BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC 10-Q

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Based on their evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), as of the end of the period covered by this report, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the thirteen week period ended September 29, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Information and statements contained in this Form 10-Q, in our other filings with the SEC or in our written and verbal communications that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words like “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects,” “continues” and other similar expressions that convey uncertainty about future events or outcomes. Forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical results or from those projected in forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are, in many instances, beyond our control. We wish to caution you against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements because of these risks and uncertainties. Except as required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q report are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in Part I, Item IA “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, and below in Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this report on Form 10-Q, as well as the risks and uncertainties that generally apply to all businesses. We further caution that it is not possible to identify all risks and uncertainties, and you should not consider the identified factors as a complete list of all risks and uncertainties. 32 Table of Contents Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are: disruptions from COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of competition, changes in consumer preferences, consumer perception of food safety, reduced disposable income, unfavorable publicity, increased minimum wages, governmental regulations, the Company’s ability to meet its business strategy plan, third party delivery risks, loss of key management personnel, failure to hire and retain high-quality restaurant management, the impact of social media, failure to protect the security of data of our guests and team members, product availability, regional business and economic conditions, litigation, franchisee success, changes in interest rates due to phase out of LIBOR, downgrades in our credit ratings, inflation, changes in the retail industry, technology failures, failure to protect our intellectual property, outsourcing, impairment of goodwill or assets, failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, actions of activist shareholders, adverse weather conditions, terrorist acts, health epidemics or pandemics (such as COVID-19), tax reform, changes in financial and credit markets, inadequate insurance coverage and limitations imposed by our credit agreements. It is possible that there could be a material adverse impact on our revenues, results of operations and cash flows in connection with COVID-19. The fully vaccinated population in the United States remains limited to a less than significant majority and the vaccination rates are increasing only at a gradual rate. Lack of continued public acceptance of the vaccines, their on-going efficacy and emergence of new variants of COVID-19 could have adverse effects on the situation. Therefore, additional impacts to the business may arise that we are not aware of currently. We cannot predict whether, when or the manner in which the conditions surrounding COVID-19 will change, including the duration or re-emergence of restrictions and dining room closure requirements, staffing levels for reopened dining rooms, supply chain disruptions and customer re-engagement with our brands. PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 14 - Contingencies to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q report.