CANTON, Mass., Feb. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Fourth quarter highlights include:


    --  Dunkin' Donuts U.S. comparable store sales growth of 1.4%
    --  Added 260 net new restaurants worldwide including 141 net new Dunkin'
        Donuts in the U.S.
    --  Revenue increased 5.5%
    --  Adjusted operating income increased 8.4%; adjusted operating income
        margin of 50.1%
    --  Diluted adjusted EPS increased 7.0% to $0.46

Fiscal year 2014 highlights include:


    --  Dunkin' Donuts U.S. comparable store sales growth of 1.6%
    --  Added 704 net new restaurants worldwide including 405 net new Dunkin'
        Donuts in the U.S.
    --  Positive Baskin-Robbins U.S. net store growth
    --  Continued challenges facing the Company's Joint Venture in Japan
    --  Revenue increased 4.9%
    --  Adjusted operating income increased 7.5%; adjusted operating income
        margin of 48.9%
    --  Diluted adjusted EPS increased 13.7% to $1.74

Company news:


    --  Board of Directors declares $0.265 first quarter dividend representing a
        15% increase over the Company's fourth quarter 2014 dividend
    --  Board of Directors authorized new $700 million share repurchase program

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts (DD) and Baskin-Robbins (BR), today reported results for the fourth quarter ended December 27, 2014.

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20120516/NE07970LOGO

"Highlights from our performance in 2014 included: strong domestic restaurant level unit economics; robust U.S. restaurant development for both brands, including the opening of our first traditional Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in California; growing transactions in the Dunkin' Donuts U.S. business in the face of macroeconomic and competitive headwinds; the launch of both the DD Perks loyalty program, which now has more than 2.5 million members, and Baskin-Robbins online cake ordering; and progress with the retooling of our international businesses as demonstrated by the signing of significant international development agreements in Sweden, Austria, and China," said Nigel Travis, Chairman & CEO, Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. "Our nearly 100-percent franchised business model delivered another year of double-digit adjusted earnings per share growth, and most notably, more than 50 percent free cash flow growth. While our earnings growth expectations for 2015 are below our longer-term targets, we are committed to returning to double-digit growth in subsequent years."

"We are very pleased with our recently completed debt refinancing which increases our financial flexibility and provides us with the stability of fixed rate interest over the next several years," said Paul Carbone, Chief Financial Officer, Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. "As a demonstration of our commitment to returning capital to our shareholders, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to an aggregate of $700 million and increased our quarterly dividend by 15 percent over the prior quarter."


    FISCAL YEAR 2014 KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    -----------------------------------------


    ($ in millions, except per share data)                                                                                                               Fiscal year ended                             Increase (Decrease)
                                                                                                                                                         -----------------                              ------------------

    Amounts and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding                                                                                December 27,   December 28,                      $ / #         %
                                                                                                                                                       2014            2013
                                                                                                                                                       ----            ----

    Franchisee reported sales                                                                                                                                     $9,751.3                     9,276.4                                 474.9                   5.1%

    Systemwide sales growth                                                                                                                            5.1%                         5.8%

    Comparable store sales growth (decline):

    DD U.S. comparable store sales growth                                                                                                              1.6%                         3.4%

    BR U.S. comparable store sales growth                                                                                                              4.7%                         0.8%

    DD International comparable store sales decline                                                                                                  (2.0)%                       (0.4)%

    BR International comparable store sales growth (decline)                                                                                         (1.2)%                         1.9%

    Development data:

    Consolidated global net POD development                                                                                                             704                           790                                     (86)               (10.9)%

    DD global PODs at period end                                                                                                                     11,310                        10,858                                      452                   4.2%

    BR global PODs at period end                                                                                                                      7,552                         7,300                                      252                   3.5%

    Consolidated global PODs at period end                                                                                                           18,862                        18,158                                      704                   3.9%


    Financial data:

    Revenues                                                                                                                                                        $748.7                       713.8                                  34.9                   4.9%

    Operating income                                                                                                                                  338.9                         304.7                                     34.1                  11.2%

    Operating income margin                                                                                                                           45.3%                        42.7%

    Adjusted operating income(1)                                                                                                                                    $366.0                       340.4                                  25.6                   7.5%

    Adjusted operating income margin(1)                                                                                                               48.9%                        47.7%

    Net income                                                                                                                                                      $176.4                       146.9                                  29.5                  20.0%

    Adjusted net income(1)                                                                                                                            186.1                         165.8                                     20.4                  12.3%

    Earnings per share:

    Common-basic                                                                                                                                       1.67                          1.38                                     0.29                  21.0%

    Common-diluted                                                                                                                                     1.65                          1.36                                     0.29                  21.3%

    Diluted adjusted earnings per share(1)                                                                                                             1.74                          1.53                                     0.21                  13.7%

    Weighted average number of common shares - diluted (in millions)                                                                                  106.7                         108.2                                    (1.5)                (1.4)%


    (1) Adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, and adjusted net income are non-GAAP measures reflecting operating income and net income adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, long-lived asset impairments, and other non-recurring, infrequent,
     or unusual charges, net of the tax impact of such adjustments in the case of adjusted net income. Diluted adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP measure calculated using adjusted net income. Please refer to "Non-GAAP Measures and Statistical Data" and "Dunkin'
     Brands Group, Inc. Non-GAAP Reconciliations" for further detail.



    FOURTH QUARTER 2014 KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    --------------------------------------------


    ($ in millions, except per share data)                                                                                                              Three months ended                             Increase (Decrease)
                                                                                                                                                        ------------------                              ------------------

    Amounts and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding                                                                                December 27,   December 28,                      $ / #         %
                                                                                                                                                       2014            2013
                                                                                                                                                       ----            ----

    Franchisee reported sales                                                                                                                                     $2,463.1                     2,355.6                                 107.5                   4.6%

    Systemwide sales growth                                                                                                                            4.5%                         6.5%

    Comparable store sales growth (decline):

    DD U.S. comparable store sales growth                                                                                                              1.4%                         3.5%

    BR U.S. comparable store sales growth                                                                                                              9.3%                         2.2%

    DD International comparable store sales growth (decline)                                                                                           0.3%                       (0.3)%

    BR International comparable store sales growth (decline)                                                                                         (2.2)%                         1.6%

    Development data:

    Consolidated global net POD development                                                                                                             260                           309                                     (49)               (15.9)%

    DD global PODs at period end                                                                                                                     11,310                        10,858                                      452                   4.2%

    BR global PODs at period end                                                                                                                      7,552                         7,300                                      252                   3.5%

    Consolidated global PODs at period end                                                                                                           18,862                        18,158                                      704                   3.9%

    Financial data:

    Revenues                                                                                                                                                        $193.2                       183.2                                  10.0                   5.5%

    Operating income                                                                                                                                   89.7                          82.2                                      7.5                   9.1%

    Operating income margin                                                                                                                           46.4%                        44.9%

    Adjusted operating income(1)                                                                                                                                     $96.7                        89.2                                   7.5                   8.4%

    Adjusted operating income margin(1)                                                                                                               50.1%                        48.7%

    Net income                                                                                                                                                       $52.5                        42.1                                  10.4                  24.8%

    Adjusted net income(1)                                                                                                                             48.2                          46.3                                      1.9                   4.1%

    Earnings per share:

    Common-basic                                                                                                                                       0.50                          0.39                                     0.11                  28.2%

    Common-diluted                                                                                                                                     0.50                          0.39                                     0.11                  28.2%

    Diluted adjusted earnings per share(1)                                                                                                             0.46                          0.43                                     0.03                   7.0%

    Weighted average number of common shares - diluted (in millions)                                                                                  105.7                         108.3                                    (2.6)                (2.4)%


    (1) Adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, and adjusted net income are non-GAAP measures reflecting operating income and net income adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, long-lived asset impairments, and other non-recurring, infrequent,
     or unusual charges, net of the tax impact of such adjustments in the case of adjusted net income. Diluted adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP measure calculated using adjusted net income. Please refer to "Non-GAAP Measures and Statistical Data" and "Dunkin'
     Brands Group, Inc. Non-GAAP Reconciliations" for further detail.

( )

Global systemwide sales growth in the fourth quarter was primarily attributable to global store development and Dunkin' Donuts U.S. comparable store sales growth (which includes stores open 54 weeks or more).

Dunkin' Donuts U.S. comparable store sales growth in the fourth quarter was driven by increased average ticket and higher traffic resulting from our focus on operational excellence and product and marketing innovation. Ticket and traffic growth were balanced in the fourth quarter. Product and marketing innovations resulted in strong beverage growth, led by Iced Coffee, the launch of Dark Roast Coffee, Hot and Iced Espresso, and record seasonal results from Frozen Beverages and Iced Tea; continued breakfast sandwich momentum across core and limited time offer sandwiches including the national return of Spicy Smoked Sausage and the Breakfast Burrito and Chicken Biscuit in select markets; and donut category growth driven by the launch of the Croissant Donut. The K-Cup and packaged coffee categories had a significant negative impact on fourth quarter comparable store sales. There are now more than 2.5 million members in the DD Perks Rewards program, which will be discussed in greater detail on the Company's earnings call.

Baskin-Robbins U.S. comparable store sales growth was driven by sales of Cups & Cones, Beverages, Desserts and Take-Home as a result of news on flavors, increased sales of cakes, driven by online cake ordering, and take-home ice cream quarts.

In the fourth quarter, Dunkin' Brands franchisees and licensees opened 260 net new restaurants around the globe. This includes 141 net new Dunkin' Donuts U.S. locations, 75 net new Baskin-Robbins International locations, 46 net new Dunkin' Donuts International locations, and two net closures for Baskin-Robbins U.S. Additionally, Dunkin' Donuts U.S. franchisees remodeled 172 restaurants during the quarter.

Revenues for the fourth quarter increased 5.5 percent compared to the prior year period due primarily to increased royalty income as a result of systemwide sales growth, as well as increased sales of ice cream products.

Operating income and adjusted operating income for the fourth quarter increased $7.5 million, or 9.1 percent, and $7.5 million, or 8.4 percent, respectively, from the prior year period primarily as a result of increases in royalty income and margin on sales of ice cream products.

Net income for the fourth quarter increased by $10.4 million, or 24.8 percent, compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of the $7.5 million increase in operating income and a $3.1 million decrease in interest expense. Income tax expense for the fourth quarter remained consistent with the prior year period despite the increase in income before income taxes, as the effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2014 was favorably impacted by tax benefits resulting from a restructuring of our Canadian subsidiaries.

Adjusted net income for the fourth quarter increased by $1.9 million, or 4.1 percent, compared to the fourth quarter of 2013 primarily as a result of the $7.5 million increase in adjusted operating income and a $3.1 million decrease in interest expense, offset by an $8.3 million increase in income tax expense.

Diluted adjusted earnings per share increased by 7.0 percent to $0.46 for the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the prior year period as a result of the increase in adjusted net income and a decrease in shares outstanding. The decrease in shares outstanding from the prior year period is due primarily to the repurchase of shares, offset by the exercise of stock options.


    FOURTH QUARTER 2014 SEGMENT RESULTS
    -----------------------------------


    Amounts and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding                                              Three months ended                            Increase (Decrease)
                                                                                                             ------------------                            ------------------

    Dunkin' Donuts U.S.                                                                             December 27,               December 28,                    $ / #         %
                                                                                                            2014                        2013
    ---                                                                                                     ----                        ----

                                                                                                                  ($ in thousands except as otherwise noted)

    Comparable store sales growth                                                                           1.4%                                   3.5%

    Systemwide sales growth                                                                                 6.6%                                   7.9%

    Franchisee reported sales (in millions)                                                                         $1,885.5                                  1,767.5                  118.0          6.7%


    Revenues:

    Royalty income                                                                                                  $102,181                                   95,468                  6,713          7.0%

    Franchise fees                                                                                        10,254                                  11,534                       (1,280)       (11.1)%

    Rental income                                                                                         23,036                                  22,112                           924           4.2%

    Sales at company-owned restaurants                                                                     5,887                                   6,715                         (828)       (12.3)%

    Other revenues                                                                                         2,719                                   2,790                          (71)        (2.5)%
                                                                                                           -----                                   -----                           ---          -----

    Total revenues                                                                                                  $144,077                                  138,619                  5,458          3.9%


    Segment profit(1)                                                                                               $106,536                                  102,469                  4,067          4.0%


    Points of distribution                                                                                 8,082                                   7,677                           405           5.3%

    Gross openings                                                                                           179                                     187                           (8)        (4.3)%

    Net openings                                                                                             141                                     149                           (8)        (5.4)%
    ------------                                                                                             ---                                     ---                           ---          -----



    (1) Prior year amounts reflect change in segment profit measure. Please refer to "Segment Profit Comparability" for further detail.

Dunkin' Donuts U.S. fourth quarter revenues of $144.1 million represented an increase of 3.9 percent year-over-year. The increase was primarily a result of increased royalty income, offset by a decrease in franchise fees due primarily to the timing of franchise renewals.

Dunkin' Donuts U.S. segment profit in the fourth quarter increased $4.1 million over the prior year period to $106.5 million, which was driven primarily by revenue growth, offset by the impact of reserves, including the reversal of reserves in the prior year period.


    Amounts and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding                                                  Three months ended                           Increase (Decrease)
                                                                                                                 ------------------                           ------------------

    Dunkin' Donuts International                                                                         December 27,             December 28,                   $ / #         %
                                                                                                                 2014                      2013
    ---                                                                                                          ----                      ----

                                                                                                                        ($ in thousands except as otherwise noted)

    Comparable store sales growth (decline)                                                                      0.3%                               (0.3)%

    Systemwide sales growth                                                                                      2.5%                                 2.7%

    Franchisee reported sales (in millions)                                                                              $183.6                                   179.0                  4.5              2.5%


    Revenues:

    Royalty income                                                                                                       $4,144                                   3,879                  265              6.8%

    Franchise fees                                                                                              2,553                                 1,714                        839           48.9%

    Rental income                                                                                                   8                                    37                       (29)        (78.4)%

    Other revenues                                                                                               (16)                                 (42)                        26         (61.9)%

    Total revenues                                                                                                       $6,689                                   5,588                1,101             19.7%


    Segment profit(1)                                                                                                    $4,346                                   4,379                 (33)           (0.8)%


    Points of distribution                                                                                      3,228                                 3,181                         47            1.5%

    Gross openings                                                                                                140                                   105                         35           33.3%

    Net openings                                                                                                   46                                    44                          2            4.5%
    ------------                                                                                                  ---                                   ---                        ---             ---


    (1) Prior year amounts reflect change in segment profit measure. Please refer to "Segment Profit Comparability" for further detail.

Dunkin' Donuts International fourth quarter systemwide sales increased 2.5 percent from the prior year period, driven by sales growth in the Middle East and Europe, offset by a decline in South Korea. On a constant currency basis, systemwide sales increased by approximately 6 percent.

Dunkin' Donuts International fourth quarter revenues of $6.7 million represented an increase of 19.7% year-over-year. The increase in revenue was primarily a result of an increase in franchise fees due to openings in existing and new international markets and additional franchise renewals, offset by income recognized in connection with the termination of development agreements in Asia in the prior year period. Also contributing to the increase in revenues was an increase in royalty income.

Segment profit for Dunkin' Donuts International of $4.3 million in the fourth quarter remained consistent with the prior year period, as revenue growth was offset by increases in general and administrative expenses and a decrease in income from our South Korea joint venture.


    Amounts and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding                                             Three months ended                       Increase (Decrease)
                                                                                                            ------------------                       ------------------

    Baskin-Robbins U.S.                                                                             December 27,             December 28,                             $ / #  %
                                                                                                            2014                      2013
    ---                                                                                                     ----                      ----

                                                                                                                      ($ in thousands except as otherwise noted)

    Comparable store sales growth                                                                           9.3%                                 2.2%

    Systemwide sales growth                                                                                12.7%                                 0.9%

    Franchisee reported sales (in millions)                                                                         $103.1                                              91.5          11.6             12.7%


    Revenues:

    Royalty income                                                                                                  $5,090                                             4,577           513             11.2%

    Franchise fees                                                                                           178                                   383                         (205)        (53.5)%

    Rental income                                                                                            815                                   866                          (51)         (5.9)%

    Sales of ice cream products                                                                              801                                   774                            27            3.5%

    Other revenues                                                                                         1,585                                 1,552                            33            2.1%
                                                                                                           -----                                 -----                           ---             ---

    Total revenues                                                                                                  $8,469                                             8,152           317              3.9%


    Segment profit(1)                                                                                               $4,485                                             4,944         (459)           (9.3)%


    Points of distribution                                                                                 2,484                                 2,467                            17            0.7%

    Gross openings                                                                                            26                                    19                             7           36.8%

    Net closings                                                                                             (2)                                  (4)                            2         (50.0)%
    ------------                                                                                             ---                                   ---                           ---          ------


    (1) Prior year amounts reflect change in segment profit measure. Please refer to "Segment Profit Comparability" for further detail.

Baskin-Robbins U.S. fourth quarter revenue increased 3.9 percent from the prior year period to $8.5 million due primarily to increased royalty income, offset by a decrease in franchise fees driven primarily by timing of franchise renewals.

Segment profit for Baskin-Robbins U.S. decreased $0.5 million in the fourth quarter, or 9.3 percent, year-over-year primarily as a result of increases in general and administrative expenses, including investments in advertising and other brand-building activities and an increase in personnel costs, offset by the increase in revenues.


    Amounts and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding                                                   Three months ended                           Increase (Decrease)
                                                                                                                  ------------------                           ------------------

    Baskin-Robbins International                                                                         December 27,              December 28,                    $ / #         %
                                                                                                                 2014                       2013
    ---                                                                                                          ----                       ----

                                                                                                                        ($ in thousands except as otherwise noted)

    Comparable store sales growth (decline)                                                                    (2.2)%                                  1.6%

    Systemwide sales growth (decline)                                                                          (8.4)%                                  2.6%

    Franchisee reported sales (in millions)                                                                               $290.9                                    317.6                (26.7)          (8.4)%


    Revenues:

    Royalty income                                                                                                        $1,714                                    1,701                    13             0.8%

    Franchise fees                                                                                                477                                    675                       (198)        (29.3)%

    Rental income                                                                                                 133                                    123                          10            8.1%

    Sales of ice cream products                                                                                27,409                                 24,655                       2,754           11.2%

    Other revenues                                                                                                178                                     75                         103          137.3%
                                                                                                                  ---                                    ---                         ---           -----

    Total revenues                                                                                                       $29,911                                   27,229                 2,682             9.8%


    Segment profit(1)                                                                                                     $9,084                                    8,753                   331             3.8%


    Points of distribution                                                                                      5,068                                  4,833                         235            4.9%

    Gross openings                                                                                                153                                    178                        (25)        (14.0)%

    Net openings                                                                                                   75                                    120                        (45)        (37.5)%
    ------------                                                                                                  ---                                    ---                         ---          ------


    (1) Prior year amounts reflect change in segment profit measure. Please refer to "Segment Profit Comparability" for further detail.

Baskin-Robbins International systemwide sales decreased 8.4 percent in the fourth quarter compared to the prior year period driven by a sales decline in Japan, primarily as a result of unfavorable exchange rates, as well as a sales decline in the Middle East. On a constant currency basis, systemwide sales decreased by approximately 3 percent.

Baskin-Robbins International fourth quarter revenues increased 9.8 percent year-over-year to $29.9 million due primarily to increases in sales of ice cream products in the Middle East and Asia, offset by a decline in franchise fees.

Fourth quarter segment profit increased 3.8 percent year-over-year to $9.1 million, resulting from an increase in net margin on ice cream driven by the increase in sales, as well as an increase in income from our South Korea joint venture, offset by a $0.5 million decrease in income from our Japan joint venture and increases in advertising and personnel costs.

COMPANY UPDATES


    --  The Company announced on January 26, 2015 that it completed a
        refinancing of its senior secured credit facility with the placement by
        its subsidiary of a $2.6 billion securitized debt facility. The
        securitized debt facility includes $2.5 billion Class A-2 Senior Secured
        Notes ("Notes"), which consist of two tranches with anticipated
        repayment dates of four years ($750 million) and seven years ($1.75
        billion), respectively. The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 3.262
        percent per annum for the four year tranche and 3.980 percent per annum
        for the seven year tranche, resulting in a weighted-average effective
        interest rate of 3.765 percent per annum, payable quarterly.  As a
        result, the Company expects its 2015 annual interest expense to be
        approximately $96.5 million.
    --  The Company announced on January 26, 2015 that the Board of Directors
        authorized a new program to repurchase up to an aggregate of $700
        million of its outstanding common stock over the next two years.
    --  The Company today announced that the Board of Directors declared a first
        quarter cash dividend of $0.265 per share, payable on March 18, 2015 to
        shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 9, 2015.
        This represents a 15 percent increase over the Company's fourth quarter
        2014 dividend.

FISCAL YEAR 2015 TARGETS

As described below, the Company is reiterating certain targets regarding its 2015 expectations.


    --  The Company expects Dunkin' Donuts U.S. comparable store sales growth of
        1 to 3 percent and Baskin-Robbins U.S. comparable store sales growth of
        1 to 3 percent.
    --  The Company expects that Dunkin' Donuts U.S. will add between 410 and
        440 net new restaurants, for greater than 5 percent net unit growth, and
        expects Baskin-Robbins U.S. will add between 5 and 10 net new
        restaurants.
    --  Internationally, the Company is targeting opening 200 to 300 net new
        restaurants across the two brands. It expects net income of equity
        method investments to be approximately $13 million.
    --  Globally, the Company expects to open between 615 and 750 net new units.
    --  The Company expects revenue growth of between 5 and 7 percent and
        adjusted operating income growth of between 6 and 8 percent.
    --  The Company expects adjusted earnings per share of $1.83 to $1.87.

Conference Call

As previously announced, Dunkin' Brands will be holding a conference call today at 8:00 am ET hosted by Nigel Travis, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, and Paul Carbone, Chief Financial Officer. The dial-in number is (866) 393-1607 or (914) 495-8556, conference number 63732202. Dunkin' Brands will broadcast the conference call live over the Internet at http://investor.dunkinbrands.com. A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company's website at http://investor.dunkinbrands.com.

The Company's consolidated statements of operations, condensed consolidated balance sheets, condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and other additional information have been provided with this press release. This information should be reviewed in conjunction with this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are not based on historical fact and are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the applicable securities laws and regulations. Generally, these statements can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "feel," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "project," "should," "would," and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. These risk and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the ongoing level of profitability of franchisees and licensees; our franchisees' and licensees' ability to sustain same store sales growth; changes in working relationships with our franchisees and licensees and the actions of our franchisees and licensees; our master franchisees' relationships with sub-franchisees; the strength of our brand in the markets in which we compete; changes in competition within the quick-service restaurant segment of the food industry; changes in consumer behavior resulting from changes in technologies or alternative methods of delivery; economic and political conditions in the countries where we operate; our substantial indebtedness; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; consumer preferences, spending patterns and demographic trends; the impact of seasonal changes, including weather effects, on our business; the success of our growth strategy and international development; changes in commodity and food prices, particularly coffee, dairy products and sugar, and other operating costs; shortages of coffee; failure of our network and information technology systems; interruptions or shortages in the supply of products to our franchisees and licensees; the impact of food borne-illness or food safety issues or adverse public or media opinions regarding the health effects of consuming our products; our ability to collect royalty payments from our franchisees and licensees; the ability of our franchisees and licensees to open new restaurants and keep existing restaurants in operation; our ability to retain key personnel; any inability to protect consumer credit card data and catastrophic events.

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

Non-GAAP Measures and Statistical Data

In addition to the GAAP financial measures set forth in this press release, the Company has included certain non-GAAP measurements, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted net income, and diluted adjusted earnings per share, which present operating results on a basis adjusted for certain items. Additionally, the Company has included growth in free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measurement reflecting net cash provided by operating and investing activities, excluding the impact of changes in cash held for advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs. The Company uses all of these non-GAAP measures as key performance measures for the purpose of evaluating performance internally and our ability to generate cash. We also believe these non-GAAP measures provide our investors with useful information regarding our historical operating and cash flow results. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Use of the terms adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted net income, diluted adjusted earnings per share, and free cash flow may differ from similar measures reported by other companies. Adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, and free cash flow are reconciled from the respective measures determined under GAAP in the attached tables "Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. Non-GAAP Reconciliations."

Additionally, the Company has included metrics such as systemwide sales growth and comparable store sales growth, which are commonly used statistical measures in the quick service restaurant industry and are important to understanding the Company's performance.

The Company uses "systemwide sales growth" to refer to the percentage change in sales at both franchisee- and company-owned restaurants from the comparable period of the prior year. Changes in systemwide sales are driven by changes in comparable store sales and changes in the number of restaurants.

The Company uses "DD U.S. comparable store sales growth," "BR U.S. comparable store sales growth," "DD International comparable store sales growth," and "BR International comparable store sales growth," which are calculated by including only sales from franchisee- and company-owned restaurants that have been open at least 54 weeks and that have reported sales in the current and comparable prior year week.

Segment Profit Comparability

Beginning in fiscal year 2014, the key measure used by the Company to assess the performance of and allocate resources to each reportable segment, referred to as segment profit, was revised to better align the segments with our consolidated performance measures and incentive targets. As a result, segment profit now reflects operating income adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, long-lived asset impairments, and other non-recurring, infrequent, or unusual charges, and does not reflect the allocation of any corporate charges. Prior to fiscal year 2014, segment profit was measured based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions, other gains and losses, and unallocated corporate charges. The segment profit amounts included herein for the three months ended December 28, 2013 have been restated to reflect this change to the measurement of segment profit to enable comparability with the three months ended December 27, 2014.

About Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc.

With more than 18,800 points of distribution in nearly 60 countries worldwide, Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) is one of the world's leading franchisors of quick service restaurants (QSR) serving hot and cold coffee and baked goods, as well as hard-serve ice cream. At the end of fiscal 2014, Dunkin' Brands' nearly 100 percent franchised business model included more than 11,300 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants and more than 7,500 Baskin-Robbins restaurants. Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. is headquartered in Canton, Mass.





                                                             DUNKIN' BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                Consolidated Statements of Operations

                                                                (In thousands, except per share data)

                                                                             (Unaudited)

                                                                                                 Three months ended                               Fiscal year ended
                                                                                                 ------------------                               -----------------

                                                                                         December 27,               December 28,            December 27,            December 28,
                                                                                                 2014                        2013                     2014                     2013
                                                                                                 ----                        ----                     ----                     ----


    Revenues:

    Franchise fees and royalty income                                                                    $126,591                                 119,931                                482,329                  453,976

    Rental income                                                                              24,013                                23,158                                 97,663                    96,082

    Sales of ice cream products                                                                28,248                                25,458                                116,320                   112,276

    Sales at company-owned restaurants                                                          5,887                                 6,715                                 22,206                    24,976

    Other revenues                                                                              8,474                                 7,915                                 30,191                    26,530

    Total revenues                                                                            193,213                               183,177                                748,709                   713,840
                                                                                              -------                               -------                                -------                   -------

    Operating costs and expenses:

    Occupancy expenses-franchised restaurants                                                  13,565                                13,056                                 53,395                    52,097

    Cost of ice cream products                                                                 19,623                                18,091                                 81,896                    79,278

    Company-owned restaurant expenses                                                           5,915                                 6,663                                 22,687                    24,480

    General and administrative expenses, net                                                   55,128                                53,838                                227,534                   230,847

    Depreciation                                                                                4,976                                 5,462                                 19,779                    22,423

    Amortization of other intangible assets                                                     6,638                                 6,858                                 25,760                    26,943

    Long-lived asset impairment charges                                                           205                                   116                                  1,484                       563
                                                                                                  ---                                   ---                                  -----                       ---

    Total operating costs and expenses                                                        106,050                               104,084                                432,535                   436,631
                                                                                              -------                               -------                                -------                   -------

    Net income of equity method investments:

    Net income, excluding impairment                                                            2,332                                 3,173                                 14,846                    19,243

    Impairment charge                                                                               -                                    -                                     -                    (873)
                                                                                                  ---                                  ---                                   ---                     ----

    Net income of equity method investments                                                     2,332                                 3,173                                 14,846                    18,370

    Other operating income (expense), net                                                                                             (31)                                 7,838                     9,157

                                                                                                  229

    Operating income                                                                           89,724                                82,235                                338,858                   304,736
                                                                                               ------                                ------                                -------                   -------

    Other income (expense):

    Interest income                                                                                73                                    94                                    274                       404

    Interest expense                                                                         (16,654)                             (19,712)                              (68,098)                 (80,235)

    Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions                                        -                                                -                              (13,735)                 (5,018)

    Other losses, net                                                                           (896)                                (608)                               (1,566)                  (1,799)

    Total other expense                                                                      (17,477)                             (20,226)                              (83,125)                 (86,648)
                                                                                              -------                               -------                                -------                   -------

    Income before income taxes                                                                 72,247                                62,009                                255,733                   218,088

    Provision for income taxes                                                                 19,907                                20,120                                 80,170                    71,784
                                                                                               ------                                ------                                 ------                    ------

    Net income including noncontrolling interests                                              52,340                                41,889                                175,563                   146,304

    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests                                           (173)                                (183)                                 (794)                    (599)

    Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands                                                             $52,513                                  42,072                                176,357                  146,903
                                                                                                          =======                                  ======                                =======                  =======


    Earnings per share-basic                                                                                $0.50                                    0.39                                   1.67                     1.38

    Earnings per share-diluted                                                                   0.50                                  0.39                                   1.65                      1.36



                                                                                                         DUNKIN' BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                                                            Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                                                                                                        (In thousands)

                                                                                                                         (Unaudited)

                                                                                                                                                     December 27,            December 28,
                                                                                                                                                             2014                     2013
                                                                                                                                                             ----                     ----

                                                                                             Assets

    Current assets:

    Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                       $208,080                           256,933

    Accounts, notes, and other receivables, net                                                                                                           105,060                             79,765

    Other current assets                                                                                                                                  129,478                            125,062
                                                                                                                                                          -------                            -------

    Total current assets                                                                                                                                  442,618                            461,760

    Property and equipment, net                                                                                                                           182,061                            182,858

    Equity method investments                                                                                                                             164,493                            170,644

    Goodwill and other intangible assets, net                                                                                                           2,317,167                          2,343,803

    Other assets                                                                                                                                           71,044                             75,625
                                                                                                                                                           ------                             ------

    Total assets                                                                                                                                                  $3,177,383                         3,234,690
                                                                                                                                                                  ==========                         =========

                                                           Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, and Stockholders' Equity

    Current liabilities:

    Current portion of long-term debt                                                                                                                                 $3,852                             5,000

    Accounts payable                                                                                                                                       13,814                             12,445

    Other current liabilities                                                                                                                             337,853                            326,853
                                                                                                                                                          -------                            -------

    Total current liabilities                                                                                                                             355,519                            344,298
                                                                                                                                                          -------                            -------

    Long-term debt, net                                                                                                                                 1,807,081                          1,818,609

    Deferred income taxes, net                                                                                                                            540,339                            561,714

    Other long-term liabilities                                                                                                                            99,494                             97,781
                                                                                                                                                           ------                             ------

    Total long-term liabilities                                                                                                                         2,446,914                          2,478,104
                                                                                                                                                        ---------                          ---------

    Redeemable noncontrolling interests                                                                                                                     6,991                              4,930

    Total stockholders' equity                                                                                                                            367,959                            407,358

    Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and stockholders' equity                                                                              $3,177,383                         3,234,690
                                                                                                                                                                  ==========                         =========



                                                                      DUNKIN' BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                                                                                    (In thousands)

                                                                                      (Unaudited)

                                                                                                                             Fiscal year ended
                                                                                                                             -----------------

                                                                                                                    December 27,               December 28,
                                                                                                                            2014                        2013
                                                                                                                            ----                        ----


    Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                                       $199,323                            141,799
                                                                                                                                    --------                            -------

    Cash flows from investing activities:

    Additions to property and equipment                                                                                 (23,638)                              (31,099)

    Proceeds from sale of joint venture                                                                                        -                                 6,682

    Proceeds from sale of real estate and company-owned restaurants                                                       14,361                                  5,387

    Other, net                                                                                                           (4,827)                               (3,876)
                                                                                                                          ------                                 ------

    Net cash used in investing activities                                                                               (14,104)                              (22,906)
                                                                                                                         -------                                -------

    Cash flows from financing activities:

    Repayment of long-term debt, net                                                                                    (15,000)                              (24,157)

    Payment of deferred financing and other debt-related costs                                                           (9,213)                               (6,157)

    Dividends paid on common stock                                                                                      (96,775)                              (81,008)

    Repurchases of common stock                                                                                        (130,171)                              (27,963)

    Exercise of stock options                                                                                              5,120                                  7,963

    Other, net                                                                                                            12,682                                 17,148
                                                                                                                          ------                                 ------

    Net cash used in financing activities                                                                              (233,357)                             (114,174)
                                                                                                                        --------                               --------

    Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents                                                                  (715)                                 (404)
                                                                                                                            ----                                   ----

    Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                                                                    (48,853)                                 4,315

    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                                                                       256,933                                252,618
                                                                                                                         -------                                -------

    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                                                                                        $208,080                            256,933
                                                                                                                                    ========                            =======



                                                                                                                            DUNKIN' BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                                                                                     Non-GAAP Reconciliations

                                                                                                                               (In thousands, except per share data)

                                                                                                                                            (Unaudited)

                                                                                                                                                           Three months ended                                      Fiscal year ended
                                                                                                                                                           ------------------                                      -----------------

                                                                                                                                                 December 27,               December 28,                 December 27,                   December 28,
                                                                                                                                                         2014                        2013                           2014                           2013
                                                                                                                                                         ----                        ----                           ----                           ----

    Operating income                                                                                                                                              $89,724                                        82,235                                        338,858                                       304,736

    Operating income margin                                                                                                                             46.4%                                    44.9%                                         45.3%                                        42.7%

    Adjustments:

    Amortization of other intangible assets                                                                                                                        $6,638                                         6,858                                         25,760                                        26,943

    Long-lived asset impairment charges                                                                                                                   205                                       116                                          1,484                                           563

    Third-party product volume guarantee                                                                                                                    -                                                      -                                         (300)                                        7,500

    Peterborough plant closure(a)                                                                                                                           -                                        -                                             -                                          654

    Transaction costs(b)                                                                                                                                  154                                                       -                                           154                                             -
                                                                                                                                                          ---                                                     ---                                           ---                                           ---

    Adjusted operating income                                                                                                                                     $96,721                                        89,209                                        365,956                                       340,396
                                                                                                                                                                  =======                                        ======                                        =======                                       =======

    Adjusted operating income margin                                                                                                                    50.1%                                    48.7%                                         48.9%                                        47.7%


    Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands                                                                                                                     $52,513                                        42,072                                        176,357                                       146,903

    Adjustments:

    Amortization of other intangible assets                                                                                                             6,638                                     6,858                                         25,760                                        26,943

    Long-lived asset impairment charges                                                                                                                   205                                       116                                          1,484                                           563

    Third-party product volume guarantee                                                                                                                    -                                                      -                                         (300)                                        7,500

    Peterborough plant closure(a)                                                                                                                           -                                        -                                             -                                          654

    Transaction costs(b)                                                                                                                                  154                                                       -                                           154                                             -

    Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions                                                                                                -                                                      -                                        13,735                                         5,018

    Tax impact of adjustments(c)                                                                                                                      (2,799)                                  (2,790)                                      (16,333)                                     (16,271)

    Income tax audit settlements(d)                                                                                                                         -                                                      -                                       (6,717)                                      (8,417)

    Tax impact of legal entity conversion(e)                                                                                                          (8,541)                                                      -                                       (8,541)                                            -

    State tax apportionment(f)                                                                                                                              -                                                      -                                           514                                         2,868
                                                                                                                                                          ---                                                    ---                                           ---                                         -----

    Adjusted net income                                                                                                                                           $48,170                                        46,256                                        186,113                                       165,761
                                                                                                                                                                  =======                                        ======                                        =======                                       =======


    Adjusted net income                                                                                                                                           $48,170                                        46,256                                        186,113                                       165,761

    Weighted average number of common shares - diluted                                                                                            105,687,479                               108,332,148                                    106,705,778                                   108,217,011
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         -----------                                   -----------

    Diluted adjusted earnings per share                                                                                                                             $0.46                                          0.43                                           1.74                                          1.53
                                                                                                                                                                    =====                                          ====                                           ====                                          ====


    (a) For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, the adjustment represents transition-related general and administrative costs incurred related to the closure of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream manufacturing plant in Peterborough, Canada, such as information technology integration, project management, and transportation costs.

    (b) Represents costs incurred in connection with obtaining a new securitized financing facility, which was completed in January 2015.

    (c) Tax impact of adjustments calculated at a 40% effective tax rate.

    (d) Represents income tax benefits resulting from the resolution of historical tax positions settled during the period.

    (e) Represents the net tax impact of converting Dunkin' Brands Canada Ltd. to Dunkin' Brands Canada ULC.

    (f) Represents tax expense recognized due to an increase in our overall state tax rate for a shift in the apportionment of income to certain state jurisdictions.



                                                                             DUNKIN' BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                                 Non-GAAP Reconciliations (continued)

                                                                                            (In thousands)

                                                                                             (Unaudited)

                                                                                                                    Fiscal year ended
                                                                                                                    -----------------

                                                                                                  December 27,                 December 28,           Change
                                                                                                          2014                          2013              %
                                                                                                          ----                          ----             ---

    Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                       $199,323                              141,799

    Less: Increase in cash held for advertising funds and gift card/
     certificate programs                                                                              (8,781)                                (2,006)

    Less: Net cash used in investing activities                                                       (14,104)                               (22,906)

    Free cash flow, excluding cash held for advertising funds and gift card/
     certificate programs                                                                                           $176,438                              116,887 50.9%
                                                                                                                    ========                              =======  ====

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SOURCE Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc.