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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

(Mark One)  

ý

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

OR

o

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

For the transition period from                               to                                

Commission File Number 0-8360


IHOP CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  95-3038279
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

450 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

91203-2306
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (818) 240-6055

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

Title of each class

  Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value   New York Stock Exchange

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

        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 ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K 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. ý

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12-b-2 of the Act). Yes ý No o

        State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 29, 2003: $690 million.

        Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class

  Outstanding as of February 29, 2004
Common Stock, $.01 par value   21,412,273

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 (the "2004 Proxy Statement") are incorporated by reference into Part III.





PART I

Item 1. Business.

a.     General Development of Business

        IHOP Corp. (referred to herein as "IHOP" or the "Company") was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1976. In July 1991, IHOP completed an initial public offering of common stock. There were no significant changes to our corporate structure during 2003.

        IHOP Corp.'s principal executive offices are located at 450 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California and our telephone number is (818) 240-6055. Our website is located at www.ihop.com. We make all of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports have been filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information contained on our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with the cautionary statements on page 15.

b.     Financial Information about Industry Segments

        In January 2003, we announced significant changes in the way we conduct our business. These include a transition from Company-financed restaurant development (the "Old Model") to a more traditional franchise development model, in which franchisees finance, develop and operate their new restaurants (the "New Model"). In order to reflect the change in IHOP's business model, the Company has also changed the presentation of its segment information. IHOP identifies its segments based on the organizational units used by management to monitor performance and make operating decisions. IHOP's segments are recorded in four categories: franchise operations, rental operations, Company restaurant operations and financing operations. The Franchise Operations segment includes restaurants operated by our franchisees and area licensees in the United States and Canada. The Franchise Operations segment consists primarily of royalty revenues, sales of proprietary products, advertising fees and the portion of the franchise fees allocated to the Company's intellectual property. The Rental Operations segment consists of rental income and expense and direct financing lease interest income and capital lease interest expense on restaurants operated by franchisees. The Company Restaurant Operations segment includes Company-operated restaurants in the United States. The Financing Operations segment consists of the portion of franchise fees not allocated to the Company's intellectual property, sales of equipment as well as interest income from the financing of franchise fee and equipment leases. Prior period information has been restated to conform with the current year presentation, however, the management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 have not been restated. Please see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more details.

c.     Narrative Description of Business

        IHOP Corp. and its subsidiaries develop, operate and franchise International House of Pancakes restaurants, one of America's best-known, national, family restaurant chains. At December 31, 2003, there were 1,165 IHOP restaurants. Franchisees operated 991 of these restaurants, area licensees operated 130 restaurants, and IHOP operated 44 restaurants. Franchisees and area licensees are independent third parties who are licensed by IHOP to operate their restaurants using IHOP's trademarks, operating systems and methods. IHOP restaurants are located in 48 states and Canada.

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        IHOP restaurants feature table service and moderately priced, high-quality food and beverage items in an attractive and comfortable atmosphere. Although the restaurants are best known for their award-winning pancakes, omelets and other breakfast specialties, IHOP restaurants offer a broad array of lunch, dinner and snack items as well. They are open throughout the day and evening hours, and many operate 24 hours a day.

        Franchisees and area licensees operate more than 95% of IHOP restaurants. Our approach to franchising is founded on the franchisees' active involvement in the day-to-day operations of their respective restaurants. We are selective in granting franchises and we prefer to franchise to those who intend to be active in the management of their restaurant(s), rather than to passive investors or investment groups.

        We seek to increase our revenues and profits by focusing on several areas of our business. These areas include: (1) franchising of new IHOP restaurants, (2) marketing, advertising and product development programs aimed at attracting new guests and retaining our existing guests, and (3) implementation of restaurant-level operating changes designed to improve sales and profitability.

        Prior to January 2003, IHOP financed and developed the large majority of new IHOP restaurants prior to franchising them (the "Old Model"). Under the Old Model, when the restaurant was ultimately franchised, we typically became the franchisee's landlord and equipment lessor. Our new business model (the "New Model") relies on franchisees to finance and develop IHOP restaurants. Under the New Model, IHOP approves the franchisees' proposed sites but does not contribute capital or become the franchisee's landlord.

        The New Model contemplates that substantially all new IHOP restaurants will be financed and developed by franchisees or area licensees in 2004 and thereafter. In 2003, we developed 56 IHOP restaurants under the Old Model, and our franchisees and area licensees financed and developed 18 additional new restaurants.

        Regardless of the business model, new IHOP restaurants are only developed after a stringent site selection process supervised by our senior management. We expect to add restaurants to the IHOP system in major markets where we already have a core guest base. We believe that concentrating growth in existing markets allows us to achieve economies of scale in our supervisory and advertising functions. We also look to strategically add restaurants in geographic areas in which we have no presence or our presence is limited.

        In 2003, we primarily built two types of new free-standing restaurant buildings. The larger format restaurant is approximately 4,900 square feet in size and contains 176 seats. The second building type is designed for use in smaller markets. It is approximately 4,000 square feet in size and seats about 134 people. We also purchased and converted existing buildings into IHOP restaurants. The square footage and number of seats in a restaurant conversion vary by location. In 2003, restaurant conversions averaged 150 seats per restaurant. Our older A-Frame style restaurants, which have not been built since 1985, contain approximately 3,000 square feet and about 100 seats. Of the 56 new IHOP restaurants we developed in 2003, 21 were larger format buildings, 28 were smaller format buildings, and 7 were restaurant conversions or leased space in multi-tenant buildings.

        To the greatest extent possible, subject to local zoning restrictions, we continue to use our familiar signature blue color on the roof, awnings and other exterior decor of our restaurants.

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        The table below sets forth our average development cost per restaurant in 2003. For leased restaurants the discounted present value of the lease and any additional sums paid to acquire the lease have been allocated to land, building and site improvements and other costs, as appropriate.

 
  Average Per Restaurant
Land   $ 658,000
Building     883,000
Equipment     356,000
Site improvements and other costs     213,000
   
  Total   $ 2,110,000
   

        In 2003, we entered into several franchise development agreements. As of December 31, 2003, we had signed commitments from our franchisees to build 137 restaurants over the next several years. This number includes 11 Single-Store Development Agreements and 20 larger Multi-Store Development Agreements.

        In 2004, we expect to open 40 to 55 new restaurants. We expect our franchisees to develop approximately 30 to 40 new restaurants. IHOP Corp. will develop approximately five to ten new restaurants, which includes the four holdover restaurants from 2003 under the Old Model, as well as the addition of Company-operated restaurants in Cincinnati, Ohio. We expect our area licensee in Florida to develop approximately five restaurants in 2004. In terms of timing, we expect the majority of openings to occur in the second half of 2004.

        The following table represents our development commitments as of December 31, 2003.

 
   
  Scheduled Opening of
Restaurants by

 
  Number of Signed
Agreements at 12/31/03

  2004
  2005
  2006
  2007 and
thereafter

  Total
Single-store development agreements   11   11   0   0   0   11
Multi-store development agreements   20   21   19   19   67   126
   
 
 
 
 
 
    31   32   19   19   67   137
   
 
 
 
 
 

        The Company believes that a total of 400-800 additional IHOP restaurant opportunities exist in the United States as of December 31, 2003, and is actively recruiting existing and new franchisees to develop these opportunities.

        Since 2003 was a year of transition from the Old Model to the New Model, our franchising activities included restaurants developed under both models in 2003. For clarity of presentation, the discussion is separated between those activities specific to the Old Model and those which apply to the New Model.

        Under the Old Model, when we develop a restaurant, we identify the site for the new restaurant, purchase the site or lease it from a third party, and build the restaurant and equip it with all required equipment. We select and train the franchisee and supervisory personnel who will operate the restaurant. In addition, we finance approximately 80% of the franchise fee and lease the restaurant and

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equipment to the franchisee. After the franchisee is operating the restaurant, we provide continuing support with respect to operations, marketing, training and new product development.

        Our involvement in the development of new restaurants allows IHOP to charge a franchise and development fee. In addition, we derive income from the financing of the franchise and development fee and from the leasing of property and equipment to franchisees. However, we also incur obligations in the development, franchising and start-up operations of the new restaurants.

        An initial franchise fee of approximately $200,000 to $550,000 is generally required for a newly developed restaurant, depending on the site. The franchisee typically pays approximately 20% of the initial franchise fee in cash, and we finance the remaining amount over five to eight years. We also receive continuing revenues from the franchisee as follows: (1) a royalty equal to 4.5% of the restaurant's sales; (2) income from the leasing of the restaurant and related equipment; (3) revenue from the sale of certain proprietary products, primarily pancake mixes; (4) a local advertising fee equal to about 2% of the restaurant's sales, which is usually paid to a local advertising cooperative and is used to purchase local television, radio and print advertising; and (5) a national advertising fee equal to 1% of the restaurant's sales which is primarily used to fund the creation of new television commercials, network television advertising time and to defray a portion of the Company's costs associated with marketing and advertising.

        Under the New Model, IHOP's approach to franchising is similar to that of most of our franchising competitors in the foodservice industry. Franchisees can undertake individual store development or multi-store development. Under the single store development program, the franchisee is required to pay a non-refundable location fee of $15,000. If the proposed site is approved for development, the location fee of $15,000 is credited against an initial franchise fee of $50,000. The franchisee will then use his or her own capital, or arrange other financing to acquire a site, build and equip the business and fund working capital needs.

        The Company also offers multi-store development opportunities for qualified franchisees. These multi-store development agreements provide franchisees with an exclusive right to develop new IHOP restaurants in designated geographic territories for specified periods of time. Multi-store developers are required to develop and operate a specified number of restaurants according to an agreed upon development schedule. Multi-store developers are required to pay a development fee of $20,000 for each restaurant to be developed under a multi-store development agreement. Additionally, for each store which is actually developed, there is an initial franchise fee of $40,000 against which the development fee of $20,000 is credited. The number of stores and the schedule of stores to be developed under multi-store development agreements is negotiated on an agreement by agreement basis. Therefore, the amounts of the development and initial franchise fees are subject to the outcome of those negotiations. With respect to restaurants developed under the New Model, the Company receives continuing revenues from the franchisee as follows: (1) a royalty equal to 4.5% of the restaurant's sales; (2) revenue from the sale of certain proprietary products, primarily pancake mixes; (3) a local advertising fee equal to about 2% of the restaurant's sales, which is usually paid to a local advertising cooperative and is used to purchase local television, radio and print advertising; and (4) a national advertising fee equal to 1% of the restaurant's sales which is primarily used to fund the creation of new television commercials, network television advertising time and to defray a portion of the Company's costs associated with marketing and advertising.

        While there is no specific profile for franchise candidates, the Company primarily markets franchises to existing operators who currently own and operate one or more restaurants in the IHOP system and operators, that meet our operating standards, in other non-competing segments of the restaurant business.

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        We have entered into long-term area licensing agreements covering the state of Florida and the southern-most counties of Georgia and the province of British Columbia, Canada. As of December 31, 2003, the area licensee for the state of Florida and certain counties in Georgia operated or sub-franchised a total of 130 IHOP restaurants and the area licensee for the province of British Columbia, Canada operated or sub-franchised a total of 12 IHOP restaurants. The area license agreements provide for royalties ranging from 0.5% to 2% of sales, and advertising fees of 0.25% of sales and give the area licensees the right to develop new IHOP restaurants in their territories. We also derive revenue from the sale of proprietary products to these area licensees and their sub-franchisees. We treat the revenues from our area licensees as franchise operations revenues for financial reporting purposes.

        Company-operated restaurants are those restaurants newly developed by IHOP that have not yet been franchised and those restaurants reacquired by us through negotiation or franchisee defaults. The type and number of Company-operated restaurants varies from time to time as we develop new restaurants, reacquire franchised restaurants and franchise new and reacquired restaurants.

        Restaurants that we reacquire from franchisees typically require investment in remodeling and rehabilitation before being refranchised. They may remain as Company-operated restaurants for a period which typically ranges from one to five years. As a consequence, a significant number of Company-operated restaurants are likely to incur operating losses during the initial period of their rehabilitation. At the end of 2003, the Company operated a total of 44 IHOP restaurants. In 2003, the Company announced its intention to develop and operate between 15-20 IHOP restaurants in Cincinnati, Ohio. The development of the 15-20 restaurants will be completed over the next three years. The Company will operate these restaurants in order to highlight best practices in operations and training.

        Restaurants that we reacquire are often underperforming as a result of having been poorly operated and physically neglected. When we reacquire a restaurant, we begin a multi-step rehabilitation program for that restaurant. First these restaurants are physically rehabilitated, then we hire, as necessary, and train the restaurant staff. After these first steps are completed, we implement new marketing and operations programs designed to regain the business of former guests and attract new patrons. After a restaurant has been rehabilitated, and its sales volume reaches acceptable levels, the restaurant is refranchised to a qualified franchisee.

        We require most of our franchisees, and strongly encourage all of our franchisees, to periodically remodel their restaurants. In most instances, we require that our restaurants be remodeled at least every 5 years. There were 158 remodels completed in 2003.

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        The table below sets forth information regarding the distribution of single-unit and multi-unit franchisees in the IHOP system. It does not include information concerning our area licensees or their sub-franchisees as of December 31, 2003.

Number of Units
Held by Franchisee

  Franchisees
  Percent
of Total

  Restaurants
  Percent
of Total

 
One   216   57.0 % 216   21.8 %
Two to Five   129   34.0 % 360   36.3 %
Six to Ten   20   5.2 % 154   15.5 %
Eleven to Fifteen   7   1.9 % 92   9.3 %
Sixteen and over   7   1.9 % 169   17.1 %
   
 
 
 
 
Total   379   100.0 % 991   100.0 %
   
 
 
 
 

        It is our goal to make every dining experience at an IHOP restaurant a satisfying one. Our franchisees and managers of Company-operated restaurants always strive to exceed guests' expectations. We hold firm to the belief that a satisfied guest will be a repeat guest and will tell others about our restaurants. To ensure that our guests' expectations are fulfilled, all restaurants are operated in accordance with uniform operating standards and specifications relating to the quality and preparation of menu items, selection of menu items, maintenance, repair and cleanliness of premises, and the appearance and conduct of employees.

        Our Operations Department is charged with ensuring that these high standards are met at all times. We have developed our operating standards in consultation with our franchisee operators. These standards are detailed in our Manual of Standard Operating Procedures.

        The Company has established a rating system whereby all IHOP franchisees are evaluated and graded. The evaluation consists of many factors including consultation, mystery shop and health department scores. The franchisee grades are on an "A" through "F" scale. Our Operations Department works closely with all of our operators in order to improve their scores and grades. However, in the cases of "D" and "F" operators, immediate improvement is expected or proactive efforts are undertaken to remove these operators from our system.

        Each franchise restaurant is assigned a Franchise Business Consultant and an Operational Assessment Specialist. The Franchise Business Consultant regularly visits an assigned group of restaurants and is responsible for the achievement of budgeted sales, consultation with franchisees regarding financial, operational, marketing, and human resource objectives, including certification of trainers, and development of strategies and tactics for each franchise restaurant. The Operational Assessment Specialist visits each restaurant twice a year and is responsible for conducting operational audits, providing consultation reports, and assessing product quality, quality assurance, equipment, facilities, and management techniques.

        We are currently evaluating a plan to close our regional offices and consolidate all of our franchisee and operations support in our Restaurant Support Center ("RSC") in Glendale, CA. The RSC is designed to support our franchisees and restaurant operators. In 2004, the RSC will utilize an automated call center to facilitate its support functions.

        Training is ongoing at all IHOP restaurants. A prospective franchisee is required to participate in an extensive training program before he or she is first sold a franchise. The training program involves classroom study and hands-on operational training in one of our regional training restaurants. Each franchisee learns to cook, wait on tables, serve as a host, wash dishes and perform each of the other

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tasks necessary to operate a successful restaurant. New restaurant opening teams provide on-site instruction to restaurant employees to assist in the opening of most new IHOP restaurants.

        The Company offers additional training courses from time to time on subjects such as suggestive selling, guest service, managing people, and limited time offer promotions.

        The IHOP menu offers a large selection of high-quality, moderately priced products designed to appeal to a broad guest base. These include a wide variety of pancakes, waffles, omelets and breakfast specialties, chicken, steak, sandwiches, salads and lunch and dinner specialties. Most IHOP restaurants offer special items for children and seniors at reduced prices. In recognition of local tastes, IHOP restaurants typically offer regional specialties that complement the IHOP core menu. Our Product Research and Development Department works together with franchisees and our Operations and Marketing Departments to continually develop new menu and promotion ideas. These new items are thoroughly evaluated in our test kitchen and in limited regional tests, which include media support from time-to-time, before being introduced throughout the system. The purpose of adding new items is to be responsive to our guests' needs and requests.

        The Company maintains an on-going independent Mystery Shop Program. The program is designed to give us a better understanding of how our restaurant teams operate and how we measure against our competitors. As a result, we are able to apply the individual feedback from each mystery shop visit at the restaurant level and work closely with our franchisees to develop a specific action plan to improve each restaurant's performance. We have set benchmark improvement scores against which we will measure future performance.

        In 2004, we plan to conduct approximately four mystery shops per quarter in each of our restaurants.

        Most IHOP franchisees and Company-operated restaurants contribute 2% of sales to local advertising cooperatives. The advertising co-ops use these funds to purchase television advertising time, radio advertising time and place advertisements in printed media or direct mail. In addition to television advertising, IHOP encourages other local marketing by its franchisees. These marketing programs often include discounts and specials aimed at increasing guest traffic and encouraging repeat business.

        In 2003, we devoted a substantial portion of our advertising budget to national television advertising, in recognition of the national scope of the chain and the economies of scale available to national advertisers. We implemented new promotional media advertising and recommended pricing strategies for five different promotions, including the launch of a new advertising campaign supported by our first utilization of network television media, and achieved a system-wide same-store sales growth of 4.8% for the year.

        In 2004, we plan to launch six different product promotions, three of which will be advertised on national network television. Building upon the strength of our breakfast offerings, we will include new breakfast offerings and an increased focus on lunch and dinner promotions. We will continue to use our very successful "Come hungry. Leave happy." advertising campaign. With the additions of a third period of network advertising and limited time offers unique to IHOP, we expect to continue to drive increased same-store sales throughout our system.

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        IHOP has entered into supply contracts for pancake mixes and pricing agreements for most major products carried in IHOP restaurants to ensure the availability of quality products at competitive prices. We also have negotiated agreements with food distribution companies to limit markups charged on food and restaurant supplies purchased by individual IHOP restaurants. In some instances, the Company is required to enter into commitments to purchase food and other items on behalf of the IHOP system as a whole. At December 31, 2003, our outstanding purchase commitments were $2.4 million. The Company has developed processes to facilitate the liquidation of these commitments to minimize financial exposure.

        The restaurant business is highly competitive and is affected by, among other things, changes in eating habits and preferences, local, regional and national economic conditions, population trends and traffic patterns. The principal bases of competition in the industry are the type, quality and price of the food products served. Additionally, restaurant location, quality and speed of service, advertising, name identification and attractiveness of facilities are important.

        The acquisition of sites is also highly competitive. Our system is often competing with other restaurant chains and retail businesses for suitable sites for the development of new restaurants.

        Foodservice chains in the United States include the following segments: quick-service sandwich, chicken, pizza, fast casual, family restaurant, casual dining, dinner house, buffet, hotel restaurant and contract/catering. Differentiated chains competing within their segments against each other and local, single-outlet operators characterize the current structure of the U.S. restaurant and institutional foodservice market.

        Information published in 2003 by The Nations Restaurant News ranked IHOP 27th out of the top 100 foodservice chains based on estimated fiscal 2003 system-wide sales in the United States. The same publication included 10 family restaurant chains in its top 100 chains, and IHOP ranked second in this segment based on system-wide sales.

        The Company also competes against other franchising organizations for new franchise developers.

        We have registered our trademarks and service marks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. These include "International House of Pancakes," "IHOP" and variations of each, as well as "The Home of the Never Empty Coffee Pot," "Rooty Tooty Fresh "N Fruity," and "Harvest Grain "N Nut." We also register new trademarks and service marks from time to time. We are not aware of any infringing uses that could materially affect our business or any prior claim to these marks that would prevent us from using or licensing the use thereof for restaurants in any area of the United States. We have also registered our trademarks and service marks and variations thereof in Canada for use by our current licensees. Where feasible and appropriate, we register our trademarks and service marks in other nations for future use. Our current registered trademarks and service marks will expire, unless renewed, at various dates from 2004 to 2012. We generally apply to renew our active trademarks prior to their expiration.

        IHOP's business, like that of most restaurant companies, is somewhat seasonal. Our restaurants generally experience greater guest traffic and sales in the summer months and during various holidays when children are out of school and family vacations are more frequent. Restaurants located in certain

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resort areas and warm weather climates tend to experience greater guest traffic and sales in the winter months.

        IHOP is subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting our business as well as a variety of regulatory provisions relating to zoning of restaurant sites, sanitation, health and safety. As a franchisor, we are subject to state and federal laws regulating various aspects of franchise operations and sales. These laws impose registration and disclosure requirements on franchisors in the offer and sale of franchises. In certain cases, they also apply substantive standards to the relationship between franchisor and franchisee, including primarily defaults, termination, non-renewal of franchises, and the potential impact of new IHOP restaurants on sales levels at existing IHOP restaurants. Environmental requirements have not had a material effect on the operations of our Company-operated restaurants or the restaurants of our franchisees.

        Various federal and state labor laws govern our relationships with our employees. These include such matters as minimum wage requirements, overtime and other working conditions. Significant additional government-imposed increases in minimum wages, paid leaves of absence, mandated health benefits or increased tax reporting and tax payment requirements with respect to employees who receive gratuities could, however, be detrimental to the economic viability of franchisee-operated and Company-operated IHOP restaurants.

        At December 31, 2003, we employed 2,379 persons, of whom 266 were full-time, non-restaurant, corporate personnel.

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Item 2. Properties.

        The table below shows the location and status of the 1,165 IHOP restaurants as of December 31, 2003:

Location

  Franchise
  Company-
Operated

  Area
License

  Total
United States                
Alabama   14   3   0   17
Alaska   1   0   0   1
Arizona   27   0   0   27
Arkansas   9   0   0   9
California   212   3   0   215
Colorado   29   1   0   30
Connecticut   8   0   0   8
Delaware   2   0   0   2
Florida   0   0   129   129
Georgia   48   1   1   50
Hawaii   1   0   0   1
Idaho   7   0   0   7
Illinois   42   2   0   44
Indiana   6   3   0   9
Iowa   8   0   0   8
Kansas   11   0   0   11
Louisiana   14   0   0   14
Maine   1   0   0   1
Maryland   27   1   0   28
Massachusetts   13   0   0   13
Michigan   10   7   0   17
Minnesota   8   0   0   8
Mississippi   7   1   0   8
Missouri   22   0   0   22
Montana   1   0   0   1
Nebraska   4   1   0   5
Nevada   20   0   0   20
New Hampshire   2   0   0   2
New Jersey   29   3   0   32
New Mexico   9   0   0   9
New York   35   3   0   38
North Carolina   26   3   0   29
North Dakota   1   0   0   1
Ohio   17   0   0   17
Oklahoma   16   0   0   16
Oregon   7   4   0   11
Pennsylvania   13   2   0   15
Rhode Island   1   0   0   1
South Carolina   17   0   0   17
South Dakota   1   0   0   1
Tennessee   22   2   0   24
Texas   141   1   0   142
Utah   16   0   0   16
Virginia   39   0   0   39
Washington   23   3   0   26
West Virginia   2   0   0   2
Wisconsin   9   0   0   9
Wyoming   1   0   0   1
International                
Canada(1)   12   0   0   12
   
 
 
 
Totals   991   44   130   1,165
   
 
 
 

(1)
IHOP reports restaurants in Canada as franchise restaurants although the restaurants are operated under an area license agreement.

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        As of December 31, 2003, three of the 44 Company-operated restaurants were located on sites owned by IHOP and 41 were located on sites leased by IHOP from third parties. Of the 991 franchisee-operated restaurants, 63 were located on sites owned by IHOP, 769 were located on sites leased by IHOP from third parties and 159 were located on sites owned or leased by franchisees. All of the restaurants operated by area licensees were located on sites owned or leased by the area licensees.

        IHOP's leases with its landlords generally provide for an initial term of 15 to 25 years, with most having one or more five-year renewal options in favor of IHOP. The leases typically provide for payment of rents in an amount equal to the greater of a fixed amount or a specified percentage of gross sales and for payment by IHOP of taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance expenses and certain other costs. Historically, it has been our practice to seek and extend, through negotiation, those leases that expire without renewal options. However, from time to time we choose not to renew a lease or are unsuccessful in negotiating satisfactory renewal terms. When this occurs, the restaurant is closed and possession of the premises is returned to the landlord.

        We currently lease our principal corporate offices in Glendale, California under a lease expiring in July 2010. We also lease regional offices in Lyndhurst, New Jersey; Norcross, Georgia; Lombard, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Portland, Oregon; Fredericksburg, Virginia; and Greenwood Village, Colorado. However, we are currently evaluating a plan to close the regional offices once the Restaurant Support Center becomes fully operational.


Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

        IHOP is subject to various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business, many of which are covered by insurance. We believe such claims and legal actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our business or the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.


Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

        There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities.

        Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "IHP". As of January 31, 2004, there were approximately 7,618 stockholders of record.

        The following table sets forth the high and low prices of IHOP's common stock for each quarter of 2003 and 2002 as reported by the NYSE.

 
  Fiscal Year 2003
  Fiscal Year 2002
 
  Prices
   
  Prices
   
Quarter

  Dividends Paid
  Dividends Paid
  High
  Low
  High
  Low
First   $ 25.14   $ 20.98       $ 33.92   $ 27.40  
Second     32.64     22.42   $ 0.25     36.46     28.42  
Third     36.65     31.31     0.25     29.50     23.38  
Fourth     39.40     32.80     0.25     25.44     21.08  

        In March 2003, the board of directors declared a cash dividend of $.25 per common share, which was paid on May 19, 2003, to stockholders of record as of May 1, 2003. At that time, the board of directors indicated its intention to declare and pay recurring quarterly dividends in the future, subject to the discretion of the board of directors and the Company's earnings, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors. The Company has paid regular quarterly dividends of $0.25 per common share since May 2003.

        On January 8, 2004, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per common share payable February 20, 2004, to stockholders of record as of February 2, 2004.

        Financial covenants in the purchase agreements governing our 5.20% senior notes, our 5.88% senior notes, and our 7.42% senior notes; our leasehold mortgage term loans; and our revolving credit agreement limit our ability to pay dividends. As of December 31, 2003, the most restrictive of our covenants with respect to dividends were contained in our leasehold mortgage term loans. These loans required that we maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.35 to 1, with the amount of cash dividends deducted from the numerator used to calculate this ratio. During the fourth quarter of 2003, IHOP violated these affirmative covenants due to the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend in the fourth quarter of 2003. The creditor has issued a waiver for the covenant violation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. Effective March 8, 2004, the leasehold mortgage term loans were amended so that cash dividends would no longer be deducted from the numerator in calculating this ratio. After giving effect to this amendment, the Company's most restrictive covenant requires the Company to maintain a ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization of 0.5 to 1.0. Under this test, as of December 31, 2003 the Company had $90.4 million in retained earnings available for payment as dividends.

        Additional information regarding this item is presented under the caption "Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans" in the proxy statement for our 2004 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

13




Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

Five-Year Financial Summary

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenues                              
  Franchise revenues   $ 140,131   $ 123,050   $ 111,129   $ 102,624   $ 93,081
  Rental income     117,258     99,595     84,037     69,914     60,640
  Company restaurant sales     74,880     74,433     68,810     72,818     70,204
  Financing revenues     72,536     68,796     60,460     57,888     49,310
   
 
 
 
 
      Total revenues     404,805     365,874     324,436     303,244     273,235
   
 
 
 
 
Costs and expenses                              
  Franchise expenses     64,265     55,139     48,269     44,699     40,956
  Rental expenses     86,620     73,812     59,882     48,026     41,665
  Company restaurant expenses     81,737     78,422     72,819     76,961     72,380
  Financing expenses     43,619     38,185     33,442     33,998     26,455
  General and administrative expenses     54,575     49,526     41,964     37,991     35,889
  Other (income) expense, net     6,054     5,433     3,599     4,109     3,654
  Reorganization charges     9,085                
   
 
 
 
 
      Total costs and expenses     345,955     300,517     259,975     245,784     220,999
   
 
 
 
 

Income before income taxes

 

 

58,850

 

 

65,357

 

 

64,461

 

 

57,460

 

 

52,236
Provision for income taxes     22,068     24,509     24,173     22,122     20,111
   
 
 
 
 
Net income   $ 36,782   $ 40,848   $ 40,288   $ 35,338   $ 32,125
   
 
 
 
 
Net income per share                              
  Basic   $ 1.72   $ 1.95   $ 1.98   $ 1.77   $ 1.61
   
 
 
 
 
  Diluted   $ 1.70   $ 1.92   $ 1.94   $ 1.74   $ 1.58
   
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding                              
  Basic     21,424     20,946     20,398     20,017     19,983
   
 
 
 
 
  Diluted     21,614     21,269     20,762     20,263     20,358
   
 
 
 
 

Dividends declared per share(a)

 

$

..75

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

   
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid per share(a)   $ .75                
   
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Data (end of period)                              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 27,996   $ 98,739   $ 6,252   $ 7,208   $ 4,176
  Marketable securities     45,537                
  Property and equipment, net     314,221     286,226     238,026     193,624     177,743
  Total assets     843,004     819,800     641,429     562,212     520,402
  Long-term debt     139,615     145,768     50,209     36,363     41,218
  Capital lease obligations     177,664     171,170     168,105     167,594     165,557
  Stockholders' equity(a)     382,360     364,389     312,430     259,995     226,480

(a)
In March 2003, the board of directors declared its first quarterly cash dividend of $.25 per common share which was paid in the second quarter. The board of directors indicated its intention to declare recurring quarterly dividends in the future, however, any future dividend declarations will be made at the discretion of the board of directors and will be based on the Company's earnings, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors.

14



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

Forward-Looking Statements

        The following discussion and analysis provides information we believe is relevant to an assessment and understanding of IHOP's consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Certain forward-looking statements are contained in this report. 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 that 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 strategic growth plan; the ability to continue to attract qualified franchisees; availability of suitable locations and terms for 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 concept 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 our press releases, public statements and/or filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking information is provided by us 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, we disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

General

        In January 2003, we announced significant changes in the way we conduct our business. These changes included a transition from Company-financed restaurant development (the "Old Model") to a more traditional franchise development model, in which franchisees finance and develop new restaurants (the "New Model"). It was the Company's intention to complete the transition from Company development to franchisee development by the end of 2003. Due to construction delays, we expect to complete the development and franchising of the final four restaurants under the Old Model in 2004.

Franchising

        Our franchising activities in 2003 included both Company financed and franchisee financed development. For clarity of presentation, the discussion below is separated between those activities specific to the Old Model and those which apply to the New Model.

Old Model

        Under the Old Model, when we develop a restaurant we identify the site for the new restaurant, purchase the site or lease it from a third party, and build the restaurant and equip it with all required equipment. We select and train the franchisee and supervisory personnel who will operate the restaurant. In addition, we typically finance approximately 80% of the franchise fee, and lease the restaurant and equipment to the franchisee. In accordance with GAAP, the equipment lease between the Company and the franchisee is treated as a sale in our financial statements. After the franchisee is operating the restaurant, we provide continuing support with respect to operations, marketing and new product development.

        Our involvement in the development of new restaurants allows IHOP to charge a franchise and development fee ranging from $200,000 to $550,000. In addition, we derive income from the financing

15


of the franchise fee and from the leasing of property and equipment to franchisees. However, we also incur obligations in the development, franchising and start-up operations of the new restaurants.

        The franchisee typically pays approximately 20% of the initial franchise fee in cash, and we finance the remaining amount over five to eight years. We also receive continuing revenues from the franchisee as follows: (1) a royalty equal to 4.5% of the restaurant's sales; (2) income from the leasing of the restaurant property and related equipment; (3) revenue from the sale of certain proprietary products, primarily pancake mixes; (4) a local advertising fee equal to about 2% of the restaurant's sales, which is usually collected by IHOP and then paid to a local advertising cooperative; and (5) a national advertising fee equal to 1% of the restaurant's sales. In some cases, we have agreed to accept reduced royalties for a period of time from franchisees in order to assist them in establishing their businesses, where business conditions justify it.

New Model

        Under the New Model, IHOP's approach to franchising is similar to that of most franchising systems in the foodservice industry. Franchisees can undertake individual store development or multi-store development. Under the single store development program, the franchisee is required to pay a non-refundable location fee of $15,000. If the proposed site is approved for development, the location fee of $15,000 is credited against an initial franchise fee of $50,000. The franchisee then uses his or her own capital and financial resources to acquire the site, build and equip the business and fund working capital needs.

        In addition to offering franchises for individual restaurants, the Company offers multi-store development agreements for certain qualified franchisees. These multi-store development agreements provide franchisees with an exclusive right to develop new IHOP restaurants in designated geographic territories for a specified period of time. Multi-store developers are required to develop and operate a specified number of restaurants according to an agreed upon development schedule. Multi-store developers are required to pay a development fee of $20,000 for each restaurant to be developed under a multi-store development agreement. Additionally, for each store which is actually developed, the franchise developer must pay an initial franchise fee of $40,000 against which the development fee of $20,000 is credited. The number of stores and the schedule of stores to be developed under multi-store development agreements is negotiated on an agreement by agreement basis. With respect to restaurants developed under the New Model, the Company receives continuing revenues from the franchisee as follows: (1) a royalty equal to 4.5% of the restaurant's sales; (2) revenue from the sale of certain proprietary products, primarily pancake mixes; (3) a local advertising fee equal to about 2% of the restaurant's sales, which is usually paid to a local advertising cooperative; and (4) a national advertising fee equal to 1% of the restaurant's sales.

        While there is no specific profile for franchise candidates, the Company primarily markets franchises to existing operators who currently own and operate one or more restaurants in the IHOP system and meet our operating standards and operators in other non-competing segments of the restaurant business, such as quick service or casual dining restaurants.

Segment Reporting

        IHOP's revenues and expenses are recorded in four categories: Franchise Operations, Rental Operations, Company Restaurant Operations and Financing Operations.

        Franchise Operations revenue consists primarily of royalty revenues, sales of proprietary products, advertising fees and the portion of the franchise fees allocated to the Company's intellectual property. Franchise expenses include advertising expense and the cost of proprietary products.

16



        Rental Operations revenue includes revenue from operating leases and interest income from direct financing leases. Rental expenses are costs of operating leases and interest expense on capital leases on franchisee-operated restaurants.

        Company restaurant sales are retail sales at IHOP-operated restaurants. Company restaurant expenses are operating expenses at IHOP-operated restaurants and include food, labor and benefits, utilities, rent and other real estate related costs.

        Financing Operations revenue consists of the portion of franchise fees not allocated to the Company's intellectual property, sales of equipment as well as interest income from the financing of franchise fee and equipment leases. Financing expenses are primarily the cost of restaurant equipment and interest expense not associated with capital leases.

Comparable Store Sales

        Beginning in the second quarter of 2003, IHOP changed its methodology for calculating comparable store sales from a 12-month basis to an 18-month basis. Under the new methodology, we compare year over year retail sales of restaurants which have been open continuously for 18 months or more. Prior year information has been restated for ease of comparison. The Company believes this provides a more accurate view of its system's performance by excluding the impact of high sales levels typically seen during the first months of operations at new restaurants. All same-store sales information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is presented using the 18-month methodology.

17



Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth certain operating data for IHOP restaurants.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Restaurant Data                    
  Effective restaurants(a)(d)                    
    Franchise     931     843     767  
    Company     72     76     72  
    Area license     128     123     131  
   
 
 
 
      Total     1,131     1,042     970  
   
 
 
 
System-wide                    
  Sales(b)(d)   $ 1,695,026   $ 1,478,567   $ 1,345,757  
    Percent increase     14.6 %   9.9 %   8.0 %
  Average sales per effective restaurant(d)   $ 1,499   $ 1,419   $ 1,387  
    Percent increase     5.6 %   2.3 %   2.6 %
  Comparable average sales percent increase(c)     4.8 %   0.9 %   1.0 %

Franchise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Sales   $ 1,481,251   $ 1,278,103   $ 1,146,124  
    Percent increase     15.9 %   11.5 %   11.6 %
  Average sales per effective restaurant   $ 1,591   $ 1,516   $ 1,494  
    Percent increase     4.9 %   1.5 %   1.3 %
  Comparable average sales percent increase(c)     4.8 %   0.9 %   1.1 %

Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Sales   $ 74,880   $ 74,433   $ 68,810  
    Percent increase (decrease)     0.6 %   8.2 %   (5.5 %)
  Average sales per effective restaurant   $ 1,040   $ 979   $ 956  
    Percent increase (decrease)     6.2 %   2.4 %   (0.2 %)

Area License

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Sales(d)   $ 138,895   $ 126,031   $ 130,823  
    Percent increase (decrease)     10.2 %   (3.7 %)   (10.7 %)
  Average sales per effective restaurant(d)   $ 1,085   $ 1,025   $ 999  
    Percent increase     5.9 %   2.6 %   2.3 %

(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.

(b)
"System-wide sales" are retail sales of franchisees and area licensees, as reported to IHOP, and sales by Company-operated restaurants.

(c)
"Comparable sales percentage change" reflects the percentage change in sales for restaurants that have been operated for the entire fiscal period in which they are being compared and have been continuously open for at least 18 months. 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.

(d)
During 2001, the Company's area licensee in Japan negotiated an early termination of its area license agreement. As part of this early termination, the area licensee discontinued operations of its 32 IHOP restaurants. Sales in 2001 include sales in Japan until the closing of the restaurants.

18


        The following table summarizes IHOP's restaurant development and franchising activity:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
Restaurant Development Activity                      
IHOP—beginning of year   1,103   1,017   968   903   835  
  New openings                      
    IHOP-developed   56   86   76   70   65  
    Franchisee-developed   13   10   12   10   7  
    Area license   5   5   5   4   4  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Total new openings   74   101   93   84   76  
  Closings                      
    Company and franchise   (12 ) (13 ) (11 ) (16 ) (8 )
    Area license     (2 ) (33 ) (3 )  
   
 
 
 
 
 
IHOP—end of year   1,165   1,103   1,017   968   903  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Summary—end of year                      
  Franchise   991   902   823   747   678  
  Company   44   76   72   71   76  
  Area license   130   125   122   150   149  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total IHOP   1,165   1,103   1,017   968   903  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurant Franchising Activity                      
IHOP-developed   72   80   74   70   61  
Franchisee-developed   13   10   12   10   7  
Rehabilitated and refranchised   19   10   9   15   6  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Total restaurants franchised   104   100   95   95   74  
Reacquired by IHOP   (11 ) (10 ) (12 ) (19 ) (14 )
Closed   (4 ) (11 ) (7 ) (7 ) (6 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Net addition   89   79   76   69   54  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Critical Accounting Policies

        We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires senior management to make estimates, assumptions and subjective or complex judgments that are inherently uncertain and may significantly impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Changes in the estimates, assumptions and judgments affecting the application of these policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. We consider the following policies to be most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements.

        We regularly evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment at the individual restaurant level. Restaurant assets are evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a restaurant may not be recoverable. We consider factors such as the number of years the restaurant has been operated by the Company, sales trends, cash flow trends, remaining lease life, and other factors which may apply on a case by case basis. These impairment evaluations require an estimation of cash flows over the remaining useful life of the asset.

19


        Recoverability of the restaurant's assets is measured by comparing the assets carrying value to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated over the assets remaining useful life. If the total expected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the carrying amount is written down to the estimated fair value, and a loss resulting from impairment is recognized by a charge to earnings. The fair value is determined by discounting the future cash flows based on our cost of capital.

        The Company may elect to close certain Company-operated restaurants. Typically such decisions are based on operating performance or strategic considerations. In these instances, we reserve, or write-off, the full carrying value of these restaurants as impaired.

        Periodically, the Company will reacquire a previously franchised restaurant. At the time of reacquisition, the franchise will be recorded at the lower of (1) the sum of the franchise receivables and costs of reacquisition, or (2) the estimated net realizable value. The net realizable value of a reacquired franchise is based on the Company's average five-year historical franchise resale value. The historical resale value used for each restaurant in 2003 was $220,000. An impairment loss will be recognized equal to the amount by which the reacquisition value exceeds the historical resale value.

        Judgments and estimates made by the Company related to long-lived assets are affected by factors such as economic conditions, changes in franchise historical resale values, and changes in operating performance. As the Company assesses the ongoing expected cash flows and carrying value of its long-lived assets, these factors could cause the Company to realize impairment charges.

        We are self-insured for a significant portion of our employee health and workers' compensation obligations. The Company maintains stop-loss coverage with third party insurers to limit its total exposure. The accrued liability associated with these programs is based on our estimate of the ultimate costs to be incurred to settle known claims and claims incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. Our estimated liability is not discounted and is based on a number of assumptions and factors, including historical trends, actuarial assumptions and economic conditions. If actual trends, including the severity or frequency of claims, differ from our estimates, our financial results could be impacted.

        We estimate certain components of our provision for income taxes. These estimates include, but are not limited to, effective state and local income tax rates, allowable tax credits for items such as work opportunity tax credits, FICA taxes paid on reported tip income, and estimates related to depreciation expense allowable for tax purposes. Our estimates are made based on the best available information at the time that we prepare the provision. All tax returns are subject to audit within the statute of limitations by the federal and state governments, and could be subject to differing interpretations of the tax laws.

New Accounting Pronouncements

        In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." FIN 46 establishes a new and far-reaching consolidation accounting model. Although FIN 46 was initially focused on special purpose entities, the applicability of FIN 46 goes beyond such entities and can have applicability to franchise arrangements, regardless of whether the Company has voting or ownership control of the franchises. In response to a number of comment letters and implementation questions, in December 2003 the FASB issued FIN 46R, which delays the effective date of FIN 46 for certain entities until March 31, 2004, as well as provides clarification regarding franchise considerations and other implementation issues. To determine the

20



applicability of FIN 46 and 46R, the Company is currently evaluating financial information recently received from its franchisees to determine if the Company is the "primary beneficiary" (as such term is defined by FIN 46) which would require consolidation of those franchisees that qualify as variable interest entities. However, FIN 46R does provide relief if, after making an exhaustive effort, the Company is unable to obtain the required financial information from franchisees. The Company is currently evaluating whether it will qualify for this scope exclusion.

        In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity." This statement did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. This statement establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with the characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial statements issued after May 2003.

Comparison of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

        IHOP's fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to December 31 of each year. For convenience, we report all fiscal years as ending on December 31. Each of the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 were comprised of 52 weeks (364 days).

System-Wide Retail Sales

        System-wide retail sales include the sales of all IHOP restaurants as reported to IHOP by its franchisees, area licensees and Company-operated restaurants. System-wide retail sales grew by 14.6% or $216.5 million to $1.7 billion in 2003 over the same period in 2002. The growth in system-wide sales was primarily due to an increase in the number of effective restaurants, and a 4.8% increase in comparable restaurant sales. "Effective restaurants" are the number of restaurants in operation in a given fiscal period, adjusted to account for restaurants in operation for only a portion of the fiscal period. Effective restaurants grew by 8.5% from 1,042 to 1,131 in 2003 over 2002 due to new restaurant development. The increase in comparable sales was primarily attributable to new limited time promotions, network advertising, and improved operations of our restaurants.

        In 2004, we expect system-wide sales to be in the range of $1.8 billion to $1.9 billion. System-wide sales growth is expected to be driven by the annualized effect of new restaurant openings in 2003, expected new restaurant openings in 2004 and expected improvement in same-store sales. In addition, the anticipated increase in system-wide sales will be due in part to the benefit of a 53rd week in fiscal 2004. We utilize a weekly fiscal calendar to close our books. In order to align our fiscal year end to the calendar year, we utilize a 53-week fiscal calendar approximately every six years to account for this required adjustment. As such, we will record an additional week of retail sales in fiscal 2004.

Franchise Operations

        Franchise revenues are the revenues received by IHOP from its franchisees and area licensees and include royalties, sales of proprietary products, advertising fees and core franchise fees ("Core Franchise Fees" are the portion of total franchise fees allocable to the license to franchisees to use the Company's intellectual property. Franchise revenues grew by 13.9% from $123.1 million in 2002 to $140.1 million in 2003. Franchise revenues grew primarily due to an increase in franchise restaurant retail sales of 15.9% from $1,278.1 million in 2002 to $1,481.3 million in 2003. The increase in franchise restaurant retail sales was primarily due to a 10.4% increase in the number of effective franchise restaurants from 843 in 2002 to 931 in 2003 and a 4.8% increase in comparable franchise restaurant retail sales from 2002 to 2003.

        Franchise expenses consist primarily of advertising and the cost of proprietary products, which are variable in nature and are expected to fluctuate with franchise revenues. Franchise expenses increased

21



by 16.6% to $64.3 million in 2003 from $55.1 million in 2002. The increase in franchise expenses was primarily a result of the increase in franchise revenues mentioned above. In addition, IHOP contributed $2.0 million in 2003 towards advertising expense compared to $0.8 million in 2002. The additional contribution is consistent with our strategic decisions to strengthen our IHOP brand. In 2004, it is expected that the Company will contribute no more than $1.5 million. In addition, we sometimes offer financial assistance relief for a limited time to certain franchisees whose units are not currently profitable. This short-term subsidy is aimed at minimizing the losses of these franchisees. In 2003, we granted $2.2 million in financial assistance relief to the operators of 38 restaurants as compared to $1.2 million granted to the operators of 28 restaurants in 2002.

        Franchise operations profit increased by 11.7% from $67.9 million in 2002 to $75.9 million in 2003.

        In the third and fourth quarters of 2003, we refranchised 36 Company-operated restaurants. This was done for both strategic and financial reasons. In order to refranchise many of these restaurants, we lowered royalty rates and accepted reduced franchise fees. Because of these transactions in 2003, we believe that in 2004, our system-wide overall average royalty rate will be approximately 4.3% as compared with 4.4% in 2002.

        In 2004, franchise operations segment profit is expected to increase slightly. The increase will be due to increased sales expected at franchise restaurants from annualized restaurant growth in 2003 and new development in 2004. Franchise operations margin is expected to decline in 2004 primarily due to lower royalty rates from refranchised restaurants and lower franchise fees due to a decrease in the number of restaurants we expect to franchise.

Rental Operations

        Rental revenue includes rental income from operating leases and interest income from direct financing leases. Rental revenues increased by 17.7% to $117.3 million in 2003 from $99.6 million in 2002. The increase in rental income is associated with an increase in the number of operating leases associated with new restaurants. In addition, rent receipts under most leases are tied to sales of the restaurants, and accordingly the increase is also partially due to improved same-store sales.

        Rental expenses consist primarily of rental expense associated with operating leases and interest expense on direct financing leases. Rental expenses increased by 17.4% to $86.6 million in 2003 from $73.8 million in of 2002. An increase in rental costs associated with an increase in the number of operating leases, was the primary cause of the increase in rental expense.

        Rental operations profit increased by 18.8% from $25.8 million in 2002 to $30.6 million in 2003.

        In 2004, rental operations segment profit is expected to increase by approximately 15% due to the anticipated increase in the number of operating leases associated with the refranchising of Company-operated restaurants and the annualized effect of restaurant openings in 2003.

Company Restaurant Operations

        Company restaurant operations revenues are retail sales to guests at restaurants operated by IHOP. Company restaurant operations revenues increased by 0.6% to $74.9 million in 2003 from $74.4 million in 2002. The increase in revenue is primarily due to an increase in average sales per effective Company restaurant of 6.2% partially offset by a 5.3% decrease in the number of effective IHOP-operated restaurants from 76 in 2002 to 72 in 2003. "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.

        Company restaurant expenses include primarily food, labor and benefits, incentives, utilities, rent and other real estate related costs. Company restaurant expenses increased by 4.2% to $81.7 million in 2003 from $78.4 million in 2002. Company restaurant expenses were impacted by higher labor, workers'

22



compensation, performance incentive, franchise incentive, and transition costs associated with the refranchising of Company-operated restaurants.

        Company restaurant operations loss was $6.9 million in 2003, or 71.9% greater than the loss of $4.0 million in 2002.

        In 2004, the loss on Company operations will be substantially reduced due to the decrease in the number of Company-operated restaurants as a result of our refranchising efforts. We have also established a separate management team exclusively for Company-operated restaurants. The new Company operations management team is charged with improving revenue and profitability through better operational execution. We believe that this move allows us to more effectively improve the performance of Company-operated restaurants.

Financing Operations

        The Financing Operations segment consists of the portion of franchise fees not allocated to the Company's intellectual property, sales of equipment as well as interest income from the financing of franchise fee and equipment leases. Finance operations revenues increased by 5.4% to $72.5 million in 2003 from $68.8 million in 2002. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in franchise and equipment notes interest income associated with newly franchised restaurants.

        Financing operations costs and expenses are primarily the cost of restaurant equipment and interest expense not associated with capital leases. Finance operations costs and expenses increased by 14.2% to $43.6 million in 2003 from $38.2 million in 2002. This is primarily due to an increase to $5.2 million in 2003 from $916,000 in 2002 in interest expense associated with the senior notes issued in the November 2002 private placement.

        Financing operations profit decreased by 5.5% to $28.9 million in 2003 from $30.6 million in 2002. The primary reason for the decrease in finance operations profit was the additional interest expense of $5.2 million discussed above.

        In 2004, financing operations profit is expected to decrease significantly due to the planned reduction in the number of units for which we will receive development and financing fees. In 2003, the Company developed and franchised 56 restaurants for which it received development and franchising fees. It is expected that in 2004, the number of transactions for which such fees will be received will decline to four. The elimination of development and financing fees will lead to a margin decline in this segment. This will be partially offset by increased interest income received due to the increased number of restaurants developed in 2003.

General and Administrative Expenses

        General and administrative expenses increased $5.0 million, or 10.2%, from $49.5 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2002 to $54.6 million in the same period of 2003. The increase in general and administrative expenses was due primarily to higher bonus expense, normal increases in salaries and wages, the mystery shop program and additional costs associated with the new initiatives in the areas of Marketing, Operations, Training, Research and Development, and Information Technology. Corporate bonus which, was based on financial performance, was $3.5 million in 2003. There was no Corporate bonus expense in 2002.

        In 2004, we expect that general and administrative expenses will be between $53 million and $58 million in 2004.

23



Other (Income) Expense, Net

        Other (income) expense, net, increased by $0.6 million or 11.4%, from $5.4 million in 2002 to $6.1 million in 2003. This is primarily due to an increase in asset impairment losses of $1.7 million from $0.5 million in 2002 to $2.2 million in 2003 on IHOP-operated restaurants, partially offset by an increase in interest income generated primarily from our investments in marketable securities.

Reorganization Charges

        In January 2003, the Company adopted a new operating model, moving from Company-developed and financed restaurant growth to franchisee-financed development. As a result, 2003 financial results were impacted by certain transition and reorganization charges. In 2003, we incurred $9.1 million in reorganization charges. $5.5 million of these expenses were related to the write-off of development costs associated with potential sites that we are no longer going to develop as a result of the adoption of our new business model. In addition, we incurred $3.6 million in management consulting, legal fees, severance costs and other expenses. Almost all of the anticipated reorganization charges were incurred in 2003.

Provision for Income Taxes

        The Company's effective tax rate was 37.5% for both 2003 and 2002.

Balance Sheet Accounts

        Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2003 decreased to $28.0 million from $98.7 million at December 31, 2002, primarily due to the purchase of highly liquid marketable securities of $45.5 million.

        Marketable securities at December 31, 2003 increased to $45.5 million from zero at December 31, 2002, primarily due to the purchase of short-term investment grade corporate bonds maturing at various dates through December 2004.

        Property and equipment, net at December 31, 2003 increased 9.8% to $314.2 million from $286.2 million at December 31, 2002, primarily due to new restaurant development.

        Other assets at December 31, 2003 increased to $27.7 million from $16.1 million at December 31, 2002, primarily due to an $11.0 million increase in deferred rent on operating subleases. Rental income on operating subleases is reflected in the income statement on a straight-line basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Deferred rent on operating subleases is the difference between straight-line rent and the actual amount received. As a result of its franchising efforts in 2003, the Company had an increase of 91 new operating subleases.

        Other liabilities at December 31, 2003 increased to $25.8 million from $15.3 million at December 31, 2002, primarily due to a $7.0 million increase in deferred rent on operating prime leases. Rental expense on operating prime leases is reflected in the income statement on a straight-line basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Deferred rent on operating prime leases is the difference between straight-line rent and the actual amount paid. As a result of its development efforts in 2003, the Company had an increase of 37 new operating prime leases.

        Stockholders' Equity: On January 13, 2003, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to 2.6 million shares of IHOP Corp. common stock. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company repurchased 0.6 million shares of its common stock for a total of $19.4 million. Also, in 2003, the Company began paying a quarterly cash dividend of $.25 per share of common stock. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more details.

24



Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2001

        Each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 were comprised of 52 weeks (364 days).

System-Wide Retail Sales

        System-wide retail sales include the sales from all IHOP restaurants as reported to IHOP by its franchisees, area licensees, and Company-operated restaurants. System-wide retail sales grew by 9.9% to $1.48 billion in 2002 over the same period in 2001. Growth in the number of effective restaurants from 970 to 1,042 and increases in average sales per effective restaurant from $1,387,000 to $1,419,000 primarily caused the growth in system-wide retail sales. "Effective restaurants" are the number of restaurants in operation in a given fiscal period, adjusted to account for restaurants in operation for only a portion of the fiscal period. Effective restaurants grew by 7.4% in 2002 over the same period in 2001 due to new restaurant development. Average sales per effective restaurant increased by 2.3% in 2002 over the prior year period. Newly developed restaurants generally have seating capacities and sales greater than the system-wide averages.

Franchise Operations

        Franchise operations revenues are the revenues received by IHOP from its franchisees and include rent, royalties, sales of proprietary products, advertising fees and interest income. Franchise operations revenues grew by 14.3% to $238.4 million in 2002 over the same period in 2001. Franchise operations revenues grew primarily due to an increase in retail sales in franchise restaurants of 11.5% in 2002 over the same period in 2001. Retail sales in franchised restaurants grew primarily due to a 9.9% increase from 767 to 843 in the number of effective franchise restaurants and a 1.5% increase from $1,494,000 to $1,516,000 in average sales per effective restaurant in 2002 over the same period in 2001, respectively.

        Franchise operations costs and expenses include facility rent, advertising, the cost of proprietary products, and other direct costs associated with franchise operations. Franchise operations costs and expenses increased by 22.7% to $105.7 million in 2002 from $86.1 million in 2001. The increase in franchise operating costs was primarily a result of the increases in rent expense, due to the increase in the number of effective restaurants.

        Sublease transactions with franchisees are structured with little or no margin at inception of the sublease, but with margin improvement anticipated over the life of the lease as retail sales increase (primarily because excess rent provisions in the subleases are tied to retail sales). New unit development will therefore have a negative effect on rent margin percentages. Rent margin percentages decreased from 42.4% in 2001 to 38.3% in 2002.

        Franchise operations margin was $132.7 million or 55.7% of franchise operations revenues in 2002, compared with $122.5 million or 58.7% in 2001. The decrease in the margin percentage was primarily due to the increased rent expense mentioned above.

Sales of Franchises and Equipment

        Sales of franchises and equipment increased by 12.8% to $53.0 million in 2002 from $47.0 million in 2001. The increase in sales was primarily due to an 8.1% increase in the sale of IHOP-developed restaurants from 74 in 2001 to 80 in 2002.

        Cost of sales of franchises and equipment increased by 13.5% to $35.3 million in 2002 from $31.1 million in 2001. The increase in cost of sales of franchises and equipment was primarily due to changes in the number of restaurants franchised in 2002, compared to the same period in 2001. IHOP franchised 100 restaurants in 2002 as compared to 95 in 2001.

25



        Margin on sales of franchises and equipment was $17.7 million or 33.4% of revenues from sales of franchises and equipment in 2002, compared with $15.9 million or 33.9% in 2001, respectively. The decrease in margin percentage primarily resulted from the mix of units franchised as well as higher preopening costs.

Company Operations

        Company operations revenues are retail sales to guests at restaurants operated by IHOP. Company operations revenues increased by 8.2% to $74.4 million in 2002 from $68.8 million in the prior year. Increases in the number of effective IHOP-operated restaurants coupled with the increase in the average sales per IHOP-operated restaurant caused the revenue increase. Effective IHOP-operated restaurants increased from 72 to 76 or 5.6% in 2002 from 2001. Average sales per effective IHOP-operated restaurant increased from approximately $.96 million in 2001 to $.98 million in 2002 or 2.4%.

        Company operations costs and expenses include food, labor and benefits, utilities, rent and other real estate related costs. Company operations costs increased by 9.0% to $72.3 million in 2002 from $66.3 million in 2001. Company operations costs increased primarily as a result of the above changes in revenues. However, Company operations costs and expenses were also impacted by higher labor costs primarily due to the hiring of Assistant General Managers in our Company-operated restaurants in 2002.

        Company operations margin is Company operations revenues less Company operations costs and expenses. Company operations margin was $2.2 million in 2002, compared to $2.5 million in 2001. Company operations margin percentage was 2.9% of Company operations revenues in 2002, compared with 3.6% in the same period in 2001. Company operations margin was lower in 2002 compared to the same period of 2001 primarily due to higher labor costs.

        In assessing the performance of its Company operations, management considers various other costs and expenses not included in Company operations margin. IHOP owns some of the real property of the Company-operated restaurants and internally charges those restaurants market rents. These rent expenses are eliminated in consolidation. The buildings, leasehold improvements and equipment employed in these restaurants are depreciated or amortized in accordance with our policies, and this expense is reflected in the statement of operations as depreciation and amortization. Interest expense related to capital leases on real property of certain Company-operated restaurant leases is also viewed by management as expense related to the Company-operated restaurants, but is included as interest expense in the statement of operations. In addition, employee benefit expenses related to IHOP's employee stock ownership plan ("ESOP") are included in Company operations margin, but are excluded from management's assessment of the performance of Company-operated restaurants.

        Intercompany real estate charges were $1.5 million in 2002 and $0.9 million in 2001. Depreciation and amortization expense was $4.5 million in 2002 and $4.2 million in 2001. Interest expense was $2.1 million in 2002 and $2.4 million in 2001. ESOP related costs were $0.5 million in 2002 and $0.5 million in 2001. After reflecting these other costs and expenses (i.e. rent, depreciation and interest) as part of Company operations and excluding ESOP related costs, the loss before income taxes from Company operations was $5.0 million in 2002 compared to $4.4 million in 2001.

Other Costs and Expenses

        Field, corporate and administrative costs and expenses increased by 18.8% to $48.3 million in 2002 from $40.6 million in 2001. The rise in expenses was primarily due to higher consulting, consumer research and compensation expenses. Field, corporate and administrative expenses were 3.3% of system-wide sales in 2002, compared to 3.0% in 2001.

26



        During 2002, the Company engaged consulting firms to assist in evaluating its current business, conducting consumer research, and developing a new long-term strategy. Approximately $2.4 million of costs related to this project were incurred in 2002. Excluding these costs, field, corporate and administrative expenses were 3.1% of system-wide sales in 2002.

        IHOP believes that field, corporate and administrative costs and expenses will continue to grow at a rate which exceeds the rate of growth in revenues for at least the next 12 months. The growth in costs and expenses will be aimed at enhancing future earnings and same-store sales growth. After 2003, we expect that the rate of growth in field, corporate and administrative costs and expenses will be less than the growth in revenue.

        Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 7.8% to $16.0 million in 2002 from $14.8 million in 2001. The increases were caused primarily by the addition of new restaurants to the IHOP chain from our restaurant development program.

Income Tax Provision

        The Company's effective tax rate was 37.5% for both 2002 and 2001.

Balance Sheet Accounts

        The balance of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2002 increased to $98.7 million from $6.3 million at December 31, 2001, primarily due to the funds provided by our $100 million private placement in November 2002.

        The balance of property and equipment, net at December 31, 2002, increased 20.2% to $286.2 million from $238.0 million at December 31, 2001, primarily due to new restaurant development.

        The balance of long-term receivables at December 31, 2002 increased 8.1% to $332.8 million from $307.9 million in 2001 primarily due to IHOP's financing activities associated with the sales of franchises and equipment. Given our new operating model, we expect our long-term receivables to increase at a lower rate in 2003, and begin to decline in 2004 and thereafter.

        The balance of long-term debt increased by 190.3% in 2002 primarily due to the $100 million private placement in November 2002.

27


Liquidity and Capital Resources

        In 2003, cash and cash equivalents decreased by $70.7 million or 71.6% from $98.7 million in 2002 to $28 million in 2003. The Company ended the period with $28 million in total cash and cash equivalents and $45.5 million in liquid investments.

        Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2003 totaled $71.3 million and resulted primarily from net income of $36.8 million, non-cash charges of $32.6 million and other balance sheet changes of $1.9 million. The decrease in prepaid expenses contributed $5.8 million primarily due to the application of income tax overpayments to the current year tax liability. The increase in accrued compensation and benefits contributed $4.3 million due primarily to the accrual of incentive bonuses for 2003. The decrease in accounts payable of $10.2 million reflects the decrease in construction activity at year-end 2003 due to the transition to our new model.

        In 2003, we opened 56 IHOP-developed restaurants. We funded total capital additions in 2003 of $80.5 million, which included the cost of the newly-opened restaurants, new equipment for existing restaurants, remodels of existing restaurants, restaurants under construction, and other capital expenditures. This amount is down significantly from the $141.7 million invested for these purposes in 2002.

        In January 2003, our Board of Directors approved an increase in our stock repurchase program that permits the purchase of up to 2.6 million shares. During 2003, we repurchased approximately 0.6 million shares of common stock under our stock repurchase program at an aggregate cost of $19.4 million. Depending on market conditions and other factors, these purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time or from time to time without prior notice.

        In 2004, capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $10 million to $15 million. These capital expenditures include costs associated with the development of four restaurants under the "Old Model," the development of restaurants in IHOP's new Company operations market in Cincinnati, Ohio and investment in information technology.

        The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has proposed adjustments in connection with its examination of the Company's 2000 and 2001 federal income tax returns. The proposed adjustments would accelerate the tax years in which the Company reports initial franchise fee income for federal income tax purposes. If the IRS is successful, the Company would be required to report additional income for its 2000 tax year of approximately $45.2 million and additional income for its 2001 tax year of approximately $4.8 million. The Company's federal income tax liability with respect to the proposed adjustments, exclusive of interest, penalties and any related state tax liability, would be approximately $15.8 million for 2000 and $1.7 million for 2001. The Company is currently contesting the proposed adjustments through IRS administrative proceedings.

        For the tax years under audit, and potentially for subsequent tax years, such proposed adjustments could result in material cash payments by the Company. The Company had previously recorded in its consolidated financial statements the expected federal and state deferred income tax liability. Therefore, the proposed adjustments relate only to a timing issue. Although the Company cannot determine at this time the resolution of this matter, we do not believe that the proposed adjustments, if upheld, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

        We expect to fund our liquidity needs, including operating expenses, capital expenditures, the repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, stock repurchases and required income tax payments, from a combination of existing cash balances, cash flows from operating activities and principal receipts from notes and equipment contracts receivable. In 2004, we expect cash from operations of $50 million to $55 million, and principal receipts from notes and equipment contracts receivable of $17 million to $22 million.

28



        As an additional source of liquidity, we have a $25 million line of credit which expires in May 2005. Borrowings under the revolving line of credit agreement bear interest at the bank's reference rate (prime) or, at IHOP's option, at the bank's quoted rate or at a Eurodollar rate. There was no balance outstanding under this agreement at December 31, 2003 nor were there any borrowings under the agreement during the year.

        The following table presents the contractual principal receipts on various receivables due from our franchisees as of December 31, 2003.

 
  Principal Receipts Due By Period
 
  2004
  2005
  2006
  2007
  2008
  Thereafter
  Total
 
  (In thousands)

Equipment leases(1)   $ 5,368   $ 5,806   $ 6,220   $ 6,342   $ 6,338   $ 150,031   $ 180,105
Direct financing leases(2)     1,425     1,802     2,138     2,534     3,129     120,226     131,254
Franchise notes and other(3)     13,569     11,382     9,927     8,886     7,541     11,734     63,039
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total   $ 20,362   $ 18,990   $ 18,285   $ 17,762   $ 17,008   $ 281,991   $ 374,398
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Equipment leases receivable extend throughout the year 2027.

(2)
Direct financing leases receivable extend through the year 2024.

(3)
Franchise notes receivable extend through the year 2010.

        The above trend primarily reflects the decrease in long-term receivables attributable to the Company's decision to no longer finance the development of restaurants.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        The Company does not have any other off-balance sheet arrangements other than the purchase commitments that are disclosed under "Disclosure of Contractual Obligations".

Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

        The following are our significant contractual obligations and payments as of December 31, 2003:

 
  Payments Due By Period
Contractual Obligations

  Less than
1 Year

  1-3 Years
  3-5 Years
  More than
5 Years

  Total
 
  (in thousands)

Debt excluding capital leases   $ 5,731   $ 25,397   $ 39,660   $ 74,558   $ 145,346
Operating leases     59,152     117,118     117,642     888,706     1,182,618
Capital leases     22,537     45,803     46,033     298,599     412,972
Purchase commitments     2,416                 2,416
   
 
 
 
 
Total   $ 89,836   $ 188,318   $ 203,335   $ 1,261,863   $ 1,743,352
   
 
 
 
 


Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

        The Company is exposed to interest rate risk for its investments in marketable securities. At December 31, 2003, the Company had $45.5 million in marketable securities maturing at various dates through December 2004. The Company's investments are comprised primarily of highly liquid investment grade corporate bonds. The Company generally holds investments until maturity, and therefore should not bear any interest risk due to early disposition. Any premium or discount recognized upon the purchase of an investment is amortized over the term of the investment. At December 31, 2003, the fair value of investments approximated the carrying value.

29



        IHOP is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt and changes in commodity prices. IHOP's exposure to interest rate risk relates to its $25 million revolving line of credit agreement and its $12 million mortgage term loan with its banks. Borrowings under the revolving line of credit agreement bear interest at the bank's reference rate (prime) or, at IHOP's option, at the bank's quoted rate or at a Eurodollar rate. There was no balance outstanding under this agreement at December 31, 2003 nor were there any borrowings under the agreement during 2003. Borrowings under the mortgage term loan agreement bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin will be a function of the funded debt to EBITDA ratio as defined under the loan agreement. The impact on our results of operations due to a hypothetical 1% interest rate change would be immaterial.

        In March 2002, IHOP entered into a $17.2 million variable rate term loan also included in leasehold mortgage term loans. This loan, which accrues interest at one-month LIBOR, will amortize over twelve years and has a maturity date of April 1, 2014. The outstanding balance as of December 31, 2003, was $15.6 million. The interest rate was 3.66% at December 31, 2003. The lending institution required IHOP to enter into an interest rate swap agreement for 50%, or $8.6 million, of the loan as a means of reducing IHOP's interest rate exposures. This strategy will effectively use an interest rate swap to convert $8.6 million in variable rate borrowings into fixed rate liabilities. The interest rate swap agreement is considered to be a hedge against changes in the amount of future cash flows associated with interest payments on this variable rate loan.

        Many of the food products purchased by IHOP and its franchisees and area licensees are affected by commodity pricing and are, therefore, subject to unpredictable price volatility. We attempt to mitigate price fluctuations by entering into forward purchase agreements on all our major products. None of these food product contracts or agreements is a derivative instrument. Extreme changes in commodity prices and/or long-term changes could affect IHOP's franchisees, area licensees and Company-operated restaurants adversely. We expect that in most cases the IHOP system would be able to pass increased commodity prices through to its consumers via increases in menu prices. From time to time, competitive circumstances could limit short-term menu price flexibility, and in those cases margins would be negatively impacted by increased commodity prices. This would be mitigated by the fact that the majority of IHOP restaurants are franchised and IHOP's revenue stream from franchisees is based on the gross sales of the restaurants. We believe that any changes in commodity pricing that cannot be adjusted for by changes in menu pricing or other strategies would not be material to either IHOP's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

        In some instances, the Company is required to enter into commitments to purchase food and other items on behalf of the IHOP system as a whole. At December 31, 2003, our outstanding purchase commitments were $2.4 million. The Company has developed processes to facilitate the liquidation of these commitments to minimize financial exposure.

30




Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.


Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
  Page
Reference

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002   32
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003   33
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003   34
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003   35
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements   36
Report of Independent Auditors   54

31



IHOP Corp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2003
  2002
 
Assets              
Current assets              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 27,996   $ 98,739  
  Marketable securities     45,537      
  Receivables, net     47,116     46,740  
  Reacquired franchises and equipment held for sale, net     1,597     2,619  
  Inventories     556     889  
  Prepaid expenses     4,279     10,114  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     127,081     159,101  
   
 
 
Long-term receivables     354,036     332,792  
Property and equipment, net     314,221     286,226  
Reacquired franchises and equipment held for sale, net     9,153     14,842  
Excess of costs over net assets acquired     10,767     10,767  
Other assets     27,746     16,072  
   
 
 
    Total assets   $ 843,004   $ 819,800  
   
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity              
Current liabilities              
  Current maturities of long-term debt   $ 5,731   $ 5,949  
  Accounts payable     13,840     24,079  
  Accrued employee compensation and benefits     11,962     7,625  
  Other accrued expenses     8,924     11,936  
  Deferred income taxes     1,760     1,370  
  Capital lease obligations     3,156     2,605  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     45,373     53,564  
   
 
 
Long-term debt     139,615     145,768  
Deferred income taxes     72,225     69,606  
Capital lease obligations     177,664     171,170  
Other liabilities     25,767     15,303  

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7 and 13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Preferred stock, $1 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding          
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 2003: 21,994,068 shares issued and 21,389,939 shares outstanding; 2002: 21,427,287 shares issued and 21,279,500 shares outstanding     220     214  
Additional paid-in-capital     104,661     90,770  
Retained earnings     295,448     274,768  
Deferred compensation     (191 )   (434 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (545 )   (680 )
Treasury stock, at cost (2003: 604,129 shares; 2002: 147,787 shares)     (19,443 )   (2,247 )
Contribution to ESOP     2,210     1,998  
   
 
 
  Total stockholders' equity     382,360     364,389  
   
 
 
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 843,004   $ 819,800  
   
 
 

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

32



IHOP Corp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
Revenues                  
  Franchise revenues   $ 140,131   $ 123,050   $ 111,129
  Rental income     117,258     99,595     84,037
  Company restaurant sales     74,880     74,433     68,810
  Financing revenues     72,536     68,796     60,460
   
 
 
    Total revenues     404,805     365,874     324,436
   
 
 
Costs and Expenses                  
  Franchise expenses     64,265     55,139     48,269
  Rental expenses     86,620     73,812     59,882
  Company restaurant expenses     81,737     78,422     72,819
  Financing expenses     43,619     38,185     33,442
  General and administrative expenses     54,575     49,526     41,964
  Other (income) expense, net     6,054     5,433     3,599
  Reorganization charges     9,085        
   
 
 
    Total costs and expenses     345,955     300,517     259,975
   
 
 
Income before income taxes     58,850     65,357     64,461
Provision for income taxes     22,068     24,509     24,173
   
 
 

Net income

 

$

36,782

 

$

40,848

 

$

40,288
   
 
 
Net income per share                  
  Basic   $ 1.72   $ 1.95   $ 1.98
   
 
 
  Diluted   $ 1.70   $ 1.92   $ 1.94
   
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding                  
  Basic     21,424     20,946     20,398
   
 
 
  Diluted     21,614     21,269     20,762
   
 
 
Dividends declared per share   $ .75        
   
 
 
Dividends paid per share   $ .75        
   
 
 

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

33



IHOP Corp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 
  Common Stock
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)

   
   
   
 
 
  Shares
Issued

  Amount
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital

  Retained
Earnings

  Deferred
Compensation

  Treasury
Stock

  Contribution
To ESOP

  Total
 
  Balance, December 31, 2000   20,299,091   $ 203   $ 69,655   $ 193,632   $   $   $ (5,170 ) $ 1,675   $ 259,995  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income               40,288                     40,288  
Repurchase of treasury shares                           (23 )       (23 )
Reissuance of treasury shares to ESOP           (132 )               1,807     (1,675 )    
Issuance of shares pursuant to stock plans   619,192     6     7,123                         7,129  
Tax benefit from stock options Exercised           3,191                         3,191  
Contribution to ESOP                               1,850     1,850  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Balance December 31, 2001   20,918,283     209     79,837     233,920             (3,386 )   1,850     312,430  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income               40,848                     40,848  
Unrealized (loss) on interest rate swap, net of tax                       (680 )           (680 )
                                                 
 
Comprehensive income                                                   40,168  
Reissuance of treasury shares to ESOP           711                 1,139     (1,850 )    
Issuance of shares pursuant to stock plans   509,004     5     7,556                         7,561  
Tax benefit from stock options Exercised           2,000                         2,000  
Deferred compensation resulting from grant of options           666         (666 )                
Amortization of deferred Compensation                   232                 232  
Contribution to ESOP                                 1,998     1,998  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Balance, December 31, 2002   21,427,287     214     90,770     274,768     (434 )   (680 )   (2,247 )   1,998     364,389  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income               36,782                     36,782  
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap, net of tax                       135             135  
                                                 
 
Comprehensive income                                                   36,917  
Repurchase of treasury shares                           (18,634 )       (18,634 )
Reissuance of treasury shares to ESOP           560                 1,438     (1,998 )    
Issuance of shares pursuant to stock plans   588,081     6     10,256                         10,262  
Repurchase and retirement of common stock   (21,300 )                                
Tax benefit from stock options Exercised           3,130                         3,130  
Deferred compensation resulting from grant/cancellation of options           (55 )       48                 (7 )
Dividends—common stock               (16,102 )                   (16,102 )
Amortization of deferred Compensation                   195                 195  
Contribution to ESOP                               2,210     2,210  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Balance, December 31, 2003   21,994,068   $ 220   $ 104,661   $ 295,448   $ (191 ) $ (545 ) $ (19,443 ) $ 2,210   $ 382,360  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

34



IHOP Corp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Cash flows from operating activities                    
  Net income   $ 36,782   $ 40,848   $ 40,288  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities                    
    Depreciation and amortization     18,625     15,967     14,818  
    Reorganization charges     5,632          
    Deferred income taxes     3,009     10,763     9,671  
    Contribution to ESOP     2,210     1,998     1,850  
    Tax benefit from stock options exercised     3,130     2,000     3,191  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities                    
      Accounts receivable     3,231     (2,465 )   (4,252 )
      Inventories     333     (52 )   (146 )
      Prepaid expenses     5,835     (3,775 )   (4,555 )
      Accounts payable     (10,239 )   7,413     (3,922 )
      Accrued employee compensation and benefits     4,337     4     845  
      Other accrued expenses     (3,012 )   4,698     (597 )
    Other, net     1,437     713     (1,488 )
   
 
 
 
      Cash flows provided by operating activities     71,310     78,112     55,703  
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities                    
    Additions to property and equipment     (80,545 )   (141,740 )   (119,797 )
    Additions to notes     (13,700 )   (16,533 )   (14,993 )
    Purchase of investment securities, net     (45,537 )        
    Principal receipts from notes and equipment contracts receivable     16,342     17,344     14,668  
    Additions to reacquired franchises held for sale     (1,987 )   (641 )   (2,320 )
   
 
 
 
      Cash flows used in investing activities     (125,427 )   (141,570 )   (122,442 )
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities                    
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt         117,203     26,532  
    Proceeds from sale and leaseback arrangements     16,724     58,542     45,652  
    Repayment of long-term debt     (6,371 )   (25,406 )   (11,915 )
    Principal payments on capital lease obligations     (2,505 )   (1,955 )   (1,592 )
    Dividends paid     (16,102 )        
    Purchase of treasury stock     (18,634 )       (23 )
    Proceeds from stock options exercised     10,262     7,561     7,129  
   
 
 
 
      Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities     (16,626 )   155,945     65,783  
   
 
 
 
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents     (70,743 )   92,487     (956 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     98,739     6,252     7,208  
   
 
 
 
      Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 27,996   $ 98,739   $ 6,252  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures                    
    Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized   $ 27,283   $ 20,196   $ 21,238  
    Income taxes paid     15,946     14,286     15,257  
    Capital lease obligations incurred     10,277     5,534     2,388  

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

35



IHOP Corp. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Operations

        IHOP Corp. and its subsidiaries ("IHOP" or the "Company") engage exclusively in the food-service industry, primarily in the United States, wherein we franchise and operate restaurants. In January 2003, we announced significant changes in the way we conduct our business. These changes included a transition from Company financed restaurant development (the "Old Model") to a more traditional franchise development model, in which franchisees finance and develop new restaurants (the "New Model").

Basis of Presentation

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of IHOP Corp. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Fiscal Periods

        IHOP's fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to December 31 of each year. For convenience, we report all fiscal years as ending on December 31 and fiscal quarters as ending on March 31, June 30 and September 30.

Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires IHOP management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. They also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        IHOP at times purchases highly liquid, investment-grade securities with an original maturity of three months or less. These cash equivalents are stated at cost which approximates market value. We do not believe that we are exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. At times, cash and cash equivalent balances may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits.

Marketable Securities

        Investment securities consist primarily of short-term investment grade corporate bonds with maturities of 12 months or less that are classified as "held-to-maturity" and carried at amortized cost which approximates fair value.

Inventories

        Inventories consisting of merchandise and supplies are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market.

36



Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows:

Category

  Depreciable Life
Buildings and improvements   Shorter of lease term or 40 years
Leaseholds and improvements   Shorter of lease term or 3—25 years
Equipment and fixtures   3—10 years
Properties under capital lease   Primary lease term

        Leaseholds and improvements are amortized over a period not exceeding the primary term of the lease.

Accounting for Long-Lived Assets

        We regularly evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment at the individual restaurant level. Restaurant assets are evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a restaurant may not be recoverable. We consider factors such as the number of years the restaurant has been operated by the Company, sales trends, cash flow trends, remaining lease life, and site specific considerations which may apply on a case by case basis. These impairment evaluations require an estimation of cash flows over the remaining useful life of the asset.

        Recoverability of a restaurant's assets is measured by comparing the assets carrying value to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated over the assets remaining useful life. If the total expected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the carrying amount is written down to the estimated fair value, and a loss resulting from impairment is recognized by a charge to earnings. The fair value is determined by discounting the future cash flows based on our cost of capital.

        The Company may elect to close certain Company-operated restaurants. Typically such decisions are based on operating performance or strategic considerations. In these instances, we reserve, or write-off, the full carrying value of these restaurants as impaired.

        Periodically, the Company will reacquire a previously franchised restaurant. At the time of reacquisition, the franchise will be recorded at the lower of (1) the sum of the franchise receivables and costs of reacquisition, or (2) the estimated net realizable value. The net realizable value of a reacquired franchise is based on the Company's average five-year historical franchise resale value. The historical resale value used in 2003 was $220,000. An impairment loss will be recognized equal to the amount by which the reacquisition value exceeds the historical resale value.

        Judgments and estimates made by the Company related to long-lived assets are affected by factors such as economic conditions, changes in franchise historical resale values, and changes in operating performance. As the Company assesses the ongoing expected cash flows and carrying value of its long-lived assets, these factors could cause the Company to realize impairment charges.

37



Excess of Costs Over Net Assets Acquired

        In June 2001, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, "Business Combinations," and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," were issued and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. SFAS No. 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations initiated or completed after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142. As a result, the Company's amortization of goodwill in the amount of $107,000 ($67,000 net of income taxes) per quarter ceased effective January 1, 2002. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company was required to reassess the useful lives of its other intangible assets as well as perform a transitional impairment test of indefinite-lived intangible assets. Since the Company does not have any intangible assets other than goodwill, the adoption of the provisions of the statement affecting other intangible assets had no impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        Also, in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company was required to carry out a transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, which required an assessment of whether there was an indication that goodwill was impaired as of the date of adoption. Initially, the Company identified its reporting units and determined the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities (excluding goodwill) to those reporting units as of the date of adoption. All existing goodwill at the date that SFAS No. 142 was adopted is assigned to one or more reporting units in a reasonable and supportable manner as prescribed by the standard.

        During the second quarter of 2002, the Company completed its transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, and determined that none of the recorded goodwill was impaired. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually and more frequently if circumstances indicate that it may be impaired.

Self-Insurance Liability

        We are self-insured for a significant portion of our employee health and workers' compensation obligations. The Company maintains stop-loss coverage with third party insurers to limit its total exposure. The accrued liability associated with these programs is based on our estimate of the ultimate costs to be incurred to settle known claims and claims incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. Our estimated liability is not discounted and is based on a number of assumptions and factors, including historical trends, actuarial assumptions and economic conditions. If actual trends, including the severity or frequency of claims, differ from our estimates, our financial results could be impacted.

Revenue Recognition

        IHOP's revenues and expenses are recorded in four categories: franchise operations, rental operations, Company restaurant operations and financing operations.

        The Franchise Operations segment consists primarily of royalty revenues, sales of proprietary products, advertising fees and the portion of the franchise fees allocated to the Company's intellectual property. Rental revenue includes revenue from operating leases and interest income from direct financing leases. Company restaurant sales are retail sales at IHOP-operated restaurants. The Financing

38



Operations segment consists of the portion of franchise fees not allocated to the Company's intellectual property, of sales of equipment as well as interest income from the financing of franchise fee and equipment leases.

        Sales by Company-operated restaurants are recognized on a cash basis. Revenues from franchised and area licensed restaurants include continuing rent and service fees and initial franchise fees. Continuing fees are recognized in the period earned. Initial franchise fees are recognized upon the opening of a restaurant, which is when the Company has performed substantially all initial services required by the franchise agreement. Fees from Development Agreements are deferred and recorded into income when a restaurant under the Development Agreement is opened.

Leases

        The Company leases the majority of its restaurants with the exception of those where a franchisee enters into a lease directly with a landlord, those associated with area license agreements or those where IHOP owns the land. The leased restaurants are either sublet to franchisees or operated by IHOP. IHOP's leases generally provide for an initial term of 15 to 25 years, with most having one or more five-year renewal options in favor of the Company. The rental payments or receipts on those property leases that meet the capital lease criteria will result in the recognition of interest expense or interest income and a reduction of capital lease obligation or financing lease receivable. Capital lease obligations are amortized based on IHOP's incremental borrowing rate and direct financing leases are amortized using the implicit interest rate. Assets under capital leases are included in Property, Plant, and Equipment and are depreciated over the shorter of their useful lives or the life of the lease. The rental payments or receipts on leases that meet the operating lease criteria are recorded as rental expense or rental income. Rental expense and rental income for these operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the original terms of the leases. The difference between straight-line rent expense or income is reflected in the balance sheet as deferred rent.

Preopening Expenses

        Expenditures related to the opening of new restaurants, other than those for capital assets, are charged to expense when incurred.

Advertising

        Advertising expenses included in Company Restaurant Operations and Franchise Operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were $5.1 million, $3.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively. In addition, significant advertising expenses are also incurred by franchisees through local advertising cooperatives and a national advertising fund.

Income Taxes

        Deferred income taxes are determined using the liability method. A deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that are expected to be in effect when these differences reverse. Deferred tax expense is the result of changes in the deferred tax asset or liability. If necessary, valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to their expected realizable values.

39



Net Income Per Share

        Basic net income per share is computed by dividing the net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing the net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Common share equivalents included in the diluted computation represent shares issuable upon assumed exercises of outstanding stock options using the treasury stock method.

Comprehensive Income

        Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income components which, under GAAP, bypass the income statement and are reported in the balance sheet as a separate component of stockholders' equity. As of December 31, 2003, our swap liability was $0.9 million. In 2003, the Company had other comprehensive income of $135,000 due to an interest rate swap that the Company entered into during 2002. In 2002, the Company had other comprehensive losses of $680,000 due to this swap agreement. For the period ended December 31, 2001, IHOP had no other comprehensive income components, as defined by GAAP. As a result, net income is the same as comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2001.

Stock Based Compensation

        In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," we have elected to account for our stock-based employee compensation plans under the intrinsic value method which requires compensation expense to be recorded only if, on the date of grant, the current market price of the Company's common stock exceeds the exercise price the employee must pay for the stock. The Company's policy is to grant stock options at the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant.

        Had compensation cost for IHOP's stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards during each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, IHOP's net income and diluted net income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (In thousands, except
per share amounts)

 
Net income, as reported   $ 36,782   $ 40,848   $ 40,288  

Add stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax

 

 

118

 

 

144

 

 


 

Less stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair-value accounting method, net of tax

 

 

(1,610

)

 

(1,532

)

 

(960

)
   
 
 
 

Net income, pro forma

 

$

35,290

 

$

39,460

 

$

39,328

 
   
 
 
 

Net income per share-diluted, as reported

 

$

1.70

 

$

1.92

 

$

1.94

 
Net income per share-diluted, pro forma   $ 1.63   $ 1.86   $ 1.89  

40


Derivative and Financial Instruments

        In 2001, IHOP adopted SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" which established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts. During 2001, IHOP purchased natural gas contracts equal to 25% of estimated requirements through December 2002 to limit exposure to market increases in natural gas prices for IHOP-operated restaurants only. These derivative instruments do not qualify under SFAS No. 133 as either a fair value or cash flow hedge. They are valued at fair value with the resultant gain or loss recognized in current earnings. In 2003, we did not purchase any natural gas contracts. The adoption of SFAS No. 133 had no material impact on IHOP's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

        IHOP does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. The estimated fair values of all cash and cash equivalents, notes receivable and equipment contracts receivable as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, approximated their carrying amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of those dates. The estimated fair values of notes receivable and equipment leases receivable are based on current interest rates offered for similar loans in our present lending activities.

        The estimated fair values of long-term debt are based on current rates available to IHOP for similar debt of the same remaining maturities. The carrying values of long-term debt at December 31, 2003 and 2002 were $139,615,000 and $145,768,000, respectively, and the fair values at those dates were $148,096,000 and $154,162,000, respectively.

Reclassification

        Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year information to conform to the current year presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

        In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." FIN 46 establishes a new and far-reaching consolidation accounting model. Although FIN 46 was initially focused on special purpose entities, the applicability of FIN 46 goes beyond such entities and can have applicability to franchise arrangements, regardless of whether the Company has voting or ownership control of such franchisee. In response to a number of comment letters and implementation questions, in December 2003 the FASB issued FIN 46R, which delays the effective date of FIN 46 for certain entities until March 31, 2004, as well as provides clarification regarding franchise considerations and other implementation issues. To determine the applicability of FIN 46 and 46R, the Company is currently evaluating financial information recently received from its franchisees to determine if the Company is the "primary beneficiary" (as such term is defined by FIN 46) which would require consolidation of those franchisees that qualify as variable interest entities. However, FIN 46R does provide relief if, after making an exhaustive effort, the Company is unable to obtain the required financial information from franchisees. The Company is currently evaluating whether it will qualify for this scope exclusion.

        In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity." This statement did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. This statement establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with the characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial statements issued after May 2003.

41


2.    Marketable Securities

        Marketable securities are classified as "held-to-maturity" and carried at amortized cost which approximates fair value. The following table shows our investments' gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2003. There were no marketable securities as of December 31, 2002.

 
  Less than 12 months
 
Description of Securities

  Fair Value
  Unrealized Losses
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Corporate Bonds   $ 45,324   $ (109 )
Other     104      
   
 
 
    $ 45,428   $ (109 )
   
 
 

3.    Receivables

 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Accounts receivable   $ 28,075   $ 31,656  
Notes receivable     63,039     57,522  
Equipment leases receivable     180,105     158,221  
Direct financing leases receivable     131,254     133,804  
   
 
 
      402,473     381,203  
Less allowance for doubtful accounts     (1,321 )   (1,671 )
   
 
 
      401,152     379,532  
Less current portion     (47,116 )   (46,740 )
   
 
 

Long-term receivables

 

$

354,036

 

$

332,792

 
   
 
 

        Accounts receivable primarily includes receivables due from franchisees and distributors. Notes receivable include franchise fee notes in the amount of $59,344,000 and $55,571,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Franchise fee notes are due in equal weekly installments, primarily bear interest averaging 10.27% per annum, and are collateralized by the franchise. The term of an equipment contract coincides with the term of the corresponding restaurant building lease. Equipment contracts are due in equal weekly installments, primarily bear interest averaging 10.84% per annum, and are collateralized by the equipment. Where applicable, franchise fee notes, equipment contracts and building leases contain cross-default provisions wherein a default under one constitutes a default under all. There is not a disproportionate concentration of credit risk in any geographic area.

42



4.    Property and Equipment, at Cost

 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Land   $ 33,060   $ 25,857  
Buildings and improvements     60,824     46,225  
Leaseholds and improvements     223,596     189,870  
Equipment and fixtures     15,497     18,506  
Construction in progress     4,804     29,983  
Properties under capital lease obligations     54,907     43,784  
   
 
 
      392,688     354,225  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

(78,467

)

 

(67,999

)
   
 
 

Property and equipment, net

 

$

314,221

 

$

286,226

 
   
 
 

        Buildings and improvements are structures, and improvements to structures, on land owned by the Company. Leaseholds and improvements are structures, and improvements to structures, on land leased by the Company. Properties under capital lease represent the values of property leased under a capital lease. The value of leased property is recorded at the lower of the fair value of the leased property, or the present value of the minimum lease payments, at the inception of the lease.

        Accumulated depreciation and amortization includes accumulated amortization for properties under capital lease obligations in the amount of $9,930,000 and $7,837,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

5.    Reacquired Franchises and Equipment Held for Sale

        Reacquired franchises and equipment held for sale are accounted for on the specific identification basis. At the date of reacquisition, the franchise and equipment are recorded at the lower of (1) the sum of the franchise receivables and costs of reacquisition, or (2) the estimated net realizable value. Pending the sale of such franchise, the carrying value is amortized ratably over the remaining life of the asset or lease and the estimated net realizable value is evaluated in conjunction with our impairment evaluation of long-lived assets. The estimated net realizable value used in 2003 was $220,000 for each franchise held for resale.

 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Franchises   $ 6,341   $ 11,370  
Equipment     10,284     14,272  
   
 
 
      16,625     25,642  
Less amortization     (5,875 )   (8,181 )
   
 
 
      10,750     17,461  
Less current portion     (1,597 )   (2,619 )
   
 
 
Long-term reacquired franchises and equipment held for sale, net   $ 9,153   $ 14,842  
   
 
 

43


6.    Debt

        Debt consists of the following components:

 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Senior Notes due November 2008, payable in equal annual installments commencing November 2000, at a fixed interest rate of 7.42%   $ 19,445   $ 23,333  
Senior Notes Series A due October 2012, at a fixed interest rate of 5.88%     5,000     5,000  
Senior Notes Series B due October 2012, at a fixed interest rate of 5.20%     95,000     95,000  
Leasehold mortgage term loans     25,840     27,496  
Other     61     888  
   
 
 

Total debt

 

 

145,346

 

 

151,717

 

Less current maturities

 

 

(5,731

)

 

(5,949

)
   
 
 

Long-term debt

 

$

139,615

 

$

145,768

 
   
 
 

        The Senior Notes due in 2008 are non-collateralized.

        In 2002, IHOP completed a private placement of $100 million of non-collateralized senior notes in two tranches ($5 million and $95 million) due October 2012. The notes have an average fixed interest rate of 5.234% with annual principal payments of $13.6 million commencing October 2006. Proceeds from the sale of the senior notes were intended to be used to fund capital expenditures for new restaurants and for general corporate purposes.

        Included in leasehold mortgage term loans is a loan amount totaling $10.2 million and $10.9 million as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, due May 2013. The loan is collateralized by certain IHOP restaurants. Borrowings under this loan agreement bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin will be a function of the funded debt to EBITDA as defined under the loan agreement. This rate was 3.63% and 3.17% at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

        On March 13, 2002, IHOP entered into a $17.2 million variable rate term loan also included in leasehold mortgage term loans. This loan, which accrues interest at one-month LIBOR, will amortize over twelve years and has a maturity date of April 1, 2014. The outstanding balance as of December 31, 2003 was $15.6 million. The interest rate was 3.66% at December 31, 2003. The lending institution required IHOP to enter into an interest rate swap agreement for 50%, $8.6 million, of the loan as a means of reducing IHOP's interest rate exposure. This strategy will effectively use an interest rate swap to convert $8.6 million in variable rate borrowings into fixed rate liabilities. The interest rate swap agreement is considered to be a hedge against changes in the amount of future cash flows associated with interest payments on this variable rate loan. As a result, the interest rate swap agreement is stated at fair value and the related net loss of $0.5 million on this agreement as of December 31, 2003 is reflected in stockholders' equity as a component of comprehensive income (loss).

        IHOP has a non-collateralized revolving credit agreement with a bank in the amount of $25 million with a maturity date of May 31, 2004. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at the bank's reference rate (prime) or, at our option, at the bank's quoted rate or at a Eurodollar rate. A commitment fee of 0.375% per annum is payable on unborrowed funds available under the agreement.

44



The prime rate was 4.00% at December 31, 2003 and 4.25% at December 31, 2002. There was no outstanding balance under the agreement at December 31, 2003 nor were there any borrowings under the agreement during 2003. There was no outstanding balance at December 31, 2002 and the largest amount outstanding under the agreement during 2002 was $15 million.

        Financial covenants in the purchase agreements governing our 5.20% senior notes, our 5.88% senior notes, and our 7.42% senior notes; our leasehold mortgage term loans; and our revolving credit agreement limit our ability to pay dividends. As of December 31, 2003, the most restrictive of our covenants with respect to dividends were contained in our leasehold mortgage term loans. These loans required that we maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.35 to 1, with the amount of cash dividends deducted from the numerator used to calculate this ratio. During the fourth quarter of 2003, IHOP violated these affirmative covenants due to the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend in the fourth quarter of 2003. The creditor has issued a waiver for the covenant violation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. Effective March 8, 2004, the leasehold mortgage term loans were amended so that cash dividends would no longer be deducted from the numerator in calculating this ratio. After giving effect to this amendment, the Company's most restrictive covenant requires the Company to maintain a ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization of 0.5 to 1.0. Under this test, as of December 31, 2003 the Company had $90.4 million in retained earnings available for payment as dividends.

        IHOP's long term debt maturities are as follows:

 
  (In thousands)
2004   $ 5,731
2005     5,839
2006     19,558
2007     19,732
2008     19,928
Thereafter     74,558
   
    $ 145,346
   

7.    Leases

        The Company leases the majority of its restaurants with the exception of those where a franchisee enters into a lease directly with a landlord and those associated with area license agreements. The restaurants are subleased to franchisees or operated by IHOP. These noncancelable leases and subleases consist primarily of land, buildings and improvements.

45



        The following is the Company's net investment in direct financing lease receivables:

 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Total minimum rents receivable   $ 349,224   $ 372,893  
Less unearned income     (217,970 )   (239,089 )
   
 
 

Net investment in direct financing lease receivables

 

 

131,254

 

 

133,804

 
Less current portion     (1,425 )   (1,202 )
   
 
 

Long-term direct financing lease receivables

 

$

129,829

 

$

132,602

 
   
 
 

        Contingent rental income for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $29,348,000, $23,393,000 and $21,899,000, respectively.

        The following is the Company's net investment in equipment leases receivable:

 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Total minimum leases receivable   $ 430,156   $ 373,828  
Less unearned income     (250,051 )   (215,607 )
   
 
 

Net investment in equipment leases receivables

 

 

180,105

 

 

158,221

 
Less current portion     (5,368 )   (4,960 )
   
 
 

Long-term equipment leases receivable

 

$

174,737

 

$

153,261

 
   
 
 

        The following are minimum future lease payments on the Company's noncancelable leases as lessee at December 31, 2003:

 
  Capital
Leases

  Operating
Leases

 
  (In thousands)

2004   $ 22,537   $ 59,152
2005     22,899     58,806
2006     22,904     58,312
2007     22,944     58,785
2008     23,089     58,857
Thereafter     298,599     888,706
   
 

Total minimum lease payments

 

 

412,972

 

$

1,182,618
         
Less interest     (232,152 )    
   
     

Capital lease obligations

 

 

180,820

 

 

 
Less current portion     (3,156 )    
   
     

Long-term capital lease obligations

 

$

177,664

 

 

 
   
     

46


        The asset cost and carrying amount on IHOP-owned property leased at December 31, 2003, was $88.0 million and $80.3 million, respectively.

        The minimum future lease payments shown above have not been reduced by the following future minimum rents to be received on noncancelable subleases and leases of owned property at December 31, 2003:

 
  Direct
Financing
Leases

  Operating
Leases

 
  (In thousands)

2004   $ 18,551   $ 83,116
2005     18,774     84,046
2006     18,847     84,773
2007     19,032     85,907
2008     19,294     86,873
Thereafter     254,726     1,554,083
   
 

Total minimum rents receivable

 

$

349,224

 

$

1,978,798
   
 

        IHOP has noncancelable leases, expiring at various dates through 2032, that require payment of contingent rents based upon a percentage of sales of the related restaurant as well as property taxes, insurance and other charges. Subleases to franchisees of properties under such leases are generally for the full term of the lease obligation at rents that include IHOP's obligations for property taxes, insurance, contingent rents and other charges. Generally, the noncancelable leases include renewal options. Contingent rent expense for all noncancelable leases for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $2,779,000, $2,713,000 and $2,902,000, respectively. Minimum rent expense for all noncancelable operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $59,460,000, $50,988,000 and $40,312,000, respectively.

8.    Reorganization Charges

        In January 2003, the Company adopted a new operating model, moving from Company-developed and financed restaurant growth to franchisee-financed development. As a result, the 2003 financial results were impacted by certain transition and reorganization charges. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, we incurred $9.1 million in reorganization charges. $5.5 million of these expenses were related to the write-off of development costs associated with potential sites that we are no longer going to develop as a result of the adoption of our new business model. In addition, we incurred $3.6 million in management consulting, legal fees, severance costs and other expenses associated with the transition to our new business model. Almost all of the anticipated reorganization charges were incurred in 2003.

9.    Stockholders' Equity

        In March 2003 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.25 per share, paid on May 19, 2003 to stockholders of record on May 1, 2003. Subsequent to this declaration of a quarterly dividend, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per common share paid on August 18, 2003 to stockholders of record as of August 1, 2003; and declared a third quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per common share paid on November 21, 2003 to stockholders of record as of November 3, 2003.

47



        The Stock Incentive Plan (the "1991 Plan") was adopted in 1991 and amended and restated in 1998 to authorize the issuance of up to 3,760,000 shares of common stock pursuant to options, restricted stock, and other long-term stock-based incentives to officers and key employees of IHOP. The 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2001 Plan") was adopted in 2001 to authorize the issuance of up to 1,200,000 shares of common stock. No option can be granted at an option price of less than the fair market value at the date of grant as defined by the Plan. Exercisability of options is determined at, or after, the date of grant by the administrator of both Plans. All options granted under both Plans through December 31, 2003, become exercisable one-third after one year, two-thirds after two years and 100% after three years or immediately upon a change in control of IHOP, as defined by both Plans.

        The Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "Directors Plan") was adopted in 1994 and amended and restated in 1999 to authorize the issuance of up to 400,000 shares of common stock pursuant to options to non-employee members of IHOP's Board of Directors. Options are to be granted at an option price equal to 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. Options granted pursuant to the Directors Plan vest and become exercisable one-third after one year, two-thirds after two years and 100% after three years. Options for the purchase of shares are granted to each non-employee Director under the Directors Plan as follows: (1) an option to purchase 15,000 shares on February 23, 1995, or on the Director's election to the Board of Directors if he or she was not a Director on such date, and (2) an option to purchase 5,000 shares annually in conjunction with IHOP's Annual Meeting of Stockholders for that year.

        On January 13, 2003, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to 2.6 million shares of IHOP Corp. common stock. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, the Company had cumulatively repurchased 0.6 million shares of its common stock.

48



        Information regarding activity for stock options outstanding under IHOP's stock option plans is as follows:

Shares Under Option

  Shares
  Weighted Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding at December 31, 2000   1,906,563   $ 14.59
Granted   323,000     23.64
Exercised   (619,192 )   11.53
Terminated   (22,001 )   17.37
   
     

Outstanding at December 31, 2001

 

1,588,370

 

 

17.58
Granted   354,000     28.66
Exercised   (509,004 )   14.93
Terminated   (48,165 )   25.31
   
     

Outstanding at December 31, 2002

 

1,385,201

 

 

21.12
Granted   301,750     25.35
Exercised   (588,081 )   17.72
Terminated   (90,827 )   24.20
   
     

Outstanding at December 31, 2003

 

1,008,043

 

$

24.09
   
 

Exercisable at December 31, 2003

 

479,326

 

$

21.71
   
 

        Information regarding options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2003 is as follows:

Range of Exercise Prices

  Number
Outstanding
as of
12/31/2003

  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Number
Exercisable as of
12/31/2003

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$13.50 - $20.31   263,097   5.13   $ 17.33   231,783   $ 16.95
$21.06 - $24.00   293,116   8.17   $ 23.35   74,034   $ 22.03
$24.10 - $28.11   258,332   8.37   $ 26.73   121,668   $ 26.88
$28.75 - $35.25   193,498   8.45   $ 30.90   51,841   $ 30.41
   
           
     
$13.50 - $35.25   1,008,043   7.48   $ 24.09   479,326   $ 21.71
   
           
     

        The fair value of each option grant issued during each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, reflecting the basis for the proforma disclosure in Note 1, is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Risk free interest rate   2.63%—3.25%     3.50 %   5.75 %
Expected volatility   37.0%     37.0 %   37.0 %
Dividend yield   0%—3.56%          
Weighted average expected life   5 Years     5 Years     5 Years  
Weighted average fair value of options granted   $  25.35   $ 30.25   $ 24.18  

49


10.    Income Taxes

        The provision for income taxes is as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
  (In thousands)

Provision for income taxes:                  
Current                  
  Federal   $ 15,418   $ 11,714   $ 13,008
  State and foreign     3,641     2,032     1,494
   
 
 
      19,059     13,746     14,502
   
 
 

Deferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Federal     3,876     9,778     8,224
  State     (867 )   965     1,447
   
 
 
      3,009     10,763     9,671
   
 
 

Provision for income taxes

 

$

22,068

 

$

24,509

 

$

24,173
   
 
 

        The provision for income taxes differs from the expected federal income tax rates as follows:

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Statutory federal income tax rate   35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State and other taxes, net of federal tax benefit   2.5   2.5   2.5  
   
 
 
 

Effective tax rate

 

37.5

%

37.5

%

37.5

%
   
 
 
 

        Deferred tax assets consist of the following components:

 
  2003
  2002
 
  (In thousands)

Differences in capitalization and depreciation and amortization of reacquired franchises and equipment   $ 10,826   $ 9,137
Differences in capitalization and depreciation and application of cash receipts and disbursements of direct financing leases and capital lease obligations     19,613     15,817
Other     6,919     510
   
 
    $ 37,358   $ 25,464
   
 

50


        Deferred tax liabilities consist of the following components:

 
  2003
  2002
 
  (In thousands)

Differences between financial and tax accounting in the recognition of franchise and equipment sales   $ 94,750   $ 84,597
Differences between book and tax basis of property and equipment     13,152     6,821
Deferred dividends     3,441     5,022
   
 
    $ 111,343   $ 96,440
   
 

        The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has proposed adjustments in connection with its examination of the Company's 2000 and 2001 federal income tax returns. The proposed adjustments would accelerate the tax years in which the Company reports initial franchise fee income for federal income tax purposes. If the IRS is successful, the Company would be required to report additional income for its 2000 tax year of approximately $45.2 million and additional income for its 2001 tax year of approximately $4.8 million. The Company's federal income tax liability with respect to the proposed adjustments, exclusive of interest, penalties and any related state tax liability, would be approximately $15.8 million for 2000 and $1.7 million for 2001. The Company is currently contesting the proposed adjustments through IRS administrative proceedings.

        For the tax years under audit, and potentially for subsequent tax years, such proposed adjustments could result in material cash payments by the Company. The Company had previously recorded in its consolidated financial statements the expected federal and state deferred income tax liability. Therefore, the proposed adjustments relate only to a timing issue. Although the Company cannot determine at this time the resolution of this matter, we do not believe that the proposed adjustments, if upheld, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

11.    Employee Benefit Plans

        In 1987, IHOP adopted a noncontributory Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"). The ESOP is a stock bonus plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan covers IHOP employees who meet the minimum credited service requirements of the plan. Employees whose terms of service are covered by a collective bargaining agreement are not eligible for the ESOP unless the terms of such agreement specifically provide for participation in the ESOP.

        The cost of the ESOP is borne by IHOP through contributions determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with the ESOP provisions and Internal Revenue Service regulations. The contributions to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were $2,210,000, $1,998,000 and $1,850,000, respectively. The contribution for the year ended December 31, 2003 will be made in shares of IHOP Corp. common stock.

        Shares of stock acquired by the ESOP are allocated to each eligible employee and held by the ESOP. Upon the employee's termination after vesting, or in certain other limited circumstances, the employee's shares are distributed to the employee according to his or her direction.

51



        

        In 2001, IHOP adopted a defined contribution plan authorized under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan covers IHOP employees who meet the minimum credited service requirements of the 401(k) plan. Employees whose terms of service are covered by a collective bargaining agreement are not eligible. Employees may contribute up to 15 percent of their pre-tax covered compensation subject to limitations of the tax code. IHOP Corp. common stock is not an investment option for employees in the 401(k) plan. The administrative cost of the 401(k) plan is borne by IHOP. The Company does not contribute towards the plan.

12.    Related Party Transactions

        On December 26, 2001, the Company loaned $1.2 million to its President and Chief Executive Officer. A portion of the loan ($600,000) was a personal loan. Pursuant to the employment agreement signed by the President and Chief Executive Officer in December 2001, this personal loan is interest free and forgiven in annual increments of $100,000. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002 the outstanding balance of this personal loan was $400,000 and $500,000, respectively. The other portion of the loan ($600,000) was an interest free bridge loan used to fund a portion of the down payment on a new home. In early 2002, $490,000 of this loan was repaid and $110,000, which represents the decline in the value of a former residence, was forgiven by the Company, upon the recommendation of the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the remaining balance of this loan was zero.

13.    Commitments and Contingencies

        IHOP is subject to various claims and legal actions that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. We believe such claims and legal actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

14.    Segment Reporting

        On January 13, 2003 we announced significant changes in the way the Company conducts business. These include a transition from Company-financed restaurant development to a more traditional franchise development model, in which franchisees finance and develop their new restaurants. As a result of the change in IHOP's business model, the Company has also changed the presentation of its segment information. IHOP identifies its operating segments based on the organizational units used by management to monitor performance and make operating decisions. The Franchise Operations segment includes restaurants operated by franchisees and area licensees in the United States and Canada. The Franchise Operations segment consists primarily of royalty revenues, sales of proprietary products, advertising fees and franchise fees. The Rental Operations segment consists of rental income and expense and direct financing lease interest income and capital lease interest expense on restaurants operated by franchisees. The Company Restaurant Operations segment includes Company-operated restaurants in the United States. The Finance Operations segment consists of sales of franchises and equipment as well as interest income from the financing of franchise fee and equipment contract notes.

52



Prior period segment information has been restated to conform with the current year presentation. Information on segments and a reconciliation to income before income taxes are as follows:

 
  Franchise
Operations

  Rental
Operations

  Company
Restaurant
Operations

  Finance
Operations

  General and
Administrative
and Other

  Consolidated
Total

 
  (In thousands)

  Year Ended December 31, 2003                                    
Revenues from external customers   $ 140,131   $ 117,258   $ 74,880   $ 72,536   $   $ 404,805
Intercompany real estate charges         16,096     1,563         (17,659 )  
Depreciation & amortization         4,871     3,937         9,817     18,625
Interest expense         17,911     1,619     7,364         26,894
Reorganization charges                     9,085     9,085
Income tax expense                     22,068     22,068
Income (loss) before income taxes     75,866     18,172     (7,763 )   28,917     (56,342 )   58,850
 
Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Revenues from external customers   $ 123,050   $ 99,595   $ 74,433   $ 68,796   $   $ 365,874
Intercompany real estate charges         6,045     1,546         (7,591 )  
Depreciation & amortization         6,659     4,490         4,818     15,967
Interest expense         16,591     2,093     2,891         21,575
Income tax expense                     24,509     24,509
Incomes (loss) before income taxes     67,911     19,738     (5,036 )   30,611     (47,867 )   65,357
 
Year Ended December 31, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Revenues from external customers   $ 111,129   $ 84,037   $ 68,810   $ 60,460   $   $ 324,436
Intercompany real estate charges         6,083     901         (6,984 )  
Depreciation & amortization         5,703     4,157         4,958     14,818
Interest expense         16,311     2,437     2,359         21,107
Income tax expense                     24,173     24,173
Income (loss) before income taxes     62,860     18,073     (4,447 )   27,018     (39,043 )   64,461

15.    Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 
  Revenues
  Operating
Margin

  Net Income
  Net Income
Per Share—
Basic(a)

  Net Income
Per Share—
Diluted(a)

 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)

2003                              
1st Quarter   $ 93,991   $ 30,864   $ 5,963   $ 0.28   $ 0.28
2nd Quarter     103,284     32,808     10,972     0.51     0.51
3rd Quarter     104,762     33,957     11,044     0.51     0.51
4th Quarter     102,768     30,935     8,803     0.41     0.41

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1st Quarter   $ 81,540   $ 27,706   $ 9,756   $ 0.47   $ 0.46
2nd Quarter     84,859     28,534     9,300     0.44     0.44
3rd Quarter     92,083     30,424     9,838     0.47     0.46
4th Quarter     107,392     33,652     11,954     0.57     0.56

(a)
The quarterly amounts may not add to the full year amount due to rounding.

53



Report of Independent Auditors

To the Stockholders and
Board of Directors of IHOP Corp.:

        In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of IHOP Corp. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Los Angeles, California
February 13, 2004, except for the loan amendment
discussed in Note 6 for which the date is March 8, 2004

54



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

        None.


Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

        (a)   Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

        (b)   Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

55



PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

        Information appearing under the captions "Information Concerning Nominees and Members of the Board of Directors," "Executive Officers of the Company" and "Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act" contained in the 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

        The information regarding the Registrant's audit committee financial experts set forth in the sections entitled "Board Committees and their Functions" and "Report of the Audit Committee" contained in the 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

        On February 13, 2004, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers, including the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controller. A copy of the Code of Ethics is available on the Company's web site at www.ihop.com. The Company intends to post on its web site any amendments to, or waivers from, this Code of Ethics within two days of any such amendment or waiver.


Item 11. Executive Compensation.

        Information appearing under the captions "Executive Compensation—Summary of Compensation," "Executive Compensation—Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights" and "Executive Officers of the Company—Employment Agreements" contained in the 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

        Information appearing under the captions "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" and "Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans" contained in the 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

        Information appearing under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" contained in the 2004 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

        The information contained in the section entitled "Independent Auditor Fees" in the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

56



PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a)(1)    Consolidated Financial Statements

        The following documents are contained in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

(a)(2)    Financial Statement Schedules

        All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

(a)(3)    Exhibits

        Exhibits not incorporated by reference are filed herewith. The remainder of the exhibits have heretofore been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are incorporated herein by reference. Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements are marked with an asterisk.

3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of IHOP Corp. (Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

3.2

 

Bylaws of IHOP Corp. (Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

3.3

 

Amendment to the bylaws of IHOP Corp. dated November 14, 2000 (Exhibit 3.3 to Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001 is incorporated herein by reference).

4.1

 

Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 19, 1992, among IHOP Corp., International House of Pancakes, Inc. ("IHOP, Inc.") and Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York and other purchasers (Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

4.2

 

Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1996, among IHOP, Inc., IHOP Corp. and Jackson National Life Insurance Company and other purchasers (Exhibit 4.2 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

4.3

 

First Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2002, among IHOP Inc., IHOP Corp., and Jackson National Life Insurance Company and other purchasers (Exhibit 4.3 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

4.4

 

Revolving line of credit note among International House of Pancakes, Inc., a Delaware Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. dated as of June 28, 2001 (Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's 2001 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).
     

57



4.5

 

First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2002, among International House of Pancakes, Inc., a Delaware Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Exhibit 4.7 to IHOP Corp.'s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002 is incorporated herein by reference).

4.6

 

Loan Agreement dated as of April 27, 2001, among IHOP Properties, Inc., International House of Pancakes, Inc., IHOP Corp., IHOP Realty Corp., and Bank of America, N.A. (Exhibit 4.5 to Registrant's 2001 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

4.7

 

First Addendum to loan agreement, dated as of March 13, 2002, among IHOP Properties, Inc., International House of Pancakes, Inc., IHOP Corp., IHOP Realty Corp., and Bank of America, N.A. (Exhibit 4.6 to Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003 is incorporated herein by reference).

4.8

 

Second Addendum to loan agreement, dated as of October 28, 2002, among IHOP Properties, Inc., International House of Pancakes, Inc., IHOP Corp., IHOP Realty Corp., and Bank of America, N.A. (Exhibit 4.8 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

4.9

 

Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2002, among IHOP Corp., International House of Pancakes, Inc. and AIG Annuity Insurance Company and other purchasers (Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2002 is incorporated herein by reference).

4.10

 

Amended and restated Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2002, among Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., MONY Life Insurance Company and other noteholders (Exhibit 4.10 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

4.11

 

Third Addendum to loan agreement, dated as of March 8, 2004, among IHOP Properties, Inc., International House of Pancakes, Inc., IHOP Corp., IHOP Realty Corp., and Bank of America, N.A.

*10.1

 

Employment Agreement between IHOP Corp. and Gregg Nettleton dated July 15, 2002 (Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

*10.2

 

Employment Agreement between IHOP Corp. and Mark D. Weisberger (Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

*10.3

 

Employment Agreement between IHOP Corp. and Richard C. Celio (Exhibit 10.4 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

*10.4

 

Agreement between IHOP Corp. and Tom Conforti dated March 25, 2003 (Exhibit 10.5 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

*10.5

 

Employment Agreement between IHOP Corp. and Robin S. Elledge (Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2001 is incorporated herein by reference).

*10.6

 

Employment Agreement between IHOP Corp. and Julia A. Stewart (Exhibit 10.10 to the 2001 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

10.7

 

Area Franchise Agreement, effective as of May 5, 1988, by and between IHOP, Inc. and FMS Management Systems, Inc. (Exhibit 10.8 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

*10.8

 

International House of Pancakes Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2001 (Exhibit 10.12 to Registrant's 2001 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).
     

58



*10.9

 

Third Amendment to the International House of Pancakes Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated as of December 30, 2002 (Exhibit 10.10 to Registrant's 2002 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

*10.10

 

IHOP Corp. 1994 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors as Amended and Restated February 23, 1999 (Annex "A" to the IHOP Corp. Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on Tuesday, May 11, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference).

*10.11

 

IHOP Corp. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2001 Plan") (Appendix "B" to the IHOP Corp. Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 15, 2001 is incorporated herein by reference).

*10.12

 

International House of Pancakes 401(k) Plan (Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant's 2001 Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference).

*10.13

 

IHOP Corp. Executive Incentive Plan effective January 1, 2004.

*10.14

 

Employment Agreement between IHOP Corp. and Patrick Piccininno dated July 14, 2003 (Exhibit 10.1 to IHOP Corp.'s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 is incorporated herein by reference).

*10.15

 

IHOP Corp. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement

11.0

 

Statement Regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings.

14.0

 

IHOP Corp. Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers.

21.0

 

Subsidiaries of IHOP Corp.

23.0

 

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

31.1

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

31.2

 

Certification of CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

32.1

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

 

Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b)
Reports on Form 8-K:

        On October 24, 2003, IHOP furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 24, 2003, under Item 12 with respect to earnings information for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003.

59



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, on this 12th day of March, 2004.

    IHOP CORP.

 

 

By:

/s/  
JULIA A. STEWART      
Julia A. Stewart
President and Chief 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 indicated, on this 12th day of March 2004.

Name
  Title

 

 

 
/s/  JULIA A. STEWART      
Julia A. Stewart
  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

/s/  
THOMAS CONFORTI      
Thomas Conforti

 

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

/s/  
A. ALLEN ARROYO      
A. Allen Arroyo

 

Controller and Assistant Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/  
LARRY ALAN KAY      
Larry Alan Kay

 

Chairman of the Board

/s/  
H. FREDERICK CHRISTIE      
H. Frederick Christie

 

Director

/s/  
RICHARD J. DAHL      
Richard J. Dahl

 

Director

/s/  
FRANK EDELSTEIN      
Frank Edelstein

 

Director

/s/  
MICHAEL S. GORDON      
Michael S. Gordon

 

Director

/s/  
NEVEN C. HULSEY      
Neven C. Hulsey

 

Director

/s/  
CAROLINE W. NAHAS      
Caroline W. Nahas

 

Director

/s/  
PATRICK W. ROSE      
Patrick W. Rose

 

Director

60




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PART I
Item 1. Business.
Item 2. Properties.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
IHOP Corp. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share amounts)
IHOP Corp. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share amounts)
IHOP Corp. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (In thousands, except share amounts)
IHOP Corp. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands)
IHOP Corp. and Subsidiaries Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Auditors
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.
SIGNATURES

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Exhibit 4.11

SHERRY D. OLSON, P.C.
2515 Kings Way
Cumming, Georgia 30040

(770) 205-8858 Telephone

 

(770) 205-4954 Facsimile
sdopc@mindspring.com E-Mail

March 8, 2004

VIA EMAIL

Bobby R. Oliver, Jr.

 

Jess Sotomayor
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.   IHOP PROPERTIES, INC.
Franchise Financial Services   450 North Brand Boulevard
600 Peachtree Street, N.E.   7th Floor
13th Floor, Bank of America Plaza   Glendale, CA 91203
Atlanta, Georgia 30308-2214   Los Angeles County, CA

Inter-Bank Mail #GA1-006-13-20

 

 

Phone No.: (404) 607-4673

 

Phone No.: 818-240-6055
Fax No.:    (404)607-4075   Fax No.:    818-240-0270
Re:
Loan by Bank of America, N.A. to IHOP PROPERTIES, INC.
My File No. 1/287.2

Dear Bobby and Jess:

        Attached is a signed copy of the Third Addendum to Loan Agreement. Jess, please remember to mail the original to me.

        Best regards,


 

 

Sincerely,
/s/  
SHERRY D. OLSON      
Sherry D. Olson
Attorney at Law


THIRD ADDENDUM TO LOAN AGREEMENT

        THIS THIRD ADDENDUM TO LOAN AGREEMENT (this "Amendment") is made and entered into as of this 8th day of March, 2004, by and among: (i) BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. ("Lender"); (ii) IHOP PROPERTIES, INC., a California corporation ("Borrower"); and (iii) INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES, INC., a Delaware corporation, IHOP Corp., a Delaware corporation ("IHOP Parent") and IHOP Realty Corp., a Delaware corporation (collectively, the "Guarantor").


RECITALS

        WHEREAS, on April 27, 2001, Borrower, Guarantor and Lender entered into that certain Loan Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") relating to a $12,018,206.00 loan secured by Borrower's interest in land, building and fixtures comprising equipment and signage to be used in connection with thirteen (13) IHOP restaurants;

        WHEREAS, on March 13, 2002, Borrower, Guarantor and Lender entered into that certain First Addendum to Loan Agreement to reflect an additional loan to Borrower in the original principal amount of $17,203,432.00 secured by Borrower's interest in land, building and fixtures comprising seventeen (17) IHOP Restaurants; and

        WHEREAS, on October 28, 2002, Borrower, Guarantor and Lender entered into that certain Second Addendum to Loan Agreement modifying modify certain negative covenants set forth in the Loan Agreement relating to restrictions on Liens.

        WHEREAS, Borrower, Guarantor and Lender now desire to modify the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as hereinafter set forth.

        NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of Ten and No/100 Dollars ($10.00) in hand paid, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

        1.    Recitals.    Borrower, Guarantor and Lender hereby approve the foregoing recitations and agree that said recitations are true and correct in all respects.

        2.    Affirmative Covenants.    Section 5.A.i is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following Section 5.A.i.

        3.    Ratification and Reaffirmation.    Borrower and Guarantor hereby ratify and reaffirm each of the Loan Documents and all of Borrower's and Guarantor's covenants, duties and liabilities thereunder.



        4.    Representations and Warranties.    Borrower and Guarantor represent and warrant to Lender, to induce Lender to enter into this Amendment, that no Default or Event of Default exists on the date hereof; the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of the Borrower and/or Guarantor and this Amendment has been executed and delivered by Borrower and Guarantor; and except as may have been disclosed in writing by Borrower and/or Guarantor to Lender prior to the date hereof, all of the representations and warranties made by Borrower in the Loan Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date hereof.

        5.    Expenses of Lender.    Borrower agrees to pay all costs and expenses incurred by Lender in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Amendment and any other Loan Documents executed pursuant hereto and any and all amendments, modifications, and supplements thereto, including, without limitation, the costs and fees of Lender's legal counsel.

        6.    Governing Law.    This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Georgia. The parties stipulate and agree that the Borrower and Guarantor have numerous business operations in the State of Georgia and this Amendment has been made, delivered and is performable in the State of Georgia at Bank's main office in the State of Georgia and the laws of the State of Georgia and applicable United States federal law shall apply and this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia and applicable United State federal law. Wherever possible each provision of this Amendment shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Amendment shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Amendment. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of any Loan Document to any person or circumstance shall not affect the enforceability or validity of such provision as it may apply to other persons or circumstances.

        7.    Successors and Assigns.    The Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

        8.    No Novation, etc.    This Amendment is not intended to be, nor shall it be construed to create, a novation or accord and satisfaction, and the Loan Agreement as herein modified shall continue in full force and effect.

        9.    Counterparts.    This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which taken together shall be one and the same instrument. Further, this Amendment may be executed by facsimile signatures which shall be binding upon the parties.

        10.    Waiver of Notice.    Borrower and Guarantor hereby waive notice of acceptance of this Amendment by Lender.

        11.    General.    Except as specifically modified herein, all other terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

        [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed and sealed this Amendment on the day and year first above-written.

GUARANTOR:   BORROWER:

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES, INC.

 

IHOP PROPERTIES, INC.

By:

 

/s/  
THOMAS CONFORTI      

 

By:

 

/s/  
THOMAS CONFORTI      
Name:   Thomas Conforti   Name:   Thomas Conforti
Title:   Chief Financial Officer   Title:   Chief Financial Officer

By:

 

/s/  
MARK WEISBERGER      

 

By:

 

/s/  
MARK WEISBERGER      
Name:   Mark Weisberger   Name:   Mark Weisberger
Title:   Vice President—Legal   Title:   Vice President—Legal

(CORPORATE SEAL)

 

(CORPORATE SEAL)

GUARANTOR:

 

GUARANTOR:

IHOP REALTY CORP.

 

IHOP CORP.

BY:

 

/s/  
THOMAS CONFORTI      

 

By:

 

/s/  
THOMAS CONFORTI      
Name:   Thomas Conforti   Name:   Thomas Conforti
Title:   Chief Financial Officer   Title:   Chief Financial Officer

By:

 

/s/  
MARK WEISBERGER      

 

By:

 

/s/  
MARK WEISBERGER      
Name:   Mark Weisberger   Name:   Mark Weisberger
Title:   Vice President—Legal   Title:   Vice President—Legal

(CORPORATE SEAL)

 

(CORPORATE SEAL)

SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECOND ADDENDUM TO LOAN AGREEMENT

BANK/LENDER:

 

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
BOBBY R. OLIVER, JR.      

 

 

 

 
Name:   Bobby R. Oliver, Jr.
Title: Vice President
       



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THIRD ADDENDUM TO LOAN AGREEMENT
RECITALS

Exhibit 10.13

        [IHOP LOGO]

Executive Incentive Plan

2004

CONFIDENTIAL

The information contained within this document is highly sensitive and confidential and must be handled with utmost discretion and integrity.


Effective Date

        The Executive Incentive Plan is effective January 1, 2004 and supersedes all previously implemented plans.

Modification of the Plan

        IHOP Corp. and its subsidiaries reserve the right to modify, terminate or make exceptions to the Executive Incentive Plan ("Plan") at any time without prior notice. The Plan will be reviewed on an annual basis allowing for updates or revisions to be considered. The Plan and this Plan Document do not constitute or imply an employment contract, and participants accrue no interest, right or any benefit in the Plan, except as specifically set forth in this document.

Eligibility

        The Plan includes the Chief Executive Officer & President, other Chief Officers, Vice Presidents/Executive Officers, and Vice Presidents/Non-executive Officers. Participants must be actively employed with IHOP Corp. and its subsidiaries through the end of the Plan Year. The Company's Plan Year is based on IHOP's fiscal year. The last day worked is the last day an employee is considered active. In the case of termination, vacation or other payments can not be used to extend the last day worked.

New Hires/Re-Hires

        Incentive eligibility begins with the first complete calendar month worked in an eligible position.

        For participant's that begin work with IHOP Corp. during the Plan Year, the incentive will be paid on a prorated basis. The prorated percentage is determined based on when the employee begins work. If the employee begins work during the first full workweek of the month, they will be credited for a whole month worked. However, if the employee begins work after the first full workweek of the month, he/she will not be entitled to receive an incentive for that month.

        Employees hired on or after October 1, 2004 are not be eligible for a bonus payout.

Promotions

        Promotion from a non-eligible position to an eligible position:    Any employee promoted from a non-eligible position to an eligible position during the incentive period will have an incentive based on the number of whole months worked in the incentive period. If the participant is promoted on the first calendar or workday of the month, credit will be for a full month worked. The effective date of the promotion will be used to determine the number of whole months worked. Eligibility begins with the first full month in the eligible position.

        Promotion from an eligible position to another:    When an employee is promoted from one eligible position to another, that month's incentive will be based on the prior position providing that the promotion occurred after the 15th of the month. When a promotion occurs on or before the 15th of the month, that month's incentive will be based on the new position.

Short-Term or Long-Term Disability, Workers' Compensation and other Leaves of Absence

        Any participant on leave of absence or otherwise not actively working during the incentive period may be eligible for a prorated incentive excluding the period on leave. The date the leave is effective and the date ending leave will be used to calculate the number of whole months worked in the incentive period.

2



Termination Due to Death or Retirement

        Any incentive earned will be prorated for the incentive period based upon the actual number of whole months worked and paid simultaneously with the normal distribution of incentives. For the purposes of this plan, retirement occurs if the individual's age plus years of service is equal to, or greater than, 70.

Plan Description

        The Executive Incentive Plan is an annual incentive. For all participants, the Corporate Performance Measure is based on EPS. In addition, some participants are measured on the achievement of specific individual business objectives (IBOs).

        For the Vice President, Franchise Operations, the Performance Measure is based on a combination of Corporate Performance (EPS) and Franchise Operations Performance (see discussion below).

Target Incentive & Weighting

        The target incentive is expressed as a percentage of base salary and is based on the position of the participant (see "Target Incentive Table"). The Target Payout % multiplied by the participant's base salary on the last day of the fiscal year is the Target Incentive in dollars.

Target Incentive Table

 
  Chief Executive
Officer & President

  Chief Officers
  Vice Presidents/
Executive Officers

  Vice Presidents/ Non-
Executive Officers

 
TARGET PAYOUT AS A % OF BASE SALARY   75 % 50 % 40 % 35 %

        The incentive weighting for the Chief Executive Officer & President is based 100% on Corporate Performance (EPS).

        The incentive weighting for Chief Officers and Vice Presidents is 30% Individual Business Objectives and 70% Corporate Performance (EPS).

        The incentive weighting for the Vice President, Franchise Operations is 30% Individual Business Objectives, 35% Corporate Performance (EPS), and 35% Franchise Operations Performance (Sales—17.5% and Operating Profit—17.5%).

Corporate Performance

        The Corporate Performance measure is based on EPS (Earnings Per Share). For calculating payouts for the 2004 Executive Incentive Plan, the EPS calculation will include the following adjustments:

3


        For bonus calculation purposes, EPS will be calculated by using the following formula:

 
   
   
    Net Income (taking into account any adjustments highlighted above)
21,850,000 (budgeted shares)
   

        No bonus will be paid out if EPS is less than $1.54.    Target bonuses are paid out for EPS between $1.71 and $1.719. For every one cent in EPS achieved at and above $1.719, the payout increases by 5%. There is no maximum on the payout matrix.

        In addition to the calculated individual portion of the incentive, an award may be granted at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer (with approval by the Compensation Committee) to individuals exceeding expected levels of performance.

        Refer to the "Corporate Performance (EPS) Payout Matrix" to determine the incentive achieved for the Company performance portion of the incentive.

Corporate Performance (EPS) Payout Matrix

 
  Target EPS $1.71
   
   
 
  Payout
(as a % of target)

   
 
  EPS Range
   
    Less Than $1.54   0%    
    $1.540 - $1.573   50%    
    $1.574 - $1.607   60%    
    $1.608 - $1.641   70%    
    $1.642 - $1.675   80%    
    $1.676 - $1.709   90%    
   
   
    $1.710 - $1.719   100%    
   
   
    $1.720 - $1.729   105%    
    $1.730 - $1.739   110%    
    $1.740 - $1.749   115%    
    $1.750 - $1.759   120%    
    $1.760 - $1.769   125%    
    $1.770 - $1.779   130%    
    $1.780 - $1.789   135%    
    $1.790 - $1.799   140%    
    $1.800 - $1.809   145%    
    $1.810 - $1.819   150%    
   
   
    Each .01 over 1.82   Additional 5%    
   
   

Individual Business Objectives (IBOs)

        Annually, each participant in the plan sets individual business objectives in conjunction with his or her immediate supervisor in December of each year. During this process, challenging and measurable objectives that significantly impact the Company performance are to be mutually determined. No participant will have more than three IBOs without approval by the Chief Executive Officer. After the fiscal year, a percentage of achievement is then established by the immediate supervisor and approved

4



by the Chief Executive Officer. This amount is used to determine the IBO portion of the annual payout.

        If EPS is less than $1.54, there will be no payout for Individual Business Objectives, regardless of individual achievement level.

Franchise Operations Performance

        Franchise Operations Performance is based on actual sales and operating profit versus original budget, not flex budget.

        The following payout matrix is used to determine the incentive achieved for the Franchise Operations performance portion of the incentive payout.

        Any changes to the original budget due to sales or re-sales will require the CEO & President's approval. New units are excluded from the Franchise Operations performance portion of the plan.

Franchise Operations—Sales & Operating Profit Payout Matrix

 
  Performance Achievement
  % Of Incentive Achieved
   
 
  Min
  Max
  Sales
  Operating
Profit

   
    0.00%   91.99%   0%   0    
    92.00%   92.99%   20%   20%    
    93.00%   93.99%   30%   30%    
    94.00%   94.99%   40%   40%    
    95.00%   95.99%   50%   50%    
    96.00%   96.99%   60%   60%    
    97.00%   97.99%   70%   70%    
    98.00%   98.99%   80%   80%    
    99.00%   99.99%   90%   90%    
    100.00%   100.99%   100%   100%    
    101.00%   101.99%   105%   105%    
    102.00%   102.99%   110%   110%    
    103.00%   103.99%   115%   115%    
    104.00%   104.99%   120%   120%    
    105.00%   105.99%   125%   125%    
    106.00%   106.99%   130%   130%    
    107.00%   107.99%   135%   135%    
    108.00%   and above   140%   140%    
   
   

        If EPS is less than $1.54, there will be no payout for the Franchise Operations performance portion of the bonus.

Payment Distribution

        Incentive payouts will be distributed within 90 days following the close of the fiscal year for which the incentive was earned. Payouts will be paid in a separate check from the regular payroll check, and are subject to normal withholding deductions.

Plan Administration

        The Executive Incentive Plan is administered by the IHOP Corp. Human Resources Department. This Plan Document and its provisions regulate all plan guidelines and participant eligibility. Any exception must be submitted in writing to the Human Resources Department and must be approved by the Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

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Exhibit 10.15

IHOP CORP.
2001 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

        THIS NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (this "Option Agreement") is entered into as of February 24, 2004 (the "Date of Grant"), by and between IHOP CORP., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and X (the "Optionee").

RECITALS:

        Pursuant to the Company's 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, as the Administrator of the Plan, has determined that the Optionee is to be granted an option (the "Option") to purchase shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), on the terms and conditions set forth herein, and hereby grants such Option. The Option is not intended to constitute an "incentive stock option" within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

        Any capitalized terms not defined herein shall have their respective meanings set forth in the Plan.

AGREEMENT:

        In consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

        1.     NUMBER OF OPTION SHARES AND OPTION PRICE. The Option entitles the Optionee to purchase                        shares of the Company's Stock (the "Option Shares") at a price of $             per share (the "Option Exercise Price").

        2.     PERIOD OF OPTION AND CONDITIONS OF EXERCISE.

        3.     RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.


        4.     EXERCISE OF OPTION SHARES.

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        5.     REQUIREMENTS OF LAW AND OF STOCK EXCHANGES. By accepting this Option, Optionee represents and agrees for himself or herself and his or her transferees by will or the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order that, unless a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 is in effect as to the Option Shares purchased upon any exercise of this Option, (i) any and all Option Shares so purchased shall be acquired for his or her personal account and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution, and (ii) each notice of the exercise of any portion of this Option shall be accompanied by a representation and warranty in writing, signed by the person entitled to exercise the same, that the Option Shares are being so acquired in good faith for his or her personal account and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution.

        Notwithstanding anything in this Option Agreement to the contrary, no certificate or certificates for Option Shares purchased upon exercise of this Option shall be issued and delivered prior to the admission of such Option Shares to listing on notice of issuance on any stock exchange on which shares of that class are then listed, nor unless or until, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such securities may be issued and delivered without causing the Company to be in violation of or incur any liability under any federal, state or other securities law, any requirement of any securities exchange listing agreement to which the Company may be a party, or any other requirement of law or of any regulatory body having jurisdiction over the Company.

        6.     ADJUSTMENT IN STOCK. In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, Stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend or other change in the corporate structure affecting the Stock, a substitution or adjustment shall be made in the number of unexercised Option Shares and the Option Exercise Price as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. Such other substitutions or adjustments shall be made as the Administrator in its sole discretion may deem appropriate.

        7.     NONTRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION. The Option and this Option Agreement shall not be transferable otherwise than (i) by will or the laws of descent and distribution or (ii) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order and, during the lifetime of Optionee, the Option may be exercised only by Optionee or by a transferee pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order; provided, however, that Optionee shall be permitted to transfer the Option to a trust controlled by Optionee during the Optionee's lifetime for estate planning purposes. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as otherwise provided herein, the Option may not be assigned, transferred, pledged or hypothecated in any way, shall not be assignable by operation of law, and shall not be subject to

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execution, attachment or similar process. Any attempted assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of the Option contrary to the provisions hereof, and the levy of any execution, attachment or similar process upon the Option shall be null and void and without effect.

        8.     DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties hereto will use their reasonable best efforts to resolve any dispute hereunder through good faith negotiations. A party hereto must submit a written notice to any other party to whom such dispute pertains, and any such dispute that cannot be resolved within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of such notice (or such other period to which the parties may agree) will be submitted to an arbitrator selected by mutual agreement of the parties. In the event that, within fifty (50) days of the written notice referred to in the preceding sentence, a single arbitrator has not been selected by mutual agreement of the parties, a panel of arbitrators (with each party to the dispute being entitled to select one arbitrator and, if necessary to prevent the possibility of deadlock, one additional arbitrator being selected by such arbitrators selected by the parties to the dispute) shall be selected by the parties. Except as otherwise provided herein or as the parties to the dispute may otherwise agree, such arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. The decision of the arbitrator or arbitrators, or of a majority thereof, as the case may be, made in writing will be final and binding upon the parties hereto as to the questions submitted, and the parties will abide by and comply with such decision; provided, however, the arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, shall not be empowered to award punitive damages. Unless the decision of the arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, provides for a different allocation of costs and expenses determined by the arbitrators to be equitable under the circumstances, the prevailing party or parties in any arbitration will be entitled to recover all reasonable fees (including but not limited to attorneys' fees) and expenses incurred by it or them in connection with such arbitration from the non-prevailing party or parties.

        9.     RIGHTS OF OPTIONEE IN STOCK. The Optionee shall not be entitled to any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Stock subject to this Option unless and until he or she has given notice of exercise and has paid in fall for such shares, pursuant to Section 4 hereof, and has given the representation required under Section 5.

        10.   NOTICES. Any notice to be given to the Company shall be personally delivered to or addressed to the Secretary of the Company at its principal office, and any notice to be given to the Optionee shall be addressed to him or her at the address given beneath his or her signature hereto, or at such other address as the Optionee may hereafter designate in writing to the Company. Any notice to the Company is deemed given when received by the Company. Any notice to Optionee is deemed given upon the earlier of the date it is received by the Optionee or five (5) days following the date it is enclosed in a properly sealed envelope addressed as aforesaid, registered or certified, and deposited, postage and registration or certification fee prepaid, in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States.

        11.   FAILURE TO ENFORCE NOT A WAIVER. The failure of the Company to enforce at any time any provision of this Option Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provision or of any other provision hereof.

        12.   WITHHOLDING. The Company's obligations under this Option Agreement shall be subject to all applicable tax and other withholding requirements, and the Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any withholding amounts from any payment or transfer of any kind otherwise due to the Optionee.

        13.   INCORPORATION OF PLAN. The Plan is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof, and the Option and this Option Agreement are subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan.

        14.   EMPLOYMENT. Neither the Plan, the granting of the Option, this Option Agreement nor any other action taken pursuant to the Plan shall constitute or be evidence of any agreement or

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understanding, express or implied, that the Optionee has a right to continue to provide services as an officer, director, employee, consultant or advisor of the Company or any Parent Subsidiary for any period of time or at any specific rate of compensation.

        15.   AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The Administrator may amend or terminate the Plan at any time; provided, however, that the amendment or termination of the Plan shall not, without the consent of the Optionee or his or her legal representative affect his or her rights under this Option Agreement.

        16.   LAWS APPLICABLE TO CONSTRUCTION. This Option Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the choice of law principles thereof.

        17.   COUNTERPARTS. This Option Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

        18.   DEFINED TERMS. As used in this Option Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Option Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

    IHOP CORP.

 

 

By:

 

    

Julia A. Stewart
President and CEO

 

 

        The undersigned has had the opportunity to read the terms and provisions of the foregoing Option Agreement and the terms and provisions of the Plan, herein incorporated by reference. The undersigned hereby accepts and agrees to all the terms and provisions of the foregoing Option Agreement and to all the terms and provisions of the Plan, herein incorporated by reference.


 

 

    

Optionee Signature

 

 
           

 

 

Date:

    


 

 
           

 

 

    

Address

 

 
           

 

 

    

City/State/Zip

 

 
           

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IHOP CORP. 2001 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

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Exhibit 11.0


IHOP CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
(in thousands, except per share data)

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
INCOME PER SHARE—BASIC                  
  Weighted average common shares outstanding     21,424     20,946     20,398
   
 
 
  Net income available to common shareholders   $ 36,782   $ 40,848   $ 40,288
   
 
 
  Net income per share—basic   $ 1.72   $ 1.95   $ 1.98
   
 
 
NET INCOME PER SHARE—DILUTED                  
  Weighted average common shares outstanding     21,424     20,946     20,398
  Net effect of dilutive stock options based on the treasury stock method using the average market price     190     323     364
   
 
 
    Total     21,614     21,269     20,762
   
 
 
  Net income available to common shareholders   $ 36,782   $ 40,848   $ 40,288
   
 
 
  Net income per share—diluted   $ 1.70   $ 1.92   $ 1.94
   
 
 



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Exhibit 14.0

IHOP CORP.
CODE OF ETHICS
FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND
SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS

IHOP Corp. is committed to conducting its business in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations and the highest standards of business conduct, and to full and accurate financial disclosure in compliance with applicable law. This Code of Ethics, applicable to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller (or persons performing similar functions) (together, "Senior Officers"), sets forth specific policies to guide you in the performance of your duties.

As a Senior Officer, you must not only comply with applicable law. You also must engage in and promote honest and ethical conduct and abide by the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other Company policies and procedures that govern the conduct of our business. Your leadership responsibilities include creating a culture of ethical business conduct and commitment to compliance, maintaining a work environment that encourages employees to raise concerns, and promptly addressing employee compliance concerns.

Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations

You are required to comply with the laws, rules and regulations that govern the conduct of our business and to report any suspected violations in accordance with the section below entitled "Compliance with Code of Ethics."

Conflicts of Interest

Your obligation to conduct the Company's business in an honest and ethical manner includes the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships. No Senior Officer shall make any investment, accept any position or benefits, participate in any transaction or business arrangement or otherwise act in a manner that creates or appears to create a conflict of interest unless the Senior Officer makes full disclosure of all facts and circumstances to, and obtains the prior written approval of, the General Counsel, the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and/or the Board of Directors.

Disclosures

It is Company policy to make full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in all reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission and in all other public communications made by the Company. As a Senior Officer, you are required to promote compliance with this policy and to abide by Company standards, policies and procedures designed to promote compliance with this policy.

Compliance with Code of Ethics

If you know of or suspect a violation of applicable laws, rules or regulations or this Code of Ethics, you must immediately report that information to the General Counsel, any member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and/or any member of the Board of Directors. No one will be subject to retaliation because of a good faith report of a suspected violation.

Violations of this Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors shall determine, or shall designate appropriate persons to determine, appropriate action in response to violations of this Code.



Waivers of Code of Ethics

If you would like to seek a waiver of the Code of Ethics you must make full disclosure of your particular circumstances to the General Counsel, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and/or the Board of Directors. Amendments to and waivers of this Code of Ethics will be publicly disclosed as required by applicable law and regulations.

No Rights Created

This Code of Ethics is a statement of certain fundamental principles, policies and procedures that govern the Company's Senior Officers in the conduct of the Company's business. It is not intended to and does not create any rights in any employee, franchisee, customer, supplier, competitor, shareholder or any other person or entity.

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IHOP CORP. CODE OF ETHICS FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS

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Exhibit 21.0


SUBSIDIARIES OF IHOP CORP.

    IHOP Corp.
95-3038279
       

 

 

International House of Pancakes, Inc.
95-2054061

 

 

 

 

Blue Roof Advertising, Inc.
95-3933480

 

IHOP Realty Corp.
95-6854343

 

IHOP Enterprises, Inc.
95-2812361

 

III Industries of Canada, Ltd.
Foreign Corp.

 

 

 

 

IHOP Properties, Inc.
95-2584985

 

 

As of December, 2003




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SUBSIDIARIES OF IHOP CORP.

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Exhibit 23.0

Consent of Independent Accountants

        We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-46361 and 333-71768) of IHOP Corp of our report dated February 13, 2004, except for the loan amendment discussed in Note 6 for which the date is March 8, 2004, relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appears in this Form 10-K.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Los Angeles, California
March 10, 2004




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Consent of Independent Accountants

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Exhibit 31.1


Certification Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, As Amended

        I, Julia A. Stewart, President and Chief Executive Officer of IHOP Corp., certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of IHOP Corp.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(c)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 12, 2004

    /s/  JULIA A. STEWART      
Julia A. Stewart
President and Chief Executive Officer



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Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, As Amended

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Exhibit 31.2


Certification Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, As Amended

        I, Thomas Conforti, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of IHOP Corp.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(c)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(d)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(e)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 12, 2004

    /s/  THOMAS CONFORTI      
Thomas Conforti
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)



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Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, As Amended

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Exhibit 32.1


Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of IHOP Corp. (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2004, (the "Report"), Julia A. Stewart, as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of her knowledge:

        (1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

        (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

Date: March 12, 2004   /s/  JULIA A. STEWART      
Julia A. Stewart
President and Chief Executive Officer

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.




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Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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Exhibit 32.2


Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of IHOP Corp. (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2004, (the "Report"), Tom Conforti, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

        (1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

        (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

Date: March 12, 2004   /s/  THOMAS CONFORTI      
Thomas Conforti
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.




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Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002