Item 1. Financial Statements
Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
| September 25, 2013 | December 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Assets |
| Current assets: |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 6,330 | $ | 13,565 |
| Receivables | 14,167 | 19,947 |
| Inventories | 2,890 | 2,890 |
| Current deferred tax asset | 20,962 | 19,807 |
| Prepaid and other current assets | 6,111 | 8,401 |
| Total current assets | 50,460 | 64,610 |
| Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $251,617 and $250,173 respectively | 105,174 | 107,004 |
| Goodwill | 31,451 | 31,430 |
| Intangible assets, net | 48,479 | 48,920 |
| Deferred financing costs, net | 2,216 | 2,041 |
| Noncurrent deferred tax asset | 34,829 | 45,776 |
| Other noncurrent assets | 27,300 | 25,104 |
| Total assets | $ | 299,909 | $ | 324,885 |
| Liabilities |
| Current liabilities: |
| Current maturities of long-term debt | $ | 3,000 | $ | 8,500 |
| Current maturities of capital lease obligations | 4,170 | 4,181 |
| Accounts payable | 17,009 | 24,461 |
| Other current liabilities | 50,228 | 54,682 |
| Total current liabilities | 74,407 | 91,824 |
| Long-term liabilities: |
| Long-term debt, less current maturities | 152,500 | 161,500 |
| Capital lease obligations, less current maturities | 15,666 | 15,953 |
| Liability for insurance claims, less current portion | 18,104 | 18,045 |
| Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits | 38,847 | 42,023 |
| Total long-term liabilities | 225,117 | 237,521 |
| Total liabilities | 299,524 | 329,345 |
| Commitments and contingencies |
| Shareholders' equity |
| Common stock $0.01 par value; shares authorized - 135,000; September 25, 2013: 104,695 shares issued and 89,372 shares outstanding; December 26, 2012: 103,764 shares issued and 92,229 shares outstanding | $ | 1,047 | $ | 1,038 |
| Paid-in capital | 566,369 | 562,657 |
| Deficit | (475,208 | ) | (495,518 | ) |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax | (22,607 | ) | (24,999 | ) |
| Shareholders’ equity before treasury stock | 69,601 | 43,178 |
| Treasury stock, at cost, 15,323 and 11,535 shares, respectively | (69,216 | ) | (47,638 | ) |
| Total shareholders' equity (deficit) | 385 | (4,460 | ) |
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 299,909 | $ | 324,885 |

See accompanying notes
3
Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
| Quarter Ended | Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 | September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) |
| Revenue: |
| Company restaurant sales | $ | 83,371 | $ | 86,575 | $ | 247,242 | $ | 271,977 |
| Franchise and license revenue | 33,904 | 34,370 | 101,094 | 100,437 |
| Total operating revenue | 117,275 | 120,945 | 348,336 | 372,414 |
| Costs of company restaurant sales: |
| Product costs | 21,722 | 21,449 | 64,270 | 67,684 |
| Payroll and benefits | 33,746 | 34,409 | 98,512 | 108,779 |
| Occupancy | 5,598 | 5,780 | 16,339 | 17,776 |
| Other operating expenses | 12,022 | 12,170 | 34,538 | 37,267 |
| Total costs of company restaurant sales | 73,088 | 73,808 | 213,659 | 231,506 |
| Costs of franchise and license revenue | 11,599 | 12,078 | 34,586 | 34,776 |
| General and administrative expenses | 13,704 | 14,702 | 42,948 | 45,150 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 5,198 | 5,287 | 15,774 | 17,174 |
| Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net | 161 | 3,380 | 1,779 | (794 | ) |
| Total operating costs and expenses, net | 103,750 | 109,255 | 308,746 | 327,812 |
| Operating income | 13,525 | 11,690 | 39,590 | 44,602 |
| Interest expense, net | 2,452 | 3,088 | 7,800 | 10,537 |
| Other nonoperating (income) expense, net | (276 | ) | 38 | 1,056 | 7,941 |
| Net income before income taxes | 11,349 | 8,564 | 30,734 | 26,124 |
| Provision for income taxes | 4,318 | 3,201 | 10,424 | 10,295 |
| Net income | $ | 7,031 | $ | 5,363 | $ | 20,310 | $ | 15,829 |
| Basic net income per share | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.17 |
| Diluted net income per share | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.16 |
| Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 90,035 | 94,705 | 91,348 | 95,472 |
| Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 91,967 | 96,745 | 93,377 | 97,196 |
| Comprehensive income | $ | 6,574 | $ | 5,631 | $ | 22,702 | $ | 16,633 |

See accompanying notes
4
Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
| Common Stock | Treasury Stock | Paid-in | AccumulatedOtherComprehensive | TotalShareholders’ Equity / |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | (Deficit) | Loss, Net | (Deficit) |
| (In thousands) |
| Balance, December 26, 2012 | 103,764 | $ | 1,038 | (11,535 | ) | $ | (47,638 | ) | $ | 562,657 | $ | (495,518 | ) | $ | (24,999 | ) | $ | (4,460 | ) |
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | 20,310 | — | 20,310 |
| Recognition of unrealized gain on hedged transactions, net of tax expense of $1,063 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1,640 | 1,640 |
| Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax expense of $487 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 752 | 752 |
| Share-based compensation on equity classified awards | — | — | — | — | 1,848 | — | — | 1,848 |
| Purchase of treasury stock | — | — | (3,788 | ) | (21,578 | ) | — | — | — | (21,578 | ) |
| Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation | 300 | 3 | — | — | (3 | ) | — | — | — |
| Exercise of common stock options | 631 | 6 | — | — | 2,071 | — | — | 2,077 |
| Tax expense from stock options exercised | — | — | — | — | (204 | ) | — | — | (204 | ) |
| Balance, September 25, 2013 | 104,695 | $ | 1,047 | (15,323 | ) | $ | (69,216 | ) | $ | 566,369 | $ | (475,208 | ) | $ | (22,607 | ) | $ | 385 |

See accompanying notes
5
Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Cash flows from operating activities: |
| Net income | $ | 20,310 | $ | 15,829 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities: |
| Depreciation and amortization | 15,774 | 17,174 |
| Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net | 1,779 | (794 | ) |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 376 | 639 |
| Amortization of debt discount | — | 137 |
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | 1,798 | 8,180 |
| Loss on change in the fair value of interest rate caps | 28 | 62 |
| Deferred income tax expense | 8,241 | 8,988 |
| Share-based compensation | 3,434 | 2,794 |
| Changes in assets and liabilities: |
| Decrease (increase) in assets: |
| Receivables | 3,519 | 1,034 |
| Inventories | — | 592 |
| Other current assets | 2,291 | 3,885 |
| Other assets | (1,399 | ) | (2,549 | ) |
| Increase (decrease) in liabilities: |
| Accounts payable | (3,461 | ) | (4,548 | ) |
| Accrued salaries and vacations | (3,089 | ) | 1,246 |
| Accrued taxes | 1,823 | 1,140 |
| Other accrued liabilities | (4,015 | ) | (5,725 | ) |
| Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits | (2,693 | ) | (4,061 | ) |
| Net cash flows provided by operating activities | 44,716 | 44,023 |
| Cash flows from investing activities: |
| Capital expenditures | (11,819 | ) | (7,846 | ) |
| Acquisition of restaurants | (1,622 | ) | — |
| Proceeds from disposition of property | 1,591 | 14,168 |
| Collections on notes receivable | 3,653 | 1,642 |
| Issuance of notes receivable | (1,232 | ) | (1,652 | ) |
| Net cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities | (9,429 | ) | 6,312 |
| Cash flows from financing activities: |
| Net revolver borrowings under new credit agreement | 97,000 | — |
| Term loan borrowings under new credit agreement | 60,000 | 190,000 |
| Long-term debt payments | (174,820 | ) | (215,590 | ) |
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 2,077 | 2,123 |
| Tax withholding on share-based payments | (464 | ) | (327 | ) |
| Tax (expense) benefit of stock options exercised | (204 | ) | 648 |
| Debt transaction costs | (366 | ) | (1,098 | ) |
| Deferred financing costs | (1,372 | ) | (1,809 | ) |
| Purchase of treasury stock | (21,952 | ) | (10,442 | ) |
| Net bank overdrafts | (2,421 | ) | (3,432 | ) |
| Net cash flows used in financing activities | (42,522 | ) | (39,927 | ) |
| (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (7,235 | ) | 10,408 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 13,565 | 13,740 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 6,330 | $ | 24,148 |

See accompanying notes
6
Denny’s Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Introduction and Basis of Presentation
Denny’s Corporation, or Denny’s, is one of America’s largest full-service restaurant chains based on number of restaurants. The following table shows the unit activity for the quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, respectively:
| Quarter Ended | Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 | September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| Company restaurants, beginning of period | 165 | 177 | 164 | 206 |
| Units opened | — | — | — | — |
| Units acquired from franchisees | 1 | — | 2 | — |
| Units sold to franchisees | (2 | ) | (5 | ) | (2 | ) | (28 | ) |
| Units closed | — | (1 | ) | — | (7 | ) |
| End of period | 164 | 171 | 164 | 171 |
| Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period | 1,525 | 1,507 | 1,524 | 1,479 |
| Units opened | 9 | 12 | 27 | 27 |
| Units purchased from Company | 2 | 5 | 2 | 28 |
| Units acquired by Company | (1 | ) | — | (2 | ) | — |
| Units closed | (13 | ) | (8 | ) | (29 | ) | (18 | ) |
| End of period | 1,522 | 1,516 | 1,522 | 1,516 |
| Total restaurants, end of period | 1,686 | 1,687 | 1,686 | 1,687 |

Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, certain information and notes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented have been included. Such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions; however, we believe that our estimates, including those for the above-described items, are reasonable.
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 26, 2012 and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2012. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year ending December 25, 2013.
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Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Newly Adopted Accounting Standards
Intangibles
ASU No. 2012-02, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment”
Effective December 27, 2012, we adopted ASU 2012-02, which modifies the impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. Under the new guidance, an entity is permitted to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is determined through the qualitative assessment that the indefinite-lived intangible asset's fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the quantitative impairment calculations would not be required. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment. The adoption did not have any impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Comprehensive Income
ASU 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income"
Effective December 27, 2012, we adopted ASU 2013-02, which requires companies to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, companies are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. ASU 2013-02 is to be applied prospectively. The adoption concerns presentation and disclosure only and did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Accounting Standards to be Adopted
We reviewed all newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to our business or are not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements as a result of future adoption.
Note 3. Receivables
Receivables were comprised of the following:
| September 25, 2013 | December 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Current assets: |
| Receivables: |
| Trade accounts receivable from franchisees | $ | 9,228 | $ | 10,212 |
| Notes receivable from franchisees | 2,049 | 4,310 |
| Vendor receivables | 1,130 | 2,529 |
| Credit card receivables | 792 | 1,384 |
| Other | 1,193 | 1,524 |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | (225 | ) | (12 | ) |
| Total current receivables, net | $ | 14,167 | $ | 19,947 |
| Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets): |
| Notes receivable from franchisees | $ | 842 | $ | 1,002 |

For the quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2013, we recorded provisions for credit losses of $0.1 million. For the quarter and three quarters ended September 26, 2012, we recorded provisions for credit losses of less than $0.1 million. These amounts are included as a component of costs of franchise and license revenue on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
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For the quarters and three quarters ended September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, we recognized interest income on notes receivable from franchisees of less than $0.1 million. These amounts are included as a component of interest expense, net on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Note 4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill:
| (In thousands) |
| Balance, December 26, 2012 | $ | 31,430 |
| Additions related to acquisitions | 28 |
| Write-offs and reclassifications associated with sale of restaurants | (7 | ) |
| Balance, September 25, 2013 | $ | 31,451 |

Other intangible assets were comprised of the following:
| September 25, 2013 | December 26, 2012 |
| Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization |
| (In thousands) |
| Intangible assets with indefinite lives: |
| Trade names | $ | 44,050 | $ | — | $ | 44,050 | $ | — |
| Liquor licenses | 126 | — | 156 | — |
| Intangible assets with definite lives: |
| Franchise and license agreements | 32,993 | 28,733 | 37,524 | 32,863 |
| Foreign license agreements | 241 | 198 | 241 | 188 |
| Intangible assets | $ | 77,410 | $ | 28,931 | $ | 81,971 | $ | 33,051 |

Note 5. Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net are comprised of the following:
| Quarter Ended | Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 | September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| (Gains) losses on sales of assets and other, net | $ | (68 | ) | $ | 91 | $ | (83 | ) | $ | (6,772 | ) |
| Restructuring charges and exit costs | 229 | 821 | 1,005 | 2,970 |
| Impairment charges | — | 2,468 | 857 | 3,008 |
| Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net | $ | 161 | $ | 3,380 | $ | 1,779 | $ | (794 | ) |

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Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs
Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:
| Quarter Ended | Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 | September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Exit costs | $ | 198 | $ | 233 | $ | 435 | $ | 1,139 |
| Severance and other restructuring charges | 31 | 588 | 570 | 1,831 |
| Total restructuring and exit costs | $ | 229 | $ | 821 | $ | 1,005 | $ | 2,970 |

The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities are as follows:
| (In thousands) |
| Balance, December 26, 2012 | $ | 4,061 |
| Exit costs (1) | 435 |
| Payments, net of sublease receipts | (1,248 | ) |
| Interest accretion | 195 |
| Balance, September 25, 2013 | 3,443 |
| Less current portion included in other current liabilities | 1,228 |
| Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities | $ | 2,215 |

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

Estimated net cash payments related to exit cost liabilities are as follows:
| (In thousands) |
| Remainder of 2013 | $ | 270 |
| 2014 | 1,319 |
| 2015 | 545 |
| 2016 | 320 |
| 2017 | 322 |
| Thereafter | 1,338 |
| Total | 4,114 |
| Less imputed interest | 671 |
| Present value of exit cost liabilities | $ | 3,443 |

As of September 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012, we had accrued severance and other restructuring charges of $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The balance as of September 25, 2013 is expected to be paid during the next 12 months.
Impairment charges of $0.9 million for the three quarters ended September 25, 2013 resulted primarily from the impairment of two units identified as assets held for sale. Impairment charges of $2.5 million for the quarter ended September 26, 2012 resulted primarily from the impairment of six units identified as held for sale. Impairment charges of $3.0 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012 resulted primarily from the impairment of seven units identified as assets held for sale and the impairment of an underperforming unit.
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Note 6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
| Total | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities(Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs(Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs(Level 3) | Valuation Technique |
| (In thousands) |
| Fair value measurements as of September 25, 2013: |
| Deferred compensation plan investments (1) | $ | 7,730 | $ | 7,730 | $ | — | $ | — | market approach |
| Interest rate swaps (2) | $ | 2,704 | — | 2,704 | — | income approach |
| Interest rate caps (2) | $ | 25 | $ | — | $ | 25 | $ | — | income approach |
| Total | $ | 10,459 | $ | 7,730 | $ | 2,729 | $ | — |
| Fair value measurements as of December 26, 2012: |
| Deferred compensation plan investments (1) | $ | 6,371 | $ | 6,371 | $ | — | $ | — | market approach |
| Interest rate caps (2) | $ | 8 | $ | — | $ | 8 | $ | — | income approach |
| Total | $ | 6,379 | $ | 6,371 | $ | 8 | $ | — |

| (1) | The fair values of our deferred compensation plan investments are based on the closing market prices of the participants’ elected investments. |

| (2) | The fair values of our interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are based upon Level 2 inputs which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves. |

Those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below:
| Total | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities(Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs(Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs(Level 3) | Valuation Technique |
| (In thousands) |
| Fair value measurements as of December 26, 2012: |
| Assets held and used (1) | $ | 228 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 228 | income approach |
| Total | $ | 228 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 228 |

| (1) | As of December 26, 2012, impaired assets related to an underperforming restaurant were written down to their fair value. Impairment charges of $0.7 million were recognized as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. To determine fair value, we used the income approach, which assumes that the future cash flows reflect current market expectations. These fair value measurements require significant judgment using Level 3 inputs, such as discounted cash flows from operations, which are not observable from the market, directly or indirectly. |

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Disclosures of Fair Value of Other Assets and Liabilities
The liabilities under our credit facility are carried at historical cost in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012, the estimated fair value (Level 2) of our senior secured term loan approximated its carrying value. The fair value of our long-term debt is determined based on market prices or, if market prices are not available, the present value of the underlying cash flows discounted at market rates.
Note 7. Long-Term Debt
Refinancing of Credit Facility
On April 24, 2013, Denny's Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries refinanced our credit facility (the "Old Credit Facility") and entered into a new senior secured credit agreement in an aggregate principal amount of $250 million (the “New Credit Facility”). The New Credit Facility is comprised of a $60 million senior secured term loan and a $190 million senior secured revolver (with a $30 million letter of credit sublimit). A commitment fee of 0.35% is paid on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the New Credit Facility bear a tiered interest rate based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio and is initially set at LIBOR plus 200 basis points. The New Credit Facility includes an accordion feature that would allow us to increase the size of the facility to $300 million. The maturity date for the New Credit Facility is April 24, 2018.
The New Credit Facility was used to refinance the Old Credit Facility and will be available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The New Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company and its material subsidiaries and is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the stock of the Company's subsidiaries. It includes negative covenants that are usual for facilities and transactions of this type. The New Credit Facility also includes certain financial covenants with respect to a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and maximum capital expenditures.
The term loan under the New Credit Facility requires amortization of the original term loan balance of 5% per year in the first two years, 7.5% in the subsequent two years and 10% in the fifth year with the balance due at maturity. We will be required to make certain mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances and will have the option to make certain prepayments under the New Credit Facility. The New Credit Facility includes events of default (and related remedies, including acceleration and increased interest rates following an event of default) that are usual for facilities and transactions of this type.
As a result of the debt refinancing, we recorded $1.2 million of losses on early extinguishment of debt, consisting primarily of $0.4 million of transaction costs and $0.8 million from the write-off of deferred financing costs related to the Old Credit Facility. These losses are included as a component of other nonoperating expense in the condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
As of September 25, 2013, we had outstanding term loan borrowings under the New Credit Facility of $58.5 million and outstanding letters of credit under the senior secured revolver of $26.0 million. There were $97.0 million of revolving loans outstanding at September 25, 2013. These balances resulted in availability of $67.0 million under the revolving facility. The weighted-average interest rate under the term loan was 2.18% and 2.97% as of September 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding revolver loans was 2.18% as of September 25, 2013.
During the three quarters ended September 25, 2013, we paid $4.0 million on the term loan under the Old Credit Facility, prior to the April 24, 2013 refinancing. Subsequent to the April 24, 2013 refinancing, we paid $1.5 million on the term loan under the New Credit Facility.
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, at September 25, 2013 are as follows:
| (In thousands) |
| Remainder of 2013 | $ | 750 |
| 2014 | 3,000 |
| 2015 | 4,125 |
| 2016 | 4,500 |
| 2017 and thereafter | 143,125 |
| Total long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations | $ | 155,500 |

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Interest Rate Hedges
On April 13, 2012, we entered into interest rate hedges that cap the LIBOR rate on borrowings under our credit facility for a two year period. The 200 basis point LIBOR cap applied to $150 million of borrowings from April 13, 2012 through April 13, 2013 and $125 million of borrowings from April 14, 2013 through April 13, 2014.
Our existing interest rate hedges remain in effect under the New Credit Facility until April 13, 2014. On April 30, 2013, we entered into additional interest rate hedges that cap the LIBOR rate on borrowings under the New Credit Facility. The 200 basis point LIBOR cap applies to $150 million of borrowings from April 14, 2014 through March 31, 2015.
On April 30, 2013, we also entered into interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our floating rate debt from March 31, 2015 through March 29, 2018. We designated the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of our exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to payments of LIBOR due on a related $150 million notional debt obligation from March 31, 2015 through March 31, 2017 and a related $140 million notional debt obligation from April 1, 2017 through March 29, 2018. Under the terms of the swaps, we will pay an average fixed rate of 3.12% on the notional amounts and receive payments from a counterparty based on the 30-day LIBOR rate.
We believe that our estimated cash flows from operations for 2013, combined with our capacity for additional borrowings under our credit facility, will enable us to meet our anticipated cash requirements and fund capital expenditures over the next twelve months.
Note 8. Defined Benefit Plans
The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
| Quarter Ended | Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 | September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Pension plan: |
| Service cost | $ | 100 | $ | 95 | $ | 300 | $ | 285 |
| Interest cost | 745 | 800 | 2,233 | 2,400 |
| Expected return on plan assets | (1,122 | ) | (1,024 | ) | (3,366 | ) | (3,042 | ) |
| Amortization of net loss | 413 | 441 | 1,240 | 1,322 |
| Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 136 | $ | 312 | $ | 407 | $ | 965 |
| Other defined benefit plans: |
| Interest cost | $ | 28 | $ | 29 | $ | 84 | $ | 87 |
| Amortization of net loss | 17 | 13 | 53 | 39 |
| Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 45 | $ | 42 | $ | 137 | $ | 126 |

We made contributions of $2.8 million to our qualified pension plan during both the three quarters ended September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012. We made contributions of $0.1 million to our other defined benefit plans during both the three quarters ended September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012. We expect to contribute less than $0.1 million to our other defined benefit plans over the remainder of fiscal 2013.
During the three quarters ended September 25, 2013, we amortized $0.8 million of actuarial losses, net of tax, out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost, which is reported as a component of general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Additional minimum pension liability of $24.2 million and $25.0 million is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity as of September 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012, respectively.
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Note 9. Share-Based Compensation
Total share-based compensation cost included as a component of net income was as follows:
| Quarter Ended | Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 | September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Stock options | $ | 136 | $ | 200 | $ | 433 | $ | 692 |
| Restricted stock units | 735 | 778 | 2,377 | 1,752 |
| Board deferred stock units | 182 | 150 | 624 | 350 |
| Total share-based compensation | $ | 1,053 | $ | 1,128 | $ | 3,434 | $ | 2,794 |

Stock Options
As of September 25, 2013, we had approximately $0.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 0.3 years.
Restricted Stock Units
In January 2013, we granted approximately 0.3 million performance shares and related performance-based target cash awards of $2.1 million to certain employees. As these awards contain a market condition, a Monte Carlo valuation was used to determine the performance shares' grant date fair value of $8.05 per share and the payout probability of the target cash awards. The awards granted to our named executive officers also contain a performance condition based on certain operating measures for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2013. The performance period is the three year fiscal period beginning December 27, 2012 and ending December 30, 2015. The performance shares and cash awards will vest and be earned (from 0% to 200% of the target award for each such increment) at the end of the performance period based on the total shareholder return of our stock compared to the total shareholder returns of a group of peer companies.
During the three quarters ended September 25, 2013, we made payments of $0.9 million in cash and issued 0.3 million shares of common stock related to restricted stock unit awards.
As of September 25, 2013, we had approximately $5.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested restricted stock unit awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.4 years.
Board Deferred Stock Units
During the three quarters ended September 25, 2013, we granted approximately 0.1 million deferred stock units (which are equity classified) with a weighted average grant date fair value of $5.95 per unit to non-employee members of our Board of Directors. A director may elect to convert these awards into shares of common stock either on a specific date in the future (while still serving as a member of the Board of Directors) or upon termination as a member of the Board of Directors. During the three quarters ended September 25, 2013, less than 0.1 million deferred stock units were converted into shares of common stock. As of September 25, 2013, we had approximately $0.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested deferred stock unit awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 0.6 years.
Note 10. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes was $10.4 million and $10.3 million for the three quarters ended September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, respectively. For the 2013 period, the difference in the overall effective rate from the U.S. Statutory rate was due to state and foreign taxes, employment tax credits, and discrete tax items. The passage of the American Tax Payer Relief Act of 2012 resulted in deferred tax benefits of $0.3 million related to work opportunity credits generated in 2012, which were allowed retroactively. In addition, state jobs tax credits of $0.8 million were claimed during the 2013 period resulting from the prior year's hiring activity. A valuation allowance of $0.5 million was recorded against certain state jobs tax credits during the 2013 period related to changes in California law enacted during the period. The provision for income taxes for the 2012 period was determined using our effective rate estimated for the entire fiscal year.
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Note 11. Net Income Per Share
The amounts used for the basic and diluted net income per share calculation are summarized below:
| Quarter Ended | Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 | September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands, except for per share amounts) |
| Net income | $ | 7,031 | $ | 5,363 | $ | 20,310 | $ | 15,829 |
| Weighted average shares outstanding - basic | 90,035 | 94,705 | 91,348 | 95,472 |
| Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards | 1,932 | 2,040 | 2,029 | 1,724 |
| Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted | 91,967 | 96,745 | 93,377 | 97,196 |
| Basic net income per share | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.17 |
| Diluted net income per share | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.16 |
| Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards | 331 | 116 | 331 | 1,902 |

Note 12. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Income taxes paid, net | $ | 1,831 | $ | 1,865 |
| Interest paid | $ | 7,121 | $ | 10,371 |
| Noncash investing and financing activities: |
| Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans | $ | 1,590 | $ | 856 |
| Execution of capital leases | $ | 4,038 | $ | 1,581 |
| Treasury stock payable | $ | 186 | $ | 231 |

Note 13. Share Repurchase
Our Old Credit Facility (as defined in Note 7) permitted and our New Credit Facility (as defined in Note 7) permits the payment of cash dividends and the purchase of Denny’s stock subject to certain limitations. In May 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to an additional 6.0 million shares of our Common Stock (in addition to prior authorizations). Under this program, we may, from time to time, purchase shares in the open market (including pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to market and business conditions. As of September 25, 2013, we had repurchased 6.0 million shares of Common Stock for approximately $31.9 million under this share repurchase program, thus completing the program.
15
On April 25, 2013, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to an additional 10.0 million shares of our Common Stock. Under this program, we may, from time to time, purchase shares in the open market (including pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to market and business conditions. As of September 25, 2013, we had repurchased 0.3 million shares of Common Stock for approximately $1.9 million and there were 9.7 million shares remaining to be repurchased under this share repurchase program.
For the three quarters ended September 25, 2013 we repurchased a total of 3.8 million shares of Common Stock for approximately $21.6 million under our share repurchase programs.
Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies
There are various claims and pending legal actions against or indirectly involving us, incidental to and arising out of the ordinary course of the business. In the opinion of management, based upon information currently available, the ultimate liability with respect to these proceedings and claims will not materially affect the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position. We record legal settlement costs as other operating expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as those costs are incurred.
Note 15. Subsequent Events
We performed an evaluation of subsequent events and determined that no events required disclosure.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
The following discussion is intended to highlight significant changes in our financial position as of September 25, 2013 and results of operations for the quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2013 compared to the quarter and three quarters ended September 26, 2012. The forward-looking statements included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which reflect our best judgment based on factors currently known and are intended to speak only as of the date such statements are made, involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause our actual performance to be materially different from the performance indicated or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others: competitive pressures from within the restaurant industry; the level of success of our operating initiatives and advertising and promotional efforts; adverse publicity; changes in business strategy or development plans; terms and availability of capital; regional weather conditions; overall changes in the general economy (including with regard to energy costs), particularly at the retail level; political environment (including acts of war and terrorism); and other factors included in the discussion below, or in Part II. Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors, contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2012.
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Statements of Income
The following table contains information derived from our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income expressed as a percentage of total operating revenues, except as noted below. Percentages may not add due to rounding.
| Quarter Ended | Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 | September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| Revenue: |
| Company restaurant sales | $ | 83,371 | 71.1 | % | $ | 86,575 | 71.6 | % | $ | 247,242 | 71.0 | % | $ | 271,977 | 73.0 | % |
| Franchise and license revenue | 33,904 | 28.9 | % | 34,370 | 28.4 | % | 101,094 | 29.0 | % | 100,437 | 27.0 | % |
| Total operating revenue | 117,275 | 100.0 | % | 120,945 | 100.0 | % | 348,336 | 100.0 | % | 372,414 | 100.0 | % |
| Costs of company restaurant sales (a): |
| Product costs | 21,722 | 26.1 | % | 21,449 | 24.8 | % | 64,270 | 26.0 | % | 67,684 | 24.9 | % |
| Payroll and benefits | 33,746 | 40.5 | % | 34,409 | 39.7 | % | 98,512 | 39.8 | % | 108,779 | 40.0 | % |
| Occupancy | 5,598 | 6.7 | % | 5,780 | 6.7 | % | 16,339 | 6.6 | % | 17,776 | 6.5 | % |
| Other operating expenses | 12,022 | 14.4 | % | 12,170 | 14.1 | % | 34,538 | 14.0 | % | 37,267 | 13.7 | % |
| Total costs of company restaurant sales | 73,088 | 87.7 | % | 73,808 | 85.3 | % | 213,659 | 86.4 | % | 231,506 | 85.1 | % |
| Costs of franchise and license revenue (a) | 11,599 | 34.2 | % | 12,078 | 35.1 | % | 34,586 | 34.2 | % | 34,776 | 34.6 | % |
| General and administrative expenses | 13,704 | 11.7 | % | 14,702 | 12.2 | % | 42,948 | 12.3 | % | 45,150 | 12.1 | % |
| Depreciation and amortization | 5,198 | 4.4 | % | 5,287 | 4.4 | % | 15,774 | 4.5 | % | 17,174 | 4.6 | % |
| Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net | 161 | 0.1 | % | 3,380 | 2.8 | % | 1,779 | 0.5 | % | (794 | ) | (0.2 | )% |
| Total operating costs and expenses | 103,750 | 88.5 | % | 109,255 | 90.3 | % | 308,746 | 88.6 | % | 327,812 | 88.0 | % |
| Operating income | 13,525 | 11.5 | % | 11,690 | 9.7 | % | 39,590 | 11.4 | % | 44,602 | 12.0 | % |
| Interest expense, net | 2,452 | 2.1 | % | 3,088 | 2.6 | % | 7,800 | 2.2 | % | 10,537 | 2.8 | % |
| Other nonoperating expense (income), net | (276 | ) | (0.2 | )% | 38 | 0.0 | % | 1,056 | 0.3 | % | 7,941 | 2.1 | % |
| Net income before income taxes | 11,349 | 9.7 | % | 8,564 | 7.1 | % | 30,734 | 8.8 | % | 26,124 | 7.0 | % |
| Provision for income taxes | 4,318 | 3.7 | % | 3,201 | 2.6 | % | 10,424 | 3.0 | % | 10,295 | 2.8 | % |
| Net income | $ | 7,031 | 6.0 | % | $ | 5,363 | 4.4 | % | $ | 20,310 | 5.8 | % | $ | 15,829 | 4.3 | % |
| Other Data: |
| Company average unit sales | $ | 510 | $ | 493 | $ | 1,509 | $ | 1,447 |
| Franchise average unit sales | $ | 365 | $ | 358 | $ | 1,073 | $ | 1,061 |
| Company equivalent units (b) | 163 | 175 | 164 | 188 |
| Franchise equivalent units (b) | 1,520 | 1,511 | 1,524 | 1,495 |
| Company same-store sales increase (decrease) (c)(d) | 0.7 | % | (0.5 | ) | % | (0.4 | ) | % | 0.1 | % |
| Domestic franchise same-store sales increase (decrease) (c)(e) | 1.3 | % | 0.7 | % | 0.5 | % | 1.6 | % |

| (a) | Costs of company restaurant sales percentages are as a percentage of company restaurant sales. Costs of franchise and license revenue percentages are as a percentage of franchise and license revenue. All other percentages are as a percentage of total operating revenue. |

| (b) | Equivalent units are calculated as the weighted average number of units outstanding during a defined time period. |

| (c) | Same-store sales include sales from restaurants that were open the same period in the prior year. |

| (d) | Prior year amounts have not been restated for 2013 comparable units. |

| (e) | Prior year amounts have been restated to represent domestic franchise units only. |

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Quarter Ended September 25, 2013 Compared with Quarter Ended September 26, 2012
Unit Activity
| Quarter Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| Company restaurants, beginning of period | 165 | 177 |
| Units opened | — | — |
| Units acquired from franchisees | 1 | — |
| Units sold to franchisees | (2 | ) | (5 | ) |
| Units closed | — | (1 | ) |
| End of period | 164 | 171 |
| Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period | 1,525 | 1,507 |
| Units opened | 9 | 12 |
| Units purchased from Company | 2 | 5 |
| Units acquired by Company | (1 | ) | — |
| Units closed | (13 | ) | (8 | ) |
| End of period | 1,522 | 1,516 |
| Total restaurants, end of period | 1,686 | 1,687 |

Company Restaurant Operations
During the quarter ended September 25, 2013, we realized a 0.7% increase in same-store sales. Company restaurant sales decreased $3.2 million, or 3.7%, primarily resulting from a 12 equivalent-unit decrease in company-owned restaurants. The decrease in equivalent units reflects the impact of our refranchising program that was completed at the end of 2012.
Total costs of company restaurant sales as a percentage of company restaurant sales increased to 87.7% from 85.3%. Product costs increased to 26.1% from 24.8% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of product mix as well as increased commodity costs. Payroll and benefits increased to 40.5% from 39.7% primarily due to unfavorable workers' compensation claims development and higher group insurance costs. Occupancy costs remained constant at 6.7%. Other operating expenses were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of company restaurant sales:
| Quarter Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| Utilities | $ | 3,592 | 4.3 | % | $ | 3,760 | 4.3 | % |
| Repairs and maintenance | 1,550 | 1.9 | % | 1,578 | 1.8 | % |
| Marketing | 3,116 | 3.7 | % | 3,213 | 3.7 | % |
| Legal | 157 | 0.2 | % | 197 | 0.2 | % |
| Other direct costs | 3,607 | 4.3 | % | 3,422 | 4.0 | % |
| Other operating expenses | $ | 12,022 | 14.4 | % | $ | 12,170 | 14.1 | % |

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Franchise Operations
Franchise and license revenue and costs of franchise and license revenue were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of franchise and license revenue for the periods indicated:
| Quarter Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| Royalties | $ | 21,777 | 64.2 | % | $ | 21,333 | 62.1 | % |
| Initial fees | 434 | 1.3 | % | 728 | 2.1 | % |
| Occupancy revenue | 11,693 | 34.5 | % | 12,309 | 35.8 | % |
| Franchise and license revenue | $ | 33,904 | 100.0 | % | $ | 34,370 | 100.0 | % |
| Occupancy costs | 8,616 | 25.4 | % | 9,027 | 26.2 | % |
| Other direct costs | 2,983 | 8.8 | % | 3,051 | 8.9 | % |
| Costs of franchise and license revenue | $ | 11,599 | 34.2 | % | $ | 12,078 | 35.1 | % |

Royalties increased by $0.4 million, or 2.1%, primarily resulting from a nine equivalent unit increase in franchised and licensed units and a 1.3% increase in domestic same-store sales, as compared to the prior year. The increase in equivalent units reflects the impact of our refranchising program that was completed at the end of 2012. Initial fees decreased by $0.3 million, or 40.4%, as fewer restaurants were opened by and sold to franchisees during the current year period. The decrease in occupancy revenue of $0.6 million, or 5.0%, is primarily the result of lease expirations.
Costs of franchise and license revenue decreased by $0.5 million, or 4.0%. The decrease in occupancy costs of $0.4 million, or 4.6%, is primarily the result of lease expirations. Other direct costs decreased by $0.1 million, or 2.2%. As a result, costs of franchise and license revenue as a percentage of franchise and license revenue decreased to 34.2% for the quarter ended September 25, 2013 from 35.1% for the quarter ended September 26, 2012.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses
Other operating costs and expenses such as general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization expense relate to both company and franchise operations.
General and administrative expenses were comprised of the following:
| Quarter Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Share-based compensation | $ | 1,053 | $ | 1,128 |
| Other general and administrative expenses | 12,651 | 13,574 |
| Total general and administrative expenses | $ | 13,704 | $ | 14,702 |

The $1.0 million decrease in general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of reductions in incentive compensation of $0.6 million and professional fees of $0.3 million.
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Depreciation and amortization was comprised of the following:
| Quarter Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Depreciation of property and equipment | $ | 3,595 | $ | 3,702 |
| Amortization of capital lease assets | 884 | 801 |
| Amortization of intangible assets | 719 | 784 |
| Total depreciation and amortization expense | $ | 5,198 | $ | 5,287 |

The overall decrease in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily due to the sale of company-owned restaurants to franchisees during fiscal 2012.
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net were comprised of the following:
| Quarter Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| (Gains) losses on sales of assets and other, net | $ | (68 | ) | $ | 91 |
| Restructuring charges and exit costs | 229 | 821 |
| Impairment charges | — | 2,468 |
| Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net | $ | 161 | $ | 3,380 |

Impairment charges of $2.5 million for the quarter ended September 26, 2012 resulted primarily from the impairment of six
units identified as held for sale.
Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:
| Quarter Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Exit costs | $ | 198 | $ | 233 |
| Severance and other restructuring charges | 31 | 588 |
| Total restructuring and exit costs | $ | 229 | $ | 821 |

Operating income was $13.5 million for the quarter ended September 25, 2013 compared with $11.7 million for the quarter ended September 26, 2012.
20
Interest expense, net was comprised of the following:
| Quarter Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Interest on credit facilities | $ | 910 | $ | 1,425 |
| Interest on capital lease liabilities | 907 | 890 |
| Letters of credit and other fees | 359 | 383 |
| Other interest (income) expense, net | (20 | ) | 21 |
| Total cash interest | 2,156 | 2,719 |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 120 | 136 |
| Interest accretion on other liabilities | 176 | 233 |
| Total interest expense, net | $ | 2,452 | $ | 3,088 |

The decrease in interest expense resulted from a decrease in interest rates related to the 2013 refinancing of our credit facility, as well as debt reductions during 2012 and 2013.
Other nonoperating income, net was $0.3 million for the quarter ended September 25, 2013 compared with other nonoperating expense of less than $0.1 million for the quarter ended September 26, 2012.
The provision for income taxes was $4.3 million for the quarter ended September 25, 2013 compared to $3.2 million for the quarter ended September 26, 2012. A valuation allowance of $0.5 million was recorded against certain state jobs tax credits during the third quarter of 2013 related to changes in California law enacted during the period. The provision for income taxes for the third quarters of 2013 and 2012 was determined using our effective rate estimated for the entire fiscal year.
Net income was $7.0 million for the quarter ended September 25, 2013 compared with $5.4 million for the quarter ended September 26, 2012.
Three Quarters Ended September 25, 2013 Compared with Three Quarters Ended September 26, 2012
Unit Activity
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| Company restaurants, beginning of period | 164 | 206 |
| Units opened | — | — |
| Units acquired from franchisees | 2 | — |
| Units sold to franchisees | (2 | ) | (28 | ) |
| Units closed | — | (7 | ) |
| End of period | 164 | 171 |
| Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period | 1,524 | 1,479 |
| Units opened | 27 | 27 |
| Units purchased from Company | 2 | 28 |
| Units acquired by Company | (2 | ) | — |
| Units closed | (29 | ) | (18 | ) |
| End of period | 1,522 | 1,516 |
| Total restaurants, end of period | 1,686 | 1,687 |

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Company Restaurant Operations
During the three quarters ended September 25, 2013, we realized a 0.4% decrease in same-store sales. Company restaurant sales decreased $24.7 million, or 9.1%, primarily resulting from a 24 equivalent-unit decrease in company restaurants. The decrease in equivalent-units reflects the impact of our refranchising program that was completed at the end of 2012.
Total costs of company restaurant sales as a percentage of company restaurant sales increased to 86.4% from 85.1%. Product costs increased to 26.0% from 24.9% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of product mix as well as increased commodity costs. Payroll and benefits decreased to 39.8% from 40.0% as decreased labor costs were partially offset by increased workers' compensation costs. Occupancy costs increased to 6.6% from 6.5%. Other operating expenses were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of company restaurant sales:
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| Utilities | $ | 9,897 | 4.0 | % | $ | 11,066 | 4.1 | % |
| Repairs and maintenance | 4,423 | 1.8 | % | 4,901 | 1.8 | % |
| Marketing | 9,245 | 3.7 | % | 10,138 | 3.7 | % |
| Legal | 671 | 0.3 | % | 366 | 0.1 | % |
| Other direct costs | 10,302 | 4.2 | % | 10,796 | 4.0 | % |
| Other operating expenses | $ | 34,538 | 14.0 | % | $ | 37,267 | 13.7 | % |

Franchise Operations
Franchise and license revenue and costs of franchise and license revenue were comprised of the following amounts and percentages of franchise and license revenue for the periods indicated:
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| Royalties | $ | 64,205 | 63.5 | % | $ | 62,734 | 62.5 | % |
| Initial fees | 1,164 | 1.2 | % | 2,167 | 2.2 | % |
| Occupancy revenue | 35,725 | 35.3 | % | 35,536 | 35.3 | % |
| Franchise and license revenue | $ | 101,094 | 100.0 | % | $ | 100,437 | 100.0 | % |
| Occupancy costs | 26,235 | 25.9 | % | 26,455 | 26.3 | % |
| Other direct costs | 8,351 | 8.3 | % | 8,321 | 8.3 | % |
| Costs of franchise and license revenue | $ | 34,586 | 34.2 | % | $ | 34,776 | 34.6 | % |

Royalties increased by $1.5 million, or 2.3%, primarily resulting from a 29 equivalent unit increase in franchised and licensed units and a 0.5% increase in domestic same-store sales, as compared to the prior year. The increase in equivalent units reflects the impact of our refranchising program that was completed at the end of 2012. Initial fees decreased by $1.0 million, or 46.3%, as fewer restaurants were sold to franchisees during the current year period. The increase in occupancy revenue of $0.2 million, or 0.5%, is primarily the result of the sale of restaurants to franchisees during 2012, partially offset by lease expirations.
Costs of franchise and license revenue decreased by $0.2 million, or 0.5%. The decrease in occupancy costs of $0.2 million, or 0.8%, is primarily the result of lease expirations. Other direct costs increased by less than $0.1 million, or 0.4%. As a result, costs of franchise and license revenue as a percentage of franchise and license revenue decreased to 34.2% for the three quarters ended September 25, 2013 from 34.6% for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012.
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Other Operating Costs and Expenses
Other operating costs and expenses such as general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization expense relate to both company and franchise operations.
General and administrative expenses were comprised of the following:
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Share-based compensation | $ | 3,434 | $ | 2,794 |
| Other general and administrative expenses | 39,514 | 42,356 |
| Total general and administrative expenses | $ | 42,948 | $ | 45,150 |

The $2.2 million decrease in general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of reductions in incentive compensation of $1.0 million, professional fees of $0.8 million and other general and administrative expense of $1.0 million. These reductions were partially offset by an increase in share-based compensation of $0.6 million.
Depreciation and amortization was comprised of the following:
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Depreciation of property and equipment | $ | 10,985 | $ | 12,333 |
| Amortization of capital lease assets | 2,555 | 2,446 |
| Amortization of intangible assets | 2,234 | 2,395 |
| Total depreciation and amortization expense | $ | 15,774 | $ | 17,174 |

The overall decrease in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily due to the sale of company restaurants to franchisees during fiscal 2012.
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net were comprised of the following:
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Gains on sales of assets and other, net | $ | (83 | ) | $ | (6,772 | ) |
| Restructuring charges and exit costs | 1,005 | 2,970 |
| Impairment charges | 857 | 3,008 |
| Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net | $ | 1,779 | $ | (794 | ) |

During the three quarters ended September 26, 2012, we recognized gains of $6.8 million, primarily resulting from the sale of restaurant operations to franchisees and the sale of real estate.
Impairment charges of $0.9 million for the three quarters ended September 25, 2013 resulted primarily from the impairment of two units identified as assets held for sale. Impairment charges of $3.0 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012 resulted primarily from the impairment of seven units identified as assets held for sale and the impairment of an underperforming unit.
23
Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Exit costs | $ | 435 | $ | 1,139 |
| Severance and other restructuring charges | 570 | 1,831 |
| Total restructuring and exit costs | $ | 1,005 | $ | 2,970 |

Operating income was $39.6 million for the three quarters ended September 25, 2013 and $44.6 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012.
Interest expense, net was comprised of the following:
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Interest on credit facilities | $ | 3,197 | $ | 5,761 |
| Interest on capital lease liabilities | 2,716 | 2,677 |
| Letters of credit and other fees | 1,038 | 1,234 |
| Other interest income | (61 | ) | (624 | ) |
| Total cash interest | 6,890 | 9,048 |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 376 | 639 |
| Amortization of debt discount | — | 137 |
| Interest accretion on other liabilities | 534 | 713 |
| Total interest expense, net | $ | 7,800 | $ | 10,537 |

The decrease in interest expense resulted from a decrease in interest rates related to the 2013 refinancing of our credit facility, as well as debt reductions during 2012 and 2013.
Other nonoperating expense, net was $1.1 million for the three quarters ended September 25, 2013 compared with $7.9 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012. The amount for the 2013 period was primarily the result of $1.2 million of expenses and write-offs of deferred financing costs incurred related to our 2013 debt refinancing. The amount for the 2012 period was primarily the result of $7.9 million of expenses and write-offs of deferred financing costs and original issue discount incurred related to our 2012 debt refinancing.
The provision for income taxes was $10.4 million for the three quarters ended September 25, 2013 compared to $10.3 million the three quarters ended September 26, 2012. For the 2013 period, the difference in the overall effective rate from the U.S. Statutory rate was due to state and foreign taxes, employment tax credits, and discrete tax items. The passage of the American Tax Payer Relief Act of 2012 resulted in deferred tax benefits of $0.3 million related to work opportunity credits generated in 2012, which were allowed retroactively. In addition, state job tax credits of $0.8 million were claimed during the 2013 period resulting from the prior year's hiring activity. A valuation allowance of $0.5 million was recorded against certain state jobs tax credits during the 2013 period related to changes in California law enacted during the period. The provision for income taxes for the 2012 period was determined using our effective rate estimated for the entire fiscal year.
Net income was $20.3 million for the three quarters ended September 25, 2013 compared with $15.8 million for the three quarters ended September 26, 2012.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash generated from operations and borrowings under our credit facility (as described below). Principal uses of cash are operating expenses, capital expenditures, debt repayments and the repurchase of shares of our Common Stock.
The following table presents a summary of our sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents for the periods indicated:
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 44,716 | $ | 44,023 |
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (9,429 | ) | 6,312 |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (42,522 | ) | (39,927 | ) |
| Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | $ | (7,235 | ) | $ | 10,408 |

We believe that our estimated cash flows from operations for 2013, combined with our capacity for additional borrowings under our credit facility, will enable us to meet our anticipated cash requirements and fund capital expenditures over the next twelve months.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $9.4 million for the three quarters ended September 25, 2013. These cash flows include capital expenditures of $11.8 million, acquisition of restaurant units of $1.6 million and issuances of notes receivable of $1.2 million, partially offset by $3.7 million in collections of notes receivable and $1.6 million in proceeds from asset sales. Our principal capital requirements have been largely associated with the following:
| Three Quarters Ended |
| September 25, 2013 | September 26, 2012 |
| (In thousands) |
| Facilities | $ | 3,433 | $ | 3,840 |
| New construction | 449 | 2,850 |
| Remodeling | 4,298 | 89 |
| Information technology | 409 | 195 |
| Other | 3,230 | 872 |
| Capital expenditures | $ | 11,819 | $ | 7,846 |

Capital expenditures for fiscal 2013 are expected to be approximately $20-$22 million (including acquisitions), comprised primarily of costs related to remodels and facilities.
Cash flows used in financing activities were $42.5 million for the three quarters ended September 25, 2013, which included a net reduction in long-term debt of $17.8 million, stock repurchases of $22.0 million, and debt refinancing costs of $1.7 million.
Our working capital deficit was $23.9 million at September 25, 2013 compared with $27.2 million at December 26, 2012. The decrease in working capital deficit is primarily related to the timing of payments impacting prepaid and payable balances. We are able to operate with a substantial working capital deficit because (1) restaurant operations and most food service operations are conducted primarily on a cash (and cash equivalent) basis with a low level of accounts receivable, (2) rapid turnover allows a limited investment in inventories, and (3) accounts payable for food, beverages and supplies usually become due after the receipt of cash from the related sales.
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Refinancing of Credit Facility
On April 24, 2013, Denny's Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries refinanced our credit facility (the "Old Credit Facility") and entered into a new senior secured credit agreement in an aggregate principal amount of $250 million (the “New Credit Facility”). The New Credit Facility is comprised of a $60 million senior secured term loan and a $190 million senior secured revolver (with a $30 million letter of credit sublimit). A commitment fee of 0.35% is paid on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the New Credit Facility bear a tiered interest rate based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio and is initially set at LIBOR plus 200 basis points. The New Credit Facility includes an accordion feature that would allow us to increase the size of the facility to $300 million. The maturity date for the New Credit Facility is April 24, 2018.
The New Credit Facility was used to refinance the Old Credit Facility and will also be available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The New Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company and its material subsidiaries and is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the stock of the Company's subsidiaries. It includes negative covenants that are usual for facilities and transactions of this type. The New Credit Facility also includes certain financial covenants with respect to a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and maximum capital expenditures.
The term loan under the New Credit Facility requires amortization of 5% per year in the first two years, 7.5% in the subsequent two years and 10% in the fifth year with the balance due at maturity. We will be required to make certain mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances and will have the option to make certain prepayments under the New Credit Facility. The New Credit Facility includes events of default (and related remedies, including acceleration and increased interest rates following an event of default) that are usual for facilities and transactions of this type.
As a result of the debt refinancing, we recorded $1.2 million of losses on early extinguishment of debt, consisting primarily of $0.4 million of transaction costs and $0.8 million from the write-off of deferred financing costs related to the Old Credit Facility. These losses are included as a component of other nonoperating expense in the condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
As of September 25, 2013, we had outstanding term loan borrowings under the New Credit Facility of $58.5 million and outstanding letters of credit under the senior secured revolver of $26.0 million. There were $97.0 million in revolving loans outstanding at September 25, 2013. These balances resulted in availability of $67.0 million under the revolving facility. The weighted-average interest rates under the term loan and on outstanding revolver loans as of September 25, 2013 were 2.18%.
Our future contractual obligations relating to long-term debt and related interest obligations as of September 25, 2013 are as follows:
| Payments Due by Period |
| Total | Less than 1 Year | 1-2 Years | 3-4 Years | 5 Years and Thereafter |
| (In thousands) |
| Long-term debt | $ | 155,500 | $ | 3,000 | $ | 8,250 | $ | 144,250 | $ | — |
| Interest obligations (1) | 14,736 | 3,367 | 6,507 | 4,862 | — |

| (1) | Interest obligation represent payments related to our long-term debt outstanding at September 25, 2013. For long-term debt with variable rates, we have used the rate applicable at September 25, 2013 to project interest over the periods presented in the table above. |

See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2012 for information concerning other future contractual obligations and commitments.
Interest Rate Hedges
On April 13, 2012, we entered into interest rate hedges that cap the LIBOR rate on borrowings under our credit facility for a two year period. The 200 basis point LIBOR cap applied to $150 million of borrowings from April 13, 2012 through April 13, 2013 and $125 million of borrowings from April 14, 2013 through April 13, 2014.
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Our existing interest rate hedges remain in effect under the New Credit Facility until April 13, 2014. On April 30, 2013, we entered into additional interest rate hedges that cap the LIBOR rate on borrowings under the New Credit Facility. The 200 basis point LIBOR cap applies to $150 million of borrowings from April 14, 2014 through March 31, 2015.
On April 30, 2013, we also entered into interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our floating rate debt from March 31, 2015 through March 29, 2018. We designated the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of our exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to payments of LIBOR due on a related $150 million notional debt obligation from March 31, 2015 through March 31, 2017 and a related $140 million notional debt obligation from April 1, 2017 through March 29, 2018. Under the terms of the swaps, we will pay an average fixed rate of 3.12% on the notional amounts and receive payments from a counterparty based on the 30-day LIBOR rate.
Implementation of New Accounting Standards
See Note 2 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
We have exposure to interest rate risk related to certain instruments entered into for other than trading purposes. Specifically, as of September 25, 2013, borrowings under our term loan and revolver bore interest at variable rates based on LIBOR plus a spread of 200 basis points per annum. Through April 13, 2013, up to $150 million of the term loan borrowings had a 200 basis point LIBOR point cap. As of April 13, 2013, up to $125 million of the term loan borrowing has a 200 basis point LIBOR point cap.
Based on the levels of borrowings under the credit facility at September 25, 2013, if interest rates changed by 100 basis points, our annual cash flow and income before taxes would change by approximately $1.6 million. This computation is determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on the credit facility at September 25, 2013, taking into consideration the interest rate cap. However, the nature and amount of our borrowings may vary as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors.
We also have exposure to interest rate risk related to our pension plan, other defined benefit plans and self-insurance liabilities. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in discount rate would increase or decrease our projected benefit obligation related to our pension plan by approximately $2.6 million and would impact the pension plan's net periodic benefit cost by approximately $0.3 million. The impact of a 25 basis point increase or decrease in discount rate would decrease or increase our projected benefit obligation related to our other defined benefit plans by less than $0.1 million while the plans' net periodic benefit cost would remain flat. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in discount rate related to our self-insurance liabilities would result in a decrease or increase of $0.2 million, respectively.
Commodity Price Risk
We purchase certain food products, such as beef, poultry, pork, eggs and coffee, and utilities such as gas and electricity, which are affected by commodity pricing and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, production problems, delivery difficulties and other factors that are outside our control and which are generally unpredictable. Changes in commodity prices affect us and our competitors generally and often simultaneously. In general, we purchase food products and utilities based upon market prices established with vendors. Although many of the items purchased are subject to changes in commodity prices, the majority of our purchasing arrangements are structured to contain features that minimize price volatility by establishing fixed pricing and/or price ceilings and floors. We use these types of purchase arrangements to control costs as an alternative to using financial instruments to hedge commodity prices. In many cases, we believe we will be able to address commodity cost increases which are significant and appear to be long-term in nature by adjusting our menu pricing or changing our product delivery strategy. However, competitive circumstances could limit such actions and, in those circumstances, increases in commodity prices could lower our margins. Because of the often short-term nature of commodity pricing aberrations and our ability to change menu pricing or product delivery strategies in response to commodity price increases, we believe that the impact of commodity price risk is not significant.
We have established a policy to identify, control and manage market risks which may arise from changes in interest rates, commodity prices and other relevant rates and prices. We do not use derivative instruments for trading purposes.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) our management conducted an evaluation (under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer, John C. Miller, and our Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer, F. Mark Wolfinger) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly report on Form 10-Q, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, Messrs. Miller and Wolfinger each concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including Messrs. Miller and Wolfinger, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There are various claims and pending legal actions against or indirectly involving us, incidental to and arising out of the ordinary course of the business. In the opinion of management, based upon information currently available, the ultimate liability with respect to these proceedings and claims will not materially affect the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
The table below provides information concerning repurchases of shares of our Common Stock during the quarter ended September 25, 2013.
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid Per Share (1) | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs (2)(3) | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs (2)(3) |
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) |
| June 27, 2013 - July 24, 2013 | 489 | $ | 5.78 | 489 | 10,969 |
| July 25, 2013 - August 21, 2013 | 698 | 5.67 | 698 | 10,271 |
| August 22, 2013 - September 25, 2013 | 594 | 5.76 | 594 | 9,677 |
| Total | 1,781 | $ | 5.73 | 1,781 |

| (1) | Average price paid per share excludes commissions. |

| (2) | On May 18, 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 6 million shares of Common Stock. Such repurchases may take place from time to time on the open market (including in pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to market and business conditions. During the quarter ended September 25, 2013, we purchased 1,458,185 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate consideration of approximately $8.3 million, pursuant to the share repurchase program, thus completing this repurchase program. |

| (3) | On April 25, 2013, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program, authorizing us to repurchase up to an additional 10 million shares of our Common Stock. Such repurchases are to be made in a manner similar to, and will be in addition to, authorizations under the May 18, 2012 repurchase program. During the quarter ended September 25, 2013, we purchased 322,855 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate consideration of approximately $1.9 million, pursuant to the share repurchase program. |

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Item 6. Exhibits
The following are included as exhibits to this report:
| Exhibit No. | Description |
| 10.1 | Denny's Corporation Amended and Restated Executive and Key Employee Severance Pay Plan |
| 31.1 | Certification of John C. Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Denny’s Corporation, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 31.2 | Certification of F. Mark Wolfinger, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Denny’s Corporation, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 32.1 | Certification of John C. Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Denny’s Corporation and F. Mark Wolfinger, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Denny’s Corporation, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 101.INS* | XBRL Instance Document |
| 101.SCH* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
| 101.CAL* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
| 101.LAB* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
| 101.PRE* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
| 101.DEF* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |

* In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed "furnished" and not "filed."
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| DENNY'S CORPORATION |
| Date: | October 28, 2013 | By: | /s/ F. Mark Wolfinger |
| F. Mark Wolfinger |
| Executive Vice President,Chief Administrative Officer andChief Financial Officer |
| Date: | October 28, 2013 | By: | /s/ Jay C. Gilmore |
| Jay C. Gilmore |
| Vice President,Chief Accounting Officer andCorporate Controller |

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Question: What's the annual growth rate of the equity value from December 26, 2012 to September 25, 2013, by using the Deferred compensation plan investments as equity, in percentage?

Python solution:
def solution():
    from math import pow
    #Define variables name and value

    equity_Dec_2012 = 6371 # value in thousands

    equity_Sep_2013 = 7730 # value in thousands
    time_passed = (25+30*8+26) / 365 # time in years
    #Do math calculation to get the answer
    growth_rate = pow((equity_Sep_2013 / equity_Dec_2012), (1 / time_passed)) - 1
    # convert the result from decimal to percentage
    answer = growth_rate * 100
    return answer


Answer: 27.445810931