Biglari Holdings Inc. - Quarter Report: 2019 June (Form 10-Q)

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

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2019

or

For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission file number 001-38477

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

INDIANA		82-3784946
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

(210) 344-3400

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yesx Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and an “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 31, 2019:

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

INDEX

			Page No.
Part I – Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets — June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018		1
	Consolidated Statements of Earnings — Second Quarter and First Six Months 2019 and 2018		2
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income — Second Quarter and First Six Months 2019 and 2018		2
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — First Six Months 2019 and 2018		3
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity — First Six Months 2019 and 2018		4
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		5
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		18
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		25
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		25
Part II – Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		25
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		25
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		26
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		26
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		26
Item 5.	Other Information		26
Item 6.	Exhibits		26
Signatures			27

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

*Net earnings (loss) per equivalent Class B share outstanding is one-fifth of the equivalent Class A share or $12.70 and $18.37 for the second quarter and first six months of 2019, respectively, and $(4.35) and $(5.35) for the second quarter and first six months of 2018, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in thousands)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands) 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2019

(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Biglari Holdings Inc. (“Biglari Holdings” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) applicable to interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the results of the interim periods have been included and consist only of normal recurring adjustments. The results for the interim periods shown are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire fiscal year. The financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Biglari Holdings is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including media, property and casualty insurance, and restaurants. The Company’s largest operating subsidiaries are involved in the franchising and operating of restaurants. Biglari Holdings is founded and led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company’s long-term objective is to maximize per-share intrinsic value. All major operating, investment, and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari.

As of June 30, 2019, Mr. Biglari’s beneficial ownership was approximately 60.7% of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock and 55.4% of the Company’s outstanding Class B common stock.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries including Steak n Shake Inc. (“Steak n Shake”), Western Sizzlin Corporation (“Western Sizzlin”), Maxim Inc. (“Maxim”) and First Guard Insurance Company and its agency, 1st Guard Corporation (collectively “First Guard”).  Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Note 2. New Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available for sale debt securities. For available for sale debt securities, credit losses should be measured in a manner similar to current GAAP; however ASU 2016-13 will require that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842).  We adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842 “Leases” on January 1, 2019. Most significantly, ASC 842 requires a lessee to recognize a liability to make lease payments and an asset with respect to its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. We applied ASC 840 to all comparative periods which included a cumulative-effect adjustment of $1,499 to retained earnings on January 1, 2019. Adoption of ASC 842 also resulted in an increase to total assets and liabilities due to the recording of operating lease assets of $63,261 and operating lease liabilities of $69,671 as of January 1, 2019 and due to the recording of finance lease assets of $11,638 and finance lease liabilities of $11,784. The difference between the asset and liability amounts primarily relates to previously recorded deferred/prepaid rent. The standard had a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets, but did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of earnings and statements of cash flow. The most significant impact was the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases.

Note 2. New Accounting Standards (continued)

In adopting and applying ASC 842, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allows us to carry forward the historical lease classification. In addition, we elected certain practical expedients and accounting policies, including an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less from the balance sheet. We recognize those lease payments in the consolidated statements of earnings on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Note 3. Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. The shares of Company stock attributable to our limited partner interest in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. (collectively, the “investment partnerships”) — based on our proportional ownership during this period — are considered treasury stock on the consolidated balance sheet and thereby deemed not to be included in the calculation of weighted average common shares outstanding. However, these shares are legally outstanding.

The following table presents shares authorized, issued and outstanding on June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

The Company has applied the “two-class method” of computing earnings per share as prescribed in ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share.” 

On an equivalent Class A common stock basis, there were 620,592 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. There are no dilutive securities outstanding.

For financial reporting purposes, the proportional ownership of the Company’s common stock owned by the investment partnerships is excluded in the earnings per share calculation. After giving effect for the investment partnerships’ proportional ownership of common stock, the equivalent Class A weighted average number of common shares during the second quarters of 2019 and 2018 were 346,034 and 346,988, respectively. The equivalent Class A weighted average number of common shares during the first six months of 2019 and 2018 were 346,129 and 349,575, respectively.

Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote. Class B common stock possesses economic rights equal to one-fifth (1/5^th) of such rights of Class A common stock; however, Class B common stock has no voting rights.

Note 4. Investments

Available for sale investments were $37,013 and $33,860 as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Investments in equity securities and a related derivative position of $4,463 are included in investments as of June 30, 2019 and in other current assets as of December 31, 2018. The investments are recorded at fair value.

Note 5. Investment Partnerships

The Company reports on the limited partnership interests in investment partnerships under the equity method of accounting. We record our proportional share of equity in the investment partnerships but exclude Company common stock held by said partnerships. The Company’s pro-rata share of its common stock held by the investment partnerships is recorded as treasury stock even though they are legally outstanding. The Company records gains/losses from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) in the consolidated statements of earnings based on our carrying value of these partnerships. The fair value is calculated net of the general partner’s accrued incentive fees. Gains and losses on Company common stock included in the earnings of these partnerships are eliminated because they are recorded as treasury stock. 

Biglari Capital Corp. is the general partner of the investment partnerships and is an entity solely owned by Mr. Biglari.

Note 5. Investment Partnerships (continued)

The fair value and adjustment for Company common stock held by the investment partnerships to determine the carrying value of our partnership interest is presented below.

The carrying value of the investment partnerships net of deferred taxes is presented below.

The Company’s proportionate share of Company stock held by investment partnerships at cost is $375,507 and $374,231 at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and is recorded as treasury stock.

The carrying value of the partnership interest approximates fair value adjusted by the value of held Company stock. Fair value is according to our proportional ownership interest of the fair value of investments held by the investment partnerships. The fair value measurement is classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Gains (losses) from investment partnerships recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings are presented below.

On December 31 of each year, the general partner of the investment partnerships will earn an incentive reallocation fee for the Company’s investments equal to 25% of the net profits above a hurdle rate of 6% over the previous high-water mark. Our policy is to accrue an estimated incentive fee throughout the year. The Company did not accrue an incentive fee during the first six months of 2019 or 2018. Our investments in these partnerships are committed on a rolling 5-year basis. 

Note 5. Investment Partnerships (continued)

Summarized financial information for The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. is presented below.

Revenue in the above summarized financial information of the investment partnerships includes investment income and unrealized gains and losses on investments. The investments held by the investment partnerships are largely concentrated in the common stock of one investee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

Transactions with The Lion Fund II, L.P. were as follows.

Note 6. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is composed of the following.

The Company recorded an impairment to long-lived assets of $438 and $2,338 in selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2019, respectively, and no impairment to long-lived assets in the first six months of 2018. The fair value of the long-lived assets was determined based on Level 2 inputs using a discounted cash flow model and quoted prices for the properties. The fair value of the assets impaired was not material for any of the applicable periods.

As of June 30, 2019, a total of 103 Steak n Shake restaurants have been temporarily closed.  The Company is actively working to identify franchise partners for these stores.  The Company has recorded impairments of $2,006 during the first six months of 2019 associated with temporarily closed units.  Although the Company is committed to the franchise partnership model, future impairments are possible.

Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions.

A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows.

We are required to assess goodwill and any indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. Goodwill impairment occurs when the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. The valuation methodology and underlying financial information included in our determination of fair value require significant management judgments. We use both market and income approaches to derive fair value. The judgments in these two approaches include, but are not limited to, comparable market multiples, long-term projections of future financial performance, and the selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. No impairment charges for goodwill were recorded in the first six months of 2019 or 2018.

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets are composed of the following.

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of franchise agreements connected with the purchase of Western Sizzlin as well as rights to favorable leases related to prior acquisitions. These intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated weighted average of useful lives ranging from eight to twelve years. Amortization expense for the first six months of 2019 and 2018 was $274 and $281, respectively. The Company’s intangible assets with definite lives will fully amortize in 2020. Intangible assets with indefinite lives consist of trade names, franchise rights as well as lease rights.

Note 8. Restaurant Operations Revenues

Restaurant operations revenues were as follows.

Note 8. Restaurant Operations Revenues (continued)

Net sales

Net sales were composed of retail sales of food through Company-owned stores. Company-owned store revenues are recognized when control of the food items are transferred to our customers at the point of sale. Sales taxes related to these sales are collected from customers and remitted to the appropriate taxing authority and are not reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings as revenue.

Franchise royalties and fees

Franchise royalties and fees are composed of royalties and fees from Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin franchisees. Royalty revenues are based on a percentage of franchise sales and are recognized when the retail food items are purchased by franchise customers. Initial franchise fees received are deferred when amounts are received and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of each respective franchise agreement, which is typically 20 years.

Our advertising arrangements with franchisees are reported in franchise royalties and fees.

Gift card revenue

Restaurant operations sells gift cards to customers which can be redeemed for retail food sales within our stores. Gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue when issued and are subsequently recorded as net sales upon redemption. Restaurant operations estimates breakage related to gift cards when the likelihood of redemption is remote. This estimate utilizes historical trends based on the vintage of the gift card. Breakage on gift cards is recorded as other revenue in proportion to the rate of gift card redemptions by vintage.

Note 9. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses include the following.

Note 10. Notes Payable and Other Borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings include the following.

Note 10. Notes Payable and Other Borrowings (continued)

Steak n Shake Credit Facility

On March 19, 2014, Steak n Shake and its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement which provided for a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $220,000. The term loan is scheduled to mature on March 19, 2021. It amortizes at an annual rate of 1.0% in equal quarterly installments, beginning June 30, 2014, at 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan, subject to mandatory prepayments from excess cash flow, asset sales and other events described in the credit agreement. The balance will be due at maturity.

Steak n Shake has the right to request an incremental term loan facility from participating lenders and/or eligible assignees at any time, up to an aggregate total principal amount not to exceed $70,000 if certain customary conditions within the credit agreement are met.

Interest on the term loan is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75%. The interest rate on the term loan was 6.19% as of June 30, 2019.

The credit agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. Steak n Shake’s credit facility contains restrictions on its ability to pay dividends to Biglari Holdings.

The term loan is secured by first priority security interests in substantially all the assets of Steak n Shake. Disruptions in debt capital markets that restrict access to funding when needed could adversely affect the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of Steak n Shake. Biglari Holdings is not a guarantor under the credit facility. As of June 30, 2019, $182,598 was outstanding under the term loan.

Note 11. Leases

The Company adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, as discussed in Note 2.  Under ASC 842, leases are generally classified as either operating right-of-use assets or finance lease assets. Right-of-use assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset during the lease term. Right-of-use liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. These assets and liabilities are calculated by using the net present value of fixed lease payments over the lease term. The Company's lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised.  The Company applied an incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of lease payments. Finance lease agreements include an interest rate that is used to determine the present value of future lease payments.

A significant portion of our operating and finance lease portfolio includes restaurant locations. The Company’s operating leases with a term of 12 months or greater were recognized as operating right-of-use assets and liabilities and recorded as operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities. Historical capital leases and certain historical build-to-suit leases were reclassified from obligations under leases to finance lease assets and liabilities. Finance lease assets are recorded in property and equipment and finance lease liabilities are recorded in notes payable and other borrowings. Historical sale-and-leaseback transactions in which the Company is deemed to have a continued interest in the leased asset are recorded as property and equipment and as finance obligations. Finance obligations are recorded in notes payable and other borrowings.

Operating lease expense and finance lease depreciation expense are recognized on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Total lease cost consists of the following.

*Includes short-term leases, variable lease costs and sublease income, which are immaterial

Note 11. Leases (continued)

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows.

Weighted-average lease terms and discount rates are as follows.

Maturities of lease liabilities as of June 30, 2019 are as follows.

Note 11. Leases (continued)

On December 31, 2018, obligations under non-cancelable finance obligations, capital leases, and operating leases (excluding real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs) require the following minimum future rental payments.

Note 12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

During the first six months of 2019 and 2018, the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows.

During the second quarter of 2019 and 2018, the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows.

Note 12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued)

There were no reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the second quarters of 2019 and 2018 and first six months of 2019. Reclassifications made from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the first six months of 2018 were $58.

Note 13. Income Taxes

In determining the quarterly provision for income taxes, the Company used a discrete effective tax rate method based on statutory tax rates for 2019 and an estimated annual effective tax rate for 2018. Our periodic effective income tax rate is affected by the relative mix of pre-tax earnings or losses and underlying income tax rates applicable to the various taxing jurisdictions.

Income tax expense for the second quarter of 2019 was $5,896 compared to an income tax benefit of $890 for the second quarter of 2018.  Income tax expense for the first six months of 2019 was $7,640 compared to an income tax benefit of $1,687 for the first six months of 2018.  The variance in income taxes between 2019 and 2018 is attributable to taxes on income generated by the investment partnerships.

As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had approximately $352 and $341, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, which are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies

We are involved in various legal proceedings and have certain unresolved claims pending. We believe, based on examination of these matters and experiences to date, that the ultimate liability, if any, in excess of amounts already provided in our consolidated financial statements is not likely to have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flow.

On January 29, 2018, a shareholder of the Company filed a purported class action complaint against the Company and the members of our Board of Directors in the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana. The shareholder generally alleges claims of breach of fiduciary duty by the members of our Board of Directors and unjust enrichment to Mr. Biglari as a result of the dual class structure.

On March 26, 2018, a shareholder of the Company filed a purported class action complaint against the Company and the members of our Board of Directors in the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana. This shareholder generally alleges claims of breach of fiduciary duty by the members of our Board of Directors. This shareholder sought to enjoin the shareholder vote on April 26, 2018 to approve the dual class structure. On April 16, 2018, the shareholders withdrew their motions to enjoin the shareholder vote on April 26, 2018.

On May 17, 2018, the shareholders who filed the January 29, 2018 complaint and the March 26, 2018 complaint filed a new, consolidated complaint against the Company and the members of our Board of Directors in the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana. The shareholders generally allege claims of breach of fiduciary duty by the members of our Board of Directors and unjust enrichment to Mr. Biglari arising out of the dual class structure. The shareholders seek, for themselves and on behalf of all other shareholders as a class, a declaration that the defendants breached their duty to the shareholders and the class, and to recover unspecified damages, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, and an award of their attorneys’ fees and other costs.

On December 14, 2018, the judge of the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana issued an order granting the Company’s motion to dismiss the shareholders’ lawsuits. On January 11, 2019, the shareholders filed an appeal of the judge’s order dismissing the lawsuits. The Company continues to believe the claim is without merit and will defend the appeal vigorously.

On September 8, 2014, two former restaurant manager employees filed a purported class action lawsuit against Steak n Shake (Drake v. Steak n Shake). On January 30, 2017, a former restaurant manager employee filed a purported class action lawsuit against Steak n Shake (Clendenen v. Steak n Shake). The plaintiffs generally allege claims that Steak n Shake improperly classified its managerial employees as exempt. On February 28, 2019, a jury returned a verdict in the Drake case against Steak n Shake. The Company agreed to settle both cases for $8,350 and the Court approved the terms of the settlement on July 26, 2019.  

Note 15. Fair Value of Financial Assets

The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the fair values presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in an actual current market exchange. The use of alternative market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value.

The hierarchy for measuring fair value consists of Levels 1 through 3, which are described below.

• Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets.

• Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities exchanged in active or inactive markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in inactive markets; other inputs that may be considered in fair value determinations of the assets or liabilities, such as interest rates and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Pricing evaluations generally reflect discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, estimated durations and yields for other instruments of the issuer or entities in the same industry sector.

• Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets or liabilities and we may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in pricing assets or liabilities.

The following methods and assumptions were used to determine the fair value of each class of the following assets recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets:

Cash equivalents: Cash equivalents primarily consist of money market funds which are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Equity securities: The Company’s investments in equity securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. 

Bonds: The Company’s investments in bonds are classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the instrument.

Non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments: The assets of the non-qualified plan are set up in a rabbi trust. They represent mutual funds and publicly traded securities, each of which are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative instruments: Options related to equity securities are marked to market each reporting period and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Note 15. Fair Value of Financial Assets (continued)

As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the fair values of financial assets were as follows.

There were no changes in our valuation techniques used to measure fair values on a recurring basis.

Note 16. Related Party Transactions

Services Agreement

During 2017, the Company entered into a services agreement with Biglari Enterprises LLC and Biglari Capital Corp. (collectively, the “Biglari Entities”) under which the Biglari Entities provide business and administrative related services to the Company. The Biglari Entities are owned by Mr. Biglari. The services agreement has a five-year term, effective on October 1, 2017. The fixed fee is $700 per month for the first year with adjustments in years two through five. The monthly fee will remain at $700 during 2019. The Company paid Biglari Enterprises $4,200 in service fees during the first six months of 2019 and 2018. The services agreement does not alter the hurdle rate connected with the incentive reallocation paid to Biglari Capital Corp. by the Company.

License Agreement

During 2013, the Company entered into a Trademark License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Mr. Biglari. The Company and its subsidiaries paid no royalties to Mr. Biglari under the License Agreement during its term. The License Agreement was terminated on March 26, 2019. 

Incentive Agreement Amendment

The Incentive Agreement was amended on March 26, 2019 to remove the annual limitation on Mr. Biglari’s incentive compensation, as well as the requirement of Mr. Biglari to use 30% of his incentive payments to purchase shares of the Company. In connection with the amendment, the change of control and severance provisions contained in the Incentive Agreement were eliminated and the License Agreement was terminated. The amendment is effective in 2019.

Note 17. Business Segment Reporting

Our reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Our restaurant operations include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin. The Company also reports segment information for First Guard and Maxim. Other business activities not specifically identified with reportable business segments are presented in “other” within total operating businesses. We report our earnings from investment partnerships separate from our corporate expenses. We assess and measure segment operating results based on segment earnings as disclosed below. Segment earnings from operations are neither necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash requirements, nor synonymous with cash flow from operations. The tabular information that follows shows data of our reportable segments reconciled to amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Note 17. Business Segment Reporting (continued)

Revenue for the second quarters and first six months of 2019 and 2018 were as follows.

Earnings (losses) before income taxes for the second quarters and first six months of 2019 and 2018 were as follows.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(dollars in thousands except per share data)

Overview

Biglari Holdings is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including media, property and casualty insurance, and restaurants. The Company’s largest operating subsidiaries are involved in the franchising and operating of restaurants. Biglari Holdings is founded and led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company’s long-term objective is to maximize per-share intrinsic value. All major operating, investment, and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari.

As of June 30, 2019, Mr. Biglari’s beneficial ownership was approximately 60.7% of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock and 55.4% of the Company’s outstanding Class B common stock.

Since 2017, Steak n Shake has experienced sales declines, which is the primary reason for Steak n Shake’s lower profitability.  To mitigate the sales declines and increase profitability, Steak n Shake is emphasizing its franchise partnership program.  As of June 30, 2019, a total of 103 Steak n Shake restaurants have been temporarily closed.  Steak n Shake is actively working to identify franchise partners for these closed stores.  However, no assurances can be given that Steak n Shake will be able to secure suitable franchise partners or that its strategy will restore profitability.

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings shareholders are disaggregated in the table that follows. Amounts are recorded after deducting income taxes.

Our restaurant businesses include Steak n Shake Inc. (“Steak n Shake”) and Western Sizzlin Corporation (“Western Sizzlin”). As of June 30, 2019, Steak n Shake comprised 307 company-operated restaurants and 213 franchise units. Western Sizzlin comprised 4 company-operated restaurants and 52 franchise units.

Our insurance business is composed of First Guard Insurance Company and its agency, 1st Guard Corporation (collectively “First Guard”). First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial trucking insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers.

Our media business is composed of Maxim Inc. (“Maxim”). Maxim’s business lies principally in media and licensing.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Restaurants

Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin comprise 576 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of June 30, 2019.

		Steak n Shake								Western Sizzlin
		Company- operated				Franchise				Company-operated				Franchise				Total
Total stores as of December 31, 2018			413				213				4				55				685
Restaurants temporarily (closed)			(103	)			—				—				—				(103	)
Net restaurants opened (closed)			(3	)			—				—				(3	)			(6	)
Total stores as of June 30, 2019			307				213				4				52				576
Total stores as of December 31, 2017			415				200				4				58				677
Net restaurants opened (closed)			—				3				—				(1	)			2
Total stores as of June 30, 2018			415				203				4				57				679

A total of 103 restaurants were temporarily closed until such time that a franchise partner is identified.

Earnings of our restaurant operations are summarized below.

Cost of food, restaurant operating costs and rent expense are expressed as a percentage of net sales.

General and administrative, marketing, other expenses and depreciation and amortization are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Net sales during the second quarter and first six months of 2019 were $152,062 and $317,693, respectively, representing a decrease of $39,735 and $59,675 over the second quarter and first six months of 2018, respectively. The decreases in net sales during 2019 were primarily attributable to the temporary store closures. Steak n Shake’s same-store sales decreased 5.9% whereas customer traffic decreased 9.2% during the second quarter.  Steak n Shake’s same-store sales decreased 6.5% whereas customer traffic decreased 8.1% during the first six months. The term “same-store sales” refers to the sales of company-operated units open at least 18 months at the beginning of the current period and have remained open through the end of the period.

In the second quarter and first six months of 2019 franchise royalties and fees were relatively flat compared to those in 2018.  Steak n Shake opened five franchise units and closed five franchise units during the second quarter of 2019. There were 213 Steak n Shake franchise units as of June 30, 2019 compared to 203 franchise units as of June 30, 2018.

Cost of food in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 was $47,316 or 31.1% of net sales and $102,293 or 32.2% of net sales, respectively, compared to the second quarter and first six months in 2018 of $57,117 or 29.8% of net sales and $113,045 or 30.0% of net sales, respectively. The increase as a percentage of net sales during 2019 was attributable to a promotion that increased food costs.

Restaurant operating costs during the second quarter of 2019 were $80,483 or 52.9% of net sales compared to $98,853 or 51.5% of net sales in 2018. Restaurant operating costs for the first six months of 2019 were $173,662 or 54.7% of net sales compared to $196,668 or 52.1% of net sales in 2018. Costs as a percentage of net sales increased 1.4% and 2.6% during the second quarter and first six months of 2019, respectively, compared to 2018. The increase as a percentage of net sales was principally due to higher wages. 

General and administrative expenses during the second quarter and first six months of 2019 were $12,021 or 7.5% and $29,122 or 8.7% of total revenues, respectively, compared to expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2018, which were $16,877 or 8.4% and $31,964 or 8.1% of total revenues, respectively.  General and administrative expenses decreased during the second quarter of 2019 compared to 2018 primarily because of reduction in personnel. General and administrative expenses decreased during the first six months of 2019 compared to 2018 due to lower personnel expenses of $10,350 offset by an accrual of $8,350 related to legal settlements.

Other expenses increased during the second quarter and first six months of 2019 due to asset impairments of $438 and $2,338, respectively.

Marketing expenses during the second quarter and first six months of 2019 were $10,117 or 6.3% and $23,246 or 7.0% of total revenues, respectively, compared to expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2018, which were $12,086 or 6.0% and $25,679 or 6.5% of total revenues, respectively. 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Insurance

First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial trucking insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. Earnings of our insurance business are summarized below.

First Guard’s insurance products are marketed primarily through direct response methods via the Internet or by telephone.  First Guard’s cost-efficient direct response marketing methods enable it to be a low-cost trucking insurer.

Premiums earned during the second quarter of 2019 were $7,065, an increase of $560 or 8.6% compared to 2018. Premiums earned during the first six months of 2019 were $13,926, an increase of $1,093 or 8.5% compared to 2018. Pre-tax underwriting gain was $1,567 and $2,768 in the second quarter and first six months of 2019, respectively, compared to $2,032 and $2,432 in the second quarter and first six months of 2018, respectively.

Insurance premiums and other on the consolidated statement of earnings includes premiums earned, investment income and commissions. In the preceding table, investment income and commissions are included in other income.

Media

Maxim’s business lies principally in media and licensing. Earnings of our media operations are summarized below.