480
Total current liabilities		70,550			80,516
Obligations under capital leases due after one year		26,300			27,377
Long-term debt due after one year		462,854			466,613
Deferred income taxes		31,332			29,777
Other noncurrent liabilities		17,125			17,230
Total non-current liabilities		537,611			540,997
Stockholders’ equity:
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, 2012)		1,183			1,183
Paid-in capital		231,345			230,543
Retained earnings		728,648			722,614
Treasury stock, at cost; 62,119 common shares (60,325 shares at August 31, 2012)		(912,530	)		(895,093	)
Total stockholders’ equity		48,646			59,247
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	656,807		$	680,760

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

3

SONIC CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three months ended November 30,
	2012			2011
Revenues:
Company Drive-In sales	$	93,456		$	96,782
Franchise Drive-Ins:
Franchise royalties and fees		29,920			29,076
Lease revenue		1,486			1,288
Other		1,146			1,133
		126,008			128,279
Costs and expenses:
Company Drive-Ins:
Food and packaging		26,632			27,725
Payroll and other employee benefits		33,465			35,084
Other operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below		21,976			22,911
		82,073			85,720
Selling, general and administrative		16,130			15,417
Depreciation and amortization		10,595			10,466
Other operating (income) expense, net		7			(78	)
		108,805			111,525
Income from operations		17,203			16,754
Interest expense		7,675			8,041
Interest income		(141	)		(164	)
Net interest expense		7,534			7,877
Income before income taxes		9,669			8,877
Provision for income taxes		3,536			3,378
Net income	$	6,133		$	5,499
Basic income per share	$	0.11		$	0.09
Diluted income per share	$	0.11		$	0.09

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

4

SONIC CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three months ended November 30,
	2012			2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	6,133		$	5,499
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		10,595			10,466
Stock-based compensation expense		1,043			1,122
Other		169			3
Decrease in operating assets:
Restricted cash		2,091			2,269
Accounts receivable and other assets		3,857			3,060
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable		695			(1,394	)
Accrued and other liabilities		(4,424	)		(7,897	)
Income taxes		(5,397	)		3,294
Total adjustments		8,629			10,923
Net cash provided by operating activities		14,762			16,422
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(5,892	)		(3,710	)
Proceeds from sale of assets		2,115			122
Other		513			(729	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(3,264	)		(4,317	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on debt		(3,759	)		(3,758	)
Purchases of treasury stock		(16,882	)		(9,852	)
Other		(774	)		(926	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(21,415	)		(14,536	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(9,917	)		(2,431	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		52,647			29,509
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	42,730		$	27,078
Supplemental cash flow information
Non-cash financing activities:
Change in obligation to acquire treasury stock	$	1,194		$	599

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

5

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 generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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, 2012 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.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts reported in previous years, which are not material, have been combined and reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

2. Earnings Per Share

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

	Three months ended November 30,
	2012		2011
Numerator:
Net income	$	6,133	$	5,499
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic		57,672		61,693
Effect of dilutive employee stock options and unvested restricted stock units		413		44
Weighted average common shares – diluted		58,085		61,737
Net income per common share – basic	$	0.11	$	0.09
Net income per common share – diluted	$	0.11	$	0.09
Anti-dilutive securities excluded(1)		4,567		7,146

(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.

6

SONIC CORP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

3. Stock Repurchase Program

On August 15, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under this program, the Company is authorized to purchase up to $40 million of its outstanding shares of common stock through August 31, 2013. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, approximately 1.8 million shares were acquired pursuant to this program for a total cost of $18.1 million. As of November 30, 2012, the total remaining amount authorized for repurchase was $20.8 million. Share repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or in negotiated transactions, depending on share price, market conditions and other factors. The stock repurchase program may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. In December 2012, subsequent to the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company purchased an additional 0.6 million shares under this program for a total cost of $6.0 million.

4. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

Long-Lived Assets

The Company assesses long-lived assets used in operations for possible impairment when events and circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their carrying amount. No impairment charges for long-lived assets were recorded in the first three months of fiscal year 2013 or in the same period last year. Projecting the cash flows for the impairment analysis involves significant estimates with regard to the performance of each drive-in, and it is reasonably possible that the estimates of cash flows may change in the near term resulting in the need to write down operating assets to fair value.

Goodwill

The Company is required to test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests as a result of allocating goodwill to Company Drive-Ins that are sold or whenever indications of impairment arise including, but not limited to, a significant decline in cash flows from store operations. Such tests could result in impairment charges. As of November 30, 2012, the Company had $77.0 million of goodwill, of which $71.0 million was attributable to the Company Drive-Ins segment and $6.0 million was attributable to the Franchise Operations segment. For more information regarding the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets information, see note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2012.

5. Assets Held for Sale

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, a franchisee exercised an option to acquire land and buildings leased or subleased from the Company relating to previously refranchised drive-ins. The sale was completed in December 2012 subsequent to the end of the Company’s first quarter. At November 30, 2012, the net book value of these Company Drive-In segment assets was $39.0 million. As a result, the Company reclassified $39.0 million of net property, equipment and capital leases to assets held for sale at November 30, 2012. Approximately $34 million is reflected in “assets held for sale” and approximately $5 million is reflected in non-current assets within “other assets, net” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The $5 million relates to proceeds from the sale that will not be received within the next twelve months. The Company received approximately $30 million in cash at closing and will receive the remaining proceeds over 24 months. This transaction did not result in a material gain or loss. For fiscal year 2012, lease revenues, net of sublease payments, related to these assets was approximately $4.8 million. The Company’s debt covenants require the application of certain asset disposition proceeds as note prepayments, after a $5 million annual exclusion, if the proceeds are not reinvested in eligible assets within a twelve month period.

6. Contingencies

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

7

SONIC CORP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

insurance or would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results or financial condition.

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 2024, the Company remains secondarily liable for the lease payments for which it was responsible as the original lessee. As of November 30, 2012, the amount remaining under these guaranteed lease obligations totaled $6.9 million. At this time, the Company does not anticipate any material defaults under the foregoing leases; therefore, no 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 upon the following fair value hierarchy established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board:

• 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, (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 table below sets forth our fair value hierarchy for financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
November 30, 2012
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	13,180	$	—	$	—	$	13,180
Restricted cash (current)		8,092		—		—		8,092
Restricted cash (noncurrent)		7,855		—		—		7,855
Total	$	29,127	$	—	$	—	$	29,127
August 31, 2012
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	7,784	$	—	$	—	$	7,784
Restricted cash (current)		10,200		—		—		10,200
Restricted cash (noncurrent)		7,903		—		—		7,903
Total	$	25,887	$	—	$	—	$	25,887

8

SONIC CORP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

At November 30, 2012, the fair value of the Company’s Series 2011-1 Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes, Class A-2 (the “2011 Fixed Rate Notes”) was estimated at $509.3 million versus a carrying value of $478.2 million, including accrued interest. At August 31, 2012, the fair value of the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes was estimated at $510.8 million versus a carrying value of $482.0 million, including accrued interest. The fair value of the 2011 Fixed Rate 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. Segment Information

Operating segments are generally defined as components of an enterprise for which separate discrete financial information is available as the basis for management to allocate resources and assess performance.

Based on internal reporting and management structure, the Company has two reportable segments: Company Drive-Ins and Franchise Operations. The Company Drive-Ins segment consists of the drive-in operations in which the Company owns a controlling ownership interest and derives its revenues from operating drive-in restaurants. The Franchise Operations segment consists of franchising activities and derives its revenues from royalties, initial franchise fees and lease revenues received from franchisees. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Segment information for total assets and capital expenditures is not presented as such information is not used in measuring segment performance or allocating resources between segments.

The following table presents the revenues and income from operations for each reportable segment, along with reconciliation to reported revenue, income from operations and income before income taxes:

	Three months ended November 30,
	2012			2011
Revenues:
Company Drive-Ins	$	93,456		$	96,782
Franchise Operations		31,406			30,364
Unallocated revenues		1,146			1,133
Total revenues	$	126,008		$	128,279
Income from operations:
Company Drive-Ins	$	11,383		$	11,062
Franchise Operations		31,406			30,364
Unallocated income		1,139			1,211
Unallocated expenses:
Selling, general and administrative		(16,130	)		(15,417	)
Depreciation and amortization		(10,595	)		(10,466	)
Income from operations		17,203			16,754
Net interest expense		7,534			7,877
Income before income taxes	$	9,669		$	8,877

9

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

Sales momentum for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 continued to improve from the prior year. System-wide same-store sales increased 3.0% during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 as compared to an increase of 0.1% for the same period last year. Same-store sales at Company Drive-Ins increased 4.2% during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 as compared to a decline of 0.1% for the same period last year. We believe the initiatives we have implemented over the last few years, including product quality improvements, a greater emphasis on personalized service and a tiered pricing strategy, have set a solid foundation for growth which is reflected in our operating results. We continue to focus on our innovative product pipeline as well as our day-part promotional strategy to drive same-store sales. We utilize a multi-layered growth strategy which incorporates same-store sales growth, operating leverage, deployment of cash, an ascending royalty rate and new drive-in development to achieve earnings growth. Positive system-wide same-store sales is the most important layer and drives operating leverage and increased operating cash flows.

Revenues decreased to $126.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 from $128.3 million for the same period last year, which was primarily related to the refranchising of 34 Company Drive-Ins during the second fiscal quarter of 2012, partially offset by an increase in same-store sales. Restaurant margins at Company Drive-Ins improved by 80 basis points during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, reflecting the leverage of positive same-store sales as well as moderating commodity cost inflation. First quarter results for fiscal year 2013 reflected net income of $6.1 million or $0.11 per diluted share, an increase of 12% and 22%, respectively, as compared to net income of $5.5 million or $0.09 per diluted share for the same period last year.

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-wide change in sales and average unit volume. System-wide 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-wide Performance

($ in thousands)

	Three months ended November 30,
	2012			2011
Percentage increase in sales		2.7	%		0.5	%
System-wide drive-ins in operation(1):
Total at beginning of period		3,556			3,561
Opened		1			2
Closed (net of re-openings)		(8	)		(8	)
Total at end of period		3,549			3,555
Average sales per drive-in:	$	258		$	247
Change in same-store sales(2):		3.0	%		0.1	%

(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.

10

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			Percent Increase
	2012		2011		(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Revenues:
Company Drive-In sales	$	93,456	$	96,782	$	(3,326	)		(3.4	%)
Franchise Drive-Ins:
Franchise royalties and fees		29,920		29,076		844			2.9
Lease revenue		1,486		1,288		198			15.4
Other		1,146		1,133		13			1.1
Total revenues	$	126,008	$	128,279	$	(2,271	)		(1.8	%)

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 growth of Company Drive-In sales.

Company Drive-In Sales

($ in thousands)

	Three months ended November 30,
	2012			2011
Company Drive-In sales	$	93,456		$	96,782
Percentage decrease		(3.4	%)		(0.5	%)
Company Drive-Ins in operation(1):
Total at beginning of period		409			446
Opened		—			—
Closed (net of re-openings)		—			—
Total at end of period		409			446
Average sales per Company Drive-In	$	230		$	218
Percentage increase		5.5	%		0.9	%
Change in same-store sales(2)		4.2	%		(0.1	%)

(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 increased 4.2% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, as compared to a decline of 0.1% for the same period last year. Company Drive-In sales decreased $3.3 million, or 3.4%, during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, as compared to the same period last year. This decrease was primarily attributable to a $6.7 million reduction in sales from the refranchised drive-ins discussed earlier and a $0.4 million decrease related to drive-ins that were closed during or subsequent to the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 partially offset by a $3.7 million improvement in same-store sales and $0.1 million of incremental sales from new drive-in openings during fiscal year 2012.

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The following table reflects the change in franchising revenues (franchise royalties, franchise fees and lease revenues) as well as franchise sales, average unit volumes and the number of Franchise Drive-Ins. 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,
	2012			2011
Franchising revenues(1)	$	31,406		$	30,364
Percentage increase (decrease)		3.4	%		(1.2	%)
Franchise Drive-Ins in operation(2):
Total at beginning of period		3,147			3,115
Opened		1			2
Closed (net of re-openings)		(8	)		(8	)
Total at end of period		3,140			3,109
Franchise Drive-In sales	$	808,660		$	781,703
Percentage change		3.4	%		0.7	%
Effective royalty rate(3)		3.70	%		3.68	%
Average sales per Franchise Drive-In	$	262		$	251
Change in same-store sales(4)		2.9	%		0.2	%

(1) 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, 2012.

(2) 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.

(3) Represents franchise royalties as a percentage of Franchise Drive-In sales.

(4) Represents percentage change for drive-ins open for a minimum of 15 months.

Same-store sales for Franchise Drive-Ins increased 2.9% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 as compared to 0.2% for the same period last year. Franchising revenues increased $1.0 million, or 3.4%, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012, which was primarily driven by an increase in franchise royalties. The increase in franchise royalties and our effective royalty rate during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 was largely attributable to an increase in same-store sales, partially offset by various development incentives and certain franchisee restructuring efforts. In addition, approximately $0.3 million of the increase in franchising revenues during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 was attributable to incremental royalties from the refranchised drive-ins discussed earlier.

12

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						Percentage
	November 30,						Points
	2012			2011			(Decrease)
Costs and expenses(1):
Company Drive-Ins:
Food and packaging		28.5	%		28.6	%		(0.1	)
Payroll and other employee benefits		35.8			36.3			(0.5	)
Other operating expenses		23.5			23.7			(0.2	)
Cost of sales		87.8	%		88.6	%		(0.8	)

(1) Calculated as a percentage of Company Drive-In sales

Restaurant-level margins improved by 80 basis points during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 reflecting leverage from improved same-store sales and, to a lesser extent, the refranchising of 34 lower performing Company Drive-Ins during the second quarter of fiscal year 2012. Food and packaging costs improved by 10 basis points during the quarter, which was a result of a combination of a slowdown in commodity cost inflation and moderate price increases taken over the preceding twelve months. Payroll and other employee benefits as well as other operating expenses improved by a combined 70 basis points during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 primarily from leveraging positive same-store sales.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”). SG&A expenses increased $0.7 million, or 4.6%, to $16.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 from $15.4 million for the same period in fiscal year 2012. The increase in SG&A was largely attributable to an increase in variable compensation costs during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense remained relatively flat increasing by $0.1 million to $10.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 from $10.5 million for the same period last year.

Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense decreased $0.3 million, or 4.4%, to $7.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 from $7.9 million for the same period last year, primarily due to a decline in our long-term debt balance. See “Liquidity and Sources of Capital” and “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” below for additional information on long-term debt.

Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes reflects an effective tax rate of 36.6% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 as compared to 38.1% for the same period in 2012. This decline was primarily attributable to a decrease in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from the favorable settlement of a federal tax audit during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. 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, changes in tax credit legislation, changes to uncertain tax positions, and as circumstances on other tax matters change. Subsequent to the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, legislation was passed that reinstated and extended certain employment tax credits. We estimate this change to have a favorable impact on our fiscal year 2013 tax rate with the largest impact in the second quarter relating to the retroactive portion of the tax credit.

Financial Position

Total assets decreased $24.0 million, or 3.5%, to $656.8 million during the first three months of fiscal year 2013 from $680.8 million at the end of fiscal year 2012. The decrease in total assets was largely attributable to the use of $16.9 million of cash for the acquisition of outstanding common stock under our stock repurchase program during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. In addition, net property, equipment and capital leases decreased by

13

$5.0 million, excluding the reclassification discussed below, resulting primarily from depreciation during the quarter partially offset by capital additions. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, a franchisee exercised an option to acquire land and buildings leased or subleased from us relating to previously refranchised drive-ins. The net book value of these assets was $39.0 million at November 30, 2012. As a result, we reclassified $39.0 million of net property, equipment and capital leases to assets held for sale (approximately $34 million in “assets held for sale” and approximately $5 million in noncurrent “other assets, net”) at November 30, 2012. For additional information on this transaction, see note 5 – Assets Held for Sale, included in Part 1, Item 1, “Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q.

Total liabilities decreased $13.4 million, or 2.1%, to $608.2 million during the first three months of fiscal year 2013 from $621.5 million at the end of fiscal year 2012. This decrease was largely attributable to a $7.1 million decrease in income taxes payable stemming from tax payments during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. Contributing to the overall decline was $3.8 million of scheduled debt principal repayments during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 and a $3.3 million decrease in accrued liabilities primarily related to the payment of bonuses and other liabilities that were accrued as of August 31, 2012.

Total stockholders’ equity decreased $10.6 million, or 17.9%, to $48.6 million during the first three months of fiscal year 2013 from $59.2 million at the end of fiscal year 2012. This decrease was attributable to $18.1 million in purchases of common stock under our stock repurchase program during the first three months of fiscal year 2013. These purchases were partially offset by current year earnings of $6.1 million.

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

Operating Cash Flows. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $1.7 million to $14.8 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2013 as compared to $16.4 million for the same period in fiscal year 2012. This decline primarily resulted from an increase in income tax payments in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 as compared to the same period last year, largely offset by changes in operating liabilities relating to timing of payments.

Investing Cash Flows. Cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 decreased slightly to $3.3 million compared to $4.3 million for the same period in fiscal year 2012. During the first three months of fiscal year 2013, we used $5.9 million of cash for purchases of property and equipment as outlined in the table below. These cash outflows were partially offset by $2.1 million in proceeds primarily related to the sale of surplus property during the quarter. The balance of the change relates to an increase in notes receivable and other investments. The following table sets forth the components of our investments in property and equipment for the first three months of fiscal year 2013 (in millions):

Replacement equipment and technology for existing drive-ins	$	2.3
Corporate technology investments		2.0
Rebuilds, relocations and remodels of existing drive-ins		1.0
Retrofits, drive-thru additions and LED signs in existing drive-ins		0.5
New Company Drive-Ins, including drive-ins under construction		0.1
Total purchases of property and equipment	$	5.9

Financing Cash Flows. Net cash used in financing activities increased $6.9 million to $21.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 from $14.5 million for the same period in fiscal year 2012. This increase was primarily attributable to the use of $16.9 million of cash during the first three months of fiscal year 2013 to purchase outstanding common stock under our current stock repurchase program as compared to $9.9 million for the same period in fiscal year 2012 under a prior stock repurchase program.

On August 15, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under this program, we are authorized to purchase up to $40 million of our outstanding shares of common stock through August 31, 2013. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, approximately 1.8 million shares were acquired pursuant to this program for a total cost of $18.1 million. As of November 30, 2012, the total remaining amount authorized for repurchase was $20.8 million. Share repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or in negotiated transactions, depending on share price, market conditions and other factors. The stock repurchase program may be

14

extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. We plan to fund the stock repurchase program from existing cash on hand at November 30, 2012 and cash flows from operations. In December 2012, subsequent to the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, we purchased an additional 0.6 million shares under this program for a total cost of $6.0 million.

As of November 30, 2012, our total cash balance of $58.7 million ($42.7 million of unrestricted and $15.9 million of restricted cash balances) reflected the impact of the cash generated from operating activities, cash used for stock repurchases, and capital expenditures mentioned above. We believe that existing cash, funds generated from operations and the $100 million available under our Series 2011-1 Senior Secured Variable Funding Notes, Class A-1, 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 the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Sonic’s use of debt directly exposes the Company to interest rate risk. Fixed rate debt, where the interest rate is fixed over the life of the instrument, exposes the Company to changes in market interest rates reflected in the fair value of the debt and to the risk that the Company may need to refinance maturing debt with new debt at a higher rate. Sonic manages its debt portfolio to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating rates. The Company does not utilize financial instruments for trading purposes. Sonic is also exposed to market risk from changes in commodity prices.

Interest Rate Risk. Our exposure to interest rate risk at November 30, 2012, was primarily based on the Series 2011-1 Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes, Class A-2 (the “2011 Fixed Rate Notes”) with an effective rate of 5.4%, before amortization of debt-related costs. At November 30, 2012, the fair value of the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes was estimated at $509.3 million versus a carrying value of $478.2 million, including accrued interest. To derive the fair value, management used market information available for public debt transactions for companies with ratings that are similar to our ratings and information gathered from brokers who trade in our notes. Management believes this fair value is a reasonable estimate. Should interest rates and/or credit spreads increase or decrease by one percentage point, the estimated fair value of the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes would decrease or increase by approximately $23 million, respectively. The fair value estimate required significant assumptions by management.

For further discussion of our exposure to market risk, refer to Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012.

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 controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

15

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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, 2012.

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 2013 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, 2012 through September 30, 2012		—	$	—		—	$	38,898
October 1, 2012 through October 31, 2012		52,107		9.50		52,107		38,403
November 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012		1,785,200		9.85		1,785,200	$	20,822
Total		1,837,307	$	9.84		1,837,307

(1) On August 15, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program. Under the stock repurchase program, the Company is authorized to purchase up to $40 million of its outstanding shares of common stock through August 31, 2013. Share repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or in negotiated transactions, depending on share price, market conditions and other factors. The stock repurchase program may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time.

16

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

17

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/ Stephen C. Vaughan
	Stephen C. Vaughan, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: January 4, 2013

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number and Description

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

EX-31.01

EXHIBIT 31.01

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SEC RULE 13a-14

I, J. Clifford Hudson, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sonic Corp.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: January 4, 2013

/s/ J. Clifford Hudson

J. Clifford Hudson

Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.02

EXHIBIT 31.02

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SEC RULE 13a-14

I, Stephen C. Vaughan, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sonic Corp.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: January 4, 2013

/s/ Stephen C. Vaughan

Stephen C. Vaughan

Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.01

EXHIBIT 32.01

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

The undersigned hereby certifies that to his knowledge the quarterly report of Sonic Corp. (the “Company”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: January 4, 2013

/s/ J. Clifford Hudson

J. Clifford Hudson

Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.02

EXHIBIT 32.02

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

The undersigned hereby certifies that to his knowledge the quarterly report of Sonic Corp. (the “Company”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: January 4, 2013

/s/ Stephen C. Vaughan

Stephen C. Vaughan

Chief Financial Officer

XML

Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012 segment	Nov. 30, 2011
Segment Information [Abstract]
Reportable business segments	2
Company Drive-Ins	$ 93,456	$ 96,782
Franchise Operations	31,406	30,364
Unallocated revenues	1,146	1,133
Total revenues	126,008	128,279
Company Drive-Ins	11,383	11,062
Franchise Operations	31,406	30,364
Unallocated income	1,139	1,211
Selling, general and administrative	(16,130)	(15,417)
Depreciation and amortization	(10,595)	(10,466)
Income from operations	17,203	16,754
Net interest expense	7,534	7,877
Income before income taxes	$ 9,669	$ 8,877

XML

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets And Goodwill

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets And Goodwill [Abstract]

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets And Goodwill

4. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

Long-Lived Assets

     The Company assesses long-lived assets used in operations for possible impairment when events and circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their carrying amount. No impairment charges for long-lived assets were recorded in the first three months of fiscal year 2013 or in the same period last year. Projecting the cash flows for the impairment analysis involves significant estimates with regard to the performance of each drive-in, and it is reasonably possible that the estimates of cash flows may change in the near term resulting in the need to write down operating assets to fair value.

Goodwill

     The Company is required to test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests as a result of allocating goodwill to Company Drive-Ins that are sold or whenever indications of impairment arise including, but not limited to, a significant decline in cash flows from store operations. Such tests could result in impairment charges. As of November 30, 2012, the Company had $77.0 million of goodwill, of which $71.0 million was attributable to the Company Drive-Ins segment and $6.0 million was attributable to the Franchise Operations segment. For more information regarding the Company's goodwill and other intangible assets information, see note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2012.

XML

Stock Repurchase Program

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]

Stock Repurchase Program

3. Stock Repurchase Program

     On August 15, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under this program, the Company is authorized to purchase up to $40 million of its outstanding shares of common stock through August 31, 2013. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, approximately 1.8 million shares were acquired pursuant to this program for a total cost of $18.1 million. As of November 30, 2012, the total remaining amount authorized for repurchase was $20.8 million. Share repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or in negotiated transactions, depending on share price, market conditions and other factors. The stock repurchase program may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. In December 2012, subsequent to the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company purchased an additional 0.6 million shares under this program for a total cost of $6.0 million.

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 42,730	$ 52,647
Restricted cash	8,092	10,200
Accounts and notes receivable, net	23,742	27,073
Assets held for sale	33,559
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14,652	17,231
Total current assets	122,775	107,151
Noncurrent restricted cash	7,855	7,903
Notes receivable, net	11,406	11,641
Property, equipment and capital leases	707,516	764,893
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(308,452)	(321,885)
Property, equipment and capital leases, net	399,064	443,008
Goodwill	76,997	76,997
Debt origination costs, net	9,913	10,555
Other assets, net	28,797	23,505
Total assets	656,807	680,760
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	11,612	11,048
Deposits from franchisees	2,943	3,055
Accrued liabilities	29,286	32,607
Income taxes payable	7,208	14,326
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	19,501	19,480
Total current liabilities	70,550	80,516
Obligations under capital leases due after one year	26,300	27,377
Long-term debt due after one year	462,854	466,613
Deferred income taxes	31,332	29,777
Other noncurrent liabilities	17,125	17,230
Total non-current liabilities	537,611	540,997
Stockholders' equity:
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, 2012)	1,183	1,183
Paid-in capital	231,345	230,543
Retained earnings	728,648	722,614
Treasury stock, at cost; 62,119 common shares (60,325 shares at August 31, 2012)	(912,530)	(895,093)
Total stockholders' equity	48,646	59,247
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 656,807	$ 680,760

XML

Basis Of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

1. Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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, 2012 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.

Reclassifications

     Certain amounts reported in previous years, which are not material, have been combined and reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

XML

Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012
Contingencies [Abstract]
Guaranteed operating lease obligations agreement, expiration year	2024
Guaranteed operating lease obligations	$ 6.9
Guaranteed operating lease liability	$ 0

XML

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Financial Assets Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 13,180	$ 7,784
Restricted cash (current)	8,092	10,200
Restricted cash (noncurrent)	7,855	7,903
Total	29,127	25,887
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	13,180	7,784
Restricted cash (current)	8,092	10,200
Restricted cash (noncurrent)	7,855	7,903
Total	29,127	25,887
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents
Restricted cash (current)
Restricted cash (noncurrent)
Total
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents
Restricted cash (current)
Restricted cash (noncurrent)
Total

XML

Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

2. Earnings Per Share

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

	Three months ended November 30,
	2012		2011
Numerator:
Net income	$	6,133	$	5,499
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic		57,672		61,693
Effect of dilutive employee stock options and unvested restricted
stock units		413		44
Weighted average common shares – diluted		58,085		61,737
Net income per common share – basic	$	0.11	$	0.09
Net income per common share – diluted	$	0.11	$	0.09
Anti-dilutive securities excluded(1)		4,567		7,146

—————————

(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.

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	245,000	245,000
Common stock, shares issued	118,309	118,309
Treasury stock, shares	62,119	60,325

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Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Segment Information [Abstract]

Reconciliation Of Reported Revenue, Income From Operations From Segments And income Before Income Taxes

	Three months ended November 30,
		2012			2011
Revenues:
Company Drive-Ins	$	93,456		$	96,782
Franchise Operations		31,406			30,364
Unallocated revenues		1,146			1,133
Total revenues	$	126,008		$	128,279
Income from operations:
Company Drive-Ins	$	11,383		$	11,062
Franchise Operations		31,406			30,364
Unallocated income		1,139			1,211
Unallocated expenses:
Selling, general and administrative		(16,130	)		(15,417	)
Depreciation and amortization		(10,595	)		(10,466	)
Income from operations		17,203			16,754
Net interest expense		7,534			7,877
Income before income taxes	$	9,669		$	8,877

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Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Nov. 30, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	SONIC CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000868611
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		55,630,107

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Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012		Nov. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 6,133		$ 5,499
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	57,672		61,693
Effect of dilutive employee stock options and unvested restricted stock units	413		44
Weighted average common shares - diluted	58,085		61,737
Net income per common share - basic	$ 0.11		$ 0.09
Net income per common share - diluted	$ 0.11		$ 0.09
Anti-dilutive securities excluded	4,567	[1]	7,146	[1]

[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.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Revenues:
Company Drive-In sales	$ 93,456	$ 96,782
Franchise Drive-Ins:
Franchise royalties and fees	29,920	29,076
Lease revenue	1,486	1,288
Other	1,146	1,133
Total revenues	126,008	128,279
Costs and expenses:
Food and packaging	26,632	27,725
Payroll and other employee benefits	33,465	35,084
Other operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below	21,976	22,911
Total cost of company drive-in sales	82,073	85,720
Selling, general and administrative	16,130	15,417
Depreciation and amortization	10,595	10,466
Other operating (income) expense, net	7	(78)
Total costs and expenses	108,805	111,525
Income from operations	17,203	16,754
Interest expense	7,675	8,041
Interest income	(141)	(164)
Net interest expense	7,534	7,877
Income before income taxes	9,669	8,877
Provision for income taxes	3,536	3,378
Net income	$ 6,133	$ 5,499
Basic income per share	$ 0.11	$ 0.09
Diluted income per share	$ 0.11	$ 0.09

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Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Values Of Financial Instruments

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 upon the following fair value hierarchy established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board:

• 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, (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 table below sets forth our fair value hierarchy for financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
November 30, 2012
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	13,180	$	—	$	—	$	13,180
Restricted cash (current)		8,092		—		—		8,092
Restricted cash (noncurrent)		7,855		—		—		7,855
Total	$	29,127	$	—	$	—	$	29,127
August 31, 2012
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	7,784	$	—	$	—	$	7,784
Restricted cash (current)		10,200		—		—		10,200
Restricted cash (noncurrent)		7,903		—		—		7,903
Total	$	25,887	$	—	$	—	$	25,887

     At November 30, 2012, the fair value of the Company's Series 2011-1 Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes, Class A-2 (the "2011 Fixed Rate Notes") was estimated at $509.3 million versus a carrying value of $478.2 million, including accrued interest. At August 31, 2012, the fair value of the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes was estimated at $510.8 million versus a carrying value of $482.0 million, including accrued interest. The fair value of the 2011 Fixed Rate 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.

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Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Contingencies [Abstract]

Contingencies

6. Contingencies

     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.

     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 2024, the Company remains secondarily liable for the lease payments for which it was responsible as the original lessee. As of November 30, 2012, the amount remaining under these guaranteed lease obligations totaled $6.9 million. At this time, the Company does not anticipate any material defaults under the foregoing leases; therefore, no liability has been provided.

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Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fixed Rate Notes, fair value	$ 509.3	$ 510.8
Fixed rate notes, carrying value, including accrued interest	$ 478.2	$ 482.0

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Stock Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 15, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Subsequent Event [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Shares repurchase authorized amount	$ 40.0
Shares acquired through stock repurchase program		1.8	0.6
Purchase of treasury stock		18.1	6.0
Remaining amount authorized for repurchase through stock repurchase program		$ 20.8

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share

	Three months ended November 30,
	2012		2011
Numerator:
Net income	$	6,133	$	5,499
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic		57,672		61,693
Effect of dilutive employee stock options and unvested restricted
stock units		413		44
Weighted average common shares – diluted		58,085		61,737
Net income per common share – basic	$	0.11	$	0.09
Net income per common share – diluted	$	0.11	$	0.09
Anti-dilutive securities excluded(1)		4,567		7,146

—————————

(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.

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Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Segment Information [Abstract]

Segment Information

8. Segment Information

     Operating segments are generally defined as components of an enterprise for which separate discrete financial information is available as the basis for management to allocate resources and assess performance.

     Based on internal reporting and management structure, the Company has two reportable segments: Company Drive-Ins and Franchise Operations. The Company Drive-Ins segment consists of the drive-in operations in which the Company owns a controlling ownership interest and derives its revenues from operating drive-in restaurants. The Franchise Operations segment consists of franchising activities and derives its revenues from royalties, initial franchise fees and lease revenues received from franchisees. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Segment information for total assets and capital expenditures is not presented as such information is not used in measuring segment performance or allocating resources between segments.

     The following table presents the revenues and income from operations for each reportable segment, along with reconciliation to reported revenue, income from operations and income before income taxes:

	Three months ended November 30,
		2012			2011
Revenues:
Company Drive-Ins	$	93,456		$	96,782
Franchise Operations		31,406			30,364
Unallocated revenues		1,146			1,133
Total revenues	$	126,008		$	128,279
Income from operations:
Company Drive-Ins	$	11,383		$	11,062
Franchise Operations		31,406			30,364
Unallocated income		1,139			1,211
Unallocated expenses:
Selling, general and administrative		(16,130	)		(15,417	)
Depreciation and amortization		(10,595	)		(10,466	)
Income from operations		17,203			16,754
Net interest expense		7,534			7,877
Income before income taxes	$	9,669		$	8,877

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Basis Of Presentation (Policy)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Principles Of Consolidation

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.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

     Certain amounts reported in previous years, which are not material, have been combined and reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

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Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Assets Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis

	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
November 30, 2012
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	13,180	$	—	$	—	$	13,180
Restricted cash (current)		8,092		—		—		8,092
Restricted cash (noncurrent)		7,855		—		—		7,855
Total	$	29,127	$	—	$	—	$	29,127
August 31, 2012
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	7,784	$	—	$	—	$	7,784
Restricted cash (current)		10,200		—		—		10,200
Restricted cash (noncurrent)		7,903		—		—		7,903
Total	$	25,887	$	—	$	—	$	25,887

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Assets Held For Sale (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012 Assets Held-For-Sale [Member]
Net book value of total assets held for sale	$ 39,000,000
Assets held for sale	33,559,000
Assets held for sale, non-current	5,000,000
Cash received at closing	30,000,000
Period in which remaining proceeds will be received	24 months
Gain (loss) on assets held-for-sale	This transaction did not result in a material gain or loss.
Lease revenues, net of sublease payments	1,486,000	1,288,000	4,800,000
Note prepayment exclusion amount	$ 5,000,000

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 6,133	$ 5,499
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,595	10,466
Stock-based compensation expense	1,043	1,122
Other	169	3
Decrease in operating assets:
Restricted cash	2,091	2,269
Accounts receivable and other assets	3,857	3,060
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable	695	(1,394)
Accrued and other liabilities	(4,424)	(7,897)
Income taxes	(5,397)	3,294
Total adjustments	8,629	10,923
Net cash provided by operating activities	14,762	16,422
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(5,892)	(3,710)
Proceeds from sale of assets	2,115	122
Other	513	(729)
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,264)	(4,317)
Cash flows from financing activities
Payments on debt	(3,759)	(3,758)
Purchases of treasury stock	(16,882)	(9,852)
Other	(774)	(926)
Net cash used in financing activities	(21,415)	(14,536)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(9,917)	(2,431)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	52,647	29,509
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	42,730	27,078
Non-cash financing activities
Change in obligation to acquire treasury stock	$ 1,194	$ 599

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Assets Held For Sale

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Assets Held For Sale [Abstract]

Assets Held For Sale

5. Assets Held for Sale

     During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, a franchisee exercised an option to acquire land and buildings leased or subleased from the Company relating to previously refranchised drive-ins. The sale was completed in December 2012 subsequent to the end of the Company's first quarter. At November 30, 2012, the net book value of these Company Drive-In segment assets was $39.0 million. As a result, the Company reclassified $39.0 million of net property, equipment and capital leases to assets held for sale at November 30, 2012. Approximately $34 million is reflected in "assets held for sale" and approximately $5 million is reflected in non-current assets within "other assets, net" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The $5 million relates to proceeds from the sale that will not be received within the next twelve months. The Company received approximately $30 million in cash at closing and will receive the remaining proceeds over 24 months. This transaction did not result in a material gain or loss. For fiscal year 2012, lease revenues, net of sublease payments, related to these assets was approximately $4.8 million. The Company's debt covenants require the application of certain asset disposition proceeds as note prepayments, after a $5 million annual exclusion, if the proceeds are not reinvested in eligible assets within a twelve month period.

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Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets And Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 76,997	$ 76,997
Company Drive-Ins [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	71,000
Franchise Operations [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 6,000