FORM 10-Q

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549



x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the quarterly period ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018



¨	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 001-35258

DUNKIN’ BRANDS GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		20-4145825
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

130 Royall Street

Canton, Massachusetts 02021

(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

(781) 737-3000

(Registrants’ telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has (1) 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES x NO ¨

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



Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	¨

Non-accelerated filer	¨	Smaller reporting company	¨

		Emerging growth company	¨

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

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

As of ~~November 3, 2017, 90,322,903~~May 4, 2018, 82,967,712 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding.

Table of Contents

DUNKIN’ BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS




		Page

Part I. – Financial Information

Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	1924
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	3234
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	3235

Part II. – Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	3336
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	3336
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	3336
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	3336
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	3336
Item 5.	Other Information	3336
Item 6.	Exhibits	3537
	Signatures	3638

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

DUNKIN’ BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)


	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016		March 31, 2018			December 30, 2017
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	266,981		361,425		$	338,461		1,018,317
Restricted cash	76,141			69,746		82,605			94,047
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,616 and $4,778 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	47,136			44,512
Notes and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $500 and $339 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	30,274			40,672
Restricted assets of advertising funds	57,873			40,338
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,306 and $4,390 as of March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively						73,927			69,517
Notes and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $721 and $600 as of March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively						32,409			52,332
Prepaid income taxes	9,843			20,926		28,907			21,927
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	33,605			28,739		59,533			48,193
Total current assets	521,853			606,358		615,842			1,304,333
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $135,284 and $124,675 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	170,269			176,662
Property, equipment, and software, net of accumulated depreciation of $146,346 and $143,319 as of March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively						180,959			181,542
Equity method investments	128,633			114,738		140,944			140,615
Goodwill	888,311			888,272		888,293			888,308
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $245,569 and $230,364 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	1,362,586			1,378,720
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $254,367 and $250,142 as of March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively						1,351,272			1,357,157
Other assets	67,674			62,632		66,798			65,478
Total assets	$	3,139,326		3,227,382		$	3,244,108		3,937,433
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	$	25,000		25,000		$	31,500		31,500
Capital lease obligations	584			589		613			596
Accounts payable	12,416			12,682		60,851			53,417
Liabilities of advertising funds	57,935			52,271
Deferred income	37,595			35,393
Deferred revenue						43,935			44,876
Other current liabilities	230,487			298,266		272,391			355,110
Total current liabilities	364,017			424,201		409,290			485,499
Long-term debt, net	2,388,091			2,401,998		3,029,232			3,035,857
Capital lease obligations	7,209			7,550		7,016			7,180
Unfavorable operating leases acquired	10,164			11,378		9,402			9,780
Deferred income	10,729			12,154
Deferred revenue						362,125			361,458
Deferred income taxes, net	459,524			461,810		210,090			214,345
Other long-term liabilities	73,680			71,549		77,234			77,853
Total long-term liabilities	2,949,397			2,966,439		3,695,099			3,706,473
Commitments and contingencies (note 9)
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Stockholders’ deficit:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	—			—		—			—
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 475,000,000 shares authorized; 90,290,628 shares issued and 90,263,851 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2017; 91,464,229 shares issued and 91,437,452 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2016	90			91
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 475,000,000 shares authorized; 82,747,841 shares issued and 82,721,064 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2018; 90,404,022 shares issued and 90,377,245 shares outstanding as of December 30, 2017						83			90
Additional paid-in capital	746,052			807,492		522,052			724,114
Treasury stock, at cost; 26,777 shares as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016	(1,060		)	(1,060	)
Treasury stock, at cost; 26,777 shares as of March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017						(1,060		)	(1,060	)
Accumulated deficit	(900,217		)	(945,797	)	(1,373,996		)	(968,148	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(18,953		)	(23,984	)	(7,360		)	(9,535	)
Total stockholders’ deficit	(174,088		)	(163,258	)	(860,281		)	(254,539	)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit	$	3,139,326		3,227,382		$	3,244,108		3,937,433

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

DUNKIN’ BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)


	Three months ended					Nine months ended				Three months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016		September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016		March 31, 2018			April 1, 2017
Revenues:
Franchise fees and royalty income	$	151,809		138,639		426,944		399,617		$	132,507		127,715
Advertising fees and related income										111,007			110,203
Rental income	27,713			26,880		79,543		75,874		24,478			24,422
Sales of ice cream and other products	27,551			26,568		85,710		86,425		21,777			22,506
Sales at company-operated restaurants	—			1,611		—		11,924
Other revenues	17,095			13,401		41,165		39,344		11,573			11,512
Total revenues	224,168			207,099		633,362		613,184		301,342			296,358
Operating costs and expenses:
Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants	15,333			15,881		43,758		42,691		13,980			14,138
Cost of ice cream and other products	19,457			18,384		58,578		58,445		16,864			16,922
Company-operated restaurant expenses	—			1,682		—		13,472
Advertising expenses										111,972			111,072
General and administrative expenses, net	61,996			59,374		185,613		184,028		59,824			60,369
Depreciation	4,941			5,050		15,096		15,361		5,033			5,084
Amortization of other intangible assets	5,341			5,397		16,001		16,726		5,375			5,327
Long-lived asset impairment charges	536			7		643		104		501			47
Total operating costs and expenses	107,604			105,775		319,689		330,827		213,549			212,959
Net income of equity method investments	5,466			5,467		12,612		12,148		2,033			2,819
Other operating income, net	3			2,569		591		6,329		5			555
Operating income	122,033			109,360		326,876		300,834		89,831			86,773
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income	624			161		1,370		434		1,642			321
Interest expense	(24,436		)	(24,603	)	(74,192	)	(74,456	)	(32,477		)	(24,871	)
Other income (losses), net	155			(124	)	370		(596	)	(327		)	187
Total other expense, net	(23,657		)	(24,566	)	(72,452	)	(74,618	)	(31,162		)	(24,363	)
Income before income taxes	98,376			84,794		254,424		226,216		58,669			62,410
Provision for income taxes	46,130			32,082		99,007		86,760		8,517			18,117
Net income	$	52,246		52,712		155,417		139,456		$	50,152		44,293
Earnings per share:
Common—basic	$	0.58		0.58		1.71		1.52		$	0.58		0.48
Common—diluted	0.57			0.57		1.68		1.51		0.57			0.48
Cash dividends declared per common share	0.32			0.30		0.97		0.90		0.35			0.32

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

DUNKIN’ BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)


	Three months ended					Nine months ended				Three months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016		September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016		March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017
Net income	$	52,246		52,712		155,417		139,456		$	50,152	44,293
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:
Effect of foreign currency translation, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $6 and $(59) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively, and $579 and $(488) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively	(662		)	6,161		5,309		8,730
Effect of interest rate swaps, net of deferred tax benefit of $216 for each of the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 and $650 for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016	(319		)	(319	)	(955	)	(955	)
Effect of foreign currency translation, net of deferred tax expense of $20 and $537 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017, respectively										1,547		8,740
Effect of interest rate swaps, net of deferred tax benefit of $217 for the three months ended April 1, 2017										—		(318	)
Other, net	24			(27	)	677		(230	)	628		654
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	(957		)	5,815		5,031		7,545
Total other comprehensive income, net										2,175		9,076
Comprehensive income	$	51,289		58,527		160,448		147,001		$	52,327	53,369

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

DUNKIN’ BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)


	Nine months ended					Three months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016		March 31, 2018			April 1, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	155,417		139,456		$	50,152		44,293
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	31,097			32,087		10,408			10,411
Amortization of debt issuance costs	4,843			4,700		1,249			1,610
Deferred income taxes	(1,516		)	(5,595	)	(4,251		)	(5,930	)
Provision for bad debt	599			681		358			200
Share-based compensation expense	10,896			12,548		3,204			3,494
Net income of equity method investments	(12,612		)	(12,148	)	(2,033		)	(2,819	)
Dividends received from equity method investments	4,711			5,247		3,947			3,950
Gain on sale of real estate and company-operated restaurants	(29		)	(6,322	)
Other, net	(2,299		)	(1,554	)	1,230			(30	)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts, notes, and other receivables, net	7,712			43,482		15,531			13,309
Prepaid income taxes, net	10,884			6,569		(6,962		)	1,332
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(4,600		)	(3,552	)	(11,352		)	(22,139	)
Accounts payable	(1,501		)	(1,635	)	7,891			9,474
Other current liabilities	(68,274		)	(91,651	)	(82,685		)	(70,903	)
Liabilities of advertising funds, net	(11,232		)	896
Deferred income	722			3,800
Deferred revenue						(477		)	4,619
Other, net	(3,289		)	4,250		(2,413		)	629
Net cash provided by operating activities	121,529			131,259
Net cash used in operating activities						(16,203		)	(8,500	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(8,998		)	(10,358	)
Proceeds from sale of real estate and company-operated restaurants	—			15,479
Additions to property, equipment, and software						(5,803		)	(3,581	)
Other, net	(101		)	(1,014	)	—			(98	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(9,099		)	4,107
Net cash used in investing activities						(5,803		)	(3,679	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt	(18,750		)	(18,750	)	(7,875		)	(6,250	)
Payment of debt issuance and other debt-related costs	(312		)	—
Dividends paid on common stock	(87,911		)	(82,326	)	(28,639		)	(29,621	)
Repurchases of common stock, including accelerated share repurchases	(127,186		)	(30,000	)
Accelerated share repurchases of common stock						(650,368		)	—
Exercise of stock options	33,267			4,937		18,175			14,807
Other, net	(214		)	(690	)	(731		)	(645	)
Net cash used in financing activities	(201,106		)	(126,829	)	(669,438		)	(21,709	)
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	576			20		64			219
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(88,100		)	8,557
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash						(691,380		)	(33,669	)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period	431,832			333,115		1,114,099			431,832
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	$	343,732		341,672		$	422,719		398,163
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	$	89,882		86,460		$	19,929		22,934
Cash paid for interest	70,038			70,749		34,917			23,405
Noncash investing activities:
Property and equipment included in accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,919			1,121
Purchase of leaseholds in exchange for capital lease obligations	330			389
Property, equipment, and software included in accounts payable and other current liabilities						2,133			1,131

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

DUNKIN’ BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

(1) Description of business and organization

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (“DBGI”), together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is one of the world’s leading franchisors of restaurants serving coffee and baked goods, as well as ice cream, within the quick service restaurant segment of the restaurant industry. We franchise and license a system of both traditional and nontraditional quick service restaurants and, in limited circumstances, have owned and operated locations. Through our Dunkin’ Donuts brand, we franchise restaurants featuring coffee, donuts, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and related products. Additionally, we license Dunkin’ Donuts brand products sold in certain retail outlets such as retail packaged coffee, Dunkin’ K-Cup® pods, and ready-to-drink bottled iced coffee. Through our Baskin-Robbins brand, we franchise restaurants featuring ice cream, frozen beverages, and related products. Additionally, we distribute Baskin-Robbins ice cream products to Baskin-Robbins franchisees and licensees in certain international markets.

Throughout these unaudited consolidated financial statements, “Dunkin’ Brands,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “management” refer to DBGI and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole.

(2) Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) Unaudited consolidated financial statements

The consolidated balance sheet as of ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018 and the consolidated statements of operations, ~~and~~ comprehensive income, ~~for the three~~ and ~~nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, and the consolidated statements of~~ cash flows for the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017 ~~and September 24, 2016~~ are unaudited.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DBGI and its consolidated subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. All significant transactions and balances between subsidiaries and affiliates have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been recorded. Such adjustments consisted only of normal recurring items. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December ~~31, 2016,~~30, 2017, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(b) Fiscal year

The Company operates and reports financial information on a 52- or 53-week year on a 13-week quarter basis with the fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December and fiscal quarters ending on the 13th Saturday of each quarter (or 14th Saturday when applicable with respect to the fourth fiscal quarter). The data periods contained within the ~~three- and nine-month~~three-month periods ended ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017 ~~and September 24, 2016~~ reflect the results of operations for the 13-week ~~and 39-week~~ periods ended on those ~~dates, respectively.~~dates. Operating results for the ~~three- and nine-month periods~~three-month period ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December ~~30, 2017.~~29, 2018.

In accordance with the Company’s securitized financing facility, certain cash accounts have been established in the name of Citibank, N.A. (the “Trustee”) for the benefit of the Trustee and the noteholders, and are restricted in their use. The Company holds restricted cash which primarily represents (i) cash collections held by the Trustee, (ii) interest, principal, and commitment fee reserves held by the Trustee related to the Company’s ~~Notes~~notes (seenote 4), and (iii) real estate reserves used to pay real estate obligations.

Pursuant to new accounting guidance for fiscal year 2017, restricted cash is combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances in the consolidated statements of cash flows (see ~~note 2(f)).~~ Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash within the consolidated balance sheets that are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows as of ~~September~~March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017 ~~and December 31, 2016~~ were as follows (in thousands):


	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016	March 31, 2018		December 30, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents	$	266,981	361,425	$	338,461	1,018,317
Restricted cash	76,141		69,746	82,605		94,047
Restricted cash, included in Other assets	610		661	1,653		1,735
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	343,732	431,832	$	422,719	1,114,099

(d) Fair value of financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are categorized, based on the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Observable market data, when available, is required to be used in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of ~~September~~March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017 ~~and December 31, 2016~~ are summarized as follows (in thousands):


	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016		March 31, 2018			December 30, 2017
	Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Total	Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)	Total	Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Total	Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)	Total
Assets:
Company-owned life insurance	$	10,389	10,389	9,271	9,271	$	10,807	10,807	10,836	10,836
Total assets	$	10,389	10,389	9,271	9,271	$	10,807	10,807	10,836	10,836
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation liabilities	$	12,851	12,851	11,126	11,126	$	13,644	13,644	13,543	13,543
Total liabilities	$	12,851	12,851	11,126	11,126	$	13,644	13,644	13,543	13,543

The deferred compensation liabilities relate to the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. non-qualified deferred compensation plans (“NQDC Plans”), which allow for pre-tax deferral of compensation for certain qualifying employees and directors. Changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation liabilities are derived using quoted prices in active markets of the asset selections made by the participants. The deferred compensation liabilities are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP, because their inputs are derived principally from observable market data by correlation to hypothetical investments. The Company holds company-owned life insurance policies to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under the NQDC Plans. The changes in the fair value of any company-owned life insurance policies are derived using determinable cash surrender ~~value.~~values. As such, the company-owned life insurance policies are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP.

The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of ~~September~~March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017 ~~and December 31, 2016~~ were as follows (in thousands):


	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016		March 31, 2018			December 30, 2017
	Carrying value		Estimated fair value	Carrying value	Estimated fair value	Carrying value		Estimated fair value	Carrying value	Estimated fair value
Financial liabilities
Long-term debt	$	2,413,091	2,474,291	2,426,998	2,460,544	$	3,060,732	3,104,801	3,067,357	3,156,099

The estimated fair value of our long-term debt is estimated primarily based on current market rates for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities or current bid prices for our long-term debt. Judgment is required to develop these estimates. As such, the fair value of our long-term debt is classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP.

(e) Concentration of credit risk

The Company is subject to credit risk through its accounts receivable consisting primarily of amounts due from franchisees and licensees for franchise fees, royalty income, advertising fees, and sales of ice cream and other products. In addition, we have

note and lease receivables from certain of our franchisees and licensees. The financial condition of these franchisees and licensees is largely dependent upon the underlying business trends of our brands and market conditions within the quick service restaurant industry. This concentration of credit risk is mitigated, in part, by the large number of franchisees and licensees of each brand and the short-term nature of the franchise and license fee and lease receivables. As of ~~September~~March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, ~~and December 31, 2016,~~ one master licensee, including its majority-owned subsidiaries, accounted for approximately ~~18%~~14% and ~~15%~~11%, respectively, of total accounts and notes receivable. No individual franchisee or master licensee accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for ~~each~~either of the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 or April 1, 2017.

(f) Advertising expenses

Advertising expenses in the consolidated statements of operations includes advertising expenses incurred by the Company, including those expenses incurred by the advertising funds. The Company expenses production costs of commercial advertising upon first airing and ~~nine months ended September~~expenses the costs of communicating the advertising in the period in which the advertising occurs. Costs of print advertising and certain promotion-related items are deferred and expensed the first time the advertising is displayed. Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets include $19.9 million and $15.5 million at March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, ~~and September 24, 2016.~~respectively, that was related to advertising. Advertising expenses are allocated to interim periods in relation to the related revenues. When revenues of the advertising fund exceed the related advertising expenses, advertising costs are accrued up to the amount of revenues.

Additionally, the Company engages various third parties to manufacture and/or distribute certain Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins products under licensing arrangements. As of September 30, 2017, one of these third parties accounted for approximately 13% of total accounts and notes receivable. No individual third party accounted for more than 10% of total accounts and notes receivable as of December 31, 2016.

~~(f)~~(g) Recent accounting pronouncements

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

In ~~January 2017,~~February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued new guidance ~~for goodwill impairment which requires only a single-step quantitative test to identify and measure impairment and record an impairment charge based on~~allowing companies the ~~excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. The~~ option to ~~perform a qualitative assessment first for a reporting unit~~reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive loss to ~~determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary does not change under~~accumulated deficit the ~~new guidance.~~stranded income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Company early adopted this ~~guidance in~~standard during the first quarter of fiscal year ~~2017.~~2018 and has elected to present the change in the period of adoption. The adoption of this guidance ~~had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and did not impact our annual goodwill impairment test performed as of the first day of the third quarter of fiscal year 2017.~~

In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance addressing diversity in practice that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash in the statements of cash flows. The Company early adopted this guidance retrospectively in fiscal year 2017. Accordingly, changes in restricted cash that have historically been included within operating and financing activities have been eliminated, and restricted cash is combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances for all periods presented. The adoption of this guidance primarily resulted in a decrease of $1.1 million in net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 24, 2016 and had no impact on the consolidated statements of operations and balance sheets.

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for employee share-based compensation which simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including excess tax benefits, forfeiture estimates, statutory tax withholding requirements, and classification in the statements of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance in fiscal year 2017, which had the following impact on the consolidated financial statements:

On a prospective basis, as required, the Company recorded excess tax benefits of $524 thousand and $7.3 million to the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, instead of additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. As a result, net income increased $524 thousand and $7.3 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and basic and diluted earnings per share increased $0.01 and $0.08 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

Excess tax benefits are presented as operating cash inflows instead of financing cash inflows in the consolidated statements of cash flows, which the Company elected to apply on a retrospective basis. As a result, the Company classified $7.3 million and $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively, of excess tax benefits as operating cash inflows included within the change in prepaid income taxes, net in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The retrospective reclassification resulted in increases in cash provided by operating activities and cash used in financing activities of $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 24, 2016.

The Company prospectively excluded the excess tax benefits from the assumed proceeds available to repurchase shares in the computation of diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method, which did not have a material impact on ~~diluted earnings per share~~the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for revenue recognition related to contracts with customers (“ASC 606”), except for contracts within the ~~three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.~~

scope of other standards, which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance. We adopted this new guidance in fiscal year 2018. See note 3 for further disclosure of the impact of the new guidance.

Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

~~Leases~~

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for lease accounting, which replaces existing lease accounting guidance. The new guidance aims to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requiring disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019 with early adoption permitted, and modified retrospective application is required. The Company expects to adopt this new guidance in fiscal year 2019 and is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company expects that substantially all of its operating lease commitments will be subject to the new guidance and will be recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption, thereby having a material impact to its consolidated balance sheet.

(h) Subsequent events

Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date these consolidated financial statements were filed.

(3) Revenue recognition

(a) Updated revenue recognition policies

Franchise fees and royalty income

Domestically, the Company sells individual franchises as well as territory agreements in the form of store development agreements (“SDAs”) that grant the right to develop restaurants in designated areas. The franchise agreements and SDAs typically require the franchisee to pay initial nonrefundable franchise fees prior to opening the respective restaurants and continuing fees, or royalty income, on a weekly basis based upon a percentage of franchisee gross sales. The initial term of domestic franchise agreements is typically 20 years. Prior to the end of the franchise term or as otherwise provided by the Company, a franchisee may elect to renew the term of a franchise agreement, and, if approved, will typically pay a renewal fee upon execution of the renewal term. If approved, a franchisee may transfer a franchise agreement or SDA to a new or existing franchisee, at which point a transfer fee is paid. Occasionally, the Company offers incentive programs to franchisees in conjunction with a franchise/license agreement, territory agreement, or renewal agreement.

Internationally, the Company sells master franchise agreements that grant the master franchisee the right to develop and operate, and in some instances sub-franchise, a certain number of restaurants within a particular geographic area. The master franchisee is typically required to pay an upfront market entry fee upon entering into the master franchise agreement and an upfront initial franchise fee for each developed restaurant prior to each respective opening. For the Dunkin’ Donuts brand and in certain Baskin-Robbins international markets, the master franchisee will also pay continuing fees, or royalty income, generally on a monthly basis based upon a percentage of sales. Generally, the master franchise agreement serves as the franchise agreement for the underlying restaurants, and the initial franchise term provided for each restaurant typically ranges between 10 and 20 years.

Generally, the franchise license granted for each individual restaurant within an arrangement represents a single performance obligation. Therefore, initial franchise fees and market entry fees for each arrangement are allocated to each individual restaurant and recognized over the term of the respective franchise agreement from the date of the restaurant opening. Royalty income is also recognized over the term of the respective franchise agreement based on the royalties earned each period as the underlying sales occur. Renewal fees are generally recognized over the renewal term for the respective restaurant from the start of the renewal period. Transfer fees are recognized over the remaining term of the franchise agreement beginning at the time of transfer. Additionally, for Baskin-Robbins international markets that do not pay a royalty, a portion of the consideration from sales of ice cream and other products is allocated to royalty income as consideration for the use of the franchise license, which is recognized when the related sales occur and is estimated based on royalty rates in effect for markets where the franchise license is sold on a standalone basis. Fees received or receivable that are expected to be recognized as revenue within one year are classified as current deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets.

Advertising fees and related income

Domestically and in limited international markets, franchise agreements typically require the franchisee to pay continuing advertising fees on a weekly basis based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales, which are recognized over the term of the respective franchise agreement based on the fees earned each period as the underlying sales occur.

The Company and its franchisees sell gift cards that are redeemable for products in our Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants. The Company manages the gift card program, and therefore collects all funds from the activation of gift cards and reimburses franchisees for the redemption of gift cards in their restaurants. A liability for unredeemed gift cards, as well as historical gift certificates sold, is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

There are no expiration dates or service fees charged on the gift cards. While the franchisees continue to honor all gift cards presented for payment, the likelihood of redemption may be determined to be remote for certain cards due to long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, the Company may recognize revenue from unredeemed gift cards (“breakage revenue”) if they are not subject to unclaimed property laws. For Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards enrolled in the DD Perks® Rewards loyalty program and other cards with expected similar redemption behavior, breakage is estimated and recognized at the point in time when the likelihood of redemption of any remaining card balance becomes remote, generally after a period of sufficient inactivity. Breakage on all other Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards and all Baskin-Robbins gift cards is estimated and recognized over time in proportion to actual gift card redemptions, based on historical redemption rates.

Rental income

Rental income for base rentals is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the amortization of any tenant improvement dollars paid. The differences between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts receivable under the leases are recorded as deferred rent assets in current or long-term assets, as appropriate. Contingent rental income is recognized as earned, and any amounts received from lessees in advance of achieving stipulated thresholds are deferred until such thresholds are actually achieved. Deferred contingent rentals are recorded as deferred revenue in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Sales of ice cream and other products

We distribute Baskin-Robbins ice cream products and, in limited cases, Dunkin’ Donuts products to franchisees in certain international locations. Revenue from ~~Contracts~~the sale of ice cream and other products is recognized when title and risk of loss transfers to the buyer, which is generally upon delivery. Payment for ice cream and other products is generally due within a relatively short period of time subsequent to delivery.

Other revenues

Other revenues include fees generated by licensing our brand names and other intellectual property, as well as gains, net of losses and transactions costs, from the sales of restaurants that were not company-operated to new or existing franchisees.

Licensing fees are recognized over the term of the expected license agreement, with ~~Customers~~sales-based license fees being recognized based on the amount earned each period as the underlying sales occur. Gains on the refranchise or sale of a restaurant are recognized over the term of the related agreement.

(b) Disaggregation of revenue

Revenues are disaggregated by timing of revenue recognition and reconciled to reportable segment revenues as follows (in thousands):



	Three months ended March 31, 2018
	Dunkin' Donuts U.S.		Baskin-Robbins U.S.	Dunkin' Donuts International		Baskin-Robbins International	U.S. Advertising Funds	Total reportable segment revenues	Other^(a)		Total revenues
Revenues recognized under ASC 606
Revenues recognized over time:
Royalty income	$	110,833	6,409	4,938		1,543	—	123,723	3,134		126,857
Franchise fees	4,707		289	448		206	—	5,650	—		5,650
Advertising fees and related income	—		—	—		—	104,167	104,167	259		104,426
Other revenues	535		2,277	2		—	—	2,814	8,154		10,968
Total revenues recognized over time	116,075		8,975	5,388		1,749	104,167	236,354	11,547		247,901

Revenues recognized at a point in time:
Sales of ice cream and other products	—		678	—		23,972	—	24,650	(2,873	)	21,777
Other revenues	245		93	(23	)	47	—	362	243		605
Total revenues recognized at a point in time	245		771	(23	)	24,019	—	25,012	(2,630	)	22,382

Total revenues recognized under ASC 606	116,320		9,746	5,365		25,768	104,167	261,366	8,917		270,283

Revenues not subject to ASC 606
Advertising fees and related income	—		—	—		—	—	—	6,581		6,581
Rental income	23,591		767	—		120	—	24,478	—		24,478
Total revenues not subject to ASC 606	23,591		767	—		120	—	24,478	6,581		31,059

Total revenues	$	139,911	10,513	5,365		25,888	104,167	285,844	15,498		301,342

^(a) Revenues reported as “Other” include revenues earned through certain licensing revenues, revenues generated from online training programs for franchisees, advertising fees and related income from international advertising funds, and gift card breakage revenue, all of which are not allocated to a specific segment. Additionally, the allocation of royalty income from sales of ice cream and other products is reported as "Other."



	Three months ended April 1, 2017
	Dunkin' Donuts U.S.		Baskin-Robbins U.S.	Dunkin' Donuts International		Baskin-Robbins International	U.S. Advertising Funds	Total reportable segment revenues	Other^(a)		Total revenues
Revenues recognized under ASC 606
Revenues recognized over time:
Royalty income	$	107,175	6,684	4,412		1,431	—	119,702	2,791		122,493
Franchise fees	4,298		206	433		285	—	5,222	—		5,222
Advertising fees and related income	—		—	—		—	102,321	102,321	55		102,376
Other revenues	540		2,313	4		—	—	2,857	7,909		10,766
Total revenues recognized over time	112,013		9,203	4,849		1,716	102,321	230,102	10,755		240,857

Revenues recognized at a point in time:
Sales of ice cream and other products	—		526	—		24,404	—	24,930	(2,424	)	22,506
Other revenues	503		64	(16	)	46	—	597	149		746
Total revenues recognized at a point in time	503		590	(16	)	24,450	—	25,527	(2,275	)	23,252

Total revenues recognized under ASC 606	112,516		9,793	4,833		26,166	102,321	255,629	8,480		264,109

Revenues not subject to ASC 606
Advertising fees and related income	—		—	—		—	—	—	7,827		7,827
Rental income	23,524		784	—		114	—	24,422	—		24,422
Total revenues not subject to ASC 606	23,524		784	—		114	—	24,422	7,827		32,249

Total revenues	$	136,040	10,577	4,833		26,280	102,321	280,051	16,307		296,358

Information about receivables and deferred revenue subject to ASC 606 is as follows (in thousands):



	March 31, 2018		December 30, 2017	Balance Sheet Classification
Receivables	$	80,681	76,455	Accounts receivable, net and Notes and other receivables, net

Deferred revenue:
Current	$	29,404	27,724	Deferred revenue—current
Long-term	362,125		361,458	Deferred revenue—long term
Total	$	391,529	389,182

Receivables relate primarily to payments due for royalties, franchise fees, advertising fees, sales of ice cream and other products, and licensing fees. Deferred revenue primarily represents the Company’s remaining performance obligations under its franchise and license agreements for which consideration has been received or is receivable, and is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the related agreement.

The increase in the deferred revenue balance for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is primarily driven by cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, offset by $8.3 million of revenues recognized that were included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 30, 2017.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, there were no contract assets from contracts with customers.

(d) Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations

Estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are either unsatisfied or partially satisfied at March 31, 2018 is as follows (in thousands):



Fiscal year:
2018^(a)	$	22,541
2019	23,727
2020	23,521
2021	23,295
2022	23,028
Thereafter	238,689
Total	$	354,801

^(a) Represents the estimate for remainder of fiscal year 2018 which excludes the three months ended March 31, 2018.

The estimated revenue in the table above does not contemplate future franchise renewals or new franchise agreements for restaurants for which a franchise agreement or SDA does not exist at March 31, 2018. Additionally, the table above excludes $64.9 million of consideration allocated to restaurants that are not yet open as of March 31, 2018. The Company has applied the sales-based royalty exemption which permits exclusion of variable consideration in the form of sales-based royalties from the disclosure of remaining performance obligations in the table above. Additionally, the Company has applied the transition practical expedient that allows the Company to omit the above disclosures for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017.

(e) Change in accounting principle

In ~~May 2014,~~fiscal year 2018, the ~~FASB issued~~Company adopted new ~~guidance for~~ revenue recognition ~~related to contracts with customers, except for contracts within the scope of other standards,~~guidance which ~~supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance~~ provides a single framework in which revenue is required to be recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.

~~The new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018.~~ The Company ~~intends to adopt this new~~adopted the guidance ~~in fiscal year 2018~~ using the full retrospective transition method which ~~will result~~results in restating each prior reporting period ~~presented, fiscal years 2016 and 2017, in~~presented. The restated amounts include the ~~year~~application of ~~adoption. Additionally,~~ a ~~cumulative~~practical expedient that permitted the Company to reflect the aggregate effect ~~adjustment will be recorded~~of all modifications that occurred prior to ~~the opening balance of accumulated deficit as of the first day of~~ fiscal year 2016 when identifying the ~~earliest period presented. Based on~~satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the ~~expected impacts described below,~~transaction price, and allocating the ~~Company expects such cumulative effect adjustment to be material~~transaction price to the ~~opening balance of accumulated deficit.~~

satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations. The Company ~~expects~~implemented new business processes, internal controls, and modified information technology systems to assist in the ongoing application of the new guidance.

Franchise Fees

The adoption of the new guidance ~~to change~~changed the timing of recognition of initial franchise fees, including master license and territory fees for our international business, and renewal and transfer fees. ~~Currently,~~Previously, these fees ~~are~~were generally recognized upfront upon either opening of the respective restaurant, or when a renewal agreement ~~becomes effective.~~became effective, or upon transfer of a franchise agreement. The new guidance ~~will~~ generally ~~require~~requires these fees to be recognized over the term of the related franchise license for the respective ~~restaurant, which we expect will result in a material impact to revenue recognized for initial~~restaurant. Additionally, transfer fees were previously included within other revenues, but are now included within franchise fees and ~~renewal fees.~~royalty income in the consolidated statements of operations. The ~~Company does not expect this~~ new guidance todid not materially impact the recognition of royalty income. ~~Additionally, rental income is outside~~

Advertising

The adoption of the ~~scope of this~~ new guidance ~~and therefore will not be impacted.~~

~~The Company also expects the adoption of this new guidance to change~~changed the reporting of advertising fund contributions from franchisees and the related advertising fund expenditures, which ~~are~~were not ~~currently~~previously included in the consolidated statements of operations. The ~~Company expects the~~ new guidance ~~to require~~requires these advertising fund contributions and expenditures to be reported on a gross basis in the consolidated statements of operations. ~~For~~The assets and liabilities held by the ~~fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, franchisee contributions~~advertising funds, which were previously reported as restricted assets and liabilities of advertising funds, respectively, are now included within the respective balance sheet caption to which the ~~U.S.~~assets and liabilities relate. Additionally, advertising costs that have been incurred by the Company outside of the advertising funds were ~~$430.3 million,~~previously included within general and ~~therefore we expect this change~~administrative expenses, net, but are now included within advertising expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Previously, breakage from Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins gift cards was recorded as a reduction to ~~have a material impact~~general and administrative expenses, net, to ~~our total revenues and expenses. However, we expect such contributions and expenditures to be largely offsetting and therefore do not expect a significant impact on our reported net income.~~

~~Though~~offset the ~~majority of~~related gift card program costs. In accordance with the ~~assessment phase is complete, the Company continues to evaluate the impact the adoption of this~~ new guidance, ~~will have~~breakage revenue is now reported on ~~these and other revenue transactions,~~a gross basis in ~~addition to~~ the ~~impact on accounting policies~~consolidated statements of operations within advertising fees and related ~~disclosures. Additionally,~~income, and the ~~Company is~~related gift card program costs are included in ~~the process of implementing new accounting systems, business processes, and internal controls related to revenue recognition to assist in the application~~advertising expenses.

Ice Cream Royalty Allocation

The adoption of the new guidance requires a portion of sales of ice cream products to be allocated to royalty income as consideration for the use of the franchise license. As such, a portion of sales of ice cream and other products has been reclassified to franchise fees and royalty income in the consolidated statements of operations under the new guidance. This allocation has no impact on the timing of recognition of the related sales of ice cream products or royalty income.

~~(g) Subsequent events~~Other Revenue Transactions

~~Subsequent events have been evaluated through~~The adoption of the ~~date these consolidated financial statements~~new guidance requires certain fees generated by licensing of our brand names and other intellectual property to be recognized over the term of the related agreement, including a one-time upfront license fee recognized in connection with the Dunkin’ K-Cup® pod licensing agreement in fiscal year 2015. Additionally, gains associated with the refranchise, sale, or transfer of restaurants that were ~~filed.~~

not company-operated to new or existing franchisees are recognized over the term of the related agreement under the new guidance, instead of upon closing of the sale transaction or transfer.

~~(3) Franchise fees~~Impacts to Prior Period Information

The new guidance for revenue recognition impacted the Company's previously reported financial statements as follows:



Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 30, 2017
(In thousands)
				Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance
	Previously reported			Franchise fees		Advertising		Other revenue transactions		Restated

Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,018,317		—		—		—		1,018,317
Restricted cash	94,047			—		—		—		94,047
Accounts receivables, net	51,442			—		18,075		—		69,517
Notes and other receivables, net	51,082			—		1,250		—		52,332
Restricted assets of advertising funds	47,373			—		(47,373	)	—		—
Prepaid income taxes	21,879			—		48		—		21,927
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,695			—		15,498		—		48,193
Total current assets	1,316,835			—		(12,502	)	—		1,304,333
Property and equipment, net	169,005			—		12,537		—		181,542
Equity method investments	140,615			—		—		—		140,615
Goodwill	888,308			—		—		—		888,308
Other intangibles assets, net	1,357,157			—		—		—		1,357,157
Other assets	65,464			—		14		—		65,478
Total assets	$	3,937,384		—		49		—		3,937,433
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	$	31,500		—		—		—		31,500
Capital lease obligations	596			—		—		—		596
Accounts payable	16,307			—		37,110		—		53,417
Liabilities of advertising funds	58,014			—		(58,014	)	—		—
Deferred revenue	39,395			1,502		(550	)	4,529		44,876
Other current liabilities	326,078			—		29,032		—		355,110
Total current liabilities	471,890			1,502		7,578		4,529		485,499
Long-term debt, net	3,035,857			—		—		—		3,035,857
Capital lease obligations	7,180			—		—		—		7,180
Unfavorable operating leases acquired	9,780			—		—		—		9,780
Deferred revenue	11,158			328,183		(7,518	)	29,635		361,458
Deferred income taxes, net	315,249			(91,488	)	—		(9,416	)	214,345
Other long-term liabilities	77,823			—		30		—		77,853
Total long-term liabilities	3,457,047			236,695		(7,488	)	20,219		3,706,473
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Preferred stock	—			—		—		—		—
Common stock	90			—		—		—		90
Additional paid-in-capital	724,114			—		—		—		724,114
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,060		)	—		—		—		(1,060	)
Accumulated deficit	(705,007		)	(238,197	)	(196	)	(24,748	)	(968,148	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(9,690		)	—		155		—		(9,535	)
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)	8,447			(238,197	)	(41	)	(24,748	)	(254,539	)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)	$	3,937,384		—		49		—		3,937,433



Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three months ended April 1, 2017
(In thousands, except per share data)
				Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance
	Previously reported			Franchise fees		Advertising		Ice cream royalty allocation		Other revenue transactions	Restated

Revenues:
Franchise fees and royalty income	$	130,069		(5,145	)	—		2,791		—	127,715
Advertising fees and related income	—			—		110,203		—		—	110,203
Rental income	24,422			—		—		—		—	24,422
Sales of ice cream and other products	25,297			—		—		(2,791	)	—	22,506
Other revenues	10,884			(1,122	)	—		—		1,750	11,512
Total revenues	190,672			(6,267	)	110,203		—		1,750	296,358
Operating costs and expenses:
Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants	14,138			—		—		—		—	14,138
Cost of ice cream and other products	16,922			—		—		—		—	16,922
Advertising expenses	—			—		111,072		—		—	111,072
General and administrative expenses, net	61,235			—		(866	)	—		—	60,369
Depreciation	5,084			—		—		—		—	5,084
Amortization of other intangible assets	5,327			—		—		—		—	5,327
Long-lived asset impairment charges	47			—		—		—		—	47
Total operating costs and expenses	102,753			—		110,206		—		—	212,959
Net income of equity method investments	2,819			—		—		—		—	2,819
Other operating income, net	555			—		—		—		—	555
Operating income	91,293			(6,267	)	(3	)	—		1,750	86,773
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income	321			—		—		—		—	321
Interest expense	(24,871		)	—		—		—		—	(24,871	)
Other gains, net	187			—		—		—		—	187
Total other expense, net	(24,363		)	—		—		—		—	(24,363	)
Income before income taxes	66,930			(6,267	)	(3	)	—		1,750	62,410
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	19,463			(1,854	)	—		—		508	18,117
Net income	$	47,467		(4,413	)	(3	)	—		1,242	44,293

Earnings per share—basic	$	0.52									0.48
Earnings per share—diluted	0.51										0.48

The adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance had no impact on the Company’s total cash flows. Adjustments presented in the cash flow information below result from full consolidation of the advertising funds, and ~~royalty income~~reflect the investing activities, consisting solely of additions to property and equipment, of such funds.

~~Franchise fees~~



Select Cash Flow Information
(In thousands)

	Three months ended April 1, 2017
	Previously reported			Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance		Restated

Net cash used in operating activities	$	(9,924	)	1,424		(8,500	)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,255		)	(1,424	)	(3,679	)
Net cash used in financing activities	(21,709		)	—		(21,709	)
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(33,669		)	—		(33,669	)

(4) Debt

Debt at March 31, 2018 and ~~royalty income~~December 30, 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands):

Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30,
2017 September 24,
2016 September 30,
2017 September 24,
2016
Royalty income $ 133,740
127,986
387,634
368,190
Initial franchise fees and renewal income 18,069
10,653
39,310
31,427
Total franchise fees and royalty income $ 151,809
138,639
426,944
399,617



	March 31, 2018			December 30, 2017
2015 Class A-2-II Notes	$	1,697,500		1,701,875
2017 Class A-2-I Notes	598,500			600,000
2017 Class A-2-II Notes	798,000			800,000
Debt issuance costs, net of amortization	(33,268		)	(34,518	)
Total debt	3,060,732			3,067,357
Less current portion of long-term debt	31,500			31,500
Total long-term debt	$	3,029,232		3,035,857

The ~~changes in franchised and company-operated points~~Company's outstanding debt consists of ~~distribution were as follows:~~

Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30,
2017 September 24,
2016 September 30,
2017 September 24,
2016
Systemwide points of distribution:
Franchised points of distribution in operation—beginning of period 20,242
19,640
20,080
19,308
Franchised points of distribution—opened 326
310
928
988
Franchised points of distribution—closed (189 ) (195 ) (629 ) (563 )
Net transfers from company-operated points of distribution —
23
—
45
Franchised points of distribution in operation—end of period 20,379
19,778
20,379
19,778
Company-operated points of distribution—end of period —
6
—
6
Total systemwide points of distribution—end of period 20,379
19,784
20,379
19,784

~~(4) Debt~~

~~Securitized Financing Facility~~

In January 2015, DB Master Finance LLC (the “Master Issuer”), a limited-purpose, bankruptcy-remote, wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of DBGI, issued Series 2015-1 3.262% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-I (the “2015 Class A-2-I Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $750.0 million and Series 2015-1 3.980% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II (the “2015 Class A-2-II Notes” and, together with the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes, the “2015 Class A-2 Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $1.75 billion. In addition, the Master Issuer issued Series 2015-1 Variable Funding Senior Secured Notes, Class A-1 (the “2015 Variable Funding Notes” and, together with the 2015 Class A-2 Notes, the “2015 Notes”), ~~which allowed the Master Issuer to borrow up to $100.0 million on a revolving basis. The 2015 Variable Funding Notes could also be used to issue letters of credit.~~

~~In October 2017, the Master Issuer issued~~ Series 2017-1 3.629% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-I (the “2017 Class A-2-I Notes”) ~~with an initial principal amount of $600.0 million~~, and Series 2017-1 4.030% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II (the “2017 Class A-2-II Notes” and, together with the 2017 Class A-2-I Notes, the “2017 Class A-2 Notes”) ~~with an initial principal amount~~issued by DB Master Finance LLC (the “Master Issuer”), a limited-purpose, bankruptcy-remote, wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of ~~$800.0 million.~~DBGI. In addition, the Master Issuer issued Series 2017-1 Variable Funding Senior Secured Notes, Class A-1 (the “2017 Variable Funding Notes” and, together with the 2017 Class A-2 Notes, the “2017 Notes”), which ~~allows~~allow for the issuance of up to $150.0 million of 2017 Variable Funding Notes and certain other credit instruments, including letters of credit. ~~A portion~~

As of ~~the proceeds~~March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, $32.4 million and $32.3 million, respectively, of ~~the 2017 Notes was used to repay the remaining $731.3 million~~letters of ~~principal~~credit were outstanding on the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes and to pay related transaction fees. The additional net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include a return of capital to the Company’s shareholders. In connection with the issuance ofagainst the 2017 Variable Funding Notes which relate primarily to interest reserves required under the ~~Master Issuer terminated the commitments with respect to its existing 2015 Variable Funding Notes.~~base indenture and related supplemental indentures. There were no amounts drawn down on these letters of credit as of March 31, 2018 or December 30, 2017.

The 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes were each issued in a securitization transaction pursuant to which most of the Company’s domestic and certain of its foreign revenue-generating assets, consisting principally of franchise-related agreements, real estate assets, and intellectual property and license agreements for the use of intellectual property, are held by the Master Issuer and certain other limited-purpose, bankruptcy-remote, wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company that act as guarantors of the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes and that have pledged substantially all of their assets to secure the 2015 ~~Notes and 2017 Notes.~~

The 2015 Notes and 2017 Notes were issued pursuant to a base indenture and related supplemental indentures (collectively, the “Indenture”) under which the Master Issuer may issue multiple series of notes. The legal final maturity date of the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 ~~Class A-2 Notes is in February 2045 and November 2047, respectively, but it is anticipated that, unless~~

earlier prepaid to the extent permitted under the Indenture, the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes will be repaid by February 2022, the 2017 Class A-2-I Notes will be repaid by November 2024, and the 2017 Class A-2-II Notes will be repaid by November 2027 (the “Anticipated Repayment Dates”). If the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes or the 2017 Class A-2 Notes have not been repaid or refinanced by their respective Anticipated Repayment Dates, a rapid amortization event will occur in which residual net cash flows of the Master Issuer, after making certain required payments, will be applied to the outstanding principal of the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and the 2017 Class A-2 Notes. Various other events, including failure to maintain a minimum ratio of net cash flows to debt service (“DSCR”), may also cause a rapid amortization event. Borrowings under the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes, 2017 Class A-2-I Notes, and 2017 Class A-2-II Notes bear interest at fixed rates equal to 3.980%, 3.629%, and 4.030%, respectively. If the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes or the 2017 Class A-2 Notes are not repaid or refinanced prior to their respective Anticipated Repayment Dates, incremental interest will accrue. Principal payments are required to be made on the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes, 2017 Class A-2-I Notes, and 2017 Class A-2-II Notes equal to $17.5 million, $6.0 million, and $8.0 million, respectively, per calendar year, payable in quarterly installments. No principal payments are required if a specified leverage ratio, which is a measure of outstanding debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for certain items (as specified in the Indenture), is less than or equal to 5.0 to 1.0. Other events and transactions, such as certain asset sales and receipt of various insurance or indemnification proceeds, may trigger additional mandatory prepayments.

It is anticipated that the principal and interest on the 2017 Variable Funding Notes will be repaid in full on or prior to November 2022, subject to two additional one-year extensions. Borrowings under the 2017 Variable Funding Notes bear interest at a rate equal to a LIBOR rate plus 1.50%, or the lenders’ commercial paper funding rate plus 1.50%. If the 2017 Variable Funding Notes are not repaid prior to November 2022 or prior to the end of an extension period, if applicable, incremental interest will accrue. In addition, the Company is required to pay a 1.50% fee for letters of credit amounts outstanding and a commitment fee on the unused portion of the 2017 Variable Funding Notes which ranges from 0.50% to 1.00% based on utilization.

As of September 30, 2017, approximately $731.3 million and $1.71 billion of principal were outstanding on the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes and 2015 Class A-2-II Notes, respectively. Total debt issuance costs incurred and capitalized in connection with the issuance of the 2015 Notes were $41.3 million. The effective interest rate, including the amortization of debt issuance costs, was 3.5% and 4.3% for the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes and 2015 Class A-2-II Notes, respectively, as of September 30, 2017. As noted above, subsequent to September 30, 2017, a portion of the net proceeds of the 2017 Notes was used to repay the remaining $731.3 million of principal outstanding on the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes.

As of each of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $25.9 million of letters of credit were outstanding against the 2015 Variable Funding Notes, which relate primarily to interest reserves required under the Indenture. There were no amounts drawn down on these letters of credit as of September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

The 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes are subject to a series of covenants and restrictions customary for transactions of this type, including (i) that the Master Issuer maintains specified reserve accounts to be used to make required payments in respect of the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes, (ii) provisions relating to optional and mandatory prepayments, including mandatory prepayments in the event of a change of control as defined in the Indenture and the related payment of specified amounts, including specified make-whole payments in the case of the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes under certain circumstances, (iii) certain indemnification payments in the event, among other things, the assets pledged as collateral for the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes are in stated ways defective or ineffective, and (iv) covenants relating to recordkeeping, access to information, and similar matters. As noted above, the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes are also subject to customary rapid amortization events provided for in the Indenture, including events tied to failure to maintain stated DSCR, failure to maintain an aggregate level of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. retail sales on certain measurement dates, certain manager termination events, an event of default, and the failure to repay or refinance the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes or the 2017 Notes on the applicable Anticipated Repayment Dates. The 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes are also subject to certain customary events of default, including events relating to non-payment of required interest, principal, or other amounts due on or with respect to the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes, failure to comply with covenants within certain time frames, certain bankruptcy events, breaches of specified representations and warranties, failure of security interests to be effective, and certain judgments.

(5) Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):


	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016	March 31, 2018		December 30, 2017
Gift card/certificate liability	$	142,020	207,628	$	169,944	228,783
Gift card breakage liability	2,668		13,301
Accrued payroll and benefits	29,120		25,071	18,402		30,768
Accrued legal liabilities (see note 9(c))	6,342		5,555
Accrued interest	10,621		10,702	13,823		17,902
Accrued professional costs	3,012		2,170	5,746		5,527
Accrued advertising expenses				32,778		35,210
Franchisee profit-sharing liability	8,497		11,083	4,617		13,243
Other	28,207		22,756	27,081		23,677
Total other current liabilities	$	230,487	298,266	$	272,391	355,110

The decrease in the gift card/certificate liability was driven by the seasonality of our gift card program. The decrease in accrued payroll and benefits was primarily due to incentive compensation payments made during the three months ended March 31, 2018 related to fiscal year 2017. The franchisee profit-sharing liability represents amounts owed to franchisees from the net profits primarily on the sale of ~~Dunkin’ Donuts brand products such as~~ Dunkin’ K-Cup® pods, retail packaged coffee, and ready-to-drink bottled iced coffee in certain retail outlets.

(6) Segment information

The Company is strategically aligned into two global brands, Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, which are further segregated between U.S. operations and international operations. Additionally, the Company administers and directs the development of all advertising and promotional programs in the U.S. advertising funds. As such, the Company has determined that it has ~~four operating segments, which are its~~five reportable segments: Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., Dunkin’ Donuts International, Baskin-Robbins U.S., Baskin-Robbins International, and ~~Baskin-Robbins International.~~U.S. Advertising Funds. Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., Baskin-Robbins U.S., and Dunkin’ Donuts International primarily derive their revenues through royalty income and franchise fees. Baskin-Robbins U.S. also derives revenue through license fees from a third-party license agreement and rental income. Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. also derives revenue through rental income. Prior to the sale of all remaining company-operated restaurants in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016, Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. also derived revenue through retail sales at company-operated restaurants. Baskin-Robbins International primarily derives its revenues from sales of ice cream products, as well as royalty income, franchise fees, and license fees. U.S. Advertising Funds primarily derive revenues through continuing advertising fees from Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins franchisees. The operating results of each segment are regularly reviewed and evaluated separately by the Company’s senior management, which includes, but is not limited to, the chief executive officer. Senior management primarily evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on operating income adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, long-lived asset impairment charges, impairment of our equity method investments, and other infrequent or unusual charges, which does not reflect the allocation of any corporate charges. This profitability measure is referred to as segment profit. When senior management reviews a balance sheet, it is at a consolidated level. The accounting policies applicable to each segment are generally consistent with those used in the consolidated financial statements.

Revenues for all operating segments include only transactions with unaffiliated customers and include no intersegment revenues. Revenues reported as “Other” include revenues earned through certain licensing arrangements with third parties in which our brand names are used, including the licensing fees earned from the Dunkin’ K-Cup® pod licensing agreement and sales of ~~Dunkin’~~Dunkin' Donuts branded ready-to-drink bottled iced coffee and retail packaged coffee, revenues generated from online training programs for franchisees, advertising fees and ~~revenues~~related income from ~~the sale of Dunkin’ Donuts products in certain~~ international ~~markets,~~advertising funds, and gift card breakage revenue, all of which are not allocated to a specific segment. Revenues by segment were as follows (in thousands):


	Revenues					Revenues
	Three months ended			Nine months ended		Three months ended
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	September 30, 2017	September 24, 2016	March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017
Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	165,106	152,425	464,148	444,898	$	139,911	136,040
Dunkin’ Donuts International	5,157		4,449	14,947	16,917	5,365		4,833
Baskin-Robbins U.S.	13,751		13,781	38,645	38,080	10,513		10,577
Baskin-Robbins International	28,810		27,904	88,876	89,578	25,888		26,280
U.S. Advertising Funds						104,167		102,321
Total reportable segment revenues	212,824		198,559	606,616	589,473	285,844		280,051
Other	11,344		8,540	26,746	23,711	15,498		16,307
Total revenues	$	224,168	207,099	633,362	613,184	$	301,342	296,358

Amounts included in ~~“Corporate”~~“Corporate and other” in the segment profit table below include corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services, net of “Other” revenues reported above. Segment profit by segment was as follows (in thousands):


	Segment profit									Segment profit
	Three months ended					Nine months ended				Three months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016		September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016		March 31, 2018			April 1, 2017
Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	129,719		119,434		360,241		335,963		$	105,063		101,694
Dunkin’ Donuts International	1,439			705		4,782		6,438		3,206			1,427
Baskin-Robbins U.S.	10,466			11,085		28,773		29,123		7,235			7,383
Baskin-Robbins International	11,420			11,154		31,900		30,617		7,441			8,171
U.S. Advertising Funds										—			—
Total reportable segments	153,044			142,378		425,696		402,141		122,945			118,675
Corporate	(25,134		)	(27,614	)	(82,176	)	(84,477	)
Corporate and other										(27,238		)	(26,528	)
Interest expense, net	(23,812		)	(24,442	)	(72,822	)	(74,022	)	(30,835		)	(24,550	)
Amortization of other intangible assets	(5,341		)	(5,397	)	(16,001	)	(16,726	)	(5,375		)	(5,327	)
Long-lived asset impairment charges	(536		)	(7	)	(643	)	(104	)	(501		)	(47	)
Other income (losses), net	155			(124	)	370		(596	)	(327		)	187
Income before income taxes	$	98,376		84,794		254,424		226,216		$	58,669		62,410

Net income of equity method investments is included in segment profit for the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International reportable segments. Amounts reported as “Other” in the segment profit table below include the reduction in depreciation and amortization, net of tax, reported by our equity method investees as a result of previously recorded impairment charges. Net income of equity method investments by reportable segment was as follows (in thousands):


	Net income (loss) of equity method investments						Net income (loss) of equity method investments
	Three months ended			Nine months ended			Three months ended
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	March 31, 2018			April 1, 2017
Dunkin’ Donuts International	$	9	351	(68	)	829	$	(444	)	(90	)
Baskin-Robbins International	4,492		4,266	9,468		8,644	1,727			2,026
Total reportable segments	4,501		4,617	9,400		9,473	1,283			1,936
Other	965		850	3,212		2,675	750			883
Total net income of equity method investments	$	5,466	5,467	12,612		12,148	$	2,033		2,819

(7) Stockholders’ deficit

The changes in total stockholders’ deficit were as follows (in thousands):


	Total stockholders’ deficit			Total stockholders’ deficit
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	(163,258	)
Balance as of December 30, 2017				$	(254,539	)
Net income	155,417			50,152
Other comprehensive income	5,031
Other comprehensive income, net				2,175
Dividends paid on common stock	(87,911		)	(28,639		)
Exercise of stock options	33,267			18,175
Repurchases of common stock	(127,186		)
Accelerated share repurchases of common stock				(650,368		)
Share-based compensation expense	10,896			3,204
Other, net	(344		)	(441		)
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$	(174,088	)
Balance as of March 31, 2018				$	(860,281	)

(a) Treasury stock

~~During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,~~

In February 2018, the Company entered into ~~and completed an~~two accelerated share repurchase ~~agreement~~agreements (the ~~“May 2017~~“February 2018 ASR ~~Agreement”~~Agreements”) with atwo third-party financial ~~institution.~~institutions. Pursuant to the terms of the ~~May 2017~~February 2018 ASR ~~Agreement,~~Agreements, the Company paid the financial ~~institution $100.0~~institutions $650.0 million infrom cash on hand and received ~~1,757,568~~an initial delivery of 8,478,722 shares of the ~~Company’s~~Company's common stock ~~during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 based on a weighted average cost per share~~in February 2018, representing an estimate of ~~$56.90 over the term~~80% of the ~~May 2017~~total shares expected to be delivered under the February 2018 ASR ~~Agreement.~~

~~Additionally, during~~Agreements. At settlement, the ~~nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company repurchased a total of 513,880~~financial institutions may be required to deliver additional shares of common stock to the Company or, under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to deliver shares of its common stock or may elect to make cash payment to the financial institutions. Final settlement of each of the February 2018 ASR Agreements is expected to be completed in the ~~open market~~third quarter of fiscal year 2018, although the settlement may be accelerated at ~~a weighted average cost per share of $52.90 from existing stockholders.~~each financial institution’s option.

The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method based on the cost of the shares on the dates of repurchase ~~and~~plus any direct costs incurred. During the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018, the Company retired ~~2,271,448~~8,478,722 shares of treasury stock repurchased under the ~~May 2017~~February 2018 ASR ~~Agreement and in the open market.~~Agreements. The repurchase and retirement of these shares of treasury stock resulted in a decrease in additional paid-in capital of ~~$18.9~~$65.2 million and an increase in accumulated deficit of ~~$108.3~~$455.1 million. Additionally, the Company recorded a decrease in additional paid-in capital of $130.0 million related to the remaining cash paid under the February 2018 ASR Agreements since the final settlement was not completed as of March 31, 2018.

(b) Equity incentive plans

During the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018, the Company granted stock options to purchase ~~1,181,777~~909,027 shares of common stock and ~~90,342~~50,838 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to certain ~~employees and members of our board of directors.~~employees. The stock options generally vest in equal annual amounts over a four-year period subsequent to the grant date, and have a maximum contractual term of seven years. The stock options were granted with ~~a weighted average~~an exercise price of ~~$55.04~~$59.60 per share and have a weighted average grant-date fair value of ~~$9.87~~$10.44 per

share. The RSUs granted to employees ~~and members of our board of directors~~ vest in equal annual amounts over a three-year period ~~and a one-year period, respectively,~~ subsequent to the grant date and have a weighted average grant-date fair value of ~~$52.41~~$56.76 per share.

In addition, the Company granted ~~84,705~~67,993 performance stock units (“PSUs”) to certain employees during the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30, 2017.~~March 31, 2018. These PSUs are generally eligible to cliff-vest approximately three years from the grant date. Of the total PSUs granted, ~~37,027~~30,974 PSUs are subject to a service condition and a market vesting condition linked to the level of total shareholder return received by the Company’s shareholders during the performance period measured against the companies in the S&P 500 Composite Index (“TSR PSUs”). The remaining ~~47,678~~37,019 PSUs granted are subject to a service condition and a performance vesting condition based on the level of adjusted operating income growth achieved over the performance period (“AOI PSUs”). The maximum vesting percentage that could be realized for each of the TSR PSUs and the AOI PSUs is 200% based on the level of performance achieved for the respective awards. All of the PSUs are also subject to a one-year post-vesting holding period. The TSR PSUs were valued based on a Monte Carlo simulation model to reflect the impact of the total shareholder return market condition, resulting in a ~~weighted average~~ grant-date fair value of ~~$67.52~~$65.52 per share. The probability of satisfying a market condition is considered in the estimation of the grant-date fair value for TSR PSUs and the compensation cost is not reversed if the market condition is not achieved, provided the requisite service has been provided. The AOI PSUs have a ~~weighted average~~ grant-date fair value of ~~$52.44~~$57.10 per share. Total compensation cost for the AOI PSUs is determined based on the most likely outcome of the performance condition and the number of awards expected to vest based on the outcome.

Total compensation expense related to all share-based awards was ~~$3.6~~$3.2 million and ~~$4.2~~$3.5 million for the three months ended ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017, ~~and September 24, 2016, respectively, and $10.9 million and $12.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016,~~ respectively, and is included in general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows (in thousands):

Effect of foreign currency translation Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps Other Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)
Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (23,019 ) 1,144
(2,109 ) (23,984 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net 5,309
(955 ) 677
5,031
Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (17,710 ) 189
(1,432 ) (18,953 )



	Effect of foreign currency translation			Other		Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance as of December 30, 2017	$	(8,084	)	(1,451	)	(9,535	)
Other comprehensive income, net	1,547			628		2,175
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	(6,537	)	(823	)	(7,360	)

(d) Dividends

The Company paid a quarterly dividend of ~~$0.3225~~$0.3475 per share of common stock on March ~~22, 2017, June 14, 2017, and September 6, 2017~~21, 2018, totaling approximately ~~$29.6 million, $29.2 million, and $29.1 million respectively.~~$28.6 million. On ~~October~~April 26, ~~2017,~~2018, the Company announced that its board of directors approved the next quarterly dividend of ~~$0.3225~~$0.3475 per share of common stock payable ~~December~~June 6, ~~2017~~2018 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on ~~November 27, 2017.~~May 29, 2018.

(8) Earnings per share

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is as follows (in thousands, except for share and per share data):


	Three months ended			Nine months ended		Three months ended
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	September 30, 2017	September 24, 2016	March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017
Net income—basic and diluted	$	52,246	52,712	155,417	139,456	$	50,152	44,293
Weighted average number of common shares:
Common—basic	90,290,361		91,621,553	91,051,458	91,603,653	86,451,167		91,656,559
Common—diluted	91,433,076		92,565,695	92,386,611	92,545,292	87,877,254		93,120,231
Earnings per common share:
Common—basic	$	0.58	0.58	1.71	1.52	$	0.58	0.48
Common—diluted	0.57		0.57	1.68	1.51	0.57		0.48

The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive effect of ~~1,142,715~~1,426,087 and ~~944,142~~1,463,672 equity awards for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and ~~September 24, 2016, respectively, and includes the dilutive effect of 1,335,153 and 941,639 equity awards for the nine months ended September 30,~~April 1, 2017, ~~and September 24, 2016,~~ respectively, using the treasury stock method. The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share

calculation for all periods excludes all contingently issuable equity awards for which the contingent vesting criteria were not yet met as of the fiscal period end. As of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and ~~September 24, 2016,~~April 1, 2017, there were ~~150,000~~258,019 ~~restricted~~and 150,000 shares, respectively, related to equity awards that were contingently issuable and for which the contingent vesting criteria were not yet met as of the fiscal period end. Additionally, the weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation excludes ~~1,315,258~~1,883,298 and ~~4,048,878~~2,135,477 shares related to equity awards for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and ~~September 24, 2016, respectively, and 1,524,739 and 4,257,237 equity awards for the nine months ended September 30,~~April 1, 2017, ~~and September 24, 2016,~~ respectively, as they would be antidilutive.

(9) Commitments and contingencies

(a) Supply chain guarantees

The Company has various supply chain agreements that provide for purchase commitments, the majority of which result in the Company being contingently liable upon early termination of the agreement. As of ~~September~~March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, ~~and December 31, 2016,~~ the Company was contingently liable under such supply chain agreements for approximately ~~$118.0~~$129.9 million and ~~$136.2~~$116.7 million, respectively. For certain supply chain commitments, as product is purchased by the Company’s franchisees over the term of the agreement, the amount of the guarantee is reduced. The Company assesses the risk of performing under each of these guarantees on a quarterly basis, and, based on various factors including internal forecasts, prior history, and ability to extend contract terms, we accrued an immaterial amount of reserves related to supply chain commitments as of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and December ~~31, 2016.~~30, 2017.

(b) Letters of credit

As of ~~each of September~~March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, ~~and December 31, 2016,~~ the Company had standby letters of credit outstanding for a total of ~~$25.9 million.~~$32.4 million and $32.3 million, respectively. There were no amounts drawn down on these letters of credit.

The Company is engaged in several matters of litigation arising in the ordinary course of its business as a franchisor. Such matters include disputes related to compliance with the terms of franchise and development agreements, including claims or threats of claims of breach of contract, negligence, and other alleged violations by the Company. As of ~~September~~March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, ~~and December 31, 2016, $6.3~~$1.6 million and ~~$5.6~~$3.6 million, respectively, was included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets to reflect the Company’s estimate of the probable losses which may be incurred in connection with all outstanding litigation.

(10) Related-party transactions

~~(a) Advertising funds~~

~~As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had a net payable of $62 thousand and $11.9 million, respectively, to the various advertising funds.~~

To cover administrative expenses of the advertising funds, the Company charges each advertising fund a management fee for items such as facilities, accounting services, information technology, data processing, product development, legal, administrative support services, and other operating expenses, as well as share-based compensation expense for employees that provide services directly to the advertising funds. Management fees totaled $2.8 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively, and $8.5 million and $7.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. Such management fees are included in the consolidated statements of operations as a reduction in general and administrative expenses, net.

The Company made discretionary contributions to certain advertising funds for the purpose of supplementing national and regional advertising in certain markets of $33 thousand and $1.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively, and $2.3 million and $1.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. Additionally, the Company made contributions to the advertising funds based on retail sales at company-operated restaurants of $80 thousand and $594 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 24, 2016, respectively, which are included in company-operated restaurant expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. No such contributions were made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, as the Company did not have any company-operated restaurants during these periods. The Company also funded advertising fund initiatives of $700 thousand and $762 thousand during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively, and $1.9 million and $1.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively, which were contributed from the gift card breakage liability included within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets (see ~~note 5~~).

~~(b) Equity method investments~~

The Company recognized ~~royalty income~~revenues from its equity method investees, consisting of royalty income and sales of ice cream and other products, as follows (in thousands):


	Three months ended			Nine months ended		Three months ended
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	September 30, 2017	September 24, 2016	March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017
B-R 31 Ice Cream Company., Ltd.	$	588	686	1,464	1,577	$	345	289
BR-Korea Co., Ltd.	1,122		1,192	3,174	3,053	946		1,017
Palm Oasis Ventures Pty. Ltd.						705		1,009
	$	1,710	1,878	4,638	4,630	$	1,996	2,315

As of ~~each of September~~March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, ~~and December 31, 2016,~~ the Company had ~~$1.1~~$4.2 million and $5.1 million, respectively, of ~~royalties receivable~~receivables from its equity method investees, which were recorded in accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company made net payments to its equity method investees totaling approximately ~~$958 thousand~~$1.0 million and ~~$713 thousand~~$1.1 million during the three months ended ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017, ~~and September 24, 2016, respectively, and $2.8 million and $2.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016,~~ respectively, primarily for the purchase of ice cream products.

(11) Advertising funds

Assets and liabilities of the advertising funds, which are restricted in their use, included in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands):



	March 31, 2018			December 30, 2017
Accounts receivable, net	$	19,896		18,075
Notes and other receivables, net	1,393			1,250
Prepaid income taxes	62			48
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,875			15,498
Total current assets	41,226			34,871
Property, equipment, and software, net	12,380			12,537
Other assets	1,346			14
Total assets	$	54,952		47,422

Accounts payable	$	46,294		37,110
Deferred revenue—current^(a)	(453		)	(550	)
Other current liabilities	26,036			29,032
Total current liabilities	71,877			65,592
Deferred revenue—long-term^(a)	(7,345		)	(7,518	)
Other long-term liabilities	27			30
Total liabilities	$	64,559		58,104

^(a) Amounts represent franchisee incentives that have been deferred and are being recognized over the terms of the respective franchise agreements.

(12) Income taxes

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. federal government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act significantly changes U.S. tax law by, among other things, reducing the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, establishing a territorial-style system for taxing foreign-source income of domestic multinational corporations, and imposing a one-time mandatory transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of certain foreign joint ventures and subsidiaries. As a result of the Tax Act, the Company ~~recognized $702 thousand~~recorded a provisional net tax benefit of $143.4 million during fiscal year 2017.

The provisional amount included a $145.1 million tax benefit for the remeasurement of certain U.S. deferred tax assets and ~~$790 thousand~~liabilities. In addition, the provisional amount included a $1.7 million tax expense for the income tax on the deemed repatriation of unremitted foreign earnings, net of estimated foreign tax credits. The provisional net tax benefit was computed based on information available to the Company at the time. There have been no material changes to these provisional amounts during the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018, and ~~September 24, 2016, respectively, and $2.7 million and $2.5 million during~~there is still uncertainty as to the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations from the sale of ice cream and other products to Palm Oasis Ventures Pty. Ltd. (“Australia JV”). As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $2.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of net receivables from the Australia JV, consisting of accounts and notes receivable, net of current liabilities.

~~(11) Income taxes~~

~~In conjunction with the anticipated closing~~application of the ~~debt refinancing transaction~~Tax Act, including as it relates to state income taxes, because regulations and ~~related issuance~~interpretations have not been released. In addition, certain estimates were used in computing the provisional amount, which will be finalized upon the filing of the Company’s 2017 ~~Notes (see~~ ~~note 4), management assessed the realizability~~U.S. federal tax return. As we complete our analysis of ~~its unused foreign~~U.S. tax credits by considering whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the unused foreign tax credits will not be realized. The ultimate realization of these unused foreign tax credits is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income available to apply such foreign tax credits prior to their

~~expiration~~reform in fiscal ~~years 2021 through 2026. In making this assessment, management considered all relevant factors, including projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies. Based upon~~year 2018, we may make adjustments to the level of historical and projected future taxable income over the periods prior to expiration, including the expected incremental interest expense from the 2017 Notes, management does not believe it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefit of the unused foreign tax credits. As such, a valuation allowance of $8.9 million was recorded to theprovisional amounts, which may impact our provision for income taxes ~~for~~in the ~~three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.~~period in which the adjustments are made.

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

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are not based on historical fact and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the applicable securities laws and regulations. Generally, these statements can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “feel,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “should,” or “would,” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the ongoing level of profitability of franchisees and licensees; our franchisees’ and licensees’ ability to sustain same store sales growth; successful westward expansion; changes in working relationships with our franchisees and licensees and the actions of our franchisees and licensees; our master franchisees’ relationships with sub-franchisees; the strength of our brand in the markets in which we compete; changes in competition within the quick service restaurant segment of the food industry; changes in consumer behavior resulting from changes in technologies or alternative methods of delivery; economic and political conditions in the countries where we operate; our substantial indebtedness; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; consumer preferences, spending patterns and demographic trends; the impact of seasonal changes, including weather effects, on our business; the success of our growth strategy and international development; changes in commodity and food prices, particularly coffee, dairy products and sugar, and other operating costs; shortages of coffee; failure of our network and information technology systems; interruptions or shortages in the supply of products to our franchisees and licensees; the impact of food borne-illness or food safety issues or adverse public or media opinions regarding the health effects of consuming our products; our ability to collect royalty payments from our franchisees and licensees; uncertainties relating to litigation; the ability of our franchisees and licensees to open new restaurants and keep existing restaurants in operation; our ability to retain key personnel; any inability to protect consumer credit card data and catastrophic events.

Forward-looking statements reflect management’s analysis as of the date of this quarterly report. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are more fully described in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the section headed “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Introduction and overview

We are one of the world’s leading franchisors of quick service restaurants (“QSRs”) serving hot and cold coffee and baked goods, as well as hard serve ice cream. We franchise restaurants under our Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands. With more than ~~20,000~~20,500 points of distribution in more than 60 countries worldwide, we believe that our portfolio has strong brand awareness in our key markets. QSR is a restaurant format characterized by counter or drive-thru ordering and limited or no table service. As of ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018, Dunkin’ Donuts had ~~12,435~~12,598 global points of distribution with restaurants in 4243 U.S. states and the District of Columbia and in 45 foreign countries. Baskin-Robbins had ~~7,944~~7,993 global points of distribution as of the same date, with restaurants in 4344 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 5153 foreign countries.

We are organized into ~~four~~five reporting segments: Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., Dunkin’ Donuts International, Baskin-Robbins U.S., Baskin-Robbins International, and ~~Baskin-Robbins International.~~U.S. Advertising Funds. We generate revenue from ~~four~~five primary sources: (i) royalty income and franchise fees associated with franchised restaurants, (ii) continuing advertising fees from Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins franchisees and breakage revenue related to gift cards, (iii) rental income from restaurant properties that we lease or sublease to franchisees, ~~(iii)~~(iv) sales of ice cream and other products to franchisees in certain international markets, and ~~(iv)~~(v) other income including fees for the licensing of our brands for products sold in certain retail outlets, the licensing of the rights to manufacture Baskin-Robbins ice cream products sold to U.S. franchisees, refranchising gains, transfer fees from franchisees, and online training fees. ~~Prior to completing the sale of all remaining company-operated restaurants in fiscal year 2016, we also generated revenue from retail store sales at our company-operated restaurants.~~

Franchisees fund the vast majority of the cost of new restaurant development. As a result, we are able to grow our system with lower capital requirements than many of our competitors. With no company-operated points of distribution ~~during fiscal year 2017,~~as of March 31, 2018, we are less affected by store-level costs, profitability, and fluctuations in commodity costs than other QSR operators.

Our franchisees fund substantially all of the advertising that supports both brands. Those advertising funds also fund the cost of our marketing, research and development, and innovation personnel. Royalty payments and advertising fund contributions typically are made on a weekly basis for restaurants in the U.S., which limit our working capital needs. For the ~~nine~~ ~~months ended~~ ~~September 30, 2017, franchisee contributions to the U.S. advertising funds were $330.1 million.~~

We operate and report financial information on a 52- or 53-week year on a 13-week quarter basis with the fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December and fiscal quarters ending on the 13th Saturday of each quarter (or 14th Saturday when applicable with respect to the fourth fiscal quarter). The data periods contained within the ~~three- and~~ ~~nine~~three-month periods ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and ~~September 24, 2016~~April 1, 2017 reflect the results of operations for the 13-week ~~and 39-week~~ periods ended on those dates. Operating

results for the ~~three- and~~ ~~nine~~three-month ~~periods~~period ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December ~~30, 2017~~29, 2018.

As a result of the adoption of new guidance related to revenue recognition during fiscal year 2018 (see note 3 of the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein), all prior period amounts included below have been restated to reflect the new guidance.

Selected operating and financial highlights


Amounts and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding	Three months ended					Nine months ended				Three months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016		September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016		March 31, 2018			April 1, 2017
Financial data (in thousands):
Total revenues	$	224,168		207,099		633,362		613,184		$	301,342		296,358
Operating income	122,033			109,360		326,876		300,834		89,831			86,773
Adjusted operating income	127,910			114,764		343,520		317,300		95,707			92,147
Net income	52,246			52,712		155,417		139,456		50,152			44,293
Adjusted net income	55,772			55,955		165,403		149,336		54,383			47,517
Systemwide sales (in millions):
Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	2,166.3		2,075.3		6,298.4		5,997.5		$	2,015.9		1,957.1
Dunkin’ Donuts International	189.3			177.5		533.6		519.9		190.2			174.9
Baskin-Robbins U.S.	177.0			178.2		493.6		491.1		132.7			129.1
Baskin-Robbins International	382.2			390.0		1,021.8		1,006.0		321.2			268.8
Total systemwide sales	$	2,914.8		2,821.0		8,347.4		8,014.5		$	2,660.0		2,529.9
Systemwide sales growth	3.3		%	6.3	%	4.2	%	4.8	%	5.1		%	4.6	%
Comparable store sales growth (decline):
Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	0.6		%	2.0	%	0.5	%	1.4	%	(0.5		)%	—	%
Dunkin’ Donuts International	1.3		%	(1.4	)%	(0.1	)%	(2.2	)%	2.1		%	(0.2	)%
Baskin-Robbins U.S.	(0.4		)%	(0.9	)%	(1.1	)%	1.1	%	(1.0		)%	(2.4	)%
Baskin-Robbins International	(4.3		)%	(2.9	)%	(1.0	)%	(5.5	)%	10.0		%	(2.0	)%

Our financial results are largely driven by changes in systemwide sales, which include sales by all points of distribution, whether owned by ~~Dunkin’ Brands or by~~ our franchisees ~~and licensees, including~~or joint ventures. While we do not record sales by franchisees ~~licensees,~~ or joint ventures as revenue, and such sales are not included in our consolidated financial statements, we believe that this operating measure is important in obtaining an understanding of our financial performance. We believe systemwide sales information aids in understanding how we derive royalty revenue and in evaluating our performance relative to competitors.

Comparable store sales growth (decline) for Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. and Baskin-Robbins U.S. is calculated by including only sales from ~~franchisee- and company-operated~~franchisee-operated restaurants that have been open at least 78 weeks and that have reported sales in the current and comparable prior year week. Comparable store sales growth (decline) for Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International generally represents the growth in local currency average monthly sales for franchisee-operated restaurants, including joint ventures, that have been open at least 13 months and that have reported sales in the current and comparable prior year month.

Overall growth in systemwide sales of ~~3.3% and 4.2%~~5.1% for the ~~three- and nine-month periods~~three months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 over the same ~~periods~~period in the prior fiscal year resulted from the following:

Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. systemwide sales growth of ~~4.4% and 5.0%~~3.0% for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2017, respectively, was primarily~~March 31, 2018 as a result of ~~386~~313 net new restaurants opened since ~~September 24, 2016 and~~April 1, 2017. Dunkin' Donuts U.S. comparable store sales ~~growth of 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. The increases~~ in ~~comparable store sales were driven by increased average ticket, offset by~~the first quarter declined as a decline in ~~traffic. Growth~~traffic was primarily driven by sales of breakfast sandwiches. Beverage sales increased slightly for the three months ended September 30, 2017, led by hot coffee and espresso, offset by a decline in frozen beverages, while beverage sales decreased slightly for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 due primarily to a decline in hot coffee, offset by an increase in average ticket. From a category standpoint, beverage sales growth was driven by the introduction of Girl Scout Cookie-inspired coffee flavors and afternoon break value offers which helped increase total espresso and iced coffee sales. Breakfast sandwich sales were driven by ~~Cold Brew sales.~~successful value menu tests.

Dunkin’ Donuts International systemwide sales growth of ~~6.7% and 2.6%~~8.8% for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2017, respectively, was~~March 31, 2018, driven primarily ~~due to sales growth in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South~~

~~America, and China, offset by a decline in South Korea. Systemwide sales for the three-month period was also driven~~ by sales growth in ~~Europe. Systemwide sales growth for~~Europe, the nine-month period was also offset by a sales decline in India. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, sales in Europe were positively impacted by foreign exchange rates, while sales in Southeast Asia were negatively impacted by foreign exchange rates. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, salesMiddle East, South Korea, and Latin America. Sales in South Korea, Europe, and ~~South~~Latin America were positively impacted by ~~foreign exchange rates, while sales in Southeast Asia were negatively impacted by~~favorable foreign exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, systemwide sales increased by approximately ~~7% and 2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.~~4%. Dunkin’ Donuts International comparable store sales grew ~~1.3%~~2.1% for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018 primarily due ~~primarily~~ to growth in ~~Southeast Asia, South America, and~~ the Middle East, offset by declines in South Korea and Europe. Dunkin’ Donuts International comparable store sales declined 0.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, due primarily to declines in South Korea and Europe, offset by gains in Southeast Asia, and ~~South~~Latin America.

Baskin-Robbins U.S. systemwide sales ~~decline~~growth of ~~0.7%~~2.8% for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017 was~~March 31, 2018 primarily as a result of 27 net new restaurants opened since April 1, 2017. Baskin-Robbins U.S. comparable store sales ~~declines~~declined 1.0% during the first quarter as a decline in traffic was offset by an increase in average ticket. Beverage sales were up during the quarter driven by shakes, smoothies, and Cappuccino Blast.

Baskin-Robbins International systemwide sales growth of ~~0.4%~~19.5% for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018, primarily driven by ~~decreases in~~ sales of sundaes, desserts, and beverages, offset by an increase in take-home products. Systemwide sales growth of 0.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was driven by the addition of 29 net new restaurants opened since September 24, 2016, offset by comparable sales decline of 1.1%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, sales of cups and cones, desserts, and beverages decreased, offset by increased sales in take-home products. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, traffic declined and average ticket increased.

Baskin-Robbins International systemwide sales decline of 2.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was driven by sales declines in South Korea and Japan, offset by growth in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Systemwide sales growth of 1.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was driven by growth in South Korea, ~~Southeast Asia, India, and Canada, offset by declines in~~ Japan, ~~China, Europe,~~ and the Middle East. Sales in ~~Japan were negatively impacted by foreign exchange rates for~~ both ~~the three- and nine-month periods, while sales in~~ South Korea and Japan were positively impacted by favorable foreign exchange ~~rates for the nine-month period.~~rates. On a constant currency basis, systemwide sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased by approximately ~~1% and 2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.~~13%. Baskin-Robbins International comparable store sales ~~declines of 4.3% and 1.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was driven primarily by declines in the Middle East. Also contributing to the decline in comparable store sales~~grew 10.0% for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017 was a decline~~March 31, 2018 driven primarily by growth in Japan and South Korea.

Changes in systemwide sales are impacted, in part, by changes in the number of points of distribution. Points of distribution and net openings as of and for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017 ~~and September 24, 2016~~ were as follows:


	September 30, 2017	September 24, 2016	March 31, 2018	April 1, 2017
Points of distribution, at period end:
Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	9,015	8,629	9,197	8,884
Dunkin’ Donuts International	3,420	3,379	3,401	3,403
Baskin-Robbins U.S.	2,562	2,533	2,566	2,539
Baskin-Robbins International	5,382	5,243	5,427	5,283
Consolidated global points of distribution	20,379	19,784	20,591	20,109


	Three months ended		Nine months ended			Three months ended
	September 30, 2017	September 24, 2016	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	March 31, 2018	April 1, 2017
Net openings (closings) during the period:
Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	67	56	187		198	56	56
Dunkin’ Donuts International	18	11	(10	)	60	4	(27	)
Baskin-Robbins U.S.	11	3	24		4	6	1
Baskin-Robbins International	41	45	98		165	5	(1	)
Consolidated global net openings	137	115	299		427	71	29

Also contributing to the increase in revenues was an increase in other revenues driven by license fees related to Dunkin’ Donuts K-Cup® pods and ready-to-drink bottled iced coffee, as well as increased transfer fee income.

~~Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $20.2 million, or 3.3%, due primarily to an increase in franchise~~advertising fees and ~~royalty~~related income of $0.8 million, both driven by Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. systemwide sales growth and additional renewal income, as well as an increase in rental income due to an increase in the number of leases for franchised locations. Also contributing to the increase in revenues was an increase in other revenues driven by license fees related to Dunkin’ Donuts K-Cup® pods, offset by timing of refranchising gains.growth. These increases in revenues were offset by a decrease in sales ~~at company-operated restaurants as there were no company-operated points~~ of ~~distribution during 2017.~~ice cream and other products of $0.7 million.

Operating income and adjusted operating income for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 increased ~~$12.7~~$3.1 million, or ~~11.6%~~3.5%, and ~~$13.1~~$3.6 million, or ~~11.5%~~3.9%, respectively, ~~from the prior year period~~ primarily as a result of the increase in ~~revenues. The increase in revenues was offset by an increase in~~royalty income and a reduction of general and administrative ~~expenses, as well as gains recognized in connection with the sale of company-operated restaurants in the prior year period.~~

Operating income and adjusted operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $26.0 million, or 8.7%, and $26.2 million, or 8.3%, respectively, from the prior year period. The increases were primarily a result of the increases in franchise fees and royalty income, rental margin, and other revenues. Additionally, the prior year periods were unfavorably impacted by the operating results of company-operated restaurants. Theexpenses. These increases in operating income and adjusted operating income were ~~negatively impacted~~offset by ~~gains~~a decrease in net income from our South Korea joint venture, a decrease in net margin on ice cream due primarily to an increase in commodity costs, and a gain recognized in connection with the sale of ~~company-operated restaurants~~real estate in the prior year ~~period, as well an increase in general and administrative expenses.~~period.

Net income and adjusted net income for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017 decreased $0.5~~March 31, 2018 increased $5.9 million, or ~~0.9%~~13.2%, and ~~$0.2~~$6.9 million, or 0.3%, respectively, primarily a result of an increase in income tax expense. Net income and adjusted net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $16.0 million, or 11.4%, and $16.1 million, or 10.8%14.4%, respectively, primarily as a result of ~~the increases in operating income and adjusted operating income, offset by an increase in tax expense. Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 included~~ a valuation allowance recorded on foreign tax credit carryforwards of $8.9 million primarily resulting from expected incremental interest expense from the debt refinancing transaction that closed in October 2017, negatively impacting the realizability of such carryforwards (see ~~note 11~~ ~~to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein). This increase~~decrease in income tax expense ~~was offset by~~and the increases in operating income and adjusted operating income. ~~Additionally,~~The decrease in income tax expense ~~for~~was driven by a lower tax rate due to the ~~nine months ended September 30,~~enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017 ~~included $7.3 million of~~and an increase in excess tax benefits from share-based ~~compensation, which are now included~~compensation. The increases in net income and adjusted net income were offset by an increase in net interest expense driven by additional borrowings incurred in conjunction with the ~~provision for income taxes as a result of~~refinancing transaction completed during the ~~required adoption of a new accounting standard in the first~~fourth quarter of ~~2017 (see~~ ~~note 2(f) to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein).~~fiscal year 2017.

Adjusted operating income and adjusted net income are non-GAAP measures reflecting operating income and net income adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, long-lived asset impairments, ~~impairment of our equity method investments,~~ and certain other non-recurring, infrequent, or unusual charges, net of the tax impact of such adjustments in the case of adjusted net income. We use adjusted operating income and adjusted net income as key performance measures for the purpose of evaluating performance internally. We also believe adjusted operating income and adjusted net income provide our investors with useful information regarding our historical operating results. These non-GAAP measurements are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results

in accordance with GAAP. Use of the terms adjusted operating income and adjusted net income may differ from similar measures reported by other companies.

Adjusted operating income and adjusted net income are reconciled from operating income and net income, respectively, determined under GAAP as follows:


	Three months ended					Nine months ended				Three months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016		September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016		March 31, 2018			April 1, 2017
	(In thousands)									(In thousands)
Operating income	$	122,033		109,360		326,876		300,834		$	89,831		86,773
Adjustments:
Amortization of other intangible assets	5,341			5,397		16,001		16,726		5,375			5,327
Long-lived asset impairment charges	536			7		643		104		501			47
Transaction-related costs^(a)	—			—		—		64
Bertico and related litigation	—			—		—		(428	)
Adjusted operating income	$	127,910		114,764		343,520		317,300		$	95,707		92,147
Net income	$	52,246		52,712		155,417		139,456		$	50,152		44,293
Adjustments:
Amortization of other intangible assets	5,341			5,397		16,001		16,726		5,375			5,327
Long-lived asset impairment charges	536			7		643		104		501			47
Transaction-related costs^(a)	—			—		—		64
Bertico and related litigation	—			—		—		(428	)
Tax impact of adjustments^(b)	(2,351		)	(2,161	)	(6,658	)	(6,586	)
Tax impact of adjustments^(a)										(1,645		)	(2,150	)
Adjusted net income	$	55,772		55,955		165,403		149,336		$	54,383		47,517


(a)	~~Represents non-capitalizable costs incurred as a result of the securitized financing facility.~~


~~(b)~~	Tax impact of adjustments calculated at ~~a 40%~~ effective tax ~~rate.~~rates of 28% and 40% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017, respectively.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share and diluted adjusted earnings per share were as follows:


	Three months ended			Nine months ended		Three months ended
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	September 30, 2017	September 24, 2016	March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017
Earnings per share:
Common—basic	$	0.58	0.58	1.71	1.52	$	0.58	0.48
Common—diluted	0.57		0.57	1.68	1.51	0.57		0.48
Diluted adjusted earnings per share	0.61		0.60	1.79	1.61	0.62		0.51

Diluted adjusted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net income, as defined above, and diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted adjusted earnings per share is not a presentation made in accordance with GAAP, and our use of the term diluted adjusted earnings per share may vary from similar measures reported by others in our industry due to the potential differences in the method of calculation. Diluted adjusted earnings per share should not be considered as an alternative to earnings per share derived in accordance with GAAP. Diluted adjusted earnings per share has important limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because of these limitations, we rely primarily on our GAAP results. However, we believe that presenting diluted adjusted earnings per share is appropriate to provide investors with useful information regarding our historical operating results.

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

Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30,
2017 September 24,
2016 September 30,
2017 September 24,
2016
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Adjusted net income $ 55,772
55,955
165,403
149,336
Weighted average number of common shares—diluted 91,433,076
92,565,695
92,386,611
92,545,292
Diluted adjusted earnings per share $ 0.61
0.60
1.79
1.61



	Three months ended
	March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017
	(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Adjusted net income	$	54,383	47,517
Weighted average number of common shares—diluted	87,877,254		93,120,231
Diluted adjusted earnings per share	$	0.62	0.51

Results of operations

Consolidated results of operations


	Three months ended							Nine months ended							Three months ended
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	Increase (Decrease)				September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	Increase (Decrease)				March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	Increase (Decrease)
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	$		%		September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	$		%		March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	$		%
	(In thousands, except percentages)														(In thousands, except percentages)
Franchise fees and royalty income	$	151,809	138,639	13,170		9.5	%	$	426,944	399,617	27,327		6.8	%	$	132,507	127,715	4,792		3.8	%
Advertising fees and related income															111,007		110,203	804		0.7	%
Rental income	27,713		26,880	833		3.1	%	79,543		75,874	3,669		4.8	%	24,478		24,422	56		0.2	%
Sales of ice cream and other products	27,551		26,568	983		3.7	%	85,710		86,425	(715	)	(0.8	)%	21,777		22,506	(729	)	(3.2	)%
Sales at company-operated restaurants	—		1,611	(1,611	)	(100.0	)%	—		11,924	(11,924	)	(100.0	)%
Other revenues	17,095		13,401	3,694		27.6	%	41,165		39,344	1,821		4.6	%	11,573		11,512	61		0.5	%
Total revenues	$	224,168	207,099	17,069		8.2	%	$	633,362	613,184	20,178		3.3	%	$	301,342	296,358	4,984		1.7	%

Total revenues for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 increased ~~$17.1~~$5.0 million, or ~~8.2%~~1.7%, due primarily to ~~an increase~~increases in franchise fees and royalty income ~~driven by additional renewal income~~of $4.8 million and Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. systemwide sales growth. Also contributing to the increase in revenues was an increase in other revenues driven by license fees related to Dunkin’ Donuts K-Cup® pods and ready-to-drink bottled iced coffee, as well as increased transfer fee income.

~~Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $20.2 million, or 3.3%, due primarily to an increase in franchise~~advertising fees and ~~royalty~~related income $0.8 million, both driven by Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. systemwide sales growth and additional renewal income, as well as an increase in rental income due to an increase in the number of leases for franchised locations. Also contributing to the increase in revenues was an increase in other revenues driven by license fees related to Dunkin’ Donuts K-Cup® pods, offset by timing of refranchising gains.growth. These increases in revenues were offset by a decrease in sales ~~at company-operated restaurants as there were no company-operated points~~ of ~~distribution during 2017.~~

ice cream and other products of $0.7 million.


	Three months ended							Nine months ended							Three months ended
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	Increase (Decrease)				September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	Increase (Decrease)				March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	Increase (Decrease)
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	$		%		September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	$		%		March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	$		%
	(In thousands, except percentages)														(In thousands, except percentages)
Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants	$	15,333	15,881	(548	)	(3.5	)%	$	43,758	42,691	1,067		2.5	%	$	13,980	14,138	(158	)	(1.1	)%
Cost of ice cream and other products	19,457		18,384	1,073		5.8	%	58,578		58,445	133		0.2	%	16,864		16,922	(58	)	(0.3	)%
Company-operated restaurant expenses	—		1,682	(1,682	)	(100.0	)%	—		13,472	(13,472	)	(100.0	)%
Advertising expenses															111,972		111,072	900		0.8	%
General and administrative expenses, net	61,996		59,374	2,622		4.4	%	185,613		184,028	1,585		0.9	%	59,824		60,369	(545	)	(0.9	)%
Depreciation and amortization	10,282		10,447	(165	)	(1.6	)%	31,097		32,087	(990	)	(3.1	)%	10,408		10,411	(3	)	—	%
Long-lived asset impairment charges	536		7	529		7,557.1	%	643		104	539		518.3	%	501		47	454		966.0	%
Total operating costs and expenses	$	107,604	105,775	1,829		1.7	%	$	319,689	330,827	(11,138	)	(3.4	)%	$	213,549	212,959	590		0.3	%
Net income of equity method investments	5,466		5,467	(1	)	(0.0	)%	12,612		12,148	464		3.8	%	2,033		2,819	(786	)	(27.9	)%
Other operating income, net	3		2,569	(2,566	)	(99.9	)%	591		6,329	(5,738	)	(90.7	)%	5		555	(550	)	(99.1	)%
Operating income	$	122,033	109,360	12,673		11.6	%	$	326,876	300,834	26,042		8.7	%	$	89,831	86,773	3,058		3.5	%

Occupancy expenses for franchised restaurants for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 decreased ~~$0.5~~$0.2 million due primarily to the timing of expenses incurred ~~in the prior year period~~ to record lease-related liabilities as a result of lease terminations. Occupancy expenses for franchised restaurants for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $1.1 million due primarily to to an increase in the number of leases for franchised locations, offset by the expenses incurred in the prior year period to record lease-related liabilities as a result of lease terminations.liabilities.

Net margin on ice cream and other products for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 decreased ~~$0.1~~$0.7 million ~~or 1.1%, and $0.8~~to approximately $4.9 million ~~or 3.0%, respectively,~~ due primarily to a decline in sales and an increase in commodity costs. ~~Additionally, the decrease in net margin on ice cream and other products for the three-month period was offset by an increase in sales volume.~~

~~Company-operated restaurant~~Advertising expenses increased $0.9 million for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2017 decreased $1.7 million and $13.5 million, respectively, as all remaining company-operated points of distribution were sold~~March 31, 2018 driven by the ~~end of fiscal 2016.~~increase in advertising fees and related income.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017 increased $2.6~~March 31, 2018 decreased by $0.5 million driven by increased incentive compensation expense. General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $1.6 million due primarily to increased incentive compensation expense and otheras decreases in personnel costs ~~as well as costs incurred to support brand-building activities,~~and travel expenses were offset by ~~decreases~~increases in ~~professional fees and~~ other general expenses.

Depreciation and amortization for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $0.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, due primarily to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized and favorable lease intangible assets being written-off upon termination ofMarch 31, 2018 remained consistent with the ~~related leases.~~prior year period.

Long-lived asset impairment charges for ~~each of~~ the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 increased $0.5 million from the prior year ~~periods.~~period. Such charges generally fluctuate based on the timing of lease terminations and the related write-off of favorable lease intangible assets and leasehold improvements.

Net income of equity method investments for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017 remained consistent with the prior year period. Net income of equity method investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $0.5~~March 31, 2018 decreased $0.8 million primarily as a result of ~~an increase~~a decrease in net income from our ~~Japan~~South Korea joint venture.

Other operating income, net, which includes gains recognized in connection with the sale of real estate, fluctuates based on the timing of such transactions. Other operating income, net, for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2016 includes gains of $2.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively, recognized in connection with the sale of company-operated restaurants.


	Three months ended								Nine months ended								Three months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016	Increase (Decrease)				September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016	Increase (Decrease)				March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017		Increase (Decrease)
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016	$		%		September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016	$		%		March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017		$	%
	(In thousands, except percentages)																(In thousands, except percentages)
Interest expense, net	$	23,812		24,442	(630	)	(2.6	)%	$	72,822		74,022	(1,200	)	(1.6	)%	$	30,835	24,550		6,285	25.6	%
Other losses (income), net	(155		)	124	(279	)	(225.0	)%	(370		)	596	(966	)	(162.1	)%	327		(187	)	514	(274.9	)%
Total other expense	$	23,657		24,566	(909	)	(3.7	)%	$	72,452		74,618	(2,166	)	(2.9	)%	$	31,162	24,363		6,799	27.9	%

~~Net~~The increase in net interest expense ~~decreased $0.6 million and $1.2~~of $6.3 million for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2018 was driven primarily by the securitization refinancing transaction that occurred in October 2017, ~~respectively, driven primarily~~which resulted in additional borrowings and an increase in the weighted average interest rate, offset by an increase in interest income earned on our cash ~~balances, as well as a decrease in interest expense due to a lower principal balance as a result of principal payments made on our long-term debt since the prior year periods.~~balances.

The fluctuation in other losses (income), net, for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 resulted primarily from net foreign exchange gains and losses driven primarily by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies.


	Three months ended					Nine months ended				Three months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016		September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016		March 31, 2018			April 1, 2017
	(In thousands, except percentages)									(In thousands, except percentages)
Income before income taxes	$	98,376		84,794		254,424		226,216		$	58,669		62,410
Provision for income taxes	46,130			32,082		99,007		86,760		8,517			18,117
Effective tax rate	46.9		%	37.8	%	38.9	%	38.4	%	14.5		%	29.0	%

The ~~increase~~decrease in the effective tax rate for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 was ~~primarily~~ driven by ~~a valuation allowance recorded on foreign tax credit carryforwards~~the enactment of ~~$8.9 million primarily resulting from expected incremental interest expense from~~ the ~~debt refinancing transaction that closed in October 2017, negatively impacting the realizability of such carryforwards (see~~ ~~note 11~~ ~~to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein). This increase~~Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the ~~effective~~fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017 which reduced the enacted corporate tax ~~rate was offset by~~rate. Additionally, excess tax benefits from share-based compensation ~~of $0.5 million and $7.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, which are now included in~~reduced the provision for income taxes ~~as a result of~~by $7.6 million for the ~~required adoption of a new accounting standard (see~~ ~~note 2(f)~~three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $6.1 million in the ~~unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein).~~prior year period.

Operating segments

We operate ~~four~~five reportable operating segments: Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., Dunkin’ Donuts International, Baskin-Robbins U.S., Baskin-Robbins International, and ~~Baskin-Robbins International.~~U.S. Advertising Funds. We evaluate the performance of our segments and allocate resources to them based on operating income adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, long-lived asset impairment charges, and other infrequent or unusual charges, which does not reflect the allocation of any corporate charges. This profitability measure is referred to as segment profit. Segment profit for the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International segments includes net income of equity method investments, except for ~~the~~ other-than-temporary impairment charges and the related reduction in depreciation, ~~and amortization,~~ net of tax, on the underlying long-lived assets.

For reconciliations to total revenues and income before income taxes, see note 6 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein. Revenues for all segments include only transactions with unaffiliated customers and include no intersegment revenues. Revenues not included in segment revenues include revenue earned through certain licensing arrangements with third parties in which our brand names are used, revenue generated from online training programs for franchisees, and ~~revenues from the sale of Dunkin’ Donuts products in certain international markets,~~gift card breakage revenue, all of which are not allocated to a specific segment.

Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.


	Three months ended							Nine months ended							Three months ended
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	Increase (Decrease)				September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	Increase (Decrease)				March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	Increase (Decrease)
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	$		%		September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	$		%		March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	$		%
	(In thousands, except percentages)														(In thousands, except percentages)
Royalty income	$	118,831	113,281	5,550		4.9	%	$	345,103	326,835	18,268		5.6	%	$	110,833	107,175	3,658		3.4	%
Franchise fees	16,635		9,852	6,783		68.8	%	35,943		26,257	9,686		36.9	%	4,707		4,298	409		9.5	%
Rental income	26,786		25,972	814		3.1	%	76,842		73,285	3,557		4.9	%	23,591		23,524	67		0.3	%
Sales at company-operated restaurants	—		1,611	(1,611	)	(100.0	)%	—		11,924	(11,924	)	(100.0	)%
Other revenues	2,854		1,709	1,145		67.0	%	6,260		6,597	(337	)	(5.1	)%	780		1,043	(263	)	(25.2	)%
Total revenues	$	165,106	152,425	12,681		8.3	%	$	464,148	444,898	19,250		4.3	%	$	139,911	136,040	3,871		2.8	%
Segment profit	$	129,719	119,434	10,285		8.6	%	$	360,241	335,963	24,278		7.2	%	$	105,063	101,694	3,369		3.3	%

Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. revenues increased ~~$12.7 million and $19.3~~$3.9 million for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2017, respectively,~~March 31, 2018, due primarily to i~~ncreased franchise fees driven by additional renewal income and increased~~an increase in royalty income driven by systemwide sales ~~growth. Also contributing to the increase in revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was~~growth, as well as an increase in ~~other revenues driven by transfer fee income. Additionally,~~franchise fees due primarily to net development and the ~~increase in revenues for~~recognition of revenue upon the ~~nine months ended September 30, 2017 was due to an increase in rental income driven by an increase in the number~~closure of ~~leases for franchised locations. These increases in revenues were~~restaurants, offset by a ~~decline~~decrease in ~~sales at company-operated restaurants as there were no company-operated points of distribution during 2017.~~other revenues.

Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. segment profit increased ~~$10.3~~$3.4 million for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018, which was driven primarily by the ~~increases~~increase in ~~franchise fees,~~ royalty income, ~~and other revenues, as well as lease-related liabilities recorded in the prior year period as~~offset by a ~~result of lease terminations. The increases in segment profit were negatively impacted by an increase in general and administrative expenses, as well as gains~~gain recognized in connection with the sale of ~~company-operated restaurants~~real estate in the prior year period.

Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. segment profit increased $24.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 driven primarily by the increases in royalty income, franchise fees, and rental margin. Additionally, the prior year period was unfavorably impacted by the operating results of company-operated restaurants. The increases in segment profit were negatively impacted by gains recognized in connection with the sale of company-operated restaurants in the prior year period, as well as an increase in general and administrative expenses.

~~Dunkin’ Donuts~~ International


	Three months ended						Nine months ended											Three months ended
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	Increase (Decrease)			September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016			Increase (Decrease)					March 31, 2018			April 1, 2017		Increase (Decrease)
	September 30, 2017		September 24, 2016	$	%					September 24, 2016		$			%		$				April 1, 2017			%
	(In thousands, except percentages)																	March 31, 2018	(In thousands, except percentages)
Royalty income	$	4,442	4,125	317	7.7	%	September 30, 2017	$	13,011		12,583			428			3.4	%	$	4,938		4,412		526		11.9	%
Franchise fees	704		323	381	118.0	%	1,958			3,856			(1,898	)		(49.2	)%	448			433		15		3.5	%
Other revenues	11		1	10	1,000.0	%	(22		)	478			(500	)		(104.6	)%	(21		)	(12	)	(9	)	75.0	%
Total revenues	$	5,157	4,449	708	15.9	%	$	14,947		16,917			(1,970	)		(11.6	)%	$	5,365		4,833		532		11.0	%
Segment profit	$	1,439	705	734	104.1	%	$	4,782		6,438			(1,656	)		(25.7	)%	$	3,206		1,427		1,779		124.7	%

Dunkin’ Donuts International revenues for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 increased by ~~$0.7 million due~~$0.5 million. The increase in revenues was primarily ~~to increased franchise fees and royalty income.~~

~~Dunkin’ Donuts International revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased by $2.0 million primarily as~~ a result of ~~a decline in franchise fees, as well as a decrease in other revenues due to a decrease in transfer fees, offset by~~ an increase in royalty ~~income. The decline in franchise fees for the nine-month period was due primarily to a significant market development fee recognized upon entry into a new market in the prior year period.~~

income driven by systemwide sales growth.

Segment profit for Dunkin’ Donuts International increased $1.8 million for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017 increased $0.7 million~~March 31, 2018, primarily as a result of ~~the increase in revenues and~~ a decrease in general and administrative expenses and the increase in revenues, offset by an increase in the net loss from our South Korea joint venture.

Baskin-Robbins U.S.



	Three months ended
	March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	Increase (Decrease)
	March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	$		%
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Royalty income	$	6,409	6,684	(275	)	(4.1	)%
Franchise fees	289		206	83		40.3	%
Rental income	767		784	(17	)	(2.2	)%
Sales of ice cream and other products	678		526	152		28.9	%
Other revenues	2,370		2,377	(7	)	(0.3	)%
Total revenues	$	10,513	10,577	(64	)	(0.6	)%
Segment profit	$	7,235	7,383	(148	)	(2.0	)%

Baskin-Robbins U.S. revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased to $10.5 million from the prior year period due primarily to a decrease in royalty income, offset by an increase in sales of ice cream and other products.

Segment profit for Baskin-Robbins U.S. decreased to $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 primarily as a result of the decrease in royalty income, offset by an increase in net margin on ice cream driven by an increase in sales volume.

Baskin-Robbins International



	Three months ended
	March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	Increase (Decrease)
	March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	$		%
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Royalty income	$	1,543	1,431	112		7.8	%
Franchise fees	206		285	(79	)	(27.7	)%
Rental income	120		114	6		5.3	%
Sales of ice cream and other products	23,972		24,404	(432	)	(1.8	)%
Other revenues	47		46	1		2.2	%
Total revenues	$	25,888	26,280	(392	)	(1.5	)%
Segment profit	$	7,441	8,171	(730	)	(8.9	)%

Baskin-Robbins International revenues decreased $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, due primarily to a decrease in sales of ice cream and other products.

Baskin-Robbins International segment profit decreased $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as a result of a decrease in net margin on ice cream driven by an increase driven by an increase in commodity costs, as well as a decrease in net income from our South Korea joint venture.

~~Segment~~ These decreases to segment profit for Dunkin’ Donuts International for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $1.7 million primarily as a result of the decrease in revenues and a decrease in net income from our South Korea joint venture,were offset by a decrease in general and administrative expenses.

~~Baskin-Robbins~~ U.S. Advertising Funds

Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30,
2017 September 24,
2016 Increase (Decrease) September 30,
2017 September 24,
2016 Increase (Decrease)
$ % $ %
(In thousands, except percentages)
Royalty income $ 8,501
8,499
2
0.0 % $ 24,265
23,546
719
3.1 %
Franchise fees 557
273
284
104.0 % 885
790
95
12.0 %
Rental income 798
787
11
1.4 % 2,346
2,221
125
5.6 %
Sales of ice cream and other products 771
805
(34 ) (4.2 )% 2,179
2,037
142
7.0 %
Other revenues 3,124
3,417
(293 ) (8.6 )% 8,970
9,486
(516 ) (5.4 )%
Total revenues $ 13,751
13,781
(30 ) (0.2 )% $ 38,645
38,080
565
1.5 %
Segment profit $ 10,466
11,085
(619 ) (5.6 )% $ 28,773
29,123
(350 ) (1.2 )%



	Three months ended
	March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	Increase (Decrease)
	March 31, 2018		April 1, 2017	$	%
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Advertising fees and related income	$	104,167	102,321	1,846	1.8	%
Total revenues	$	104,167	102,321	1,846	1.8	%
Segment profit	$	—	—	—	—	%

~~Baskin-Robbins~~ U.S. Advertising Funds revenues of $104.2 million for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2017 decreased slightly due primarily~~March 31, 2018 increased 1.8% compared to ~~a decrease in other revenues driven by a decrease in licensing income, offset by an increase in franchise fees driven by additional renewal income.~~

Baskin-Robbins U.S. revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $0.6 million due primarily to an increase in royalty income, sales of ice cream and other products, and rental income, offset by a decrease in other revenues driven by a decrease in licensing income.

~~Baskin-Robbins U.S. segment profit for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $0.6 million due primarily to an increase in general and administrative expenses.~~

Baskin-Robbins U.S. segment profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $0.4 million due primarily to increases in general and administrative expenses and a decrease in other revenues driven by a decrease in licensing income, offset by the increase in royalty income.

~~Baskin-Robbins International~~

Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30,
2017 September 24,
2016 Increase (Decrease) September 30,
2017 September 24,
2016 Increase (Decrease)
$ % $ %
(In thousands, except percentages)
Royalty income $ 1,966
2,081
(115 ) (5.5 )% $ 5,255
5,226
29
0.6 %
Franchise fees 173
205
(32 ) (15.6 )% 524
524
—
— %
Rental income 129
121
8
6.6 % 355
340
15
4.4 %
Sales of ice cream and other products 26,512
25,340
1,172
4.6 % 82,602
83,119
(517 ) (0.6 )%
Other revenues 30
157
(127 ) (80.9 )% 140
369
(229 ) (62.1 )%
Total revenues $ 28,810
27,904
906
3.2 % $ 88,876
89,578
(702 ) (0.8 )%
Segment profit $ 11,420
11,154
266
2.4 % $ 31,900
30,617
1,283
4.2 %

Baskin-Robbins International revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased $0.9 million due primarily to an increase in sales of ice cream products to our licensees in the Middle East, offset by decreases in royalty income and other revenues.

Baskin-Robbins International revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $0.7 million due primarily to a decrease in sales of ice cream products to our licensees in the Middle East, as well as a decrease in other revenues.

Baskin-Robbins International segment profit for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased $0.3 million as a result of an increase in net income from our Japan joint venture, as well as an increase in net margin on ice cream driven primarily by an increase in sales volume, offset by the decreases in royalty income and other revenues.

Baskin-Robbins International segment profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $1.3 million as a result of an increase in net income from our Japan joint venture, as well as a decrease in general and administrative expenses primarily due to expenses incurred in the prior year period ~~related~~due primarily to ~~brand-building activities, offset by~~Dunkin' Donuts U.S. systemwide sales growth. Expenses for the ~~decrease~~U.S. Advertising Funds were equivalent to revenues in ~~other revenues.~~each period, resulting in no segment profit.

Liquidity and capital resources

As of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018, we held $~~267.0~~338.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and ~~$76.1~~$82.6 million of short-term restricted cash that was restricted under our securitized financing facility. Included in cash and cash equivalents is $~~106.8~~135.5 million of cash held for advertising funds and reserved for gift card/certificate programs. ~~Cash reserved for gift card/certificate programs also includes cash that will be used to fund initiatives from the gift card breakage liabilities (see~~ ~~note 5~~ ~~to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein).~~ In addition, as of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018, we had a borrowing capacity of $~~74.1~~117.6 million under our ~~$100.0~~$150.0 million ~~2015~~2017 Variable Funding Notes (as defined below).

As a result of the adoption of new ~~accounting standards~~guidance related to revenue recognition during fiscal year ~~2017 that impacted the consolidated statements of cash flows~~2018 (see note 23~~(f) to~~ of the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein), ~~the “Operating, investing, and financing cash flows” and “Adjusted operating and investing cash flow” sections~~all prior period amounts included below have been ~~revised~~restated to reflect ~~these changes for all periods presented.~~the new guidance.

Operating, investing, and financing cash flows

Net cash ~~provided by~~used in operating activities was ~~$121.5~~$16.2 million for the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018, as compared to ~~$131.3~~$8.5 million in the prior year period. The ~~$9.7~~$7.7 million decrease in operating cash flows was driven primarily by ~~unfavorable~~an increase in cash paid for interest, an increase in incentive compensation payments, and other changes in working capital. These decreases in cash flows were offset by favorable cash flows related to our gift card program due primarily to the timing of holidays and our ~~prior year~~ fiscal year end, ~~the timing of receipts and payments related to the sale of Dunkin’ K-Cup® pods and the related franchisee profit-sharing program, and~~as well as a decrease in cash paid for income taxes. Additionally, other changes in working capital contributed to the decrease in operating cash flows. Offsetting these decreases were an increase in pre-tax net income related to operating activities, excluding non-cash items, and payments made in connection with the settlement of the Bertico litigation in the prior year period.

Net cash used in investing activities was ~~$9.1~~$5.8 million for the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018, as compared to ~~net cash provided by investing activities of $4.1~~$3.7 million in the prior fiscal year period. The ~~$13.2~~$2.1 million ~~decrease~~increase in investing cash ~~flows~~outflows was driven primarily by ~~a decrease in proceeds received from the sale of real estate and company-operated restaurants of $15.5 million, offset primarily by a reduction~~an increase in capital expenditures of ~~$1.4~~$2.2 million.

Net cash used in financing activities was ~~$201.1~~$669.4 million for the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018, as compared to ~~$126.8~~$21.7 million in the prior year period. The ~~$74.3~~$647.7 million increase in financing cash outflows was driven primarily by ~~incremental~~ cash used for accelerated share repurchases of common stock of $650.4 million in the current year period, ~~for repurchases of common stock of $97.2 million,~~ as well as ~~additional~~an increase in the quarterly repayment of long-term debt of $1.6 million. Offsetting these increases in financing cash ~~used to pay~~outflows was the ~~increased quarterly dividend of $5.6 million, offset by~~ incremental cash generated from the exercise of stock options in the current year period of ~~$28.3~~$3.4 million, as well as a decrease in cash used to pay the quarterly dividend of $1.0 million.

Adjusted operating and investing cash flow

Net cash flows from operating activities for the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017 ~~and September 24, 2016~~ include decreases of ~~$69.2~~$40.2 million and ~~$37.5~~$48.4 million, respectively, in cash held for advertising funds and reserved for gift card/certificate programs, which were primarily driven by the ~~seasonality~~timing of holidays and our ~~gift card program.~~prior year fiscal year end. Excluding cash held for advertising funds and reserved for gift card/certificate programs and excluding the fluctuation in restricted cash, we generated $~~181.7~~18.2 million and $~~172.9~~36.2 million of adjusted operating and investing cash flow during the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017, ~~and September 24, 2016,~~ respectively.

The ~~increase~~decrease in adjusted operating and investing cash flow was ~~due~~driven primarily toby an increase in ~~pre-tax net income related to operating activities, excluding non-cash items,~~cash paid for interest, an increase in incentive compensation payments, made in connection with the settlement of the Bertico litigation in the prior year period, and a reduction in capital expenditures. Offsetting these increases were a decrease in proceeds from the sale of real estate and company-operated restaurants, the timing of receipts and payments related to the sale of Dunkin’ K-Cup® pods and the related franchisee profit-sharing program, other changes in working capital, and an increase in capital expenditures. These decreases in adjusted operating and investing cash flow were offset by a decrease in cash paid for income taxes.

Adjusted operating and investing cash flow is a non-GAAP measure reflecting net cash provided by operating and investing activities, excluding the cash flows related to advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs. We use adjusted operating and investing cash flow as a key liquidity measure for the purpose of evaluating our ability to generate cash. We also believe adjusted operating and investing cash flow provides our investors with useful information regarding our historical cash flow results. This non-GAAP measurement is not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP, and adjusted operating and investing cash flow does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures. Use of the term adjusted operating and investing cash flow may differ from similar measures reported by other companies.

Adjusted operating and investing cash flow is reconciled from net cash provided by operating activities determined under GAAP as follows (in thousands):


	Nine months ended				Three months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016	March 31, 2018			April 1, 2017
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	121,529		131,259
Net cash used in operating activities					$	(16,203	)	(8,500	)
Plus: Decrease in cash held for advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs	69,224			37,511	40,209			48,361
Plus (less): Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(9,099		)	4,107
Plus: Net cash used in investing activities					(5,803		)	(3,679	)
Adjusted operating and investing cash flow	$	181,654		172,877	$	18,203		36,182

Borrowing capacity

~~Our~~As of March 31, 2018, our securitized financing facility included original ~~aggregate~~ borrowings of approximately ~~$2.60~~$1.75 billion, ~~consisting of $2.50~~$1.40 billion, and $150.0 million related to the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes (as defined below), the 2017 Class A-2 Notes (as defined below), and ~~$100.0 million of 2015~~the 2017 Variable Funding Notes (as defined below) ~~which were undrawn at closing.~~, respectively. As of ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018, there was approximately ~~$2.44~~$3.09 billion of total principal outstanding on the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Class A-2 Notes, while there was ~~$74.1~~$117.6 million in available commitments under the ~~2015~~2017 Variable Funding Notes as ~~$25.9~~$32.4 million of letters of credit were outstanding.

In January 2015, DB Master Finance LLC (the “Master Issuer”), a limited-purpose, bankruptcy-remote, wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (“DBGI”), issued Series 2015-1 3.262% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-I (the “2015 Class A-2-I Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $750.0 million and Series 2015-1 3.980% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II (the “2015 Class A-2-II Notes” and, together with the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes, the “2015 Class A-2 Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $1.75 billion. In addition, the Master Issuer also issued Series 2015-1 Variable Funding Senior Secured Notes, Class A-1 (the “2015 Variable Funding Notes” and, together with the 2015 Class A-2 Notes, the “2015 Notes”), which allowed the Master Issuer to borrow up to $100.0 million on a revolving basis. The 2015 Variable Funding Notes could also be used to issue letters of credit.

In October 2017, the Master Issuer issued Series 2017-1 3.629% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-I (the ~~“2017~~"2017 Class A-2-I ~~Notes”~~Notes") with an initial principal amount of $600.0 million and Series 2017-1 4.030% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II (the ~~“2017 Class A-2-II Notes”~~"2017 ClassA-2-II Notes" and, together with the 2017 Class A-2-I Notes, the ~~“2017~~"2017 Class A-2 ~~Notes”~~Notes") with an initial principal amount of $800.0 million. In addition, the Master Issuer issued ~~Series~~series 2017-1 Variable Funding Senior Secured Notes, Class A-1 ~~(the “2017~~( the"2017 Variable Funding ~~Notes”~~Notes" and, together with the 2017 Class A-2 Notes, the ~~“2017 Notes”~~"2017 Notes"), which allows for the issuance of up to $150.0 million of 2017 Variable Funding Notes and certain other credit instruments, including letters of credit.

A portion of the proceeds of the 2017 Notes was used to repay the remaining $731.3 million of principal outstanding on the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes and to pay related transaction fees. The additional net proceeds ~~will be~~were used for general corporate purposes, which ~~may include~~included a return of capital to the ~~Company’s shareholders.~~Company's shareholders in 2018, as discussed below. In connection with the issuance of the 2017 Variable Funding Notes, the Master Issuer terminated the commitments with respect to its existing 2015 Variable Funding Notes.

The 2015 Notes and 2017 Notes were each issued in a securitization transaction pursuant to which most of the Company’s domestic and certain of its foreign revenue-generating assets, consisting principally of franchise-related agreements, real estate assets, and intellectual property and license agreements for the use of intellectual property, are held by the Master Issuer and certain other limited-purpose, bankruptcy-remote, wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company that act as guarantors of the 2015 Class Notes and 2017 Notes and that have pledged substantially all of their assets to secure the 2015 Notes and 2017 Notes.

~~The 2015 Notes and 2017 Notes were~~ issued pursuant to a base indenture and related supplemental indentures (collectively, the ~~“Indenture”~~"Indenture") under which the Master Issuer may issue multiple series of notes. The legal final maturity date of the 2015 Class

A-2-II Notes and 2017 Class A-2 Notes is in February 2045 and November 2047, respectively, but it is anticipated that, unless earlier prepaid to the extent permitted under the Indenture, the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes will be repaid by February 2022, the 2017 Class ~~A-2-1~~A-2-I Notes will be repaid by November 2024, and the 2017 Class A-2-II Notes will be repaid by November 2027 (the ~~“Anticipated~~"Anticipated Repayment ~~Dates”~~Dates"). Principal amortization payments, payable quarterly, are required to be made on the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes, 2017 Class A-2-I Notes, and 2017 Class A-2-II Notes equal to $17.5 million, $6.0 million, and $8.0 million, respectively, per calendar year through the respective Anticipated Repayment Dates. No principal payments are required if a specified leverage ratio, which is a measure of outstanding debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for certain items (as specified in the Indenture), is less than or equal to 5.0 to 1.0. If the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes or the 2017 Class A-2 Notes have not been repaid or refinanced by their respective Anticipated Repayment Dates, a rapid amortization event will occur in which residual net cash flows of the Master Issuer, after making certain required payments, will be applied to the outstanding principal of the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and the 2017 Class A-2 Notes. Various other events, including failure to maintain a minimum ratio of net cash flows to debt service, may also cause a rapid amortization event.

It is anticipated that the principal and interest on the 2017 Variable Funding Notes will be repaid in full on or prior to November 2022, subject to two additional one-year extensions.

In February 2018, we entered into two accelerated share repurchase agreements (the “February 2018 ASR Agreements”) with two third-party financial institutions. Pursuant to the terms of the February 2018 ASR Agreements, we paid the financial institutions $650.0 million from cash on hand and received an initial delivery of 8,478,722 shares of our common stock on February 16, 2018, representing an estimate of 80% of the total shares expected to be delivered under the February 2018 ASR Agreements. At settlement, the financial institutions may be required to deliver additional shares of common stock to us or, under certain circumstances, we may be required to deliver shares of its common stock or may elect to make cash payment to the financial institutions. Final settlement of each of the February 2018 ASR Agreements is expected to be completed in the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, although the settlement may be accelerated at each financial institution’s option.

In order to assess our current debt levels, including servicing our long-term debt, and our ability to take on additional borrowings, we monitor a leverage ratio of our long-term debt, net of cash (“Net Debt”), to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”). This leverage ratio, and the related Net Debt and Adjusted EBITDA measures used to compute it, are non-GAAP measures, and our use of the terms Net Debt and Adjusted EBITDA may vary from other companies, including those in our industry, due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation and differences due to items subject to interpretation. Net Debt reflects the gross principal amount outstanding under our securitized financing facility and capital lease obligations, less short-term cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, excluding cash reserved for gift card/certificate programs. Adjusted EBITDA is defined in our securitized financing facility as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and impairment charges, as adjusted for certain items that are summarized in the table below. Net Debt should not be considered as an alternative to debt, total liabilities, or any other obligations derived in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP, as a measure of operating performance, or as an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. Net Debt, Adjusted EBITDA, and the related leverage ratio have important limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. However, we believe that presenting Net Debt, Adjusted EBITDA, and the related leverage ratio are appropriate to provide additional information to investors to demonstrate our current debt levels and ability to take on additional borrowings.

As of ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018, we had a Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of ~~4.4~~5.4 to 1.0. The following is a reconciliation of our Net Debt and Adjusted EBITDA to the corresponding GAAP measures as of and for the twelve months ended ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018, respectively (in thousands):


	September 30, 2017			March 31, 2018
Principal outstanding under Class A-2 Notes	$	2,437,500
Principal outstanding under 2017 Class A-2 Notes				$	1,396,500
Principal outstanding under 2015 Class A-2 Notes				1,697,500
Total capital lease obligations	7,793			7,629
Less: cash and cash equivalents	(266,981		)	(338,461		)
Less: restricted cash, current	(76,141		)	(82,605		)
Plus: cash held for gift card/certificate programs	106,768			133,909
Net Debt	$	2,208,939		$	2,814,472


	Twelve months ended		Twelve months ended
	September 30, 2017		March 31, 2018
Net income	$	211,537	$	277,068
Interest expense	100,588		112,029
Income tax expense	129,920		2,518
Depreciation and amortization	41,547		41,416
Impairment charges	688		2,071
EBITDA	484,280		435,102
Adjustments:
Share-based compensation expense	15,529		14,636
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions			6,996
Increase in deferred revenue related to franchise and licensing agreements			54,822
Other^(a)	2,266		8,405
Total adjustments	17,795		84,859
Adjusted EBITDA	$	502,075	$	519,961


(a)	Represents costs and fees associated with various franchisee-related investments, bank fees, legal reserves, the allocation of share-based compensation expense to the advertising funds, and other non-cash gains and losses.

Based upon our current level of operations and anticipated growth, we believe that the cash generated from our operations and amounts available under our 2017 Variable Funding Notes will be adequate to meet our anticipated debt service requirements, capital expenditures, and working capital needs for at least the next twelve months. We believe that we will be able to meet these obligations even if we experience no growth in sales or profits. There can be no assurance, however, that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future borrowings will be available under our 2017 Variable Funding Notes or otherwise to enable us to service our indebtedness, including our securitized financing facility, or to make anticipated capital expenditures. Our future operating performance and our ability to service, extend, or refinance the securitized financing facility will be subject to future economic conditions and to financial, business, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

See note 22(g)~~(f)~~ and note 3 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this 10-Q, for a detailed description of recent accounting pronouncements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in the foreign exchange or interest rate risks discussed in Part II, Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December ~~31, 2016~~30, 2017.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

During the quarterly period ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018, ~~there were no changes~~we adopted new revenue recognition guidance. We implemented internal controls to ensure we adequately evaluated our contracts with customers and properly assessed the impact of the new guidance to facilitate the adoption. Additionally, we implemented new business processes, internal controls, and modified information technology systems to assist in the ~~Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect~~ongoing application of the ~~Company’s internal control over financial reporting.~~new guidance.

Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are engaged in several matters of litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business as a franchisor. Such matters include disputes related to compliance with the terms of franchise and development agreements, including claims or threats of claims of breach of contract, negligence, and other alleged violations by us. As of ~~September 30, 2017, $6.3~~March 31, 2018, $1.6 million is recorded within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance ~~sheet~~sheets in connection with all outstanding litigation.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December ~~31, 2016~~30, 2017.

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

The following table contains information regarding purchases of our common stock made during the quarter ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 by or on behalf of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined by Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs⁽¹⁾
07/02/17 - 07/29/17 260,444
$ 52.87
260,444
$ 136,231,545
07/30/17 - 09/02/17 253,436
52.93
253,436
122,817,161
09/03/17 - 09/30/17 —
—
—
122,817,161
Total 513,880
$ 52.90
513,880



	Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs⁽¹⁾
12/31/17 - 01/27/18	—	$	—	—	$	650,000,000
01/28/18 - 03/03/18⁽²⁾	8,478,722	61.33		8,478,722	—
03/04/18 - 03/31/18	—	—		—	—
Total	8,478,722	$	61.33	8,478,722

(1)

On October 25, 2017, our board of directors approved a share repurchase program of up to $650.0 million of outstanding shares of our common stock. Under the program, purchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time subject to market conditions. The authorization is valid for a period of two years and replaces our $250.0 million share repurchase program that was approved by our board of directors on May 10, 2017 and which was set to expire two years after such approval.

(2)

In February 2018, the Company entered into two accelerated share repurchase agreements (the “February 2018 ASR Agreements”) with two third-party financial institutions. Pursuant to the terms of the February 2018 ASR Agreements, the Company paid the financial institutions $650.0 million from cash on hand and received an initial delivery of 8,478,722 shares of the Company's common stock in February 2018, representing an estimate of 80% of the total shares expected to be delivered under the February 2018 ASR Agreements. At settlement, the financial institutions may be required to deliver additional shares of common stock to the Company or, under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to deliver shares of its common stock or may elect to make cash payment to the financial institutions. Final settlement of each of the February 2018 ASR Agreements is expected to be completed in the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, although the settlement may be accelerated at each financial institution’s option.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

On November 8, 2017, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (the “Company”) approved the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. Executive Change in Control Severance Plan (the “Plan”), which applies to the senior executives, officers and directors of the Company, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”), Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) and the other named executive officers (“NEOs”) listed in the Company’s proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2017. The Plan was presented to the Compensation Committee of the Board at its meeting in May 2017 and approved by the Compensation Committee and recommended to the full Board in August 2017. The Plan became effective upon the Board’s approval.

Under the terms of the Plan, if the individual participating in the Plan is terminated by the Company or an affiliate for any reason other than, death, Disability or Cause or resigns for Good Reason (each as defined in the Plan) during the 18-month period following a change in control (the “Change in Control Protection Period”), such individual is entitled to receive (i) aNone.

lump sum payment equal to the greater of (a) an amount equal to two weeks of base salary per year of service (capped at one year) or (b) a multiple of the individual’s annual base salary (200% for the CEO and the President of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. and Canada, and 150% for Senior Vice Presidents, including the CFO and other NEOs), (ii) a lump sum payment equal to 100% of the individual’s target annual cash bonus in the most recent calendar year (or, if greater, the year in which the change in control occurs), and (iii) Company-subsidized continuation of medical and dental benefits for the period specified in the Plan (24 months for the CEO and the President of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. and Canada, and 18 months for the CFO and other NEOs). The severance benefits provided under the Plan in connection with a qualifying termination are in lieu of any other severance plans, policies or practices of the Company, including employment or severance-benefit agreements.

Change in control is defined in the Plan and includes the acquisition of shares of the Company representing more than 40% of the Company’s capital stock; a merger, consolidation or reorganization where pre-transaction shareholders do not continue to hold at least 60% of the Company’s voting power; a change in the majority of the Board within a two-year period; and a complete liquidation of the Company or a sale or disposition by the Company or all or substantially all of its assets.

The Plan also provides for that, if any payments to be made to an individual under the Plan or otherwise would be subject to the “golden parachute” excise tax rules of the Internal Revenue Code, then the individual will receive either (i) the full amount of the payments or (ii) an amount that is reduced by the minimum necessary to allow the individual to avoid golden parachute excise taxes, whichever results in a greater after-tax amount to the individual. All severance payments under the Plan are conditioned on the individual’s execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of the Company and on the individual agreeing to certain non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality obligations in favor of the Company.

No other material changes were made to the severance arrangements of the CEO, CFO and other NEOs, including with respect to equity incentive awards (i.e., the treatment of stock options, restricted stock units and performance restricted stock units in connection with a change in control or the payment of severance under circumstances other than those covered by the Plan).

This summary of the Plan does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Plan, which has been filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits:



10.1		Form of Fixed Dollar Accelerated Share Repurchase Transaction Confirmation dated February 14, 2018 between Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. ~~Executive Change in Control Severance Plan~~and Citibank, N.A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35258, filed with the SEC on February 15, 2018)

10.2		~~Purchase Agreement~~Form of Fixed Dollar Accelerated Share Repurchase Transaction Confirmation dated ~~September~~February 14, 2017 among DB Master Finance LLC as Master Issuer, DB Master Finance Parent LLC, DB Franchising Holding Company LLC, DB Mexican Franchising LLC, DD IP Holder LLC, BR IP Holder, BR UK Franchising LLC, Dunkin’ Donuts Franchising LLC, Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC, DB Real Estate Assets I LLC and DB Real Estate Assets II LLC, each as Guarantor,2018 between Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.~~, as manager, the Company~~ and ~~Dunkin’ Brands Holdings, Inc., as parent companies, and Guggenheim Securities, LLC and Barclays Capital Inc., as representatives of the initial purchasers (incorporated by reference to~~JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit ~~10.1~~10.2 to the ~~Company’s~~Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35258, filed with the SEC on ~~September~~February 15, ~~2017).~~2018)

31.1		Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2		Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1		Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2		Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Ex. 101.INS* XBRL Instance Document

Ex. 101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

Ex. 101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

Ex. 101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

Ex. 101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

Ex. 101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

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.

DUNKIN’ BRANDS GROUP, INC.




Date:	~~November 8, 2017~~May 9, 2018	By:	/s/ Nigel Travis
			Nigel Travis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

3638



	Effect of foreign currency translation			Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps		Other		Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	(23,019	)	1,144		(2,109	)	(23,984	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	5,309			(955	)	677		5,031
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$	(17,710	)	189		(1,432	)	(18,953	)