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

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

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 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)

(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)

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

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

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of May 1, 2019:

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

INDEX

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 are one-fifth of the equivalent Class A share or $5.67 for the first quarter of 2019 and $(1.03) for the first quarter of 2018. 

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

March 31, 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 March 31, 2019, Mr. Biglari’s beneficial ownership was approximately 56.9% of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock and 54.3% of the Company’s outstanding Class B common stock.

Issuance of Dual Class Common Stock

On April 30, 2018, the Company implemented a dual class structure of its common stock. Since May 1, 2018, the shares of the Company’s Class A common stock have traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “BH.A” and the shares of the Company’s Class B common stock have traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “BH”.

The consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Company have been included in the consolidated financial statements on a historical basis, except for earnings per share which is impacted by the issuance of the new common shares.

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.

Note 2. New Accounting Standards (continued)

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, along with additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which provides an additional transition method with which to adopt the new leases standard. Most prominent among the changes in the standard is the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under current GAAP. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the consolidated statement of earnings. Under the new standard, disclosures are required to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.

The guidance permits the use of a modified retrospective approach, which requires an entity to recognize and measure leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. Alternatively, the guidance permits a “Comparatives Under 840 Option” that changes the date of initial application to the beginning of the period of adoption. We elected the Comparatives Under 840 Option in which we apply ASC 840 to all comparative periods, including disclosures, and recognize the effects of applying ASC 842 as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date of January 1, 2019. 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 off of the balance sheet. We recognize those lease payments in the consolidated statements of earnings on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The new lease standard was applied on January 1, 2019, and includes a cumulative-effect adjustment of $1,499 to retained earnings in the period of adoption. All periods prior to January 1, 2019 were presented in accordance with the previous ASC Topic 840, Leases, and no retrospective adjustments were made to the comparative periods presented. Adoption of ASC 842 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 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.

As a result of the implementation of the dual class structure on April 30, 2018, the Company has outstanding Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The treasury shares outstanding on April 30, 2018 were retired. The following table presents shares authorized, issued and outstanding on March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

The issuance of dual class common stock on April 30, 2018 is applied on a retrospective basis for the calculation of earnings per share for the first quarter of 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. There are no dilutive securities outstanding.

Note 3. Earnings Per Share (continued)

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 common shares during the first quarters of 2019 and 2018 were 346,223 and 352,191, 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 $36,255 and $33,860 as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Investments in equity securities and a related derivative position of $4,463 are included in investments as of March 31, 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. (“Biglari Capital”) is the general partner of the investment partnerships and is an entity solely owned by Mr. Biglari.

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.

Note 5. Investment Partnerships (continued)

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 $374,345 and $374,231 at March 31, 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 quarters of 2019 or 2018. Our investments in these partnerships are committed on a rolling 5-year basis. 

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.

Note 5. Investment Partnerships (continued)

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 $1,900 in selling, general and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2019 and no impairment to long-lived assets in the first quarter 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.

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 quarters of 2019 or 2018.

Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (continued)

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 quarters of 2019 and 2018 was $137 and $140, respectively. The Company’s intangible assets with definite lives will fully amortize in 2020. Total annual amortization expense for 2019 is expected to be approximately $500. 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.

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 income 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.

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 6.25% as of March 31, 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.

Note 10. Notes Payable and Other Borrowings (continued)

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 March 31, 2019, $183,148 was outstanding under the term loan.

Western Sizzlin Revolver

As of March 31, 2019, Western Sizzlin had no debt outstanding under the revolver.

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. 

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows.

Note 11. Leases (continued)

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 March 31, 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 quarters of 2019 and 2018, the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows.

Reclassifications made from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the first quarter of 2018 were $58; there were no reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the first quarter of 2019.

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 the first quarter of 2019 and an estimated annual effective tax rate for the first quarter of 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 first quarter of 2019 was $1,744 compared to an income tax benefit of $797 for the first quarter of 2018.  The variance in income taxes between 2019 and 2018 is attributable to taxes on income generated by the investment partnerships.

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had approximately $347 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.

On September 8, 2014, two former restaurant manager employees filed a purported class action lawsuit against Steak n Shake in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri (Drake v. Steak n Shake). The plaintiffs generally allege claims that Steak n Shake improperly classified its managerial employees as exempt and failed to pay overtime. On February 28, 2019, a jury returned a verdict in this case against Steak n Shake. The trial is currently in post-trial proceedings. Steak n Shake plans to appeal the verdict and vigorously defend our position in this action.

On January 30, 2017, a former restaurant manager employee filed a purported class action lawsuit against Steak n Shake in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois (Clendenen v. Steak n Shake). On May 12, 2017, the case was transferred to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The plaintiff generally alleges claims that Steak n Shake improperly classified its managerial employees as exempt and failed to pay overtime. The case is currently conditionally certified as a national class and therefore includes all Steak n Shake managers not previously included in the Drake v. Steak n Shake lawsuit.

The Company believes the claims in each case are without merit and intends to defend these cases vigorously.

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.

Note 15. Fair Value of Financial Assets (continued)

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 sheet:

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.

As of March 31, 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 (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 Company paid Biglari Enterprises $8,400 in service fees during 2018. The monthly fee will remain at $700 during 2019. The services agreement does not alter the hurdle rate connected with the incentive reallocation paid to Biglari Capital by the Company.

Incentive Agreement Amendment

The Incentive Agreement was amended on March 26, 2019 to remove the $10,000 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.

License Agreement

During 2013, the Company entered into a Trademark License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Mr. Biglari. The license under the License Agreement was provided on a royalty-free basis in the absence of specified extraordinary events. 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.

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.

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

Note 17. Business Segment Reporting (continued)

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

(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 March 31, 2019, Mr. Biglari’s beneficial ownership was approximately 56.9% of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock and 54.3% of the Company’s outstanding Class B common stock.

Issuance of Dual Class Common Stock

On April 30, 2018, the Company implemented a dual class structure of its common stock. Since May 1, 2018, the shares of the Company’s Class A common stock have traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “BH.A” and the shares of the Company’s Class B common stock have traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “BH”.

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 March 31, 2019, Steak n Shake comprised 367 company-operated restaurants and 213 franchise units. Western Sizzlin comprised 4 company-operated restaurants and 55 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 639 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of March 31, 2019.

A total of 44 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 first quarter of 2019 were $165,631 representing a decrease of $19,940 over the first quarter of 2018. The decreased performance of our restaurant operations was largely driven by Steak n Shake’s same-store sales, which decreased 7.9% whereas customer traffic decreased 7.7% during the first quarter.  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 first quarter of 2019 franchise royalties and fees decreased $190 compared to those in 2018.  Steak n Shake opened 10 franchise units and closed 10 franchise units during the first quarter of 2019. There were 213 Steak n Shake franchise units as of March 31, 2019 compared to 201 franchise units as of March 31, 2018.

Cost of food in the first quarter of 2019 was $54,977 or 33.2% of net sales compared to the first quarter in 2018 of $55,928 or 30.1% of net sales. The increase as a percentage of net sales during the first quarter of 2019 was attributable to a promotion that increased food costs.

Restaurant operating costs during the first quarter of 2019 were $93,179 or 56.3% of net sales compared to $97,815 or 52.7% of net sales in 2018.  Costs as a percentage of net sales increased during the first quarter of 2019 by 3.6% compared to 2018. The increase as a percentage of net sales was principally due to higher wages and benefits. 

General and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2019 were $17,101 or 9.8% of total revenues compared to expenses in the first quarter of 2018, which were $15,087 or 7.8% of total revenues.  General and administrative expenses increased during the first quarter of 2019 compared to 2018 primarily due to the accrual of legal expenses, namely a verdict in a case against Steak n Shake in the amount of $3,000.

Other expenses increased during the first quarter of 2019 due to asset impairments of $1,900.

Marketing expenses during the first quarter of 2019 were $13,129 or 7.6% of total revenues compared to expenses in the first quarter of 2018, which were $13,593 or 7.0% of total revenues. 

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 first quarter of 2019 were $6,861, an increase of $533 or 8.4% compared to 2018. Pre-tax underwriting gain was $1,201 in the first quarter of 2019 compared to $400 in the first quarter of 2018.

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.

We have taken the risk on the belief that the probability for gain in value more than justifies the risk of loss.

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

Investment Partnership Gains (Losses)

Earnings (loss) from our investments in partnerships are summarized below.

Investment partnership gains include gains/losses from changes in market values of underlying investments and dividends earned by the partnerships. Dividend income has a lower effective tax rate than income from capital gains.

The investments held by the investment partnerships are largely concentrated in the common stock of one investee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

The investment partnerships hold the Company’s common stock as investments. The Company’s pro-rata share of its common stock held by the investment partnerships is recorded as treasury stock even though these shares are legally outstanding. Gains and losses on Company common stock included in the earnings of the partnerships are eliminated.

Interest Expense

The Company’s interest expense is summarized below.

The outstanding balance on Steak n Shake’s credit facility on March 31, 2019 was $183,148 compared to $185,348 on March 31, 2018. The interest rate was 6.25% as of March 31, 2019 and 5.40% as of March 31, 2018.

Corporate

Corporate expenses exclude the activities in the restaurant, insurance, media and other companies. Corporate net losses during the first quarter of 2019 were $2,017 versus net losses of $2,695 during the first quarter of 2018.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2019 was $1,744 compared to an income tax benefit of $797 for the first quarter of 2018.  The variance in income taxes between 2019 and 2018 is attributable to taxes on income and losses generated by the investment partnerships.

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

Financial Condition

Our consolidated shareholders’ equity on March 31, 2019 was $581,354, an increase of $10,899 compared to the December 31, 2018 balance. The increase during the first quarter of 2019 was primarily attributable to net income of $9,818.

Consolidated cash and investments are summarized below.

Liquidity

Our balance sheet continues to maintain significant liquidity. Consolidated cash flow activities are summarized below.

Cash used in operating activities was $10,037 during the first quarter of 2019 compared to cash used in operating activities of $9,445 during the first quarter of 2018. Cash used in operating activities during the first quarter of 2019 included a net loss adjusted for non-cash items of $24,326, which was offset by changes in working capital accounts of $14,289. The loss was primarily due to decreased revenues from restaurants. The increase of cash from changes in working capital accounts was primarily due to income tax accruals. Cash used in operating activities during the first quarter of 2018 included distributions from investment partnerships of $5,200, which was offset by changes in working capital accounts of $14,997. The decrease of cash from changes in working capital accounts during 2018 was primarily due to the payment of the 2017 incentive fee.

Cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of 2019 was $5,454 compared to $1,776 during the first quarter of 2018. Cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of 2019 included capital expenditures of $3,564 and purchases of investments net of redemptions of fixed maturity securities of $2,210. Cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of 2018 included capital expenditures of $2,452 and purchases of investments net of redemptions of fixed maturity securities of $848.

During the first quarters of 2019 and 2018 we incurred debt payments of $550 and $589, respectively.

We intend to meet the working capital needs of our operating subsidiaries principally through anticipated cash flows generated from operations, cash on hand, existing credit facilities, and the sale of excess properties and investments. We continually review available financing alternatives.

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 6.25% as of March 31, 2019.

The credit agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. As of March 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all covenants. 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 March 31, 2019, $183,148 was outstanding under the term loan.

Western Sizzlin Revolver

As of March 31, 2019, Western Sizzlin had no debt outstanding under the revolver.

Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Certain accounting policies require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements from such estimates are necessarily based on numerous assumptions involving varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty. Accordingly, the amounts currently reflected in our consolidated financial statements will likely increase or decrease in the future as additional information becomes available. There have been no material changes to critical accounting policies previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For detailed information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements and the expected impact on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 2, “New Accounting Standards” in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In general, forward-looking statements include estimates of future revenues, cash flows, capital expenditures, or other financial items, and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “may,” and other similar terminology. A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or circumstances may not occur. Investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. These forward-looking statements are all based on currently available operating, financial, and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Our actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, many beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, Risk Factors of our annual report on Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise them, except as may be required by law.

The majority of our investments are conducted through investment partnerships which generally hold common stocks. We also hold marketable securities directly. Through investments in the investment partnerships we hold a concentrated position in the common stock of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. A significant decline in the general stock market or in the prices of major investments may produce a large net loss and decrease in our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Decreases in values of equity investments can have a materially adverse effect on our earnings and on consolidated shareholders’ equity.

We prefer to hold equity investments for very long periods of time so we are not troubled by short-term price volatility with respect to our investments. Our interests in the investment partnerships are committed on a rolling 5-year basis, and any distributions upon our withdrawal of funds will be paid out over two years (and may be paid in kind rather than in cash). Market prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation. Consequently the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value. A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the market price of our investments would result in a respective increase or decrease in the carrying value of our investments of $63,224 along with a corresponding change in shareholders’ equity of approximately 8%.

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%. At March 31, 2019, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in short-term interest rates would have an impact of approximately $1,400 on our net earnings.

We have had minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the first quarters of 2019 and 2018.

Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), our Chief Executive Officer and Controller have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2019.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II Other Information

Information in response to this Item is included in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part 1, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.

There have been no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in Item 1A to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

None.

None.

Not applicable.

None.

_________________

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.