SONIC CORP
10-K405/A, 1996-12-23
EATING PLACES
Previous: DEFINED ASSET FUNDS MUNICIPAL INVT TR FD INTERM TERM SER 182, 497, 1996-12-23
Next: SONIC CORP, DEF 14A, 1996-12-23



<PAGE>

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                   FORM 10-K/A
                                (Amendment No. 1)

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


                                      OR


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


  For the Fiscal Year Ended                         Commission File Number
       AUGUST 31, 1996                                        0-18859


                                   SONIC CORP.
            (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


         Delaware                                           73-1371046
(State of Incorporation)                                 (I.R.S. Employer
                                                          Identification No.)


                                 101 PARK AVENUE
                            OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA                73102
                   (Address of Principal Executive Offices)      (Zip Code)


      Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (405) 280-7654

     Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

                                        None

    Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:

                           Common Stock Par Value $.01


     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during 
the preceding 12 months (or for the shorter period that the Registrant has had 
to file the reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for 
the past 90 days.  YES  X    No    .
                       ---      ---

     Indicate by check mark if this Form 10-K does not contain and, to the 
best of the Registrant's knowledge, the Registrant's definitive proxy 
statement or information statement incorporated by reference in Part III of 
this Form 10-K will not contain a disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to 
Item 405 of Regulation S-K.  YES  X    No    .
                                 ---      ---

     As of November 22, 1996, the aggregate market value of the 12,529,424 
shares of common stock of the Company held by non-affiliates of the Company 
equaled approximately $291 million, based on the closing sales price for the 
common stock as reported for that date.  As of November 22, 1996, the 
Registrant had 13,569,454 shares of common stock issued and outstanding 
(excluding 7,580 shares of common stock held as treasury stock).


                           (Facing Sheet Continued)

<PAGE>

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Part II of this report incorporates by reference certain portions of the 
Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 
1996.




<PAGE>

     THE COMPANY HEREBY AMENDS ITEM 14 OF ITS FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT FOR 
THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996, TO READ (IN ITS ENTIRETY) AS FOLLOWS:

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORT ON FORM 8-K

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The following consolidated financial statements of the Company appear 
immediately following this Item 14:

                                                                          Pages
                                                                          -----

       Report of Independent Auditors                                      F-1
       Consolidated Balance Sheets at August 31, 1996 and 1995             F-2
       Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years
        in the period ended August 31, 1996                                F-4
       Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the
        three years in the period ended August 31, 1996                    F-5
       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three
        years in the period ended August 31, 1996                          F-6
       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                          F-8

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

     The Company has included the following schedules immediately following 
this Item 14:

                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----
       Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                    F-27

     The Company has omitted all other schedules because the conditions 
requiring their filing do not exist or because the required information 
appears in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, including the 
notes to those statements.

EXHIBITS

     The Company has filed the exhibits listed below with this report.  The 
Company has marked all employment contracts and compensatory plans or 
arrangements with an asterisk (*).  Exhibits marked with a plus sign (+) 
represent exhibits previously filed with the Form 10-K being amended by this 
Form 10-K/A.

     3.01.  Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, which the Company 
hereby incorporates by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form S-1 
Registration Statement No. 33-37158.

     3.02.  Bylaws of the Company, which the Company hereby incorporates by 
reference from Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form S-1 Registration Statement 
No. 33-37158.

     4.01.  Specimen Certificate for Common Stock, which the Company hereby 
incorporates by reference from Exhibit 4.01 to the Company's Form 10-K for 
the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995.

    10.01.  Form of Sonic Industries Inc. License Agreement (the Number 4 
License Agreement), which the Company hereby incorporates by reference from 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-37158.

<PAGE>

    10.02.  Form of Sonic Industries Inc. License Agreement (the Number 5 
License Agreement), which the Company hereby incorporates by reference from 
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-37158.

    10.03.  Form of Sonic Industries Inc. License Agreement (the Number 4.2 
License Agreement and Number 5.1 License Agreement), which the Company hereby 
incorporates by reference from Exhibit 10.03 to the Company's Form 10-K for 
the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994.

    10.04.  Form of Sonic Industries Inc. License Agreement (the Number 6 
License Agreement), which the Company hereby incorporates by reference from 
Exhibit 10.04 to the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 
1994.

    10.05.  Form of Sonic Industries Inc. Area Development Agreement, which 
the Company hereby incorporates by reference from Exhibit 10.05 to the 
Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995.

    10.06.  Form of Sonic Industries Inc. Sign Lease Agreement, which the 
Company hereby incorporates by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's 
Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-37158.

    10.07.  Form of General Partnership Agreement and Master Agreement, which 
the Company hereby incorporates by reference from Exhibit 10.07 to the 
Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995.

    10.08.  1991 Sonic Corp. Stock Option Plan, which the Company hereby 
incorporates by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Form S-1 
Registration Statement No. 33-37158.*

    10.09.  1991 Sonic Corp. Stock Purchase Plan, which the Company hereby 
incorporates by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Form S-1 
Registration Statement No. 33-37158.*

    10.10.  1991 Sonic Corp. Directors' Stock Option Plan, which the 
Company hereby incorporates by reference from Exhibit 10.08 to the Company's 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1991.*


    10.11.  Sonic Corp. Savings and Profit Sharing Plan, which the Company 
hereby incorporates by reference from Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Form S-1 
Registration Statement No. 33-37158.*

    10.12.  Net Revenue Incentive Plan, which the Company hereby incorporates 
by reference from Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Form S-1 Registration 
Statement No. 33-37158.*

    10.13.  Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors, which the 
Company hereby incorporates by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's 
Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-37158.*

    10.14.  Form of Indemnification Agreement for Officers, which the Company 
hereby incorporates by reference from Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Form 
10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995.*

    10.15.  Sonic Corp. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan.*+

    10.16.  Form of Employment Agreement and Schedule of Material Differences 
for the Executive Officers of the Company.*+

    10.17.  Loan Agreement with Texas Commerce Bank National Association 
dated July 31, 1995, which the Company hereby incorporates by reference from 
Exhibit 10.26 to the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 
1995.

    10.18.  First Amendment to Loan Agreement with Texas Commerce Bank 
National Association.+


                                       2

<PAGE>

    10.19.  Second Amendment to Loan Agreement with Texas Commerce Bank 
National Association.+


    21.01.  Subsidiaries of the Company.+

    23.01.  Consent of Independent Auditors.

    24.01.  Power of Attorney.+

    27.01.  Financial Data Schedules.+

REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during its last fiscal 
quarter ended August 31, 1996.














                                       3


<PAGE>

                         Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Sonic Corp.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sonic Corp. as
of August 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended August 31, 1996. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule
listed in the Index at Item 14. These financial statements and schedule are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 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. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Sonic Corp. at
August 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion,
the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the
basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material
respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, in
fiscal year 1996 Sonic Corp. changed its method of accounting for impairment of
long-lived assets by adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to Be Disposed Of."


                                                  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                             -------------------------------
                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
October 18, 1996


                                       F-1
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                  AUGUST 31,
                                                                           1996               1995
                                                                        ----------------------------
                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                     <C>                 <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                             $  7,706            $  3,778
  Accounts and notes receivable, net (NOTE 4)                              5,229               5,181
  Net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases (NOTE 6)          783                 908
  Inventories                                                              1,868               2,252
  Deferred income taxes (NOTE 11)                                            110                 132
  Prepaid expenses and other                                                 481                 463
                                                                        ----------------------------
Total current assets                                                      16,177              12,714



Notes receivable, net (NOTE 4)                                             3,063               2,731


Net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases (NOTE 6)          3,421               3,048


Deferred income taxes (NOTE 11)                                            2,184                 257


Property, equipment and capital leases, net (NOTES 2, 6 AND 7)           100,505              70,171


Intangibles and other assets, net (NOTE 5)                                22,094              16,410
                                                                        ----------------------------
Total assets                                                            $147,444            $105,331
                                                                        ----------------------------
                                                                        ----------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       F-2

<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

                     Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                  AUGUST 31,
                                                                           1996               1995
                                                                        ----------------------------
                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                     <C>                 <C>

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
 Accounts payable                                                       $  2,904            $  1,691
 Deposits from franchisees                                                   601                 833
 Accrued liabilities (NOTE 8)                                              7,841               5,353
 Obligations under capital leases due within one year (NOTE 6)               823                 481
 Long-term debt due within one year (NOTE 9)                                 517                 107
                                                                        ----------------------------
Total current liabilities                                                 12,686               8,465

Obligations under capital leases due after one year (NOTE 6)               8,985               5,793
Long-term debt due after one year (NOTE 9)                                11,884              24,795
Other noncurrent liabilities (NOTE 10)                                     4,206               2,921
Commitments and contingencies (NOTES 3, 6, 14 AND 15)

Stockholders' equity (NOTE 12):
 Preferred stock, par value $.01; 1,000,000 shares authorized;
  none outstanding                                                             -                   -
 Common stock, par value $.01; 40,000,000 shares authorized;
  shares issued--13,475,078 in 1996 and 12,079,886 in 1995                   135                 121
 Paid-in capital                                                          59,107              30,355
 Retained earnings                                                        50,584              39,340
                                                                        ----------------------------
                                                                         109,826              69,816
 Treasury stock, at cost; 7,580 shares in 1996 and
  428,026 shares in 1995                                                   (143)             (6,459)
                                                                        ----------------------------
Total stockholders' equity                                               109,683              63,357
                                                                        ----------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                              $147,444            $105,331
                                                                        ----------------------------
                                                                        ----------------------------
</TABLE>


SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.


                                       F-3
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

                        Consolidated Statements of Income


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                                1996           1995           1994
                                                              --------------------------------------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>             <C>
Revenues:
 Sales by Company-owned restaurants                           $120,700      $  91,438       $ 72,629
 Franchised restaurants:
   Franchise fees                                                1,453          1,409          1,144
   Franchise royalties                                          23,315         20,392         14,703
   Equipment and sign sales (NOTE 1)                             3,743          9,076          9,602
 Other                                                           1,919          1,445          1,626
                                                              --------------------------------------
                                                               151,130        123,760         99,704

Costs and expenses:
 Company-owned restaurants:
  Food and packaging                                            37,463         30,073         24,270
  Payroll and other employee benefits                           34,555         27,265         20,951
  Other operating expenses                                      20,645         14,937         11,746
                                                              --------------------------------------
                                                                92,663         72,275         56,967

 Equipment and sign cost of sales (NOTE 1)                       3,101          7,354          7,775
 Selling, general and administrative                            14,498         13,260         10,918
 Depreciation and amortization                                   8,896          5,910          4,165
 Minority interest in earnings of restaurant
   partnerships                                                  4,806          3,259          2,723
 Provision for impairment of long-lived assets
   (NOTE 2)                                                      8,627             71          4,153
                                                              --------------------------------------
                                                               132,591        102,129         86,701
                                                              --------------------------------------
Income from operations                                          18,539         21,631         13,003

Interest expense                                                 1,184          1,823          1,084
Interest income                                                   (708)          (409)          (309)
                                                              --------------------------------------
Net interest expense                                               476          1,414            775
                                                              --------------------------------------
Income before income taxes                                      18,063         20,217         12,228

Provision for income taxes (NOTE 11)                             6,819          7,733          4,585
                                                              --------------------------------------
Net income                                                    $ 11,244      $  12,484       $  7,643
                                                              --------------------------------------
                                                              --------------------------------------

Net income per share (NOTE 12)                                    $.84          $1.05           $.64
                                                              --------------------------------------
                                                              --------------------------------------

Weighted average shares outstanding (NOTE 12)                   13,449         11,842         11,954
                                                              --------------------------------------
                                                              --------------------------------------
</TABLE>


SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.


                                       F-4
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

                 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      NUMBER          COMMON       PAID-IN       RETAINED      TREASURY
                                                    OF SHARES         STOCK        CAPITAL       EARNINGS       STOCK
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                <C>                <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>
Balance at August 31, 1993                             7,913          $  79        $27,948        $19,213       $  (492)

Exercise of common stock options                          13              -            204              -             -
Purchase of treasury stock                                 -              -              -              -          (218)
Net income                                                 -              -              -          7,643             -
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at August 31, 1994                             7,926             79         28,152         26,856          (710)

Exercise of common stock options                         134              1          2,244              -             -
Purchase of treasury stock                                 -              -              -              -        (5,749)
Three-for-two stock split, including
  $1,200 paid in cash for fractional
  shares (NOTE 12)                                     4,020             41           (41)              -             -
Net income                                                 -              -              -         12,484             -
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at August 31, 1995                            12,080            121         30,355         39,340        (6,459)

Exercise of common stock options                         154              2          2,037              -             -
Purchase of treasury stock                                 -              -              -              -          (143)
Sale of common stock (NOTE 12)                         1,241             12         26,715              -         6,459
Net income                                                 -              -              -         11,244             -
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at August 31, 1996                            13,475           $135        $59,107        $50,584       $  (143)
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.


                                       F-5
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                                      1996           1995           1994
                                                                    -------------------------------------
                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                 <C>            <C>           <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                                          $11,244        $12,484       $  7,643
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
  cash provided by operating activities:
   Depreciation and amortization                                      8,896          5,910          4,165
   Gains on dispositions of assets                                     (309)           (52)          (230)
   Amortization of franchise and development fees                    (1,453)        (1,409)        (1,131)
   Accretion of interest expense                                         74            100            100
   Franchise and development fees collected                           1,460          1,376          1,091
   Provision (credit) for deferred income taxes                      (1,905)           370         (1,291)
   Provision for impairment of long-lived assets                      8,627             71          4,153
   (Increase) decrease in operating assets:
    Accounts and notes receivable                                      (380)          (448)        (1,275)
    Inventories, prepaid expenses and other                            (766)          (331)           416
   Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
    Accounts payable                                                  1,213           (741)           526
    Accrued and other liabilities                                     2,154          2,209           (789)
                                                                    -------------------------------------
Total adjustments                                                    17,611          7,055          5,735
                                                                    -------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities                            28,855         19,539         13,378

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment                                 (41,107)       (34,208)       (14,615)
Investment in direct financing leases                                (1,235)        (1,016)          (832)
Collections on direct financing leases                                  987            902            729
Proceeds from sales of inventories and property,
   equipment and capital leases                                       2,450            346            660
Increase in intangibles and other assets:
   Goodwill resulting from acquisitions of restaurants               (5,964)          (181)        (2,197)
   Other                                                             (1,721)        (1,592)          (809)
                                                                    -------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities                               (46,590)       (35,749)       (17,064)
</TABLE>


(CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE)


                                       F-6
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                                      1996           1995           1994
                                                                    -------------------------------------
                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                 <C>            <C>           <C>


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of common stock                                  $33,186           $  -           $  -
Proceeds from long-term borrowings                                   11,500         18,250          4,964
Payments on long-term debt                                          (24,250)          (222)          (100)
Payments on capital lease obligations                                  (669)          (549)          (547)
Exercises of stock options                                            1,900            550            204
Purchases of treasury stock                                              (4)        (4,054)          (219)
                                                                    -------------------------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities                            21,663         13,975          4,302
                                                                    -------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                  3,928         (2,235)           616

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year                    3,778          6,013          5,397
                                                                    -------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year                        $ 7,706       $  3,778       $  6,013
                                                                    -------------------------------------
                                                                    -------------------------------------

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for:
  Interest                                                          $ 1,369       $  1,794         $  965
  Income taxes (net of refunds)                                       8,192          5,581          6,187
Additions to capital lease obligations                                4,203              -          1,837
Property and equipment purchases financed through notes payable         175            354            211
Notes receivable from property and equipment sales                        -            317            370
Capital lease obligations retired in connection with
    sales of property and equipment                                       -              -            303
Purchases of treasury stock in connection with
    exercises of stock options                                          139          1,695              -
</TABLE>


SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.


                                       F-7
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                         August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

                        (in thousands, except share data)


1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

OPERATIONS

Sonic Corp. (the "Company") operates and franchises a chain of quick-service
drive-in restaurants in the United States. In addition, the Company sells and
leases restaurant equipment and signs. In February 1996, the Company sold its
restaurant equipment division, including restaurant equipment inventories of
approximately $1,500, for $1,747 in cash and recognized a gain of $250. The
Company grants credit to its franchisees, all of whom are in the restaurant
business. Substantially all of the notes receivable and direct financing leases
are collateralized by real estate or equipment.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its majority-owned, Company-operated
restaurants, organized principally as general partnerships. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in
minority-owned restaurants, organized principally as general partnerships, and
other minority investments are carried at equity and are included in other
assets.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and contingent assets and
liabilities disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual
results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be
material to the financial statements.

INVENTORIES

Inventories consist principally of food and supplies which are carried at the
lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market and restaurant equipment
held for sale (primarily used equipment as of August 31, 1996 and new equipment
as of August 31, 1995) which is carried at the lower of weighted average cost or
market.


                                       F-8
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)



1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND CAPITAL LEASES

Property and equipment are recorded at cost, and leased assets under capital
leases are recorded at the present value of future minimum lease payments.
Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of capital leases are
computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or initial
terms of the leases, respectively.

ACCOUNTING FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1996, certain restaurants which were
nonoperating and were either held for disposition or were under short-term
subleases were carried at the lower of depreciated cost or estimated net
realizable values. Estimated net realizable values were determined annually
based upon appraisals or other independent assessments of the restaurants'
estimated sales values. Subsequent to restaurant closings, the related
restaurant buildings and equipment were not depreciated and the related leased
restaurant buildings under capital leases were not amortized. All estimated
costs which were expected to be incurred in the closings and disposals of
Company-owned and certain other restaurants were accrued when the decisions were
made to close such restaurants. These estimated costs included accruals for
future occupancy costs, estimated direct disposal costs and reductions of the
carrying values of property, equipment and capital leases to estimated net
realizable values. Allowances for impairment and accrued carrying costs for
restaurant closings and disposals were adjusted when necessary based on
subsequent information and events.

Effective June 1, 1996 (NOTE 2), the Company reviews long-lived assets,
identifiable intangibles, and goodwill related to those assets whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset might
not be recoverable. Assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment at the
lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely
independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. The Company has
determined that an individual restaurant is the level at which this review will
be applied. The Company's primary test for an indicator of potential impairment
is operating losses. If an indication of impairment is determined to be present,
the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to be generated from the
use of the asset and its eventual disposal. If the sum of undiscounted future
cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is
recognized. The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the
asset to its carrying amount. The fair value of the asset is measured by
calculating the present value of estimated future cash flows using a discount
rate equivalent to the rate of return the Company expects to achieve from its
investment in newly-constructed restaurants.


                                       F-9
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)



1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles held for disposal are carried at
the lower of depreciated cost or fair value less cost to sell. Fair values are
estimated based upon appraisals or other independent assessments of the assets'
estimated sales values. During the period in which assets are being held for
disposal, depreciation and amortization of such assets are not recognized.

PRE-OPENING COSTS

The costs of hiring, training and other direct costs associated with opening new
restaurants are capitalized and amortized over the first twelve months of
restaurant operations.

TRADEMARKS, TRADE NAMES AND OTHER GOODWILL

Trademarks, trade names and other goodwill are amortized on the straight-line
method over periods not exceeding 40 years.

FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS

Costs of franchise agreements capitalized in connection with the acquisition of
existing franchises are amortized on the straight-line method over the life of
the agreements, not exceeding 15 years.

OTHER INTANGIBLES

Other intangibles and deferred costs included in other assets are amortized on
the straight-line method over the expected period of benefit, not exceeding 15
years.

FRANCHISE FEES AND ROYALTIES

Initial franchise fees are nonrefundable and are recognized in income when all
material services or conditions relating to the sale of the franchise have been
substantially performed or satisfied by the Company. Area development fees are
nonrefundable and are recognized in income on a pro rata basis when the
conditions for revenue recognition under the individual development agreements
are met. Royalties from franchise operations are recognized in income as earned.

ADVERTISING COSTS

Costs incurred in connection with advertising and promotion of the Company's
products are expensed as incurred. Such costs amounted to $4,956, $4,204 and
$3,134 for the years ended August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.


                                      F-10
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)



1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation," permits stock compensation cost to be measured using
the intrinsic value based method or the fair value based method. The Company
will continue to use the intrinsic value based method of accounting as
prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees"; however, expanded disclosure of the impact of the fair
value based method will be provided in the footnotes to the fiscal year 1997
financial statements as required by SFAS 123. The Company's existing stock
option plans have no intrinsic value at grant date, and no compensation cost has
been recognized for them (NOTE 12).

NET INCOME PER SHARE

Net income per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares
and dilutive common stock equivalent shares outstanding during each year (NOTE
12).

CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less from date of purchase.

2. IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

The Company adopted SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," at the beginning of the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 1996. Based on an evaluation of all restaurants
which had incurred operating losses through May 31, 1996, the Company determined
that certain restaurants and other assets with carrying amounts of $12,553 were
impaired and wrote them down to their fair values. The initial charge upon
adoption of SFAS 121 was $8,541 ($5,316 after-tax or $.39 per share) and
included $5,720 ($3,560 after-tax or $.26 per share) related to restaurants and
other assets held for disposal and $2,821 ($1,756 after-tax or $.13 per share)
related to restaurants to be held and used. The difference in the Company's
previous policy and fair value under SFAS 121 for assets held for disposal at
the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1996 was not material. The
Company plans to dispose of the related assets during fiscal years 1997 and 1998
and has estimated the sales value, net of related costs to sell, at $2,651. The
charge primarily relates to



                                      F-11
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)


2. IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS (CONTINUED)

the write-down of certain restaurants to fair value consistent with the earnings
expectations of each restaurant using discounted estimated future cash flows.
Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future discounted cash
flows. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from management's
estimates. The evaluation for impairment is done for each individual restaurant,
rather than all restaurants as a group. The initial charge resulted from the
Company grouping assets at a lower level than under its previous accounting
policy for evaluating and measuring impairment. Prior to adoption of this new
standard, a write-down of a restaurant only took place when a decision was made
to close or dispose of the restaurant. As a result of the reduced carrying value
of the impaired assets, depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal year 
1997 is expected to be reduced by approximately $800 ($500 after-tax or $.04 
per share).

During 1994, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $3,144 for the expected
costs and expenses required to discontinue the Company's operation of seven
restaurants in south Florida. The provision is composed of the write-down of
property and equipment to estimated net realizable value of $2,294, the accrual
of carrying costs of $577 and the write-down of other assets of $273.

During 1994, the Company accrued $720 in equipment write-downs related to the
Company adopting an implementation plan for a new PC-based point-of-sale system.
This new system will enhance the Company's ability to monitor store level
operations through the transferring of restaurant information electronically in
a more timely manner. The implementation plan is expected to be completed by the
end of fiscal year 1997. The equipment currently in service has been written
down to the estimated net realizable value, after giving effect to normal
depreciation of historical cost during the implementation period.

3. RESTAURANT TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTY

In March 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with a director and former
officer of the Company in connection with his leaving the Company and 
returning to his career as a Sonic franchisee. Under that agreement, the 
director exchanged certain rights under his employment agreement, including 
the right to purchase six existing Sonic restaurants, for the right to 
purchase the Company's interest in two existing Sonic restaurants (with 
financing provided by the Company) and to acquire certain development rights 
for future Sonic restaurants. As part of the agreement, the Company also 
agreed to assist the director with obtaining development financing for up to 
six Sonic restaurants. Since March 1994, the Company has entered into certain 
agreements with the director and the director's lender which provide that in 
the event of a default by the director under the terms of the director's

                                      F-12

<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)


3. RESTAURANT TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTY (CONTINUED)

restaurant development loans (aggregating $3,460 as of August 31, 1996), the
Company is required to purchase the collateral (shares of the Company's common
stock and real estate related to Sonic restaurants) securing the director's
loans at fair market value as specified in the repurchase agreements. The
Company's repurchase obligations under these agreements expire in 1999 ($1,749),
2000 ($102) and 2001 ($1,609).

4. ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE

Accounts and notes receivable consist of the following at August 31, 1996 and
1995:


                                                               1996       1995
                                                             ------------------
Trade receivables                                             $2,878     $3,784
Notes receivable--current                                        846        540
Other                                                          1,638      1,005
                                                             ------------------
                                                               5,362      5,329
Less allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable        133        148
                                                             ------------------
                                                              $5,229     $5,181
                                                             ------------------
                                                             ------------------
Notes receivable--noncurrent                                  $3,193     $2,760
Less allowance for doubtful notes receivable                     130         29
                                                             ------------------
                                                              $3,063     $2,731
                                                             ------------------
                                                             ------------------

5. INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS

Intangibles and other assets consist of the following at August 31, 1996 and
1995:

                                                                1996      1995
                                                             ------------------
Trademarks, trade names, and other goodwill                  $20,945    $14,980
Franchise agreements                                           1,870      1,870
Other intangibles and other assets                             3,775      3,065
                                                             ------------------
                                                              26,590     19,915
Less accumulated amortization                                  4,496      3,505
                                                             ------------------
                                                             $22,094    $16,410
                                                             ------------------
                                                             ------------------


                                      F-13
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)

6. LEASES

DESCRIPTION OF LEASING ARRANGEMENTS

The Company's leasing operations consist principally of leasing certain land,
buildings and equipment (including signs) and subleasing certain buildings to
franchise operators. The land portions of these leases are classified as
operating leases and expire over the next six years. The buildings and equipment
portions of these leases are classified principally as direct financing or
sales-type leases and expire over the next eight years. These leases include
provisions for contingent rentals which may be received on the basis of a
percentage of sales in excess of stipulated amounts. Some leases contain
escalation clauses over the lives of the leases.

Certain Company-owned restaurants lease land and buildings from third parties.
These leases, which expire over the next twenty years, include provisions for
contingent rentals which may be paid on the basis of a percentage of sales in
excess of stipulated amounts. The land portions of these leases are classified
as operating leases and the buildings portions are classified as capital leases.

DIRECT FINANCING AND SALES-TYPE LEASES

Components of net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases are as
follows at August 31, 1996 and 1995:

                                                                1996       1995
                                                             ------------------
Minimum lease payments receivable                             $5,670     $5,609
Less unearned income                                           1,466      1,653
                                                             ------------------
Net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases       4,204      3,956
Less amount due within one year                                  783        908
                                                             ------------------
Amount due after one year                                     $3,421     $3,048
                                                             ------------------
                                                             ------------------

Minimum lease payments receivable for each of the five years after August 31,
1996 are $1,336 in 1997, $1,241 in 1998, $1,120 in 1999, $886 in 2000, $681 in
2001 and $406 thereafter. Initial direct costs incurred in the negotiation and
consummation of direct financing and sales-type lease transactions have not been
material during fiscal years 1996 and 1995. Accordingly, no portion of unearned
income has been recognized to offset those costs.


                                      F-14
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)

6. LEASES (CONTINUED)

Equipment and sign sales include $1,340, $1,163 and $836 for the years ended
August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, related to sign lease transactions
that have been accounted for as sales-type leases.

CAPITAL LEASES

Components of obligations under capital leases are as follows at August 31, 1996
and 1995:

                                                               1996       1995
                                                             ------------------
Total minimum lease payments                                 $16,701    $11,249
Less amount representing interest                              6,893      4,975
                                                             ------------------
Present value of net minimum lease payments                    9,808      6,274
Less amount due within one year                                  823        481
                                                             ------------------
Amount due after one year                                   $  8,985   $  5,793
                                                             ------------------
                                                             ------------------

Maturities of these obligations under capital leases, including interest, at
rates averaging approximately 13%, and future minimum rental payments required
under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms
in excess of one year are as follows:

                                                             OPERATING  CAPITAL
                                                             ------------------
   Year ending August 31:
     1997                                                   $  2,416   $  1,858
     1998                                                      2,344      1,836
     1999                                                      2,256      1,645
     2000                                                      2,195      1,439
     2001                                                      2,153      1,389
     Thereafter                                               13,111      8,534
                                                             ------------------
                                                              24,475     16,701
     Less amount representing interest                             -      6,893
                                                             ------------------
                                                             $24,475   $  9,808
                                                             ------------------
                                                             ------------------

Total minimum lease payments do not include contingent rentals. Contingent
rentals on capital leases were $334, $291 and $284 for the years ended August
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.


                                      F-15
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)

6. LEASES (CONTINUED)

Rent expense on all operating leases was $2,443, $1,918 and $1,905 for the years
ended August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

7. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND CAPITAL LEASES

Property, equipment and capital leases consist of the following at August 31,
1996 and 1995:

                                                               1996       1995
                                                            -------------------
Home office:
  Land and leasehold improvements                           $  1,041   $  1,180
  Furniture and equipment                                     13,165      9,077
Restaurants, including those leased to others:
  Land                                                        24,184     15,974
  Buildings, including property held for disposition          38,013     26,775
  Equipment                                                   31,702     24,057
                                                            -------------------
Property and equipment, at cost                              108,105     77,063
Less accumulated depreciation and allowance for impairment    15,497     11,782
                                                            -------------------
Property and equipment, net                                   92,608     65,281

Leased restaurant buildings and equipment under capital
  leases, including those held for sublease                   10,809      7,233
Less accumulated amortization and allowance for impairment     2,912      2,343
                                                            -------------------
Capital leases, net                                            7,897      4,890
                                                            -------------------
Property, equipment and capital leases, net                 $100,505    $70,171
                                                            -------------------
                                                            -------------------

Property and equipment include land and buildings with a carrying value of $533
at August 31, 1996 and $514 at August 31, 1995 which were leased under operating
leases to franchisees or other parties. The accumulated depreciation related to
these buildings was $249 at August 31, 1996 and $270 at August 31, 1995.

Property, equipment and capital leases also include assets held for disposal or
sublease with an aggregate carrying value of $3,571, exclusive of certain
carrying costs reflected in liabilities, at August 31, 1996 and $2,092 at August
31, 1995.


                                      F-16
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)


8. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities consist of the following at August 31, 1996 and 1995:

                                                                1996       1995
                                                            -------------------
Wages and other employee benefits (NOTE 13)                   $1,422     $  938
Income taxes payable (NOTE 11)                                 2,635      2,103
Taxes, other than income taxes                                 2,717      1,274
Accrued litigation costs                                          51        159
Accrued carrying costs for restaurant closings and disposals     592        120
Other                                                            424        759
                                                            -------------------
                                                              $7,841     $5,353
                                                            -------------------
                                                            -------------------

9. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following at August 31, 1996 and 1995:

                                                                1996       1995
                                                            -------------------
Borrowings under line of credit (A)                          $11,500    $23,000
Non-interest bearing obligation, due in 1997;
  net of discount based on imputed interest rate of 8.3%         422      1,340
Notes payable to banks, at various interest rates,
  due in varying annual installments through 1997                 80        328
8.5% notes payable, due in monthly installments until 2011       399        234
                                                            -------------------
                                                              12,401     24,902
Less long-term debt due within one year                          517        107
                                                            -------------------
Long-term debt due after one year                            $11,884    $24,795
                                                            -------------------
                                                            -------------------


                                      F-17
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)

9. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

(A)  In July 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with a group of banks
     which provided the Company with a $40,000 line of credit expiring in June
     1998. The agreement allows for annual renewal options, subject to approval
     by the banks, which has not currently been exercised by the Company. In
     August 1996, the line of credit was increased to $60,000. The Company uses
     the line of credit to finance the opening of newly-constructed restaurants,
     acquisition of existing restaurants and for general corporate purposes.
     Borrowings under the line of credit are unsecured and bear interest at a
     specified bank's prime rate or, at the Company's option, LIBOR plus 0.75%
     to 1.25%. In addition, the Company pays an annual commitment fee ranging
     from .125% to .25% on the unused portion of the line of credit. As of
     August 31, 1996, the Company's effective borrowing rate was 7.07%. Under
     its line of credit, the Company may borrow up to $60,000 in the form of
     direct borrowings and letters of credit with a $2,000 sub-limit for letters
     of credit. As of August 31, 1996 there were $100 in letters of credit
     outstanding under the line of credit. Borrowings under the line of credit
     are subject to various restrictive financial covenants.

Maturities of long-term debt, net of discount, for each of the five years after
August 31, 1996 are $517 in 1997, $11,516 in 1998, $18 in 1999, $19 in 2000, $21
in 2001 and $310 thereafter.

10. OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES

Other noncurrent liabilities consist of the following at August 31, 1996 and
1995:

                                                                 1996      1995
                                                            -------------------
Deferred area development fees                                 $  608    $  369
Minority interest in consolidated restaurant partnerships       2,589     2,175
Accrued carrying costs for restaurant closings and disposals      870       250
Other                                                             139       127
                                                            -------------------
                                                               $4,206    $2,921
                                                            -------------------
                                                            -------------------


                                      F-18
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)

11. INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:


                                                    YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                  1996      1995         1994
                                                ------------------------------
Current:
  Federal                                        $8,371    $6,744       $5,394
  State                                             353       619          482
                                                ------------------------------
                                                  8,724     7,363        5,876

Deferred:
  Federal                                        (1,839)      357       (1,246)
  State                                             (66)       13          (45)
                                                ------------------------------
                                                 (1,905)      370       (1,291)
                                                ------------------------------
Provision for income taxes                       $6,819    $7,733       $4,585
                                                ------------------------------
                                                ------------------------------

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying 
the statutory federal income tax rate due to the following:

                                                     YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                   1996      1995         1994
                                                ------------------------------
Amount computed by applying a tax rate of 35%    $6,322    $7,076       $4,280
State income taxes (net of federal income
  tax benefit)                                      187       411          284
Permanent differences in expenses for financial
  and income tax reporting purposes                (283)      (56)          77
Effect of graduated tax rates                         -         -         (100)
Other, including effect of tax rate changes         593       302           44
                                                ------------------------------
Provision for income taxes                       $6,819    $7,733       $4,585
                                                ------------------------------
                                                ------------------------------



                                      F-19
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)

11. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following at August 31, 1996
and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       1996           1995
                                                                     ---------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>
Deferred tax assets:
 Asset valuation reserves                                            $1,407         $1,135
 Accrued carrying costs for restaurant closings and disposals           753            159
 Accrued litigation costs                                                18             56
 Investment in partnerships, including differences in
  capitalization and depreciation related to direct financing
  and sales-type leases and different year ends for financial
  and tax reporting purposes                                          1,095            204
 Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable                    94             62
 Other                                                                   63             12
                                                                     ---------------------
                                                                      3,430          1,628
Valuation allowance                                                       -              -
                                                                     ---------------------
Deferred tax assets                                                   3,430          1,628

Less deferred tax liabilities:
 Accumulated amortization of license agreements, management
  contracts and other intangibles                                       409            422
 Net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases,
  including differences related to capitalization and amortization      639            640
 Other                                                                   88            177
                                                                     ---------------------
Deferred tax liabilities                                              1,136          1,239
                                                                     ---------------------
Net deferred tax assets                                              $2,294         $  389
                                                                     ---------------------
                                                                     ---------------------
</TABLE>

12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

In July 1995, the Company's board of directors authorized a three-for-two stock
split in the form of a stock dividend. A total of 4,019,321 shares of common
stock were issued in connection with the split. The stated par value of each
share was not changed from $.01. A total of $40 was reclassified from paid-in
capital to common stock. All references in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements to average numbers of shares outstanding, per share amounts
and Stock Purchase Plan and Stock Options share data have been restated to
reflect the split.


                                      F-20
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)

12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)

In October 1995, the Company completed a public offering of 1,668,826 shares of
common stock at $21.25 per share. The offering included 428,026 shares of
treasury stock which had a cost of $6,459. The proceeds of the offering, after
deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses, were $33,186. A
portion of the proceeds ($23,000) was used to repay the borrowings under the
Company's line of credit.

In January 1996, the stockholders approved an increase in common stock
authorized from 20,000,000 to 40,000,000 shares.

STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

The Company has an employee stock purchase plan for all full-time regular
employees of the Company. Employees are eligible to purchase shares of common
stock each year through a payroll deduction not in excess of the lesser of 10%
of compensation or $25. The aggregate amount of stock that employees may
purchase each calendar year under this plan is limited to 150,000 shares. The
purchase price will be between 85% and 100% of the stock's fair market value.
Such price will be determined by the Company's board of directors.

STOCK OPTIONS

The Company has an Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Incentive Plan") and a
Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Directors' Plan"). Under the Incentive Plan,
the Company is authorized to grant options to purchase up to 1,340,000
(1,245,000 in 1995) shares of the Company's common stock to officers and key
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Under the Directors' Plan, the
Company is authorized to grant options to purchase up to 225,000 shares of the
Company's common stock to the Company's outside directors. The exercise price of
the options to be granted is equal to the fair market value of the Company's
common stock on the date of grant. Unless otherwise provided by the Company's
Stock Plan Committee, options under both plans become exercisable ratably over a
three-year period or immediately upon change in control of the Company, as
defined by the plans. During fiscal year 1994, the Company granted certain
options under the Incentive Plan which become exercisable ratably over a five-
year period. All options expire at the earlier of termination of employment or
ten years after the date of grant.


                                      F-21
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)


Activity in the Company's stock option plans for the years ended August 31, 1996
and 1995 is as follows:

                                                           1996         1995
                                                        -----------------------
     Outstanding options, beginning of year               940,438     1,148,934
     Granted                                              378,444       275,342
     Exercised                                           (154,392)     (190,321)
     Canceled or expired                                 (149,600)     (293,517)
                                                        -----------------------
     Outstanding options, end of year                   1,014,890       940,438
                                                        -----------------------
                                                        -----------------------
     At end of year:
          Average option price per share                   $16.70        $14.90
          Range of option prices                           $10.00        $10.00
                                                               to            to
                                                           $22.63        $20.75
          Options exercisable                             406,533       381,981
          Options available for future grants             143,326       277,170

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

In November 1995, the Company adopted the Sonic Corp. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan
(the "Stock Incentive Plan") whereby the Company may issue up to 120,000 shares
of common stock to certain key employees. Participants in the Stock Incentive
Plan receive awards of shares of restricted common stock (the "Restricted
Stock"), subject to not vesting if the Company does not meet certain annual
performance criteria. If the Company meets the performance criteria, the portion
of the award tied to the criteria will vest. Until the Restricted Stock vests,
an escrow agent holds the Restricted Stock. If the Company does not meet the
performance criteria, the portion of the award tied to that criteria will not
vest and the related shares are available for future awards. Upon vesting,
the participant will have the right to receive certificates representing the
shares of vested Restricted Stock.

During fiscal year 1996, the Company awarded 87,000 shares of Restricted Stock
which vest over a three-year period if specified performance goals are met. The
Company did not meet the specified performance criteria in fiscal year 1996
which resulted in 20,000 shares not vesting. Shares applicable to awards 
which have not vested are not reflected as shares issued in the accompanying 
financial statements.


                                      F-22
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

SAVINGS AND PROFIT SHARING PLAN

The Company has a Savings and Profit Sharing Plan (the "Plan"), as amended, for
eligible employees. Employees who have completed one year of service with the
Company are eligible to participate in the Plan. Under the Plan, participating
employees may authorize payroll deductions up to 11% of their earnings. The
Company may elect to contribute a percentage of participants' contributions to
the Plan. Additional amounts may be contributed at the option of the Company's
board of directors. Company contributions are subject to vesting at the rate of
20% each year upon completion of two years of service, with 100% vesting after
six years. Matching contributions of $114, $101 and $97 were made by the Company
during the years ended August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. For the
year ended August 31, 1996, a discretionary contribution of $35 was accrued ($50
for each of the two years ended August 31, 1995 and 1994).

NET REVENUE INCENTIVE PLAN

The Company has a Net Revenue Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"), as amended,
which applies to certain members of management and is at all times discretionary
with the Company's board of directors. If certain predetermined earnings goals
are met, the Incentive Plan provides that a predetermined percentage of the
employee's salary may be paid in the form of a bonus. The Company accrued
incentive bonuses of $341, $367 and $60 during the years ended August 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively.

14. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

The Company has employment contracts with its President and several members of
its senior management. These contracts provide for use of Company automobiles or
related allowances, medical, life and disability insurance, annual base
salaries, as well as an incentive bonus (NOTE 13). These contracts also contain
provisions for payments in the event of the termination of employment and
provide for payments aggregating $3,623 at August 31, 1996 due to loss of
employment in the event of a change in control (as defined in the contracts).


                                      F-23
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)

15. CONTINGENCIES

In October 1993, following a jury trial, the District Court of Jefferson County,
Texas (the "District Court") entered a judgment against two subsidiaries of the
Company in the amount of $935 of actual damages and prejudgment interest, and
$1,000 of punitive damages in an action in which the plaintiffs claim the
subsidiaries interfered with contractual relations of the plaintiffs and were
guilty of deceptive trade practices. In March 1994, the District Court granted a
motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict filed by the two subsidiaries of
the Company. The District Court's judgment eliminated the award of actual and
punitive damages in favor of certain plaintiffs. The plaintiffs appealed the
reversal of the previous judgments. In April 1996, the Texas Court of Appeals
reversed the District Court's judgment notwithstanding the verdict and
reinstated the jury's verdict in the amount of $782 of actual damages, $1,000 of
punitive damages, and pre and post judgment interest. The Company has appealed
the Court of Appeals reversal to the Supreme Court of Texas. The Company
continues to believe that the findings of the jury and the Court of Appeals had
no merit and will defend its position vigorously. The Company presently cannot
predict the ultimate outcome of this matter. A final resolution is not expected
to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results
of operations.

The Company is a party to several additional legal actions arising in the
conduct of its business. Management of the Company believes that the ultimate
resolution of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.


                                      F-24
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)


16. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                       FIRST QUARTER      SECOND QUARTER     THIRD QUARTER    FOURTH QUARTER         FULL YEAR
                                       1996      1995      1996     1995     1996     1995     1996     1995      1996       1995
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>
Income statement data:
Sales by Company-owned restaurants    $25,444   $19,816   $23,274  $19,421  $33,642  $25,153  $38,340  $27,048  $120,700   $ 91,438
Franchised restaurants:
 Franchise fees                           262       334       553      269      287      228      351      578     1,453      1,409
 Franchise royalties                    5,810     4,926     4,894    4,305    5,717    5,284    6,894    5,877    23,315     20,392
 Equipment and sign sales (a)           2,254     2,130     1,489    1,763        -    2,705        -    2,478     3,743      9,076
Other                                     373       364       631      263      479      399      436      419     1,919      1,445
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues                         34,143    27,570    30,841   26,021   40,125   33,769   46,021   36,400   151,130    123,760

Company-owned restaurants:
 Food and packaging                     8,294     6,413     7,582    6,389   10,315    8,311   11,272    8,960    37,463     30,073
 Payroll and other employee benefits    7,628     5,969     7,061    5,827    8,941    7,547   10,925    7,922    34,555     27,265
 Other operating expenses               4,472     3,378     4,327    3,201    5,348    3,796    6,498    4,562    20,645     14,937
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       20,394    15,760    18,970   15,417   24,604   19,654   28,695   21,444    92,663     72,275

Equipment and sign cost of sales (a)    1,891     1,739     1,210    1,380        -    2,207        -    2,028     3,101      7,354
Selling, general and administrative     3,299     3,331     3,375    3,322    3,776    3,483    4,048    3,124    14,498     13,260
Depreciation and amortization           1,989     1,209     2,123    1,426    2,394    1,521    2,390    1,754     8,896      5,910
Minority interest in earnings of
  restaurant partnerships                 794       625       615      620    1,800      965    1,597    1,049     4,806      3,259
Provision for impairment of
  long-lived assets (b)                    22        19        27       15       16       18    8,562       19     8,627         71
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from operations                  5,754     4,887     4,521    3,841    7,535    5,921      729    6,982    18,539     21,631

Interest expense                          399       354       231      378      258      543      296      548     1,184      1,823
Interest income                          (208)     (105)     (257)    (117)    (137)     (94)    (106)     (93)     (708)      (409)
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes           $  5,563  $  4,638  $  4,547 $  3,580 $  7,414 $  5,472   $  539 $  6,527 $  18,063  $  20,217
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                           $  3,463  $  2,864  $  2,831 $  2,211 $  4,615 $  3,379   $  335 $  4,030 $  11,244  $  12,484
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income per share (NOTE 12)           $.27      $.24      $.21     $.19     $.34     $.29     $.02     $.34      $.84      $1.05
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(a)  Restaurant equipment sales and cost of sales declined due to the sale of
     the Company's equipment division in February 1996.
(b)  The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121
     during the fourth quarter of 1996 resulting in a $8,541 pre-tax impairment
     provision.


                                      F-25
<PAGE>

                                   Sonic Corp.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                        (in thousands, except share data)


17. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following discussion of fair values is not indicative of the overall fair
value of the Company's consolidated balance sheet since the provisions of SFAS
No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments," do not apply
to all assets, including intangibles.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its
fair values of financial instruments:

     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS--Carrying value approximates fair value.

     NOTES RECEIVABLE--For variable rate loans with no significant change in
     credit risk since the loan origination, fair values approximate carrying
     amounts. Fair values for fixed rate loans are estimated using discounted
     cash flow analysis, using interest rates which would currently be offered
     for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality and/or
     the same remaining maturities.

     As of August 31, 1996 and 1995, carrying values approximate their estimated
     fair values.

     BORROWED FUNDS--Fair values for fixed rate borrowings are estimated using a
     discounted cash flow analysis that applies interest rates currently being
     offered on borrowings of similar amounts and terms to those currently
     outstanding. Carrying values for variable rate borrowings approximate their
     fair values.

     As of August 31, 1996 and 1995, carrying values approximate their estimated
     fair values.


                                      F-26
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   Sonic Corp.

                      Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

                                                    ADDITIONS       AMOUNTS
                                    BALANCE AT      CHARGED TO     WRITTEN OFF                     BALANCE
                                     BEGINNING      COSTS AND      AGAINST THE                     AT END
DESCRIPTION                           OF YEAR        EXPENSES       ALLOWANCE     RECOVERIES       OF YEAR
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                 <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL
  ACCOUNTS AND NOTES
  RECEIVABLE
    Year ended:
       August 31, 1996                   $177         $  124          $  93           $ 55         $  263
       August 31, 1995                   $299         $   99          $ 226           $  5         $  177
       August 31, 1994                   $257         $   95          $  53           $  -         $  299

ACCRUED CARRYING COSTS
  FOR RESTAURANT CLOSINGS
  AND DISPOSALS
    Year ended:
       August 31, 1996                   $370         $1,354           $262           $  -         $1,462
       August 31, 1995                   $596         $   60           $286           $  -         $  370
       August 31, 1994                   $241         $  648           $293           $  -         $  596
</TABLE>

                                          F-27

<PAGE>
                                       
                                  SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company has caused the undersigned, 
duly-authorized, to sign this amendment on its behalf on this 20th day of 
December, 1996.

                                             Sonic Corp.

                                             By: /s/ J. Clifford Hudson
                                                -------------------------------
                                                 J. Clifford Hudson, President
                                                  and Chief Executive Officer


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended, the undersigned have signed this amendment on behalf of the Company, 
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


        Signature                           Title                    Date
        ---------                           -----                    ----


/s/ J. Clifford Hudson           President, Chief Executive    December 20, 1996
- -----------------------------     Officer, and Director
J. Clifford Hudson, Principal
 Executive Officer


/s/ Lewis B. Kilbourne           Senior Vice President and     December 20, 1996
- -----------------------------     Chief Financial Officer
Lewis B. Kilbourne, Principal
 Financial Officer


/s/ Stephen C. Vaughan           Controller                    December 20, 1996
- -----------------------------
Stephen C. Vaughan, Principal
 Accounting Officer


***                              Chairman of the Board         December 20, 1996
- -----------------------------     and Director
E. Dean Werries


***                              Director                      December 20, 1996
- -----------------------------
Dennis H. Clark


***                              Director                      December 20, 1996
- -----------------------------
Leonard Lieberman


***                              Director                      December 20, 1996
- -----------------------------
H.E. Rainbolt


***                              Director                      December 20, 1996
- -----------------------------
Frank E. Richardson III


***                              Director                      December 20, 1996
- -----------------------------
Robert M. Rosenberg


***     By: /s/ Ronald L. Matlock
            -----------------------------------
            Ronald L. Matlock, Attorney-in-Fact



<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 23.01


                           Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Forms S-8 No. 333-09373, No. 33-40989 and No. 33-78576) pertaining to the 1991
Sonic Corp. Stock Option Plan, the Registration Statement (Form S-8
No. 33-40988) pertaining to the 1991 Sonic Corp. Stock Purchase Plan, the
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-40987) pertaining to the 1991 Sonic
Corp. Directors' Stock Option Plan and the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No.
33-95716) for the registration of 1,420,000 shares of its common stock, and the
related Prospectuses of our report dated October 18, 1996, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Sonic Corp. included in the
Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year ended August 31, 1996.


                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                      -------------------------------
                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
December 20, 1996



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission