UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K/A

Amendment No. 1

(Mark One)

10-K
x
(Mark One)
[X]Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended: December 28, 2014

Or

¨
For the fiscal year ended: December 25, 2016
Or
[ ]Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ______ to ______

For the transition period fromto

Commission File Number: 001-35625


BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 20-8023465

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida 33607

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


(813) 282-1225

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value 

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

(Nasdaq Global Select Market)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  
YES xý   NO ¨o


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES  ¨o  NO  xý


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES xý   NO ¨o


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 xý   NO ¨o



Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. xý


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

Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filer¨
Non-accelerated filer

Large accelerated filer ý Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if smaller reporting company)  Smaller reporting company o

¨  (Do not check if smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company¨

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


The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates (based on the closing price on the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market) was $1.6 billion. All executive officers and directors of the registrant and all persons filing a Schedule 13G with the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect to registrant’s common stock have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be “affiliates” of the registrant.


As of February 24, 2015, 126,386,96517, 2017, 102,843,651 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expected to be held on April 21, 2017, are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10-14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.


INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K/A

10-K

For Fiscal Year 2014

2016


TABLE OF CONTENTS


PAGE NO.

PART III

PAGE NO.
PART I
PART II
PART III
4

8

33

35

37PART IV 

PART IV

38

EXPLANATORY NOTE


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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.

PART I

Cautionary Statement

This Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-K (this “Amendment”) amends the Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Report”) includes statements that express our opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “feels,” “seeks,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could” or “would” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements are accompanied by such terms. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this Report and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which we operate.

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. Although we base these forward-looking statements on assumptions that we believe are reasonable when made, we caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and industry developments may differ materially from statements made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this Report. In addition, even if our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and industry developments are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Report, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made or suggested by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section of this Report and the following:

(i)Consumer reactions to public health and food safety issues;

(ii)Our ability to compete in the highly competitive restaurant industry with many well-established competitors and new market entrants;

(iii)Minimum wage increases and additional mandated employee benefits;

(iv)Our ability to comply with governmental laws and regulations, the costs of compliance with such laws and regulations and the effects of changes to applicable laws and regulations, including tax laws and unanticipated liabilities;

(v)Economic conditions and their effects on consumer confidence and discretionary spending, consumer traffic, the cost and availability of credit and interest rates;

(vi)Fluctuations in the price and availability of commodities;

(vii)Our ability to implement our expansion, remodeling and relocation plans due to uncertainty in locating and acquiring attractive sites on acceptable terms, obtaining required permits and approvals, recruiting and training necessary personnel, obtaining adequate financing and estimating the performance of newly opened, remodeled or relocated restaurants;

(viii)Our ability to protect our information technology systems from interruption or security breach and to protect consumer data and personal employee information;

(ix)The effects of international economic, political and social conditions and legal systems on our foreign operations and on foreign currency exchange rates;

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(x)Our ability to preserve and grow the reputation and value of our brands;

(xi)Seasonal and periodic fluctuations in our results and the effects of significant adverse weather conditions and other disasters or unforeseen events;

(xii)Our ability to effectively respond to changes in patterns of consumer traffic, consumer tastes and dietary habits;

(xiii)Strategic actions, including acquisitions and dispositions, and our success in integrating any acquired or newly created businesses.

(xiv)The effects of our substantial leverage and restrictive covenants in our various credit facilities on our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, to make capital expenditures to invest in new or renovate restaurants and to react to changes in the economy or our industry, and our exposure to interest rate risk in connection with our variable-rate debt; and

(xv)The adequacy of our cash flow and earnings and other conditions which may affect our ability to pay dividends and repurchase shares of our common stock.

In light of these risks and uncertainties, we caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement that we make in this Report speaks only as of the date of such statement, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to publicly announce the results of any revision to any of those statements to reflect future events or developments. Comparisons of results for the year ended December 28, 2014 filed on February 24, 2015 (the “Form 10-K”) bycurrent and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless specifically expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.






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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.

Item 1.    Business

General and History - Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. We are filing this Amendment to present(“Bloomin’ Brands,” the information required by Part III“Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” and similar terms mean Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries except where the context otherwise requires) is one of the Form 10-K. Terms previously definedlargest casual dining restaurant companies in the Form 10-Kworld, with a portfolio of leading, differentiated restaurant concepts. We have four founder-inspired concepts: Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Our restaurant concepts range in price point and degree of formality from casual (Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill) to upscale casual (Bonefish Grill) and fine dining (Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar).

As of December 25, 2016, we owned and operated 1,276 restaurants and franchised 240 restaurants across 48 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 20 countries.

The first Outback Steakhouse restaurant opened in 1988 and in 1996, we expanded the same meanings in this Amendment.

Also included in this Amendment are (i) the signature page, (ii) certifications required of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and (iii) Item 15, which has been amended and restated in its entirety as set forth below to include the additional certifications.

Except as described above, no other changes have been made to the Form 10-K. Other than the information specifically amended and restated herein, this Amendment does not reflect events occurring after February 24, 2015, the date of the Form 10-K, or modify or update those disclosures that may have been affected by subsequent events.

PART III

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Overview of Our Board Structure

In June 2007, Bloomin’ Brands acquired our wholly-owned subsidiary,Outback Steakhouse concept internationally. OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC (“OSI”) is our primary operating entity and New Private Restaurant Properties, LLC (“PRP”) owns and leases our owned restaurant properties, primarily to OSI subsidiaries. Both OSI and PRP are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Bloomin’ Brands.


Financial Information About Segments - We have two reportable segments, U.S. and International, which reflects how we manage our business, review operating performance and allocate resources. The U.S. segment includes all brands operating in the U.S., and brands operating outside the U.S. are included in the International segment. Following is a summary of reporting segments as of December 25, 2016:
SEGMENTCONCEPTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
U.S.Outback SteakhouseUnited States of America
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Bonefish Grill
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
InternationalOutback SteakhouseBrazil, Hong Kong, China
Carrabba’s Italian Grill (Abbraccio)Brazil

Segment information for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, which reflects financial information by geographic area, is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 and Note 19 - Segment Reporting of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.

OUR SEGMENTS

U.S. Segment

As of December 25, 2016, in our U.S. segment, we owned and operated 1,164 restaurants and franchised 113 restaurants across 48 states.

Outback Steakhouse - Outback Steakhouse is a casual steakhouse restaurant concept focused on steaks, signature flavors and Australian decor. The Outback Steakhouse menu offers seasoned and seared or wood-fire grilled steaks, chops, chicken, seafood, pasta, salads and seasonal specials. The menu also includes several specialty appetizers, including our signature Bloomin’ Onion®, and desserts, together with full bar service including Australian wine and beer.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill - Carrabba’s Italian Grill is a casual authentic Italian restaurant concept featuring handcrafted dishes. The Carrabba’s Italian Grill menu includes a variety of Italian pasta, chicken, beef and seafood dishes, small plates, salads and wood-fired pizza. Our ingredients are sourced from around the world and our traditional Italian exhibition kitchen allows customers to watch handmade dishes being prepared.

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Bonefish Grill - Bonefish Grill is an upscale casual seafood restaurant concept that specializes in market fresh fish from around the world, wood-grilled specialties and hand-crafted cocktails. In addition, Bonefish Grill offers beef, pork and chicken entrées, as well as several specialty appetizers, including our signature Bang Bang Shrimp®, and desserts.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar - Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is a contemporary steakhouse concept featuring prime cuts of beef, chops, fresh fish, seafood and poultry, salads and side dishes. The steak selection features USDA Prime corn-fed beef, both wet- and dry-aged for flavor and texture, in a variety of sizes and cuts. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers a large selection of domestic and imported wines, with 100 selections available by the glass.

International Segment

We have cross-functional, local management to support and grow restaurants in each of the countries where we have Company-owned operations. Our international operations are integrated with our corporate organization to leverage enterprise-wide capabilities, including marketing, finance, real estate, information technology, legal, human resources, supply chain management and productivity.

On July 25, 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Outback Steakhouse subsidiary in South Korea (“Outback Steakhouse South Korea”). Bloomin’ Brands was formedAfter completion of the sale, the Company’s restaurant locations in South Korea are operated as franchises.

As of December 25, 2016, in our International segment, we owned and operated 112 restaurants and franchised 127 restaurants across 20 countries, Puerto Rico and Guam.

Outback Steakhouse - International Outback Steakhouse restaurants have a menu similar to the U.S. menu with additional variety to meet local taste preferences. In addition to the traditional Outback Special sirloin, a typical international menu may feature local beef cuts such as the Aussie Grilled Picanha in Brazil.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill (Abbraccio Cucina Italiana) - Abbraccio Cucina Italiana, our Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurant concept in Brazil, offers a blend of traditional modern Italian dishes. The menu varies, with additional pasta and pizza menu offerings, to account for local tastes and customs. Abbraccio Cucina Italiana also has a range of beverage options, including classically inspired cocktails and local favorites with an Italian twist.

Restaurant Overview

Selected Sales Data - Following is sales mix by product type and average check per person for Company-owned restaurants during fiscal year 2016:
 U.S. INTERNATIONAL
 
Outback
Steakhouse
 
Carrabba’s
Italian Grill
 Bonefish Grill Fleming’s
Prime Steakhouse
& Wine Bar
 
Outback
Steakhouse
Brazil
Food & non-alcoholic beverage90% 85% 78% 73% 83%
Alcoholic beverage10% 15% 22% 27% 17%
 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
          
Average check per person ($USD)$22
 $21
 $25
 $74
 $15
Average check per person (LC)        R$52

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System-wide Restaurant Summary - Following is a system-wide rollforward of restaurants in operation during fiscal year 2016:
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
 2016 ACTIVITY DECEMBER 25,
2016
 U.S. STATE
  OPENED CLOSED OTHER  COUNT
Number of restaurants:           
U.S.           
Outback Steakhouse           
Company-owned650
 5
 (3) (2) 650
  
Franchised105
 2
 (2) 
 105
  
Total755
 7
 (5) (2) 755
 48
Carrabba’s Italian Grill           
Company-owned244
 
 (2) 
 242
  
Franchised3
 
 (1) 
 2
  
Total247
 
 (3) 
 244
 32
Bonefish Grill           
Company-owned210
 2
 (8) 
 204
  
Franchised5
 1
 
 
 6
  
Total215
 3
 (8) 
 210
 36
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar           
Company-owned66
 2
 
 
 68
 28
International           
Company-owned           
Outback Steakhouse - Brazil (1)75
 9
 (1) 
 83
  
Outback Steakhouse - South Korea (2)75
 3
 (6) (72) 
  
Other16
 14
 (1) 
 29
  
Franchised           
Outback Steakhouse - South Korea (2)
 1
 
 72
 73
  
Other58
 3
 (9) 2
 54
  
Total224
 30
 (17) 2
 239
  
System-wide total (3)1,507
 42
 (33) 
 1,516
  
____________________
(1)The restaurant counts for Brazil are reported as of November 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, to correspond with the balance sheet dates of this subsidiary.
(2)On July 25, 2016, we sold our restaurant locations in South Korea, converting all restaurants in that market to franchised locations.
(3)The restaurant count as of December 25, 2016 includes 43 locations scheduled to close in connection with the 2017 Closure Initiative (as defined below under Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”).

RESTAURANT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

Site Design - We generally construct freestanding buildings on leased properties, although certain leased sites are also located in strip shopping centers. Construction of a new restaurant typically takes 60 to 180 days from the date the location is leased or under contract and fully permitted. In the majority of cases, future restaurant development will result from the lease of existing third-party retail space. We typically design the interior of our restaurants in-house, utilizing outside architects when necessary. We have an investor groupongoing remodel program across all of our concepts to maintain the relevance of our restaurants’ ambience.

Site Selection Process - We have a central site selection team comprised of funds advisedreal estate development, property/lease management and design and construction personnel. This site selection team also utilizes a combination of existing field operations managers, internal development personnel and outside real estate brokers to identify and qualify potential sites.


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We have a relocation initiative in process, primarily related to the Outback Steakhouse brand. This multi-year relocation plan is focused on driving additional traffic to our restaurants by Bain Capital, LLCmoving legacy restaurants from non-prime to prime locations within the same trade area.

Restaurant Development

We utilize the ownership structure and market entry strategy that best fits the needs for a particular market, including Company-owned units, joint ventures and franchises. For each market, we determine whether we will focus on Company-owned units, joint ventures or franchises based on demand, cost structure and economic conditions.

International Development - We continue to expand internationally, leveraging established equity and franchise markets in South America and Asia, and in strategically selected emerging and high-growth developed markets, focusing on Brazil and China. As we continue to expand internationally, we complement our ownership positions in high growth markets with franchisee partnerships. During 2016, we entered into a multi-country franchise agreement for the development of up to 26 Outback Steakhouse and Abbraccio Cucina Italiana restaurants in the Middle East over the next five years. We also entered into a development agreement in 2016 with an existing franchisee in Australia to open 20 Outback Steakhouse restaurants over the next three years.

See Item 2 - Properties for disclosure of our international restaurant count by country.

U.S. Development - We plan to opportunistically pursue unit growth across our concepts through existing geography fill-in and market expansion opportunities based on their current location mix.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT / INNOVATION

We utilize a global core menu policy to ensure consistency and quality in our menu offerings. Before we add an item to the core menu, our research and development (“Bain Capital”R&D”) team performs a thorough review of the item, including conducting consumer research, in order to assist in determining the viability of adding the item. Internationally, we have teams in our developed markets that tailor our menus to address the preferences of local consumers.

We continuously evolve our product offerings to improve efficiency based on consumer trends and others, whofeedback. We have a 12-month pipeline of new menu and promotional items across all concepts that allows us to quickly make adjustments in response to market demands, when necessary. In addition, we collectively refercontinue to asfocus on productivity across the portfolio. For new menu items and significant product changes, we have a testing process that includes direct consumer feedback on the product and its pricing.

Menu innovation and enhancement remains a high priority across all concepts. During 2016, we introduced a new center-cut sirloin, increased certain portion sizes and simplified the menu at Outback Steakhouse. We reduced menu complexity to refocus efforts on fresh seafood at Bonefish Grill and launched a new core menu at Carrabba’s in 2016.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

The Company leverages technology to support customer engagement, labor and food productivity initiatives and restaurant operations.

To drive customer engagement, the Company continues to invest in technology infrastructure, including brand websites, online ordering and mobile apps. To increase customer convenience, we are leveraging our “Sponsors,”existing online ordering infrastructure to facilitate expanded off-premise dining. Additionally, we have developed systems to support our new customer loyalty program with a focus to increase traffic to our restaurants. Investments are also being made in a global supply chain management system to provide better inventory forecasting and replenishment to our “Founders,” who include Chris T. Sullivan, Robert D. Bashamrestaurants, which will help manage food quality and J. Timothy Gannon.specifications. We also continue to invest in a range of tools and infrastructure to support risk management and cyber security.


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Our integrated point-of-sale (“POS”) system allows us to transact business in our restaurants, communicate sales data through a secure corporate network to our enterprise resource planning system and data warehouse and automate financial and accounting controls. Our Company-owned restaurants, and most of our franchised restaurants, are connected through a portal that provides our Company employees and franchise partners with access to business information and tools that allow them to collaborate, communicate, train and share information.

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING

We generally advertise through national and spot television and radio media. Our concepts have an active public relations program and also rely on national promotions, site visibility, local marketing, digital marketing, direct mail, billboards and point-of-sale materials to promote our restaurants. In 2012,recent years, we have increased the use of digital advertising which has allowed us to be more efficient with our advertising expenditures. Internationally, we have teams in our developed markets that engage local agencies to tailor advertising to each market and develop relevant and timely promotions based on local consumer demand.

In July 2016, we launched our first multi-brand loyalty program called Dine Rewards. Additionally, to help maintain consumer interest and relevance, each concept leverages limited-time offers featuring seasonal specials. We promote limited-time offers through integrated marketing programs that utilize all of our advertising resources.

RESTAURANT OPERATIONS

Management and Employees - The management staff of our restaurants varies by concept and restaurant size. Our restaurants employ primarily hourly employees, many of whom work part-time. The Restaurant Managing Partner has primary responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the restaurant and is required to follow Company-established operating standards. Area Operating Partners are responsible for overseeing the operations of typically six to 13 restaurants and Restaurant Managing Partners in a specific region.

Area Operating Partners, Restaurant Managing Partner and Chef Partner Programs - In addition to salary, Area Operating Partners, Restaurant Managing Partners and Chef Partners generally receive performance-based bonuses for providing management and supervisory services to their restaurants, certain of which may be based on a percentage of their restaurants’ monthly operating results or distributable cash flow (“Monthly Payments”).

Restaurant Managing Partners and Chef Partners in the U.S. are eligible to participate in deferred compensation programs. Under these deferred compensation programs, the Restaurant Managing Partners and Chef Partners are eligible to receive payments beginning upon completion of their five-year employment agreement. We invest in various corporate-owned life insurance policies, which are held within an irrevocable grantor or “rabbi” trust account for settlement of our obligations under the deferred compensation plans. Also, on the fifth anniversary of the opening of each new U.S. Company-owned restaurant, the Area Operating Partner supervising the restaurant during the first five years of operation receives an additional performance-based bonus.

Many of our International Restaurant Managing Partners are given the option to purchase participation interests in the cash distributions from the restaurants they manage. The amount, terms and availability vary by country. This interest gives the partners the right to receive a percentage of the restaurant’s annual cash flows for the duration of the agreement.

Supervision and Training - We require our Area Operating Partners and Restaurant Managing Partners to have significant experience in the full-service restaurant industry. All Area Operating Partners and Restaurant Managing Partners are required to complete a comprehensive training program that emphasizes our operating strategy, procedures and standards. The Restaurant Managing Partners and Area Operating Partners, together with our Presidents, Regional Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents of Training and Directors of Training, are responsible for selecting and training the employees for each new restaurant.


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Service - In order to better assess and improve our performance, we use a third-party research firm to conduct an ongoing satisfaction measurement program that provides us with industry benchmarking information for our Company-owned and franchise locations in the U.S. We have a similar consumer satisfaction measurement program for our international Company-owned and certain franchise locations and we obtain industry benchmarking information for the international markets in which we operate, when available. These programs measure satisfaction across a wide range of experience elements.

SOURCING AND SUPPLY

Sourcing and Supply - We take a global approach to procurement and supply chain management, with our corporate team serving all U.S. and international concepts. In addition, we have dedicated supply chain management personnel for our international operations in South America and Asia. The supply chain management organization is responsible for all food and operating supply purchases as well as a large percentage of purchases of field and corporate services.

We address the end-to-end costs associated with the products and goods we purchase by utilizing a combination of global, regional and local suppliers to capture efficiencies and economies of scale. This “total cost of ownership” (“TCO”) approach focuses on the initial purchase price, coupled with the cost structure underlying the procurement and order fulfillment process. The TCO approach includes monitoring commodity markets and trends to execute product purchases at the most advantageous times.

We have a distribution program that includes food, beverage, smallwares and packaging goods in all major markets. This program is managed by a custom distribution company that only provides products approved for our system. This customized relationship also enables our staff to effectively manage and prioritize our supply chain.

Proteins represent 62% of our stockholders, including our Sponsors and Founders, sold sharesglobal commodity procurement composition, with beef representing 56% of common stock in our initial public offering (the “IPO”) and our common stock was listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

From the timepurchased proteins. In 2016, we purchased: (i) more than 85% of our IPO until the completion of a secondary public offering of shares by the Sponsors on March 10, 2014 (the “March 2014 Secondary Offering”), the Sponsors continued to own a controlling interest in us and we availed ourselvesU.S. beef raw materials from four beef suppliers that represent approximately 83% of the “controlled company” exception within the meaningtotal U.S. beef marketplace and (ii) more than 95% of our Brazil beef raw materials from one beef supplier that represents approximately eight percent of the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”). Subsequenttotal Brazil beef marketplace. Due to the March 2014 Secondary Offering,nature of our industry, we were no longerexpect to continue purchasing a “controlled company” within the meaningsubstantial amount of the NASDAQ rules. Asour beef from a result,small number of suppliers. Other major commodity categories purchased include produce, dairy, bread and followingpasta, and energy sources to operate our restaurants, such as natural gas and electricity.


Quality Control - Our R&D facility is located in Tampa, Florida and serves as a phase-in period, NASDAQ rules now require that our Board of Directors consist of a majority of directorsglobal test kitchen and vendor product qualification site. Our quality assurance team manages internal auditors responsible for supplier evaluations and external third parties who meet NASDAQ’s independence requirements (“Independent Directors”)inspect supplier adherence to quality, food safety and the Audit, Compensation,product specification. Our suppliers also utilize third-party labs for food safety and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees must be composed entirely of Independent Directors. See “Independent Directors” under Item 13 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding these independence requirements and our satisfaction of these requirements.

quality verification. We are parties to a stockholders agreement (“Stockholders Agreement”) with Bain Capital (OSI) IX, L.P., Bain Capital (OSI) IX Coinvestment, L.P., BCIP TCV, LLC, Bain Capital Integral Investors 2006, LLC, and BCIP Associates—G (collectively, the “Bain Funds”), whereby the Bain Funds have a contractual right to nominate a varying number of directors to the Board of Directorsprogram that ensures suppliers comply with quality, food safety and other specifications. We develop sourcing strategies for all commodity categories based on the amountdynamics of outstanding common stock ownedeach category. In addition, we require our supplier partners to meet or exceed our quality assurance standards.


Our operational teams have multiple touch points in the restaurants ensuring food safety, quality and freshness throughout all phases of the preparation process. In addition, we employ third-party auditors to verify our standards of food safety, training and sanitation.

RESTAURANT OWNERSHIP STRUCTURES

Our restaurants are Company-owned or operated under franchise arrangements. We generate our revenues from our Company-owned restaurants and through ongoing royalties from our franchised restaurants and sales of franchise rights.


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Company-Owned Restaurants - Company-owned restaurants are wholly-owned by us or in which we have a majority ownership. Our cash flows from entities in which we have a majority ownership are limited to the portion of our ownership. The results of operations of Company-owned restaurants are included in our consolidated operating results and the portion of income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests is eliminated in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

We pay royalties that range from 1.0% to 1.5% of U.S. sales on the majority of our Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurants, pursuant to agreements we entered into with the Carrabba’s Italian Grill founders (“Carrabba’s Founders”). Certain Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurants that opened or started serving weekday lunch on or after June 1, 2014, pay royalties of 0.5% on lunch sales.

Each Carrabba’s restaurant located outside the United States pays a one-time lump sum fee to the Carrabba’s Founders, which varies depending on the size of the restaurant. No continuing royalty fee is paid to the Carrabba’s Founders for Carrabba’s restaurants located outside the United States.

Unaffiliated Franchise Program - Our unaffiliated franchise agreements grant third parties rights to establish and operate a restaurant using one of our concepts. Franchised restaurants are required to be operated in accordance with the franchise agreement and in compliance with their respective concept’s standards and specifications.

Under our franchise agreements, each of our franchisees is required to pay an initial franchise fee and pay monthly royalties based on a percentage of gross restaurant sales. Initial franchise fees are $40,000 for U.S. franchisees and range between $40,000 and $75,000 for international franchisees, depending on the market. Some franchisees may also pay administration fees based on a percentage of gross restaurant sales. Following is a summary of franchise fee percentages based on our current existing unaffiliated franchise agreements:
(as a % of gross Restaurant sales)MONTHLY FRANCHISE FEE PERCENTAGE (1)
U.S. franchisees (1)3.50% - 5.75%
International franchisees3.00% - 6.00%
_________________
(1)In addition, under U.S. franchise agreements, a U.S. franchisee must contribute a percentage of gross sales for national marketing programs and must also spend a certain amount of gross sales on local advertising, up to a maximum of 8.0% of gross restaurant sales for combined national marketing and local advertising.

On July 25, 2016, the Company completed the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea. After completion of the sale, the Company’s restaurant locations in South Korea are operated under an international franchise agreement.

T-Bird Restaurant Group, Inc. (“T-Bird”) is party to an Outback Steakhouse Master Franchise Agreement. T-Bird, through its affiliates, owns and operates 55 Outback Steakhouse restaurants in California. T-Bird is also party to a separate Outback Steakhouse development agreement, which gives T-Bird the exclusive right to open additional Outback Steakhouse restaurants in California through 2031 and commits T-Bird to opening seven new Outback Steakhouse restaurants in California by January 2022. Each new Outback Steakhouse restaurant that T-Bird opens in California is governed by the Bain Funds. Master Franchise Agreement. As of December 25, 2016, no new Outback Steakhouse restaurants have opened under T-Bird’s development agreement.

COMPETITION

The restaurant industry is highly competitive with a substantial number of restaurant operators that compete directly and indirectly with us in respect to price, service, location and food quality, and there are other well-established competitors with significant financial and other resources. There is also active competition for management personnel, attractive suitable real estate sites, supplies and restaurant employees. In addition, competition is also influenced strongly by marketing and brand reputation. At an aggregate level, all major U.S. casual dining restaurants and casual dining restaurants in the international markets in which we operate would be considered competitors of our concepts. Further, we face growing competition from the supermarket industry and home delivery services and applications,

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with improved selections of prepared meals, and from quick service and fast casual restaurants, as a result of higher-quality food and beverage offerings. Internationally, we face increasing competition due to an increase in the number of casual dining restaurant options in the markets in which we operate.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

We are subject to various federal, state, local and international laws affecting our business. Each of our restaurants is subject to licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which may include, among others, alcoholic beverage control, health and safety, nutritional menu labeling, health care, environmental and fire agencies in the state, municipality or country in which the restaurant is located.

U.S. - Alcoholic beverage sales represent 14% of our U.S. restaurant sales. Alcoholic beverage control regulations require each of our restaurants to apply to a state authority and, in certain locations, county or municipal authorities for a license or permit to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises and to provide service for extended hours and on Sundays.

Our restaurant operations are also subject to federal and state laws for such matters as:

immigration, employment, minimum wages, overtime, tip credits, worker conditions and health care;

nutritional labeling, nutritional content, menu labeling and food safety;

the Americans with Disabilities Act, which, among other things, requires our restaurants to meet federally mandated requirements for the disabled; and

information security, privacy, cashless payments, gift cards and consumer credit, protection and fraud.

International - Our restaurants outside of the United States are subject to similar local laws and regulations as our U.S. restaurants, including labor, food safety and information security. In addition, we are subject to anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations.

See “Arrangements With Our SponsorsItem 1A - Risk Factors for a discussion of risks relating to federal, state, local and Founders” within “Certain Relationshipsinternational regulation of our business.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Below is a list of the names, ages, positions and Related Party Transactions” under Item 13a brief description of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Bain Funds’ right to nominate directors.

The following provides information regarding the business experience and qualifications of each of our directors:

Andrew B. Balson,executive officers as of February 17, 2017.

NAMEAGEPOSITION
Elizabeth A. Smith53Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Chris Brandt48Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer
David J. Deno59Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
Donagh M. Herlihy53Executive Vice President, Digital and Chief Information Officer
Joseph J. Kadow60Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer
Michael Kappitt47Executive Vice President and President of Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Patrick C. Murtha58Executive Vice President and President of Bloomin’ Brands International
Gregg Scarlett55Executive Vice President and President of Outback Steakhouse
David P. Schmidt46Executive Vice President and President of Bonefish Grill
Sukhdev Singh53Executive Vice President, Global Chief Development and Franchising Officer


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Elizabeth A. Smith was appointed Chairman in January 2012. Since November 2009, Ms. Smith has served as a director since June 2007 and is a former Managing Director of Bain Capital. Mr. Balson retired from Bain Capital in 2014, but continues to serve on several of its portfolio company boards. Prior to joining Bain Capital in 1996, Mr. Balson was a consultant at Bain & Company. Mr. Balson previously worked in the Merchant Banking Group at Morgan Stanley & Co., and in the leveraged buyout group at SBC Australia. Mr. Balson serves on the board of directors of FleetCor Technologies, Inc. where he serves on the executive and acquisitions committee, and Domino’s Pizza, Inc., where he serves as Chairperson of the compensation committeeChief Executive Officer and as a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee. Mr. Balson also served on the board of directors of Burger King Holdings, Inc. from 2002 to 2008, and Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. from 2006 to 2012. Theour Board of Directors believes that Mr. Balson’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include his extensive experience with global companies, his industry and financial expertise, and his years of experience providing strategic advisory services to complex organizations, including restaurant companies.

James R. Craigie, 61, has served as a director since November 2013. Mr. Craigie has been the Chief Executive Officer of Church & Dwight Co., Inc., a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of household and personal care consumer products, since 2004 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 2007. From December 1998 through 2003, he was the President, CEO, and a member of the board of directors of Spalding Sports Worldwide and its successor, Top-Flite Golf Co. During the period from 1983 to 1998, he held various senior management positions with Kraft Foods, Inc., including Executive Vice President and General Manager

of its Beverages and Desserts Division, and Dinners and Enhancers Division. Prior to that, he served six years as an officer with the U. S. Navy/Department of Energy. Mr. CraigieDirectors. Ms. Smith is a member of the boardBoard of directorsDirectors of Solazyme Corporation, where he also serves as a member of the audit and compensation committees,Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. and was previously a member of the board of directors of the Meredith Corporation from November 2006 to May 2014. The Board of Directors believes thatof Staples, Inc. from September 2008 to June 2014.


Chris Brandt joined Bloomin’ Brands as Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer in May 2016. Prior to joining Bloomin’ Brands, Mr. Craigie’s qualificationsBrandt was the Chief Brand Officer/Chief Marketing Officer for Taco Bell, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., from May 2013 to serve asMay 2016. Mr. Brandt was also a Board member include his extensive experience leading a consumer brand company as well as his experience as a ChairmanSenior Director and CEOVice President of a public company.

Marketing for Taco Bell from November 2010 to May 2013.


David R. Fitzjohn, 58, J. Deno has served as a director since February 2014. Mr. Fitzjohn is Chairman of the Board of Pizza Hut UK Ltd., a position he has held since November 2012. He has served as the Managing Director of Sahana Enterprises Ltd. and Sahana Estates Ltd., privately-held real estate development, investment and restaurant industry consulting businesses, since 2006. Previously, he was the Managing Director of Yum! Brands Europe. In addition, he has held numerous executive management positions at Burger King Worldwide, Inc., as well as at retailers Grand Metropolitan and Laura Ashley, and from April 2006 to April 2014 served as a non-executive director of Rosinter Restaurant Holdings, a Russian public company operating casual dining restaurants. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Fitzjohn’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include his many years of executive management experience, industry expertise, and experience with international markets.

Mindy Grossman, 57, has served as a director since September 2012. Ms. Grossman is currently the Chief Executive Officer of HSN, Inc. (“HSN”), a multi-channel retailer, offering retail experiences through various platforms, including television, online, mobile, catalogs, and retail and outlet stores, and a member of HSN’s board of directors. Prior to joining HSN in August 2008, she served as Chief Executive Officer of IAC Retailing, a business segment of HSN’s former parent company, IAC/InterActiveCorp, a media and internet company from April 2006 to August 2008, and Global Vice President of Nike, Inc.’s apparel business from October 2000 to March 2006. The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Grossman’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include her extensive experience leading, developing and launching consumer facing businessesChief Financial and expertise in strategy, marketing, merchandising and business development, as well as her experience as the Chief ExecutiveAdministrative Officer of a public company.

David Humphrey, 37, has served as a director since September 2012 and has been a Managing Director of Bain Capital since 2012. Mr. Humphrey joined Bain Capital in 2001 and has held the positions of Vice President from 2006 to December 2008, and Principal from 2008 to December 2012. Prior to joining Bain Capital, Mr. Humphrey was an investment banker in the mergers and acquisitions group at Lehman Brothers from 1999 to 2001. Mr. Humphrey serves on the board of directors of Genpact Limited and Bright Horizons, where he serves as a member of the compensation committee. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Humphrey’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include his expertise in providing strategic advisory services and substantial knowledge of the capital markets from his experience as an investment banker, which aids the Board of Directors in evaluating our capital and liquidity needs.

Tara Walpert Levy, 41, has served as a director since July 2013 and has been the Managing Director of Global Ad Market Development for Google Inc. since May 2011. From June 2007 to May 2011, Ms. Levy was President of Visible World Inc., a leading technology platform for addressable video advertising. Ms. Levy was also an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, Inc., where she was a leader of the Global Media & Entertainment and Sales & Marketing groups. The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Levy’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include her expertise in digital marketing, coupled with her marketing business perspective.

John J. Mahoney, 63, has served as a director since May 2012. He retired as Vice Chairman of Staples, Inc., in JulyFrom December 2009 to May 2012, a position he held since January 2006. Mr. Mahoney alsoDeno served as Chief Financial Officer of Staplesthe international division of Best Buy Co. Inc. Mr. Deno previously served as President and later Chief Executive Officer of Quiznos and Chief Financial Officer and later Chief Operating Officer of YUM! Brands, Inc.


Donagh M. Herlihy has served as Executive Vice President, Digital and Chief Information Officer since September 2014. Prior to joining Bloomin’ Brands, Mr. Herlihy was Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and eCommerce of Avon Products, Inc. from September 1996, when he first joined Staples,March 2008 to August 2014.

Joseph J. Kadow has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer since April 2005. Mr. Kadow has served as Assistant Secretary since February 2016 and previously served as Secretary from April 1994 to February 2012. Before2016.

Michael Kappitt has served as Executive Vice President and President of Carrabba’s Italian Grill since February 2016. Mr. Kappitt served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer from January 2014 to February 2016 and Chief Marketing Officer of Outback Steakhouse from March 2011 to December 2013.

Patrick C. Murtha has served as Executive Vice President and President of Bloomin’ Brands International since November 2013. From January 2006 to March 2013, Mr. Murtha was the Chief Operating Officer of Pizza Hut, Inc.

Gregg Scarlett has served as Executive Vice President and President of Outback Steakhouse since July 2016. Mr. Scarlett previously served as Executive Vice President and President of Bonefish Grill from March 2015 to July 2016; Senior Vice President, Casual Dining Restaurant Operations from January 2013 to March 2015; and Senior Vice President of Operations for Outback Steakhouse from March 2010 to January 2013.

David P. Schmidt has served as Executive Vice President and President of Bonefish Grill since July 2016. Mr. Schmidt previously served as Group Vice President of Finance from April 2016 to July 2016; Vice President of Finance for Bonefish Grill from August 2015 to April 2016; Vice President of Productivity from November 2011 to August 2015 and Vice President of Corporate Finance from April 2010 to November 2011 for Bloomin’ Brands.

Sukhdev Singh has served as Executive Vice President, Global Chief Development and Franchising Officer since May 2015. Mr. Singh previously served as Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer from January 2014 to May 2015. Prior to joining Staples,Bloomin’ Brands, Mr. MahoneySingh was Chief Development Officer for Darden Restaurants, Inc. from July 2006 to January 2014.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 25, 2016, we employed approximately 97,000 persons, of which approximately 950 are corporate personnel. None of our U.S. employees are covered by a partnercollective bargaining agreement. Various national industry-wide labor agreements apply to certain of our employees in Brazil. We consider our employee relations to be in good standing.


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TRADEMARKS

We regard our Outback®, Outback Steakhouse®, Carrabba’s Italian Grill®, Bonefish Grill®, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar® service marks and our Bloomin’ Onion® trademark as having significant value and as being important factors in the marketing of our restaurants. We have also obtained trademarks for several of our other menu items and for various advertising slogans. We are aware of names and marks similar to the service marks of ours used by other persons in certain geographic areas in which we have restaurants. However, we believe such uses will not adversely affect us. Our policy is to pursue registration of our marks whenever possible and to oppose vigorously any infringement of our marks.

We license the use of our registered trademarks to franchisees and third parties through franchise arrangements and licenses. The franchise and license arrangements restrict franchisees’ and licensees’ activities with respect to the use of our trademarks, and impose quality control standards in connection with goods and services offered in connection with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP where he workedtrademarks.

SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY RESULTS

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Historically, customer traffic patterns for 20 years, including serviceour established U.S. restaurants are generally highest in the firm’s National Office Accountingfirst quarter of the year and Auditing group. Mr. Mahoney also serveslowest in the third quarter of the year. International customer traffic patterns vary by market. For example, Brazil historically experiences minimal seasonal traffic fluctuations. Additionally, holidays and severe weather may affect sales volumes seasonally in some of our markets.

Quarterly results have been and will continue to be significantly affected by general economic conditions, the timing of new restaurant openings and their associated pre-opening costs, restaurant closures and exit-related costs and impairments of goodwill, definite and indefinite-lived intangible assets and property, fixtures and equipment. As a result of these and other factors, our financial results for any given quarter may not be indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We make available, free of charge, through our internet website www.bloominbrands.com, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the board of directors of

Michael’s Stores, Inc., where he is a memberoperation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our reports and other materials filed with the SEC are also available at www.sec.gov. The reference to these website addresses does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the websites and should not be considered part of this Report.



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Item 1A.    Risk Factors

The risk factors set forth below should be carefully considered. The risks described below are those that we believe could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, however, they are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or those we currently view to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

Food safety and food-borne illness concerns in our restaurants or throughout the industry or supply chain may have an adverse effect on our business by reducing demand and increasing costs.

Regardless of the source or cause, any report of food-borne illnesses and other food safety issues, whether at one of our restaurants or in the industry or supply chain generally, could have a negative impact on our traffic and sales and adversely affect the reputation of our brands. Food safety issues could be caused by suppliers or distributors and, as a result, be out of our control. Health concerns or outbreaks of disease in a food product could also reduce demand for particular menu offerings. Even instances of food-borne illness, food tampering or food contamination occurring solely at restaurants of other companies could result in negative publicity about the food service industry generally and adversely impact our sales. The occurrence of food-borne illnesses or food safety issues could also adversely affect the price and availability of affected ingredients, resulting in higher costs and lower margins.

The restaurant industry is highly competitive. Our inability to compete effectively could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A substantial number of restaurant operators compete directly and indirectly with us with respect to price, service, location and food quality, some of which are well-established with significant resources. There is also active competition for management and other personnel, and attractive suitable real estate sites. Consumer tastes, nutritional and dietary trends, traffic patterns and the type, number and location of competing restaurants often affect the restaurant business, and our competitors may react more efficiently, creatively and effectively to those conditions. In addition, our competitors may generate or better implement business strategies that improve the value and relevance of their brands and reputation, relative to ours. For example, our competitors may more successfully implement menu or technology initiatives, such as remote ordering, social media or mobile technology platforms that expedite or enhance the customer experience. Further, we face growing competition from the supermarket industry and home delivery services and applications, with the improvement of their prepared food offerings, and from quick service and fast casual restaurants. We believe all of the above factors have increased competitive pressures in the casual dining sector in recent periods and we believe they will continue to present a challenging competitive environment in future periods. If we are unable to continue to compete effectively, our traffic, sales and margins could decline and our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

We are subject to various federal and state employment and labor laws and regulations.

Various federal and state employment and labor laws and regulations govern our relationships with our employees and affect operating costs, and similar laws and regulations apply to our operations outside of the U.S. These laws and regulations relate to matters including employment discrimination, minimum wage requirements, overtime, tip credits, unemployment tax rates, workers’ compensation rates, working conditions, immigration status, tax reporting and other wage and benefit requirements. Any significant additional government regulations and new laws governing our relationships with employees, including minimum wage increases, mandated benefits or other requirements that impose additional obligations on us, could increase our costs and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

As a significant number of our food service and preparation personnel are paid at rates related to the applicable minimum wage, federal, state and local proposals related to minimum wage requirements or similar matters could, to the extent implemented, materially increase our labor and other costs. Several states in which we operate have recently approved minimum wage increases. As minimum wage increases are implemented in these states or any other states in which

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we operate in the future, we expect our labor costs will increase. Our ability to respond to minimum wage increases by increasing menu prices would depend on the responses of our competitors and consumers. Our distributors and suppliers could also be affected by higher minimum wage, benefit standards and compliance costs, which could result in higher costs for goods and services supplied to us.

We rely on our employees to accurately disclose the full amount of their tip income, and we base our FICA tax reporting on the disclosures provided to us by such tipped employees. Inaccurate employee FICA tax reporting could subject us to monetary liabilities, which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. In 2015, the IRS issued audit committeeadjustments in aggregate of $6.4 million, for the employer’s share of FICA taxes related to cash tips allegedly received and nominatingunreported by our employees during calendar years 2011 and 2012.

We are also subject, in the ordinary course of business, to employee claims against us based, among other things, on discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or violation of wage and labor laws. These claims may divert our financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit our operations. The ongoing expense of any resulting lawsuits, and any substantial settlement payment or damage award against us, could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Challenging economic conditions may have a negative effect on our business and financial results.

Challenging economic conditions may negatively impact consumer spending and thus cause a decline in our financial results. For example, international, domestic and regional economic conditions, consumer income levels, financial market volatility, social unrest, governmental, political and budget matters and a slow or stagnant pace of economic growth generally may have a negative effect on consumer confidence and discretionary spending. In recent years, we believe these factors and conditions have affected consumer traffic and comparable restaurant sales for us and throughout our industry and may continue to result in a challenging sales environment in the casual dining sector. A decline in economic conditions or negative developments with respect to any of the other factors mentioned above, generally or in particular markets in which we operate, and our consumers’ reactions to these trends could result in increased pressure with respect to our pricing, traffic levels, commodity and other costs and the continuation of our innovation and productivity initiatives, which could negatively impact our business and results of operations. These factors could also cause us to, among other things, reduce the number and frequency of new restaurant openings, close restaurants or delay remodeling of our existing restaurant locations. Further, poor economic conditions may force nearby businesses to shut down, which could cause our restaurant locations to be less attractive.

Increased commodity, energy and other costs could decrease our profit margins or cause us to limit or otherwise modify our menus or increase prices, which could adversely affect our business.

The performance of our restaurants depends on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the price and availability of food commodities. Our business also incurs significant costs for energy, insurance, labor, marketing and real estate. Prices may be affected due to supply, market changes, increased competition, the general risk of inflation, changes in laws, shortages or interruptions in supply due to weather, disease or other conditions beyond our control, or other reasons. Increased prices or shortages could affect the cost and quality of the items we buy or require us to raise prices, limit our menu options or implement alternative processes or products. For example, in 2016, average commodity costs increased by 0.3%. As result, these events, combined with other more general economic and demographic conditions, could impact our pricing and negatively affect our sales and profit margins.

Our failure to comply with government regulation related to our restaurant operations, and the costs of compliance or non-compliance, could adversely affect our business.

We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws affecting our business. Each of our restaurants is subject to licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which may include, among others, alcoholic beverage control, food safety, nutritional menu labeling, health care, environmental and fire agencies in the state, municipality or country in which the restaurant is located. Our suppliers are also subject to regulation in some of these areas. Any difficulties or inabilities to retain or renew licenses, or increased compliance costs due to changed regulations,

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could adversely affect operations at existing restaurants. Additionally, difficulties in obtaining or failing to obtain the required licenses or approvals could delay or prevent the development of new restaurants.

Alcoholic beverage sales represent 14% of our consolidated restaurant sales and are subject to extensive state and local licensing and other regulations. The failure of a restaurant to obtain or retain a liquor license would adversely affect that restaurant’s operations. In addition, we are subject to “dram shop” statutes in certain states. These statutes generally provide a person injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person.

The FDA adopted final regulations to implement federal nutritional disclosure requirements in 2014, and, although implementation has been delayed, we expect we will be required to comply with these regulations during 2017. The regulations will require us to include calorie information on our menus, and provide additional nutritional information upon request. If the costs of implementing or complying with these new requirements exceed our expectations, our results of operations could be adversely affected. Furthermore, the effect of such labeling requirements on consumer choices, if any, is unclear. It is possible that we may also become subject to other regulation in the future seeking to tax or regulate high fat and high sodium foods in certain of our markets. Compliance with these regulations could be costly.

The food service industry is affected by consumer preferences and perceptions. Changes in these preferences and perceptions may lessen the demand for our products, which would reduce sales and harm our business.

Food service businesses are affected by changes in consumer tastes and demographic trends. For instance, if prevailing health or dietary preferences cause consumers to avoid steak and other products we offer in any of our concepts in favor of foods or ingredients that are perceived as healthier or otherwise reflect popular demand, our business and operating results would be harmed. If we are unable to anticipate or successfully respond to changes in consumer preferences, our results of operations could be adversely affected, generally or in particular concepts or markets.

Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could adversely affect the taxes we pay and our profitability.

We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our effective income tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in the mix of earnings in countries with different statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws or other legislative changes, including those that may result from the Base Erosion Profit Shifting initiative being conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the outcome of income tax audits, and any repatriation of non-U.S. earnings for which we have not previously provided for U.S. taxes. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of a tax audit could have a material effect on our results of operations or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made. In addition, our effective income tax rate and our results may be impacted by our ability to realize deferred tax benefits and by any increases or decreases of our valuation allowances applied to our existing deferred tax assets.

Risks associated with our expansion, remodeling and relocation plans may have adverse effects on our operating results.

As part of our business strategy, we intend to continue to expand our current portfolio of restaurants. Our current development schedule calls for the construction of between 40 and 50 new system-wide locations in 2017. A variety of factors could cause the actual results and outcome of those expansion plans to differ from the anticipated results, including among other things:

the availability of attractive sites for new restaurants;
acquiring or leasing those sites at acceptable prices and other terms;
funding or financing our development;
obtaining all required permits, approvals and licenses on a timely basis;

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recruiting and training skilled management and restaurant employees and retaining those employees on acceptable terms;
weather, natural disasters and other events or factors beyond our control resulting in construction or other delays; and
consumer tastes in new geographic regions and acceptance of our restaurant concepts and awareness of our brands in those regions.

It is difficult to estimate the performance of newly opened restaurants. Earnings achieved to date by restaurants open for less than two years may not be indicative of future operating results. If new restaurants do not meet targeted performance, it could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, including as a result of any impairment losses that we may be required to recognize. There is also the possibility that new restaurants may attract consumers away from other restaurants we own, thereby reducing the revenues of those existing restaurants, or that we will incur unrecoverable costs in the event a development project is abandoned prior to completion.

International expansion is an important part of our strategy, and some of the challenges described above could be more significant in international markets in which we have more limited experience, either generally or with a particular brand. Those markets are likely to have different competitive conditions, consumer tastes, discretionary spending patterns and brand awareness, which may cause our new restaurants to be less successful than restaurants in our existing markets or make it more difficult to estimate the performance of new restaurants.

In addition, in an effort to increase same-store sales and improve our operating performance, we continue to make improvements to our facilities through our remodeling and relocation programs. We also close underperforming restaurants from time to time in order to improve the performance of our brands. As demographic and economic patterns change or there are declines in neighborhoods where our restaurants are located or adverse economic conditions in local areas, current locations may not continue to be attractive or profitable. Because we lease a significant majority of our restaurants, we incur significant lease termination expenses when we close or relocate a restaurant. We also incur significant asset impairment and other charges in connection with closures and relocations. If the expenses associated with remodels, relocations or closures are higher than anticipated, we cannot find suitable locations or remodeled or relocated restaurants do not perform as expected, these programs may not yield the desired return on investment, which could have a negative effect on our operating results.

Security breaches of confidential consumer, personal employee and other material information may adversely affect our business.

The majority of our restaurant sales are by credit or debit cards. We also maintain certain personal information regarding our employees. Despite our security measures, our technology systems may be vulnerable to damage, disability or failures due to physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events, as well as from internal and external security breaches, employee error or malfeasance, denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems caused by hackers and cyber criminals. A breach in our systems that compromises the information of our consumers or employees could result in widespread negative publicity, damage to the reputation of our brands, a loss of consumers and legal liabilities.

We may in the future become subject to lawsuits or other proceedings for purportedly fraudulent transactions arising out of the actual or alleged theft of our consumers’ credit or debit card information or if consumer or employee information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used inappropriately. Any such claim or proceeding, or any adverse publicity resulting from such an event, may have a material adverse effect on our business.

We rely heavily on information technology in our operations and any material failure, weakness, interruption or breach of security could prevent us from effectively operating our business.

Our operations and corporate governance committee, Burlington Stores, Inc., where hefunctions rely heavily on information systems, including point-of-sale processing in our restaurants, management of our supply chain, payment of obligations, collection of cash, data warehousing to support analytics, finance and accounting systems, mobile technologies to enhance the customer experience and other various

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processes and procedures, some of which are handled by third parties. Our ability to efficiently and effectively manage our business depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these systems. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, maintenance problems, upgrading or transitioning to new platforms, or a breach in security relating to these systems could result in delays in consumer service, reduce efficiency in our operations or result in negative publicity. These problems could adversely affect our results of operations, and remediation could result in significant, unplanned capital investments.

We face a variety of risks associated with doing business in foreign markets that could have a negative impact on our financial performance.

We have a significant number of restaurants outside the United States, and we intend to continue our efforts to grow internationally. Although we believe we have developed an appropriate support structure for international operations and growth, there is no assurance that international operations will be profitable or international growth will continue. In addition, if we have a significant concentration of restaurants in a foreign market the Chairmanimpact of any negative local conditions can have a sizable impact on our results.

Our foreign operations are subject to all of the nominatingsame risks as our U.S. restaurants, as well as additional risks including, among others, international economic, political, social and corporate governance committeelegal conditions and the possibility of instability and unrest, differing cultures and consumer preferences, diverse government regulations and tax systems, corruption, anti-American sentiment, the ability to source high quality ingredients and other commodities in a membercost-effective manner, uncertain or differing interpretations of rights and obligations in connection with international franchise agreements and the collection of ongoing royalties from international franchisees, the availability and costs of land, construction and financing, and the availability of experienced management, appropriate franchisees and area operating partners.

Currency regulations and fluctuations in exchange rates could also affect our performance. We have operations in a total of 20 foreign countries, including direct investments in restaurants in Brazil, Hong Kong and China, as well as international franchises. Brazil is our largest international market and will continue to be our top international development priority. As a result, we may experience losses from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates or any hedging arrangements we enter into to offset such fluctuations, and such losses could adversely affect our overall sales and earnings.

We are subject to governmental regulation of our foreign operations, including antitrust and tax requirements, anti-boycott regulations, import/export/customs regulations and other international trade regulations, the USA Patriot Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Any new regulatory or trade initiatives could impact our operations in certain countries. Failure to comply with any such legal requirements could subject us to monetary liabilities and other sanctions, which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Loss of key management personnel could hurt our business and inhibit our ability to operate and grow successfully.

Our success will continue to depend, to a significant extent, on our leadership team and other key management personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain sufficiently experienced and capable management personnel, our business and financial results may suffer.

Our success depends substantially on the value of our brands.

Our success depends on our ability to preserve and grow our brands. Our brand value and reputation are especially important to differentiate our concepts in the highly competitive casual dining sector. Brand value and reputation is based in large part on consumer perceptions, which are driven by both our actions and actions beyond our control, such as new brand strategies or their implementation, business incidents, ineffective advertising or marketing efforts, or unfavorable mainstream or social media publicity involving us, our industry, our franchisees, or our suppliers.

The risks of negative publicity could be amplified by the increased prevalence and influence of social media. The availability of information on social media platforms is virtually immediate as is its impact, and users can post

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information often without filters or checks on the accuracy of the audit committeecontent posted. Adverse or inaccurate information concerning our company or concepts may be posted on such platforms at any time, and compensation committee,such information can quickly reach a wide audience. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction, and Chico’s FAS, Inc., where heit is challenging to monitor and anticipate developments on social media in order to respond in an effective and timely manner. We could also be exposed to these risks if we fail to use social media responsibly in our marketing efforts. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Regardless of its basis or validity, any unfavorable publicity could adversely affect public perception of our brands. If customers perceive that we and our franchisees fail to deliver a consistently positive and relevant experience, our brands could suffer and this could have an adverse effect on our business.

We have limited control with respect to the Chairmanoperations of our franchisees, which could have a negative impact on our business. 

In the past year, we have increased the number of our franchisees through the sale of our South Korea operations. As of December 25, 2016, we franchised 240 restaurants across 13 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 18 countries. Our franchisees are contractually obligated to operate their restaurants in accordance with our standards and we provide training and support to franchisees. However, franchisees are independent third parties that we do not control, and these franchisees own, operate and oversee the daily operations of their restaurants. As a result, the ultimate success and quality of any franchise restaurant rests with the franchisee. If franchisees do not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our product and service quality standards and contractual requirements, our image and reputation could be harmed, which in turn could adversely affect our business and operating results.

We have a limited number of suppliers for our major products and rely on one custom distribution company for our national distribution program in the U.S. and Brazil. If our suppliers or custom distributor are unable to fulfill their obligations under their contracts or we are unable to develop or maintain relationships with these or new suppliers or distributors, if needed, we could encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs.

We depend on frequent deliveries of fresh food products that meet our specifications, and we have a limited number of suppliers for our major products, such as beef. In 2016, we purchased: (i) more than 85% of our U.S. beef raw materials from four beef suppliers that represent approximately 83% of the compensationtotal beef marketplace in the U.S and benefits committee and a member(ii) more than 95% of our Brazil beef raw materials from one beef supplier that represents approximately eight percent of the audit committee.total Brazil beef marketplace. Due to the nature of our industry, we expect to continue to purchase a substantial amount of our beef from a small number of suppliers. We also use one supplier in the U.S. and Brazil, respectively, to process beef raw materials to our specifications and we use one distribution company to provide distribution services in the U.S and Brazil, respectively. Although we have not experienced significant problems with our suppliers or distributors, if our suppliers or distributors are unable to fulfill their obligations under their contracts, we could encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs.

In addition, if we are unable to maintain current purchasing terms or ensure service availability with our suppliers and distributor, we may lose consumers and experience an increase in costs in seeking alternative supplier or distribution services. The failure to develop and maintain supplier and distributor relationships and any resulting disruptions to the provision of food and other supplies to our restaurant locations could adversely affect our operating results.

Failure to achieve our projected cost savings from our efficiency initiatives could adversely affect our results of operations and eliminate potential funding for growth opportunities.

In recent years, we have identified strategies and taken steps to reduce operating costs and free up resources to reinvest in our business. These strategies include improved supply chain management, implementing labor scheduling tools and integrating restaurant information systems across our brands. We continue to evaluate and implement further cost-saving initiatives. However, the ability to reduce our operating costs through these initiatives is subject to risks and uncertainties, such as our ability to obtain improved supply pricing and the reliability of any new suppliers or technology, and we cannot assure that these activities, or any other activities that we may undertake in the future, will achieve the

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desired cost savings and efficiencies. Failure to achieve such desired savings could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and curtail investment in growth opportunities.

There are risks and uncertainties associated with strategic actions and initiatives that we may implement.

From time to time, we consider various strategic actions and initiatives in order to grow and evolve our business and brands and improve our operating results. These actions and initiatives could include, among other things, acquisitions or dispositions of restaurants or brands, new joint ventures, new franchise arrangements, restaurant closures and changes to our operating model. For example, in fiscal year 2016, we sold 72 South Korea restaurants and engaged in sale-leaseback transactions with respect to 159 restaurant properties. There can be no assurance that any such actions or initiatives will be successful or deliver their anticipated benefits. We may be exposed to new and unforeseen risks and challenges, particularly if we enter into markets or engage in activities with which we have no or limited prior experience, and it may be difficult to predict the success of such endeavors. If we incur significant expenses or divert management, financial and other resources to a strategic initiative that is unsuccessful or does not meet our expectations, our results of operations and financial condition would be adversely affected. We may also incur significant asset impairment and other charges in connection with any such initiative. Regardless of the ultimate success of a strategic initiative, the implementation and integration of new business or operational processes could be disruptive to our current operations. Even if we test and evaluate an initiative on a limited basis, the diversion of management time and resources could have an adverse effect on our business.

Our business is subject to seasonal and periodic fluctuations and past results are not indicative of future results.

Historically, consumer traffic patterns for our established restaurants are generally highest in the first quarter of the year and lowest in the third quarter of the year. Holidays may also affect sales volumes seasonally in some of the markets in which we operate. In addition, our quarterly results have been and will continue to be affected by the timing of new restaurant openings and their associated preopening costs, as well as restaurant closures and exit-related costs, debt extinguishment and modification costs and impairments of goodwill, intangible assets and property, fixtures and equipment. As a result of these and other factors, our financial results for any quarter may not be indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

Significant adverse weather conditions and other disasters or unforeseen events could negatively impact our results of operations.

Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters and other unforeseen events, such as winter storms, severe temperatures, thunderstorms, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes, terror attacks, war and widespread/pandemic illness, and the effects of such events on economic conditions and consumer spending patterns, could negatively impact our results of operations. Temporary and prolonged restaurant closures may occur and consumer traffic may decline due to the actual or perceived effects from these events. For example, severe winter weather conditions have impacted our traffic and results of operations in the past.

Our failure or inability to enforce our trademarks or other proprietary rights could adversely affect our competitive position or the value of our brand.

Our trademarks, including Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Bloomin’ Onion, and other proprietary rights are important to our success and our competitive position. The protective actions that we take may not be sufficient to prevent unauthorized usage or imitation by others, which could harm our image, brand or competitive position. Furthermore, our ability to protect trademarks and other proprietary rights may be more limited in certain international markets where we operate.

Litigation could have a material adverse impact on our business and our financial performance.

We are subject to lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in the regular course of business. These matters typically involve claims by consumers, employees and others regarding issues such as food borne illness, food

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safety, premises liability, “dram shop” statute liability, compliance with wage and hour requirements, work-related injuries, promotional advertising, discrimination, harassment, disability and other operational issues common to the foodservice industry, as well as contract disputes and intellectual property infringement matters. Significant legal fees and costs in complex class action litigation or an adverse judgment or settlement that is not insured or is in excess of insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

Our insurance policies may not provide adequate levels of coverage against all claims, and fluctuating insurance requirements and costs could negatively impact our profitability.

We carry insurance programs with specific retention levels or high per-claim deductibles, for a significant portion of our risks and associated liabilities with respect to workers’ compensation, general liability, liquor liability, employment practices liability, property, health benefits, cyber security and other insurable risks. However, there are types of losses we may incur that cannot be insured against or that we believe are not commercially reasonable to insure, including wage and hour claims. These losses, if they occur, could have a material and adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Additionally, if our insurance costs increase, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully offset the effect of such increases and our results of operations may be adversely affected.

Failure to maintain effective systems of internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide accurate financial information. If we are unable to adequately maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results, which could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and negatively affect the trading price of our common stock. Furthermore, we cannot be certain that our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all possible error and fraud. Because of inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of error or fraud, if any, in our company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake, which could have an adverse impact on our business.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

Our substantial leverage and our ability to refinance our indebtedness in the future could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry and expose us to interest rate risk in connection with our variable-rate debt.

We are highly leveraged. As of December 25, 2016, our total indebtedness was $1.1 billion and we had $175.2 million in available unused borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility, net of undrawn letters of credit of $27.8 million.

Our high degree of leverage could have important consequences, including:

making it more difficult for us to make payments on indebtedness;
increasing our vulnerability to general economic, industry and competitive conditions and the various risks we face in our business;
increasing our cost of borrowing;
requiring a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures, dividend payments, share repurchases and future business opportunities;
exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates because certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest;
restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;

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limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, restaurant development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; and
limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who may not be as highly leveraged.

We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, subject to the restrictions contained in our senior secured credit facilities (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”). If new indebtedness is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could increase.

We had $1.0 billion of variable-rate debt outstanding under our Senior Secured Credit Facility as of December 25, 2016. In September 2014, we entered into variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements with eight counterparties to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our variable rate debt that had a start date of June 30, 2015. The swap agreements have an aggregate notional amount of $400.0 million and mature on May 16, 2019. While these agreements limit our exposure to higher interest rates, an increase in the floating rate could nonetheless cause a material increase in our interest expense due to the total amount of our outstanding variable rate indebtedness.

We cannot be certain that our financial condition or credit and other market conditions will be favorable when our Senior Secured Credit Facility matures in 2019, or at any earlier time we may seek to refinance our debt. If we are unable to refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms, our financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.

We are a holding company and conduct our operations through our subsidiaries, certain of which have incurred their own indebtedness. Our subsidiaries’ debt agreements contain various covenants that limit our ability to obtain funds from our subsidiaries through dividends, loans or advances. In addition, certain of our debt agreements limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends on, redeem or repurchase our capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell our assets to, merge or consolidate with or into, another company. Our debt agreements require us to satisfy certain financial tests and ratios. Our ability to satisfy such tests and ratios may be affected by events outside of our control.

If we breach the covenants under our debt agreements, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the agreements to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we are unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. We have pledged substantially all of our assets as collateral under our debt agreement. If our lenders accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we cannot be certain that we will have sufficient assets to repay them.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and operating lease obligations, and we may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness and operating lease obligations, which may not be successful. If we fail to meet these obligations, we would be in default under our debt agreements and the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under them to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on our debt obligations and to satisfy our operating lease obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We cannot be certain that we will maintain a level of cash flow from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or to pay our operating lease obligations. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations and operating lease obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. In the absence of sufficient operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be

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required to dispose of material assets or operations or take other actions to meet our debt service and other obligations. Our debt agreements restrict our ability to dispose of assets and how we may use the proceeds from the disposition. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds that we could otherwise realize from such dispositions and any such proceeds that are realized may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. The failure to meet our debt service obligations or the failure to remain in compliance with the financial covenants under our debt agreements would constitute an event of default under those agreements and the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under them to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Our stock price is subject to volatility.

The stock market in general is highly volatile. As a result, the market price of our common stock is similarly volatile. The price of our common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a number of factors, some of which may be beyond our control. These factors include actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results, changes in, or our ability to achieve, estimates of our operating results by analysts, investors or management, analysts’ recommendations regarding our stock or our competitors’ stock, sales of substantial amounts of our common stock by our stockholders, actions or announcements by us or our competitors, the maintenance and growth of the value of our brands, litigation, legislation or other regulatory developments affecting us or our industry, natural disasters, terrorist acts, war or other calamities and changes in general market and economic conditions.

If we are unable to continue to pay dividends or repurchase our stock, your investment in our common stock may decline in value.

In 2015, we initiated a quarterly dividend program. Our Board of Directors believeshas also authorized several stock repurchase programs commencing in late 2014 and we have repurchased a significant amount of our stock since that Mr. Mahoney’s qualificationstime. The continuation of these programs, at all or consistent with past levels, will require the generation of sufficient cash flows and the existence of surplus. Any decisions to serve as a Board member include his experience as a financial executivedeclare and certified public accountant, with expertisepay dividends and continue stock repurchase programs in the retail industry, including accounting, controls, financial reporting, tax, finance, risk management, and financial management.

Elizabeth A. Smith, 51, has served asfuture will be made at the Chairmandiscretion of our Board of Directors since Januaryand will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, borrowing capacity, contractual restrictions and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant at the time.


Our ability to pay dividends is dependent on our ability to obtain funds from our subsidiaries and to have access to our revolving credit facility. Based on our credit agreement, restricted dividend payments from OSI to Bloomin’ Brands can be made on an unlimited basis provided we are compliant with our debt covenants.

If we discontinue our dividend or stock repurchase programs, or reduce the amount of the dividends we pay or stock that we repurchase, the price of our common stock may fall. As a result, you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you paid for them.

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, our Senior Secured Credit Facility and Delaware law may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our management and, therefore, may depress the trading price of our stock.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include certain provisions that could have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change of control of our company or changes in our management.

In addition, our Senior Secured Credit Facility includes change of control provisions that require that no stockholder or “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (other than our former private equity sponsors, our founders and our management stockholders or other permitted holders) has obtained more than 40% of our voting power.


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These provisions in our certificate of incorporation, bylaws, and Senior Secured Credit Facility may discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change in control of the Company that is in the best interests of our stockholders. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if they are viewed as discouraging future takeover attempts.

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law may affect the ability of an “interested stockholder” to engage in certain business combinations, including mergers, consolidations or acquisitions of additional shares, for a period of three years following the time that the stockholder becomes an “interested stockholder.” An “interested stockholder” is defined to include persons owning directly or indirectly 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation. Although we have elected in our certificate of incorporation not to be subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law our certificate of incorporation contains provisions that have the same effect as Section 203, except that they provide that our former private equity sponsors will not be deemed to be “interested stockholders,” regardless of the percentage of our voting stock owned by them, and accordingly will not be subject to such restrictions.

Our ability to raise capital in the future may be limited, which could make us unable to fund our capital requirements.

Our business and operations may consume resources faster than we anticipate. In the future, we may need to raise additional funds through the issuance of new equity securities, debt or a combination of both. Additional financing may not be available on favorable terms or at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to fund our capital requirements. If we issue new debt securities, the debt holders would have rights senior to common stockholders to make claims on our assets, and the terms of any debt could restrict our operations, including our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. If we issue additional equity securities, existing stockholders may experience dilution, and the new equity securities could have rights senior to those of our common stock. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, our stockholders bear the risk of our future securities offerings reducing the market price of our common stock and diluting their interest.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

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Item 2.    Properties

During 2016, we entered into sale-leaseback transactions with third-parties in which we sold 159 restaurant properties. As of December 25, 2016, we owned 7% of our restaurant sites and leased the remaining 93% of our restaurant sites from third parties. We had 1,516 system-wide restaurants located across the following states, territories or countries as of December 25, 2016:
U.S.
COMPANY-OWNED FRANCHISE
Alabama20
 Louisiana22
 Ohio49
 Alabama1
Arizona28
 Maryland41
 Oklahoma11
 Alaska1
Arkansas11
 Massachusetts22
 Pennsylvania46
 California62
California15
 Michigan37
 Rhode Island3
 Florida1
Colorado30
 Minnesota9
 South Carolina39
 Georgia1
Connecticut15
 Mississippi1
 South Dakota2
 Idaho6
Delaware4
 Missouri16
 Tennessee37
 Mississippi7
Florida220
 Montana1
 Texas74
 Montana2
Georgia48
 Nebraska7
 Utah6
 Ohio1
Hawaii6
 Nevada16
 Vermont1
 Oregon7
Illinois26
 New Hampshire3
 Virginia60
 Tennessee3
Indiana23
 New Jersey44
 West Virginia8
 Virginia1
Iowa7
 New Mexico6
 Wisconsin12
 Washington20
Kansas7
 New York45
 Wyoming2
   
Kentucky17
 North Carolina67
      
Total U.S. company-owned1,164
 Total U.S. franchise113
INTERNATIONAL
COMPANY-OWNED FRANCHISE
Brazil (1)97
 Australia7
 Ecuador1
 Puerto Rico3
China (Mainland)6
 Bahamas1
 Guam1
 Qatar1
Hong Kong9
 Brazil1
 Indonesia4
 Saudi Arabia5
   Canada2
 Japan10
 Singapore2
   Chile1
 Malaysia2
 South Korea73
   Costa Rica1
 Mexico5
 Thailand1
   Dominican Republic2
 Philippines4
   
Total International company-owned112
       Total International franchise127
____________________
(1)
The restaurant count for Brazil is reported as of November 2016 to correspond with the balance sheet date of this subsidiary.

Following is a summary of the location and leased square footage for our corporate offices as of December 25, 2016:
LOCATIONUSESQUARE FEETLEASE EXPIRATION
Tampa, FloridaCorporate Headquarters168,000
1/31/2025
São Paulo, BrazilBrazil Operations Center22,000
7/31/2021

We also have other smaller office locations regionally in China (mainland) and Hong Kong.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

For a description of our legal proceedings, see Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Report.

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Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

MARKET INFORMATION AND DIVIDENDS

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BLMN”.

In December 2014, our Board of Directors (our “Board”) adopted a dividend policy under which it intends to declare quarterly cash dividends on shares of our common stock. Future dividend payments will depend on earnings, financial condition, capital expenditure requirements, surplus and other factors that our Board considers relevant. The terms of our debt agreements permit regular quarterly dividend payments, subject to certain restrictions. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on Nasdaq and the dividends declared and paid during the periods indicated:
 SALES PRICE 
DIVIDENDS DECLARED
AND PAID (1)
 2016 2015 
 HIGH LOW HIGH LOW 2016 2015
First Quarter$18.09
 $14.91
 $26.25
 $22.91
 $0.07
 $0.06
Second Quarter19.83
 16.01
 24.53
 20.86
 0.07
 0.06
Third Quarter19.89
 17.21
 23.83
 18.00
 0.07
 0.06
Fourth Quarter19.99
 15.82
 19.44
 15.90
 0.07
 0.06
____________________
(1)
See Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - DIVIDENDS AND SHARE REPURCHASES.”

HOLDERS

As of February 17, 2017, there were 91 holders of record of our common stock.

SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

The following table presents the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 25, 2016:
(shares in thousands) (a) (b) (c)
PLAN CATEGORY NUMBER OF SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED UPON EXERCISE OF OUTSTANDING OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND RIGHTS WEIGHTED-AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE OF OUTSTANDING OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND RIGHTS NUMBER OF SECURITIES REMAINING AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS (EXCLUDING SECURITIES REFLECTED IN COLUMN (a)) (1)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 10,984
 $14.24
 6,128
____________________
(1)The shares remaining available for issuance may be issued in the form of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other stock awards under the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2016 Incentive Plan”).


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STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph depicts total return to stockholders from August 8, 2012, the date our common stock became listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, through December 25, 2016, relative to the performance of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Consumer Discretionary Sector, a peer group. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in our common stock and each index on August 8, 2012 and the reinvestment of dividends paid since that date. The stock price performance shown in the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.


AUGUST 8,
2012
 DECEMBER 31,
2012

DECEMBER 31,
2013

DECEMBER 28,
2014

DECEMBER 27,
2015

DECEMBER 25,
2016
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (BLMN)$100.00
 $126.03

$193.47

$191.38

$139.38

$151.25
Standard & Poor’s 500100.00
 102.72

135.96

156.76

157.94

177.32
Standard & Poor’s Consumer Discretionary100.00
 107.53

153.58

168.55

186.16

199.30


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PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

The following table provides information regarding our purchases of common stock during the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2016:
PERIOD TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES PURCHASED (1) 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
September 26, 2016 through October 23, 2016 
 $
 
 $165,000,032
October 24, 2016 through November 20, 2016 619,700
 $19.36
 619,700
 $153,004,103
November 21, 2016 through December 25, 2016 1,199,256
 $19.22
 1,196,698
 $130,004,739
Total 1,818,956
   1,816,398
 

____________________
(1)On July 26, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of $300.0 million of our outstanding common stock as announced publicly in our press release issued on July 29, 2016 (the “July 2016 Share Repurchase Program”). The July 2016 Share Repurchase Program will expire on January 26, 2018. Common stock repurchased during the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2016 represented shares repurchased under the July 2016 Share Repurchase Program and 2,558 shares withheld for tax payments due upon vesting of employee restricted stock awards.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
Operating Results:         
Revenues         
Restaurant sales (1)$4,226,057
 $4,349,921
 $4,415,783
 $4,089,128
 $3,946,116
Other revenues26,255
 27,755
 26,928
 40,102
 41,679
Total revenues (1)4,252,312
 4,377,676
 4,442,711
 4,129,230
 3,987,795
Income from operations (2)127,606
 230,925
 191,964
 225,357
 181,137
Net income including noncontrolling interests (2) (3)46,347
 131,560
 95,926
 214,568
 61,304
Net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands (2) (3)$41,748
 $127,327
 $91,090
 $208,367
 $49,971
Basic earnings per share$0.37
 $1.04
 $0.73
 $1.69
 $0.45
Diluted earnings per share$0.37
 $1.01
 $0.71
 $1.63
 $0.44
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.28
 $0.24
 $
 $
 $
Balance Sheet Data:         
Total assets$2,642,279
 $3,032,569
 $3,338,240
 $3,267,421
 $3,003,214
Total debt, net1,089,485
 1,316,864
 1,309,797
 1,408,088
 1,481,101
Total stockholders’ equity (4)195,353
 421,900
 556,449
 482,709
 220,205
Common stock outstanding (4)103,922
 119,215
 125,950
 124,784
 121,148
Cash Flow Data:         
Investing activities:         
Capital expenditures$260,578
 $210,263
 $237,868
 $237,214
 $178,720
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions, net530,684
 
 
 
 192,886
Financing activities:         
Repurchase of common stock (4)$310,334
 $170,769
 $930
 $436
 $
____________________
Note: This selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included in Item 8 of this Report and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in Item 7 of this Report.

(1)Due to the change in our fiscal year end, total revenues for 2015 include $24.3 million of higher restaurant sales and total revenues in fiscal year 2014 include $46.0 million of lower restaurant sales.
(2)Fiscal year 2016 includes: (i) $51.4 million of asset impairments and closing costs related to the 2017 Closure Initiative and Bonefish Restructuring (as defined later), (ii) $43.1 million of asset impairments related to our sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea and for our Puerto Rico subsidiary, (iii) $7.2 million of asset impairments and restaurant closing costs related to the relocation of certain restaurants and (iv) $5.5 million of severance related to restructuring of certain functions and the relocation of our Fleming’s operations center to the corporate home office. Fiscal year 2015 results include $4.9 million of higher income from operations due to a change in our fiscal year end and $31.8 million of asset impairments and restaurant closing costs related to our Bonefish Restructuring and our International and Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiatives. Fiscal year 2014 results include $9.2 million of lower income from operations due to a change in our fiscal year end, $26.8 million of asset impairments and restaurant closing costs related to our International and Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiatives, $24.0 million of asset impairments related to our Roy’s concept and corporate airplanes and $9.0 million of severance related to our organizational realignment. Fiscal year 2013 results include $18.7 million of asset impairments due to our Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiative. Fiscal year 2012 includes: (i) $34.1 million of certain executive compensation costs and non-cash stock compensation charges incurred in connection with the completion of our initial public offering (“IPO”), (ii) management fees and other reimbursable expenses of $13.8 million related to a management agreement with our sponsors and founders, which terminated at the time of our IPO and (iii) $7.4 million of legal and other professional fees, primarily related to a lease amendment between OSI and PRP.
(3)
Fiscal years 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012 include $27.0 million, $3.0 million, $11.1 million, $14.6 million and $21.0 million, respectively, of loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt. Fiscal year 2013 includes a $36.6 million gain on remeasurement of a previously held equity investment related to our Brazil acquisition. Fiscal year 2013 includes a $52.0 million income tax benefit for a U.S. valuation allowance release.
(4)During fiscal years 2016 and 2015, we repurchased 16.6 million and 7.6 million shares of our outstanding common stock.



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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes.

Overview

We are one of the largest casual dining restaurant companies in the world with a portfolio of leading, differentiated restaurant concepts. As of December 25, 2016, we owned and operated 1,276 restaurants and franchised 240 restaurants across 48 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 20 countries. We have four founder-inspired concepts: Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

Executive Summary

Our 2016 financial results include:

A decrease in total revenues of 2.9% to $4.3 billion in 2016 as compared to 2015, driven primarily by the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea, lower U.S. comparable restaurant sales and the effect of foreign currency translation, partially offset by the net benefit of restaurant openings and closings.

Operating margin at the restaurant level declined (0.7)% in fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015, primarily due to higher labor costs and commodity and operating expense inflation, partially offset by the impact of certain cost saving initiatives and increases in average check per person.

Income from operations decreased to $127.6 million in 2016 as compared to $230.9 million in 2015, primarily due to impairment charges incurred in connection with the 2017 Closure Initiative and the sale of Outback South Korea and a decrease in operating margin at the restaurant-level, partially offset by lower general and administrative expense.

During fiscal year 2016, we repurchased $309.9 million of our common stock and declared and paid $31.4 million of dividends.

Following is a summary of factors that impacted our operating results and liquidity in 2016 and significant actions we have taken during the year:

PRP Mortgage Loan - In February 2016, New Private Restaurant Partners, LLC, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary (“PRP”), entered into a loan agreement (the “PRP Mortgage Loan”), pursuant to which PRP borrowed $300.0 million. The proceeds of the PRP Mortgage Loan were used, together with borrowings under our revolving credit facility, to prepay a portion, and fully defease the remainder, of the 2012 CMBS loan. In connection with the defeasance, we recognized a loss of $26.6 million during 2016. In July 2016, PRP entered into an Amendment to the PRP Mortgage Loan to provide for additional borrowings of $69.5 million. See Note 11 - Long-term Debt, Net of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Sale-leaseback Transactions - During fiscal year 2016, we entered into sale-leaseback transactions with third-parties in which we sold 159 restaurant properties at fair market value for gross proceeds of $560.4 million. With the proceeds from these transactions, we made payments of $322.3 million on our PRP Mortgage Loan.

Subsequent to December 25, 2016, we entered into sale-leaseback transactions with third parties in which we sold six restaurant properties at fair market value for gross proceeds of $21.6 million and made payments of $19.2 million on our PRP Mortgage Loan. As of the date of this filing, the PRP Mortgage Loan had a remaining balance of $28.0 million.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Outback South Korea - On July 25, 2016, we sold Outback Steakhouse South Korea for $50.0 million in cash. In connection with the decision to sell Outback Steakhouse South Korea, we recognized an impairment charge of $39.6 million during fiscal year 2016. After completion of the sale, our restaurant locations in South Korea are operated as franchises.

Casual Dining Industry and Macroeconomic Conditions

The combination of casual dining industry conditions and other macroeconomic factors has put considerable pressure on restaurant sales. Competitive pressures, including discounting and marketing strategies, excess capacity in the industry, the relative affordability and quality of prepared meals from supermarkets and an increase in home delivery services and applications have impacted our traffic levels. We expect comparable restaurant sales to continue to be impacted in fiscal 2017 by current and anticipated market conditions.

2017 Closure Initiative

On February 15, 2017, we decided to close 43 underperforming restaurants (the “2017 Closure Initiative”). Most of these restaurants will close in 2017, with the balance closing as leases and certain operating covenants expire or are amended or waived. In connection with the 2017 Closure Initiative, we reassessed the future undiscounted cash flows of the impacted restaurants, and as a result, we recognized pre-tax asset impairments of $46.5 million during fiscal year 2016. See Note 3 - Impairments, Disposals and Exit Costs of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 for additional details regarding the 2017 Closure Initiative.

Business Strategies

In 2017, our key business strategies include:

Continued Focus on U.S. Sales and Profitability. We plan to continue to remodel and relocate restaurants, make investments to enhance our core guest experience, increase off-premise dining occasions, introduce innovative menu items that match evolving consumer preferences and use limited-time offers and multimedia marketing campaigns to drive traffic.

Accelerate International Growth. We continue to focus on existing geographic regions in South America and Asia, with strategic expansion in selected emerging and high growth developed markets. Specifically, we are focusing our existing market growth in Brazil and new market growth in China. We expect to open between 40 and 50 system-wide locations in 2017, with most expected to be international locations.

Drive Long-Term Shareholder Value. We plan to drive long-term shareholder value by reinvesting operational cash flow in our business, improving our credit profile and returning excess cash to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

We intend to fund our business strategies, in part, by utilizing productivity initiatives across our business. Productivity savings will be reinvested in the business to drive revenue growth and margin improvement.

Key Performance Indicators

Key measures that we use in evaluating our restaurants and assessing our business include the following:

Average restaurant unit volumes—average sales per restaurant to measure changes in consumer traffic, pricing and development of the brand;


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Comparable restaurant sales—year-over-year comparison of sales volumes for Company-owned restaurants that are open 18 months or more in order to remove the impact of new restaurant openings in comparing the operations of existing restaurants;

System-wide sales—total restaurant sales volume for all Company-owned, franchise and unconsolidated joint venture restaurants, regardless of ownership, to interpret the overall health of our brands;

Adjusted restaurant-level operating margin, Adjusted income from operations, Adjusted net income, Adjusted diluted earnings per share—non-GAAP financial measures utilized to evaluate our operating performance, which definitions, usefulness and reconciliations are described in more detail in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section below; and

Consumer satisfaction scores—measurement of our consumers’ experiences in a variety of key areas.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Selected Operating Data

The table below presents the number of our restaurants in operation as of the end of the periods indicated:
 DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
 DECEMBER 28,
2014
Number of restaurants (at end of the period):     
U.S.     
Outback Steakhouse     
Company-owned650
 650
 648
Franchised105
 105
 105
Total755
 755
 753
Carrabba’s Italian Grill     
Company-owned242
 244
 242
Franchised2
 3
 1
Total244
 247
 243
Bonefish Grill     
Company-owned204
 210
 201
Franchised6
 5
 5
Total210
 215
 206
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar     
Company-owned68
 66
 66
Roy’s (1)     
Company-owned
 
 20
International     
Company-owned     
Outback Steakhouse - Brazil (2)83
 75
 63
Outback Steakhouse - South Korea (3)
 75
 91
Other29
 16
 11
Franchised     
Outback Steakhouse - South Korea (3)73
 
 
Other54
 58
 55
Total239
 224
 220
System-wide total (4)1,516
 1,507
 1,508
____________________
(1)On January 26, 2015, we sold our Roy’s concept.
(2)
The restaurant counts for Brazil are reported as of November 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to correspond with the balance sheet dates of this subsidiary.
(3)On July 25, 2016, we sold our restaurant locations in South Korea, converting all restaurants in that market to franchised locations.
(4)
The restaurant count as of December 25, 2016 includes 43 locations scheduled to close in connection with the 2017 Closure Initiative.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentages of certain items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income in relation to Total revenues or Restaurant sales, as indicated:
 FISCAL YEAR
 2016 2015 2014
Revenues     
Restaurant sales99.4 % 99.4 % 99.4 %
Franchise and other revenues0.6
 0.6
 0.6
Total revenues100.0
 100.0
 100.0
Costs and expenses     
Cost of sales (1)32.1
 32.6
 32.5
Labor and other related (1)28.7
 27.7
 27.6
Other restaurant operating (1)23.5
 23.1
 23.8
Depreciation and amortization4.6
 4.3
 4.3
General and administrative6.3
 6.6
 6.9
Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings2.5
 0.8
 1.2
Total costs and expenses97.0
 94.7
 95.7
Income from operations3.0
 5.3
 4.3
Loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt(0.6) (0.1) (0.3)
Other income (expense), net*
 (*)
 (*)
Interest expense, net(1.1) (1.3) (1.3)
Income before provision for income taxes1.3
 3.9
 2.7
Provision for income taxes0.2
 0.9
 0.5
Net income1.1
 3.0
 2.2
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests0.1
 0.1
 0.1
Net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands1.0 % 2.9 % 2.1 %
____________________
(1)As a percentage of Restaurant sales.
*
Less than 1/10th of one percent of Total revenues.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Revenues

Restaurant sales - Following is a summary of the change in Restaurant sales for fiscal years 2016 and 2015:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in millions):2016 2015
For fiscal years 2015 and 2014$4,349.9
 $4,415.8
Change from:   
Divestitures(86.9) (63.2)
Comparable restaurant sales (1)(57.7) 37.7
Restaurant closings(33.9) (99.2)
Effect of foreign currency translation(31.6) (119.3)
Restaurant openings (1)86.2
 153.8
Change in fiscal year
 24.3
For fiscal years 2016 and 2015$4,226.0
 $4,349.9
____________________
(1)Summation of quarterly changes for restaurant openings and comparable restaurant sales will not total to annual amounts as the restaurants that meet the definition of a comparable restaurant will differ each period based on when the restaurant opened.

The decrease in Restaurant sales in 2016 as compared to 2015 was primarily attributable to: (i) the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea restaurants in July 2016, (ii) lower U.S. comparable restaurant sales, (iii) the closing of 24 restaurants since December 28, 2014 and (iv) the effect of foreign currency translation, due to the depreciation of the Brazil Real. The decrease in restaurant sales was partially offset by sales from 92 new restaurants not included in our comparable restaurant sales base.

The decrease in Restaurant sales in 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily attributable to: (i) the effect of foreign currency translation, (ii) the closing of 84 restaurants since December 31, 2013 and (iii) the sale of 20 Roy’s restaurants. The decrease in restaurant sales was partially offset by: (i) sales from 119 new restaurants not included in our comparable restaurant sales base, (ii) an increase in comparable restaurant sales and (iii) two additional operating days due to a change in our fiscal year end.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Comparable Restaurant Sales and Average Check Per Person Increases (Decreases)
Following is a summary of comparable restaurant sales, traffic and average check per person increases (decreases):
 FISCAL YEAR
 2016 2015 2014
Year over year percentage change:     
Comparable restaurant sales (stores open 18 months or more) (1)(2):     
U.S.     
Outback Steakhouse(2.3)% 1.8 % 3.1 %
Carrabba’s Italian Grill(2.7)% (0.7)% (1.0)%
Bonefish Grill(0.5)% (3.3)% 0.5 %
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar(0.2)% 1.3 % 3.2 %
Combined U.S.(1.9)% 0.5 % 2.0 %
International     
Outback Steakhouse - Brazil (3)6.7 % 6.3 % 7.6 %
      
Traffic:     
U.S.     
Outback Steakhouse(5.7)% (1.5)% 0.4 %
Carrabba’s Italian Grill(2.7)% (0.1)% (1.1)%
Bonefish Grill(3.7)% (6.2)% (0.3)%
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar(2.2)% (0.2)% 0.1 %
Combined U.S.(4.7)% (1.8)%  %
International     
Outback Steakhouse - Brazil0.2 % 0.5 % 1.2 %
      
Average check per person increases (decreases) (4): 
    
U.S.     
Outback Steakhouse3.4 % 3.3 % 2.7 %
Carrabba’s Italian Grill % (0.6)% 0.1 %
Bonefish Grill3.2 % 2.9 % 0.8 %
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar2.0 % 1.5 % 3.1 %
Combined U.S.2.8 % 2.3 % 2.0 %
International     
Outback Steakhouse - Brazil6.5 % 6.0 % 6.5 %
____________________
(1)
Comparable restaurant sales exclude the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency rates. Relocated international restaurants closed more than 30 days and relocated U.S. restaurants closed more than 60 days are excluded from comparable restaurant sales until at least 18 months after reopening.
(2)Fiscal years 2015 and 2014 include $24.3 million higher restaurant sales and $46.0 million lower restaurant sales, respectively, due to a change in our fiscal year end.
(3)
Includes the trading day impact from calendar period reporting of 0.0%, (0.2%) and (0.1%) for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(4)
Average check per person increases (decreases) includes the impact of menu pricing changes, product mix and discounts.



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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Average Restaurant Unit Volumes and Operating Weeks
Following is a summary of the average restaurant unit volumes and operating weeks:
 FISCAL YEAR
 2016 2015 2014
Average restaurant unit volumes (dollars in thousands):     
U.S.     
Outback Steakhouse$3,354
 $3,430
 $3,329
Carrabba’s Italian Grill$2,857
 $2,954
 $2,945
Bonefish Grill$3,007
 $3,019
 $3,135
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar$4,277
 $4,247
 $4,163
International     
Outback Steakhouse - Brazil (1)$3,856
 $4,137
 $5,659
      
Operating weeks: 
  
  
U.S.     
Outback Steakhouse33,812
 33,758
 33,687
Carrabba’s Italian Grill12,658
 12,678
 12,467
Bonefish Grill10,667
 10,731
 10,047
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar3,469
 3,432
 3,411
International     
Outback Steakhouse - Brazil4,096
 3,563
 2,859
____________________
(1)Translated at average exchange rates of 3.50, 3.19 and 2.33 for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


Franchise and other revenues
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in millions)2016 2015 2014
Franchise revenues$19.8
 $17.9
 $17.2
Other revenues6.5
 9.9
 9.7
Franchise and other revenues$26.3
 $27.8
 $26.9

COSTS AND EXPENSES

Cost of sales
 FISCAL YEAR   FISCAL YEAR  
(dollars in millions):2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Cost of sales$1,354.9
 $1,419.7
   $1,419.7
 $1,435.4
  
% of Restaurant sales32.1% 32.6% (0.5)% 32.6% 32.5% 0.1%

Cost of sales, consisting of food and beverage costs, decreased as a percentage of Restaurant sales in 2016 as compared to 2015. The decrease as a percentage of Restaurant sales was primarily due to: (i) 0.7% from the impact of certain cost savings initiatives and (ii) 0.4% from average check increases. These decreases were partially offset by increases as a percentage of Restaurant sales due to 0.5% from higher commodity costs.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


The increase as a percentage of Restaurant sales in 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily due to 1.2% higher commodity costs. This increase was largely offset by decreases as a percentage of Restaurant sales due to: (i) 1.0% from the impact of certain cost savings initiatives and (ii) 0.2% from average check per person increases.

During fiscal 2016, we incurred commodity inflation of 0.3%. In fiscal year 2017, we expect commodity costs to be flat to a 1.0% decline.

Labor and other related expenses
 FISCAL YEAR   FISCAL YEAR  
(dollars in millions):2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Labor and other related$1,211.3
 $1,205.6
   $1,205.6
 $1,219.0
  
% of Restaurant sales28.7% 27.7% 1.0% 27.7% 27.6% 0.1%

Labor and other related expenses include all direct and indirect labor costs incurred in operations, including distribution expense to Restaurant Managing Partners, costs related to field deferred compensation plans and other field incentive compensation expenses. Labor and other related expenses increased as a percentage of Restaurant sales for 2016 as compared to 2015 primarily attributable to 1.2% of higher kitchen and service labor costs due to higher wage rates and investments in our service model. This increase was partially offset by a decrease as a percentage of Restaurant sales due to 0.4% from increases in average check per person.

Labor and other related expenses increased as a percentage of Restaurant sales for 2015 as compared to 2014 due to 0.9% from higher kitchen and service labor costs due to higher wage rates and lunch expansion across certain concepts. This increase was partially offset by decreases as a percentage of Restaurant sales primarily attributable to: (i) 0.4% from the impact of certain cost savings initiatives and (ii) 0.4% from increases in average check per person.

In fiscal year 2017, we expect to incur incremental expense of approximately $3.0 million in salary increases for restaurant managers. We increased salaries in advance of regulations enacted by the Department of Labor that raise the salary threshold to qualify as exempt from overtime. The Department of Labor is currently enjoined from implementing these regulations.

Other restaurant operating expenses
 FISCAL YEAR   FISCAL YEAR  
(dollars in millions):2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Other restaurant operating$992.2
 $1,006.8
   $1,006.8
 $1,049.1
  
% of Restaurant sales23.5% 23.1% 0.4% 23.1% 23.8% (0.7)%

Other restaurant operating expenses include certain unit-level operating costs such as operating supplies, rent, repairs and maintenance, advertising expenses, utilities, pre-opening costs and other occupancy costs. A substantial portion of these expenses is fixed or indirectly variable. The increase as a percentage of Restaurant sales for 2016 as compared to 2015 was primarily due to the following: (i) 0.4% from an increase in operating expenses due to inflation and timing and (ii) 0.3% from higher net rent expense due to the sale-leaseback of certain properties. These increases were partially offset by a decrease as a percentage of Restaurant sales primarily due to 0.3% from the impact of certain cost savings initiatives.

The decrease as a percentage of Restaurant sales for 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily due to the following: (i) 0.6% from a decrease due to marketing efficiencies with a shift to digital advertising from television and lower marketing spend, (ii) 0.3% from increases in average check per person and (iii) 0.3% from the impact of certain cost savings initiatives. The decreases were partially offset by increases as a percentage of Restaurant sales primarily due to: (i)

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


0.2% from an increase in operating supplies due to lunch expansion and promotions and (ii) 0.2% from a legal settlement gain in 2014.

Depreciation and amortization
 FISCAL YEAR   FISCAL YEAR  
(dollars in millions):2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Depreciation and amortization$193.8
 $190.4
 $3.4
 $190.4
 $190.9
 $(0.5)

Depreciation and amortization increased for 2016 as compared to 2015 primarily due to the opening of new restaurants and the remodeling of existing restaurants, partially offset by lower depreciation expense related to: (i) the sale of Outback South Korea, (ii) impairments related to the Bonefish Grill Restructuring and (iii) the effect of foreign currency translation.

Depreciation and amortization decreased slightly for 2015 as compared to 2014 due to: (i) the sale of Roy’s, (ii) lower depreciation for certain information technology assets that fully depreciated in the fourth quarter of 2014 and (iii) lower depreciation for South Korea assets due to impairments related to the International Restaurant Closure Initiative. These decreases were partially offset by increases due to additional depreciation expense related to the opening of new restaurants and the remodeling of existing restaurants.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expense includes salaries and benefits, management incentive programs, related payroll tax and benefits, other employee-related costs and professional services. Following is a summary of the changes in general and administrative expenses:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in millions):2016 2015
For fiscal years 2015 and 2014$287.6
 $304.4
Change from:   
Life insurance and deferred compensation (1)(10.2) (1.2)
Incentive compensation (2)(9.4) 0.3
Legal and professional fees (3)(5.2) 3.2
Foreign currency exchange (4)(3.4) (6.5)
Compensation, benefits and payroll tax (5)
 (7.2)
Severance (6)3.6
 (7.7)
Employee stock-based compensation (7)1.5
 2.9
Other3.5
 (0.6)
For fiscal years 2016 and 2015$268.0
 $287.6
____________________
(1)In 2016, life insurance and deferred compensation decreased primarily due to: (i) the acquisition of managing partners’ interests in certain Outback Steakhouse restaurants, (ii) a decrease in restaurant-level operating performance and (iii) an increase in the cash surrender value of life insurance investments related to our partner deferred compensation programs.
(2)In 2016, incentive compensation decreased due to performance against current year objectives.
(3)In 2016, legal and professional fees were lower due to legal costs in 2015 associated with the Cardoza litigation and certain professional service fees and technology projects incurred in 2015 that supported our planned operational growth.
(4)For 2016 and 2015, foreign currency exchange primarily includes depreciation of the Brazil Real.
(5)In 2015, employee compensation, benefits and payroll tax was lower primarily due to lower headcount resulting from our organizational realignment in 2014 and the International Restaurant Closure Initiative, partially offset by higher costs related to additional employee benefits.

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(6)Severance expense in 2016 was higher due to a restructuring of certain home office and field support functions. In 2015, severance expense was lower due to an organizational realignment of certain functions during 2014, partially offset by severance incurred in 2015 for the International Restaurant Closure Initiative.
(7)In 2016 and 2015, employee stock-based compensation increased due to new grants, partially offset by forfeitures.

Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings
 FISCAL YEAR   FISCAL YEAR  
(dollars in millions):2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings$104.6
 $36.7
 $67.9
 $36.7
 $52.1
 $(15.4)

Restructuring and Closure Initiatives - Following is a summary of expenses related to the 2017 Closure Initiative, Bonefish Restructuring and International and Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiatives (the “Closure Initiatives”) recognized in Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the periods indicated:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in millions)2016 2015 2014
Impairment, facility closure and other expenses     
2017 Closure Initiative$46.5
 $
 $
Bonefish Restructuring4.9
 24.2
 
International Restaurant Closure Initiative
 6.0
 19.7
Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiative
 1.6
 6.0
Impairment, facility closure and other expenses for Closure Initiatives$51.4
 $31.8
 $25.7

2017 Closure Initiative - On February 15, 2017, we decided to close 43 underperforming restaurants (the “2017 Closure Initiative”). In connection with the 2017 Closure Initiative, we reassessed the future undiscounted cash flows of the impacted restaurants, and as a result, we recognized pre-tax asset impairments of $46.5 million during fiscal year 2016. We expect to incur additional charges of approximately $17.0 million to $19.0 million for the 2017 Closure Initiative over the next three years, including costs associated with lease obligations and other closure related obligations.

Bonefish Restructuring - In February 2016, we decided to close 14 Bonefish restaurants (the “Bonefish Restructuring”). We expect to substantially complete these restaurant closings through the first quarter of 2019. We expect to incur additional charges of approximately $2.2 million to $5.2 million for the Bonefish Restructuring over the next two years, including costs associated with lease obligations and other closure related obligations.

Restaurant Closure Initiatives - During 2014 and 2013,we decided to close 36 underperforming international locations, primarily in South Korea (the “International Restaurant Closure Initiative”), and 22 underperforming domestic locations (the “Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiative”), respectively.

Sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea - On July 25, 2016, we completed the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea. In connection with the decision to sell Outback Steakhouse South Korea, we recognized an impairment charge of $39.6 million during fiscal year 2016.

Roy’s - In connection with the decision to sell Roy’s, we recorded pre-tax impairment charges of $13.4 million for Assets held for sale during fiscal year 2014.

Other Disposals - During 2016, we recognized impairment charges of $3.5 million for our Puerto Rico subsidiary.

During the third quarter of 2014, we decided to sell both of our corporate airplanes. In connection with the decision, we recognized pre-tax asset impairment charges of $10.6 million during fiscal year 2014.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued



The remaining restaurant impairment and closing charges resulted from: (i) the carrying value of a restaurant’s assets exceeding its estimated fair market value, primarily due to locations identified for relocation, sale or closure and (ii) lease liabilities.
Income from operations
 FISCAL YEAR   FISCAL YEAR  
(dollars in millions):2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Income from operations$127.6
 $230.9
   $230.9
 $192.0
  
% of Total revenues3.0% 5.3% (2.3)% 5.3% 4.3% 1.0%

The decrease in income from operations during fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 was primarily due to impairment charges incurred in connection with the 2017 Closure Initiative and the sale of Outback South Korea and a decrease in operating margin at the restaurant-level. These decreases were partially offset by lower general and administrative expense.

The increase in income from operations during fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014 was primarily due to lower general and administrative expense, lower impairments and restaurant closing costs and an increase in operating margin at the restaurant-level.

Loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt
 FISCAL YEAR   FISCAL YEAR  
(dollars in millions)2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt$27.0
 $3.0
 $24.0
 $3.0
 $11.1
 $(8.1)

We recognized a loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt in connection with the: (i) the defeasance of the 2012 CMBS loan and the amendment of the PRP Mortgage Loan in 2016 and (ii) the refinancing of our Senior Secured Credit Facility in 2015 and 2014.
Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net, includes items deemed to be non-operating based on management’s assessment of the nature of the item in relation to our core operations:
 FISCAL YEAR   FISCAL YEAR  
(dollars in millions):2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Other income (expense), net$1.6
 $(0.9) $2.5
 $(0.9) $(1.2) $0.3

We recorded other income (expense) primarilyin connection with: (i) the gain on sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea in fiscal year 2016, (ii) the loss on sale of our Roy’s business during fiscal year 2015 and (iii) the loss on sale of an Outback Steakhouse restaurant in Mexico in fiscal year 2014.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Interest expense, net
 FISCAL YEAR   FISCAL YEAR  
(dollars in millions):2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Interest expense, net$45.7
 $56.2
 $(10.5) $56.2
 $59.7
 $(3.5)

The decrease in interest expense, net in fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 was primarily due to the refinancing of the 2012 CMBS loan in February 2016, partially offset by deferred financing fee amortization, additional draws on our revolving credit facility and expense related to the interest rate swaps.

The decrease in net interest expense in fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014 was primarily due to the refinancing of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities in March 2015 and May 2014 and the repayment of long-term debt during fiscal year 2014. These decreases were partially offset by additional expense related to the interest rate swaps.

Provision for income taxes
 FISCAL YEAR   FISCAL YEAR  
 2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Effective income tax rate18.0% 23.0% (5.0)% 23.0% 20.0% 3.0%

The net decrease in the effective income tax rate in fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 was primarily due to benefits from employment-related credits being a higher percentage of net income in 2016 and a change in the amount and mix of income and losses across the Company’s domestic and international subsidiaries, partially offset by the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea.

The net increase in the effective income tax rate in fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014 was primarily due to a change in the amount and mix of income and losses across our domestic and international subsidiaries and the payroll tax audit settlements.

The effective income tax rate for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 was lower than the blended federal and state statutory rate of 39.0%, primarily due to the benefit of tax credits for FICA taxes on certain employees’ tips.

Segments

We have two reportable segments, U.S. and International, which reflects how we manage our business, review operating performance and allocate resources. The U.S. segment includes all brands operating in the U.S. while brands operating outside the U.S. are included in the International segment. Resources are allocated and performance is assessed by our Chief Executive Officer, whom we have determined to be our Chief Operating Decision Maker.

Revenues for both segments include only transactions with customers and include no intersegment revenues. Excluded from income from operations for U.S. and International are legal and certain corporate costs not directly related to the performance of the segments, certain stock-based compensation expenses and certain bonus expense.

Prior to 2016, certain insurance expenses were not allocated to our concepts as these expenses were reviewed and evaluated on a Company-wide basis and therefore, these costs were excluded from segment restaurant-level operating margin and income from operations. In 2016, management changed how insurance expenses related to our restaurants are reviewed and now considers those costs when evaluating the operating performance of our concepts. Accordingly, we have recast all prior period segment information to reflect this change.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Following is a reconciliation of segment income (loss) from operations to the consolidated operating results:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Segment income (loss) from operations     
U.S.$286,683
 $348,731
 $327,693
International(5,954) 34,597
 25,020
Total segment income from operations280,729
 383,328
 352,713
Unallocated corporate operating expense(153,123) (152,403) (160,749)
Total income from operations127,606
 230,925
 191,964
Loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt(26,998) (2,956) (11,092)
Other income (expense), net1,609
 (939) (1,244)
Interest expense, net(45,726) (56,176) (59,658)
Income before provision for income taxes$56,491
 $170,854
 $119,970

U.S. Segment
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Revenues     
Restaurant sales$3,777,907
 $3,857,162
 $3,832,373
Franchise and other revenues19,402
 22,581
 21,906
Total revenues$3,797,309
 $3,879,743
 $3,854,279
Restaurant-level operating margin15.4% 16.0% 15.6%
Income from operations286,683
 348,731
 327,693
Operating income margin7.5% 9.0% 8.5%

Restaurant sales

Following is a summary of the change in U.S. segment Restaurant sales for fiscal years 2016 and 2015:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in millions)2016 2015
For fiscal years 2015 and 2014$3,857.2
 $3,832.4
Change from:   
Comparable restaurant sales (1)(72.5) 20.1
Restaurant closings(25.1) (21.1)
Divestiture of Roy’s(5.7) (63.2)
Restaurant openings (1)24.0
 66.1
Change in fiscal year
 22.8
For fiscal years 2016 and 2015$3,777.9
 $3,857.1
____________________
(1)Summation of quarterly changes for restaurant openings and comparable restaurant sales will not total to annual amounts as the restaurants that meet the definition of a comparable restaurant will differ each period based on when the restaurant opened.

The decrease in U.S. Restaurant sales in fiscal year 2016 was primarily attributable to: (i) lower comparable restaurant sales, (ii) the closing of 18 restaurants since December 28, 2014 and (iii) the sale of 20 Roy’s restaurants in January 2015. The decrease in U.S. Restaurant sales was partially offset by sales from 38 new restaurants not included in our comparable restaurant sales base.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


The increase in U.S. Restaurant sales in fiscal year 2015 was primarily attributable to: (i) sales from 63 new restaurants not included in our comparable restaurant sales base, (ii) two additional operating days due to a change in our fiscal year end and (iii) higher comparable restaurant sales at our existing restaurants. The increase in U.S. Restaurant sales was partially offset by: (i) the sale of 20 Roy’s restaurants and (ii) the closing of 31 restaurants since December 31, 2013.

Restaurant-level operating margin

The decrease in U.S. restaurant-level operating margin in fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 was primarily due to: (i) higher kitchen and service labor costs due to higher wage rates and investments in our service model, (ii) an increase in operating expenses due to inflation and timing and (iii) higher net rent expense due to the sale-leaseback of certain properties. These increases were partially offset by: (i) the impact of certain cost saving initiatives and (ii) increases in average check per person.

The increase in U.S. restaurant-level operating margin in fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014 was primarily due to: (i) the impact of certain cost savings initiatives, (ii) lower marketing expense and (iii) increases in average check per person. This increase was partially offset by: (i) commodity inflation and (ii) higher kitchen and labor costs due to higher wage rates and lunch expansion across certain concepts.

Income from operations

The decrease in U.S. income from operations generated in fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 was primarily due to: (i) higher impairment and restaurant closing costs, primarily related to the 2017 Closure Initiative and (ii) lower operating margin at the restaurant level, partially offset by lower general and administrative expense. General and administrative expense for the U.S. segment decreased primarily from lower deferred compensation expense due to the acquisition of a managing partner’s interests in certain Outback Steakhouse restaurants.

The increase in U.S. income from operations generated in fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014 was primarily due to: (i) higher restaurant-level operating income and (ii) lower general and administrative expense. General and administrative expense for the U.S. segment decreased primarily due to lower compensation and benefits driven by our organizational realignment in fiscal 2014 and lower incentive compensation due to performance against current year objectives compared to prior year. These increases in U.S. income from operations were partially offset by higher impairment and restaurant closing costs, primarily related to the Bonefish Restructuring.

International Segment
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Revenues     
Restaurant sales$448,150
 $492,759
 $583,410
Franchise and other revenues6,853
 5,174
 5,022
Total revenues$455,003
 $497,933
 $588,432
Restaurant-level operating margin18.8 % 19.3% 18.4%
Income (loss) from operations(5,954) 34,597
 25,020
Operating income (loss) margin(1.3)% 6.9% 4.3%


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Restaurant sales

Following is a summary of the change in International segment Restaurant sales for fiscal years 2016 and 2015:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in millions)2016 2015
For fiscal years 2015 and 2014$492.8
 $583.4
Change from:   
Divestiture of Outback Steakhouse South Korea(81.2) 
Effect of foreign currency translation(31.6) (119.3)
Restaurant closings(8.8) (78.1)
Restaurant openings (1)62.2
 87.7
Comparable restaurant sales (1)14.8
 17.6
Change in fiscal year
 1.5
For fiscal years 2016 and 2015$448.2
 $492.8
____________________
(1)Summation of quarterly changes for restaurant openings and comparable restaurant sales will not total to annual amounts as the restaurants that meet the definition of a comparable restaurant will differ each period based on when the restaurant opened.

The decrease in Restaurant sales in fiscal year 2016 was primarily attributable to: (i) the sale of 72 Outback Steakhouse South Korea restaurants in July 2016, (ii) the effect of foreign currency translation and (iii) the closing of six restaurants since December 28, 2014. The decrease in restaurant sales was partially offset by: (i) sales from 54 new restaurants not included in our comparable restaurant sales base and (ii) an increase in comparable restaurant sales.

The decrease in Restaurant sales in fiscal year 2015 was primarily attributable to: (i) the effect of foreign currency translation and (ii) the closing of 53 restaurants since December 31, 2013. The decrease in restaurant sales was partially offset by: (i) sales from 56 new restaurants not included in our comparable restaurant sales base, (ii) an increase in comparable restaurant sales and (iii) two additional operating days due to a change in our fiscal year end.

Restaurant-level operating margin

The decrease in International restaurant-level operating margin in fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 was primarily due to: (i) higher commodity and labor inflation and (ii) higher operating expenses due to inflation. The decrease was partially offset by: (i) increases in average check per person and (ii) the impact of certain cost saving initiatives.

The increase in International restaurant-level operating margin in fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014 was primarily due to: (i) increases in average check per person and (ii) the impact of certain cost saving initiatives. The increase was partially offset by: (i) commodity inflation, (ii) higher kitchen and labor costs due to higher wage rates and higher average unit volumes and (iii) additional costs associated with the opening of our Abbraccio concept in Brazil.

Income (loss) from operations

The decrease in International income from operations in fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 was primarily due to: (i) impairment charges related to the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea and (ii) lower operating margin at the restaurant-level, partially offset by lower general and administrative expense.

The increase in International income from operations in fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014 was primarily due to: (i) a decrease in impairment and restaurant closing costs related to the International Restaurant Closure Initiative, (ii) lower general and administrative expense and (iii) lower depreciation and amortization expense. General and

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


administrative expense for the International segment decreased primarily due to the impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by increased compensation and benefits.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to the results provided in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we provide certain non-GAAP measures, which present operating results on an adjusted basis. These are supplemental measures of performance that are not required by or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include the following: (i) system-wide sales, (ii) Adjusted restaurant-level operating margins, (iii) Adjusted income from operations and the corresponding margins, (iv) Adjusted net income and (v) Adjusted diluted earnings per share.

We believe that our use of non-GAAP financial measures permits investors to assess the operating performance of our business relative to our performance based on U.S. GAAP results and relative to other companies within the restaurant industry by isolating the effects of certain items that may vary from period to period without correlation to core operating performance or that vary widely among similar companies. However, our inclusion of these adjusted measures should not be construed as an indication that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or infrequent items or that the items for which we have made adjustments are unusual or infrequent or will not recur. We believe that the disclosure of these non-GAAP measures is useful to investors as they form part of the basis for how our management team and Board of Directors evaluate our operating performance, allocate resources and establish employee incentive plans.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to replace U.S. GAAP financial measures, and they are not necessarily standardized or comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. We maintain internal guidelines with respect to the types of adjustments we include in our non-GAAP measures. These guidelines endeavor to differentiate between types of gains and expenses that are reflective of our core operations in a period, and those that may vary from period to period without correlation to our core performance in that period. However, implementation of these guidelines necessarily involves the application of judgment, and the treatment of any items not directly addressed by, or changes to, our guidelines will be considered by our disclosure committee. Refer to the reconciliations of non-GAAP measures for descriptions of the actual adjustments made in the current period and the corresponding prior period.

Based on a review of our non-GAAP presentations, we have determined that, commencing with our results for the first fiscal quarter of 2017, when presenting the non-GAAP measures Adjusted income from operations and the corresponding margins, Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share, we will no longer adjust for expenses incurred in connection with our remodel program or intangible amortization recorded as a result of the acquisition of our Brazil operations. We intend to recast the historical comparable periods presented in our future filings to conform to the revised presentation.

System-Wide Sales

System-wide sales is a non-GAAP financial measure that includes sales of all restaurants operating under our brand names, whether we own them or not. Management uses this information to make decisions about future plans for the development of additional restaurants and new concepts, as well as evaluation of current operations. System-wide sales comprise sales of Company-owned and franchised restaurants and, in historical periods, sales of unconsolidated joint venture restaurants.


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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Following is a summary of sales of Company-owned restaurants:
 FISCAL YEAR
COMPANY-OWNED RESTAURANT SALES (dollars in millions):2016 2015 2014
U.S.     
Outback Steakhouse$2,180
 $2,226
 $2,168
Carrabba’s Italian Grill696
 720
 710
Bonefish Grill617
 623
 609
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar285
 280
 275
Other
 8
 71
Total3,778
 3,857
 3,833
International     
Outback Steakhouse-Brazil303
 283
 310
Outback Steakhouse-South Korea (1)90
 172
 239
Other55
 38
 34
Total448
 493
 583
Total Company-owned restaurant sales$4,226
 $4,350
 $4,416
____________________
(1)On July 25, 2016, we sold our restaurant locations in South Korea, converting all restaurants in that market to franchised locations.

The following table provides a summary of sales of franchised restaurants, which are not included in our consolidated financial results, and our income from the royalties and/or service fees that franchisees pay us based generally on a percentage of sales. The following table does not represent our sales and is presented only as an indicator of changes in the restaurant system, which management believes is important information regarding the health of our restaurant concepts and in determining our royalties and/or service fees.
 FISCAL YEAR
FRANCHISE SALES (dollars in millions): (1)2016 2015 2014
U.S.     
Outback Steakhouse$334
 $340
 $323
Carrabba's Italian Grill11
 9
 4
Bonefish Grill13
 12
 13
Total358
 361
 340
International     
Outback Steakhouse-South Korea (2)74
 
 
Other111
 115
 122
Total185
 115
 122
Total franchise sales (1)$543
 $476
 $462
Income from franchises (3)$20
 $18
 $17
____________________
(1)Franchise sales are not included in Total revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
(2)On July 25, 2016, we sold our restaurant locations in South Korea, converting all restaurants in that market to franchised locations.
(3)Represents the franchise royalty income included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income in Other revenues.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Adjusted restaurant-level operating margin

Restaurant-level operating margin is calculated as Restaurant sales after deduction of the main restaurant-level operating costs, which includes Cost of sales, Labor and other related and Other restaurant operating expenses. Adjusted restaurant-level operating margin is Restaurant-level operating margin adjusted for certain items, as noted below.

The following tables show the percentages of certain operating cost financial statement line items in relation to Restaurant sales on both a U.S. GAAP basis and an adjusted basis, as indicated:
 FISCAL YEAR
 2016 2015 2014
 U.S. GAAP ADJUSTED (1) U.S. GAAP ADJUSTED (2) U.S. GAAP ADJUSTED (3)
Restaurant sales100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
            
Cost of sales32.1% 32.1% 32.6% 32.6% 32.5% 32.5%
Labor and other related28.7% 28.7% 27.7% 27.8% 27.6% 27.6%
Other restaurant operating23.5% 23.5% 23.1% 23.1% 23.8% 24.0%
            
Restaurant-level operating margin15.8% 15.7% 16.5% 16.5% 16.1% 15.9%
_________________
(1)
Includes adjustments for the reversal of $5.9 million of deferred rent liabilities, primarily related to the 2017 Closure Initiative and the Bonefish Restructuring, partially offset by $2.3 million of legal settlement costs related to the Sears matter. The reversal of the deferred rent liabilities and the legal settlement were recorded in Other restaurant operating.
(2)
Includes adjustments for the favorable resolution of payroll tax audit contingencies of $5.6 million, partially offset by legal settlement costs of $4.0 million, primarily related to the Cardoza litigation. The payroll audit adjustment was recorded in Labor and other related and the legal settlement was recorded in Other restaurant operating.
(3)
Includes adjustments, primarily related to a $6.1 million legal settlement gain and the reversal of $2.9 million of deferred rent liabilities associated with the International and Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiatives, which were recorded in Other restaurant operating.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Adjusted income from operations, Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share

The following table reconciles Adjusted income from operations and the corresponding margins, Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share to their respective most comparable U.S. GAAP measures for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)2016 2015 2014
Income from operations$127,606
 $230,925
 $191,964
Operating income margin3.0% 5.3% 4.3%
Adjustments:     
Restaurant impairments and closing costs (1)45,806
 33,507
 26,841
Asset impairments and related costs (2)44,680
 746
 24,490
Restaurant relocations, remodels and related costs (3)11,330
 3,625
 249
Severance (4)5,463
 
 9,045
Purchased intangibles amortization (5)3,885
 4,334
 5,952
Legal and contingent matters (6)2,340
 5,843
 (6,070)
Transaction-related expenses (7)1,910
 1,294
 1,347
Payroll tax audit contingency (8)
 (5,587) 
Total income from operations adjustments$115,414
 $43,762
 $61,854
Adjusted income from operations$243,020
 $274,687
 $253,818
Adjusted operating income margin5.7% 6.3% 5.7%
      
Net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands$41,748
 $127,327
 $91,090
Adjustments:     
Income from operations adjustments115,414
 43,762
 61,854
Loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt (9)26,998
 2,956
 11,092
(Gain) loss on disposal of business (10)(1,632) 1,328
 770
Total adjustments, before income taxes140,780
 48,046
 73,716
Adjustment to provision for income taxes (8) (11)(35,336) (15,314) (23,996)
Net adjustments105,444
 32,732
 49,720
Adjusted net income$147,192
 $160,059
 $140,810
      
Diluted earnings per share$0.37
 $1.01
 $0.71
Adjusted diluted earnings per share$1.29
 $1.27
 $1.10
      
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding114,311
 125,585
 128,317
_________________
(1)Represents expenses incurred for the 2017 Closure Initiative, Bonefish Restructuring and the International and Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiatives.
(2)
Represents asset impairment charges and related costs primarily related to: (i) the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea and our Puerto Rico subsidiary in 2016, (ii) our Roy’s concept in 2014 and (iii) the sale of corporate aircraft in 2015 and 2014.
(3)Represents asset impairment charges and accelerated depreciation incurred in connection with our relocation and remodel programs.
(4)Relates primarily to the following: (i) restructuring of certain functions in 2016, (ii) the relocation of our Fleming’s operations center to the corporate home office in 2016 and (iii) our organizational realignment in 2014.
(5)
Represents intangible amortization recorded as a result of the acquisition of our Brazil operations.
(6)
Represents fees and expenses related to certain legal and contingent matters, including the Sears litigation in 2016 and the Cardoza litigation in 2015. During fiscal year 2014, we recognized a gain on a legal settlement.
(7)Relates primarily to the following: (i) costs incurred with our sale-leaseback initiative in 2016 and 2015 and (ii) costs incurred with the secondary offering of our common stock in March 2015, November 2014 and March 2014. For the fiscal year ended December 25, 2016, includes an adjustment of $0.3 million for amortization of deferred gains related to our sale-leaseback initiative from our

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


second fiscal quarter. Subsequent to the second quarter, based on an ongoing review of our non-GAAP presentations, we determined not to adjust for this item. We do not consider this change material to the historical periods presented.
(8)Relates to a payroll tax audit contingency adjustment for the employer’s share of FICA taxes related to cash tips allegedly received and unreported by our employees during calendar year 2011, which is recorded in Labor and other related expenses. In addition, a deferred income tax adjustment has been recorded for the allowable income tax credits for the employer’s share of FICA taxes expected to be paid, which is included in Provision for income taxes and offsets the adjustment to Labor and other related expenses. As a result, there is no impact to Net income from this adjustment.
(9)
Relates to: (i) the amendment of the PRP Mortgage Loan and defeasance of the 2012 CMBS loan in 2016 and (ii) the refinancing of our Senior Secured Credit Facility in 2015 and 2014.
(10)
Primarily relates to the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea in 2016 and Roy’s in 2015.
(11)
Represents income tax effect of the adjustments, on a jurisdiction basis. Included in the adjustment for fiscal year 2016 is $2.4 million for a tax obligation related to the Outback Steakhouse South Korea sale. Additionally, for fiscal year 2015, a deferred income tax adjustment has been recorded for the allowable income tax credits for the employer’s share of FICA taxes expected to be paid. See footnote 8 to this table.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Liquidity and Capital Resources

LIQUIDITY

Our liquidity sources consist of cash flow from our operations, cash and cash equivalents and credit capacity under our credit facilities. We expect to use cash primarily for general operating expenses, share repurchases and dividend payments, remodeling or relocating older restaurants, development of new restaurants and new markets, principal and interest payments on our debt, obligations related to our deferred compensation plans and investments in technology.

We believe that our expected liquidity sources are adequate to fund debt service requirements, lease obligations, capital expenditures and working capital obligations for the next 12 months. However, our ability to continue to meet these requirements and obligations will depend on, among other things, our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue and cash flow and our ability to manage costs and working capital successfully.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - As of December 25, 2016, we had $127.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, of which $33.6 million was held by foreign affiliates, a portion of which would be subject to additional taxes if repatriated to the United States. The international jurisdictions in which we have significant cash do not have any known restrictions that would prohibit the repatriation of cash and cash equivalents.

We had aggregate undistributed earnings of $60.6 million for foreign subsidiaries as of December 25, 2016, which we consider to be permanently reinvested and are expected to continue to be permanently reinvested. It is not practical to determine the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities on the undistributed earnings we consider to be permanently reinvested.

Sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea - On July 25, 2016, we completed the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea for a purchase price of $50.0 million.

Sale-Leaseback Transactions - During fiscal year 2016, we entered into sale-leaseback transactions with third-parties in which we sold 159 restaurant properties at fair market value for gross proceeds of $560.4 million. With the proceeds from these transactions, we made payments of $322.3 million on our PRP Mortgage Loan.

Subsequent to December 25, 2016, we entered into sale-leaseback transactions with third-parties in which we sold six restaurant properties at fair market value for gross proceeds of $21.6 million.

Restructuring - Total aggregate future undiscounted cash expenditures of $41.6 million to $49.5 million for the 2017 Closure Initiative and Bonefish Restructuring, primarily related to lease liabilities, are expected to occur over the remaining lease terms with the final term ending in January 2029.

Capital Expenditures - We estimate that our capital expenditures will total between $260.0 million and $280.0 million in 2017. The amount of actual capital expenditures may be affected by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors, among other things, including restrictions imposed by our borrowing arrangements.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Credit Facilities - As of December 25, 2016, our credit facilities consist of the Senior Secured Credit Facility and the PRP Mortgage Loan. See Note 11 - Long-term Debt, Net of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Following is a summary of principal payments and debt issuance from December 28, 2014 to December 25, 2016:
 SENIOR SECURED CREDIT FACILITY 2012
CMBS LOAN
 PRP MORTGAGE LOAN TOTAL CREDIT FACILITIES
 TERM LOANS REVOLVING FACILITY   
(dollars in thousands)A A-1 B    
Balance as of December 28, 2014$296,250
 
 $225,000
 $325,000
 $470,959
 $
 $1,317,209
2015 new debt (1)
 150,000
 
 565,300
 
 
 715,300
2015 payments (1)(18,750) 
 (225,000) (458,300) (11,990) 
 (714,040)
Balance as of December 27, 2015277,500
 150,000
 
 432,000
 458,969
 
 1,318,469
2016 new debt (2)
 
 
 729,500
 
 369,512
 1,099,012
2016 payments (2)(18,750) (9,375) 
 (539,500) (458,969) (322,310) (1,348,904)
Balance as of December 25, 2016$258,750
 $140,625
 $
 $622,000
 $
 $47,202
 $1,068,577
________________
(1)Includes $215.0 million related to a refinancing of our Senior Secured Credit Facility to repay the remaining Term loan B balance and $150.0 million for an incremental Term loan A-1, which was used to repay a portion of the outstanding revolving credit facility.
(2)In February 2016, we drew $185.0 million on our revolving credit facility. The drawdowns, together with the proceeds from the PRP Mortgage Loan, were used to prepay a portion, and fully defease the remainder, of the 2012 CMBS loan.

Following is a summary of our outstanding credit facilities as of December 25, 2016:
 INTEREST RATE
DECEMBER 25, 2016
 ORIGINAL FACILITY PRINCIPAL MATURITY DATE OUTSTANDING
(dollars in thousands)   DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
Term loan A, net of discount of $1.2 million (1)2.63% $300,000
 May 2019 $258,750
 $277,500
Term loan A-12.70% 150,000
 May 2019 140,625
 150,000
Revolving credit facility (1)2.67% 825,000
 May 2019 622,000
 432,000
Total Senior Secured Credit Facility  1,275,000
   1,021,375
 859,500
PRP Mortgage Loan3.21% 369,512
 February 2018 47,202
 
2012 CMBS loan  500,000
   
 458,969
Total credit facilities  $2,144,512
   $1,068,577
 $1,318,469
________________
(1)Represents the weighted-average interest rate for the respective period.

Credit Agreement - As of December 25, 2016, we had $175.2 million in available unused borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility, net of letters of credit of $27.8 million.

The Credit Agreement contains mandatory prepayment requirements for Term loan A and Term loan A-1. We are required to prepay outstanding amounts under Term loan A and Term loan A-1 with 50% of our annual excess cash flow, as defined in the Credit Agreement. The amount of outstanding Term loan A and Term loan A-1 required to be prepaid may vary based on our leverage ratio and year end results. Other than the required minimum amortization premiums of $33.8 million, we do not anticipate any other payments will be required through December 31, 2017.

We are exploring options to address the 2019 maturity of our Senior Secured Credit Facility.

PRP Mortgage Loan - On February 11, 2016, PRP, as borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as lender (the “lender”), entered into the PRP Mortgage Loan, pursuant to which PRP borrowed $300.0 million. The PRP Mortgage Loan has an Initial Maturity date of February 11, 2018 with an option to extend the Initial Maturity date for one twelve-

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


month Extension provided that certain conditions are satisfied. The PRP Mortgage Loan is collateralized by certain properties owned by PRP. PRP has also made negative pledges with respect to certain unencumbered properties.
The proceeds of the PRP Mortgage Loan were used, together with borrowings under our revolving credit facility, to prepay a portion, and fully defease the remainder, of the 2012 CMBS loan. In connection with the defeasance, we recognized a loss of $26.6 million during the fiscal year ended December 25, 2016. Following the defeasance of the 2012 CMBS loan, $19.3 million of restricted cash was released. On July 27, 2016, PRP and the Lender, entered into an Amendment to PRP’s Original Loan Agreement to provide for additional borrowings of $69.5 million.
Subsequent to December 25, 2016, we made payments of $19.2 million on our PRP Mortgage Loan with proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions. The remaining $28.0 million PRP Mortgage Loan balance is due on the Initial Maturity date unless the we exercise the Extension.
Debt Covenants - Our Credit Agreement and PRP Mortgage Loan contain various financial and non-financial covenants. A violation of these covenants could negatively impact our liquidity by restricting our ability to borrow under the revolving credit facility and cause an acceleration of the amounts due under the credit facilities. See Note 11 - Long-term Debt, Net of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, we were in compliance with our debt covenants. We believe that
we will remain in compliance with our debt covenants during the next 12 months.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk -In September 2014, we entered into variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements with eightcounterparties to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our variable rate debt. The swap agreements have an aggregate notional amount of $400.0 million, a start date of June 30, 2015, and mature on May 16, 2019. Under the terms of the swap agreements, we pay a weighted-average fixed rate of 2.02% on the $400.0 million notional amount and receive payments from the counterparty based on the 30-day LIBOR rate. We estimate $4.2 millionwill be reclassified to interest expense over the next twelve months. See Note 15 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

SUMMARY OF CASH FLOWS

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the periods indicated:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Net cash provided by operating activities$340,581
 $397,430
 $352,006
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities309,281
 (180,643) (240,342)
Net cash used in financing activities(657,978) (241,001) (148,731)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents2,955
 (9,193) (7,060)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents$(5,161) $(33,407) $(44,127)

Operating activities - Net cash provided by operating activities decreased in 2016 as compared to 2015 primarily as a result of the following: (i) higher income tax payments primarily due to sale-leaseback transactions and (ii) the timing of rent payments. These decreases were partially offset by: (i) utilization of inventory on hand and (ii) lower cash interest payments.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased in 2015 as compared to 2014 primarily as a result of the following: (i) timing of collections of holiday gift card sales from third-party vendors, (ii) lower income tax payments and (iii) lower cash interest payments. These increases were partially offset by: (i) timing of payments on accounts payable and

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


certain accrual payments, (ii) a decrease in incremental gift card sales and (iii) the cash impact of settlement of obligations associated with the International Restaurant Closure Initiative.

Investing activities - Net cash provided by investing activities during 2016 consisted primarily of: (i) proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions, (ii) proceeds from the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea and (iii) a reduction in restricted cash related to the defeasance of the 2012 CMBS loan, partially offset by capital expenditures.

Net cash used in investing activities during 2015 consisted primarily of capital expenditures. Net cash used in investing activities was partially offset by the following: (i) proceeds from other investments, net, (ii) proceeds from the sale of Roy’s, (iii) the release of escrow cash related to the Brazil Joint Venture acquisition and (iv) proceeds from the disposal of property, fixtures and equipment.

Net cash used in investing activities during 2014 consisted primarily of: (i) capital expenditures, (ii) the net difference in restricted cash used and restricted cash received and (iii) net cash paid to acquire certain franchise restaurants. Net cash used in investing activities was partially offset by proceeds from the disposal of property, fixtures and equipment.

Financing activities - Net cash used in financing activities during 2016 was primarily attributable to the following: (i) the defeasance of the 2012 CMBS loan and payments on our PRP Mortgage Loan, (ii) the repurchase of common stock, (iii) the purchase of outstanding noncontrolling interests and limited partnership interests in certain restaurants, (iv) payment of cash dividends on our common stock and (v) repayments of partner deposits and accrued partner obligations. Net cash used in financing activities was partially offset by the following: (i) proceeds from the PRP Mortgage Loan, (ii) drawdowns on our revolving credit facility, net of repayments and (iii) proceeds from the sale of certain properties, which are considered financing obligations.

Net cash used in financing activities during 2015 was primarily attributable to the following: (i) repayments of the Term loan B due to the Senior Secured Credit Facility refinancing in March 2015 and voluntary prepayments, (ii) the repurchase of common stock, (iii) repayments of partner deposits and accrued partner obligations and (iv) payment of cash dividends on our common stock. Net cash used in financing activities was partially offset by the following: (i) proceeds from the incremental Term loan A-1, net of financing fees, (ii) drawdowns on the revolving credit facility, net of repayments, and (iii) proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Net cash used in financing activities during 2014 was primarily attributable to the following: (i) repayment of the Term loan B due to the Senior Secured Credit Facility refinancing in May 2014 and voluntary repayments, (ii) repayment of borrowings on the 2012 CMBS loan, Term loan A and revolving credit facilities, (iii) repayments of partner deposits and accrued partner obligations and (iv) the purchase of outstanding limited partnership interests in certain restaurants. Net cash used in financing activities was partially offset by proceeds from the refinancing of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, net of financing fees, and proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Following is a summary of our current assets, current liabilities and working capital:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
Current assets$390,519
 $418,644
Current liabilities823,408
 814,166
Working capital (deficit)$(432,889) $(395,522)

Working capital (deficit) included Unearned revenue from unredeemed gift cards and loyalty program rewards of $388.5 million and $382.6 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively. We have, and in the future may continue to have, negative working capital balances (as is common for many restaurant companies).

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


We operate successfully with negative working capital because cash collected on restaurant sales is typically received before payment is due on our current liabilities, and our inventory turnover rates require relatively low investment in inventories. Additionally, ongoing cash flows from restaurant operations and gift card sales are used to service debt obligations and make capital expenditures.

Deferred Compensation Programs - The deferred compensation obligation due to managing and chef partners was $113.0 million and $133.2 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively. We invest in various corporate-owned life insurance policies, which are held within an irrevocable grantor or “rabbi” trust account for settlement of our obligations under the deferred compensation plans. The rabbi trust is funded through our voluntary contributions. The unfunded obligation for managing and chef partners’ deferred compensation is $50.6 million and $74.0 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively.

We use capital to fund the deferred compensation plans and currently expect annual cash funding of $18.0 million to $20.0 million. Actual funding of the deferred compensation obligations and future funding requirements may vary significantly depending on the actual performance compared to targets, timing of deferred payments of partner contracts, forfeiture rates, number of partner participants, growth of partner investments and our funding strategy.

DIVIDENDS AND SHARE REPURCHASES

Dividends - We did not declare or pay any dividends on our common stock prior to 2015. In fiscal years 2016 and 2015, we declared and paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.07 and $0.06 per share, respectively.

In February 2017, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share, payable on March 10, 2017. Future dividend payments are dependent on our earnings, financial condition, capital expenditure requirements, surplus and other factors that our Board considers relevant.

Share Repurchases - The following table presents a summary of our share repurchase programs for 2014, 2015 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM BOARD APPROVAL DATE AUTHORIZED REPURCHASED CANCELED REMAINING
2014 December 12, 2014 $100,000
 $100,000
 $
 $
2015 August 3, 2015 100,000
 69,999
 30,001
 
2016 February 12, 2016 250,000
 139,892
 110,108
 
July 2016 (1) July 26, 2016 300,000
 169,995
 
 130,005
________________
(1)During January 2017, we repurchased $20.0 million of our outstanding common stock under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. The July 2016 Share Repurchase Program will expire on January 26, 2018.

The following table presents our dividends and share repurchases for fiscal years 2016 and 2015:
(dollars in thousands)DIVIDENDS PAID SHARE REPURCHASES TAXES RELATED TO SETTLEMENT OF EQUITY AWARDS TOTAL
Fiscal year 2016$31,379
 $309,887
 $447
 $341,713
Fiscal year 201529,332
 169,999
 770
 200,101
Total$60,711
 $479,886
 $1,217
 $541,814

Our ability to pay dividends and make share repurchases is dependent on our ability to obtain funds from our subsidiaries, have access to our revolving credit facility and the existence of surplus. Based on our Credit Agreement, restricted dividend payments from OSI to Bloomin’ Brands can be made on an unlimited basis provided we are compliant with our debt covenants.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued



OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

None.

OTHER MATERIAL COMMITMENTS

Our contractual obligations, debt obligations and commitments as of December 25, 2016 are summarized in the table below:
 PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD
   LESS THAN 1-3 3-5 MORE THAN
(dollars in thousands)TOTAL 1 YEAR YEARS YEARS 5 YEARS
Recorded Contractual Obligations         
Long-term debt (1)$1,089,485
 $35,079
 $1,033,787
 $967
 $19,652
Deferred compensation and other partner obligations (2)123,546
 20,787
 49,942
 34,233
 18,584
Other recorded contractual obligations (3)23,197
 5,286
 3,507
 1,965
 12,439
Unrecorded Contractual Obligations         
Interest (4)108,997
 37,259
 47,577
 2,642
 21,519
Operating leases1,649,054
 174,019
 313,237
 256,148
 905,650
Purchase obligations (5)439,436
 230,312
 122,074
 42,830
 44,220
Total contractual obligations$3,433,715
 $502,742
 $1,570,124
 $338,785
 $1,022,064
____________________
(1)Includes capital lease obligations. Excludes unamortized debt issuance costs and discount of $2.8 million.
(2)Includes deferred compensation obligations, deposits and other accrued obligations due to our restaurant partners. Timing and amounts of payments may vary significantly based on employee turnover, return of deposits and changes to buyout values.
(3)Includes other long-term liabilities, primarily consisting of non-partner deferred compensation obligations and restaurant closing cost liabilities. As of December 25, 2016, unrecognized tax benefits of $19.6 million were excluded from the table since it is not possible to estimate when these future payments will occur.
(4)Projected future interest payments on long-term debt are based on interest rates in effect as of December 25, 2016 and assume only scheduled principal payments. Estimated interest expense includes the impact of financing obligations and our variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements. As of December 25, 2016, we had a derivative liability of $6.0 million for the interest rate swap agreements recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(5)Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable, are legally binding and specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. We have purchase obligations with various vendors that consist primarily of inventory, restaurant level service contracts, advertising, marketing and technology.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these accompanying consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities during the reporting period. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if it requires assumptions to be made and changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets - Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


lowest level of identifiable cash flows independent of other assets. For long-lived assets deployed at our restaurants, we review for impairment at the individual restaurant level.

When evaluating for impairment, the total future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets are compared to the carrying amount. If the total future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets are less than the carrying amount, this may be an indicator of impairment. An impairment loss is recognized in earnings when the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally estimated using a discounted cash flow model. The key estimates and assumptions used in this model are future cash flow estimates, with material changes generally driven by changes in expected use, and the discount rate.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets - Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually in the second fiscal quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

We may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. In considering the qualitative approach, we evaluate factors including, but not limited to, macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, commodity cost fluctuations, competitive environment, share price performance, results of prior impairment tests, operational stability and the overall financial performance of the reporting units.

If the qualitative assessment is not performed or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, the fair value of the reporting unit is calculated. Fair value of a reporting unit is the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit and is estimated using a discounted cash flow model. The key estimates and assumptions used in this model are future cash flow estimates, which are heavily influenced by growth rates, and the discount rate. The fair value of the trade name is determined through a relief from royalty method.

The carrying value of the reporting unit is compared to its estimated fair value, with any excess of carrying value over fair value deemed to be an indicator of potential impairment, in which case a second step is performed comparing the recorded amount of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets to the implied fair value.

The carrying value of goodwill as of December 25, 2016 was $310.1 million, which related to our U.S. and International reporting units. We performed our annual impairment test in the second quarter of 2016 utilizing the qualitative assessment and determined that none of our reporting units with remaining goodwill were at risk for impairment.
Sales declines at our restaurants, unplanned increases in commodity or labor costs, deterioration in overall economic conditions and challenges in the restaurant industry may result in future impairment charges. It is possible that changes in circumstances or changes in our judgments, assumptions and estimates could result in an impairment charge of a portion or all of our goodwill or other intangible assets.

Insurance Reserves - We carry insurance programs with specific retention levels or high per-claim deductibles for a significant portion of expected losses under our workers’ compensation, general liability/liquor liability, health, property and management liability insurance programs. For some programs, we maintain stop-loss coverage to limit the exposure relating to certain risks.

We record a liability for all unresolved claims and for an estimate of incurred but not reported claims at the anticipated cost that falls below our specified retention levels or per-claim deductible amounts. Our liability for insurance claims was $62.8 million and $61.5 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively. In establishing our reserves, we consider certain actuarial assumptions and judgments regarding economic conditions, the frequency and severity of claims and claim development history and settlement practices. Reserves recorded for workers’ compensation and general liability/liquor liability claims are discounted using the average of the one-year and five-year risk free rate of monetary assets that have comparable maturities.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued



We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions used to calculate our insurance claim liabilities. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. A 50 basis point change in the discount rate in our insurance claim liabilities as of December 25, 2016, would have affected net earnings by $1.0 million in fiscal year 2016.

Stock-Based Compensation - We have a stock-based compensation plan that permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based awards to our management and other key employees. We account for our stock-based employee compensation using a fair value-based method of accounting.

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of our stock and the stock of comparable peer companies. The expected term of options granted represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The simplified method of estimating expected term is used since we do not have significant historical exercise experience for our stock options. Dividend yield is the level of dividends expected to be paid on our common stock over the expected term of our options. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect as of the grant date.

Our performance-based share units (“PSUs”) require assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving certain Company performance criteria set forth in the award agreements. Assumptions used in our assessment are consistent with our internal forecasts and operating plans.

Estimates and assumptions are based upon information currently available, including historical experience and current business and economic conditions. A simultaneous 10% change in our volatility, forfeiture rate, weighted-average risk-free interest rate, dividend rate and term of grant in our stock option pricing model for fiscal year 2016 would have affected net income by $0.5 million.

If we assumed that the PSU performance conditions for stock-based awards were not met, stock-based compensation expense would have decreased by $1.4 million for fiscal year 2016. If we assumed that PSU share awards met their maximum threshold, expense would have increased by $3.4 million for fiscal year 2016.

Income Taxes - Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates, based on certain judgments regarding enacted tax laws and published guidance, in effect in the years in which we expect those temporary differences to reverse. As of December 25, 2016, tax loss carryforwards and credit carryforwards that do not have a valuation allowance are expected to be recoverable within the applicable statutory expiration periods. A valuation allowance is established against the deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred taxes may not be realized. Changes in assumptions regarding our level and composition of earnings, tax laws or the deferred tax valuation allowance and the results of tax audits, may materially impact the effective income tax rate.

Our income tax returns, like those of most companies, are periodically audited by U.S. and foreign tax authorities. In determining taxable income, income or loss before taxes is adjusted for differences between local tax laws and generally accepted accounting principles. A tax benefit from an uncertain position is recognized only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. For uncertain tax positions that do not meet this threshold, we recognize a liability. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits requires significant management judgment regarding exposures about our various tax positions. These assumptions and probabilities are periodically reviewed and updated based upon new information. An unfavorable tax settlement generally requires the use of cash and an increase in the amount of income tax expense we recognize.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued



Revenue Recognition - The following accounting estimates relating to revenue recognition contain uncertainty because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding the effects of future events:

Gift Card Breakage – We sell gift cards to customers in our restaurants, through our websites and through select third parties. A liability is initially established for the value of the gift card when sold. We recognize revenue from gift cards when the card is redeemed by the customer. We recognize gift card breakage revenue for gift cards when the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote, which we have determined are those gift cards issued on or before three years prior to the balance sheet date. For fiscal year 2017, we do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to record breakage.

Upon the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 “Revenue Recognition (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, the Company expects to recognize breakage proportional to actual gift card redemptions. See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 for further information.

Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

For a description of recently issued Financial Accounting Standards that we adopted in 2016 and that are applicable to us but have not yet been adopted, see Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Report.


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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in commodity prices.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates, which could affect our consolidated balance sheet, earnings and cash flows. Stockholders’ equity can be adversely affected by changing interest rates, as after-tax changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges are reflected as increases and decreases to a component of stockholders’ equity.

We manage our exposure to market risk through regular operating and financing activities and when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. We use derivative financial instruments as risk management tools and not for speculative purposes. See Note 15 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

As of December 25, 2016, our interest rate risk was primarily from variable interest rate changes on our Senior Secured Credit Facility. To manage the risk of fluctuations in variable interest rate debt, we entered into interest rate swaps for an aggregate notional amount of $400.0 million in 2014 with a start date of June 30, 2015, and a maturity date of May 16, 2019.

We utilize valuation models to estimate the effects of changing interest rates. The following table summarizes the changes to fair value and interest expense under a shock scenario. This analysis assumes that interest rates change suddenly, as an interest rate “shock” and continue to increase or decrease at a consistent level above or below the LIBOR curve.

 DECEMBER 25, 2016
(dollars in thousands)INCREASE (1) DECREASE
Change in fair value:   
Interest rate swap$2,797
 $(15,583)
    
Change in annual interest expense (2):   
Variable rate debt$6,203
 $(5,740)
________________
(1)The potential change from a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in short-term interest rates.
(2)The potential change from a hypothetical basis point decrease in short-term interest rates based on the LIBOR curve with a floor of zero. The curve ranges from our current interest rate of 79 basis points to 121 basis points.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We are subject to foreign currency exchange risk for our restaurants operating in foreign countries. Our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk is primarily related to fluctuations in the Brazil Real relative to the U.S. dollar. Our operations in other markets consist of Company-owned restaurants on a smaller scale than Brazil. If foreign currency exchange rates depreciate in the countries in which we operate, we may experience declines in our operating results.

For fiscal year 2016, 10.7% of our revenue was generated in foreign currencies. A 10% change in average foreign currency rates against the U.S. dollar would have increased or decreased our Total revenues and Net income for our foreign entities by $35.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for fiscal year 2016.

Commodity Pricing Risk

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Many of the ingredients used in the products sold in our restaurants are commodities that are subject to unpredictable price volatility. Although we attempt to minimize the effect of price volatility by negotiating fixed price contracts for the supply of key ingredients, there are no established fixed price markets for certain commodities such as produce and wild fish, and we are subject to prevailing market conditions when purchasing those types of commodities. Other commodities are purchased based upon negotiated price ranges established with vendors with reference to the fluctuating market prices. The related agreements may contain contractual features that limit the price paid by establishing certain price floors and caps. Extreme changes in commodity prices or long-term changes could affect our financial results adversely. We expect that in most cases increased commodity prices could be passed through to our customers through increases in menu prices. However, if there is a time lag between the increasing commodity prices and our ability to increase menu prices, or if we believe the commodity price increase to be short in duration and we choose not to pass on the cost increases, our short-term financial results could be negatively affected. Additionally, from time to time, competitive circumstances could limit menu price flexibility, and in those cases margins would be negatively impacted by increased commodity prices.

Our restaurants are dependent upon energy to operate and are impacted by changes in energy prices, including natural gas. We utilize derivative instruments to mitigate some of our overall exposure to material increases in natural gas prices. We record mark-to-market changes in the fair value of our natural gas derivative instruments in earnings in the period of change. We incurred gains of $0.1 million and losses of $0.5 million and $0.6 million as a result of changes in the fair value of the commodity derivative instruments during fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the fair value of the derivative instruments was $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in a liability position.

In addition to the market risks identified above, we are subject to business risk as our U.S. beef supply is highly dependent upon a limited number of vendors. If these vendors were unable to fulfill their obligations under their contracts, we could encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs to secure adequate supplies. See Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

This market risk discussion contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the discussion based upon general market conditions and changes in U.S. and global financial markets.


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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data


INDEX TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PAGE NO.


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Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements prepared for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

On May 14, 2013, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) issued an updated version of its Internal Control—Integrated Framework (“2013 Framework”). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and a director since November 2009. From September 2007 to October 2009, Ms. Smith was President of Avon Products, Inc.Chief Financial and was responsible for its worldwide product-to-market processes, infrastructure, and systems, including Global Brand Marketing, Global Sales, Global Supply Chain, and Global Information Technology. In January 2005, Ms. Smith joined Avon Products, Inc. as President, Global Brand, and was given the additional role of leading Avon North America in August 2005. From November 2004 to December 2008, Ms. Smith served as a director of Carter’s, Inc. and from September 1990 to November 2004, she worked in various capacities at Kraft Foods, Inc. Ms. Smith is a memberAdministrative Officer, we carried out an evaluation of the boardeffectiveness of directorsour internal control over financial reporting as of Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., where she also serves onDecember 25, 2016 using the audit and nominating and corporate governance committees, and2013 Framework. Based upon our evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was previously a membereffective as of the boardDecember 25, 2016.

The effectiveness of directorsour internal control over financial reporting as of Staples, Inc., from September 2008 to June 2014. TheDecember 25, 2016 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered certified public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.











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Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, of changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 25, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 25, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Tampa, Florida
February 22, 2017


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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)


 DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
ASSETS   
Current Assets   
Cash and cash equivalents$127,176
 $132,337
Current portion of restricted cash and cash equivalents7,886
 6,772
Inventories65,231
 80,704
Other current assets, net190,226
 198,831
Total current assets390,519
 418,644
Restricted cash1,124
 16,265
Property, fixtures and equipment, net1,237,148
 1,594,460
Goodwill310,055
 300,861
Intangible assets, net535,523
 546,837
Deferred income tax assets38,764
 7,631
Other assets, net129,146
 147,871
Total assets$2,642,279
 $3,032,569
LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
Current Liabilities   
Accounts payable$195,371
 $193,116
Accrued and other current liabilities204,415
 206,611
Unearned revenue388,543
 382,586
Current portion of long-term debt, net35,079
 31,853
Total current liabilities823,408
 814,166
Deferred rent151,130
 139,758
Deferred income tax liabilities16,709
 53,546
Long-term debt, net1,054,406
 1,285,011
Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions, net181,696
 33,154
Other long-term liabilities, net219,030
 261,508
Total liabilities2,446,379
 2,587,143
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
 
Mezzanine Equity   
Redeemable noncontrolling interests547
 23,526
Stockholders’ Equity   
Bloomin’ Brands Stockholders’ Equity   
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 475,000,000 shares authorized; 103,922,110 and 119,214,522 shares issued and outstanding as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively1,039
 1,192
Additional paid-in capital1,079,583
 1,072,861
Accumulated deficit(786,780) (518,360)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(111,143) (147,367)
Total Bloomin’ Brands stockholders’ equity182,699
 408,326
Noncontrolling interests12,654
 13,574
Total stockholders’ equity195,353
 421,900
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders’ equity$2,642,279
 $3,032,569
    
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

 FISCAL YEAR
 2016 2015 2014
Revenues     
Restaurant sales$4,226,057
 $4,349,921
 $4,415,783
Franchise and other revenues26,255
 27,755
 26,928
Total revenues4,252,312
 4,377,676
 4,442,711
Costs and expenses     
Cost of sales1,354,853
 1,419,689
 1,435,359
Labor and other related1,211,250
 1,205,610
 1,218,961
Other restaurant operating992,157
 1,006,772
 1,049,053
Depreciation and amortization193,838
 190,399
 190,911
General and administrative267,981
 287,614
 304,382
Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings104,627
 36,667
 52,081
Total costs and expenses4,124,706
 4,146,751
 4,250,747
Income from operations127,606
 230,925
 191,964
Loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt(26,998) (2,956) (11,092)
Other income (expense), net1,609
 (939) (1,244)
Interest expense, net(45,726) (56,176) (59,658)
Income before provision for income taxes56,491
 170,854
 119,970
Provision for income taxes10,144
 39,294
 24,044
Net income46,347
 131,560
 95,926
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests4,599
 4,233
 4,836
Net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands$41,748
 $127,327
 $91,090
      
Net income$46,347
 $131,560
 $95,926
Other comprehensive income:     
Foreign currency translation adjustment37,075
 (96,194) (31,731)
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax(1,250) (6,033) (2,393)
Reclassification of adjustment for loss on derivatives included in Net income, net of tax3,807
 2,235
 
Comprehensive income85,979
 31,568
 61,802
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests8,008
 (8,934) 4,836
Comprehensive income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands$77,971
 $40,502
 $56,966
      
Earnings per share:     
Basic$0.37
 $1.04
 $0.73
Diluted$0.37
 $1.01
 $0.71
Weighted average common shares outstanding:     
Basic111,381
 122,352
 125,139
Diluted114,311
 125,585
 128,317
      
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.28
 $0.24
 $

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

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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

 BLOOMIN’ BRANDS    
 COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
CAPITAL
 ACCUM-ULATED
DEFICIT
 ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS
 NON-
CONTROLLING
INTERESTS
 TOTAL
 SHARES AMOUNT     
Balance, December 31, 2013124,784
 $1,248
 $1,068,705
 $(565,154) $(26,418) $4,328
 $482,709
Net income
 
 
 91,090
 
 4,161
 95,251
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 
 (34,124) 
 (34,124)
Stock-based compensation
 
 17,420
 
 
 
 17,420
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation
 
 2,732
 
 
 
 2,732
Common stock issued under stock plans (1)1,166
 11
 9,059
 (930) 
 
 8,140
Purchase of limited partnership interests, net of tax of $6,785
 
 (11,662) 
 
 1,236
 (10,426)
Transfer to redeemable noncontrolling interest
 
 (627) 
 
 
 (627)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 (5,062) (5,062)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 436
 436
Balance, December 28, 2014125,950
 $1,259
 $1,085,627
 $(474,994) $(60,542) $5,099
 $556,449
Net income
 
 
 127,327
 
 3,228
 130,555
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
 
 
 
 (86,825) 9
 (86,816)
Cash dividends declared, $0.24 per common share
 
 (29,332) 
 
 
 (29,332)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock(7,645) (76) 
 (169,923) 
 
 (169,999)
Stock-based compensation
 

 21,672
 
 
 
 21,672
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
 
 733
 
 
 
 733
Common stock issued under stock plans (1)910
 9
 6,015
 (770) 
 
 5,254
Purchase of noncontrolling interests
 
 (306) 
 
 
 (306)
Change in the redemption value of redeemable interests
 
 (11,548) 
 
 
 (11,548)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 (4,761) (4,761)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 3,635
 3,635
Conversion of accrued partner obligations to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 6,364
 6,364
Balance, December 27, 2015119,215
 $1,192
 $1,072,861
 $(518,360) $(147,367) $13,574
 $421,900
              
           (CONTINUED...) 
              

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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

 BLOOMIN’ BRANDS    
 COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
CAPITAL
 ACCUM-ULATED
DEFICIT
 ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS
 NON-
CONTROLLING
INTERESTS
 TOTAL
 SHARES AMOUNT     
Balance, December 27, 2015119,215
 $1,192
 $1,072,861
 $(518,360) $(147,367) $13,574
 $421,900
Net income
 
 
 41,748
 
 3,622
 45,370
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 36,224
 (43) 36,181
Cash dividends declared, $0.28 per common share
 
 (31,379) 
 
 
 (31,379)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock(16,647) (166) 
 (309,721) 
 
 (309,887)
Stock-based compensation
 
 23,539
 
 
 
 23,539
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
 
 454
 
 
 
 454
Common stock issued under stock plans (1)1,354
 13
 6,831
 (447) 
 
 6,397
Purchase of noncontrolling interests, net of tax of $1,504
 
 9,301
 
 
 581
 9,882
Change in the redemption value of redeemable interests
 
 (2,024) 
 
 
 (2,024)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 (5,818) (5,818)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 738
 738
Balance, December 25, 2016103,922
 $1,039
 $1,079,583
 $(786,780) $(111,143) $12,654
 $195,353
________________
(1)Net of forfeitures and shares withheld for employee taxes.

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

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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)

 FISCAL YEAR
 2016 2015 2014
Cash flows provided by operating activities:     
Net income$46,347
 $131,560
 $95,926
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:     
Depreciation and amortization193,838
 190,399
 190,911
Amortization of deferred discounts and issuance costs7,857
 4,722
 5,194
Amortization of deferred gift card sales commissions28,045
 28,205
 27,509
Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings104,627
 36,667
 52,081
Stock-based and other non-cash compensation expense21,522
 22,725
 19,689
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense(75,349) 3,996
 (13,623)
Loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt26,998
 2,956
 11,092
(Gain) loss on sale of subsidiary or business(1,633) 1,182
 770
Recognition of deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions(5,981) (2,121) (2,140)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation(2,252) (733) (2,732)
Other non-cash items, net824
 38
 1,395
Change in assets and liabilities:     
Decrease (increase) in inventories15,053
 (3,831) (3,126)
Increase in other current assets(22,778) (43,727) (116,828)
Decrease in other assets5,752
 16,969
 9,459
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued and other current liabilities(8,222) (9,141) 32,182
Increase in deferred rent12,426
 17,983
 18,746
Increase in unearned revenue7,812
 6,106
 21,030
(Decrease) increase in other long-term liabilities(14,305) (6,525) 4,471
Net cash provided by operating activities340,581
 397,430
 352,006
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:     
Proceeds from disposal of property, fixtures and equipment1,726
 5,420
 5,745
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions, net530,684
 
 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
 
 (3,063)
Proceeds from sale of a business, net of cash divested28,635
 7,798
 
Capital expenditures(260,578) (210,263) (237,868)
Decrease in restricted cash45,479
 54,782
 26,075
Increase in restricted cash(31,446) (47,830) (30,176)
Other investments, net(5,219) 9,450
 (1,055)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities$309,281
 $(180,643) $(240,342)
      
   (CONTINUED...) 
      

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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)

 FISCAL YEAR
 2016 2015 2014
Cash flows used in financing activities:     
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net$364,211
 $149,250
 $292,596
Defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt(478,906) (215,000) (700,000)
Repayments of long-term debt(355,616) (43,076) (31,873)
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facilities, net729,500
 564,040
 519,000
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facilities(539,500) (458,300) (194,000)
Proceeds from failed sale-leaseback transactions, net18,246
 
 
Proceeds from the exercise of share-based compensation6,843
 6,024
 9,070
Distributions to noncontrolling interests(5,818) (4,761) (5,062)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests738
 3,635
 1,872
Purchase of limited partnership and noncontrolling interests(39,476) (890) (17,211)
Repayments of partner deposits and accrued partner obligations(18,739) (42,555) (24,925)
Repurchase of common stock(310,334) (170,769) (930)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation2,252
 733
 2,732
Cash dividends paid on common stock(31,379) (29,332) 
Net cash used in financing activities(657,978) (241,001) (148,731)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents2,955
 (9,193) (7,060)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(5,161) (33,407) (44,127)
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period132,337
 165,744
 209,871
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period$127,176
 $132,337
 $165,744
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:     
Cash paid for interest$41,645
 $53,971
 $57,241
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds88,823
 31,552
 56,216
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:     
Purchase of noncontrolling interest included in accrued and other current liabilities$1,414
 $
 $
Change in acquisition of property, fixtures and equipment included in accounts payable or capital lease liabilities9,610
 3,396
 (1,669)
Deferred tax effect of purchase of noncontrolling interests1,504
 
 6,785
Conversion of accrued partner obligations to noncontrolling interests
 6,364
 
Conversion of partner deposits and accrued partner obligations to notes payable
 
 503

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

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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



1.           Description of Business

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (“Bloomin’ Brands” or the “Company”) is one of the largest casual dining restaurant companies in the world, with a portfolio of leading, differentiated restaurant concepts. OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC (“OSI”) is the Company’s primary operating entity and New Private Restaurant Properties, LLC (“PRP”), another indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, leases certain of the Company-owned restaurant properties to OSI’s subsidiaries.

The Company owns and operates casual, upscale casual and fine dining restaurants. The Company’s restaurant portfolio has four concepts: Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Additional Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill restaurants in which the Company has no direct investment are operated under franchise agreements.

2.           Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation -The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Bloomin’ Brands and its subsidiaries.

To ensure timely reporting, the Company consolidates the results of its Brazil operations on a one-month calendar lag. In December 2016, the Company made payments of $24.8 million to purchase the remaining interests in its Outback Steakhouse operations in Brazil. As these payments were material to the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the cash payments and acquisition of the redeemable noncontrolling interest were recognized as of December 25, 2016. See Note 13 - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests for further information.

As of November 30, 2016 and December 25, 2016, the Brazil Real to U.S. dollar foreign exchange rate was 3.39 and 3.27, respectively. There were no other intervening events that would materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows as of and for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2016.

Principles of Consolidation - All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company consolidates variable interest entities where it has been determined the Company is the primary beneficiary of those entities’ operations. The Company is a franchisor of 240 restaurants as of December 25, 2016, but does not possess any ownership interests in its franchisees and does not provide financial support to its franchisees. These franchise relationships are not deemed variable interest entities and are not consolidated.

Investments in entities the Company does not control, but where the Company’s interest is generally between 20% and 50% and the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the entity are accounted for under the equity method.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash equivalents consist of investments that are readily convertible to cash with an original maturity date of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents include $50.0 million and $60.7 million, as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively, for amounts in transit from credit card companies since settlement is reasonably assured.

Concentrations of Credit and Counterparty Risk - Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk are vendor and other receivables. Vendor and other receivables consist primarily of amounts

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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


due from vendor rebates and gift card resellers, respectively. The Company considers the concentration of credit risk for vendor and other receivables to be minimal due to the payment histories and general financial condition of its vendors and gift card resellers.

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of counterparty risk are cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and derivatives. The Company attempts to limit its counterparty risk by investing in certificates of deposit, money market funds, noninterest-bearing accounts and other highly rated investments. Whenever possible, the Company selects investment grade counterparties and rated money market funds in order mitigate its counterparty risk. At times, cash balances may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. See Note 15 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities for a discussion of the Company’s use of derivative instruments and management of credit risk inherent in derivative instruments.

Fair Value - Fair value is the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability, or the exit price, in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Fair value is categorized into one of the following three levels based on the lowest level of significant input:
Level 1Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2Observable inputs available at measurement date other than quoted prices included in Level 1
Level 3Unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data

Inventories - Inventories consist of food and beverages and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

Restricted Cash - The Company has both current and long-term restricted cash balances consisting of amounts: (i) pledged for payment of the PRP Mortgage loan, (ii) pledged for settlement of deferred compensation plan obligations and (iii) held in escrow for certain indemnifications associated with the sale of Roy’s.

Property, Fixtures and Equipment - Property, fixtures and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets. Improvements to leased properties are depreciated over the shorter of their useful life or the lease term, which includes renewal periods that are reasonably assured. Estimated useful lives by major asset category are generally as follows:
Buildings and building improvements20 to 30 years
Furniture and fixtures5 to 7 years
Equipment2 to 7 years
Leasehold improvements5 to 20 years
Capitalized software3 to 7 years

Repair and maintenance costs that maintain the appearance and functionality of the restaurant, but do not extend the useful life of any restaurant asset are expensed as incurred. The Company suspends depreciation and amortization for assets held for sale. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or disposed are removed from the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, and any resulting gain or loss is generally recognized in Other restaurant operating expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

The Company capitalizes direct and indirect internal costs associated with the acquisition, development, design and construction of Company-owned restaurant locations as these costs have a future benefit to the Company. Upon restaurant opening, these costs are depreciated and charged to depreciation and amortization expense. Internal costs of $7.6 million, $8.0 million and $8.7 million were capitalized during fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

For fiscal years 2016 and 2015, software development costs of $7.1 million and $4.8 million, respectively, were capitalized. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, there was $24.4 million and $27.9 million, respectively, of unamortized software included in Property, fixtures and equipment in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations and is assigned to the reporting unit in which the acquired business will operate. The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, as of the first day of the second fiscal quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

The Company may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If the qualitative assessment is not performed or if the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, the fair value of the reporting unit is calculated. The carrying value of the reporting unit is compared to its estimated fair value, with any excess of carrying value over fair value deemed to be an indicator of potential impairment, in which case a second step is performed comparing the recorded amount of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets to the implied fair value.

Definite-lived intangible assets, which consist primarily of trademarks, franchise agreements, reacquired franchise rights, favorable leases, and other long-lived assets, are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are tested for impairment, using the discounted cash flow method, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Derivatives - The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting.

Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. If the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, then the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in equity as a change to Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is immediately recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements, foreign currency exchange rate movements and other identified risks. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in earnings. The Company has elected not to offset derivative positions in the balance sheet with the same counterparty under the same agreement.

Deferred Financing Fees - For fees associated with its revolving credit facility, the Company records deferred financing fees related to the issuance of debt obligations in Other assets, net. For fees associated with all other debt obligations, the Company records deferred financing fees in Long-term debt, net.

The Company amortizes deferred financing fees to interest expense over the term of the respective financing arrangement, primarily using the effective interest method. The Company amortized deferred financing fees of $7.1 million, $2.9 million and $3.1 million to interest expense for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Liquor Licenses - The costs of obtaining non-transferable liquor licenses directly issued by local government agencies for nominal fees are expensed as incurred. The costs of purchasing transferable liquor licenses through open markets in jurisdictions with a limited number of authorized liquor licenses are capitalized as indefinite-lived intangible assets and included in Other assets, net. Annual liquor license renewal fees are expensed over the renewal term.

Insurance Reserves - The Company carries insurance programs with specific retention levels or high per-claim deductibles for a significant portion of expected losses under its workers’ compensation, general liability/liquor liability,

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


health, property and management liability insurance programs. The Company records a liability for all unresolved claims and for an estimate of incurred but not reported claims at the anticipated cost that falls below its specified retention levels or per-claim deductible amounts. In establishing reserves, the Company considers certain actuarial assumptions and judgments regarding economic conditions, the frequency and severity of claims, claim development history and settlement practices. Reserves recorded for workers’ compensation and general liability claims are discounted using the average of the one-year and five-year risk free rate of monetary assets that have comparable maturities.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - The Company consolidates its Outback Steakhouse subsidiary in China, which has a noncontrolling interest that is permitted to deliver subsidiary shares in exchange for cash at a future date. The Company believes that Ms. Smith’s qualificationsit is probable that the noncontrolling interest will become redeemable.

The Redeemable noncontrolling interest is reported at its estimated redemption value measured as the greater of estimated fair value at the end of each reporting period or the historical cost basis of the redeemable noncontrolling interest adjusted for cumulative earnings or loss allocations. The resulting increases or decreases to servefair value, if applicable, are recognized as Chairmanadjustments to Retained earnings, or in the absence of Retained earnings, Additional paid-in capital. The redeemable noncontrolling interest is classified in Mezzanine equity in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Share Repurchase - Shares repurchased are retired. The par value of the repurchased shares is deducted from common stock and the excess of the purchase price over the par value of the shares is recorded to Accumulated deficit.

Revenue Recognition - The Company records food and beverage revenues, net of discounts, upon sale. Initial and developmental franchise fees are recognized as income once the Company has substantially performed all of its material obligations under the franchise agreement, which is generally upon the opening of the franchised restaurant. Continuing royalties, which are a percentage of net sales of the franchisee, are recognized as income when earned. Franchise-related revenues are included in Other revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, except for amounts received for national marketing, which are recorded as a reduction of Other restaurant operating expenses.

The Company defers revenue for gift cards, which do not have expiration dates, until redemption by the customer. Gift cards sold at a discount are recorded as revenue upon redemption of the associated gift cards at an amount net of the related discount. The Company also recognizes gift card breakage revenue for gift cards when the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote, which the Company determined are those gift cards issued on or before three years prior to the balance sheet date. The Company recorded breakage revenue of $26.0 million, $22.9 million and $18.8 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Breakage revenue is recorded as a component of Restaurant sales in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Gift card sales commissions paid to third-party providers are initially capitalized and subsequently recognized as Other restaurant operating expenses upon redemption of the associated gift card. Deferred expenses of $15.6 millionand $16.1 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively, were reflected in Other current assets, net in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gift card sales that are accompanied by a bonus gift card to be used by the customer at a future visit result in a separate deferral of a portion of the original gift card sale. Revenue is recorded when the bonus card is redeemed at the estimated fair market value of the bonus card.

The Company maintains a customer loyalty program, Dine Rewards, in the U.S., where customers have the ability to earn a reward after a number of qualified visits. The Company has developed an estimated value of the partial reward earned from each qualified visit based on historical data. The estimated value of the partial reward is recorded as deferred revenue. Each reward has a maximum value and must be redeemed within three months of earning such reward. The revenue associated with the fair value of the qualified visit is recognized upon the earlier of redemption or expiration of the reward. Deferred revenue related to the loyalty program was $4.2 million and $0.8 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively.

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The Company collects and remits sales, food and beverage, alcoholic beverage and hospitality taxes on transactions with customers and reports revenue net of taxes in its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Operating Leases - Rent expense for the Company’s operating leases, which generally have escalating rentals over the term of the lease and may include her rolerent holidays, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term and those renewal periods that are reasonably assured. The difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent and is included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Payments received from landlords as incentives for leasehold improvements are recorded as deferred rent and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease as a reduction of rent expense. Favorable and unfavorable lease assets and liabilities are amortized on a straight-line basis to rent expense over the remaining lease term.

Pre-Opening Expenses - Non-capital expenditures associated with opening new restaurants are expensed as incurred and are included in Other restaurant operating expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Consideration Received from Vendors - The Company receives consideration for a variety of vendor-sponsored programs, such as volume rebates, promotions and advertising allowances. Advertising allowances are intended to offset the Company’s costs of promoting and selling menu items in its restaurants. Vendor consideration is recorded as a reduction of Cost of sales or Other restaurant operating expenses when recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Costs Associated with Exit Activities - Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows independent of other assets. For long-lived assets deployed at its restaurants, the Company reviews for impairment at the individual restaurant level. When evaluating for impairment, the total future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset are compared to the carrying amount. If the total future undiscounted cash flows of the asset are less than its carrying amount, recoverability is measured by comparing the fair value of the assets to the carrying amount. An impairment loss is recognized in earnings when the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally estimated using a discounted cash flow model.

Generally, restaurant closure costs, including lease termination fees, are expensed as incurred. When the Company ceases using the property rights under a non-cancelable operating lease, it records a liability for the net present value of any remaining lease obligations as a result of lease termination, less the estimated sublease income that can reasonably be obtained for the property. Any subsequent adjustments to that liability as a result of lease termination or changes in estimates of sublease income are recorded in the period incurred. The associated expense is recorded in Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Restaurant sites and certain other assets to be sold are included in assets held for sale when certain criteria are met, including the requirement that the likelihood of selling the assets within one year is probable.

Advertising Costs - Advertising production costs are expensed in the period when the advertising first occurs. All other advertising costs are expensed in the period in which the costs are incurred. Advertising expense of $160.8 million, $161.6 million and $191.1 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, was recorded in Other restaurant operating expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Legal Costs - Settlement costs are accrued when they are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. Legal fees are recognized as incurred and are reported in General and administrative expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

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Research and Development Expenses (“R&D”) - R&D is expensed as incurred in General and administrative expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. R&D primarily consists of payroll and benefit costs. R&D was $5.2 million, $6.5 million and $5.8 millionfor fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Partner Compensation - In additional to salary, the Restaurant Managing Partner of each Company-owned U.S. restaurant and the Chef Partner of each Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, as well as Area Operating Partners, generally receive performance-based bonuses for providing management and supervisory services to their restaurants, certain of which may be based on a percentage of their associated restaurants’ monthly operating results or distributable cash flows (“Monthly Payments”). The expense associated with the Monthly Payments for Restaurant Managing Partners and Chef Partners is included in Labor and other related expenses, and the expense associated with the Monthly Payments for Area Operating Partners is included in General and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Restaurant Managing Partners and Chef Partners in the U.S. that are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation program receive an unsecured promise of a cash contribution to their account (see Note 5 - Stock-based and Deferred Compensation Plans). Also, on the fifth anniversary of the opening of each new U.S. Company-owned restaurant, the Area Operating Partner supervising the restaurant during the first five years of operation receives an additional performance-based bonus.

The Company estimates future bonuses and deferred compensation obligations to Restaurant Managing, Chef Partners and Area Operating Partners, using current and historical information on restaurant performance and records the long-term portion of partner obligations in Other long-term liabilities, net in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred compensation expenses for Restaurant Managing and Chef partners are included in Labor and other related expenses and bonus expense for Area Operating Partners is included in General and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Stock-based Compensation - Stock-based compensation awards are measured at fair value at the date of grant and expensed over their vesting or service periods. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized only for those awards expected to vest. The expense, net of forfeitures, is recognized using the straight-line method.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions - For non-U.S. operations, the functional currency is the local currency. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date with the translation adjustments recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity. Results of operations are translated using the average exchange rates for the reporting period.

The Company recorded foreign currency exchange transaction losses of $1.3 million, $1.2 millionand $0.7 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Foreign currency exchange transaction losses are recorded in General and administrative in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Income Taxes - Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rate is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date of the rate change. A valuation allowance may reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

The Company records a tax benefit for an uncertain tax position using the highest cumulative tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company adjusts its liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which it determines the issue is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires or when more information becomes available.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, are recorded in Accrued and other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Recently Adopted Financial Accounting Standards - In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“the FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15: “Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU No. 2014-15”). ASU No. 2014-15 requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The adoption of ASU No. 2014-15 on December 25, 2016 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted - In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “ Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” (“ASU No. 2017-04”).
ASU No. 2017-04 eliminates the second step of goodwill impairment, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under ASU No. 2017-14, goodwill impairment will be calculated as the amount a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its calculated fair value. ASU No. 2017-04 will be applied prospectively and is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2017-04 to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations - Clarifying the Definition of a Business,” (“ASU No. 2017-01”). ASU No. 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business when evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects various areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. ASU No. 2017-01 is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018 and is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash” (“ASU No. 2016-18”). ASU No. 2016-18 provides guidance on the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, which should now be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and ending cash amounts shown on the Statements of Cash Flows. ASU No. 2016-18 will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018, with early adoption permitted. Other than the change in presentation of restricted cash within the Statement of Cash Flows, the adoption of ASU No. 2016-18 is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU No. 2016-15”), which provides guidance on the statement of cash flows presentation of certain transactions where diversity in practice exists. ASU No. 2016-15 will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect ASU No. 2016-15 to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09: “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU No. 2016-09”). ASU No. 2016-09 simplifies several aspects related to the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-09 will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2017.

Currently, the Company recognizes excess tax benefits for stock compensation in the Statement of Stockholder’s Equity when the benefits are realized (on a with and without basis). Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, excess tax benefits related to stock compensation will be recorded through the Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Excess tax benefits of approximately $14.0 million to $15.0 million will be recorded as a cumulative effect adjustment to equity in fiscal year 2017.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


The impact of adopting ASU No. 2016-09 will depend on the difference between the market price of the Company’s stock between the grant dates and subsequent vesting dates of share-based awards, and this impact could be positive or negative depending on how the Company’s stock price fluctuates.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02: “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU No. 2016-02”). ASU No. 2016-02 requires the lease rights and obligations arising from lease contracts, including existing and new arrangements, to be recognized as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. ASU No. 2016-02 is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019 and must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 “Revenue Recognition (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU No. 2014-09”). ASU No. 2014-09 provides a single source of guidance for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition standards. Under ASU No. 2014-09, revenue is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration an entity expects to receive for the transfer of goods and services. ASU No. 2014-09, as amended, will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018 and is applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment at the date of adoption.

While the Company continues to assess all potential impacts of the standard, it currently believes the most significant impact relates to accounting for breakage and advertising fees charged to franchisees. Under the new standard, the Company expects to recognize breakage proportional to actual gift card redemptions. Advertising fees charged to franchisees, which are currently recorded as a reduction to Other restaurant operating expenses, will be recognized as Other revenue. In addition, initial franchise fees will be recognized over the term of the franchise agreement, which is not expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recent accounting guidance not discussed above is not applicable, did not have, or is not expected to have a material impact to the Company.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


Out-of-Period Adjustments - In the third quarter of 2015, the Company identified and corrected errors in accounting for the allocation of foreign currency translation adjustments (“CTA”) to Redeemable noncontrolling interests and fair value adjustments for Redeemable noncontrolling interests. Management evaluated the materiality of the errors from a qualitative and quantitative perspective and concluded that the errors were immaterial to the current and prior periods. As a result, the Company recorded the cumulative adjustment in its Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity and Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income for fiscal year 2015:
  FINANCIAL STATMENT LINE ITEM IMPACT IMPACT BY PERIOD CUMULATIVE ADJUSTMENT
   FISCAL YEAR 
(dollars in thousands)  2013 2014 2015 
Mezzanine equity:          
Allocation of CTA to redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable noncontrolling interests $(1,762) $(2,677) $(4,793) $(9,232)
Adjustment for the change in the redemption value of redeemable interests Redeemable noncontrolling interests 1,715
 1,824
 5,132
 8,671
Net impact to Mezzanine equity   $(47) $(853) $339
 $(561)
           
Bloomin’ Brands stockholders’ equity:          
Allocation of CTA to redeemable noncontrolling interests Accumulated other comprehensive loss $1,762
 $2,677
 $4,793
 $9,232
Adjustment for the change in the redemption value of redeemable interests Additional paid-in capital (1,715) (1,824) (5,132) (8,671)
Net impact to Bloomin’ Brands stockholders’ equity   $47
 $853
 $(339) $561
           
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Allocation of CTA to redeemable noncontrolling interests Comprehensive income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands $1,762
 $2,677
 $4,793
 $9,232
Allocation of CTA to redeemable noncontrolling interests Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,762) (2,677) (4,793) (9,232)
Net impact to Other comprehensive income   $
 $
 $
 $

Reclassifications - The Company reclassified certain items in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for prior periods to be comparable with the classification for the current period. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income.

3.     Impairments, Disposals and Exit Costs

The components of Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings are as follows:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Impairment losses     
U.S.$57,464
 $27,408
 $13,822
International41,599
 
 12,690
Corporate
 746
 10,559
Total impairment losses$99,063
 $28,154
 $37,071
Restaurant closure expenses     
U.S.$5,596
 $2,460
 $7,334
International(32) 6,053
 7,676
Total restaurant closure expenses$5,564
 $8,513
 $15,010
Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings$104,627
 $36,667
 $52,081

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


Closure Initiative and Restructuring Costs - Following is a summary of expenses, related to the 2017 Closure Initiative, Bonefish Restructuring and International and Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiatives (“Closure Initiatives”), recognized in Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the periods indicated:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Impairment, facility closure and other expenses     
2017 Closure Initiative (1)$46,500
 $
 $
Bonefish Restructuring4,859
 24,204
 
International Restaurant Closure Initiative (2)
 6,041
 19,738
Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiative (3)
 1,602
 5,972
Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings$51,359
 $31,847
 $25,710
Severance and other expenses     
Bonefish Restructuring$601
 $143
 $
International Restaurant Closure Initiative (2)
 1,715
 3,007
Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiative (3)
 
 1,035
General and administrative$601
 $1,858
 $4,042
Reversal of deferred rent liability     
2017 Closure Initiative (1)$(3,271) $
 $
Bonefish Restructuring(3,410) 
 
International Restaurant Closure Initiative (2)
 (198) (833)
Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiative (3)
 
 (2,078)
Other restaurant operating$(6,681) $(198) $(2,911)
 $45,279
 $33,507
 $26,841
________________
(1)Includes pre-tax asset impairments of $45.6 million within the U.S. segment and $0.9 million within the International segment.
(2)During 2014, the Company decided to close 36 underperforming international locations, primarily in South Korea (the “International Restaurant Closure Initiative”).
(3)During 2013, the Company decided to close 22 underperforming domestic locations (the “Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiative”).

2017 Closure Initiative - On February 15, 2017, the Company decided to close 43 underperforming restaurants (the “2017 Closure Initiative”). Most of these restaurants will close in 2017, with the balance closing as leases and certain operating covenants expire or are amended or waived. In connection with the 2017 Closure Initiative, the Company reassessed the future undiscounted cash flows of the impacted restaurants and determined the undiscounted cash flows would not recover the value of the impacted restaurants. As a result, the Company estimated the fair value of the impacted restaurants and recognized pre-tax asset impairments of $46.5 million during fiscal year 2016, which includes three restaurants that closed in the fourth quarter.

Bonefish Restructuring - On February 12, 2016, the Company decided to close 14 Bonefish restaurants (“Bonefish Restructuring”). The Company expects to substantially complete these restaurant closings through the first quarter of 2019. In connection with the Bonefish Restructuring, the Company reassessed the future undiscounted cash flows of the impacted restaurants, and as a result, the Company recognized pre-tax asset impairments during fiscal year 2015, within the U.S. segment.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


Cumulative Closure Initiative and Restructuring Costs - Following is a summary of cumulative expenses related to the Closure Initiatives incurred through December 25, 2016 (dollars in thousands):
DESCRIPTION LOCATION OF CHARGE IN THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CLOSURE INITIATIVES AND RESTRUCTURING
  2017 BONEFISH INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC TOTAL
Impairments, facility closure and other expenses Provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings $46,500
 $29,063
 $25,779
 $26,269
 $127,611
Severance and other expenses General and administrative 
 744
 4,722
 1,035
 6,501
Reversal of deferred rent liability Other restaurant operating (3,271) (3,410) (1,031) (2,078) (9,790)
    $43,229
 $26,397
 $29,470
 $25,226
 $124,322

Projected Future Expenses and Cash Expenditures - The Company currently expects to incur additional charges for the 2017 Closure Initiative and Bonefish Grill Restructuring over the next three years, including costs associated with lease obligations, employee terminations and other closure-related obligations. Following is a summary of estimated pre-tax expense by type:
Estimated future expense (dollars in millions)
2017 CLOSURE INITIATIVE BONEFISH GRILL RESTRUCTURING
Lease related liabilities, net of subleases$17.0
to$19.0
 $2.2
to$5.2
Employee severance and other obligations$2.5
to$4.5
 $0.3
to$1.0
Total estimated future expense$19.5
to$23.5
 $2.5
to$6.2
        
Total estimated future cash expenditures (dollars in millions)$31.5
 $37.0
 $10.1
to$12.5

Total future undiscounted cash expenditures for the 2017 Closures Initiative and Bonefish Grill Restructuring, primarily related to lease liabilities, are expected to occur over the remaining lease terms with the final term ending in January 2029 and October 2024, respectively.

Accrued Facility Closure and Other Cost Rollforward - The following table summarizes the Company’s accrual activity related to facility closure and other costs during fiscal years 2016 and 2015:
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015
Beginning of the year$5,699
 $11,000
Charges6,845
 10,358
Cash payments(4,706) (13,814)
Adjustments(1,281) (1,845)
End of the year (1)$6,557
 $5,699
________________
(1)
The Company had exit-related accruals of $2.6 million and $2.0 million, recorded in Accrued and other current liabilities and $4.0 million and $3.7 million, recorded in Other long-term liabilities, net, as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively.

Outback Steakhouse South Korea - On July 25, 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Outback Steakhouse subsidiary in South Korea (“Outback Steakhouse South Korea”) for a purchase price of $50.0 million, in cash. In the second quarter of 2016, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $39.6 million, including costs to sell of $3.3 million, within the International segment. The Company also recognized tax expense of $2.4 million for fiscal year 2016 with respect to undistributed earnings in South Korea that were previously considered to be permanently reinvested.

During the third quarter of 2016, the Company recognized a gain on the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea of

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$2.1 million within Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, primarily due to a change in foreign currency exchange rates subsequent to the Company’s second fiscal quarter. After completion of the sale, the Company’s restaurant locations in South Korea are operated as franchises.

Following are the components of Outback Steakhouse South Korea included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the following periods:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Restaurant sales$90,455
 $171,649
 $238,802
(Loss) income before income taxes (1)$(32,348) $3,284
 $(12,955)
________________
(1)Includes impairment charges of $39.6 million for Assets held for sale and a gain of $2.1 million on the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea for fiscal year 2016.

Roy’s - On January 26, 2015, the Company sold its Roy’s business to United Ohana, LLC (the “Buyer”), for a purchase price of $10.0 million, less certain liabilities, and recognized a loss on sale of $0.9 million, which was recorded in Other expense, net, during fiscal year 2015.

In connection with the sale of Roy’s, the Company continues to provide lease guarantees for certain of the Roy’s locations. Under the guarantees, the Company will pay the rental expense over the remaining lease term in the event of default by the Buyer. The fair value and maximum value of the lease guarantees is nominal. The maximum amount is calculated as the fair value of the lease payments, net of sublease assumptions, over the remaining lease term.

Following are the components of Roy’s included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the following periods:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2015 2014
Restaurant sales$5,729
 $68,575
Loss before income taxes (1)(2)$(831) $(13,612)
________________
(1)Loss before income taxes includes loss on sale of $0.9 million in fiscal year 2015.
(2)Loss before income taxes includes impairment charges of $13.4 million in fiscal year 2014, which was recorded within the U.S. segment.

Other Disposals - During 2016, the Company recognized impairment charges of $3.5 million for its Puerto Rico subsidiary, within the U.S. segment.

During 2014, the Company decided to sell both of its corporate airplanes. In connection with this decision, the Company recognized pre-tax asset impairment charges of $0.7 million and $10.6 million in fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The remaining restaurant impairment and closing charges resulted from the carrying value of a restaurant’s assets exceeding its estimated fair market value, primarily due to locations identified for relocation or closure.

4.         Earnings Per Share

The Company computes basic earnings per share based on the weighted average number of common shares that were outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents consisting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-based share units and stock options, using the treasury stock method. Performance-based share units are considered dilutive when the related performance criterion has been met.

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The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 FISCAL YEAR
(in thousands, except per share amounts)2016 2015 2014
Net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands$41,748
 $127,327
 $91,090
      
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding111,381
 122,352
 125,139
      
Effect of diluted securities:     
Stock options2,659
 2,992
 3,079
Nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units260
 216
 91
Nonvested performance-based share units11
 25
 8
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding114,311
 125,585
 128,317
      
Basic earnings per share$0.37
 $1.04
 $0.73
Diluted earnings per share$0.37
 $1.01
 $0.71

Dilutive securities outstanding not included in the computation of earnings per share because their effect was antidilutive were as follows:
 FISCAL YEAR
(shares in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Stock options5,151
 2,670
 3,090
Nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units219
 27
 206
Nonvested performance-based share units92
 
 

5.           Stock-based and Deferred Compensation Plans

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Equity Compensation Plans - On April 22, 2016, the Company’s shareholders approved the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2016 Incentive Plan”). Following approval of the 2016 Incentive Plan, no further awards have been granted under the Company’s previous equity compensation plans. Existing awards under previous plans continue to vest in accordance with the original vesting schedule and will expire at the end of their original term. The 2016 Incentive Plan permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other cash-based or stock-based awards to Company management, other key employees, consultants and directors.

As of December 25, 2016, the maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to the 2016 Incentive Plan was 6,127,810.

The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense as follows:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Stock options$11,926
 $10,041
 $11,946
Restricted stock and restricted stock units9,275
 6,758
 3,857
Performance-based share units1,393
 3,596
 1,190
 $22,594
 $20,395
 $16,993


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


Stock Options - Beginning in August 2012, stock options generally vest and become exercisable over a period of four years in an equal number of shares each year. Stock options have an exercisable life of no more than ten years from the date of grant. The Company settles stock option exercises with authorized but unissued shares of the Company’s common stock. Stock options granted prior to August 2012 generally vest and become exercisable over a period of five years in an equal number of shares each year.

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s stock option activity for fiscal year 2016:
(in thousands, except exercise price and contractual life)OPTIONS WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
PRICE
 WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE
REMAINING
CONTRACTUAL
LIFE (YEARS)
 AGGREGATE
INTRINSIC
VALUE
Outstanding as of December 27, 20159,718
 $12.99
 5.6 $59,427
Granted3,164
 17.58
    
Exercised(1,090) 8.26
    
Forfeited or expired(808) 20.32
    
Outstanding as of December 25, 201610,984
 $14.24
 5.8 $58,231
Vested and expected to vest as of December 25, 201610,908
 $14.20
 5.8 $58,176
Exercisable as of December 25, 20166,640
 $10.77
 3.9 $55,659

Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the weighted-average fair value of option awards granted were as follows for the periods indicated:
 FISCAL YEAR
 2016 2015 2014
Assumptions:     
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate (1)1.32% 1.64% 1.82%
Dividend yield (2)1.59% 1.00% %
Expected term (3)6.1 years
 6.3 years
 6.3 years
Weighted-average volatility (4)35.2% 43.4% 48.4%
      
Weighted-average grant date fair value per option$5.28
 $10.11
 $11.37
________________
(1)Risk-free rate is the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect as of the grant date for periods within the expected term of the option.
(2)Dividend yield is the level of dividends expected to be paid on the Company’s common stock over the expected term of the option.
(3)Expected term represents the period of time that the options are expected to be outstanding. The simplified method of estimating the expected term is used since the Company does not have significant historical exercise experience for its stock options.
(4)Volatility is based on the historical volatilities of the Company’s stock and the stock of comparable peer companies.

The following represents stock option compensation information for the periods indicated:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Intrinsic value of options exercised$10,792
 $11,843
 $19,474
Excess tax benefits for tax deductions related to the exercise of stock options$2,146
 $702
 $2,405
Cash received from option exercises, net of tax withholding$8,998
 $7,440
 $9,540
Fair value of stock options vested$19,431
 $26,643
 $36,614
Tax benefits for stock option compensation expense$4,177
 $4,594
 $7,576
      
Unrecognized stock option expense$20,684
    
Remaining weighted-average vesting period2.3 years
    


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units - Restricted stock and restricted stock units generally vest and become exercisable in an equal number of shares each year. Restricted stock and restricted stock units issued to members of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) and employees vest over a period of three years and four years, respectively. Following is a summary of the Company’s restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for fiscal year 2016:
(shares in thousands)NUMBER OF RESTRICTED STOCK & RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARDS WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
GRANT DATE
FAIR VALUE PER AWARD
Outstanding as of December 27, 20151,145
 $21.48
Granted1,058
 16.38
Vested(370) 20.98
Forfeited(239) 19.18
Outstanding as of December 25, 20161,594
 $18.55

The following represents restricted stock and restricted stock unit compensation information as of December 25, 2016:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Fair value of restricted stock vested$7,752
 $5,339
 $2,680
Tax benefits for restricted stock compensation expense$2,513
 $2,303
 $1,298
      
Unrecognized restricted stock expense$21,870
    
Remaining weighted-average vesting period2.7 years
    

Performance-based Share Units - Beginning in 2013, the Company granted performance-based share units (“PSUs”) to certain employees. Typically, the PSUs vest in an equal number of shares over four years for awards granted prior to 2016, and in fiscal 2016, the Company granted performance-based share units that vest after three years. The number of units that vest is determined for each year based on the achievement of certain Company performance criteria as set forth in the award agreement and may range from zero to 200% of the annual target grant. The PSUs are settled in shares of common stock, with holders receiving one share of common stock for each performance-based share unit that vests. The fair value of PSUs is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense for PSUs is recognized over the vesting period when it is probable the performance criteria will be achieved.

As of December 25, 2016, the following PSU programs were in progress:
  
TARGET NO. OF PSUs REMAINING TO GRANT (1)
(shares in thousands)
 
MAXIMUM PAYOUT
(AS A % OF TARGET
NO. OF PSUs) (2)
AWARD DATE PROGRAM  
2/27/2014 2014 Program 40
 200%
2/26/2015 2015 Program 98
 200%
10/1/2015 2015 International Program 19
 100%
    157
  
________________
(1)Represents target PSUs awarded under each of the identified programs that have not been granted for accounting purposes. The PSUs issued 2015 and prior do not result in the recognition of stock-based compensation expense until the performance target has been set by the Board as of the beginning of each fiscal year. There is no effect of these PSUs on the Company’s basic or diluted shares outstanding.
(2)Assumes achievement of target threshold of the Adjusted EPS goal for the Company for the 2014 Program and 2015 Program.


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The following table presents a summary of the Company’s PSU activity for fiscal year 2016:
(shares in thousands)PERFORMANCE-BASED SHARE UNITS WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
GRANT DATE
FAIR VALUE PER AWARD
Outstanding as of December 27, 2015166
 $24.11
Granted (1)352
 16.17
Vested(145) 25.05
Forfeited(61) 19.48
Outstanding as of December 25, 2016312
 $16.26
________________
(1)Share unit amounts include the number of PSUs at the target threshold in the current period grant and additional shares earned above target due to exceeding prior period performance criteria.

The following represents PSU compensation information as of December 25, 2016:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Tax benefits for PSU compensation expense$910
 $636
 $26
Unrecognized PSU expense$2,668
    
Remaining weighted-average vesting period1.5 years
    

Deferred Compensation Plans

Restaurant Managing Partners and Chef Partners - Restaurant Managing Partners and Chef Partners are eligible to participate in deferred compensation programs. The Company invests in various corporate-owned life insurance policies, which are held within an irrevocable grantor or “rabbi” trust account for settlement of the obligations under the deferred compensation plans. The deferred compensation obligation due to Restaurant Managing and Chef Partners was $113.0 million and $133.2 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively. The unfunded obligation for Restaurant Managing and Chef Partners’ deferred compensation was $50.6 million and $74.0 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively.

Other Benefit Plans

401(k) Plan - The Company has a qualified defined contribution plan that qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Company incurred contribution costs of $3.2 million, $3.7 million and $1.1 million for the 401(k) Plan for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plan - The Company provides a deferred compensation plan for its highly compensated employees who are not eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. The deferred compensation plan allows these employees to contribute a percentage of their base salary and cash bonus on a pre-tax basis. The deferred compensation plan is unfunded and unsecured.


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6.           Other Current Assets, Net

Other current assets, net, consisted of the following:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
Prepaid expenses$35,298
 $30,373
Accounts receivable - gift cards, net102,664
 115,926
Accounts receivable - vendors, net10,107
 10,310
Accounts receivable - franchisees, net1,677
 1,149
Accounts receivable - other, net20,497
 21,158
Assets held for sale1,331
 784
Other current assets, net18,652
 19,131
 $190,226
 $198,831

7.     Property, Fixtures and Equipment, Net

Property, fixtures and equipment, net, consisted of the following:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
Land$114,375
 $256,906
Buildings and building improvements726,418
 1,043,699
Furniture and fixtures383,758
 392,849
Equipment550,598
 543,842
Leasehold improvements492,465
 492,628
Construction in progress47,332
 23,842
Less: accumulated depreciation(1,077,798) (1,159,306)
 $1,237,148
 $1,594,460

Sale-leaseback Transactions - During 2016, the Company entered into sale-leaseback transactions with third-parties in which it sold 153 restaurant properties at fair market value for gross proceeds of $541.9 million. In connection with the sale-leaseback transactions, the Company recorded a deferred gain of $163.4 million, which are amortized to Other restaurant operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income over the initial term of each lease, ranging from 15 to 20 years.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company sold six restaurant properties to third parties for aggregate proceeds of $18.5 million. The sale of the properties does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting and the book value of the buildings and land will remain on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 11 - Long-term Debt, Net and Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies for additional details regarding the financing obligation.

Leased Properties - As of December 25, 2016, the Company leased $16.3 million and $23.4 million, respectively, of certain land and buildings to third parties. Accumulated depreciation related to the leased building assets of $7.5 million is included in Property, fixtures and equipment as of December 25, 2016.

Depreciation and repair and maintenance expense is as follows for the periods indicated:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Depreciation expense$183,049
 $178,855
 $177,504
Repair and maintenance expense108,940
 107,960
 108,392


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


8.     Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net

Goodwill - The following table is a rollforward of goodwill:
(dollars in thousands)U.S. INTERNATIONAL CONSOLIDATED
Balance as of December 28, 2014$172,711
 $168,829
 $341,540
Translation adjustments
 (40,679) (40,679)
Balance as of December 27, 2015$172,711
 $128,150
 $300,861
Translation adjustments
 11,382
 11,382
Divestiture of Outback Steakhouse South Korea
 (1,901) (1,901)
Transfer to Assets held for sale(287) 
 (287)
Balance as of December 25, 2016$172,424
 $137,631
 $310,055

The following table is a summary of the Company’s gross goodwill balances and accumulated impairments as of the periods indicated:
 DECEMBER 25, 2016 DECEMBER 27, 2015 DECEMBER 28, 2014
(dollars in thousands)GROSS CARRYING AMOUNT ACCUMULATED IMPAIRMENTS GROSS CARRYING AMOUNT ACCUMULATED IMPAIRMENTS GROSS CARRYING AMOUNT ACCUMULATED IMPAIRMENTS
U.S.$840,594
 $(668,170) $840,881
 $(668,170) $840,881
 $(668,170)
International254,097
 (116,466) 244,616
 (116,466) 285,295
 (116,466)
Total goodwill$1,094,691
 $(784,636) $1,085,497
 $(784,636) $1,126,176
 $(784,636)

The Company performs its annual assessment for impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets each year during the second quarter. As a result of this assessment, the Company did not record any goodwill asset impairment charges during fiscal years 2016, 2015 or 2014.

Intangible Assets, net - Intangible assets, net, consisted of the following as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015:
 WEIGHTED AVERAGE AMORTIZATION PERIOD
(IN YEARS)
 DECEMBER 25, 2016 DECEMBER 27, 2015
(dollars in thousands) GROSS CARRYING VALUE ACCUMULATED AMORTIZATION NET CARRYING VALUE GROSS CARRYING VALUE ACCUMULATED AMORTIZATION NET CARRYING VALUE
Trade namesIndefinite $414,041
   $414,041
 $414,000
   $414,000
Trademarks12 81,381
 $(36,400) 44,981
 82,131
 $(32,662) 49,469
Favorable leases10 73,665
 (41,258) 32,407
 80,909
 (42,882) 38,027
Franchise agreements4 14,881
 (10,922) 3,959
 14,881
 (9,777) 5,104
Reacquired franchise rights11 53,045
 (13,091) 39,954
 46,447
 (7,745) 38,702
Other intangibles3 9,099
 (8,918) 181
 9,099
 (7,564) 1,535
Total intangible assets (1)10 $646,112
 $(110,589) $535,523
 $647,467
 $(100,630) $546,837
________________
(1)The Company recorded $0.6 million of intangible asset impairment charges during fiscal year 2016, within the International segment.

The Company did not record any indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges during fiscal years 2016, 2015 or 2014.


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Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis. The following table presents the aggregate expense related to the amortization of the Company’s trademarks, favorable leases, franchise agreements, reacquired franchise rights and other intangibles:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Amortization expense (1)$15,666
 $16,852
 $19,807
________________
(1)Amortization expense is recorded in Depreciation and amortization and Other restaurant operating expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

The following table presents expected annual amortization of intangible assets as of December 25, 2016:
(dollars in thousands) 
2017$13,581
201813,095
201912,763
202011,349
202110,110

9.           Other Assets, Net

Other assets, net, consisted of the following:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
Company-owned life insurance$74,629
 $68,950
Deferred financing fees (1)2,632
 3,730
Liquor licenses27,515
 27,869
Other assets24,370
 47,322
 $129,146
 $147,871
________________
(1)Net of accumulated amortization of $3.3 million and $2.2 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively.

10.           Accrued and Other Current Liabilities

Accrued and other current liabilities consisted of the following:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
Accrued payroll and other compensation$81,981
 $95,994
Accrued insurance23,533
 20,824
Other current liabilities98,901
 89,793
 $204,415
 $206,611


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11.           Long-term Debt, Net

Following is a summary of outstanding long-term debt:
 DECEMBER 25, 2016 DECEMBER 27, 2015
(dollars in thousands)OUTSTANDING BALANCE INTEREST RATE OUTSTANDING BALANCE INTEREST RATE
Senior Secured Credit Facility:       
Term loan A (1)$258,750
 2.63% $277,500
 2.26%
Term loan A-1140,625
 2.70% 150,000
 2.34%
Revolving credit facility (1) (2)622,000
 2.67% 432,000
 2.29%
Total Senior Secured Credit Facility1,021,375
   859,500
  
PRP Mortgage Loan (2)47,202
 3.21% 
 %
2012 CMBS loan:       
First mortgage loan (1)
 % 289,588
 4.13%
First mezzanine loan
 % 84,028
 9.00%
Second mezzanine loan
 % 85,353
 11.25%
Total 2012 CMBS loan
   458,969
  
Financing obligations19,595
 7.45% to 7.60%
 1,361
 7.60%
Capital lease obligations2,364
   2,632
  
Other notes payable1,776
 0.00% to 7.00%
 931
 0.73% to 7.00%
Less: unamortized debt discount and issuance costs(2,827)   (6,529)  
Total debt, net1,089,485
   1,316,864
  
Less: current portion of long-term debt, net(35,079)   (31,853)  
Long-term debt, net$1,054,406
   $1,285,011
  
________________
(1)Represents the weighted-average interest rate for the respective period.
(2)Subsequent to December 25, 2016, the Company made payments of $19.2 million on its PRP Mortgage Loan.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. is a holding company and conducts its operations through its subsidiaries, certain of which have incurred indebtedness as described below.

Credit Agreement Amendments - On May 16, 2014, OSI completed a refinancing of its senior secured credit facility and entered into the Third Amendment (“Third Amendment”) to its existing credit agreement, dated October 26, 2012 (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement, provided for senior secured financing (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”) of up to $1.125 billion, initially consisting of a $300.0 million Term loan A, a $225.0 million Term loan B and a $600.0 million revolving credit facility, including letter of credit and swing line loan sub-facilities. The Term loan A and revolving credit facility mature May 16, 2019. The Term loan A was issued with a discount of $2.9 million.

On March 31, 2015, OSI entered into the Fourth Amendment to its Credit Agreement (the “Fourth Amendment”), to effect an increase of OSI’s existing revolving credit facility from $600.0 million to $825.0 million in order to fully pay down its existing Term loan B on April 2, 2015.

OSI entered into the Fifth Amendment to its Credit Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment”) on December 11, 2015. The Fifth Amendment provided an incremental Term loan A-1 in an aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million, increased certain leverage ratio tests for purposes of restricted payments and mandatory prepayments and made certain other revisions to the terms of the Credit Agreement as discussed below under Debt Covenants and Other Restrictions.

The Company may elect an interest rate for the Credit Agreement at each reset period based on the Base Rate or the Eurocurrency Rate. The Base Rate option is the highest of: (i) the prime rate of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5 of 1.0% or (iii) the Eurocurrency rate with a one-month interest period plus

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1.0% (the “Base Rate”). The Eurocurrency Rate option is the seven, 30, 60, 90 or 180-day Eurocurrency rate (“Eurocurrency Rate”). The interest rates are as follows:
BASE RATE ELECTIONEUROCURRENCY RATE ELECTION
Term loan A, Term loan A-1 and revolving credit facility75 to 125 basis points over Base Rate175 to 225 basis points over the Eurocurrency Rate

Fees on letters of credit and the daily unused availability under the revolving credit facility as of December 25, 2016, were 2.13% and 0.30%, respectively. As of December 25, 2016, $27.8 million of the revolving credit facility was committed for the issuance of letters of credit and not available for borrowing.

Substantially all of the assets of the Company’s domestic OSI subsidiaries collateralize the Senior Secured Credit Facility.

PRP Mortgage Loan - On February 11, 2016, New Private Restaurant Partners, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“PRP”), as borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as lender (the “Lender”), entered into a loan agreement (the “PRP Mortgage Loan”), pursuant to which PRP borrowed $300.0 million. The PRP Mortgage Loan has an initial maturity date of February 11, 2018 (the “Initial Maturity”) with an option to extend the Initial Maturity for one twelve-month extension period (the “Extension”) provided that certain conditions are satisfied. The PRP Mortgage Loan is collateralized by certain properties owned by PRP (“Collateral Properties”). PRP has also made negative pledges with respect to certain properties (“Unencumbered Properties”).
The proceeds of the PRP Mortgage Loan were used, together with borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility, to prepay a portion, and fully defease the remainder, of the 2012 CMBS loan. In connection with the defeasance, the Company recognized a loss of $26.6 million during the fiscal year ended December 25, 2016. Following the defeasance of the 2012 CMBS loan, $19.3 million of restricted cash was released.
The PRP Mortgage Loan bears interest, payable monthly, at a variable rate equal to 250 basis points above the seven-day LIBOR, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
The PRP Mortgage Loan permits the Company to refinance or sell the Collateral Properties and the Unencumbered Properties, subject to certain terms and conditions, including that specified release proceeds are applied against the outstanding loan balance.
On July 27, 2016, PRP and the Lender, entered into a First Amendment (the “Amendment”) to the PRP Mortgage Loan to provide for additional borrowings of $69.5 million.

Financing Obligation - In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company sold six restaurant properties to third parties for aggregate proceeds of $18.5 million and the Company entered into lease agreements under which the Company agreed to lease back each of the properties for an initial term of 20 years. As the Company had continuing involvement in these restaurant properties, the sale of the properties does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting. As a result, the aggregate proceeds have been recorded as a financing obligation and the assets related to the sold and leased restaurant properties remain on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and continue to be depreciated. As such, the lease payments are recognized as interest expense. See Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies for additional details regarding the financing obligation.

Debt Covenants and Other Restrictions -Borrowings under the Company’s debt agreements are subject to various covenants that limit the Company’s ability to: incur additional indebtedness; make significant payments; sell assets; pay dividends and other restricted payments; acquire certain assets; effect mergers and similar transactions; and effect certain other transactions with affiliates. The Credit Agreement also has a financial covenant to maintain a specified quarterly Total Net Leverage Ratio (“TNLR”). TNLR is the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt (Current portion of long-term debt and Long-term debt, net) to Consolidated EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and

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amortization and certain other adjustments). The TNLR may not exceed a level set at 5.00 to 1.00 through fiscal 2017, with a step down to a maximum level of 4.75 to 1.00 in fiscal 2018 and thereafter.
The Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement permits regular quarterly dividend payments, subject to certain restrictions.
As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants.
Loss on Defeasance, Extinguishment and Modification of Debt - Following is a summary of loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Defeasance of 2012 CMBS Loan (1)$26,580
 $
 $
Modification of PRP Mortgage Loan (2)418
 
 
Refinancing of Senior Secured Credit Facility (3)
 2,956
 11,092
Loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt$26,998
 $2,956
 $11,092
________________
(1)The loss was comprised of a penalty of $23.2 million, write-offs of $1.7 million and $1.1 million of deferred financing fees and unamortized debt discount, respectively, and third-party financing costs of $0.6 million.
(2)The loss was comprised of third-party financing costs.
(3)Losses were comprised of write-offs of $1.4 million and $5.5 million of deferred financing fees and $1.2 million and $4.9 million of unamortized debt discount for fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. Losses also included third-party financing costs of $0.3 million in fiscal year 2015 and a prepayment penalty of $0.7 million in fiscal year 2014.

Deferred financing fees - The Company deferred $5.8 millionand $2.0 million of financing costs incurred in connection with the PRP Mortgage Loan and related amendment and Credit Agreement amendments in fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively. Deferred financing fees of $1.3 million incurred in connection with the modification of the revolving credit facility were recorded in Other assets, net in fiscal year 2015. All other deferred financing fees were recorded in Long-term debt, net.

Maturities - Following is a summary of principal payments of the Company’s total consolidated debt outstanding as of December 25, 2016:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25,
2016
Year 1$35,079
Year 276,086
Year 3957,701
Year 4484
Year 5483
Thereafter19,652
Total$1,089,485

The following is a summary of required amortization payments for Term loan A and Term loan A-1 (dollars in thousands):
SCHEDULED QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATES TERM LOAN A TERM LOAN A-1
March 31, 2017 through June 30, 2018 $5,625
 $2,813
September 30, 2018 through March 31, 2019 $7,500
 $3,750

The Credit Agreement contains mandatory prepayment requirements for Term loan A and Term loan A-1. The Company

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is required to prepay outstanding amounts under its Term loan A and Term loan A-1 with 50% of its annual excess cash flow, as defined in the Credit Agreement. The amount of outstanding Term loan A and Term loan A-1 required to be prepaid in accordance with the debt covenants may vary based on the Company’s leverage ratio and year end results. Other than the required minimum amortization premiums of $33.8 million, the Company does not anticipate any other payments will be required through December 31, 2017.

12.     Other Long-term Liabilities, Net

Other long-term liabilities, net, consisted of the following:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
Accrued insurance liability$39,260
 $40,649
Unfavorable leases (1)41,778
 45,375
Chef and Restaurant Managing Partner deferred compensation obligations and deposits102,768
 134,470
Other long-term liabilities35,224
 41,014
 $219,030
 $261,508
_______________
(1)Net of accumulated amortization of $32.6 million and $29.8 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively.

13.           Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Brazil Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - In 2013, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Outback Steakhouse Restaurantes Brasil S.A. (“OB Brasil”), completed the acquisition of a controlling interest in PGS Consultoria e Serviços Ltda. (the“Brazil Joint Venture”). As a result of the acquisition, the Company had a 90% interest and the former equity holders of PGS Participações Ltda, the Company’s joint venture partner (“Former Equity Holders”), retained a noncontrolling interest of 10% in the Brazil Joint Venture. The purchase agreement provided the Former Equity Holders with options to sell their remaining interests to OB Brasil and provided OB Brasil with options to purchase such remaining interests (the “Options”), in various amounts and at various times through 2018, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. The Options were embedded features within the noncontrolling interest and were classified within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as Redeemable noncontrolling interests.

In 2016 and 2015, the Former Equity Holders exercised Options to sell their interests in the Brazil Joint Venture to the Company for total cash consideration of $27.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively. These transactions resulted in a reduction of $29.4 million and $0.6 million of Mezzanine equity and an increase of $2.1 million and $0.3 million of Additional paid-in capital during fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively. As a result of the exercise of the Options, the Company owns 100% of the Brazil Joint Venture as of December 25, 2016.

In connection with the acquisition of the remaining interests in the Brazil Joint Venture, the Company recognized a cumulative translation adjustment of $9.6 million, which resulted in an increase to Additional paid-in capital and a decrease to Accumulated other comprehensive loss during fiscal year 2016.

China Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - The Company also consolidates a subsidiary in China, which has noncontrolling interests that are permitted to deliver subsidiary shares in exchange for cash at a future date.


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Rollforward of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - The following table presents a rollforward of Redeemable noncontrolling interests for fiscal years 2016 and 2015:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015
Balance, beginning of period$23,526
 $24,733
Change in redemption value of Redeemable noncontrolling interests2,024
 2,877
Net income attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests977
 1,005
Foreign currency translation attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests3,451
 (3,944)
Purchase of Redeemable noncontrolling interests(29,431) (584)
Out-of period adjustment - foreign currency translation attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests (1)
 (9,232)
Out-of period adjustment - change in redemption value of Redeemable noncontrolling interests (1)
 8,671
Balance, end of period$547
 $23,526
________________
(1)In the third quarter of 2015, the Company identified and corrected errors in accounting for the allocation of foreign currency translation adjustments to Redeemable noncontrolling interests and fair value adjustments for Redeemable noncontrolling interests.

14.         Stockholders’ Equity
Share Repurchases - The following table presents a summary of the Company’s share repurchase programs for 2014, 2015 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM BOARD APPROVAL DATE AUTHORIZED REPURCHASED CANCELED REMAINING
2014 December 12, 2014 $100,000
 $100,000
 $
 $
2015 August 3, 2015 $100,000
 $69,999
 $30,001
 $
2016 February 12, 2016 $250,000
 $139,892
 $110,108
 $
July 2016 (1) July 26, 2016 $300,000
 $169,995
 $
 $130,005
________________
(1)In January 2017, the Company repurchased 1.1 million shares of its common stock for $20.0 million under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. The July 2016 Share Repurchase Program will expire on January 26, 2018.

Following is a summary of the shares repurchased under the Company’s share repurchase programs:
 NUMBER OF SHARES
(in thousands)
 AVERAGE REPURCHASE PRICE PER SHARE AMOUNT
(dollars in thousands)
 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015
First fiscal quarter4,399
 2,759
 $17.05
 $25.37
 $75,000
 $70,000
Second fiscal quarter3,376
 1,370
 $19.22
 $21.90
 64,892
 30,000
Third fiscal quarter7,056
 2,914
 $19.13
 $20.59
 135,000
 59,999
Fourth fiscal quarter1,816
 602
 $19.27
 $16.60
 34,995
 10,000
Total common stock repurchases16,647
 7,645
 $18.62
 $22.24
 $309,887
 $169,999

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Dividends - The Company declared and paid dividends per share during the periods presented as follows:
 DIVIDENDS
PER SHARE
 AMOUNT
(dollars in thousands)
 2016 2015 2016 2015
First fiscal quarter$0.07
 0.06
 $8,238
 $7,423
Second fiscal quarter0.07
 0.06
 7,978
 7,391
Third fiscal quarter0.07
 0.06
 7,765
 7,333
Fourth fiscal quarter0.07
 0.06
 7,398
 7,185
Total cash dividends declared and paid$0.28
 $0.24
 $31,379
 $29,332

In February 2017, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share, payable on March 10, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 27, 2017.

Acquisition of Limited Partnership Interests - During 2016, the Company purchased the remaining partnership interests in certain of the Company’s limited partnerships for five Outback Steakhouse restaurants for an aggregate purchase price of $3.4 million. These transactions resulted in a reduction of $2.5 million, net of tax, in Additional paid-in capital in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity during fiscal year 2016.

During 2014, the Company purchased the remaining partnership interests in certain of the Company’s limited partnerships that either owned or had a contractual right to varying percentages of cash flows in 37Bonefish Grill restaurants for an aggregate purchase price of $17.2 million. These transactions resulted in a reduction of $11.7 million, net of tax, in Additional paid-in capital in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity during fiscal year 2014.

The following table sets forth the effect of the acquisition of the limited partnership interests on stockholders’ equity attributable to Bloomin’ Brands for the following periods:
 NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO BLOOMIN’ BRANDS AND TRANSFERS TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands$41,748
 $127,327
 $91,090
Transfers to noncontrolling interests:     
Decrease in Bloomin’ Brands additional paid-in capital for purchase of limited partnership interests(2,475) 
 (11,662)
Change from net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands and transfers to noncontrolling interests$39,273
 $127,327
 $79,428

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Following are the components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”):
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25, 2016 DECEMBER 27, 2015
Foreign currency translation adjustment (1)$(107,509) $(141,176)
Unrealized losses on derivatives, net of tax(3,634) (6,191)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(111,143) $(147,367)
________________
(1)During the fiscal year 2016, approximately $16.8 million of the foreign currency translation adjustment in Accumulated other comprehensive loss was disposed of in connection with the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea.


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Following are the components of Other comprehensive (loss) income during the periods presented:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Bloomin’ Brands:     
Foreign currency translation adjustment$33,667
 $(92,259) $(31,731)
Out-of period adjustment - foreign currency translation (1)
 9,232
 
Total foreign currency translation adjustment$33,667
 $(83,027) $(31,731)
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax (2)$(1,250) $(6,033) $(2,393)
Reclassification of adjustment for loss on derivatives included in Net income, net of tax (3)3,807
 2,235
 
Total unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax$2,557
 $(3,798) $(2,393)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Bloomin’ Brands$36,224
 $(86,825) $(34,124)
      
Non-controlling interests:     
Foreign currency translation adjustment$(43) $9
 $
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Non-controlling interests$(43) $9
 $
      
Redeemable non-controlling interests:     
Foreign currency translation adjustment$3,451
 $(3,944) $
Out-of period adjustment - foreign currency translation (1)
 (9,232) 
Total foreign currency translation adjustment$3,451
 $(13,176) $
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Redeemable non-controlling interests$3,451
 $(13,176) $
________________
(1)
In the third quarter of 2015, the Company identified and corrected errors in accounting for the allocation of foreign currency translation adjustments to Redeemable noncontrolling interests. See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policiesfor further details.
(2)Unrealized loss on derivatives is net of tax benefits of ($0.8) million, ($3.9) million and ($1.5) million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(3)Reclassifications of adjustments for losses on derivatives are net of tax benefits of $2.4 million and $1.4 million for fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Noncontrolling Interests - In 2015, certain former equity holders of PGS Par contributed approximately $3.2 million to the Company for a noncontrolling interest in a new concept in Brazil (Abbraccio).

15.           Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Interest Rate Risk - The Company is exposed to certain risk arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of its debt funding and through the use of derivative financial instruments. The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps.
Currency Exchange Rate Risk - The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk arising from transactions and balances denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company may use foreign currency forward contracts to manage certain foreign currency exposures.

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DESIGNATED HEDGES
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk -On September 9, 2014, the Company entered into variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements with eightcounterparties to hedge a portion of the cash flows of the Company’s variable rate debt. The swap agreements have an aggregate notional amount of $400.0 million, a start date of June 30, 2015, and mature on May 16, 2019. Under the terms of the swap agreements, the Company pays a weighted-average fixed rate of 2.02% on the $400.0 million notional amount and receives payments from the counterparty based on the 30-day LIBOR rate.

The interest rate swaps, which have been designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, are recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value and are classified based on the instruments’maturity dates. The Company estimates $4.2 millionwill be reclassified to interest expense over the next twelve months.

The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps as well as their classification on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET CLASSIFICATION
Interest rate swaps - liability$3,968
 $5,142
 Accrued and other current liabilities
Interest rate swaps - liability1,999
 5,007
 Other long-term liabilities, net
Total fair value of derivative instruments (1)$5,967
 $10,149
  
      
Accrued interest$408
 $556
 Accrued and other current liabilities
____________________
(1)    See Note 16 - Fair Value Measurements for fair value discussion of the interest rate swaps.

The following table summarizes the effects of the interest rate swaps on Net income for the period indicated:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015
Interest rate swap expense recognized in Interest expense, net (1)$(6,241) $(3,664)
Income tax benefit recognized in Provision for income taxes2,434
 1,429
Total effects of the interest rate swaps on Net income$(3,807) $(2,235)
____________________
(1)
During fiscal years 2016 and 2015, the Company did not recognize any gain or loss as a result of hedge ineffectiveness.

The Company records its derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a gross balance basis. The Company’s interest rate swaps are subject to master netting arrangements. As of December 25, 2016, the Company did not have more than one derivative between the same counterparties and as such, there was no netting.

By utilizing the interest rate swaps, the Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event that the counterparty fails to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. To mitigate this risk, the Company enters into derivative contracts with major financial institutions based upon credit ratings and other factors. The Company continually assesses the creditworthiness of its counterparties. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, all counterparties to the interest rate swaps had performed in accordance with their contractual obligations.

The Company has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if the repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to the Company’s default on indebtedness.

As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, was $6.4 million and $10.9 million, respectively. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the Company has not posted any

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collateral related to these agreements. If the Company had breached any of these provisions as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $6.4 million and $10.9 million, respectively.

NON-DESIGNATED HEDGES
Commodities - The Company’s restaurants are dependent upon energy to operate and are impacted by changes in energy prices, including natural gas. The Company utilizes derivative instruments with a notional amount of $0.8 million to mitigate some of its overall exposure to material increases in natural gas.

16.           Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis - The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by hierarchy level on a recurring basis as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015:
 DECEMBER 25, 2016 DECEMBER 27, 2015
(dollars in thousands)TOTAL LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 TOTAL LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2
Assets:           
Cash equivalents:           
Fixed income funds$90
 $90
 $
 $6,333
 $6,333
 $
Money market funds18,607
 18,607
 
 7,168
 7,168
 
Restricted cash equivalents:           
Fixed income funds552
 552
 
 551
 551
 
Money market funds2,518
 2,518
 
 2,681
 2,681
 
Other current assets, net:           
Derivative instruments - foreign currency forward contracts
 
 
 59
 
 59
Total asset recurring fair value measurements$21,767
 $21,767
 $
 $16,792
 $16,733
 $59
            
Liabilities:           
Accrued and other current liabilities:           
Derivative instruments - interest rate swaps$3,968
 $
 $3,968
 $5,142
 $
 $5,142
Derivative instruments - commodities157
 
 157
 583
 
 583
Derivative instruments - foreign currency forward contracts
 
 
 703
 
 703
Other long-term liabilities:           
Derivative instruments - interest rate swaps1,999
 
 1,999
 5,007
 
 5,007
Total liability recurring fair value measurements$6,124
 $
 $6,124
 $11,435
 $
 $11,435

Fair value of each class of financial instrument is determined based on the following:
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTMETHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
Fixed income funds and
Money market funds
Carrying value approximates fair value because maturities are less than three months.
Derivative instrumentsThe Company’s derivative instruments include interest rate swaps, foreign currency forward contracts and commodities. Fair value measurements are based on the contractual terms of the derivatives and use observable market-based inputs. The interest rate swaps are valued using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative using observable inputs including interest rate curves and credit spreads. The foreign currency forwards are valued by comparing the contracted forward exchange rate to the current market exchange rate. Key inputs for the valuation of the foreign currency forwards are spot rates, foreign currency forward rates, and the interest rate curve of the domestic currency. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the Company has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives.

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Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis - Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis relate primarily to property, fixtures and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, which are remeasured when carrying value exceeds fair value. The following table summarizes the fair value remeasurements for Assets held for sale and Property, fixtures and equipment for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall:
 2016 2015 2014
(dollars in thousands)CARRYING VALUE TOTAL IMPAIRMENT CARRYING VALUE TOTAL IMPAIRMENT CARRYING VALUE TOTAL IMPAIRMENT
Assets held for sale (1)$45,901
 $44,729
 $4,136
 $1,028
 $9,613
 $23,974
Property, fixtures and equipment (2)21,450
 53,136
 3,634
 27,126
 2,429
 13,097
Other (3)39
 1,198
 
 
 
 
 $67,390
 $99,063
 $7,770
 $28,154
 $12,042
 $37,071
________________
(1)
Carrying value approximates fair value with all assets measured using Level 2 inputs (purchase contracts) to estimate the fair value. Refer to Note 3 - Impairments, Disposals and Exit Costs for discussion of impairments related to Outback Steakhouse South Korea, corporate airplanes and Roy’s.
(2)
Carrying value approximates fair value. Carrying values for assets measured using Level 2 inputs totaled $20.3 million, $2.5 million and $1.8 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Assets measured using Level 3 inputs, had carrying values of $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $0.6 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Third-party market appraisals (Level 2) and discounted cash flow models (Level 3) were used to estimate the fair value. Refer to Note 3 - Impairments, Disposals and Exit Costs for discussion of impairments related to the 2017 Closure Initiative, Bonefish Restructuring and International and Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiatives.
(3)Other primarily includes investment in unconsolidated affiliates and intangible assets. Carrying value approximates fair value with all assets measured using market appraisals (Level 2) to estimate the fair value.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The Company’s non-derivative financial instruments as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 consist of cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and current and long-term debt. The fair values of cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying amounts reported in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets due to their short duration.

Debt is carried at amortized cost; however, the Company estimates the fair value of debt for disclosure purposes. The following table includes the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy in which those measurements fall:
 DECEMBER 25, 2016 DECEMBER 27, 2015
   FAIR VALUE   FAIR VALUE
(dollars in thousands)CARRYING VALUE LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 CARRYING VALUE LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
Senior Secured Credit Facility:           
Term loan A$258,750
 $257,780
 $
 $277,500
 $276,459
 $
Term loan A-1140,625
 140,098
 
 150,000
 149,438
 
Revolving credit facility622,000
 617,335
 
 432,000
 429,300
 
PRP Mortgage Loan47,202
 
 47,202
 
 
 
2012 CMBS loan:           
Mortgage loan
 
 
 289,588
 
 293,222
First mezzanine loan
 
 
 84,028
 
 83,608
Second mezzanine loan
 
 
 85,353
 
 85,780
Other notes payable1,776
 
 1,659
 931
 
 918


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Fair value of debt is determined based on the following:
DEBT FACILITYMETHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
Senior Secured Credit FacilityQuoted market prices in inactive markets.
PRP Mortgage Loan and
2012 CMBS Loan
Assumptions derived from current conditions in the real estate and credit markets, changes in the underlying collateral and expectations of management.
Other notes payableDiscounted cash flow approach. Discounted cash flow inputs primarily include cost of debt rates which are used to derive the present value factors for the determination of fair value.

17.           Income Taxes

The following table presents the domestic and foreign components of Income before provision for income taxes:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Domestic$70,481
 $146,331
 $124,157
Foreign(13,990) 24,523
 (4,187)
 $56,491
 $170,854
 $119,970

Provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Current provision:     
Federal$43,071
 $17,952
 $13,364
State28,033
 5,962
 7,687
Foreign14,389
 11,384
 16,616
 85,493
 35,298
 37,667
Deferred provision (benefit):     
Federal(53,647) 2,514
 (8,842)
State(21,316) 626
 688
Foreign(386) 856
 (5,469)
 (75,349) 3,996
 (13,623)
Provision for income taxes$10,144
 $39,294
 $24,044


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Effective Income Tax Rate - The reconciliation of income taxes calculated at the United States federal tax statutory rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows:
 FISCAL YEAR
 2016 2015 2014
Income taxes at federal statutory rate35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit8.2
 2.3
 3.2
Valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets6.1
 1.7
 1.5
Employment-related credits, net(53.5) (15.8) (24.2)
Net life insurance expense(2.7) (0.3) (0.8)
Noncontrolling interests(2.8) (0.8) (1.2)
Tax settlements and related adjustments(0.2) (0.1) 1.7
Sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea27.4
 
 
Foreign rate differential0.8
 0.6
 2.7
Other, net(0.3) 0.4
 2.1
Total18.0 % 23.0 % 20.0 %

The net decrease in the effective income tax rate in fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 was primarily due to benefits from employment-related credits being a higher percentage of net income in 2016 and a change in the amount and mix of income and losses across the Company’s domestic and international subsidiaries, partially offset by the sale of Outback Steakhouse South Korea.

The net increase in the effective income tax rate in fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014 was primarily due to a change in the amount and mix of income and losses across the Company’s domestic and international subsidiaries and the payroll tax audit settlements.

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities - The income tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
Deferred income tax assets:   
Deferred rent$57,783
 $53,426
Insurance reserves23,906
 22,716
Unearned revenue19,566
 18,029
Deferred compensation62,389
 65,100
Net operating loss carryforwards6,036
 8,176
Federal tax credit carryforwards58,963
 148,447
Partner deposits and accrued partner obligations8,245
 13,248
Other, net8,309
 11,813
Gross deferred income tax assets245,197
 340,955
Less: valuation allowance(7,220) (4,088)
Net deferred income tax assets237,977
 336,867
Deferred income tax liabilities:   
Less: property, fixtures and equipment basis differences(37,847) (197,604)
Less: intangible asset basis differences(155,053) (150,997)
Less: deferred gain on extinguishment of debt(23,022) (34,181)
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)$22,055
 $(45,915)

Undistributed Earnings - The Company had aggregate undistributed earnings of $60.6 million for foreign subsidiaries, which it considers to be permanently reinvested and are expected to continue to be permanently reinvested. As such,

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


no deferred tax liability has been recorded as of December 25, 2016. If the Company identifies an exception to its reinvestment policy of undistributed earnings, additional tax liabilities will be recorded. It is not practical to determine the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities on the undistributed earnings the Company considers to be permanently reinvested.

Tax Carryforwards - The amount and expiration dates of tax loss carryforwards and credit carryforwards as of December 25, 2016 are as follows:
(dollars in thousands)EXPIRATION DATE AMOUNT
United States federal tax credit carryforwards2026-2036 $71,335
Foreign loss carryforwards2017-Indefinite $22,514
Unrecognized Tax Benefits - As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $19.6 million and $19.4 million, respectively. Of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued interest and penalties, $18.9 million and $19.3 million, respectively, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate.

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Balance as of beginning of year$19,430
 $17,563
 $17,068
Additions for tax positions taken during a prior period476
 3,022
 2,177
Reductions for tax positions taken during a prior period(430) (848) (422)
Additions for tax positions taken during the current period2,472
 2,305
 2,649
Settlements with taxing authorities(391) (1,078) (3,935)
Lapses in the applicable statutes of limitations(2,230) (540) (120)
Translation adjustments256
 (994) 146
Balance as of end of year$19,583
 $19,430
 $17,563

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in Provision for income taxes. The Company recognized a benefit related to interest and penalties of $0.4 million and $0.6 million and an expense of $1.5 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company had approximately $1.2 million and $1.6 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 respectively.

In many cases, the Company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain the subject to examination by relevant taxable authorities. Based on the outcome of these examinations, or a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for specific jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the related recorded unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken on previously filed tax returns will change by approximately $1.0 million to $2.0 million within the next twelve months.

Open Tax Years - Following is a summary of the open audit years by jurisdiction:
 OPEN AUDIT YEARS
United States federal2007-2015
United States states2001-2015
Foreign2009-2015

The Company was previously under examination by tax authorities in South Korea for the 2008 to 2012 tax years. In connection with the examination, the Company was assessed and paid $6.7 million of tax obligations. The Company

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is currently seeking relief from double taxation through competent authority. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded any tax expense related to the assessment in South Korea.

18.           Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases - The Company leases restaurant and office facilities and certain equipment under operating leases mainly having initial terms expiring between 2017 and 2036. The restaurant facility leases have renewal clauses primarily from five to 30 years, exercisable at the option of the Company. Certain of these leases require the payment of contingent rentals leased on a percentage of gross revenues, as defined by the terms of the applicable lease agreement.

Total rent expense is as follows for the periods indicated:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Rent expense (1)$173,507
 $164,754
 $169,701
____________________
(1)
Includes contingent rent expense of $5.9 million, $7.4 million and $8.0 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As of December 25, 2016, future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
(dollars in thousands) 
2017$174,019
2018163,721
2019149,516
2020135,998
2021120,150
Thereafter905,650
Total minimum lease payments (1)$1,649,054
____________________
(1)Total minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $6.3 million due in future periods under non-cancelable subleases.

Financing Obligation - Following is a summary of the Company’s minimum financing payments during the initial term of the various leases as of December 25, 2016:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25,
2016
Year 1$1,182
Year 21,202
Year 31,224
Year 41,245
Year 51,267
Thereafter21,519
Total (1)$27,639
____________________
(1)
Refer to Note 11 - Long-term Debt, Net for additional details regarding the Company’s financing obligation.

Purchase Obligations - Purchase obligations were $439.4 million and $509.7 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively. These purchase obligations are primarily due within five years, however, commitments with various vendors extend through April 2022. Outstanding commitments consist primarily of food and beverage products related to normal business operations and contracts for restaurant level service contracts, advertising and technology. In 2016, the Company purchased more than 85% of its U.S. beef raw materials from four beef suppliers that represent approximately 83% of the total beef marketplace in the U.S.

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Litigation and Other Matters - In relation to the various legal matters discussed below, the Company had $3.5 million and $4.5 million of liability recorded as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively. During fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized $4.0 million, $4.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively, in Other restaurant operating expenses in its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for legal settlements.

In November 2015, David Sears and Elizabeth Thomas, two former Outback Managers (“Manager Plaintiffs”), sent a demand letter seeking unpaid overtime compensation on behalf of all Managers and Kitchen Managers employed at Outback Steakhouse restaurants from November 2012 to present. The Manager Plaintiffs claim that Managers were not assigned sufficient management duties to qualify as exempt from overtime. In December 2016, the Company agreed to a tentative class settlement for eligible Kitchen Managers and has accrued a settlement, inclusive of legal fees, of $2.4 million in fiscal year 2016.

On October 4, 2013, two then-current employees (the “Nevada Plaintiffs”) filed a purported collective action lawsuit against the Company, OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, and two of its subsidiaries in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada (Cardoza, et al. v. Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., et al., Case No.: 2:13-cv-01820-JAD-NJK). The complaint alleges violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act by requiring employees to work off the clock, complete on-line training without pay, and attend meetings in the restaurant without pay. The nationwide collective action permitted all hourly employees in all Outback Steakhouse restaurants to join. The suit requested an unspecified amount in back pay for the employees that joined the lawsuit, an equal amount in liquidated damages, costs, expenses, and attorney’s fees. The Nevada Plaintiffs also filed a companion lawsuit in Nevada state court alleging that the Company violated the state break time rules. In November 2015, the Company reached a tentative settlement agreement resolving all claims and the cost of class administration for $3.2 million. The Court issued final approval in November 2016 and the Company subsequently made payment during the fourth quarter of 2016.

In addition, the Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities, such as liquor liability, sexual harassment and slip and fall cases, which arise in the ordinary course of business and are generally covered by insurance if they exceed specified retention or deductible amounts. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to those actions will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations and cash flows.

Insurance - As of December 25, 2016, the future payments the Company expects for workers’ compensation, general liability and health insurance claims are:
(dollars in thousands) 
2017$23,652
201813,467
20198,934
20205,066
20212,803
Thereafter11,549
 $65,471


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Discount rates of 1.32% and 1.08% were used for December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively. A reconciliation of the expected aggregate undiscounted reserves to the discounted reserves for insurance claims recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25,
2016
 DECEMBER 27,
2015
Undiscounted reserves$65,471
 $63,791
Discount(2,678) (2,318)
Discounted reserves$62,793
 $61,473
    
Discounted reserves recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets:   
Accrued and other current liabilities$23,533
 $20,824
Other long-term liabilities, net39,260
 40,649
 $62,793
 $61,473

19.    Segment Reporting

The Company has two reportable segments, U.S. and International, which reflects how the Company manages its business, reviews operating performance and allocates resources. The U.S. segment includes all brands operating in the U.S. while brands operating outside the U.S. are included in the International segment. Resources are allocated and performance is assessed by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, her extensive experiencewhom the Company has determined to be its Chief Operating Decision Maker. Following is a summary of reporting segments as of December 25, 2016:
SEGMENTCONCEPTGEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
U.S.Outback SteakhouseUnited States of America
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Bonefish Grill
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
InternationalOutback SteakhouseBrazil, Hong Kong, China
Carrabba’s Italian Grill (Abbraccio)Brazil

Segment accounting policies are the same as those described in Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.Revenues for all segments include only transactions with global companiescustomers and retail sales, her expertiseinclude no intersegment revenues. Excluded from income from operations for U.S. and International are certain legal and corporate costs not directly related to the performance of the segments, certain stock-based compensation expenses and certain bonus expense.

Prior to 2016, certain insurance expenses were not allocated to the Company’s concepts as these expenses were reviewed and evaluated on a Company-wide basis and therefore, these costs were excluded from segment restaurant-level operating margin and income from operations. In 2016, the Company’s management changed how insurance expenses related to its restaurants are reviewed and now considers those costs when evaluating the operating performance of the Company’s concepts. Accordingly, the Company has recast all prior period segment information to reflect this change.


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The following table is a summary of Total revenue by segment:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Total revenues     
U.S.$3,797,309
 $3,879,743
 $3,854,279
International455,003
 497,933
 588,432
Total revenues$4,252,312
 $4,377,676
 $4,442,711
The following table is a reconciliation of Segment income (loss) from operations to Income before provision for income taxes:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Segment income (loss) from operations     
U.S.$286,683
 $348,731
 $327,693
International(5,954) 34,597
 25,020
Total segment income from operations280,729
 383,328
 352,713
Unallocated corporate operating expense(153,123) (152,403) (160,749)
Total income from operations127,606
 230,925
 191,964
Loss on defeasance, extinguishment and modification of debt(26,998) (2,956) (11,092)
Other income (expense), net1,609
 (939) (1,244)
Interest expense, net(45,726) (56,176) (59,658)
Income before provision for income taxes$56,491
 $170,854
 $119,970

The following table is a summary of Depreciation and amortization expense by segment:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Depreciation and amortization     
U.S.$155,434
 $151,868
 $147,686
International26,013
 26,736
 29,705
Corporate12,391
 11,795
 13,520
Total depreciation and amortization$193,838
 $190,399
 $190,911

The following table is a summary of capital expenditures by segment:
 FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2016 2015 2014
Capital expenditures     
U.S.$211,855
 $153,445
 $174,952
International40,662
 46,803
 55,594
Corporate17,671
 10,015
 7,322
Total capital expenditures$270,188
 $210,263
 $237,868


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The following table sets forth Total assets by segment:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25, 2016 DECEMBER 27, 2015
Assets   
U.S.$1,995,227
 $2,405,196
International436,024
 472,518
Corporate211,028
 154,855
Total assets$2,642,279
 $3,032,569

International assets are defined as assets residing in corporate strategy development,a country other than the U.S. The following table details long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, intangible assets and her knowledgedeferred tax assets, by major geographic area:
(dollars in thousands)DECEMBER 25, 2016 DECEMBER 27, 2015
U.S.$1,231,154
 $1,601,691
International136,264
 156,905
 $1,367,418
 $1,758,596

20.    Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

2016 FISCAL QUARTERS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
FIRST (1) SECOND (1) THIRD (1) FOURTH (1)
Total revenues$1,164,188
 $1,078,588
 $1,005,387
 $1,004,149
Income (loss) from operations86,684
 13,333
 31,734
 (4,145)
Net income (loss)35,883
 (8,065) 21,228
 (2,699)
Net income (loss) attributable to Bloomin’ Brands34,475
 (9,177) 20,733
 (4,283)
Earnings (loss) per share:       
  Basic$0.29
 $(0.08) $0.19
 $(0.04)
  Diluted$0.29
 $(0.08) $0.18
 $(0.04)
2015 FISCAL QUARTERS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
FIRST (2) SECOND (2) THIRD (2) FOURTH (2)
Total revenues$1,202,059
 $1,099,597
 $1,026,721
 $1,049,299
Income from operations97,701
 62,585
 38,724
 31,915
Net income62,082
 33,056
 17,405
 19,017
Net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands60,588
 32,226
 16,811
 17,702
Earnings per share:       
  Basic$0.48
 $0.26
 $0.14
 $0.15
  Diluted$0.47
 $0.26
 $0.13
 $0.14
____________________
(1)Income from operations in the first quarter includes $3.6 million of restaurant closing costs incurred in connection with the Bonefish Restructuring. Income from operations in the second quarter of 2016 includes $39.6 million of asset impairment charges and related costs associated with the Company’s decision to sell its Outback South Korea subsidiary. Income from operations in the third quarter of 2016 includes $3.2 million of asset impairment charges and related costs for its Puerto Rico subsidiary. Income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2016 includes: (i) $46.5 million of pre-tax asset impairments incurred offset by the reversal of $3.3 million of deferred rent liabilities in connection with the 2017 Closure Initiative, (ii) $6.4 million of asset impairments and closing costs related to the relocation of certain restaurants and (iii) $3.6 million of severance related to restructuring of certain functions. Net income for the first quarter of 2016 includes $26.6 million related to the defeasance of the 2012 CMBS loan.
(2)Total revenues in the first quarter of 2015 include $24.3 million higher restaurant sales due to a change in the Company’s fiscal year end. Income from operations in the first quarter of 2015 includes $7.7 million of pre-tax impairments and restaurant closing costs incurred in connection with the Domestic and International Restaurant Closure Initiatives. Income from operations in the fourth quarter includes $24.2 million of pre-tax asset impairments incurred in connection with the Bonefish Restructuring. Net income for the second quarter of 2015 includes $2.6 million of loss in connection with a refinancing of the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facility. Net income in the first quarter of 2015 includes $4.9 million of less net income due to a change in the Company’s fiscal year end.

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information technology systems.

Chris T. Sullivan, 67,required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is one ofrecorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our founders and has served as a director since 1991. Mr. Sullivan was the Chairman of our Board of Directors from 1991 until June 2007 and wasmanagement, including our Chief Executive Officer from 1991 until March 2005. Mr. Sullivan founded OSI in 1988 and developed Outback Steakhouse restaurants priorChief Financial and Administrative Officer, as appropriate to its initial public offering in 1991. Mr. Sullivan currently serves as Chairman of ConSul Partners, LLC, a company engaged in joint ventures to developallow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and expandwith the Besito Mexican and Metro Diner restaurant brands, Menupad, Inc., a company providing technology solutions for restaurants and retail, such as enhanced point of sale devices, and Positronics Technologies, Inc., a technology company. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Sullivan’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include his four decades of experience in the restaurant industry and his historical perspectiveparticipation of our businessmanagement, including our Chief Executive Officer and strategic challenges, including his leadershipChief Financial and Administrative Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as a directorof the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and executive officerChief Financial and Administrative Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 25, 2016.


Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management’s report on our internal control over financial reporting and the attestation report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent registered certified public accounting firm, on our internal control over financial reporting are included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent quarter ended December 25, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.


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PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by this item relating to our directors and nominees will be included under the captions “Proposal No. 1-Election of Directors: Nominees for over 20 years.

Executive Officers

Election at this Annual Meeting” and “—Directors Continuing in Office” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“Definitive Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference.


The information required by this item relating to our executive officers is included under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I of thethis Report on Form 10-K.


The information required by this item regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Act of 1934 will be included under the caption “Ownership of Securities—Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires Bloomin’ Brands’ officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of Bloomin’ Brands’ common stock to file reports of ownership and changesCompliance” in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These persons are required to provide Bloomin’ Brands with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based solely on our review of these forms and written representations from the officers and directors, Bloomin’ Brands believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements were met during fiscal year 2014.

Audit Committee

The purpose of the Audit Committee is set forth in the Audit Committee charterDefinitive Proxy Statement and is primarily to assist the Board of Directors in overseeing:

the integrity of our financial statements, our financial reporting process and our systems of internal accounting and financial controls

our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence

the evaluation of enterprise risk issues

the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditor

The Audit Committee held ten meetings during 2014. Mr. Mahoney was determinedincorporated herein by our Board of Directors to be an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Item 407 of Regulation S-K. All of the members meet the requirements for audit committee members under applicable NASDAQ rules regarding the ability to read and understand financial statements.

Business Conduct and Code of Ethics

reference.


We have adopted a Business Conduct and Code of Ethics that applies to our directors, officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and persons performing similar functions.all employees. A copy of our Business Conduct and Code of Ethics is available on our website, free of charge. The Internet address for our website is www.bloominbrands.com, and the Business Conduct and Code of Ethics may be found fromon our main webpage by clicking first on “Investors” and then on “Corporate Governance” and next on “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.”


We intend to satisfy any disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this code of ethics by posting such information on our website, on the webpage found by clicking through to “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” as specified above.

Item 11.Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion


The information required by this item regarding our Audit Committee will be included under the caption “Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors—Board Committees and Analysis

Introduction

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis details the objectives and design of our executive compensation program. It includes a description of the compensation provided in 2014 to our executive officers who are named in the Summary Compensation Table below. Our named executive officers (“NEOs”) for 2014 were:

Elizabeth A. SmithChairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer

David J. Deno

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Donagh M. Herlihy

Executive Vice President and Digital and Chief Information Officer
Stephen K. JudgeExecutive Vice President and President of Bonefish Grill

Jeffrey S. Smith

Executive Vice President and President of Outback Steakhouse

Executive Summary

The Company’s objectives for its executive compensation programs are to align pay with performance and stockholder interests, and to attract, motivate and retain a talented, entrepreneurial and creative team of executives who will provide leadership for the Company’s success in dynamic and competitive markets. These objectives and our methods of achieving these objectives are summarized below:

OBJECTIVES

HOW WE MEET OBJECTIVES

Attract and retain talented executives

•    Provide a competitive total compensation package by taking into account base salary, performance incentives and benefits in order to attract and retain our executives

•    Provide a significant portion of each executive’s target total direct compensation in the form of equity compensation

Motivate and reward executives

•    Balance annual incentives between equity-based and cash-based compensation to support a high-performing culture

Provide a competitive compensation package

•    Benchmark our compensation against similarly sized industry competitors

•    Target competitive positioning to align with market

Ensure internal equity among the executives

•    Review scope of job responsibilities and individual performance in addition to market data

Drive a pay for performance culture

•    Align our executive compensation with short-term and long-term performance objectives and stockholder interests

Company Highlights.We had solid results for 2014 relative to a challenging market and successfully implemented many significant initiatives to strengthen our brands and completed refinancing transactions. Our highlights for 2014 include the following:

An increase in total revenues of 7.6% to $4.4 billion in 2014 as compared to 2013, driven primarily by restaurants in Brazil that were acquired November 1, 2013 and an increase in sales from 100 restaurants not includedMeetings” in our comparable restaurant sales base;

An increase in system-wide sales of 2.4% in 2014 as compared to 2013. In addition, we grew blended domestic comparable restaurant salesDefinitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by 2.0% in 2014;reference.

Income from operations of $192.0 million in 2014 compared to $225.4 million in 2013, which was primarily due to: (i) impairments and restaurant closing costs related to our International and Domestic Restaurant Closure Initiatives, (ii) asset impairments related to Roy’s and corporate aircraft, (iii) lower average unit volumes at our South Korea restaurants, (iv) higher General and administrative costs, and (v) higher Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue. These decreases were partially offset
Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by an increase in operating margins at the restaurant level;

Productivity and cost management initiatives provided savings of $65.4 million in 2014; and

During fiscal year 2014, we paid down $102.3 million of our debt.

Pay for Performance.A key principle of our compensation philosophy is pay for performance. Our executive compensation programs are aligned with our business initiatives and have been designed to pay commensurate with the level of performance generated.

The 2014 cash incentive payout under our short-term incentive plan (“STIP”) for our named executive officers was based on Company performance and, if applicable, restaurant concept performance, compared to pre-established financial goals, whichthis item will be included metrics such as adjusted net income, adjusted EBIT and revenue growth. The named executive officers earned performance-based cash incentives as follows:

Named Executive Officer

  STIP Performance Payout 

Ms. Smith

  $895,673  

Mr. Deno

  $331,500  

Mr. Herlihy

  $83,679  

Mr. Judge

  $211,140  

Mr. Smith

  $430,100  

The named executive officers received long-term incentive (“LTI”) awards of stock options and performance-based share units (“PSU”). The stock options vest 25% per year over four years from the grant date and have value if the share price appreciates after the date of the award. The performance-based share units vest 25% per year over four years from the grant date, the units earned vary to the extent the performance metrics are achieved for each performance period, and are distributed upon the Board of Directors certifying that the performance metrics were attained. The Company’s cumulative adjusted net income for 2013 and 2014 was the performance metric for the second tranche of the 2013 PSU award. The Company’s adjusted earnings per share (“EPS”) was the performance metric for the first tranche of the 2014 PSU award. The named executive officers earned performance-based share units as follows:

Named Executive Officer

  LTI Performance Attainment
(2013 PSU Award)
  LTI Performance Attainment
(2014 PSU Award)
 

Ms. Smith

   N/A    63

Mr. Deno

   59  63

Mr. Herlihy

   N/A    N/A  

Mr. Judge

   N/A    63

Mr. Smith

   59  63

What We Do and Do Not Do – Components of Our Executive Compensation Program. We seek to ensure that our executive compensation programs are closely aligned with the interests of our stockholders through the following executive compensation best practices:

WHAT WE DO

WHAT WE DO NOT DO

üAward incentive compensation intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code×Speculative transactions involving our stock, including hedging
üUse a representative and relevant peer group×Stock option re-pricing without stockholder approval
üDesign an executive compensation program to mitigate undue risk×Cash compensation payments upon death or disability
üInclude double trigger change-in-control vesting provisions for equity awards×Excise tax gross-ups upon change in control
üAward annual incentive compensation and 50% of long-term compensation subject to achievement of objective pre-established performance goals tied to operational and strategic objectives
üEngage an independent compensation consultant that reports directly to the Compensation Committee
üProvide minimal perquisites with sound business rationale
üUse of compensation recovery policy for executive officers and other key employees of equity-based awards to encourage achievement of long-term, sustainable results in an appropriate manner
üRequire stock ownership and retention values that align the interests of our executive officers and other key employees with the long-term interest of our stockholders

Compensation Setting Process

Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee oversees our executive compensation program and, in some cases, together with the full Board of Directors, approves the type and amount of compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, approves agreements with our executive officers and provides oversight to our equity compensation plan. The Compensation Committee meets periodically throughout the year to monitor our compensation arrangements and objectives. Salary and target bonus amounts, as well as equity awards for other executives, reflect input from the compensation consultant and recommendations from management to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation and performance of the Chief Executive Officer and recommends her compensation to the full Board of Directors for approval. Our executive officers possess employment agreements or offers of employment that establish, among other things, the executive’s base salary and target bonus, measured as a percentage of base salary, as well as benefits upon a termination of employment and/or a change in control of the Company. Generally, our Board of Directors has been responsible for approving, upon the recommendation or approval of the Compensation Committee, equity awards to our executive officers in order to qualify these awards as exempt awards under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.

Thecaptions “Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors—Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation Committee begins its annual process for deciding how to compensate our executive officers by considering the competitive market data provided by its independent compensation consultant and human resources management. The Compensation Committee evaluates the appropriateness of the Chief Executive Officer and the other named executive officer’s total compensation as positioned against the 50th percentile of the market based on factors that include Company and business unit revenues and performance, job scope and individual performance. If the Compensation Committee deems that the compensation associated with the Chief Executive Officer or a named executive officers’ position is not aligned to the market, then the Compensation Committee may choose to modify one or more of the compensation components.

The Compensation Committee will also consider the annual non-binding stockholder vote on executive compensation in setting executive compensation each year. At our 2014 annual meeting, this proposal received a vote of over 96% of the votes cast in favor of approving our executive compensation for 2013. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee did not propose any changes to our 2014 compensation program.

Role of Independent Compensation Consultants. In 2013, the Compensation Committee selected and engaged Frederic W. Cook (“Cook & Co.”) as its independent compensation consultant, and Cook & Co. was appointed as the independent compensation consultant again in 2014. The compensation consultant’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing market data, updating the Compensation Committee on trends and developments in executive compensation, reviewing the design of the executive compensation program periodically and providing advice to the Compensation Committee and its Chair, as requested. The Compensation Committee has the sole authority to hire and terminate Cook & Co. and may seek advice from them without the involvement of management. Cook & Co. attends Compensation Committee meetings and, on occasion, obtains information and input from management to ensure that its recommendations are consistent with Bloomin’ Brands’ strategy and culture.

After review and consultation with Cook & Co., the Compensation Committee determined that Cook & Co. is independent and that there is no conflict of interest resulting from retaining Cook & Co. currently or during the year ended December 28, 2014.

Role of CEO in Compensation Decisions.The Compensation Committee also considers the recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer with respect to salary adjustments, annual cash incentive bonus targets and awards and equity incentive awards for our other executive officers. Generally, our Board of Directors has been responsible for approving, upon the recommendation or approval of the Compensation Committee, equity awards to our executive officers in order to qualify these awards as exempt awards under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.

Our Executive Compensation Program

Competitive Positioning.Our executive compensation program is designed to target the following market ranges for each component of compensation; however, an individual’s compensation may be below or above the targeted competitive positioning based on individual performance or other business factors.

COMPENSATION COMPONENT

TARGETED RANGE

Base SalaryMarket Median
Short-Term IncentivesBetween the Median and 75th Percentile
Target Total CashBetween the Median and 75th Percentile
Long-Term IncentivesBetween the Median and 75th Percentile
Target Total Direct CompensationBetween the Median and 75th Percentile

Peer Group and Competitive Market Information. The Compensation Committee utilizes a peer group to evaluate executive officer compensation levels and to benchmark our executive compensation design and governance features. The Compensation Committee reviews the peer group on an annual basis to ensure the companies are of comparable size (based on revenue, market capitalization and other relevant metrics), maintain strong consumer brands, have multiple consumer brands in their portfolios, have an entrepreneurial culture, are globally positioned and compete with us for executive talent.

The peer group used for 2014 compensation benchmarking consisted of the following companies:

PEER GROUP COMPANIES

Bob Evans Farms, Inc.Hyatt Hotels CorporationRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Brinker International, Inc.Jack in the Box Inc.Ruby Tuesday, Inc.
Burger King Worldwide, Inc.L Brands, Inc.Starbucks Corporation
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.Las Vegas Sands Corp.Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.MGM Resorts InternationalTexas Roadhouse, Inc.
Darden Restaurants, Inc.Panera Bread CompanyThe Cheesecake Factory Incorporated
DineEquity, Inc.PetSmart, Inc.The Wendy’s Company
Foot Locker, Inc.Ross Stores, Inc.YUM! Brands, Inc.

To determine competitive market compensation for 2014, the peer group data and national executive compensation survey data compiled by Cook & Co. were combined to establish market consensus information against which the Compensation Committee assessed base salary, target short-term incentives, target total cash payout, long-term incentive value and target total direct compensation. The Compensation Committee also periodically reviews other benchmarking data as presented by the independent compensation consultant and human resources management. This data covers a variety of areas such as equity vesting practices, the prevalence of performance metrics among peer companies, types of equity vehicles used by peer companies, equity burn rates and any other market data the Compensation Committee needs to consider when evaluating our executive compensation program.

Compensation Components

Mix of Total Compensation.Our executive compensation programs consist of three primary components:

base salary

performance-based cash incentives

long-term equity incentive awards, generally in the form of stock options and performance-based share units

In addition, our executive compensation programs provide secondary benefits, such as:

retention-based cash incentives

other benefits and perquisites

change in control and termination benefits

In allocating compensation among the various compensation components, we provide equitable and competitive levels of fixed compensation (base salary and benefits) while emphasizing performance-based compensation. A significant percentage of cash compensation and total compensation for our named executive officers is allocated to performance-based compensation. Performance-based cash incentives are targeted so that a meaningful percentage of annual cash compensation is dependent on the overall performance of Bloomin’ Brands and/or, if applicable, restaurant concept performance along with individual performance. Long-term equity incentives comprise the largest share of total direct compensation and provide a significant link to the stockholder experience. We do not target a specific percentage for each element of compensation relative to total compensation. Our mix of compensation results from targeting a percentage that will allow us to be competitive in the market.

The charts below show the target compensation mix for the Chief Executive Officer and the average compensation mix of the other named executive officers.

Base Salaries. Base salaries generally reflect demonstrated experience, skills and competencies as well as competitive market value. Base salary levels of our executive officers may be increased by the Compensation Committee as part of the annual performance review process, upon an executive officer’s promotion, change in job responsibilities or to address internal or external equity, as recommended by management.

As a result of the comparative market data analysis performed in February 2014, the Compensation Committee made a market-based adjustment to Ms. Smith’s base salary to better align her base salary to the competitive market set and her experience, responsibilities and performance.

Base salaries of the named executive officers and changes, if any, are listed in the table below:

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  2014 BASE SALARY   CHANGE FROM 2013 

Elizabeth A. Smith

  $1,000,000    $25,000  

David J. Deno

   650,000     —    

Donagh M. Herlihy

   540,000     N/A  

Stephen K. Judge

   540,000     —    

Jeffrey S. Smith

   575,000     —    

Performance-Based Cash Incentives and Other Cash Incentives. Cash incentives are awarded to all of our executive officers under performance-based cash incentive plans. The design of the short-term incentive plans (“STIP”), which follows a structure that is generally consistent from year to year, reflects the Compensation Committee’s belief that a significant portion of annual compensation for each executive officer should be based on the financial performance of the Company. These awards are payable based on the achievement of annual financial objectives measured against our internal operating plan and individual performance measured on the achievement of goals established at the beginning of the year. For corporate executives, the payouts are based on the Company’s achievement of its annual financial objectives and individual performance. The payouts for executives with restaurant concept specific operating responsibilities are based on a combination of the Company and the restaurant concepts’ achievement of their annual financial objectives and individual performance. Annual performance-based cash incentive targets, measured as a percentage of base salary, are established in each executive officer’s employment agreement. Payouts can range from 0% to 200% of established percentage of salary, with a payout at 50% if threshold performance is achieved, 100% if target performance is achieved and 200% if maximum performance is achieved. The Compensation Committee has discretion to decrease, but not to increase, the annual payout.

2014 STIP Targets

The following table presents the 2014 STIP target for each named executive officer, as a percentage of his or her base salary and the change, if any, from 2013.

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  2014 ANNUAL
PERFORMANCE-BASED
CASH INCENTIVE
TARGET, AS A
PERCENTAGE OF BASE
SALARY
  CHANGE FROM 2013 

Elizabeth A. Smith

   150  50

David J. Deno

   85  —    

Donagh M. Herlihy (1)

   85  N/A  

Stephen K. Judge

   85  —    

Jeffrey S. Smith

   85  —    

(1)Mr. Herlihy was hired as our Executive Vice President and Digital and Chief Information Officer effective September 2, 2014.

2014 STIP Measures

For 2014, the STIP for three of our corporate named executive officers (the “2014 Corporate STIP”), Ms. Smith and Messrs. Deno and Herlihy, was based on two equally weighted measures: Bloomin’ Brands’ Adjusted net income (net income adjusted for certain items) and total revenue growth (measured as the percentage increase in total revenue over the prior fiscal year (“Total Revenue Growth”)). See Non-GAAP Financial Measures—Other Non-GAAP Financial Measures under Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of our adjustments to net income. The STIP for Messrs. Judge and Smith was based 50% on the 2014 Corporate STIP, as described above, and 50% on the result of their respective restaurant concepts, as described below.

At the restaurant concept level, the two equally weighted measures used are Adjusted EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes as adjusted to exclude the impact of restaurant closings, gains and losses on disposed assets and certain other gains and losses (“Adjusted EBIT”)) and Total Revenue Growth for the restaurant concept. Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBIT and Total Revenue Growth performance levels were established by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the year based on consideration of the Company’s and/or the restaurant concept’s business plan, as well as industry and general economic conditions and trends, among other considerations. The performance levels were based on annual financial objectives and were expected to present a challenge, especially with persisting economic conditions; however, achievement of these goals was not viewed as requiring or encouraging excessive risk-taking by our executives. The cash incentives were payable on a non-linear sliding scale with respect to each component (ranging from 0% to 200%) based on the following targeted amounts:

   STIP Weighting 
Named Executive Officer      BBI          Concept     

Ms. Smith

   100  —    

Mr. Deno

   100  —    

Mr. Herlihy

   100  —    

Mr. Judge

   50  50

Mr. Smith

   50  50

   BBI Targets 
Named Executive Officer  Adjusted Net Income
(50% weighting)
   Revenue Growth
(50% weighting)
 
   THRESHOLD   TARGET   MAXIMUM   THRESHOLD  TARGET  MAXIMUM 

Ms. Smith, Messrs. Deno and Herlihy

  $138M    $154M    $174M     8  10.5  12.5

   BBI Targets 
Named Executive Officer  Adjusted Net Income
(25% weighting)
   Revenue Growth
(25% weighting)
 
   THRESHOLD   TARGET   MAXIMUM   THRESHOLD  TARGET  MAXIMUM 

Messrs. Judge and Smith

  $138M    $154M    $174M     8  10.5  12.5

   Concept Targets 
Named Executive Officer  Adjusted EBIT
(25% weighting)
   Revenue Growth
(25% weighting)
 
   THRESHOLD   TARGET   MAXIMUM   THRESHOLD  TARGET  MAXIMUM 

Mr. Judge

  $22.1M    $24.9M    $28.8M     11  13.5  15.5

Mr. Smith

  $180.2M    $202.6M    $234.9M     0  2.5  4.5

2014 Financial Performance

For the 2014 Corporate STIP, Total Revenue Growth, adjusted for certain items, 8.4% was slightly above the threshold measure primarily due to an increase in domestic comparable restaurant sales, which was partially offset by lower comparable restaurant sales in South Korea.

Adjusted Net Income of $140.8 million was slightly above threshold primarily due to lower average unit volumes in South Korea, higher kitchen and service labor costs due to lunch expansion across certain concepts, partially offset by productivity initiatives and higher U.S. average unit volumes, primarily from Outback Steakhouse.

Total Revenue at Bonefish Grill, adjusted for certain items, grew 11.6%, which was slightly above threshold due to the addition of 17 new restaurants. Bonefish Grill fell short of their Adjusted EBIT threshold of $22.0 million, primarily due to lower traffic and higher costs related to the new menu rollout.

Revenue growth, adjusted for certain items, of 3.1% for Outback Steakhouse was above target due to higher average restaurant unit volumes. Outback Steakhouse was able to drive the increase in revenue to achieve $204.0 million in Adjusted EBIT, which was slightly above target.

2014 Individual Performance

In addition to the financial performance measures listed above, each executive officer was assigned an individual performance rating for the year, as recommended by the Chief Executive Officer, and the Compensation Committee had the discretion to decrease, but not increase, the payout amount for performance that did not meet expectations. Individual performance and subsequent compensation decisions are based on the performance of the business for which the individual is responsible, the individual’s skill set relative to peers, the critical nature of the individual’s role, the difficulty of replacement, their expected future contributions and their role relative to that of other executive officers.

In determining incentive award payouts for 2014, the Compensation Committee and Board considered the following individual accomplishments by the NEOs.

During 2014, Ms. Smith was instrumental in leading our innovation and expansion efforts. Ms. Smith’s attention to building the right leadership team, and focus on areas that provide immediate value, as well as those areas that are important for building future growth capability, strengthened the foundation of our Company in 2014.

Mr. Deno’s leadership was critical to our solid performance in a challenging year for the industry. Mr. Deno has remained focused on generating cash flow through more efficient working capital management and continued controls over capital spending.

Mr. Herlihy’s leadership led to an immediate impactRelated Information” in our information technology department. He accelerated technology initiatives and introduced a new digital structure to our Company to create better unity amongst the technology and marketing functions, building a stronger global brand.

Mr. Judge’s performance at our Bonefish Grill brand included the opening of 17 restaurants and increasing sales for the year.

Mr. Smith continued to lead the Outback Steakhouse brand to outperform the market as the brand’s solid performance was evidenced by growth in revenue and volume. He delivered strong results driven by innovation, increased comparable restaurant sales by 3.1% and continued focus on generating productivity gains through excellent execution.

2014 STIP Payouts

The 2014 Corporate and concept financial performances combined with the respective individual performance resulted in below target results for all named executive officers. The total payouts to our named executive officers under the 2014 STIP ranged from $83,679 to $895,673 at 41% to 88% of their bonus targets. The Company outperformed the Knapp-Track traffic indicator; however, based on our financial objectives and individual expectations set to drive exceptional performance, the achieved metrics resulted in compensation below the targeted amounts.

Performance-based cash incentives earned by the named executive officers are reflected in the “—Summary Compensation Table” under the heading “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.” Threshold, target and maximum payments for the named executive officers under the 2014 STIP are reflected in “—Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2014.”

Other Bonus Arrangements. In February 2015, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors granted Mr. Smith a recognition bonus due to our consistent outperformance of our casual dining competition, based on the Knapp-Track traffic indicator. The recognition bonus amount paid to Mr. Smith was $86,020. This amount is included in the “—Summary Compensation Table” under the heading “Bonus.”

Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards. Long-term equity incentive (“LTI”) awards are designed to align a significant portion of total compensation with our long-term goal of increasing the value of the Company. These equity awards are designed to reward longer-term performance, facilitate equity ownership, deter outside recruitment of our key personnel and further align the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders. Equity awards have generally been limited to our executive officers and other key employees who are in a position to contribute substantially to our growth and success. Under our Insider Trading Policy, our directors and executive officers are prohibited from engaging in short sales or investing in other kinds of hedging transactions or financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of our securities.

2014 LTI Awards

In February 2014, the Board of Directors approved, based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, grants consisting of 50% in stock options and 50% in PSUs under the 2012 Equity Plan to our current executive officers. To align our executive officers with stockholders’ interest, we awarded stock options to compensate based on stock price appreciation. The stock options have an exercise price of $25.32 which vest in equal amounts over a four-year period and are exercisable over a ten-year term, contingent upon continued employment. PSUs have been granted since 2013. In 2014, we updated the metric from cumulative Adjusted net income to Adjusted EPS to reward executives for successfully balancing profit maximization and the efficient use of capital, as well as ensuring quality of profit. In addition, we wanted to disassociate the STIP and the LTIP metrics by removing Adjusted net income as a performance metric from the LTIP.

The PSUs vest over a four-year period, contingent upon continued employment, and the number of units earned vary to the extent the performance targets are achieved for each period. The portion of the PSUs that can vest in the first year (25%) is earned based on achievement of our one-year Adjusted EPS, with targets set by the Board of Directors based on our 2014 fiscal plan at the time of grant. In subsequent years, the number of PSUs earned (up to 25% of the annual grant, with 0% to 200% of such amount vesting based on achievement of the performance metric) is based on the Adjusted EPS achieved relative to our fiscal plan expectations for such years and will be set by the Compensation Committee (or full Board of Directors) at the beginning of each year. The annual targets ensure we are reaching milestones and making continuous progress towards our long-term goals. Adjusted EPS is defined as Adjusted net income divided by diluted weighted-average shares. Diluted weighted-average shares include weighted-average shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, including restricted stock, RSUs, PSUs and stock options, of share-based compensation.

The second tranche of the 2013 PSU award and the first tranche of the 2014 PSU award vested and were settled in shares based on the following scale:

PERFORMANCE MEASURE

  PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS   ACTUAL
RESULTS
   PERCENTAGE
OF PSUs
EARNED IN
2015
 
  THRESHOLD
(50% of shares
are earned)
   TARGET
(100% of shares
are earned)
   MAXIMUM
(200% of shares
are earned)
     

2013-2014 BBI Cumulative Adjusted Net Income (2013 grant)

  $280M    $296M    $316M    $283M     59

2014 BBI Adjusted EPS (2014 grant)

  $1.07    $1.19    $1.35    $1.10     63

For amounts between the threshold, target and maximum amounts set forth above, the participant will earn a number of shares based on a non-linear sliding scale between such percentages. No shares are earned for achievement of performance measures below the threshold. The following table sets forth (a) the aggregate target PSUs awarded in 2013 and 2014, (b) the number of shares that could be earned based on 2014 results and continued employment through the vesting date and (c) the numbers of shares actually earned of the tranche eligible for vesting in 2015 (25% of the total award) that were earned, based on the Compensation Committee’s recommendation and the Board of Directors’ approval of the performance achievement for 2014.

   PSUs AWARDED   PORTION OF PSUs VESTING FOR
FY 2014
   PSUs EARNED BASED ON FY 2014
RESULTS
 
   2013 AWARD   2014 AWARD   2013 AWARD   2014 AWARD   2013 AWARD   2014 AWARD 

Elizabeth A. Smith

   —       86,651     —       21,662     —       13,648  

David J. Deno

   34,482     28,634     8,620     7,158     5,086     4,510  

Donagh M. Herlihy

   —       —       —       —       —       —    

Stephen K. Judge

   —       11,849     —       2,962     —       1,867  

Jeffrey S. Smith

   20,632     14,199     5,158     3,549     3,044     2,236  

Off-Cycle 2014 LTI Awards

Mr. Herlihy was granted 50,000 restricted stock units and the option to purchase 250,000 shares of our common stock under the 2012 Equity Plan in connection with his hiring in September 2014. The restricted stock units will vest in equal amounts over a four-year period on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent upon his continued employment. The option grant has an exercise price of $18.12 per share and the shares subject to the option grant will vest in equal amounts over a four-year period on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent upon his continued employment. The number of awards was determined by analyzing market data to offer a competitive LTI package, and a portion of the awards were to offset the loss of awards from his previous employer that would have vested within a short period of time of his start date with us.

Mr. Judge was granted 25,000 restricted stock units under the 2012 Equity Plan in recognition of his continued transformation of the Bonefish Grill restaurant concept, while maintaining long-term objectives and building a more robust, strategic plan. In addition, this award solidified our commitment to Mr. Judge and his vision for the restaurant concept. The restricted stock units will vest in equal amounts over a four-year period on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent upon his continued employment.

All of these awards, if unvested, will forfeit upon termination or retirement.

See “—Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2014” for additional information regarding 2014 equity awards to the named executive officers.

Changes made in 2014

In December 2014, we adopted a Compensation Recovery Policy pursuant to which executive officers and other key employees will be required to return incentive compensation paid to them if the financial results upon which the awards were based are materially restated due to dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation or intentional misconduct of a Company policy or law (a “Material Financial Restatement”).

Under the Compensation Recovery Policy, we can require reimbursement of all or a portion of any bonus, incentive payment, equity-based compensation (including performance shares, restricted stock or restricted stock units and stock options), or other compensation to the extent that it is paid, earned or vests less than three years prior to the date we publicly disclose the need for the applicable Material Financial Restatement.

We believe our Compensation Recovery Policy is sufficiently broad to reduce the potential risk that an executive officer or key employee would intentionally misstate results in order to benefit under an incentive program and provides the opportunity for recoupment in the event that an executive officer or key employee took actions that, in hindsight, should not have been rewarded.

In addition, to underscore the importance of linking executive and stockholder interests, the Board of Directors adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines Policy for directors, executive officers and our executive leadership team who are eligible to receive long-term incentive awards. The target level of ownership of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. common stock is established as a multiple of base salary or annual retainer.

Position

Target Ownership

Non-Employee Directors

5x Annual Retainer

CEO

5x Base Salary

Executive Officers

3x Base Salary

Executive Leadership Team

1x Base Salary

Each employee subject to the Stock Ownership Guidelines is expected to achieve the ownership target within five years from the date on which the employee became subject to the guidelines. Shares that count toward the target ownership amount include Common Stock directly or indirectly owned, estimated after-tax value of time-vested restricted stock or restricted stock units and estimated after-tax, in-the-money value of vested stock options (based on the Black-Scholes value). Unvested stock options and unearned performance-based share units do not count toward the target ownership amount.

Other Benefits and Perquisites. The named executive officers are each entitled to receive certain perquisites and benefits under the terms of their employment agreements and offers of employment. We believe these benefits are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program and better enable us to attract and retain qualified employees for key positions. Such benefits include life insurance, medical insurance, annual physical examinations, vacation and personal use of corporate aircraft for our Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other benefits provided to the named executive officers. In March 2015, we eliminated the car allowance for all executive officers. The equivalent amount was added to their base salaries. The only named executive officer that was affected was Mr. Smith, and $5,000 was added to his base salary for 2015 to reflect this policy change.

We offer a deferred compensation plan for our highly compensated employees who are not eligible to participate in the OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC Salaried Employees 401(k) Plan and Trust. The deferred compensation plan allows highly compensated employees to contribute from 5% to 90% of their base salary and from 5% to 100% of their cash bonus on a pre-tax basis to an investment account consisting of various investment fund options. The plan permits us to make a discretionary contribution to the plan on behalf of an eligible employee periodically; however, we have not made any discretionary contribution to date. In the event of the employee’s termination of employment other than by reason of disability or death, the employee is entitled to receive the full balance in the account in a single lump sum unless the employee has completed either five years of participation or ten years of service as of the date of termination of employment, in which case, the account will be paid as elected by the employee in equal annual installments over a specified period of two to 15 years. If the employee becomes disabled or dies before any deferred amounts are paid out under the plan, we will pay to the employee (or the employee’s beneficiary if applicable) the full balance in the account in a single lump sum. If the employee’s employment terminates due to death or disability after he or she begins receiving payments, the remaining installment payments will be paid in installment payments as such payments come due.

The amounts attributable to perquisites and other benefits provided to the named executive officers are reflected in the “—Summary Compensation Table” under the heading “All Other Compensation.”

Change in Control and Termination Benefits. Each employment agreement or offer of employment establishes, among other things, the executive’s benefits upon a termination of employment and/or a change in control. For a summary of these arrangements, see “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

In addition, the Board of Directors adopted an Executive Change in Control Plan (the “Change in Control Plan”), which entitles executive officers and other key employees to certain severance payments and benefits in the event of a qualifying termination of employment upon or within the 24 months following certain change in control events. The payments and benefits will be reduced by the amount of any severance or similar payments or benefits under an employment agreement or other arrangement with us and are subject to the employee’s compliance with non-competition and other restrictive covenants and the other terms and conditions of the Change in Control Plan. These benefits are described in more detail under “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

Tax and Accounting Implications

In making decisions about executive compensation, the Compensation Committee took into account certain tax and accounting considerations, including Sections 162(m), 409A and 280G of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, we account for stock-based payments in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topic No. 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” Transition provisions under Section 162(m) may apply for a period of three to four years following the IPO to certain compensation arrangements that were entered into prior to our stock being publicly traded. We expect that our Compensation Committee may seek to qualify the variable compensation paid to our named executive officers under certain of these arrangements for an exemption from the deductibility limitations of

Section 162(m) when such limitations are applicable. The compensation for Messrs. Herlihy and Judge, and the recognition bonuses to our other executive officers, do not fall under these transition provisions, so this compensation is subject to the Section 162(m) deductibility limitations. Accordingly, our Compensation Committee has and may in the future, in its judgment, authorize compensation payments that do not comply with the exemptions in Section 162(m) when it believes that such payments are appropriate to attract and retain executive talent or is otherwise in our best interests. In addition, because there are uncertainties as to the application of regulations under Section 162(m), as with most tax matters, it is possible that our deductions may be challenged or disallowed.

Our Compensation Committee considers the accounting implications of significant compensation decisions, especially in connection with decisions that relate to our equity incentive award plans and programs. As accounting standards change, we may revise certain programs to appropriately align accounting expenses of our equity awards with our overall executive compensation philosophy and objectives.

Report of the Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

Submitted by the Compensation Committee

Mindy Grossman,Chair

David R. Fitzjohn

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The Compensation Committee consists of Mr. Fitzjohn and Ms. Grossman, both of whom are Independent Directors. During fiscal year 2014, Messrs. Balson, Fitzjohn, and Sullivan and Ms. Grossman served on the Compensation Committee. Messrs. Sullivan and Balson resigned from the Compensation Committee on April 29, 2014 and February 12, 2015, respectively. Mr. Sullivan is one of our Founders and Mr. Balson is associated with Bain Capital. See “Arrangements With Our Sponsors and Founders” within “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” under Item 13 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our relationship and transactions with Bain Capital and our Founders.

Compensation-Related Risk

As part of its oversight and administration of our compensation programs, the Compensation Committee considered the impact of our compensation policies and programs for our executive officers, to determine whether they present a significant risk to the Company or encourage excessive risk taking by our executive officers. Based on its review, the Compensation Committee concluded that our compensation programs do not encourage excessive risk taking and are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes compensation earned by our named executive officers for 2014.

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 YEAR  SALARY  BONUS
(1)
  STOCK
AWARDS

(2)
  OPTION
AWARDS

(3)
  NON-EQUITY
INCENTIVE
PLAN
COMPENSATION

(4)
  ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION

(5)
  TOTAL 

Elizabeth A. Smith

  2014   $995,192   $—     $1,991,065   $2,194,000   $895,673   $130,297   $6,206,227  

Chief Executive Officer

  2013    975,000    90,750    —      —      809,250    63,808    1,938,808  

and Chairman of the Board

  2012    941,552    22,425,000    —      —      932,137    151,544    24,450,233  

David J. Deno (6)

  2014    650,000    —      657,954    725,004    331,500    7,175    2,371,633  

Executive Vice President,

  2013    644,423    92,360    599,987    599,930    454,640    3,096    2,394,436  

Chief Financial

  2012    380,769    466,000    —      2,824,000    510,000    4,175    4,184,944  

and Administrative Officer

   

Donagh M. Herlihy (7)

  2014    164,077    250,000    906,000    2,180,000    83,679    255,512    3,839,268  

Executive Vice President,

        

Digital and Chief

        

Information Officer

        

Stephen K. Judge (8)

  2014    540,000    —      725,267    300,001    211,140    93,645    1,870,053  

Executive Vice President,

  2013    527,538    1,000,000    —      2,672,684    459,000    380,903    5,040,125  

President of Bonefish Grill

   

Jeffrey S. Smith

  2014    575,000    86,020    326,270    359,506    430,100    9,255    1,786,151  

Executive Vice President,

  2013    573,269    —      1,404,497    358,952    404,441    8,729    2,749,888  

President of Outback

  2012    500,000    51,000    —      —      480,250    5,352    1,036,602  

(1)The amount for Mr. Herlihy in 2014 represents 50% of a signing bonus of $500,000 per the terms of his offer of employment. The remaining 50% will be paid after six months of employment. In addition, Mr. Smith received a recognition bonus for 2014 of $86,020.
(2)The amounts reported for stock awards represent the aggregate grant date fair value of RSUs and PSUs. For 2013 and 2014, the PSU amounts reported represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the four tranches of the PSUs awarded in such year based on probable attainment of the performance goals as follows: (a) 2014 award: 63% attainment for the first tranche (25% of such award) and 100% (target performance) for the remaining three tranches (75% of such award) and (b) 2013 award: 100% (target performance) for all four tranches (100% of such award). PSU awards pay out at a range of 0% to a maximum of 200% of their targets based on the following performance measures: 50% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum. The aggregate grant date fair value of the 2014 PSUs assuming achievement of the maximum performance level of 200% over all four years would be: Ms. Smith $4,388,007; Mr. Deno, $1,450,026; Mr. Judge, $600,033; and Mr. Smith, $719,037. We recorded compensation expense in 2014 for the aggregate grant date fair value of the first tranche of the 2014 PSUs and the second tranche of the 2013 PSUs (for which the performance goals were set in 2014 and only Messrs. Deno and Smith received awards) based on probable attainment of the performance goals as of the grant date as follows: Ms. Smith $345,567; Mr. Deno, $242,971; Mr. Judge, $47,272; and Mr. Smith, $133,690. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards” for a description of the PSU terms. See also Note 6, “Stock-based and Deferred Compensation Plans,” in our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding these awards.
(3)The amounts for option awards represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic No. 718. The stock option awards were valued at fair value on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. See Note 6, “Stock-based and Deferred Compensation Plans,” in our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the assumptions made to value the stock option awards.
(4)Non-equity incentive plan compensation represents amounts earned under the performance-based cash incentive plans, or STIPs, established for such years. The amounts earned were based on the achievement of specified, pre-determined levels of Company-wide Adjusted Net Income, concept Adjusted EBIT and/or revenue growth over the prior year relative to a percentage of the named executive officers bonus potential. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Performance-Based Cash Incentives” for a description of the plans for 2014.
(5)The table set forth below titled “All Other Compensation” provides additional information regarding these amounts.
(6)Mr. Deno joined Bloomin’ Brands in May 2012.
(7)Mr. Herlihy joined Bloomin’ Brands in September 2014.
(8)Mr. Judge joined Bloomin’ Brands in January 2013.

All Other Compensation

The amounts shown for “All Other Compensation” for 2014 include the following:

NAMED

EXECUTIVE

OFFICER

  LIFE
INSURANCE
   AUTO   RELOCATION (a)   AIRPLANE (b)   OTHER (c)   TOTAL 

Elizabeth A. Smith

  $2,609    $—      $—      $123,780    $3,908    $130,297  

David J. Deno

   3,096     —       —       —       4,079     7,175  

Donagh M. Herlihy

   416     —       255,096     —       —       255,512  

Stephen K. Judge

   882     —       89,071     —       3,692     93,645  

Jeffrey S. Smith

   1,449     4,800     —       —       3,006     9,255  

(a)The amount shown for Messrs. Herlihy and Judge reflects relocation costs paid by us in connection with their offers of employment and includes a gross-up for associated tax obligations of $34,372 and $24,361, respectively.
(b)The amount shown reflects (i) the aggregate incremental cost to us of personal use of our aircraft based on an hourly charge, determined to include the cost of fuel and other variable costs associated with the particular flights, and (ii) a gross-up for associated tax obligations of $51,988. Since our aircraft was primarily for business travel, we do not include the fixed costs that do not change based on usage, including the cost of the aircraft and the cost of maintenance not related to specific trips.
(c)The amounts shown reflect costs associated with medical physical examinations.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2014

The following table summarizes the performance-based cash incentive awards and long-term stock incentive awards made during 2014.

NAMED    ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS
UNDER NON-EQUITY

INCENTIVE
PLAN AWARDS (1)
  ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS
UNDER EQUITY

INCENTIVE
PLAN AWARDS (2)
  ALL
OTHER
STOCK
AWARDS:
NUMBER
OF
  ALL OTHER
OPTION
AWARDS:
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
  EXERCISE
PRICE OF
OPTION
  GRANT
DATE
FAIR
VALUE
OF
STOCK &
OPTION
 
EXECUTIVE GRANT  THRESHOLD  TARGET  MAXIMUM  THRESHOLD  TARGET  MAXIMUM  SHARES  OPTIONS  AWARDS  AWARDS 

OFFICER

 DATE  ($)  ($)  ($)  (#)  (#)  (#)  (#) (3)  (#)  ($/Sh)  ($) (4) 

Elizabeth A. Smith

           

Annual STIP Bonus

   750,000    1,500,000    3,000,000    —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Annual PSU Grant

  2/27/2014    —      —      —      43,326    86,651    173,302    —      —      —      1,991,065  

Annual Option Grant

  2/27/2014    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      177,940    25.32    2,194,000  

David J. Deno

           

Annual STIP Bonus

   276,250    552,500    1,105,000    —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Annual PSU Grant

  2/27/2014    —      —      —      14,317    28,634    57,268    —      —      —      657,954  

Annual Option Grant

  2/27/2014    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      58,800    25.32    725,004  

Donagh M. Herlihy

           

Annual STIP Bonus

   76,500    153,000    306,000    —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Sign-on RSU Grant (3)

  10/1/2014    —      —      —      —      —      —      50,000    —      —      906,000  

Sign-on Option Grant (3)

  10/1/2014    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      250,000    18.12    2,180,000  

Stephen K. Judge

           

Annual STIP Bonus

   229,500    459,000    918,000    —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Annual PSU Grant

  2/27/2014    —      —      —      5,925    11,849    23,698    —      —      —      272,267  

Annual Option Grant

  2/27/2014    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      24,331    25.32    300,001  

Retention RSU Grant (3)

  10/1/2014    —      —      —      —      —      —      25,000    —      —      453,000  

Jeffrey S. Smith

           

Annual STIP Bonus

   244,375    488,750    977,500    —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Annual PSU Grant

  2/27/2014    —      —      —      7,100    14,199    28,398    —      —      —      326,270  

Annual Option Grant

  2/27/2014    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      29,157    25.32    359,506  

(1)Amounts represent potential performance-based cash incentive awards under the 2014 Corporate STIP for Ms. Smith and Messrs. Deno and Herlihy, 50% under the 2014 Corporate STIP and 50% under the 2014 Bonefish Grill STIP for Mr. Judge and 50% under the 2014 Corporate STIP and 50% under the 2014 Outback Steakhouse STIP for Mr. Smith. See “—Compensation Discussion & Analysis” under the heading “Performance-Based Cash Incentives” and “—Summary Compensation Table” under the heading “Non-Equity Plan Compensation” for a description of the STIPs and actual payout amounts.

(2)Amounts represent potential shares to be issued upon settlement of the aggregate number of PSUs granted in 2014, which vest as to 25% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent upon such executive’s continued employment by us, and the number earned ranges from 0% to 200% of the tranche based upon the achievement of performance targets set at the beginning of each annual period as follows: 50% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum. See “—Compensation Discussion & Analysis” under the heading “Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards” for a description of the PSU terms. The executive generally forfeits any portion of the award that is unvested upon his termination date or for which the threshold target is not achieved. See “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” for additional information regarding accelerated vesting on certain terminations of employment.
(3)Stock option grant and RSU grant vests as to 25% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date for Messrs. Herlihy Judge, respectively, contingent upon their continued employment. They each generally forfeit any portion of the award that is unvested upon termination date. See “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” for additional information regarding accelerated vesting on certain terminations of employment.
(4)We valued the RSU awards by multiplying the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on the grant date by the number of RSUs awarded. We valued the PSU awards by multiplying the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on the grant date by the aggregate number of PSUs awarded in 2014 that were expected to vest as of the grant date as follows: 63% attainment for the first tranche (25% of the award) and 100% (target performance) for the remaining three tranches (75% of the award). We valued the stock option awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topic No. 718 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. See Note 6, “Stock-based and Deferred Compensation Plans,” in our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the assumptions made to value the stock option awards.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2014 Year-End

The following table summarizes outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock and PSU awards for each named executive officer as of December 28, 2014.

   OPTION AWARDS   STOCK AWARDS 

NAMED EXECUTIVE

OFFICER

  NUMBER OF
SECURITIES UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS (#)
   

OPTION
EXERCISE
PRICE

PER

SHARE

   

OPTION

EXPIRATION

DATE

   SHARES OR UNITS OF
STOCK THAT HAVE
NOT VESTED
   EQUITY INCENTIVE
PLAN AWARDS:
UNEARNED SHARES,
UNITS, OR RIGHTS
THAT HAVE NOT
VESTED
 
        NUMBER OF   MARKET   NUMBER OF   MARKET 
  EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE       SHARES   VALUE   SHARES   VALUE 
  

 

   (1)   $ (2)   

 

   (#) (1)   $ (3)   (#) (1)(4)   $ (3) 

Elizabeth A. Smith

                

November 16, 2009 Tranche A (5)

   337,500     —       6.50     11/16/2019     —       —         —    

November 16, 2009 Tranche B, C, D (5)

   3,262,500     —       6.50     11/16/2019     —       —       —       —    

July 1, 2011 (6)

   330,000     220,000     10.03     7/1/2021     —       —       —       —    

February 27, 2014 (6)

   —       177,940     25.32     2/27/2024         86,651     2,057,961  

David J. Deno

   —                  

May 7, 2012 (7)

   160,000     240,000     14.58     5/10/2022     —       —       —       —    

February 26, 2013 (6)

   18,137     54,414     17.40     2/26/2023     —       —       25,862     614,223  

February 27, 2014 (6)

   —       58,800     25.32     2/27/2024     —       —       28,634     680,058  

Donagh M. Herlihy

                

October 1, 2014 (6)(8)

   —       250,000     18.12     10/1/2024     50,000     1,187,500     —       —    

Stephen K. Judge

                

February 1, 2013 (6)

   75,000     225,000     18.73     2/1/2023     —       —       —       —    

February 27, 2014 (6)

   —       24,331     25.32     2/27/2024     —       —       11,849     281,414  

October 1, 2014 (8)

   —       —       —       —       25,000     593,750     —       —    

Jeffrey S. Smith

                

April 6, 2010

   274,000     —       6.50     4/6/2020     —       —       —       —    

February 26, 2013 (6)

   10,852     32,557     17.40     2/26/2023     —       —       15,474     367,508  

April 24, 2013 (8)

   —       —       —       —       18,750     445,313     18,750     445,313  

February 27, 2014 (6)

   —       29,157     25.32     2/27/2024     —       —       14,199     337,226  

(1)Unvested portions of awards are generally forfeited upon termination of employment. See footnote (5) below and “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” for additional information regarding accelerated vesting on certain terminations of employment.

(2)In March 2010, we offered all then active executive officers, other than Ms. Smith (since her stock options already had an exercise price of $6.50 per share), and all of our other employees the opportunity to exchange outstanding stock options with an exercise price of $10.00 per share for the same number of replacement stock options with an exercise price of $6.50 per share. Under the exchange program, the vested portion of the eligible stock options as of the grant date of the replacement stock options were exchanged for stock options that were fully vested. The unvested portion of the exchanged stock options were exchanged for unvested replacement stock options that vest and become exercisable over a period of time that is equal to the remaining vesting period of the exchanged stock options, plus one year, subject to the participant’s continued employment through the new vesting date. All eligible stock options were exchanged pursuant to the exchange program. The original stock options were canceled, and the issuance of the replacement stock options occurred on April 6, 2010.
(3)Market value is calculated by multiplying $23.75, which was the closing price per share of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on December 26, 2014, the last market day of our fiscal year end, by the number of shares subject to the award.
(4)Amounts represent potential shares to be issued upon settlement of the aggregate number of PSUs granted on such date, which vest as to 25% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent upon such executive’s continued employment by us assuming a payout of the tranche that may vest each year at 100%, or target performance. The actual the number that may be earned each year ranges from 0% to 200% based upon the achievement of performance targets set at the beginning of each annual period is as follows: 50% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum. See “—Compensation Discussion & Analysis” under the heading “Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards” for a description of the PSU terms.
(5)On November 16, 2009, we granted Ms. Smith an option to purchase an aggregate of 4,350,000 shares of our common stock under our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan in four tranches (A-D) of 1,087,500 options each. The vested stock options will remain outstanding for a period ranging from 90 days to three years in the case of a termination of Ms. Smith’s employment, depending on the type of stock option and the nature of the termination, except that all stock options will be forfeited upon a termination for cause.
(6)Stock option grant vests as to 25% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment.
(7)Stock option grant vests as to 20% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment.
(8)Restricted stock grant vests as to 25% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested for Fiscal 2014

The following table summarizes the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock held by the named executive officers during fiscal 2014.

   OPTION AWARDS   STOCK AWARDS 

NAMED

EXECUTIVE

OFFICER

  NUMBER OF
SHARES
ACQUIRED
ON EXERCISE
(#)
   VALUE
REALIZED
ON EXERCISE
($)(1)
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
ACQUIRED
ON VESTING
(#)
   VALUE
REALIZED
ON VESTING
($)(2)
 

Elizabeth A. Smith

   500,000     8,540,650     —       —    

David J. Deno

   —       —       9,827     223,761  

Donagh M. Herlihy

   —       —       —       —    

Stephen K. Judge

   —       —       —       —    

Jeffrey S. Smith

   —       —       12,131     270,598  

(1)Represents amount realized upon exercise of stock options, based on the difference between the market value of the shares acquired at the time of exercise and the exercise price.
(2)Represents the value realized upon vesting of restricted stock, based on the market value of the shares on the vesting date.

Nonqualified Defined Contribution and Other Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans

We offer a Deferred Compensation Plan for our highly compensated employees who are not eligible to participate in the OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC Salaried Employees 401(k) Plan and Trust, as described in “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Compensation Components–Other Benefits and Perquisites.” We do not sponsor any defined benefit pension plans.

The following table summarizes contributions during 2014 to our Deferred Compensation Plan by the only named executive officer who participated along with aggregate earnings/losses for the year and the aggregate balance as of December 28, 2014. We did not make any contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan during 2014. Named executive officers are fully vested in all contributions to the plan. The amounts listed as executive contributions are included as “Salary” in the “Summary Compensation Table.” The aggregate earnings are not reflected in “Other Compensation” in the “Summary Compensation Table.”

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

              AGGREGATE     

NAMED

EXECUTIVE

OFFICER

  AGGREGATE
BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31, 2013
   EXECUTIVE
CONTRIBUTIONS
IN 2014
   AGGREGATE
EARNINGS
IN 2014
  WITHDRAWALS/
DISTRIBUTIONS
IN 2014
   AGGREGATE
BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 28, 2014
 

Stephen K. Judge

  $100,827    $108,000    $(5,079 $—      $203,748  

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

Each of the named executive officers is party to an employment agreement or offer of employment and other arrangements with us, which are summarized below, that may entitle him or her to payments or benefits upon a termination of employment and/or a change in control. See the table included under “—Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation” below for the amount of compensation payable under these agreements and arrangements to the individuals serving as named executive officers as of the end of 2014.

Change in Control Plan

The Change in Control Plan entitles executive officers and other key employees to certain severance payments and benefits in the event of a qualifying termination of employment upon or within the 24 months following certain change in control events. A qualifying termination is a termination by us for any reason other than cause, or by the employee for good reason, in each case as defined in the Change in Control Plan.

Under the Change in Control Plan, in the event of a qualifying termination within the 24 months following a change in control, the named executive officers are each entitled to receive the following benefits:

A severance payment, payable in a lump sum 60 days after the termination, equal to (a) with respect to Ms. Smith, two times the sum of her base salary and her target annual cash bonus and (b) with respect to the other named executive officers, one and one-half times the sum of base salary and target annual cash bonus

Accelerated vesting of all outstanding equity awards

Continued eligibility to participate in group health benefits for 18 months following the termination

Outplacement services for six months following the termination

Certain other accrued benefits

The severance payments and other benefits described above will be reduced by the amount of any similar payments and benefits under any employment agreement or other arrangement with us and are subject to the employee’s compliance with non-competition and other restrictive covenants and the other terms and conditions of the Change in Control Plan.

Rights and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control: Ms. Smith

Effective November 2009, we entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Smith in connection with the commencement of her employment by us. Her employment agreement was amended and restated in September 2012 to extend its term to August 13, 2017, subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances described below. The term of her employment is automatically renewed for successive renewal terms of one year unless either party elects not to renew by giving written notice to the other party not less than 60 days prior to the start of any renewal term.

Ms. Smith’s employment may be terminated as follows:

Upon her death or disability (as defined in the agreement)

By us for Cause. “Cause” is defined to include: her (i) willful failure to perform, or gross negligence in the performance of, her duties and responsibilities to us or our affiliates (other than any such failure from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), subject to notice and cure periods, (ii) indictment or conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude, (iii) engaging in illegal misconduct or gross misconduct that is intentionally harmful to us or our affiliates or (iv) any material and knowing violation by her of any covenant or restriction contained in her employment agreement or any other agreement entered into with us or our affiliates

By us other than for Cause

By Ms. Smith for Good Reason. “Good Reason” is defined to include: (i) a material diminution in the nature or scope of her duties, authority or responsibilities, including, without limitation, loss of membership on our Board of Directors (with certain listed exceptions), (ii) a reduction of her annual base salary or annual target cash bonus, (iii) requiring her to be based at a location in excess of 50 miles from the location of our principal executive offices in Tampa, Florida, or (iv) a material breach by us of our obligations under her employment agreement

By Ms. Smith other than for Good Reason

Ms. Smith will be entitled to receive severance benefits if her employment is terminated by us other than for Cause or if she terminates employment for Good Reason. If her employment is terminated under these circumstances, she will be entitled to receive severance benefits as follows:

Earned but unpaid base salary as of the date of termination, any annual bonus earned in the fiscal year preceding that in which termination occurs that remains unpaid, and amounts accrued and payable under any employee benefit plans, including tax gross-up payments in connection with the reimbursement of private airplane usage through the date of termination (“Final Compensation”)

Severance equal to two times the sum of her base salary at the rate in effect on the date of termination plus her target annual cash bonus for the year of termination, payable in 24 equal monthly installments from the effective date of such termination

In the event Ms. Smith’s employment is terminated due to her death or disability, she will receive Final Compensation as of the date of her employment termination, plus a pro rata portion of her target bonus for the year of termination.

A change in control of the Company does not trigger any severance payments to her under the employment agreement. However, in the event of a qualifying termination within the 24 months following a change in control, Ms. Smith would be entitled to receive the benefits described above under “—Change in Control Plan.”

Rights and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control: Mr. Deno

Mr. Deno entered into an employment agreement with us effective May 7, 2012 for an original term commencing on May 7, 2012 and expiring on the fifth anniversary thereof. The term of his employment agreement is automatically renewed for successive renewal terms of one year unless either party elects not to renew by giving written notice to the other party not less than 60 days prior to the start of any renewal term.

Mr. Deno’s employment may be terminated as follows:

Upon his death or disability (as defined in the agreement)

By us for Cause. “Cause” is defined to include: (i) his failure to perform the duties required of him in a manner satisfactory to us, in our sole discretion; (ii) any dishonesty in his dealing with us or our affiliates, the commission of fraud by him, negligence in the performance of his duties, insubordination, willful misconduct, or his indictment, charge or conviction (or plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any felony or any other crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude; (iii) any violation of any covenant or restriction contained in specified sections of his employment agreement; or (iv) any violation of any of our or our affiliates’ material published policies

At our election, including in the event of a determination by us to cease business operations

By Mr. Deno for Good Reason. “Good Reason” is defined to include: (i) the assignment to him of any duties inconsistent with his position (including status, offices, titles, and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, any diminution in his position, authority, duties or responsibilities (excluding isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith), (ii) a reduction of his base salary or benefits, as in effect on the date of his employment agreement, unless a similar reduction is made in salary and benefits of all of our other executive officers, or (iii) requiring him to be based at a location in excess of 50 miles from the location of our principal executive offices in Tampa, Florida

For all purposes of his agreement, termination for Cause shall be deemed to have occurred on the date of the executive’s resignation when, because of existing facts and circumstances, subsequent termination for Cause can be reasonably foreseen.

Mr. Deno’s employment agreement provides that he will receive severance benefits in the event of a termination of employment by us without Cause or by him with Good Reason. Under these circumstances, he will be entitled to receive an amount equal to the sum of the base salary then in effect payable bi-weekly for one year.

A change in control does not trigger any severance payments to Mr. Deno under his employment agreement. However, in the event of a qualifying termination within the 24 months following a change in control, Mr. Deno would be entitled to receive the benefits described above under “—Change in Control Plan.”

Rights and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control: Mr. Herlihy

Mr. Herlihy agreed to an offer of employment, effective on September 2, 2014.

Mr. Herlihy’s employment may be terminated as follows:

Voluntary resignation or termination by the Employer for Cause. “Cause” is defined to include: (i) failure to perform the duties required in a manner satisfactory to us (ii) any dishonesty in his dealing with us, the commission of fraud by him, negligence in the performance of his duties, insubordination, willful misconduct, or his conviction (or plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any felony or any other crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude; (iii) any violation of any covenant or restriction contained in specified sections of his employment agreement; or (iv) any violation of any current or future material published policy

For any other reason, other than voluntary resignation

For all purposes of his employment, termination for Cause shall be deemed to have occurred on the date of the executive’s resignation when, because of existing facts and circumstances, subsequent termination for Cause can be reasonably foreseen.

Mr. Herlihy’s employment terms provide that he will only receive severance benefits in the event of a termination of employment if his employment is terminated under the circumstances described in the second bullet above. In this case, he will be entitled to receive severance compensation equal to the sum of his base salary then in effect payable bi-weekly for one year.

A change in control does not trigger any severance payments to Mr. Herlihy under his terms of employment. However, in the event of a qualifying termination within the 24 months following a change in control, Mr. Herlihy would be entitled to receive the benefits described above under “—Change in Control Plan.”

Rights and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control: Mr. Judge

Mr. Judge agreed to an offer of employment with Bonefish Grill, our wholly-owned subsidiary, effective on January 1, 2013.

Mr. Judge’s employment may be terminated as follows:

Upon his death or disability

By Bonefish Grill for Cause. “Cause” is defined to include: (i) any dishonesty in his dealing with Bonefish Grill, the commission of fraud by him, negligence in the performance of his duties, insubordination, willful misconduct, or his conviction (or plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any felony or any other crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude; (ii) any violation of any covenant or restriction contained in specified sections of his employment agreement; or (iii) any violation of any material published policy of Bonefish Grill or its affiliates

By him for any or no reason

Bonefish Grill in its sole discretion, for any or no reason

For all purposes of his employment, termination for Cause shall be deemed to have occurred on the date of the executive’s resignation when, because of existing facts and circumstances, subsequent termination for Cause can be reasonably foreseen.

Mr. Judge’s employment terms provide that he will only receive severance benefits in the event of a termination of employment if his employment is terminated under the circumstances described in the last bullet above. In this case, he will be entitled to receive severance compensation equal to the sum of his base salary then in effect payable bi-weekly for one year.

A change in control does not trigger any severance payments to Mr. Judge under his terms of employment. However, in the event of a qualifying termination within the 24 months following a change in control, Mr. Judge would be entitled to receive the benefits described above under “—Change in Control Plan.”

Rights and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control: Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith entered into an employment agreement with Outback Steakhouse of Florida, LLC (“Outback Steakhouse”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, effective April 12, 2007 and amended on January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2012. The initial term of his employment agreement was for a period commencing on April 12, 2007 and expiring on the fifth anniversary thereof. The term of his employment agreement is automatically renewed for successive renewal terms of one year unless either party elects not to renew by giving written notice to the other party not less than 60 days prior to the start of any renewal term.

Mr. Smith’s employment may be terminated as follows:

Upon his death or disability (as defined in the agreement)

By Outback Steakhouse for Cause. “Cause” is defined to include: (i) any dishonesty in his dealing with Outback Steakhouse, the commission of fraud by him, negligence in the performance of his duties, insubordination, willful misconduct, or his conviction (or plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any felony or any other crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude; (ii) any violation of any covenant or restriction contained in specified sections of his employment agreement; or (iii) any violation of any material published policy of Outback Steakhouse or its affiliates

At the election of Outback Steakhouse, including upon the sale of a majority ownership interest in Outback Steakhouse or substantially all the assets of Outback Steakhouse or in the event of a determination by Outback Steakhouse to cease business operations

By Outback Steakhouse in its sole discretion, for any or no reason

For all purposes of his agreement, termination for Cause shall be deemed to have occurred on the date of the executive’s resignation when, because of existing facts and circumstances, subsequent termination for Cause can be reasonably foreseen.

Mr. Smith’s employment agreement provides that he will only receive severance benefits in the event of a termination of employment if his employment is terminated under the circumstances described in the last bullet above. In this case, he will be entitled to receive severance compensation equal to the sum of his base salary then in effect payable bi-weekly for one year.

A change in control does not trigger any severance payments to Mr. Smith under his employment agreement. However, in the event of a qualifying termination within the 24 months following a change in control, Mr. Smith would be entitled to receive the benefits described above under “—Change in Control Plan.”

Equity Awards

As a general matter, unless otherwise provided in an individual’s award agreement or other agreement, and depending on the reason for termination, upon a termination of employment or service all unvested equity awards will terminate and vested stock options must be exercised within certain limited time periods after the date of termination. If the individual’s employment or service is terminated for cause (as defined in the award or other applicable agreement), all stock options, whether vested or unvested, will terminate immediately.

The Compensation Committee may provide for accelerated vesting of an award upon, or as a result of events following, a change of control. This may be done in the award agreement or in connection with the change of control. In the event of a change of control, the Compensation Committee may also cause an award to be canceled in exchange for a cash payment to the participant or cause an award to be assumed by a successor corporation.

Our forms of award agreements under the 2012 Equity Plan provide as follows:

Restricted stock and restricted stock units awards to our directors become fully vested upon a change of control

Restricted stock awards for our employees and consultants provide that upon a change of control (a) restricted stock that remains outstanding or is exchanged or converted into securities of the acquiring or successor entity will continue to vest in accordance with the terms set forth in the award agreement and (b) if the restricted stock will be canceled in exchange for cash consideration, (x) in the case of awards held by our executive officers at the time of such change of control, the restricted stock will instead be converted into a right to receive such cash consideration upon satisfaction of the vesting and other terms and conditions of the award agreement in effect immediately prior to the change of control and (y) in the case of other award recipients, the award will fully vest and be exchanged for the cash consideration at the time of the change of control

PSU awards provide that if the award recipient’s employment or other service status with us terminates, the award will terminate as to any units that are unvested at the time of such termination, unless (a) such termination is due to death or disability, in which case a pro rata portion of the award shall vest based on the portion of the performance period for which service was provided, or (b) the termination occurs before the vesting date but after the end of the performance periodDefinitive Proxy Statement and is other than for cause (as defined in the agreement), in which case the applicable number of units will vest for that performance period as if such termination had not occurred

In addition, as described above under “—Change in Control Plan,” in the event of a qualifying termination within the 24 months following a change in control, each of our named executive officers will be entitled to accelerated vesting of all outstanding equity awards.

Stock Options: Ms. Smith

Pursuant to the terms of Ms. Smith’s option agreement date November 16, 2009, the vested stock options will remain outstanding for a period ranging from 90 days to three years in the case of a termination of Ms. Smith’s employment, depending on the type of option and the nature of the termination, except that all options will be forfeited on a termination for Cause.

Restrictive Covenants

Each of the named executive officers is subject to non-competition and other restrictive covenants under his or her employment agreement or offer of employment. Based on the terms of their agreements, each named executive officer has agreed not to compete with us during his or her employment and for a specified period of time following a termination of employment for any reason (Ms. Smith, and Messrs. Deno and Smith for a period of 24 months; and Messrs. Herlihy and Judge generally for a period of 12 months), except if Mr. Judge voluntarily resigns within six months from the date of a change in the Chief Executive Officer position, then Mr. Judge does not have a restrictive covenant. Each named executive officer’s continued compliance with this non-competition covenant is a condition to our obligation to pay the severance amounts due under his or her employment agreement or offer of employment.

Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation

The table below reflects the amount of compensation payable under the arrangements described above to the individuals serving as named executive officers, following a termination of employment (i)incorporated herein by us without Cause or by the executive for Good Reason without a change in control, (ii) by us without Cause or by the executive for Good Reason, following a change in control assuming that such termination constitutes a qualifying termination under the Change in Control Plan, (iii) by the executive voluntarily, (iv) as a result of disability or (v) as a result of death, in each case, assuming that such termination of employment occurred on December 28, 2014.

No payments or benefits are due to the named executive officers following a termination of employment for Cause. The table assumes that the change in control transaction resulted in per share consideration of $23.75, which was the closing price per share of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on December 26, 2014, last market day of our fiscal year. The actual amounts to be paid upon a termination of employment or a change in control can only be determined at the time of such executive’s separation from us, or upon the occurrence of a change in control (if any).

NAMED EXECUTIVE

OFFICER

  EXECUTIVE PAYMENTS AND
BENEFITS UPON SEPARATION

(1)
 INVOLUNTARY
TERMINATION
WITHOUT
CAUSE OR
TERMINATION
BY EXECUTIVE
FOR GOOD
REASON
WITHOUT
CHANGE IN
CONTROL

($)
   INVOLUNTARY
TERMINATION
WITHOUT
CAUSE OR
TERMINATION
BY EXECUTIVE
FOR GOOD
REASON WITH
CHANGE IN
CONTROL

($)
   VOLUNTARY
TERMINATION
($)
   DISABILITY
($)
   DEATH
($)
 

Elizabeth A. Smith

  Severance  3,500,000     5,000,000     —       —       —    
  Equity Awards (2)  66,627,600     71,703,961     66,627,600     66,627,600     66,627,600  
  Health and Welfare
Benefits
  —       18,297     —       —       —    
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Total 70,127,600   76,722,258   66,627,600   66,627,600   66,627,600  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

David J. Deno

Severance 650,000   1,803,750   —     —     —    
Equity Awards (2) 1,582,370   5,422,979   1,582,370   1,582,370   1,582,370  
Health and Welfare Benefits —     13,573   —     —     —    
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Total 2,232,370   7,240,302   1,582,370   1,582,370   1,582,370  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Donagh M. Herlihy

Severance (3) 540,000   1,498,500   —     —     —    
Equity Awards (2) —     2,595,000   —     —     —    
Health and Welfare Benefits —     18,381   —     —     —    
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Total 540,000   4,111,881   —     —     —    
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stephen K. Judge

Severance (3) 540,000   1,498,500   —     —     —    
Equity Awards (2) 376,500   2,381,164   376,500   376,500   376,500  
Health and Welfare Benefits —     18,585   —     —     —    
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Total 916,500   3,898,249   376,500   376,500   376,500  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Jeffrey S. Smith

Severance (3) 575,000   1,595,625   —     —     —    
Equity Awards (2) 4,795,410   6,328,258   4,795,410   4,795,410   4,795,410  
Health and Welfare Benefits —     18,585   —     —     —    
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Total 5,370,410   7,942,468   4,795,410   4,795,410   4,795,410  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Amounts in the table do not include amounts for accrued but unpaid base salary, annual bonus or other expenses.
(2)Amounts represent intrinsic value of vested in-the-money stock options since the fair market value of a share of our common stock, as of December 26, 2014, was greater than the exercise price of the stock options held by the named executive officers. Certain stock option grants were out-of-the-money as of the fiscal year end and are included above with a value of $0.
(3)Severance for Messrs. Herlihy, Judge and Smith (base salary in effect at termination) is only payable upon termination of employment by us without cause (as defined in their offer of employment or employment agreement).

Director Compensation

The Compensation Committee recommended and our Board of Directors determined that directors who are not our employees, Founders or associated with our Sponsors receive the following compensation for their service on our Board of Directors:

reference.
Annual retainer of $90,000

Additional annual retainer of $20,000 for serving as chair and $10,000 for serving as a member (other than the chair) of the Audit Committee

Additional annual retainer of $15,000 for serving as chair and $7,500 for serving as a member (other than the chair) of the Compensation Committee

Additional annual retainer of $10,000 for serving as chair and $5,000 for serving as a member (other than the chair) of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Annual grant of restricted stock units under the Bloomin’ Brands 2012 Incentive Award Plan (the “2012 Equity Plan”) having a fair market value of $100,000 on the date of our annual meeting of stockholders, vesting as to one-third of the shares subject to the grant immediately prior to our annual meeting of stockholders each year thereafter

If a director is elected at any time other than at our annual meeting of stockholders, such director will receive an initial grant of restricted stock units (and in 2012 and 2013, shares of restricted stock) under the 2012 Equity Plan having a fair market value of $100,000 on the date of the first Board of Directors meeting that such director attends, pro rated for the number of months from the month of the director’s election to the Board of Directors until the month of our next annual meeting of stockholders, vesting as to one-third of the shares subject to the grant immediately prior to our annual meeting of stockholders each year thereafter.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Ownership


The information required by this item will be included under the caption “Ownership of Securities

The following table describes the beneficial ownership of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. common stock as of February 18, 2015 (except as noted)Securities” in our Definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.’s common stock, each director, and each named executive officer listed in the “Summary Compensation Table,” and all current directors and executive officers as a group. The number of shares of common stock outstanding used in calculating the percentage for each listed person includes the shares of common stock underlying options and restricted stock units beneficially owned by that person that are exercisable within 60 days following February 18, 2015. The beneficial ownership percentages reflected in the table below are based on 126,386,965 shares of our common stock outstanding as of February 18, 2015.

Except as described under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in Item 13 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or as otherwise indicated in a footnote, each of the beneficial owners listed has, to our knowledge, sole voting, dispositive and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock listed as being owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated in a footnote, the address for each individual listed below is c/o Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida 33607.

NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER

  AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF
BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP
   PERCENT OF
CLASS
(COMMON
STOCK)
 

Beneficial owners of 5% or more of our common stock:

    

Bain Capital Entities (1)

   18,307,782     14.49

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

    

Andrew B. Balson

   —       *  

James R. Craigie (2)

   4,763     *  

David J. Deno (3)

   227,450     *  

David R. Fitzjohn (2)

   253     *  

Mindy Grossman (2)

   14,857     *  

Donagh M. Herlihy (4)

   —       *  

David Humphrey (5)

   —       *  

Stephen K. Judge (6)

   157,339     *  

Tara Walpert Levy (2)

   3,359     *  

John J. Mahoney (2)

   11,439     *  

Elizabeth A. Smith (7)

   3,984,420     3.06

Jeffrey S. Smith (8)

   338,760     *  

Chris T. Sullivan (9)

   2,407,195     1.90

All current directors and executive officers as a group (10)

   8,013,564     6.09

*Indicates less than one percent of common stock.
(1)Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G filed on February 17, 2015. The shares included in the table consist of: (i) 14,109,750 shares of common stock held by Bain Capital (OSI) IX, L.P., whose general partner is Bain Capital Partners IX, L.P. (“BCP IX”); (ii) 3,996,022 shares of common stock held by Bain Capital (OSI) IX Coinvestment, L.P., whose general partner is BCP IX; (iii) 166,541 shares of common stock held by Bain Capital Integral Investors 2006, LLC, whose administrative member is Bain Capital Investors, LLC (“BCI”); (iv) 33,170 shares of common stock held by BCIP TCV, LLC, whose administrative member is BCI; and (v) 2,299 shares of common stock held by BCIP Associates-G, whose managing partner is BCI. BCI is also the general partner of BCP IX. By virtue of the relationships described in this footnote, BCI may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares held by each of Bain Capital (OSI) IX, L.P., Bain Capital (OSI) IX Coinvestment, L.P., Bain Capital Integral Investors 2006, LLC, BCIP TCV, LLC and BCIP Associates-G (collectively, the “Bain Capital Entities”). The governance, investment strategy and decision-making process with respect to investments held by the Bain Capital Entities is directed by BCI’s Global Private Equity Board (“GPEB”), which is comprised of the following individuals: Steven Barnes, Joshua Bekenstein, John Connaughton, Stephen Pagliuca, Michel Plantevin, Dwight Poler and Jonathan Zhu. Because of the relationships described in this footnote, GPEB may be deemed to exercise voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares held by the Bain Capital Entities. Each of the members of GPEB disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares to the extent attributed to such member solely by virtue of serving on GPEB. Each of the Bain Capital Entities has an address c/o Bain Capital Partners, LLC, John Hancock Tower, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

(2)Includes the following number of shares of unvested restricted stock Ms. Grossman, 4,259 shares; Ms. Levy, 2,240 shares and Mr. Mahoney, 5,341 shares. Does not include the following number of restricted stock units that will not vest within 60 days of February 18, 2015: Mr. Craigie, 6,207; Mr. Fitzjohn, 5,483; Ms. Grossman, 4,760; Ms. Levy, 4,760 shares and Mr. Mahoney, 4,760 shares.
(3)Includes 14,700 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.32 per share, 36,274 shares with an exercise price of $17.40 and 160,000 shares with an exercise price of $14.58 per share that Mr. Deno has the right to acquire within 60 days of February 18, 2015. Does not include 320,377 shares subject to stock options and 38,718 shares subject to performance share units that are not exercisable within 60 days of February 18, 2015.
(4)Does not include 250,000 shares subject to stock options and 50,000 restricted stock units that are not exercisable within 60 days of February 18, 2015.
(5)Does not include shares of common stock held by the Bain Capital Entities. Mr. Humphrey is a Managing Director and serves on the investment committee of BCI. As a result, and by virtue of the relationships described in footnote (1) above, Mr. Humphrey may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares held by the Bain Capital Entities. Mr. Humphrey disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. The address for Mr. Humphrey is c/o Bain Capital Partners, LLC, John Hancock Tower, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
(6)Includes 6,082 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.32 per share and 150,000 shares with an exercise price of $18.73 that Mr. Judge has the right to acquire within 60 days of February 18, 2015. Does not include 168,249 shares subject to stock options and 8,887 shares subject to performance share units that are not exercisable within 60 days of February 18, 2015.
(7)Includes 44,485 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.32 per share, 3,600,000 shares with an exercise price of $6.50 per share and 330,000 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $10.03 per share that Ms. Smith has the right to acquire within 60 days of February 18, 2015. Does not include 353,455 shares subject to stock options and 64,989 shares subject to performance share units that are not exercisable within 60 days of February 18, 2015.
(8)Includes 7,289 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.32 per share, 21,704 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.40 per share and 274,000 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $6.50 per share that Mr. Smith has the right to acquire within 60 days of February 18, 2015. Does not include 43,573 shares subject to stock options, 18,750 shares subject to restricted stock and 39,716 shares subject to performance share units that are not exercisable within 60 days of February 18, 2015.
(9)Includes 2,007,899 shares owned by CTS Equities, Limited Partnership, an investment partnership (“CTSLP”). Mr. Sullivan is a limited partner of CTSLP and the sole member of CTS Equities, LLC, the sole general partner of CTSLP. Also includes 399,296 shares held by a charitable foundation for which Mr. Sullivan serves as trustee. The shares held by CTSLP are pledged to Fifth Third Bank to secure debt of approximately $18 million.
(10)Includes a total of 5,175,080 shares subject to stock options and 2,500 shares subject to restricted stock that our current directors and executive officers have the right to acquire within 60 days of February 18, 2015. Does not include a total of 1,572,691 shares subject to stock options, 33,090 shares subject to restricted stock, 140,970 subject to restricted stock units and 192,438 shares subject to performance share units that our current directors and executive officers do not have the right to acquire within 60 days of February 18, 2015.

reference.


The information relating to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is included under the caption “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” in Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Review, Approval or Ratification


The information required by this item relating to transactions with related persons will be included under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions,” and the information required by this item relating to director independence will be included under the caption “Proposal No. 1: Election of Transactions with Related Persons

Our Board ofDirectors—Independent Directors, has adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our directors, officers, and employees, including our executive officers. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics requires disclosure to the Chief Legal Officer or the Audit Committee, as applicable, the material terms of any related person transaction, including the approximate dollar value of the amount involved in the transaction, and all the material facts as to the related person’s direct or indirect interest in, or relationship to, the related person transaction. The Chief Legal Officer or the Audit Committee must advise the Board of Directors of the related person transaction and any requirement for disclosureeach case in our applicable filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange ActDefinitive Proxy Statement, and related rules, and, to the extent required to be disclosed, management must ensure that the related person transaction is disclosed in accordance with such acts and related rules.

The transactions below were reviewed under our Codeincorporated herein by reference.



110

Table of Business Conduct and Ethics or, with respect to transactions prior to our IPO, under a similar written code of business conduct and ethics of OSI.

Arrangements With Our Sponsors and Founders

Stockholders Agreement

On April 29, 2014, we terminated our prior stockholders agreement with our Sponsors and Founders and entered into a new Stockholders Agreement with the Bain Funds. Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, as long as the Bain Funds beneficially own at least 3% of our outstanding common stock, they will have the right to designate two nominees for election to our Board of Directors, with each nominee to serve in a separate class. The Bain Funds are also entitled to have one of their nominees serve on each committee of our Board of Directors, other than the Audit Committee, subject to applicable law and NASDAQ rules. The Bain Funds’ rights to designate nominees will terminate once they own less than 3% of our outstanding common stock.

Registration Rights Agreement

On April 29, 2014, we terminated our prior registration rights agreement with our Sponsors and Founders and certain other stockholders and entered into a new registration rights agreement with Bain Funds, certain entities associated with, and family members of, Chris T. Sullivan, one of our Founders and a director, and Elizabeth A. Smith, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement provides the Bain Funds and the other stockholders that are parties thereto with certain demand and “piggyback” registration rights. We are required to bear the registration expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes, associated with any registration of shares by the Bain Funds or other stockholders pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement also contains customary terms and conditions related to various matters, including registration procedures, lock-up agreements and permitted transfers and indemnification and contribution.

Lease Payments

In 2014, MVP LRS, LLC (“MVP”), an entity owned primarily by our Founders, including Chris T. Sullivan, who is one of our directors, paid us approximately $0.5 million in lease payments. These leases were originally for two restaurants in the Lee Roy Selmon’s concept, which was purchased from us in 2008. In 2014, MVP converted one of the Lee Roy Selmon’s restaurants to a Glory Days restaurant and we entered into a new lease with MVP for the Glory Days restaurant. We also guarantee lease payments by MVP under two leases with third parties.

Tabletop Point of Sale Services

In 2014, we evaluated tabletop point of sale products and services provided by Menupad, Inc. (“Menupad”), and Positronics Technologies, Inc. (“Positronics”). Both of these companies are owned, in part, by Chris Sullivan, one of our Founders and a director, or by entities he owns or controls. In 2014, we did not make any payments to Menupad, and we paid Positronics $20,120.

We intend to continue evaluating the services provided by both companies throughout 2015, as well as competing products and services provided by other companies.

Other Arrangements

Director and Executive Officer Investments and Employment Arrangements

Jeffrey S. Smith, our Executive Vice President and President of Outback Steakhouse, has made investments in the aggregate amount of approximately $0.5 million in 11 Outback Steakhouse restaurants, 13 Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurants and 14 Bonefish Grill restaurants (one of which is a franchise restaurant). In 2014, we purchased the ownership interests in 3 of those Bonefish Grill restaurants, including the one franchise. As a result of these purchases, Mr. Smith received a total of $34,504 for his ownership interests. Mr. Smith received distributions of approximately $0.1 million in the year ended December 28, 2014 from his ownership interests in the other 35 restaurants.

Director Independence

Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, an “independent” director is one who meets the qualification requirements for being independent under applicable laws and the corporate governance listing standards of NASDAQ. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee evaluates the relationships of each director and director nominee and makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors as to whether to make an affirmative determination that such director or director nominee is independent. Upon recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that (a) Messrs. Craigie, Fitzjohn, and Mahoney and Mses. Grossman and Levy are independent under the criteria established by NASDAQ for director independence (b) Messrs. Craigie and Mahoney and Ms. Levy are independent under the criteria established by NASDAQ for audit committee membership and (c) Mr. Fitzjohn and Ms. Grossman are independent under the criteria established by NASDAQ for compensation committee membership.

Contents

BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services


The following is a summaryinformation required by this item will be included under the captions “Proposal No. 2: Ratification of the fees billed to us by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for professional services rendered for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2014Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm—Principal Accountant Fees and December 31, 2013:

FEE CATEGORY

  2014   2013 

Audit Fees

  $3,200,000    $2,998,000  

Audit-Related Fees

   190,000     472,000  

Tax Fees

   53,000     68,000  

All Other Fees

   5,000     6,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Fees

$3,448,000  $3,544,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Audit Fees. The aggregate fees (inclusive of out-of-pocket expenses) billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were for professional services rendered for the audits of our consolidatedServices” and subsidiary financial statements and services that are normally provided by the independent registered certified public accountants in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, including audited consolidated financial statements presented in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and incorporated by reference into our registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC, and the review of the financial statements presented in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. In addition, services rendered in 2014 and 2013 included delivery of comfort letters, consents and review of documents in connection with secondary offerings of our common stock completed in May 2013, March 2014 and November 2014.

Audit-Related Fees.The aggregate fees (inclusive of out-of-pocket expenses) billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services comprised controls and compliance reviews in connection with the implementation of certain financial systems during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Tax Fees. The aggregate fees (inclusive of out-of-pocket expenses) billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services include assistance regarding foreign jurisdiction tax compliance and planning for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

All Other Fees.The aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were for products and services other than the services reported above. These services included annual subscription licenses for an accounting research tool, which we license from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and continuing professional education seminars hosted by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

“—Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee has established a policy requiring its pre-approvalFirm” in our Definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.



111

Table of all audit and permissible non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) provided by our independent registered certified public accounting firm. The policy provides for the general pre-approval of specific types of services within specific cost limits for each such service on an annual basis. The policy requires specific pre-approval of all other permitted services. The Chairman of the Audit Committee has the authority to address any requests for pre-approval of services between Audit Committee meetings, and the Chairman must report any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

Contents

BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1) LISTING OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and subsidiaries are included in Item 8 of this Report:


Consolidated Balance Sheets—Sheets - December 28, 201425, 2016 and December 31, 201327, 2015

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income – Fiscal years 2014, 2013,2016, 2015, and 20122014

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity – Fiscal years 2014, 2013,2016, 2015, and 20122014

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Fiscal years 2014, 2013,2016, 2015, and 20122014

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


(a)(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


All financial statement schedules have been omitted, since the required information is not applicable or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Report.

(a)(3) EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS

 

FILINGS REFERENCED FOR

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

  2.1

 
2.1
Quota Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 31, 2013 and effective November 1, 2013, by and between Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., Outback Steakhouse Restaurantes Brasil S.A. (formerly known as Bloom Holdco Participações Ltda.), PGS Participações Ltda., the equity holders of PGS Participações Ltda., PGS Consultoria e Serviços Ltda., and Bloom Participações Ltda.1
 December 31, 2013 Form 10-K, Exhibit 2.1

3.1

 Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-183270, filed on August 13, 2012, Exhibit 4.1

3.2

 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-183270, filed on August 13, 2012, Exhibit 4.2

4.1

 Form of Common Stock Certificate Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on July 18, 2012, Exhibit 4.1

10.1

 
10.1
Credit Agreement dated October 26, 2012 among OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, OSI HoldCo, Inc., the Lenders and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent for the Lenders1
 September 30, 2012 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.1

10.2

 First Amendment to Credit Agreement, Guaranty and Security Agreement dated as of April 10, 2013 among OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, OSI HoldCo, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Lenders and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent for the Lenders March 31, 2013 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.1

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS

 

FILINGS REFERENCED FOR

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

10.3

 Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of January 3, 2014 among OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, OSI HoldCo, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent December 31, 2013 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.3


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EXHIBIT
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
FILINGS REFERENCED FOR
 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
10.4

 Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of May 16, 2014 among OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, OSI HoldCo, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent, collateral agent, L/C issuer, swing line lender and assigning Lender, Deutsche Bang AG New York Branch, as assignee and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as successor administrative agent June 29, 2014 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.5

10.5

 Loan
10.5Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement and SecurityIncremental Amendment dated as of March 31, 2015, among OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, OSI Holdco, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agentMarch 29, 2015 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.1
10.6Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement and Incremental Amendment dated as of December 11, 2015, among OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, OSI Holdco, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agentDecember 27, 2015 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.6
10.7
Loan Agreement, dated March 27, 2012,February 11, 2016, between New Private Restaurant Properties, LLC, as borrower, and German American Capital Corporation andWells Fargo Bank, of America, N.A., collectivelyNational Association, as lender1
 Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement onMarch 27, 2016 Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on May 17, 2012,10-Q, Exhibit 10.1010.1

10.6

 
10.8
First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated effective January 1, 2014, by and amongJuly 27, 2016, between New Private Restaurant Properties, LLC as borrower, OSI HoldCo I, Inc., as guarantor and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.,National Association, as trustee for the registered holders of BAMLL-DB 2012-OSI Trust, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2012-OSI, as lenderlender.1
 December 31, 2013September 25, 2016 Form 10-K,10-Q, Exhibit 10.510.1

10.7

 Mezzanine Loan and Security Agreement (First Mezzanine), dated March 27, 2012, between New PRP Mezz 1, LLC, as borrower, and German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A., collectively as lender Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.11

10.8

10.9
 First Amendment to Mezzanine Loan and Security Agreement (First Mezzanine),Secured Promissory Note, dated as of January 3, 2014,February 11, 2016, between New PRP Mezz 1, LLC, as borrower, OSI HoldCo I, Inc., as guarantor, and Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company, Thornburg Strategic Income Fund, Thornburg Investment Income Builder Fund and Newcastle CDO IX, 1 Limited, collectively as lenderDecember 31, 2013 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.7

10.9

Mezzanine Loan and Security Agreement (Second Mezzanine), dated March 27, 2012, between New PRP Mezz 2, LLC, as borrower, and German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A., collectively, as lenderRegistration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.12

10.10

First Amendment to Mezzanine Loan and Security Agreement (Second Mezzanine), dated as of January 3, 2014, between New PRP Mezz 2, LLC, as borrower, OSI HoldCo I, Inc., as guarantor, and Annaly CRE Holdings LLC, as lenderDecember 31, 2013 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.9

10.11

Environmental Indemnity, dated March 27, 2012, by OSI HoldCo I, Inc. for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.13

10.12

Environmental Indemnity, dated March 27, 2012, by OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC and Private Restaurant Master Lessee, LLC for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.14

10.13

Environmental Indemnity, dated March 27, 2012, by PRP Holdings, LLC for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.15

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS

FILINGS REFERENCED FOR

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

10.14

Environmental Indemnity (First Mezzanine), dated March 27, 2012, by OSI HoldCo I, Inc. for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.16

10.15

Environmental Indemnity (First Mezzanine), dated March 27, 2012, by OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC and Private Restaurant Master Lessee, LLC for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.17

10.16

Environmental Indemnity (First Mezzanine), dated March 27, 2012, by PRP Holdings, LLC for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.18

10.17

Environmental Indemnity (Second Mezzanine), dated March 27, 2012, by OSI HoldCo I, Inc. for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.19

10.18

Environmental Indemnity (Second Mezzanine), dated March 27, 2012, by OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC and Private Restaurant Master Lessee, LLC for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.20

10.19

Environmental Indemnity (Second Mezzanine), dated March 27, 2012, by PRP Holdings, LLC for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.21

10.20

Guaranty of Recourse Obligations, dated March 27, 2012, by OSI HoldCo I, Inc. to and for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.22

10.21

Guaranty of Recourse Obligations (First Mezzanine), dated March 27, 2012, by OSI HoldCo I, Inc. to and for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.23

10.22

Guaranty of Recourse Obligations (Second Mezzanine), dated March 27, 2012, by OSI HoldCo I, Inc. to and for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.24

10.23

Amended and Restated Guaranty, dated March 27, 2012, by OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC to and for the benefit of New Private Restaurant Properties, LLC, as borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as lender Registration Statement onMarch 27, 2016 Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012,10-Q, Exhibit 10.2710.2

10.24

 Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement (New Private Restaurant Properties, LLC), dated March 27, 2012, by and between Bank of America, N.A., German American Capital Corporation, Private Restaurant Master Lessee, LLC and New Private Restaurant Properties, LLC, with the acknowledgement, consent and limited agreement of OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.25

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS

FILINGS REFERENCED FOR

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

10.25

10.10
 Royalty Agreement dated April 1995 among Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Inc., Outback Steakhouse, Inc., Mangia Beve, Inc., Carrabba, Inc., Carrabba Woodway, Inc., John C. Carrabba, III, Damian C. Mandola, and John C. Carrabba, Jr., as amended by First Amendment to Royalty Agreement dated January 1997 and Second Amendment to Royalty Agreement made and entered into effective April 7, 2010 by and among Carrabba’s Italian Grill, LLC, OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, Mangia Beve, Inc., Mangia Beve II, Inc., Original, Inc., Voss, Inc., John C. Carrabba, III, Damian C. Mandola, and John C. Carrabba, Jr. Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.6

10.26

10.11
 Third Amendment to Royalty Agreement made and entered into effective June 1, 2014, by and among Carrabba’s Italian Grill, LLC, OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, Mangia Beve, Inc., Mangia Beve II, Inc., Original, Inc., Voss, Inc., John C. Carrabba, III, Damian C. Mandola, and John C. Carrabba, Jr. June 29, 2014 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.6

10.27

10.12
 Amended and Restated Operating Agreement for OSI/Fleming’s, LLC made as of June 4, 2010 by and among OS Prime, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, FPSH Limited Partnership and AWA III Steakhouses, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.8

10.28

 
10.13
Amended and Restated Master Lease Agreement, dated March 27, 2012, between New Private Restaurant Properties, LLC, as landlord, and Private Restaurant Master Lessee, LLC, as tenant1
 Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on May 17, 2012, Exhibit 10.26


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10.29

EXHIBIT
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
FILINGS REFERENCED FOR
 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
10.14 Lease, dated June 14, 2007, between OS Southern, LLC and Selmon’s/Florida-I, Limited Partnership (predecessor to MVP LRS, LLC), as amended May 27, 2010 Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on May 17, 2012, Exhibit 10.52

10.30

10.15
 Lease, dated January 21, 2014, between OS Southern, LLC and MVP LRS, LLC December 31, 2013 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.28

10.31*

10.16*
 Employee Rollover Agreement for conversion of OSI Restaurant Partners, Inc. restricted stock to Kangaroo Holdings, Inc. restricted stock entered into by the individuals listed on Schedule 1 thereto Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.4

10.32*

10.17*
 OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC HCE Deferred Compensation Plan effective October 1, 2007 Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.46

10.33*

10.18*
 Kangaroo Holdings, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.1

10.34*

10.19*
 Form of Option Agreement for Options under the Kangaroo Holdings, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.42

10.35*

10.20*
 Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2012 Incentive Award Plan Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on July 18, 2012, Exhibit 10.2

10.36*

10.21*
 Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for options granted under the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2012 Incentive Award Plan December 7, 2012 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.2

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS

 

FILINGS REFERENCED FOR

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

10.37*

10.22*
 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for restricted stock granted to directors under the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2012 Incentive Award Plan December 7, 2012 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.3

10.38*

10.23*
 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for restricted stock granted to employees and consultants under the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2012 Incentive Award Plan December 7, 2012 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.4

10.39*

10.24*
 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for restricted stock granted to directors under the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2012 Incentive Award Plan September 30, 2013 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.1

10.40*

10.25*
 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for restricted stock granted to employees and consultants under the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2012 Incentive Award Plan September 30, 2013 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.2

10.41*

10.26*
 Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement for performance units granted under the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2012 Incentive Award Plan December 7, 2012 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.5

10.42*

10.27*
 Form of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. Indemnification Agreement by and between Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and each member of its Board of Directors and each of its executive officers Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on July 18, 2012, Exhibit 10.39
10.28*Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation PlanJune 26, 2016 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.1


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10.43*

EXHIBIT
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
FILINGS REFERENCED FOR
 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
10.29*Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for options granted to executive management under the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation PlanJune 26, 2016 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.2
10.30*Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for restricted stock granted to directors under the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation PlanJune 26, 2016 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.3
10.31*Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for restricted stock granted to executive management under the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation PlanJune 26, 2016 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.4
10.32*Form of Performance Award Agreement for performance units granted under the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation PlanJune 26, 2016 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.5
10.33* Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. Executive Change in Control Plan, effective December 6, 2012 December 7, 2012 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1

10.44*

10.34*
 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement made and entered into September 4, 2012 by and between Elizabeth A. Smith and Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. June 30, 2012 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.1

10.45*

10.35*
 Option Agreement, dated November 16, 2009, by and between Kangaroo Holdings, Inc. and Elizabeth A. Smith, as amended December 31, 2009 Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.40

10.46*

10.36*
 Option Agreement, dated July 1, 2011, by and between Kangaroo Holdings, Inc. and Elizabeth A. Smith Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.41

10.47*

10.37*
 Officer Employment Agreement, made and entered into effective May 7, 2012, by and among David Deno and OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on May 17, 2012, Exhibit 10.53

10.48*

10.38*
 Amendment, dated July 16, 2014, to the Officer Employment Agreement, made and entered into effective May 7, 2012, by and among David Deno and OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC June 29, 2014 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.7

10.49*

 Officer Employment Agreement dated January 23, 2008 and effective April 12, 2007 by and among Jeffrey S. Smith and Outback Steakhouse of Florida, LLC, as amended on January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2012 Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.32

10.50*

10.39*
 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated June 14, 2007, between Joseph J. Kadow and OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, as amended on January 1, 2009, June 12, 2009, December 30, 2010 and December 16, 2011 Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.29

10.51*

10.40*
 Split-Dollar Agreement dated August 12, 2008 and effective March 30, 2006, by and between OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC (formerly known as Outback Steakhouse, Inc.) and Joseph J. Kadow Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.48

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS

 

FILINGS REFERENCED FOR

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

  10.52*

Officer Employment Agreement made and entered into August 16, 2010 by and among David A. Pace and OSI Restaurant Partners, LLCRegistration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-180615, filed on April 6, 2012, Exhibit 10.37

  10.53*

Amendment, dated July 30, 2014, to the Officer Employment Agreement made and entered into August 16, 2010 by and among David A. Pace and OSI Restaurant Partners, LLCJune 29, 2014 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.8

  10.54*

Employment Offer Letter Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2012, between Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and Stephen K. JudgeDecember 31, 2012 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.52

  10.55*

Officer Employment Agreement, made and entered into effective August 7, 2013, by and among Amanda L. Shaw and Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and OS Management, Inc.December 31, 2013 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.54

  10.56*

Amendment, dated September 16, 2014, to the Officer Employment Agreement made and entered into August 7, 2013 and effective for all purposes as of August 16, 2010 by and among Amanda L. Shaw and Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.September 28, 2014 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.2

  10.57*

10.41*
 Employment Offer Letter Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2013, between Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and Patrick Murtha December 31, 2013 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.55

  10.58*

10.42*
 Employment Offer Letter Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2014, between Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and Donagh Herlihy Previously filed.December 28, 2014 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.58
10.43*Employment Offer Letter Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2015, between Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and Sukhdev SinghDecember 27, 2015 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.57
10.44*Employment Offer Letter Agreement, dated as of February 12, 2016, between Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and Michael KappittMarch 27, 2016 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.3


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  10.59

EXHIBIT
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
FILINGS REFERENCED FOR
 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
10.45*Employment Offer Letter Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2016, between Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and Christopher BrandtJune 26, 2016 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.6
10.46*Employment Offer Letter Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2016, between Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and Gregg ScarlettSeptember 25, 2016 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.2
10.47*Employment Offer Letter Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2016, between Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and David SchmidtSeptember 25, 2016 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.3
10.48 Registration Rights Agreement among Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and certain stockholders of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. made as of April 29, 2014 May 1, 2014 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.3

  10.60

 Stockholders Agreement among Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and certain stockholders of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. made as of April 29, 2014 May 1, 2014 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.4

21.1

 List of Subsidiaries Previously filed.Filed herewith

23.1

 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Previously filed.Filed herewith

31.1

 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Filed herewith

31.2

 Certification of Chief Financial and Administrative Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Filed herewith

  32.1

 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 20022
 Previously filed.Filed herewith

  32.2

 
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial and Administrative Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 20022
 Previously filed.Filed herewith

101.INS

 XBRL Instance Document Previously filed.Filed herewith

101.SCH

 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document Previously filed.

Filed herewith

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS

 

FILINGS REFERENCED FOR

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

101.CAL

 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document Previously filed.Filed herewith

101.DEF

 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document Previously filed.Filed herewith

101.LAB

 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document Previously filed.Filed herewith

101.PRE

 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document Previously filed.Filed herewith

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit
1Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to portions of Exhibits 2.1, 10.1, 10.5 and 10.28 and such portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2These certifications are not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. These certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.


* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit

1Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to portions of Exhibits 2.1, 10.1, 10.7, 10.8 and 10.13 and such portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2These certifications are not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. These certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.


116

Table of Contents
BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.


Date: February 26, 2015Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.
Date:February 22, 2017Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.
By:/s/ /s/ Elizabeth A. Smith
Elizabeth A. Smith
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Elizabeth A. Smith
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Elizabeth A. SmithFebruary 22, 2017
/s/ David J. Deno

Executive Vice President and Chief ExecutiveFinancial and Administrative Officer

(Principal ExecutiveFinancial and Accounting Officer)

David J. DenoFebruary 22, 2017
/s/ James R. Craigie
James R. CraigieDirectorFebruary 22, 2017
/s/ David R. Fitzjohn
David R. FitzjohnDirectorFebruary 22, 2017
/s/ Mindy Grossman
Mindy GrossmanDirectorFebruary 22, 2017
/s/ Tara Walpert Levy
Tara Walpert LevyDirectorFebruary 22, 2017
/s/ John J. Mahoney
John J. MahoneyDirectorFebruary 22, 2017
/s/ Chris T. Sullivan
Chris T. SullivanDirectorFebruary 22, 2017