Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Previous wording

Our business is affected by general economic conditions that are largely out of our control. Our business is dependent to a significant extent on national, regional and local economic conditions, and, to a lesser extent, on global economic conditions, particularly those conditions affecting the demographics of the guests that frequently patronize restaurants. If our customers' disposable income available for discretionary spending is reduced (because of circumstances such as job losses, credit constraints, higher housing costs, inflation, changes to tax regulations, energy costs, interest rates or other costs) or if the perceived wealth of customers decreases (because of circumstances such as inflation, lower residential real estate values, increased foreclosure rates, changes to tax regulations, the imposition of tariffs or other trade barriers, or other economic disruptions), our business could experience a decline in sales and/or customer traffic as potential customers choose lower-cost alternatives (such as quick-service restaurants) or other alternatives to dining out. The inflationary period experienced over recent years, which has been over 20% cumulatively since 2020, and potential future inflationary periods, could negatively impact consumers’ discretionary income and reduce the amount of income previously used for dining outside the home. Additionally, negative trends in the availability of credit and in expenses such as interest rates and the cost of construction materials could affect our and our franchisees' ability to maintain and remodel existing restaurants. Any decreases in customer traffic or average customer check due to these or other reasons could reduce gross sales at our and our franchised restaurants, resulting in lower revenues, royalty payments and other payments from franchisees. This could negatively impact the financial performance of our company-operated restaurants and reduce the profitability of franchised restaurants, potentially impacting the ability of franchisees to make royalty payments owed to us when due and negatively impacting franchisees’ ability to develop new restaurants as may be required in their respective development agreements.

Current wording

Our business is affected by general economic conditions that are largely out of our control. Our business is dependent to a significant extent on national, regional and local economic conditions, and, to a lesser extent, on global economic conditions, particularly those conditions affecting the demographics of the guests that frequently patronize restaurants. If our customers' disposable income available for discretionary spending is reduced (because of circumstances such as job losses, credit constraints, higher housing costs, inflation, changes to tax regulations, energy costs, interest rates or other costs) or if the perceived wealth of customers decreases (because of circumstances such as inflation, lower residential real estate values, increased foreclosure rates, changes to tax regulations, the imposition of tariffs or other trade barriers, or other economic disruptions), our business could experience a decline in sales and/or customer traffic as potential customers choose lower-cost alternatives (such as quick-service restaurants) or other alternatives to dining out. The inflationary period experienced over recent years, and potential future inflationary periods, could negatively impact consumers’ discretionary income and reduce the amount of income previously used for dining outside the home. Additionally, negative trends in the availability of credit and in expenses such as interest rates and the cost of construction materials could affect our and our franchisees' ability to maintain and remodel existing restaurants. Any decreases in customer traffic or average customer check due to these or other reasons could reduce gross sales at our and our franchised restaurants, resulting in lower revenues, royalty payments and other payments from franchisees. This could negatively impact the financial performance of our company-owned restaurants and reduce the profitability of franchised restaurants, potentially impacting the ability of franchisees to make royalty payments owed to us when due and negatively impacting franchisees’ ability to develop new restaurants as may be required in their respective development agreements.

Previous wording

Our franchisees' failure to address cost pressures, including rising costs for commodities, labor, health care and utilities could adversely affect our franchisees and our revenues and results of operations. The success of our franchisees (and our success with company restaurants) depend significantly on the ability to anticipate and react to changes in the price and availability of food (such as the cost and supply of eggs, which may be impacted by avian flu), ingredients, labor, health care, utilities, fuel and other related costs. Our franchisees have experienced and continue to experience inflationary conditions with respect to most or all of these costs during fiscal 2024.

Current wording

Our and our franchisees' failure to address cost pressures, including rising costs for commodities, labor, health care and utilities could adversely affect our franchisees and our revenues and results of operations. The success of our franchisees (and our success with company-owned restaurants) depend significantly on the ability to anticipate and react to changes in the price and availability of food (such as the cost and supply of eggs, which may be impacted by avian flu), ingredients, labor, health care, utilities, fuel and other related costs. Our franchisees have experienced and continue to experience inflationary conditions with respect to most or all of these costs during fiscal 2025.

Previous wording

•result in an event of default if we fail to satisfy our obligations under our debt or fail to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants contained in our debt documents, which event of default could result in all of our debt becoming immediately due and payable and could permit certain of our lenders to foreclose on our assets securing such debt.

Current wording

•result in an event of default if we fail to satisfy our obligations under our debt or fail to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants contained in our debt documents, such event of default could result in all of our debt becoming immediately due and payable and could permit certain of our lenders to foreclose on our assets securing such debt.

Previous wording

During the six-year term following issuance, the outstanding fixed-rate 2023 Class A-2 senior notes will accrue interest at a rate of 7.824% per year. During the seven-year term following issuance, the outstanding fixed-rate 2019 Class A-2-II senior notes will accrue interest at a rate of 4.723% per year. It is anticipated that the 2023 Class A-2 Notes will be repaid or refinanced prior to June 2029 and the Class A-2-II Notes will be repaid or refinanced prior to June 2026. If these notes are not repaid or refinanced prior to these anticipated dates, under certain circumstances additional interest will accrue on these notes. Additionally, the fixed-rate 2023 Class A-2 and 2019 Class A-2-II senior notes have scheduled quarterly principal amortization payments of $1.25 million and $1.5 million, respectively. If we maintain a leverage ratio of less than or equal to 5.25x total debt to adjusted EBITDA, we may elect to not make the scheduled principal payments. From time to time, our leverage ratio has exceeded the 5.25x total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio and we have made the required scheduled principal payments. If we are unable to refinance or repay amounts under the securitized debt prior to the expiration of the applicable six- or seven-year term, our cash flow would be directed to the repayment of the securitized debt and, other than a weekly management fee sufficient to cover minimal selling, general and administrative expenses, would not be available for operating our business.

Current wording

Under the terms of the Series 2023-1 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2025-1 Class A-2 Notes, if we maintain a leverage ratio of less than or equal to 5.25x total debt to adjusted EBITDA, we may elect to not make the scheduled principal payments. From time to time, our leverage ratio has exceeded the 5.25x total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio and we have made the required scheduled principal payments. If we are unable to refinance or repay amounts under the securitized debt prior to the expiration of the applicable five- or six-year term, our cash flow would be directed to the repayment of the securitized debt and, other than a weekly management fee sufficient to cover minimal selling, general and administrative expenses, would not be available for operating our business.

Previous wording

In the event that a rapid amortization event occurs under the indenture (including, without limitation, upon an event of default under the indenture or the failure to repay the securitized debt at the end of the applicable five- or seven-year term), the funds available to us would be reduced or eliminated, which would in turn reduce our ability to operate or grow our business.

Current wording

In the event that a rapid amortization event occurs under the indenture (including, without limitation, upon an event of default under the indenture or the failure to repay the securitized debt at the end of the applicable five- or six-year term), the funds available to us would be reduced or eliminated, which would in turn reduce our ability to operate or grow our business.

Previous wording

Our use of personal information is regulated by international, federal and state laws, as well as by certain third-party agreements. If our security and information systems are compromised or if our employees or franchisees fail to comply with these laws and regulations, and this information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used inappropriately, it could adversely affect our reputation and could disrupt our operations and result in costly litigation, judgments, or penalties resulting from violation of federal and state laws and payment card industry regulations. As privacy and information security laws and regulations change, we may incur additional costs to ensure that we remain in compliance with those laws and regulations. For example, we are subject to the California Consumer Privacy Act and California Privacy Rights Act, which require various processes and protections to be implemented. For further information regarding cybersecurity, see Item 1C - Cybersecurity.

Current wording

Our use of personal information, as well as our use of innovative technologies, is regulated by international, federal and state laws, as well as by certain third-party agreements. If our security and information systems are compromised or if our employees or franchisees fail to comply with these laws and regulations, and this information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used or disclosed inappropriately, or we leverage technologies in ways that are challenged by new or evolving legal standards, it could adversely affect our reputation and could disrupt our operations and result in costly litigation, judgments, or penalties resulting from violation of international, federal and state laws and payment card industry regulations. As privacy and information security laws and regulations change, we may incur additional costs to ensure that we remain in compliance with those laws and regulations. For example, we are subject to the CCPA and other state privacy laws which require various disclosures, processes and protections to be implemented, and provide for a variety of consumer data privacy rights that require compliance investment and may limit our ability to use certain data or technologies. For further information regarding cybersecurity, see Item 1C - Cybersecurity.

Previous wording

In connection with the implementation of our corporate strategies, we may face risks associated with the acquisition of businesses, the integration of acquired businesses, and the growth and development of these businesses. In pursuing our corporate strategy, from time to time we may acquire other businesses or brands, as we did in December 2022 when we acquired Fuzzy’s. There can be no assurance that we will realize the anticipated synergies or cost savings related to acquisitions or that they will be achieved in our estimated timeframe. In addition, continued integration efforts may result in material challenges. We may not be able to successfully integrate and streamline overlapping functions from past or future acquisitions, and integration may be more costly to accomplish than we expect. Furthermore, growth and development plans with respect to acquired businesses may not be achievable or may not be achieved in our estimated time frame. We could also encounter difficulties in managing our combined company due to its increased size and scope.

Current wording

In connection with the implementation of our corporate strategies, we may face risks associated with the acquisition of businesses and franchised restaurants, the integration of acquired businesses, and the growth and development of these businesses. In pursuing our corporate strategy, from time to time we may acquire other businesses or brands, as we did in December 2022 when we acquired Fuzzy’s. We may also acquire restaurants from our franchisees. There can be no assurance that we will realize the anticipated synergies or cost savings related to acquisitions or that they will be achieved in our estimated timeframe. In addition, continued integration efforts may result in material challenges. We may not be able to successfully integrate and streamline overlapping functions from past or future acquisitions, and integration may be more costly to accomplish than we expect. Furthermore, growth and development plans with respect to acquired businesses may not be achievable or may not be achieved in our estimated time frame. We could also encounter difficulties in managing our combined company due to its increased size and scope. Additionally, our efforts to reduce cost depend, in part, upon our ability to successfully refranchise acquired restaurants, which in turn, depend on our ability to select qualified and capable franchisees.

Previous wording

We and our franchisees are subject to complaints or litigation from guests alleging illness, injury or other food quality, food safety, health or operational concerns as well as claims related to social issues (e.g., allegations of discrimination), the Americans with Disabilities Act and other premises liability. We, through the operation of our company restaurants, and our franchisees, through the operation of franchised restaurants, are also subject to "dram shop" laws in some states pursuant to which we and our franchisees may be subject to liability in connection with personal injuries or property damages incurred in connection with wrongfully serving alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person.

Current wording

We and our franchisees are subject to complaints or litigation from guests alleging illness, injury or other food quality, food safety, health or operational concerns as well as claims related to social issues (e.g., allegations of discrimination), the Americans with Disabilities Act and other premises liability. We, through the operation of our company-owned restaurants, and our franchisees, through the operation of franchised restaurants, are also subject to "dram shop" laws in some states pursuant to which we and our franchisees may be subject to liability in connection with personal injuries or property damages incurred in connection with wrongfully serving alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person.

Previous wording

Development initiatives outside our core business could negatively impact our brands. Our business expansion into virtual brands, dual-branded restaurants, and non-traditional restaurant formats, including restaurants with a smaller footprint, restaurants located in non-traditional locations and restaurants that operate on a delivery-only and/or ghost kitchen basis, could create new risks to our brands and reputation.

Current wording

Development initiatives outside our core business could negatively impact our brands. Our business expansion into dual-branded restaurants, non-traditional restaurant formats, including restaurants with a smaller footprint, and restaurants located in non-traditional locations could create new risks to our brands and reputation.

Previous wording

Declines in our financial performance have resulted in and could result in future impairment charges. United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) require annual (or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances warrant) impairment tests of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Generally speaking, if the carrying value of the asset is in excess of the estimated fair value of the asset, the carrying value will be adjusted to fair value through an impairment charge. Fair values of goodwill and intangible assets are primarily estimated using discounted cash flows based on ten-year forecasts of financial results that incorporate assumptions including, among other things, restaurant sales trends, future development plans, restaurant closures, cost of revenues, operating expenses, and an appropriate discount rate. Fair values of long-lived tangible assets are primarily estimated using discounted cash flows over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Significant underachievement of forecasted results or changes in the discount rate assumption could reduce the estimated fair value of these assets below the carrying value, requiring non-cash impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of the asset. In 2020 and 2024, we recognized several significant impairment charges and could incur similar charges in the future. As of December 31, 2024, our total stockholders' deficit was $216.0 million. Any significant impairment write-down of goodwill, intangible assets or long-lived assets in the future could increase the stockholders' deficit. Repurchases of our common stock will also increase the stockholders' deficit. While such a deficit balance does not create an event of default in any of our contractual agreements, the negative perception of such a deficit could have an adverse effect on our stock price and could impair our ability to obtain new financing, or refinance existing indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Current wording

Declines in our financial performance have resulted in and could result in future impairment charges. United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) require annual (or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances warrant) impairment tests of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Generally speaking, if the carrying value of the asset is in excess of the estimated fair value of the asset, the carrying value will be adjusted to fair value through an impairment charge. Fair values of goodwill and intangible assets are primarily estimated using discounted cash flows based on ten-year forecasts of financial results that incorporate assumptions including, among other things, restaurant sales trends, future development plans, restaurant closures, cost of revenues, operating expenses, and an appropriate discount rate. Fair values of long-lived tangible assets are primarily estimated using discounted cash flows over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Significant underachievement of forecasted results or changes in the discount rate assumption could reduce the estimated fair value of these assets below the carrying value, requiring non-cash impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of the asset. In 2025 and 2024, we recognized several significant impairment charges and could incur similar charges in the future. As of December 28, 2025, our total stockholders' deficit was $273.9 million. Any significant impairment write-down of goodwill, intangible assets or long-lived assets in the future could increase the stockholders' deficit. Repurchases of our common stock will also increase the stockholders' deficit. While such a deficit balance does not create an event of default in any of our contractual agreements, the negative perception of such a deficit could have an adverse effect on our stock price and could impair our ability to obtain new financing, or refinance existing indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Previous wording

Restaurant development plans under development agreements may not be implemented effectively and developed restaurants may not achieve desired results. We rely on franchisees to develop Applebee's, IHOP and Fuzzy's restaurants. From time to time, our franchisees have failed to fulfill their commitments to build new restaurants in the numbers and within the timeframes required by their development agreements, and we expect that this will continue to varying degrees in the future. Restaurant development and the success of restaurants opened by our franchisees involve substantial risks, including the following:

Current wording

Restaurant development plans under development agreements may not be implemented effectively and developed restaurants may not achieve desired results. We rely on franchisees to develop IHOP, Applebee's and Fuzzy's restaurants. From time to time, our franchisees have failed to fulfill their commitments to build new restaurants in the numbers and within the timeframes required by their development agreements, and we expect that this will continue to varying degrees in the future. Restaurant development and the success of restaurants opened by our franchisees involve substantial risks, including the following:

Previous wording

•the demand for Applebee’s, IHOP and Fuzzy's restaurants and the selection of appropriate franchisee candidates;

Current wording

•the demand for IHOP, Applebee’s and Fuzzy's restaurants and the selection of appropriate franchisee candidates;

Previous wording

Concentration of Applebee's franchised restaurants in a limited number of franchisees subjects us to greater risk. As of December 31, 2024, Applebee's franchisees operated 1,454 Applebee's restaurants in the United States. Of those restaurants, the ten largest Applebee's franchisees owned 1,173 restaurants, representing 81% of all franchised Applebee's restaurants in the United States. The largest Applebee's franchisee owned 460 restaurants, representing 32% of all franchised Applebee's restaurants in the United States. The concentration of franchised restaurants in a limited number of franchisees subjects us to a potentially higher level of risk with respect to such franchisees because their obligations to us, including financial obligations, are greater as compared to those franchisees with fewer restaurants. The risk associated with these franchisees is also greater where franchisees are the sole or dominant franchisee for a particular region of the United States, as is the case for most domestic Applebee's franchised territories. In particular, if any of these franchisees experience financial or other difficulties, the franchisee may default on its obligations under multiple franchise agreements, notes receivable or other agreements, including payments to us and the maintenance and improvement of its restaurants. From time to time, we may work with our franchisees who are experiencing financial difficulties to assess and address their financial health and their ability to satisfy their financial obligations to us. In certain of these situations, we may agree to alternative arrangements with franchisees for the payment of amounts due to us under our franchise and other agreements. We cannot assure you that these arrangements will be successful, nor can we assure you that they will result in us receiving all or any of the amounts due to us under our franchise agreements, notes receivable and other agreements. Any franchisee that owns and operates a significant number of Applebee's restaurants and fails to comply with other obligations under the franchise agreement, such as those relating to the quality and preparation of food and maintenance of restaurants, could cause significant harm to the Applebee's brand and subject us to claims by consumers even if we are not legally liable for the franchisee's actions or failure to act. Development rights for Applebee's restaurants are also concentrated among a limited number of existing franchisees. If any of these existing franchisees experience financial difficulties, future development of Applebee's restaurants may be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

Concentration of Applebee's franchised restaurants in a limited number of franchisees subjects us to greater risk. As of December 28, 2025, Applebee's franchisees operated 1,413 Applebee's restaurants in the United States. Of those restaurants, the ten largest Applebee's franchisees owned 1,153 restaurants, representing 82% of all franchised Applebee's restaurants in the United States. The largest Applebee's franchisee owned 459 restaurants, representing 32% of all franchised Applebee's restaurants in the United States. The concentration of franchised restaurants in a limited number of franchisees subjects us to a potentially higher level of risk with respect to such franchisees because their obligations to us, including financial obligations, are greater as compared to those franchisees with fewer restaurants. The risk associated with these franchisees is also greater where franchisees are the sole or dominant franchisee for a particular region of the United States, as is the case for most domestic Applebee's franchised territories. In particular, if any of these franchisees experience financial or other difficulties, the franchisee may default on its obligations under multiple franchise agreements, notes receivable or other agreements, including payments to us and the maintenance and improvement of its restaurants. From time to time, we may work with our franchisees who are experiencing financial difficulties to assess and address their financial health and their ability to satisfy their financial obligations to us. In certain of these situations, we may agree to alternative arrangements with franchisees for the payment of amounts due to us under our franchise and other agreements. We cannot assure you that these arrangements will be successful, nor can we assure you that they will result in us receiving all or any of the amounts due to us under our franchise agreements, notes receivable and other agreements. Any franchisee that owns and operates a significant number of Applebee's restaurants and fails to comply with other obligations under the franchise agreement, such as those relating to the quality and preparation of food and maintenance of restaurants, could cause significant harm to the Applebee's brand and subject us to claims by consumers even if we are not legally liable for the franchisee's actions or failure to act. Development rights for Applebee's restaurants are also concentrated among a limited number of existing franchisees. If any of these existing franchisees experience financial difficulties, future development of Applebee's restaurants may be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

We are subject to credit risk from our IHOP franchisees operating under our Previous IHOP Business Model, and a default by these franchisees may negatively affect our cash flows. Prior to 2003, new IHOP restaurants were generally developed by us, and we were involved in all aspects of the construction and financing of the restaurants. We typically identified and leased or purchased the restaurant sites for new company-developed IHOP restaurants, built and equipped the restaurants and then franchised them to franchisees. In addition, we typically financed as much as 80% of the franchise fee for periods ranging from five to eight years and leased the restaurant and equipment to the franchisee over a 25-year period. Therefore, in addition to franchise fees and royalties, the revenues received from an IHOP franchisee operating under the Previous IHOP Business Model may include, among other things, lease or sublease rents for the restaurant property building, rent under an equipment lease and interest income from the financing arrangements for the unpaid portion of the franchise fee under the franchise notes. If any of these IHOP franchisees were to default on their payment obligations to us, we may be unable to collect the amounts owed under the building property lease/sublease agreement and our notes and equipment contract receivables, as well as outstanding franchise royalties. The additional amounts owed to us by each of these IHOP franchisees subject us to greater credit risk and defaults by IHOP franchisees operating under our Previous IHOP Business Model and may negatively affect our cash flows. Of the 1,694 IHOP domestic franchise and area license restaurants as of December 31, 2024, approximately 554 restaurants have property lease/sublease agreements and/or notes and equipment contract obligations outstanding.

Current wording

We are subject to credit risk from our IHOP franchisees operating under our Previous IHOP Business Model, and a default by these franchisees may negatively affect our cash flows. Prior to 2003, new IHOP restaurants were generally developed by us, and we were involved in all aspects of the construction and financing of the restaurants. We typically identified and leased or purchased the restaurant sites for new company-developed IHOP restaurants, built and equipped the restaurants and then franchised them to franchisees. In addition, we typically financed as much as 80% of the franchise fee for periods ranging from five to eight years and leased the restaurant and equipment to the franchisee over a 25-year period. Therefore, in addition to franchise fees and royalties, the revenues received from an IHOP franchisee operating under the Previous IHOP Business Model may include, among other things, lease or sublease rents for the restaurant property building, rent under an equipment lease and interest income from the financing arrangements for the unpaid portion of the franchise fee under the franchise notes. If any of these IHOP franchisees were to default on their payment obligations to us, we may be unable to collect the amounts owed under the building property lease/sublease agreement and our notes and equipment contract receivables, as well as outstanding franchise royalties. The additional amounts owed to us by each of these IHOP franchisees subject us to greater credit risk and defaults by IHOP franchisees operating under our Previous IHOP Business Model and may negatively affect our cash flows. Of the 1,672 IHOP domestic franchise and area license restaurants as of December 28, 2025, approximately 521 restaurants have property lease/sublease agreements and/or notes and equipment contract obligations outstanding.

Previous wording

Factors outside our control may harm our brands' reputations. The success of our business is largely dependent upon brand recognition and the strength of our franchise systems. Our and our franchisees’ continued success is directly dependent upon maintaining a favorable public view of the Applebee's, IHOP and Fuzzy's brands. Negative publicity (e.g., crime, scandal, litigation, on-site accidents and injuries or other harm to customers, social issues and food-borne illness) at a single Applebee's, IHOP or Fuzzy's location can have a substantial negative impact on all restaurants within their respective system. Multi-unit food service businesses such as ours can be materially and adversely affected by widespread negative publicity of any type, including through social media, but particularly regarding food quality, food-borne illness, food tampering or preparation, obesity, discrimination or bias, injury or other health concerns with respect to certain foods and actions of our or our franchisees’ managers or employees, regardless of whether such claims are accurate or valid.

Current wording

Factors outside our control may harm our brands' reputations. The success of our business is largely dependent upon brand recognition and the strength of our franchise systems. Our and our franchisees’ continued success is directly dependent upon maintaining a favorable public view of the IHOP, Applebee's and Fuzzy's brands. Negative publicity (e.g., crime, scandal, litigation, on-site accidents and injuries or other harm to customers, social issues and food-borne illness) at a single IHOP, Applebee's or Fuzzy's location can have a substantial negative impact on all restaurants within their respective system. Multi-unit food service businesses such as ours can be materially and adversely affected by widespread negative publicity of any type, including through social media, but particularly regarding food quality, food-borne illness, food tampering or preparation, obesity, discrimination or bias, injury or other health concerns with respect to certain foods and actions of our or our franchisees’ managers or employees, regardless of whether such claims are accurate or valid.

Previous wording

The risk of food-borne illness or food tampering cannot be completely eliminated. Any outbreak of food-borne illness or other food-related incidents attributed to Applebee's, IHOP or Fuzzy's restaurants or within the food service industry or any widespread negative publicity regarding the Applebee's, IHOP or Fuzzy's brands or the restaurant industry in general could harm our reputation. Even where such food-related incidents occur solely at restaurants of our competitors or within the industry, our business could be adversely affected by negative publicity about the restaurant industry generally. Our company restaurants and our franchisees may produce or receive through the supply chain sub-standard or non-compliant food or beverage products. In addition, our franchisees’ failure to comply with food quality and preparation requirements may subject us to potential losses, even when we are not legally liable for a franchisee's actions or failure to act. Although we maintain liability insurance, and each franchisee is required to maintain liability insurance pursuant to its franchise agreements, a liability claim could injure the reputation of all Applebee's, IHOP or Fuzzy's restaurants, whether or not it is ultimately successful.

Current wording

The risk of food-borne illness or food tampering cannot be completely eliminated. Any outbreak of food-borne illness or other food-related incidents attributed to IHOP, Applebee's or Fuzzy's restaurants or within the food service industry or any widespread negative publicity regarding the IHOP, Applebee's or Fuzzy's brands or the restaurant industry in general could harm our reputation. Even where such food-related incidents occur solely at restaurants of our competitors or within the industry, our business could be adversely affected by negative publicity about the restaurant industry generally. Our company-owned restaurants and our franchisees may produce or receive through the supply chain sub-standard or non-compliant food or beverage products. In addition, our franchisees’ failure to comply with food quality and preparation requirements may subject us to potential losses, even when we are not legally liable for a franchisee's actions or failure to act. Although we maintain liability insurance, and each franchisee is required to maintain liability insurance pursuant to its franchise agreements, a liability claim could injure the reputation of all IHOP, Applebee's or Fuzzy's restaurants, whether or not it is ultimately successful.

Previous wording

We may experience shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of food and other products from third parties or in the availability of utilities. Our and our franchised restaurants are dependent on frequent deliveries of fresh produce, food, beverages and other products. Shortages or interruptions in food and beverage supplies may result from a variety of causes, including shortages due to climate change, adverse weather, labor unrest, labor shortages, political unrest, terrorism, pandemics, epidemics, outbreaks of food-borne illness, disruption of operation of production facilities, financial difficulties (including bankruptcy) of our distributors or suppliers or other unforeseen circumstances. For example, the current outbreak of avian flu may impact the cost and availability of obtaining eggs. Such shortages could adversely affect our and our franchisees’ ability to operate our restaurants and, in turn, affect our and our franchisees’ revenue and profits. Additionally, the inability to secure adequate and reliable supplies or distribution of food and beverage products could limit our ability to make changes to our core menus or offer promotional "limited time only" menu items, which may limit our ability to implement our business strategies. Our and our franchisees’ restaurants bear risks associated with the timeliness of deliveries by suppliers and distributors as well as the solvency, reputation, labor relationships, freight rates, prices of raw materials and health and safety standards of each supplier and distributor. Other significant risks associated with our suppliers and distributors include improper handling of food and beverage products and/or the adulteration or contamination of such food and beverage products. Disruptions in our relationships with suppliers and distributors may reduce the payments we receive from our franchisees or our pancake and waffle dry mix distributors or the profits generated by our company-operated restaurants. In addition, interruptions to the availability of gas, electric, water or other utilities may adversely affect the operations of our and our franchised restaurants.

Current wording

We may experience shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of food and other products from third parties or in the availability of utilities. Our and our franchised restaurants are dependent on frequent deliveries of fresh produce, food, beverages and other products. Shortages or interruptions in food and beverage supplies may result from a variety of causes, including shortages due to climate change, adverse weather, labor unrest, labor shortages, political unrest, terrorism, pandemics, epidemics, outbreaks of food-borne illness, disruption of operation of production facilities, financial difficulties (including bankruptcy) of our distributors or suppliers or other unforeseen circumstances. For example, the current outbreak of avian flu may impact the cost and availability of obtaining eggs. Such shortages could adversely affect our and our franchisees’ ability to operate our restaurants and, in turn, affect our and our franchisees’ revenue and profits. Additionally, the inability to secure adequate and reliable supplies or distribution of food and beverage products could limit our ability to make changes to our core menus or offer promotional "limited time only" menu items, which may limit our ability to implement our business strategies. Our and our franchisees’ restaurants bear risks associated with the timeliness of deliveries by suppliers and distributors as well as the solvency, reputation, labor relationships, freight rates, prices of raw materials and health and safety standards of each supplier and distributor. Other significant risks associated with our suppliers and distributors include improper handling of food and beverage products and/or the adulteration or contamination of such food and beverage products. Disruptions in our relationships with suppliers and distributors may reduce the payments we receive from our franchisees or our pancake and waffle dry mix distributors or the profits generated by our company-owned restaurants. In addition, interruptions to the availability of gas, electric, water or other utilities may adversely affect the operations of our and our franchised restaurants.

Previous wording

Changing health or dietary preferences may cause consumers to avoid Applebee's, IHOP and Fuzzy's restaurants in favor of alternative options. The food service industry as a whole rests on consumer preferences and demographic trends at the local, regional, national and international levels. Franchise development and system-wide sales depend on the sustained demand for our products, which may be affected by factors we do not control. New information regarding diet, nutrition and health and efforts by advocacy groups to influence consumer eating habits may negatively affect the demand for our food. Various additional factors such as: (i) the Food and Drug Administration’s menu labeling rules; (ii) nutritional guidelines issued by the United States Department of Agriculture and issuance of similar guidelines or statistical information by state or local municipalities; (iii) academic studies; or (iv) efforts by environmental, animal health and welfare and sustainability advocacy groups, may impact consumer choice and cause consumers to select foods other than those that are offered by Applebee's, IHOP or Fuzzy's restaurants. We may not be able to adequately adapt Applebee's, IHOP or Fuzzy's restaurants' menu offerings to keep pace with developments in consumer preferences, which may result in reduced royalty revenues from a decline in demand for our food and fewer guests visiting our restaurants.

Current wording

Changing health or dietary preferences may cause consumers to avoid IHOP, Applebee's and Fuzzy's restaurants in favor of alternative options. The food service industry as a whole rests on consumer preferences and demographic trends at the local, regional, national and international levels. Franchise development and system-wide sales depend on the sustained demand for our products, which may be affected by factors we do not control. New information regarding diet, nutrition and health and efforts by advocacy groups to influence consumer eating habits may negatively affect the demand for our food. Various additional factors such as: (i) the Food and Drug Administration’s menu labeling rules; (ii) nutritional guidelines issued by the United States Department of Agriculture and issuance of similar guidelines or statistical information by state or local municipalities; (iii) academic studies; or (iv) efforts by environmental, animal health and welfare and sustainability advocacy groups, may impact consumer choice and cause consumers to select foods other than those that are offered by IHOP, Applebee's or Fuzzy's restaurants. We may not be able to adequately adapt IHOP, Applebee's or Fuzzy's restaurants' menu offerings to keep pace with developments in consumer preferences, which may result in reduced royalty revenues from a decline in demand for our food and fewer guests visiting our restaurants.