News Release

IHOP Corp. Reports First Quarter 2003 Results

May 8, 2003

GLENDALE, Calif., May 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IHOP Corp. (NYSE: IHP) today announced results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2003.

First Quarter 2003 Performance

The Company reported a 38.9% decrease in net income to $6.0 million, or a decrease of 39.1% in diluted net earnings per share to $0.28 in the first quarter 2003, compared with net income of $9.8 million, or diluted net income per share of $0.46 in the first quarter 2002. The decreases in net income and diluted net earnings per share were due to approximately $6.7 million in one-time charges associated with the Company's reorganization, announced in January 2003. However, after accounting for these charges, net income increased 4.1% to $10.2 million or 2.2% in diluted net income per share of $0.47. The Company also reiterated its earnings guidance of $1.55 to $1.70 in diluted net income per share for fiscal 2003.

As previously announced, system-wide sales increased 13.1% in the quarter ended March 31, 2003 over the same period in 2002. System-wide comparable store sales increased by 2.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. In the first quarter 2003, total revenues were $94.0 million, an increase of 15.3% over the first quarter 2002. In the first quarter 2003, IHOP franchised 15 restaurants compared to 10 in the first quarter 2002.

Julia A. Stewart, IHOP Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our first quarter performance partially reflects a greater emphasis on marketing, product promotions, including limited time offers, and operations. Specifically, our new advertising campaign and improved media buying strategy along with enticing limited time offers -- "Never Ending" pancakes and a great new product idea, Stuffed French Toast -- translated into improved same-store sales performance. These limited time offers provided both value and exciting new reasons to visit IHOP."

General & Administrative costs increased by $1.6 million or 14.8% as IHOP invested in initiatives related to the move from a Company developed and financing model to a more traditional franchising model with an investment focus on marketing and operations. In addition, the Company's financial statements reflect one-time reorganization charges of $6.7 million related to its decision to change its operating model. The Company anticipates additional reorganization charges of approximately $2.0 million for the remainder of 2003.

Segment Reporting

The Company announced on March 24, 2003, its intention to change its segment reporting effective the first quarter of 2003, as it moved to its new operating model. The new segments reported include franchise operations, rental operations, Company restaurant operations and financing operations.

    Segment highlights for the first quarter 2003 versus 2002 include:

     *  Franchise operations segment profit increased by 12.9% due to an
        increase in franchise revenues associated with an increase in the
        number of franchise restaurants.

     *  Rental operations segment profit increased by 28.4% due primarily to
        increased revenue from IHOP owned properties.

     *  Company restaurant operations loss increased by $0.5 million to a loss
        of $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2003.  This was due primarily
        to higher labor related expenses in Company restaurants.

     *  Segment profit from financing operations decreased by 5.6% due to an
        increase in interest expense related to our new private placement debt
        partially offset by increased interest income from franchise and
        equipment notes.

IHOP has restated 2002 financial results in its new segment reporting format in a table at the end of this press release.

Operating Highlights

First quarter 2003 results reflect the implementation of a number of key operational strategies consistent with the Company's move to a traditional franchising model. IHOP implemented a number of new promotional and media strategies, including the launch of a new advertising campaign supported by its first utilization of National Media. Product promotions -- "Never Ending" Pancakes and Stuffed French Toast -- were the key drivers of the 2.2% same- store sales increase.

Investor Conference Call

IHOP Corp. will host an investor conference call to discuss its first quarter results on Thursday, May 8, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT). To participate on the call, please dial (877) 356-3747. The Company will webcast the live call with a slide presentation to accompany management's discussion which can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of IHOP's Website at www.ihop.com . Participants should allow approximately ten minutes prior to the call's start time to visit the site and download any streaming media software needed to listen to the webcast and view the slide show.

An audio replay of the call will be available by 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT) on May 8, 2003, which can be accessed through May 15, 2003 by dialing (800) 642-1687 and referencing pass code 9695931. An online archive of the webcast and slide show will be available approximately four hours following the live call.

About IHOP Corp.

The IHOP family restaurant chain has been serving a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections for 45 years. Offering more than 16 types of pancakes, as well as omelettes, breakfast specialties, burgers, chicken and steaks, IHOP's diverse menu appeals to people of all ages. IHOP restaurants are developed, operated and franchised by Glendale, California based IHOP Corp. As of March 31, 2003, there were 1,118 IHOP restaurants in 48 states and Canada. IHOP is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol "IHP." For more information, call the Company's headquarters at (818) 240-6055 or visit the Company's Website located at www.ihop.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

There are forward-looking statements contained in this news release. They use such words as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "plan," or other similar terminology. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the implementation of the Company's new strategic growth plan, the availability of suitable locations and terms of the sites designated for development; legislation and government regulation including the ability to obtain satisfactory regulatory approvals; conditions beyond IHOP's control such as weather, natural disasters or acts of war or terrorism; availability and cost of materials and labor; cost and availability of capital; competition; continuing acceptance of the International House of Pancakes brand and concepts by guests and franchisees; IHOP's overall marketing, operational and financial performance; economic and political conditions; adoption of new, or changes in, accounting policies and practices; and other factors discussed from time to time in IHOP's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking information is provided by IHOP pursuant to the safe harbor established under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and should be evaluated in the context of these factors. In addition, IHOP disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

                      [Financial Information to Follow]


                           IHOP CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                           PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2003
                 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                   (Unaudited)

                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                           March 31,
                                                      2003           2002
    Revenues
    Franchise revenues                               $33,786 $30,040
    Rental income                                     28,314         23,974
    Company restaurant sales                          19,674         17,790
    Financing revenues                                12,217          9,736
        Total revenues                                93,991         81,540

    Costs and Expenses
    Franchise expenses                                15,401         13,757
    Rental expenses                                   19,985         17,488
    Company restaurant expenses                       20,908         18,554
    Financing expenses                                 6,833          4,035
    General and administrative expenses               12,267         10,685
    Other (income) expense, net                        2,347          1,411
    Reorganization charges                             6,709             --
        Total costs and expenses                      84,450         65,930

    Income before taxes                                9,541         15,610
    Provision for income tax                           3,578          5,854
    Net income                                        $5,963 $9,756

    Net Income Per Share
        Basic                                          $0.28 $0.47
        Diluted                                        $0.28 $0.46

    Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
        Basic                                         21,313         20,771
        Diluted                                       21,443         21,169

    Dividends Declared Per Share                       $0.25            $--


                           IHOP CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                              (Dollars in thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)

                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                           March 31,
                                                      2003           2002
    Restaurant Data
      Effective restaurants(a)
        Franchise                                        903            823
        Company                                           76             74
        Area license                                     125            121
          Total                                        1,104          1,018
    System-wide
      Sales(b)                                      $413,825 $365,840
        Percent change                                 13.1%          10.6%
      Average sales per effective restaurant            $375 $359
        Percent change                                  4.5%           5.0%
        Comparable sales percentage change(c)           2.2%           2.0%
    Franchise
      Sales                                         $358,373 $314,723
        Percent change                                 13.9%          14.4%
      Average sales per effective restaurant            $397 $382
        Percent change                                  3.9%           3.2%
        Comparable sales percentage change(c)           2.4%           2.1%
    Company
      Sales                                          $19,674 $17,790
        Percent change                                 10.6%           6.0%
      Average sales per effective restaurant            $259 $240
        Percent change                                  7.9%           4.3%
    Area License
      Sales                                          $35,778 $33,327
        Percent change                                  7.4%         (13.9%)
      Average sales per effective restaurant            $286 $275
        Percent change                                  4.0%           7.8%

     (a) "Effective restaurants" are the number of restaurants in a given
         fiscal period adjusted to account for restaurants open for only a
         portion of the period.  It is calculated by dividing total restaurant
         operating days by 91 days for a quarterly calculation.
     (b) "System-wide sales" are retail sales of franchisees, area licensees
         and Company-operated restaurants, as reported to IHOP.
     (c) "Comparable sales percentage change" reflects the percentage change
         in sales for restaurants that are operated for the entire fiscal
         period in which they are being compared.  Because of new unit
         openings and store closures, the restaurants opened for an entire
         fiscal period being compared will be different from period to period.
         Comparable average sales do not include data on restaurants located
         in Florida.


                           IHOP CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 RESTAURANT DEVELOPMENT AND FRANCHISING ACTIVITY
                                   (Unaudited)

                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                            March 31,
                                                       2003           2002
    RESTAURANT DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
    IHOP-beginning of period                           1,103          1,017
    New openings
      IHOP-developed                                      17             10
      Franchisee-developed                                 3              1
      Area license                                        --              1
    Total new openings                                    20             12
    Closings
      Company and franchise                               (5)            (1)
    IHOP-end of period                                 1,118          1,028

    Summary-end of period
      Franchise                                          913            830
      Company                                             80             75
      Area license                                       125            123
    Total IHOP                                         1,118          1,028

    RESTAURANT FRANCHISING ACTIVITY
    IHOP-developed                                        11              9
    Franchisee-developed                                   3              1
    Rehabilitated and refranchised                         1             --
      Total restaurants franchised                        15             10
    Reacquired by IHOP                                    (2)            (2)
    Closed                                                (2)            (1)
      Net addition                                        11              7


                           IHOP CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                              (Dollars in thousands)

                                                    March 31,    December 31,
                                                      2003           2002
                                                   (Unaudited)
    Current assets, net                             $145,893 $159,101
    Property and equipment, net                      300,153        286,226
    Long-term receivables:
      Notes receivable                                45,713         46,929
      Equipment contracts receivable                 155,395        153,261
      Direct financing leases receivable             132,379        132,602
    Other assets                                      43,873         41,681
    Total assets                                    $823,406 $819,800

    Current liabilities                              $54,181 $53,564
    Long-term debt                                   145,259        145,768
    Other long-term liabilities                      258,121        256,079
    Stockholders' equity                             365,845        364,389
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity      $823,406 $819,800 IHOP CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                              (Dollars in thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)

                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                           March 31,
                                                      2003           2002
    Cash provided by operating activities            $13,322 $16,227
    Cash used in investing activities
      Additions to property and equipment            (27,306)       (20,857)
      Investments in short-term marketable
       securities                                    (21,123)            --
      Additions to other assets, net                   1,020          1,747
    Cash provided by financing activities                741         13,632
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents          (33,346)        10,749
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
     of period                                        98,739          6,252
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period       $65,393 $17,001 IHOP CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  RESTATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                   (Unaudited)

                           1st Qtr.     2nd Qtr.       6 Mos.       3rd Qtr.
                             2002         2002          2002          2002
    Revenues
    Franchise revenues     $30,040 $29,947 $59,987 $30,946
    Rental income           23,974        24,416       48,390        25,158
    Company restaurant
     sales                  17,790        17,986       35,776        19,634
    Financing revenues       9,736        12,510       22,246        16,345
      Total revenues        81,540        84,859      166,399        92,083

    Costs and Expenses
    Franchise expenses      13,757        13,592       27,349        13,673
    Rental expenses         17,488        18,224       35,712        18,517
    Company restaurant
     expenses               18,554        18,627       37,181        20,442
    Financing expenses       4,035         5,882        9,917         9,027
    General and
     administrative
     expenses               10,685        12,665       23,350        13,326
    Other (income)
     expense, net            1,411           989        2,400         1,357
      Total costs and
       expenses             65,930        69,979      135,909        76,342

    Income before taxes     15,610        14,880       30,490        15,741
    Provision for
     income tax              5,854         5,580       11,434         5,903
    Net income              $9,756 $9,300 $19,056 $9,838

    Net Income Per Share
      Basic                  $0.47 $0.44 $0.91 $0.47
      Diluted                $0.46 $0.44 $0.90 $0.46

    Weighted Average Shares
     Outstanding
      Basic                 20,771        20,904       20,838        20,958
      Diluted               21,169        21,340       21,254        21,235


                           IHOP CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  RESTATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                   (Unaudited)

                                         9 Mos.       4th Qtr.      12 Mos.
                                          2002          2002          2002
    Revenues
    Franchise revenues                   $90,933 $32,117 $123,050
    Rental income                         73,548       26,047        99,595
    Company restaurant
     sales                                55,410       19,023        74,433
    Financing revenues                    38,591       30,205        68,796
      Total revenues                     258,482      107,392       365,874

    Costs and Expenses
    Franchise expenses                    41,022       14,117        55,139
    Rental expenses                       54,229       19,583        73,812
    Company restaurant
     expenses                             57,623       20,799        78,422
    Financing expenses                    18,944       19,241        38,185
    General and
     administrative
     expenses                             36,676       12,850        49,526
    Other (income)
     expense, net                          3,757        1,676         5,433
      Total costs and
       expenses                          212,251       88,266       300,517

    Income before taxes                   46,231       19,126        65,357
    Provision for
     income tax                           17,337        7,172        24,509
    Net income                           $28,894 $11,954 $40,848

    Net Income Per Share
      Basic                                $1.38 $0.57 $1.95
      Diluted                              $1.36 $0.56 $1.92

    Weighted Average Shares
     Outstanding
      Basic                               20,878       21,152        20,946
      Diluted                             21,248       21,334        21,269