Biglari Holdings Inc. (BH)
SIC breadcrumb: Retail Trade > Eating And Drinking Places > SIC 5812 Retail-Eating Places
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1726173. Latest filing source: 0001628280-26-012987.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read BH's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read BH's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 395,261,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-02 |
| Net income | -37,488,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-02 |
| Assets | 1,025,383,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-02 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-03-02. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001726173.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 775,690,000 | 668,838,000 | 433,683,000 | 366,106,000 | 368,231,000 | 365,318,000 | 362,114,000 | 395,261,000 | ||
| Net income | 99,451,000 | 50,071,000 | 19,392,000 | 45,380,000 | -37,989,000 | 35,478,000 | -32,018,000 | 54,948,000 | -3,759,000 | -37,488,000 |
| Diluted EPS | 131.64 | -110.05 | 111.83 | -107.43 | 189.49 | -13.45 | -143.86 | |||
| Operating cash flow | 20,678,000 | 93,683,000 | 117,556,000 | 228,767,000 | 127,825,000 | 73,002,000 | 49,660,000 | 106,959,000 | ||
| Capital expenditures | 15,293,000 | 17,679,000 | 20,702,000 | 64,549,000 | 29,746,000 | 23,405,000 | 30,594,000 | 30,353,000 | ||
| Assets | 1,139,309,000 | 1,017,968,000 | 894,807,000 | 828,474,000 | 849,422,000 | 866,133,000 | 1,025,383,000 | |||
| Liabilities | 523,011,000 | 453,140,000 | 307,111,000 | 272,906,000 | 250,092,000 | 293,172,000 | 501,954,000 | |||
| Stockholders' equity | 531,940,000 | 571,328,000 | 570,455,000 | 616,298,000 | 564,828,000 | 587,696,000 | 546,966,000 | 599,330,000 | 572,961,000 | 523,429,000 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 48,557,000 | 67,772,000 | 24,503,000 | 42,349,000 | 37,467,000 | 28,066,000 | 30,709,000 | 268,782,000 | ||
| Free cash flow | 5,385,000 | 76,004,000 | 96,854,000 | 164,218,000 | 98,079,000 | 49,597,000 | 19,066,000 | 76,606,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 2.50% | 6.78% | -8.76% | 9.69% | -8.70% | 15.04% | -1.04% | -9.48% | ||
| Return on equity | 18.70% | 8.76% | 3.40% | 7.36% | -6.73% | 6.04% | -5.85% | 9.17% | -0.66% | -7.16% |
| Return on assets | 3.98% | -3.73% | 3.96% | -3.86% | 6.47% | -0.43% | -3.66% | |||
| Liabilities / equity | 0.85 | 0.80 | 0.52 | 0.50 | 0.42 | 0.51 | 0.96 | |||
| Current ratio | 1.04 | 0.51 | 1.15 | 1.12 | 1.37 | 1.16 | 2.43 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001628280-26-012987; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001628280-26-012987; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001628280-26-012987; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-012987; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-012987; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-012987; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-012987; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-012987; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-012987; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-012987; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-012987; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-012987; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-012987; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-08. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001726173.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 93,540,000 | 1,936,000 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 90,937,000 | -56,514,000 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 90,665,000 | 44,640,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 89,451,000 | 22,579,000 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 91,141,000 | -48,190,000 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 90,407,000 | 32,125,000 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 91,115,000 | -10,273,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 95,035,000 | -33,275,000 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-03-31 | -33,275,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 100,619,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-06-30 | 50,931,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 99,738,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 99,869,000 | -49,853,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 97,481,000 | -14,531,000 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001628280-26-032880; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001628280-26-032880; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001628280-26-032880.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(dollars in thousands)
Overview
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. Biglari Holdings is founded and led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Biglari Holdings’ management system combines decentralized operations with centralized financial decision-making. Operating decisions for the various business units are made by their respective managers. All major investment and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari.
Net earnings (loss) are disaggregated in the table that follows. Amounts are recorded after deducting income taxes.
| First Quarter | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||
| Operating businesses: | ||||||
| Restaurant | $ | 2,038 | $ | 2,189 | ||
| Insurance | 2,885 | 1,201 | ||||
| Oil and gas | 907 | 8,298 | ||||
| Brand licensing | 116 | (267) | ||||
| Interest expense | (4,281) | (693) | ||||
| Corporate and other | (4,548) | (3,289) | ||||
| Total operating businesses | (2,883) | 7,439 | ||||
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | (10,251) | (39,426) | ||||
| Investment gains (losses) | (1,397) | (1,288) | ||||
| Net earnings (loss) | $ | (14,531) | $ | (33,275) |
Restaurants
Our restaurant businesses, which include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin, comprise 437 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of March 31, 2026.
| Steak n Shake | Western Sizzlin | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company- operated | Franchise Partner | Traditional Franchise | Company- operated | Franchise | Total | |||||||||||
| Total stores as of December 31, 2025 | 131 | 179 | 94 | 3 | 28 | 435 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (3) | 3 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | — | 2 | — | — | 2 | |||||||||||
| Total stores as of March 31, 2026 | 128 | 182 | 96 | 3 | 28 | 437 | ||||||||||
| Total stores as of December 31, 2024 | 146 | 173 | 107 | 3 | 29 | 458 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | — | (1) | (3) | — | — | (4) | ||||||||||
| Total stores as of March 31, 2025 | 146 | 172 | 104 | 3 | 29 | 454 |
As of March 31, 2026, seven of the 128 company-operated Steak n Shake stores were closed. Of the seven locations, Steak n Shake plans to reopen two locations and sell or lease five locations.
20
Table of Contents
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
Restaurant operations are summarized below.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 40,347 | $ | 41,615 | |||||||
| Franchise partner fees | 20,541 | 17,139 | |||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | 3,126 | 3,489 | |||||||||
| Other revenue | 2,132 | 2,106 | |||||||||
| Total revenue | 66,146 | 64,349 | |||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||
| Cost of food | 12,665 | 31.4 | % | 12,464 | 30.0 | % | |||||
| Labor costs | 12,858 | 31.9 | % | 13,439 | 32.3 | % | |||||
| Occupancy and other | 11,942 | 29.6 | % | 11,855 | 28.5 | % | |||||
| Total cost of sales | 37,465 | 37,758 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |||||||||||
| General and administrative | 11,836 | 17.9 | % | 11,928 | 18.5 | % | |||||
| Marketing | 5,427 | 8.2 | % | 3,232 | 5.0 | % | |||||
| Other expenses (income) | 155 | 0.2 | % | 294 | 0.5 | % | |||||
| Total selling, general and administrative | 17,418 | 26.3 | % | 15,454 | 24.0 | % | |||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 7,030 | 10.6 | % | 6,490 | 10.1 | % | |||||
| Interest on finance leases and obligations | 1,357 | 1,333 | |||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 2,876 | 3,314 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 838 | 1,125 | |||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 2,038 | $ | 2,189 |
Cost of food, labor costs, and occupancy and other costs are expressed as a percentage of net sales.
General and administrative, marketing, other expenses, and depreciation are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.
Net sales for the first quarter of 2026 were $40,347 as compared to $41,615 during the first quarter of 2025. Steak n Shake’s domestic same-store sales increased 10.0%. Total revenue decreased due to fewer company-operated units in 2026 compared to 2025.
For company-operated units, sales to the end customer are recorded as revenue generated by the Company, but for franchise partner units, only our share of the restaurant’s profits, along with certain fees, are recorded as revenue. Because we derive most of our revenue from our share of the profits, revenue will decline as we transition from company-operated units to franchise partner units.
Fees generated by our franchise partners were $20,541 during the first quarter of 2026, as compared to $17,139 during the first quarter of 2025. Franchise partner same-store sales increased approximately 13%.
The franchise royalties and fees generated by the traditional franchising business were $3,126 during the first quarter of 2026, as compared to $3,489 during the first quarter of 2025. There were 96 Steak n Shake traditional units open on March 31, 2026, as compared to 104 units open on March 31, 2025.
21
Table of Contents
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
The cost of food at company-operated units during the first quarter of 2026 was $12,665 or 31.4% of net sales, as compared to $12,464 or 30.0% of net sales during the first quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily due to Steak n Shake changing its frying oil to 100% beef tallow.
The labor costs at company-operated restaurants during the first quarter of 2026 were $12,858 or 31.9% of net sales, as compared to $13,439 or 32.3% of net sales during the first quarter of 2025. The decrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to a decrease in management labor costs.
General and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2026 were $11,836 or 17.9% of total revenue, as compared to $11,928 or 18.5% of total revenue during the first quarter of 2025. General and administrative expenses in 2026 remained consistent with 2025.
Interest on obligations under leases was $1,357 during the first quarter of 2026 versus $1,333 during the first quarter of 2025.
To better convey the performance of the franchise partnership model, the table below shows the underlying sales, cost of food, labor costs, and other restaurant costs of the franchise partners. We believe the unaudited franchise partner information is useful to readers, as they have a direct effect on Steak n Shake’s profitability.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||||||
| Net sales and other | $ | 96,024 | $ | 80,317 | |||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||||
| Cost of food | $ | 29,376 | 30.6 | % | $ | 23,419 | 29.2 | % | |||||
| Labor costs | 24,651 | 25.7 | % | 21,490 | 26.8 | % | |||||||
| Occupancy and other | 20,188 | 21.0 | % | 16,665 | 20.7 | % | |||||||
| Total cost of sales | $ | 74,215 | $ | 61,574 |
The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include data in the table above. Figures are shown for information purposes only.
22
Table of Contents
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
Insurance
We view our insurance businesses as possessing two activities: underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, whereas investing decisions are the responsibility of our Chairman and CEO, Sardar Biglari. Our business units are operated under separate local management. Biglari Holdings’ insurance operations consist of First Guard, Southern Pioneer, and Biglari Reinsurance.
Underwriting results of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| First Quarter | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||
| Underwriting gain attributable to: | ||||||
| First Guard | $ | 1,571 | $ | 1,215 | ||
| Southern Pioneer | 1,312 | (502) | ||||
| Other | 96 | — | ||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 2,979 | 713 | ||||
| Income tax expense | 626 | 150 | ||||
| Net underwriting gain | $ | 2,353 | $ | 563 |
Earnings of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| First Quarter | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||
| Premiums written | $ | 18,508 | $ | 19,022 | ||
| Premiums earned | $ | 17,801 | $ | 17,765 | ||
| Insurance losses | 9,956 | 12,005 | ||||
| Underwriting expenses | 4,866 | 5,047 | ||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 2,979 | 713 | ||||
| Other income and expenses | ||||||
| Investment income | 651 | 837 | ||||
| Other income and expenses | (389) | (13) | ||||
| Total other income | 262 | 824 | ||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 3,241 | 1,537 | ||||
| Income tax expense | 356 | 336 | ||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 2,885 | $ | 1,201 |
Insurance premiums and other on the consolidated statement of earnings includes premiums earned, investment income, other income, and commissions.
23
Table of Contents
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
First Guard
First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. 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 insurer. A summary of First Guard’s underwriting results follows.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||
| Premiums written | $ | 9,046 | $ | 9,209 | |||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 9,046 | 100.0 | % | $ | 9,209 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| Insurance losses | 5,907 | 65.3 | % | 6,282 | 68.2 | % | |||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 1,568 | 17.3 | % | 1,712 | 18.6 | % | |||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 7,475 | 82.6 | % | 7,994 | 86.8 | % | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | $ | 1,571 | $ | 1,215 |
First Guard produced an underwriting gain in 2026 of $1,571, representing an increase of $356, or 29.3% compared to 2025.
Southern Pioneer
Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property insurance, as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance. A summary of Southern Pioneer’s underwriting results follows.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||
| Premiums written | $ | 9,462 | $ | 9,813 | |||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 8,755 | 100.0 | % | $ | 8,556 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| Insurance losses | 4,049 | 46.2 | % | 5,723 | 66.9 | % | |||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 3,394 | 38.8 | % | 3,335 | 39.0 | % | |||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 7,443 | 85.0 | % | 9,058 | 105.9 | % | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) | $ | 1,312 | $ | (502) |
Southern Pioneer produced an underwriting gain in 2026 of $1,312, representing an increase of $1,814 compared to 2025.
24
Table of Contents
Management’s Discussion a
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. 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.
Biglari Holdings’ management system combines decentralized operations with centralized financial decision-making. Operating decisions for the various business units are made by their respective managers. All major investment and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari.
Discussion of Operations
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders are disaggregated in the table that follows.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating businesses: | ||||||||||
| Restaurant | $ | 16,377 | $ | 15,470 | $ | 21,831 | ||||
| Insurance | 10,476 | 7,169 | 10,262 | |||||||
| Oil and gas | 10,908 | 15,458 | 25,406 | |||||||
| Brand licensing | (1,442) | (884) | 8 | |||||||
| Interest expense | (6,166) | (589) | (531) | |||||||
| Corporate and other | (16,000) | (12,503) | (17,814) | |||||||
| Total operating businesses | 14,153 | 24,121 | 39,162 | |||||||
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | (51,996) | (28,119) | 14,646 | |||||||
| Investment gains | 355 | 239 | 1,731 | |||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | (37,488) | (3,759) | 55,539 | |||||||
| Earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | — | 591 | |||||||
| Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders | $ | (37,488) | $ | (3,759) | $ | 54,948 |
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1, Business and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this Form 10-K. The following discussion should also be read in conjunction with the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, Risk Factors, set forth above.
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis generally discusses 2025 and 2024 items. Discussions of 2023 items can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2025.
Investment gains and losses in 2025 and 2024 were mainly derived from our investments in equity securities and included unrealized gains and losses from market price changes during the period. We believe that investment gains/losses are generally meaningless for analytical purposes in understanding our reported quarterly and annual results. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
Through our subsidiaries, we engage in numerous diverse business activities. We operate on a decentralized management structure. The business segment data (Note 16 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Restaurants
Our restaurant businesses, which include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin, comprise 435 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of December 31, 2025.
| Steak n Shake | Western Sizzlin | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company- operated | Franchise Partner | Traditional Franchise | Company- operated | Franchise | Total | |||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2022 | 177 | 175 | 154 | 3 | 36 | 545 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (6) | 7 | (1) | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (23) | (1) | (25) | — | (4) | (53) | ||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2023 | 148 | 181 | 128 | 3 | 32 | 492 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | 9 | (8) | (1) | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (11) | — | (20) | — | (3) | (34) | ||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2024 | 146 | 173 | 107 | 3 | 29 | 458 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (7) | 7 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (8) | (1) | (13) | — | (1) | (23) | ||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2025 | 131 | 179 | 94 | 3 | 28 | 435 |
As of December 31, 2025, seven of the 131 company-operated Steak n Shake stores were closed. Of the seven locations, Steak n Shake plans to reopen two locations and sell or lease five locations.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Restaurant operations for 2025, 2024, and 2023 are summarized below.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 181,884 | $ | 159,213 | $ | 152,545 | |||||||||||
| Franchise partner fees | 77,001 | 70,616 | 72,552 | ||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | 13,587 | 13,632 | 16,443 | ||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | 8,398 | 7,986 | 9,317 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 280,870 | 251,447 | 250,857 | ||||||||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of food | 56,205 | 30.9 | % | 47,891 | 30.1 | % | 44,993 | 29.5 | % | ||||||||
| Labor costs | 56,175 | 30.9 | % | 50,431 | 31.7 | % | 47,090 | 30.9 | % | ||||||||
| Occupancy and other | 48,941 | 26.9 | % | 45,127 | 28.3 | % | 45,903 | 30.1 | % | ||||||||
| Total cost of sales | 161,321 | 143,449 | 137,986 | ||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 48,969 | 17.4 | % | 47,130 | 18.7 | % | 44,120 | 17.6 | % | ||||||||
| Marketing | 17,951 | 6.4 | % | 12,584 | 5.0 | % | 12,631 | 5.0 | % | ||||||||
| Other expenses (income) | (3,944) | (1.4) | % | (5,800) | (2.3) | % | (7,935) | (3.2) | % | ||||||||
| Total selling, general and administrative | 62,976 | 53,914 | 48,816 | ||||||||||||||
| Impairments | 1,251 | 0.4 | % | 107 | — | % | 3,947 | 1.6 | % | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 26,759 | 9.5 | % | 27,002 | 10.7 | % | 27,031 | 10.8 | % | ||||||||
| Interest on finance leases and obligations | 5,421 | 5,361 | 5,114 | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 23,142 | 21,614 | 27,963 | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 6,765 | 6,144 | 6,132 | ||||||||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 16,377 | $ | 15,470 | $ | 21,831 |
Cost of food, labor, and occupancy and other costs are expressed as a percentage of net sales.
General and administrative, marketing, other expenses, impairments, and depreciation and amortization are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.
Net sales for 2025 were $181,884, representing an increase of $22,671, or 14.2% compared to 2024. The increase in net sales was primarily due to an increase of 10.5% in Steak n Shake’s same-store sales for company-operated units. The same-store sales performance was 10.2% for company-operated and franchise partner units combined.
For company-operated units, sales to the end customer are recorded as revenue generated by the Company, but for franchise partner units, only our share of the restaurant’s profits, along with certain fees, are recorded as revenue.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Fees generated by our franchise partners were $77,001 in 2025 as compared to $70,616 during 2024. As of December 31, 2025, there were 179 franchise partner units as compared to 173 franchise partner units as of December 31, 2024. Franchise partner fees were higher primarily because franchise partner same-store sales increased 10.1% during 2025 compared to 2024.
Included in the franchise partner fees were $23,428 and $22,884 of rental income during 2025 and 2024, respectively. Franchise partners rent buildings and equipment from Steak n Shake.
The franchise royalties and fees generated by the traditional franchising business were $13,587 during 2025 as compared to $13,632 during 2024. The decrease in franchise royalties and fees was primarily due to the closing of certain traditional franchise stores. There were 122 traditional units open on December 31, 2025, as compared to 136 units open on December 31, 2024.
The cost of food at company-operated units in 2025 was $56,205, or 30.9% of net sales as compared to $47,891, or 30.1% of net sales in 2024. The cost of food as a percentage of net sales increased during 2025 compared to 2024 primarily due to inflation and improvements in the quality of various products.
The labor costs at company-operated restaurants during 2025 were $56,175, or 30.9% of net sales as compared to $50,431, or 31.7% of net sales in 2024. Labor costs expressed as a percentage of net sales decreased during 2025 compared to 2024 primarily due to the benefit from higher sales in relation to fixed management labor.
General and administrative expenses during 2025 were $48,969, or 17.4% of total revenue as compared to $47,130, or 18.7% of total revenue during 2024. The increase in general and administrative expenses was mainly attributable to higher salary expenses at Steak n Shake.
Marketing expenses during 2025 were $17,951 or 6.4% of total revenue, as compared to $12,584 or 5.0% of total revenue during 2024. Marketing expenses increased during 2025 compared to 2024 primarily due to the promotion of new, enhanced products.
Other income decreased during 2025 compared to 2024, primarily because of fewer real estate transactions.
Interest on obligations under leases was $5,421 during 2025 versus $5,361 during 2024.
To better convey the performance of the franchise partnership model, the table below shows the underlying sales, cost of food, labor costs, and other restaurant costs of the franchise partners. We believe the franchise partner information is useful to readers, as it has a direct effect on Steak n Shake’s profitability.
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | |||||||||||||
| Net sales and other | $ | 359,046 | $ | 326,736 | |||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||||
| Cost of food | $ | 108,259 | 30.2 | % | $ | 96,550 | 29.5 | % | |||||
| Labor costs | 93,823 | 26.1 | % | 88,009 | 26.9 | % | |||||||
| Occupancy and other | 72,193 | 20.1 | % | 68,061 | 20.8 | % | |||||||
| Total cost of sales | $ | 274,275 | $ | 252,620 |
The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include data in the table above. Figures are shown for information purposes only.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Insurance
We view our insurance businesses as possessing two activities: underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, whereas investing decisions are the responsibility of our Chairman and CEO, Sardar Biglari. Our business units are operated under separate local management. Biglari Holdings’ insurance operations consist of First Guard, Southern Pioneer, and Biglari Reinsurance.
Underwriting results of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underwriting gain (loss) attributable to: | ||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 6,015 | $ | 4,038 | $ | 9,492 | ||||
| Southern Pioneer | 1,195 | 400 | (1,038) | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 7,210 | 4,438 | 8,454 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 1,514 | 932 | 1,775 | |||||||
| Net underwriting gain | $ | 5,696 | $ | 3,506 | $ | 6,679 |
Earnings of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiums written | $ | 71,041 | $ | 68,394 | $ | 63,064 | ||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 70,147 | $ | 65,809 | $ | 61,225 | ||||
| Insurance losses | 43,142 | 43,643 | 35,668 | |||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 19,795 | 17,728 | 17,103 | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 7,210 | 4,438 | 8,454 | |||||||
| Investment income and other income and expenses | ||||||||||
| Investment income | 3,339 | 3,928 | 3,074 | |||||||
| Other income and expenses | 2,167 | 724 | 1,555 | |||||||
| Total investment income and other income and expenses | 5,506 | 4,652 | 4,629 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 12,716 | 9,090 | 13,083 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 2,240 | 1,921 | 2,821 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 10,476 | $ | 7,169 | $ | 10,262 |
Insurance premiums and other on the consolidated statement of earnings includes premiums earned, investment income, other income, and commissions. Commissions are in other income and expenses in the above table.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
First Guard
First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, primarily selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. 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 insurer. A summary of First Guard’s underwriting results follows.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums written | $ | 36,674 | $ | 37,691 | $ | 36,917 | |||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 36,674 | 100.0 | % | $ | 37,691 | 100.0 | % | $ | 36,917 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Insurance losses | 23,028 | 62.8 | % | 27,236 | 72.3 | % | 20,861 | 56.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 7,631 | 20.8 | % | 6,417 | 17.0 | % | 6,564 | 17.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 30,659 | 83.6 | % | 33,653 | 89.3 | % | 27,425 | 74.3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | $ | 6,015 | $ | 4,038 | $ | 9,492 |
First Guard produced an underwriting gain in 2025 of $6,015, representing an increase of $1,977, or 49.0% compared to 2024.
Southern Pioneer
Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property insurance, as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance. A summary of Southern Pioneer’s underwriting results follows.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums written | $ | 34,367 | $ | 30,703 | $ | 26,147 | |||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 33,473 | 100.0 | % | $ | 28,118 | 100.0 | % | $ | 24,308 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Insurance losses | 20,114 | 60.1 | % | 16,407 | 58.4 | % | 14,807 | 60.9 | % | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 12,164 | 36.3 | % | 11,311 | 40.2 | % | 10,539 | 43.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 32,278 | 96.4 | % | 27,718 | 98.6 | % | 25,346 | 104.3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) | $ | 1,195 | $ | 400 | $ | (1,038) |
Premiums earned increased $5,355, or 19.0% in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily because of higher average earned premium per policy. The loss ratio increased from higher claims frequencies, average claims severities, and adverse development of prior accident years’ claims.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Insurance – Investment Income
A summary of net investment income attributable to our insurance operations follows.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest, dividends, and other investment income: | |||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 1,630 | $ | 1,976 | $ | 1,873 | |||||
| Southern Pioneer | 1,675 | 1,895 | 1,201 | ||||||||
| Biglari Reinsurance | 34 | 57 | — | ||||||||
| Pre-tax investment income | 3,339 | 3,928 | 3,074 | ||||||||
| Income tax expense | 701 | 825 | 646 | ||||||||
| Net investment income | $ | 2,638 | $ | 3,103 | $ | 2,428 |
We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Oil and Gas
A summary of revenue and earnings of oil and gas operations follows.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 30,211 | $ | 36,945 | $ | 45,071 | ||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 12,548 | 16,636 | 17,365 | |||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 11,674 | 11,102 | 10,339 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 4,968 | 6,135 | 5,164 | |||||||
| Total cost and expenses | 29,190 | 33,873 | 32,868 | |||||||
| Gain on sale of properties | 11,877 | 16,700 | 13,563 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 12,898 | 19,772 | 25,766 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 1,990 | 4,314 | 360 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 10,908 | $ | 15,458 | $ | 25,406 |
Our oil and gas business is highly dependent on oil and natural gas prices. We did not record any impairments to our oil and gas assets during 2025, 2024, or 2023. However, we may be required to record impairments of our oil and gas properties resulting from prolonged declines in oil and gas prices. It is expected that the prices of oil and gas commodities will remain volatile, which will be reflected in our financial results.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Abraxas Petroleum
Abraxas Petroleum operates oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin. Earnings for Abraxas Petroleum are summarized below.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 16,998 | $ | 22,590 | $ | 27,576 | ||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 8,839 | 9,517 | 9,605 | |||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 6,011 | 6,202 | 6,359 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 2,889 | 3,718 | 2,765 | |||||||
| Total cost and expenses | 17,739 | 19,437 | 18,729 | |||||||
| Gain on sale of properties | 11,877 | 16,700 | 13,563 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 11,136 | 19,853 | 22,410 | |||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 1,834 | 4,361 | (384) | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 9,302 | $ | 15,492 | $ | 22,794 |
Abraxas Petroleum’s revenue decreased $5,592, or 24.8% during 2025 compared to 2024. The revenue decline was primarily due to lower crude oil prices.
During 2025, Abraxas Petroleum recorded a gain of $11,877 as a result of selling undeveloped reserves to an unaffiliated party whose aim is to conduct development activities; however, Abraxas Petroleum will not be required to fund any exploration expenditures on its undeveloped properties. During 2024 and 2023, Abraxas Petroleum entered into similar royalty-based arrangements on its undeveloped properties.
Southern Oil
Southern Oil primarily operates oil and natural gas properties offshore in Louisiana state waters. Earnings for Southern Oil are summarized below.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 13,213 | $ | 14,355 | $ | 17,495 | ||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 3,709 | 7,119 | 7,760 | |||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 5,663 | 4,900 | 3,980 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 2,079 | 2,417 | 2,399 | |||||||
| Total cost and expenses | 11,451 | 14,436 | 14,139 | |||||||
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 1,762 | (81) | 3,356 | |||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 156 | (47) | 744 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 1,606 | $ | (34) | $ | 2,612 |
Southern Oil’s revenue decreased $1,142, or 8.0% during 2025 compared to 2024. Southern Oil repaired several nonperforming wells throughout 2024, which increased production during 2025. However, the lower sales prices of crude oil during 2025 compared to 2024 resulted in a $1,909 decrease in revenue.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Brand Licensing
Maxim’s business lies principally in licensing and media. Earnings of operations are summarized below.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing and media revenue | $ | 7,717 | $ | 1,029 | $ | 2,118 | ||||
| Licensing and media cost | 9,040 | 2,036 | 1,840 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 598 | 173 | 267 | |||||||
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | (1,921) | (1,180) | 11 | |||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (479) | (296) | 3 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | (1,442) | $ | (884) | $ | 8 |
Maxim’s revenue increased during 2025 as compared to 2024 due to a new venture in the digital contest business, which increased the loss for the year.
Investment Gains and Investment Partnership Gains
Investment gains net of tax were $355 in 2025 as compared to $239 in 2024. Dividends and interest earned on investments are reported as investment income by our insurance companies. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Earnings from our investments in partnerships are summarized below.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | $ | (67,001) | $ | (41,058) | $ | 19,440 | ||||
| Tax expense (benefit) | (15,005) | (12,939) | 4,794 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | (51,996) | $ | (28,119) | $ | 14,646 |
Investment partnership gains include gains/losses from changes in the market values of underlying investments and dividends earned by the partnerships. Dividend income has a lower effective tax rate than income from capital gains. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
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 in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
Investment gains in 2025 and 2024 were mainly derived from our investments in equity securities and included unrealized gains and losses from market price changes during the period. We believe that investment gains/losses are generally meaningless for analytical purposes in understanding our reported quarterly or annual results.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Interest Expense
The Company’s interest expense is summarized below.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest expense on notes payable and other borrowings | $ | (8,221) | $ | (771) | $ | (681) | ||||
| Tax benefit | (2,055) | (182) | (150) | |||||||
| Interest expense net of tax | $ | (6,166) | $ | (589) | $ | (531) |
The increase in interest expense is due to interest on Steak n Shake’s note payable obtained on September 30, 2025. The outstanding balance on Steak n Shake’s note payable was $223,875 on December 31, 2025. The interest rate was 8.8% on December 31, 2025. The outstanding balance on Biglari Holdings’ lines of credit was $27,250 on December 31, 2025, compared to $45,000 on December 31, 2024. The interest rate was 6.7% on December 31, 2025.
Income Taxes
The consolidated income tax benefit was $10,203 in 2025 versus $4,395 in 2024. The variance in income taxes between 2025 and 2024 is attributable to taxes on income generated by the investment partnerships. Excluding investment partnership activities, pre-tax income was $19,310 and $32,904 and tax expense was $4,802 and $8,544 during 2025 and 2024, respectively. The effective tax rate for the Company (excluding investment partnership activities) was 24.9% during 2025 compared to 26.0% during 2024.
Corporate and Other
Corporate expenses exclude the activities of the restaurant, insurance, brand licensing, and oil and gas businesses. Net losses for Corporate and other were $16,000 during 2025 and $12,503 during 2024. The increase in net losses was primarily due to an increase in professional fees.
Financial Condition
Our consolidated shareholders’ equity on December 31, 2025, was $523,429, a decrease of $49,532 as compared to the December 31, 2024, balance. The decrease in shareholders’ equity was primarily due to a net loss of $37,488 and a change in treasury stock of $13,566.
Consolidated cash and investments are summarized below.
| December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 268,782 | $ | 30,709 | ||
| Investments | 69,050 | 102,975 | ||||
| Fair value of interest in investment partnerships | 772,585 | 656,266 | ||||
| Total cash and investments | 1,110,417 | 789,950 | ||||
| Less: portion of Company stock held by investment partnerships | (618,310) | (454,539) | ||||
| Carrying value of cash and investments on balance sheet | $ | 492,107 | $ | 335,411 |
Unrealized gains/losses of Biglari Holdings’ stock held by the investment partnerships are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Liquidity
Our balance sheet continues to maintain significant liquidity. Consolidated cash flow activities are summarized below.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 106,959 | $ | 49,660 | $ | 73,002 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (65,470) | (87,388) | (66,080) | |||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 196,533 | 39,484 | (16,132) | |||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 39 | 22 | 59 | |||||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 238,061 | $ | 1,778 | $ | (9,151) |
Cash provided by operating activities increased during 2025 by $57,299 as compared to 2024. The change was primarily attributable to $56,000 of distributions from the investment partnerships during 2025.
Cash used in investing activities decreased during 2025 by $21,918 as compared to 2024 primarily due to an increase of $33,411 in sales of investments and redemptions of fixed maturity securities.
Cash provided by financing activities increased during 2025 by $157,049 as compared to 2024 primarily due to Steak n Shake’s note payable of $225,000 on September 30, 2025. During 2025, the Company had net payments on its revolving lines of credit of $17,750 compared to net borrowings of $45,000 during 2024.
We intend to meet the working capital needs of our operating subsidiaries, principally through cash flows generated from operations and cash on hand. We continually review available financing alternatives.
Biglari Holdings’ Line of Credit
Biglari Holdings’ line of credit is $35,000 and matures on September 13, 2026. The line of credit includes customary covenants as well as financial maintenance covenants. As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all covenants. The balance on the line of credit was $27,250 and $35,000 on December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our interest rate was 6.7% and 7.1% on December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
On November 8, 2024, Biglari Holdings entered into a line of credit in an aggregate principal amount of up to $75,000. The line of credit was terminated on September 29, 2025.
Steak n Shake Note Payable
On September 30, 2025, Steak n Shake obtained a loan of $225,000. The term of the loan is five years, with an interest rate fixed at 8.8% per annum, and the loan will be amortized at a rate of 3.0% per annum. The loan includes customary covenants as well as financial maintenance covenants and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all covenants. The debt is an obligation of Steak n Shake and the proceeds from the loan were distributed to Biglari Holdings. All of the debt is secured by real estate owned by Steak n Shake.
Western Sizzlin Revolver
Western Sizzlin’s available line of credit is $500. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, Western Sizzlin had no debt outstanding under its revolver.
Critical Accounting Policies
Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and judgments in determining the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Such estimates and judgments necessarily involve varying, and possibly significant, degrees of uncertainty. Accordingly, certain amounts currently recorded in the financial statements will likely be adjusted in the future based on new available information and changes in other facts and circumstances. A discussion of our principal accounting policies that required the application of significant judgments as of December 31, 2025, follows.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Impairment of Restaurant Long-lived Assets
We review company-operated restaurants for impairment on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis when events or circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Assets included in the impairment assessment generally consist of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements directly associated with an individual restaurant as well as any related finance or operating lease assets. We test for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the total estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the carrying value is written down to the estimated fair value, and a loss is recognized in earnings. Determining the future cash flows expected to be generated by an asset requires significant judgment regarding future performance of the asset, fair market value if the asset were to be sold, and other financial and economic assumptions.
Oil and Natural Gas Reserves
Crude oil and natural gas reserves are estimates of future production that impact certain asset and expense accounts. Proved reserves are the estimated quantities of oil and gas that geoscience and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be economically producible in the future under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations. Proved reserves include both developed and undeveloped volumes. Proved developed reserves represent volumes expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved undeveloped reserves are volumes expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled proved acreage, or from existing wells where expenditure is required for recompletion. We estimate our proved oil and natural gas reserves in accordance with the guidelines established by the SEC. Due to the inherent uncertainties and the limited nature of reservoir data, estimates of reserves are subject to change as additional information becomes available.
Income Taxes
We record deferred tax assets or liabilities, which are based on differences between financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record deferred tax assets to the extent we believe there will be sufficient future taxable income to utilize those assets prior to their expiration. To the extent deferred tax assets are unable to be utilized, we would record a valuation allowance against the unrealizable amount and record that amount as a charge against earnings. Due to changing tax laws and state income tax rates, significant judgment is required to estimate the effective tax rate applicable to tax differences arising from reversal in the future. We must also make estimates about the sufficiency of taxable income in future periods to offset any deductions related to deferred tax assets currently recorded.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We evaluate 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 managerial judgment. Based on a review of the qualitative factors, if we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, we may bypass the quantitative impairment test. We may also elect not to perform the qualitative assessment for the reporting unit or intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment test instead.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
For detailed information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements and the expected impact on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.
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, set forth above. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise them, except as may be required by law.
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MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001726173-25-000003.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. 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.
Biglari Holdings’ management system combines decentralized operations with centralized financial decision-making. Operating decisions for the various business units are made by their respective managers. All major investment and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari.
As of December 31, 2024, Mr. Biglari beneficially owns shares of the Company that represent approximately 74.3% of the voting interest.
Business Acquisitions
During 2022, the Company purchased 90% of Abraxas Petroleum Corporation (“Abraxas Petroleum”) for $80,000. During 2023, the Company acquired the remaining 10% of Abraxas Petroleum for $5,387. The Company’s financial results include the results of Abraxas Petroleum from the date of acquisition, September 14, 2022, to the end of the calendar year.
Discussion of Operations
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders are disaggregated in the table that follows.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating businesses: | ||||||||||
| Restaurant | $ | 15,470 | $ | 21,831 | $ | 9,383 | ||||
| Insurance | 7,169 | 10,262 | 7,662 | |||||||
| Oil and gas | 15,458 | 25,406 | 19,091 | |||||||
| Brand licensing | (884) | 8 | 1,313 | |||||||
| Interest expense | (589) | (531) | (305) | |||||||
| Corporate and other | (12,503) | (17,814) | (9,806) | |||||||
| Total operating businesses | 24,121 | 39,162 | 27,338 | |||||||
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | (28,119) | 14,646 | (56,961) | |||||||
| Investment gains (losses) | 239 | 1,731 | (2,682) | |||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | (3,759) | 55,539 | (32,305) | |||||||
| Earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | 591 | (287) | |||||||
| Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders | $ | (3,759) | $ | 54,948 | $ | (32,018) |
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1, Business and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this Form 10-K. The following discussion should also be read in conjunction with the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, Risk Factors, set forth above.
Our Management Discussion and Analysis generally discusses 2024 and 2023 items. Discussions of 2022 items can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2024.
Investment gains and losses in 2024 and 2023 were mainly derived from our investments in equity securities and included unrealized gains and losses from market price changes during the period. We believe that investment gains/losses are generally meaningless for analytical purposes in understanding our reported quarterly and annual results. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
Through our subsidiaries, we engage in numerous diverse business activities. We operate on a decentralized management structure. The business segment data (Note 17 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.
Restaurants
Our restaurant businesses, which include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin, comprise 458 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of December 31, 2024.
| Steak n Shake | Western Sizzlin | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company- operated | Franchise Partner | Traditional Franchise | Company- operated | Franchise | Total | |||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2021 | 199 | 159 | 178 | 3 | 38 | 577 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (16) | 16 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (6) | — | (24) | — | (2) | (32) | ||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2022 | 177 | 175 | 154 | 3 | 36 | 545 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (6) | 7 | (1) | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (23) | (1) | (25) | — | (4) | (53) | ||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2023 | 148 | 181 | 128 | 3 | 32 | 492 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | 9 | (8) | (1) | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (11) | — | (20) | — | (3) | (34) | ||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2024 | 146 | 173 | 107 | 3 | 29 | 458 |
As of December 31, 2024, 10 of the 146 company-operated Steak n Shake stores were closed. Steak n Shake plans to sell or lease six of the 10 locations and refranchise the balance.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Restaurant operations for 2024, 2023, and 2022 are summarized below.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 159,213 | $ | 152,545 | $ | 149,184 | |||||||||||
| Franchise partner fees | 70,616 | 72,552 | 63,853 | ||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | 13,632 | 16,443 | 19,678 | ||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | 7,986 | 9,317 | 8,853 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 251,447 | 250,857 | 241,568 | ||||||||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of food | 47,891 | 30.1 | % | 44,993 | 29.5 | % | 44,461 | 29.8 | % | ||||||||
| Labor costs | 50,431 | 31.7 | % | 47,090 | 30.9 | % | 50,524 | 33.9 | % | ||||||||
| Occupancy and other | 45,127 | 28.3 | % | 45,903 | 30.1 | % | 45,279 | 30.4 | % | ||||||||
| Total cost of sales | 143,449 | 137,986 | 140,264 | ||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 47,130 | 18.7 | % | 44,120 | 17.6 | % | 40,206 | 16.6 | % | ||||||||
| Marketing | 12,584 | 5.0 | % | 12,631 | 5.0 | % | 13,921 | 5.8 | % | ||||||||
| Other expenses (income) | (5,800) | (2.3) | % | (7,935) | (3.2) | % | (2,294) | (0.9) | % | ||||||||
| Total selling, general and administrative | 53,914 | 48,816 | 51,833 | ||||||||||||||
| Impairments | 107 | — | % | 3,947 | 1.6 | % | 3,520 | 1.5 | % | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 27,002 | 10.7 | % | 27,031 | 10.8 | % | 27,496 | 11.4 | % | ||||||||
| Interest on finance leases and obligations | 5,361 | 5,114 | 5,493 | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 21,614 | 27,963 | 12,962 | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 6,144 | 6,132 | 3,579 | ||||||||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 15,470 | $ | 21,831 | $ | 9,383 |
Cost of food, labor, and occupancy and other costs are expressed as a percentage of net sales.
General and administrative, marketing, other expenses, impairments, and depreciation and amortization are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.
Net sales during 2024 were $159,213 as compared to $152,545 during 2023. Steak n Shake’s same-store sales increased 6.4% at its company-operated units.
For company-operated units, sales to the end customer are recorded as revenue generated by the Company, but for franchise partner units, only our share of the restaurants’ profits, along with certain fees, are recorded as revenue. Because we derive most of our revenue from our share of the profits, revenue will decline as we transition from company-operated units to franchise partner units.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Fees generated by our franchise partners were $70,616 in 2024 as compared to $72,552 during 2023. As of December 31, 2024, there were 173 franchise partner units as compared to 181 franchise partner units as of December 31, 2023.
Included in the franchise partner fees were $22,884 and $22,687 of rental income during 2024 and 2023, respectively. Franchise partners rent buildings and equipment from Steak n Shake.
Our share of franchise partner fees was $1,936, or 2.7% lower during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily because our franchise partners’ cost of food expenses were 1.3 percentage points higher during 2024 as compared to 2023. Our share of the increased cost of food expenses was $2,617.
The franchise royalties and fees generated by the traditional franchising business were $13,632 during 2024 as compared to $16,443 during 2023. The decrease in franchise royalties and fees was primarily due to the closing of certain traditional franchise stores. There were 136 traditional units open on December 31, 2024, as compared to 160 units open on December 31, 2023.
The cost of food at company-operated units in 2024 was $47,891, or 30.1% of net sales as compared to $44,993, or 29.5% of net sales in 2023. The increase was primarily due to cost inflation.
The labor costs at company-operated restaurants during 2024 were $50,431, or 31.7% of net sales as compared to $47,090, or 30.9% of net sales in 2023. Labor costs expressed as a percentage of net sales increased during 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to an increase in store-level managers.
General and administrative expenses during 2024 were $47,130, or 18.7% of total revenue as compared to $44,120, or 17.6% of total revenue during 2023. The increase in general and administrative expenses was mainly attributable to Steak n Shake: higher legal fees ($700), fees related to its new prototype ($500), and contractual services ($900).
Other income decreased during 2024 compared to 2023, primarily because of fewer real estate transactions.
Interest on obligations under leases was $5,361 during 2024 versus $5,114 during 2023.
To better convey the performance of the franchise partnership model, the table below shows the underlying sales, cost of food, labor costs, and other restaurant costs of the franchise partners. We believe the franchise partner information is useful to readers, as it has a direct effect on Steak n Shake’s profitability.
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | |||||||||||||
| Net sales and other | $ | 326,736 | $ | 324,281 | |||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||||
| Cost of food | $ | 96,550 | 29.5 | % | $ | 91,317 | 28.2 | % | |||||
| Labor costs | 88,009 | 26.9 | % | 86,286 | 26.6 | % | |||||||
| Occupancy and other | 68,061 | 20.8 | % | 66,135 | 20.4 | % | |||||||
| Total cost of sales | $ | 252,620 | $ | 243,738 |
The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include data in the table above. Figures are shown for information purposes only.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Insurance
We view our insurance businesses as possessing two activities: underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, whereas investing decisions are the responsibility of our Chairman and CEO, Sardar Biglari. Our business units are operated under separate local management. Biglari Holdings’ insurance operations consist of First Guard, Southern Pioneer, and Biglari Reinsurance.
Underwriting results of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underwriting gain (loss) attributable to: | ||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 4,038 | $ | 9,492 | $ | 6,578 | ||||
| Southern Pioneer | 400 | (1,038) | (1,277) | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 4,438 | 8,454 | 5,301 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 932 | 1,775 | 1,113 | |||||||
| Net underwriting gain | $ | 3,506 | $ | 6,679 | $ | 4,188 |
Earnings of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiums written | $ | 68,394 | $ | 63,064 | $ | 61,108 | ||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 65,809 | $ | 61,225 | $ | 59,949 | ||||
| Insurance losses | 43,643 | 35,668 | 37,187 | |||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 17,728 | 17,103 | 17,461 | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 4,438 | 8,454 | 5,301 | |||||||
| Other income and expenses | ||||||||||
| Investment income | 3,928 | 3,074 | 1,380 | |||||||
| Other income | 724 | 1,555 | 3,223 | |||||||
| Total other income | 4,652 | 4,629 | 4,603 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 9,090 | 13,083 | 9,904 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 1,921 | 2,821 | 2,242 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 7,169 | $ | 10,262 | $ | 7,662 |
Insurance premiums and other on the consolidated statement of earnings includes premiums earned, investment income, other income, and commissions. Commissions are in other income in the above table.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
First Guard
First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, primarily selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. 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 insurer. A summary of First Guard’s underwriting results follows.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums written | $ | 37,691 | $ | 36,917 | $ | 35,914 | |||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 37,691 | 100.0 | % | $ | 36,917 | 100.0 | % | $ | 35,914 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Insurance losses | 27,236 | 72.3 | % | 20,861 | 56.5 | % | 22,299 | 62.1 | % | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 6,417 | 17.0 | % | 6,564 | 17.8 | % | 7,037 | 19.6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 33,653 | 89.3 | % | 27,425 | 74.3 | % | 29,336 | 81.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | $ | 4,038 | $ | 9,492 | $ | 6,578 |
First Guard produced an underwriting gain in 2024. Its underwriting gain declined $5,454, or 57.5% in 2024 as compared to 2023, reflecting significant increases in average claim severity, primarily due to significant cost inflation in physical damage claims. It is the nature of the insurance business to experience volatility in underwriting performance.
Southern Pioneer
Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property insurance, as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance. A summary of Southern Pioneer’s underwriting results follows.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums written | $ | 30,703 | $ | 26,147 | $ | 25,194 | |||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 28,118 | 100.0 | % | $ | 24,308 | 100.0 | % | $ | 24,035 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Insurance losses | 16,407 | 58.4 | % | 14,807 | 60.9 | % | 14,888 | 61.9 | % | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 11,311 | 40.2 | % | 10,539 | 43.4 | % | 10,424 | 43.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 27,718 | 98.6 | % | 25,346 | 104.3 | % | 25,312 | 105.3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) | $ | 400 | $ | (1,038) | $ | (1,277) |
Premiums earned increased $3,810, or 15.7% in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily because of growth in its personal lines, e.g., homeowners insurance. Southern Pioneer’s ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums earned was 58.4% during 2024 as compared to 60.9% during 2023.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Insurance – Investment Income
A summary of net investment income attributable to our insurance operations follows.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest, dividends, and other investment income: | |||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 1,976 | $ | 1,873 | $ | 751 | |||||
| Southern Pioneer | 1,895 | 1,201 | 629 | ||||||||
| Biglari Reinsurance | 57 | — | — | ||||||||
| Pre-tax investment income | 3,928 | 3,074 | 1,380 | ||||||||
| Income tax expense | 825 | 646 | 289 | ||||||||
| Net investment income | $ | 3,103 | $ | 2,428 | $ | 1,091 |
We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Oil and Gas
A summary of revenue and earnings of oil and gas operations follows.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 36,945 | $ | 45,071 | $ | 57,546 | ||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 16,636 | 17,365 | 17,842 | |||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 11,102 | 10,339 | 8,013 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 6,135 | 5,164 | 6,500 | |||||||
| Total cost and expenses | 33,873 | 32,868 | 32,355 | |||||||
| Gain on sale of properties | 16,700 | 13,563 | — | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 19,772 | 25,766 | 25,191 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 4,314 | 360 | 6,100 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 15,458 | $ | 25,406 | $ | 19,091 |
Our oil and gas business is highly dependent on oil and natural gas prices. We did not record any impairments to our oil and gas assets during 2024. However, we may be required to record impairments of our oil and gas properties resulting from prolonged declines in oil and gas prices. It is expected that the prices of oil and gas commodities will remain volatile, which will be reflected in our financial results.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Abraxas Petroleum
Abraxas Petroleum operates oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin. Earnings for Abraxas Petroleum from the date of acquisition, September 14, 2022, are summarized below.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 22,590 | $ | 27,576 | $ | 11,455 | ||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 9,517 | 9,605 | 4,487 | |||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 6,202 | 6,359 | 2,510 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 3,718 | 2,765 | 3,806 | |||||||
| Total cost and expenses | 19,437 | 18,729 | 10,803 | |||||||
| Gain on sale of properties | 16,700 | 13,563 | — | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 19,853 | 22,410 | 652 | |||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 4,361 | (384) | 154 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 15,492 | $ | 22,794 | $ | 498 |
Abraxas Petroleum’s revenue decreased $4,986, or 18.1% during 2024 compared to 2023. Abraxas Petroleum reduced production by shutting in wells during 2024 due to lower natural gas prices.
Abraxas Petroleum recorded a gain of $16,700 as a result of selling undeveloped reserves to an unaffiliated party whose aim is to conduct development activities; however, Abraxas Petroleum will not be required to fund any exploration expenditures on its undeveloped properties. During the third quarter of 2023, Abraxas Petroleum entered into a similar royalty-based arrangement on its undeveloped properties, which began producing in the third quarter of 2024.
Abraxas Petroleum’s general and administrative expenses increased $953, or 34.5%, primarily because of estimated costs to plug, abandon, and reclaim wells in North Dakota. The costs relate to wells that Abraxas used prior to our acquisition of Abraxas Petroleum.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Southern Oil
Southern Oil primarily operates oil and natural gas properties offshore in Louisiana state waters. Earnings for Southern Oil are summarized below.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 14,355 | $ | 17,495 | $ | 46,091 | ||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 7,119 | 7,760 | 13,355 | |||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 4,900 | 3,980 | 5,503 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 2,417 | 2,399 | 2,694 | |||||||
| Total cost and expenses | 14,436 | 14,139 | 21,552 | |||||||
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | (81) | 3,356 | 24,539 | |||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (47) | 744 | 5,946 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | (34) | $ | 2,612 | $ | 18,593 |
Southern Oil’s revenue decreased $3,140, or 17.9% during 2024 compared to 2023. Southern Oil repaired several nonperforming wells throughout 2024. Southern Oil completed the drilling of a well during the second half of 2024, which accounted for the majority of the increased depletion costs.
Brand Licensing
Maxim’s business lies principally in licensing and media. Earnings of operations are summarized below.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing and media revenue | $ | 1,029 | $ | 2,118 | $ | 4,577 | ||||
| Licensing and media cost | 2,036 | 1,840 | 2,695 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 173 | 267 | 122 | |||||||
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | (1,180) | 11 | 1,760 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | (296) | 3 | 447 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | (884) | $ | 8 | $ | 1,313 |
Licensing and media revenue decreased $1,089 in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to the poor performance of an important licensing arrangement.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Investment Gains and Investment Partnership Gains
Investment gains net of tax were $239 in 2024 as compared to $1,731 in 2023. Dividends and interest earned on investments are reported as investment income by our insurance companies. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Earnings from our investments in partnerships are summarized below.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | $ | (41,058) | $ | 19,440 | $ | (75,953) | ||||
| Tax expense (benefit) | (12,939) | 4,794 | (18,992) | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | (28,119) | $ | 14,646 | $ | (56,961) |
Investment partnership gains include gains/losses from changes in the market values of underlying investments and dividends earned by the partnerships. Dividend income has a lower effective tax rate than income from capital gains. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
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 in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
Investment gains in 2024 and 2023 were mainly derived from our investments in equity securities and included unrealized gains and losses from market price changes during the period. We believe that investment gains/losses are generally meaningless for analytical purposes in understanding our reported quarterly or annual results.
Interest Expense
The Company’s interest expense is summarized below.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest expense on notes payable and other borrowings | $ | (771) | $ | (681) | $ | (399) | ||||
| Tax benefit | (182) | (150) | (94) | |||||||
| Interest expense net of tax | $ | (589) | $ | (531) | $ | (305) |
Income Taxes
The consolidated income tax benefit was $4,395 in 2024 versus the tax expense of $9,308 in 2023. The variance in income taxes between 2024 and 2023 is attributable to taxes on income generated by the investment partnerships. Excluding investment partnership activities, pretax income was $32,904 and $45,407 and tax expense was $8,544 and $4,514 during 2024 and 2023, respectively. The effective tax rate for the Company (excluding investment partnership activities) was 26.0% during 2024 compared to 9.9% during 2023. The increase in the effective tax rates is primarily attributable to certain tax benefits recognized by Abraxas Petroleum during 2023.
Corporate and Other
Corporate expenses exclude the activities of the restaurant, insurance, brand licensing, and oil and gas businesses. Net losses for Corporate and other were $12,503 during 2024 and $17,814 during 2023. The decrease in net losses was primarily due to a decrease in accrued incentive fees.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Financial Condition
Our consolidated shareholders’ equity on December 31, 2024, was $572,961, a decrease of $26,369 as compared to the December 31, 2023 balance. The decrease in shareholders’ equity was primarily due to a net loss of $3,759 and a change in treasury stock of $22,256.
Consolidated cash and investments are summarized below.
| December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 30,709 | $ | 28,066 | ||
| Investments | 102,975 | 91,879 | ||||
| Fair value of interest in investment partnerships | 656,266 | 472,772 | ||||
| Total cash and investments | 789,950 | 592,717 | ||||
| Less: portion of Company stock held by investment partnerships | (454,539) | (273,669) | ||||
| Carrying value of cash and investments on balance sheet | $ | 335,411 | $ | 319,048 |
Unrealized gains/losses of Biglari Holdings’ stock held by the investment partnerships are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
Liquidity
Our balance sheet continues to maintain significant liquidity. Consolidated cash flow activities are summarized below.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 49,660 | $ | 73,002 | $ | 127,825 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (87,388) | (66,080) | (136,605) | |||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 39,484 | (16,132) | 3,860 | |||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 22 | 59 | 38 | |||||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 1,778 | $ | (9,151) | $ | (4,882) |
In 2024, cash provided by operating activities decreased by $23,342 as compared to 2023. The change was primarily attributable to a decrease of $15,511 in cash from our business operations and a $4,500 decrease in distributions from investment partnerships.
Net cash used in investing activities was $21,308 higher during 2024 as compared to 2023. Capital expenditures by our oil and gas business increased $11,239 primarily due to the drilling of an oil well by Southern Oil, and purchases of limited partnership interests, which were $30,908 higher during 2024 as compared to 2023.
The Company had net borrowings of $45,000 on its lines of credit in 2024 and had net repayments of $10,000 in 2023.
We intend to meet the working capital needs of our operating subsidiaries, principally through cash flows generated from operations and cash on hand. We continually review available financing alternatives.
Biglari Holdings Lines of Credit
Biglari Holdings’ line of credit was amended on September 13, 2024, and the available line of credit was increased to $35,000. The line of credit matures on September 13, 2026. The line of credit includes customary covenants as well as financial maintenance covenants. As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all covenants. There was a $35,000 balance on the line of credit on December 31, 2024. There was no balance on the line of credit on December 31, 2023. Our interest rate was 7.1% on December 31, 2024, and 8.1% on December 31, 2023, respectively.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
On November 8, 2024, Biglari Holdings entered into a line of credit in an aggregate principal amount of up to $75,000. The line of credit will be available on a revolving basis until November 7, 2027. The line of credit includes customary covenants as well as financial maintenance covenants. As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all covenants. The balance of the line of credit was $10,000 on December 31, 2024. Our interest rate was 7.8% on December 31, 2024.
Western Sizzlin Revolver
Western Sizzlin’s available line of credit is $500. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Western Sizzlin had no debt outstanding under its revolver.
Critical Accounting Policies
Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and judgments in determining the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Such estimates and judgments necessarily involve varying, and possibly significant, degrees of uncertainty. Accordingly, certain amounts currently recorded in the financial statements will likely be adjusted in the future based on new available information and changes in other facts and circumstances. A discussion of our principal accounting policies that required the application of significant judgments as of December 31, 2024, follows.
Impairment of Restaurant Long-lived Assets
We review company-operated restaurants for impairment on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis when events or circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Assets included in the impairment assessment generally consist of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements directly associated with an individual restaurant as well as any related finance or operating lease assets. We test for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the total estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the carrying value is written down to the estimated fair value, and a loss is recognized in earnings. Determining the future cash flows expected to be generated by an asset requires significant judgment regarding future performance of the asset, fair market value if the asset were to be sold, and other financial and economic assumptions.
Oil and Natural Gas Reserves
Crude oil and natural gas reserves are estimates of future production that impact certain asset and expense accounts. Proved reserves are the estimated quantities of oil and gas that geoscience and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be economically producible in the future under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations. Proved reserves include both developed and undeveloped volumes. Proved developed reserves represent volumes expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved undeveloped reserves are volumes expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled proved acreage, or from existing wells where expenditure is required for recompletion. We estimate our proved oil and natural gas reserves in accordance with the guidelines established by the SEC. Due to the inherent uncertainties and the limited nature of reservoir data, estimates of reserves are subject to change as additional information becomes available.
Income Taxes
We record deferred tax assets or liabilities, which are based on differences between financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record deferred tax assets to the extent we believe there will be sufficient future taxable income to utilize those assets prior to their expiration. To the extent deferred tax assets are unable to be utilized, we would record a valuation allowance against the unrealizable amount and record that amount as a charge against earnings. Due to changing tax laws and state income tax rates, significant judgment is required to estimate the effective tax rate applicable to tax differences arising from reversal in the future. We must also make estimates about the sufficiency of taxable income in future periods to offset any deductions related to deferred tax assets currently recorded.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We evaluate 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 managerial judgment. Based on a review of the qualitative factors, if we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, we may bypass the quantitative impairment test. We may also elect not to perform the qualitative assessment for the reporting unit or intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment test instead.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
For detailed information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements and the expected impact on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.
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, set forth above. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise them, except as may be required by law.
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001726173-24-000004.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. 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.
Biglari Holdings’ management system combines decentralized operations with centralized financial decision-making. Operating decisions for the various business units are made by their respective managers. All major investment and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari.
As of December 31, 2023, Mr. Biglari beneficially owns shares of the Company that represent approximately 66.8% of the economic interest and approximately 71.0% of the voting interest.
Business Acquisitions
On September 14, 2022, the Company purchased Preferred Shares of Abraxas Petroleum Corporation (“Abraxas Petroleum”) for $80,000. On October 26, 2022, the Company converted the Preferred Shares to 90% of the outstanding common stock of Abraxas Petroleum. On June 14, 2023, the remaining 10% of the outstanding common stock of Abraxas Petroleum was acquired for $5,387. The Company used working capital including its line of credit to fund the purchase of the Preferred Shares. Abraxas Petroleum operates oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin. The purchase price allocation included $70,200 of oil and gas properties, cash of $21,726, and liabilities, net of other assets, of $11,926. The Company’s financial results include the results of Abraxas Petroleum from the initial acquisition date to the end of the calendar year.
Discussion of Operations
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders are disaggregated in the table that follows.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating businesses: | ||||||||||
| Restaurant | $ | 21,831 | $ | 9,383 | $ | 11,235 | ||||
| Insurance | 10,262 | 7,662 | 11,290 | |||||||
| Oil and gas | 25,406 | 19,091 | 7,528 | |||||||
| Brand licensing | 8 | 1,313 | 2,364 | |||||||
| Interest expense | (531) | (305) | (841) | |||||||
| Corporate and other | (17,814) | (9,806) | (9,829) | |||||||
| Total operating businesses | 39,162 | 27,338 | 21,747 | |||||||
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | 14,646 | (56,961) | 8,899 | |||||||
| Investment gains (losses) | 1,731 | (2,682) | 4,832 | |||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 55,539 | (32,305) | 35,478 | |||||||
| Earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | 591 | (287) | — | |||||||
| Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders | $ | 54,948 | $ | (32,018) | $ | 35,478 |
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1, Business and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this Form 10-K. The following discussion should also be read in conjunction with the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, Risk Factors, set forth above.
Our Management Discussion and Analysis generally discusses 2023 and 2022 items. Discussions of 2021 items can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2023.
Investment gains and losses in 2023 and 2022 were mainly derived from our investments in equity securities and included unrealized gains and losses from market price changes during the period. We believe that investment gains/losses are generally meaningless for analytical purposes in understanding our reported quarterly and annual results. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
Through our subsidiaries, we engage in numerous diverse business activities. We operate on a decentralized management structure. The business segment data (Note 17 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.
Restaurants
Our restaurant businesses, which include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin, comprise 492 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of December 31, 2023.
| Steak n Shake | Western Sizzlin | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company- operated | Franchise Partner | Traditional Franchise | Company- operated | Franchise | Total | |||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2020 | 276 | 86 | 194 | 3 | 39 | 598 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (73) | 73 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (4) | — | (16) | — | (1) | (21) | ||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2021 | 199 | 159 | 178 | 3 | 38 | 577 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (16) | 16 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (6) | — | (24) | — | (2) | (32) | ||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2022 | 177 | 175 | 154 | 3 | 36 | 545 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (6) | 7 | (1) | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (23) | (1) | (25) | — | (4) | (53) | ||||||||||
| Stores on December 31, 2023 | 148 | 181 | 128 | 3 | 32 | 492 |
As of December 31, 2023, 17 of the 148 company-operated Steak n Shake stores were closed. Steak n Shake plans to sell or lease 10 of the 17 locations and refranchise the balance.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Restaurant operations for 2023, 2022, and 2021 are summarized below.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 152,545 | $ | 149,184 | $ | 187,913 | |||||||||||
| Franchise partner fees | 72,552 | 63,853 | 55,641 | ||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | 16,443 | 19,678 | 21,736 | ||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | 9,317 | 8,853 | 6,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 250,857 | 241,568 | 271,290 | ||||||||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of food | 44,993 | 29.5 | % | 44,461 | 29.8 | % | 55,315 | 29.4 | % | ||||||||
| Labor costs | 47,090 | 30.9 | % | 50,524 | 33.9 | % | 58,159 | 30.9 | % | ||||||||
| Occupancy and other | 45,903 | 30.1 | % | 45,279 | 30.4 | % | 54,017 | 28.7 | % | ||||||||
| Total cost of sales | 137,986 | 140,264 | 167,491 | ||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 44,120 | 17.6 | % | 40,206 | 16.6 | % | 39,940 | 14.7 | % | ||||||||
| Marketing | 12,631 | 5.0 | % | 13,921 | 5.8 | % | 13,923 | 5.1 | % | ||||||||
| Other expenses (income) | (7,935) | (3.2) | % | (2,294) | (0.9) | % | 3,323 | 1.2 | % | ||||||||
| Total selling, general and administrative | 48,816 | 51,833 | 57,186 | ||||||||||||||
| Impairments | 3,947 | 1.6 | % | 3,520 | 1.5 | % | 4,635 | 1.7 | % | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 27,031 | 10.8 | % | 27,496 | 11.4 | % | 21,484 | 7.9 | % | ||||||||
| Interest on finance leases and obligations | 5,114 | 5,493 | 6,039 | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 27,963 | 12,962 | 14,455 | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 6,132 | 3,579 | 3,220 | ||||||||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 21,831 | $ | 9,383 | $ | 11,235 |
Cost of food, labor, and occupancy and other costs are expressed as a percentage of net sales.
General and administrative, marketing, other expenses, impairments, and depreciation and amortization are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.
Net sales during 2023 were $152,545 as compared to $149,184 during 2022. For company-operated units, sales to the end customer are recorded as revenue generated by the Company, but for franchise partner units, only our share of the restaurants’ profits, along with certain fees, are recorded as revenue. Because we derive most of our revenue from our share of the profits, revenue will decline as we transition from company-operated units to franchise partner units.
Fees generated by our franchise partners were $72,552 during 2023 as compared to $63,853 during 2022. As of December 31, 2023, there were 181 franchise partner units as compared to 175 franchise partner units as of December 31, 2022. Included in the franchise partner fees were $22,687 and $20,426 of rental income during 2023 and 2022, respectively. Franchise partners rent buildings and equipment from Steak n Shake.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
The franchise royalties and fees generated by the traditional franchising business were $16,443 during 2023 as compared to $19,678 during 2022. The decrease in franchise royalties and fees was primarily due to the closing of certain traditional franchise stores. There were 160 traditional units open on December 31, 2023, as compared to 190 units open on December 31, 2022.
The cost of food at company-operated units in 2023 was $44,993, or 29.5% of net sales as compared to $44,461, or 29.8% of net sales in 2022. The cost of food expressed as a percentage of net sales in 2023 remained consistent with 2022.
The labor costs at company-operated restaurants during 2023 were $47,090, or 30.9% of net sales as compared to $50,524, or 33.9% of net sales in 2022. The 3-percentage-point decrease in costs was primarily attributable to a 2.7-percentage-point decrease in Steak n Shake’s labor costs as a result of a gain in productivity.
General and administrative expenses during 2023 were $44,120, or 17.6% of total revenue as compared to $40,206, or 16.6% of total revenue during 2022. General and administrative expenses increased during 2023 as compared to 2022 primarily because of higher salaries and wages. An increase in overall personnel and additional franchise partner training accounted for much of the increase in general and administrative expenses.
Other income increased during 2023 compared to 2022 primarily because of gains on the sale of real estate.
Interest on obligations under leases was $5,114 during 2023 versus $5,493 during 2022. The year-over-year decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to the maturity and retirement of lease obligations.
To better convey the performance of the franchise partnership model, the table below shows the underlying sales, cost of food, labor costs, and other restaurant costs of the franchise partners. We believe the franchise partner information is useful to readers, as they have a direct effect on Steak n Shake’s profitability.
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | |||||||||||||
| Net sales and other | $ | 324,281 | $ | 296,045 | |||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||||
| Cost of food | $ | 91,317 | 28.2 | % | $ | 81,952 | 27.7 | % | |||||
| Labor costs | 86,286 | 26.6 | % | 84,191 | 28.4 | % | |||||||
| Occupancy and other | 66,135 | 20.4 | % | 59,647 | 20.1 | % | |||||||
| Total cost of sales | $ | 243,738 | $ | 225,790 |
The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include data in the table above. Figures are shown for information purposes only.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Insurance
We view our insurance businesses as possessing two activities: underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, whereas investing decisions are the responsibility of our Chairman and CEO, Sardar Biglari. Our business units are operated under separate local management. Biglari Holdings’ insurance operations consist of First Guard and Southern Pioneer.
Underwriting results of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underwriting gain (loss) attributable to: | ||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 9,492 | $ | 6,578 | $ | 10,573 | ||||
| Southern Pioneer | (1,038) | (1,277) | 1,744 | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 8,454 | 5,301 | 12,317 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 1,775 | 1,113 | 2,587 | |||||||
| Net underwriting gain | $ | 6,679 | $ | 4,188 | $ | 9,730 |
Earnings of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiums earned | $ | 61,225 | $ | 59,949 | $ | 55,411 | ||||
| Insurance losses | 35,668 | 37,187 | 27,649 | |||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 17,103 | 17,461 | 15,445 | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 8,454 | 5,301 | 12,317 | |||||||
| Other income and expenses | ||||||||||
| Investment income | 3,074 | 1,380 | 704 | |||||||
| Other income | 1,555 | 3,223 | 1,414 | |||||||
| Total other income | 4,629 | 4,603 | 2,118 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 13,083 | 9,904 | 14,435 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 2,821 | 2,242 | 3,145 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 10,262 | $ | 7,662 | $ | 11,290 |
Insurance premiums and other on the consolidated statement of earnings includes premiums earned, investment income, other income, and commissions. Commissions are in other income in the above table.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
First Guard
First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, primarily selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. 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 insurer. A summary of First Guard’s underwriting results follows.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 36,917 | 100.0 | % | $ | 35,914 | 100.0 | % | $ | 33,521 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Insurance losses | 20,861 | 56.5 | % | 22,299 | 62.1 | % | 16,338 | 48.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 6,564 | 17.8 | % | 7,037 | 19.6 | % | 6,610 | 19.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 27,425 | 74.3 | % | 29,336 | 81.7 | % | 22,948 | 68.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | $ | 9,492 | $ | 6,578 | $ | 10,573 |
First Guard’s ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums earned was 56.5% during 2023 as compared to 62.1% during 2022. First Guard’s underwriting results in 2023 were in line with its historical performance despite cost inflation in property and physical damage claims, which began to accelerate in 2022.
Southern Pioneer
Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property insurance, as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance. A summary of Southern Pioneer’s underwriting results follows.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 24,308 | 100.0 | % | $ | 24,035 | 100.0 | % | $ | 21,890 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Insurance losses | 14,807 | 60.9 | % | 14,888 | 61.9 | % | 11,311 | 51.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 10,539 | 43.4 | % | 10,424 | 43.4 | % | 8,835 | 40.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 25,346 | 104.3 | % | 25,312 | 105.3 | % | 20,146 | 92.1 | % | ||||||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) | $ | (1,038) | $ | (1,277) | $ | 1,744 |
Southern Pioneer’s ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums earned was 60.9% during 2023 as compared to 61.9% during 2022. Southern Pioneer’s performance in both years was primarily attributable to weather-related losses.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Insurance – Investment Income
A summary of net investment income attributable to our insurance operations follows.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest, dividends, and other investment income: | |||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 1,873 | $ | 751 | $ | 133 | |||||
| Southern Pioneer | 1,201 | 629 | 571 | ||||||||
| Pre-tax investment income | 3,074 | 1,380 | 704 | ||||||||
| Income tax expense | 646 | 289 | 148 | ||||||||
| Net investment income | $ | 2,428 | $ | 1,091 | $ | 556 |
We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Oil and Gas
A summary of revenue and earnings of oil and gas operations follows.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 45,071 | $ | 57,546 | $ | 33,004 | ||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 17,365 | 17,842 | 10,470 | |||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 10,339 | 8,013 | 8,073 | |||||||
| Gain on sale of properties | (13,563) | — | — | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 5,164 | 6,500 | 4,748 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 25,766 | 25,191 | 9,713 | |||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 360 | 6,100 | 2,185 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 25,406 | $ | 19,091 | $ | 7,528 |
Our oil and gas business is highly dependent on oil and natural gas prices. The average West Texas Intermediate price per barrel for the year ended December 31, 2023, was approximately $77.64 as compared to approximately $94.53 for the year ended December 31, 2022. It is expected that the prices of oil and gas commodities will remain volatile, which will be reflected in our financial results.
Oil and gas production costs have remained constant despite a decrease in revenue primarily because of the acquisition of Abraxas Petroleum and costs to repair nonperforming wells at Southern Oil. Depreciation, depletion, and accretion expense during 2023 increased $2,326 as compared to 2022, primarily due to the acquisition of Abraxas Petroleum in the third quarter of 2022, offset by temporarily shutting producing wells.
During the third quarter of 2023, Abraxas Petroleum entered into a royalty-based arrangement with an unaffiliated party to conduct development activities that will establish proved undeveloped reserves on its proportional share; however, Abraxas Petroleum will not be required to fund any exploration expenditures on its undeveloped properties. As a result of the transaction, a gain of $13,563 was recorded in 2023.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Abraxas Petroleum
Abraxas Petroleum operates oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin. Earnings for Abraxas Petroleum from the date of acquisition, September 14, 2022, are summarized below.
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 27,576 | $ | 11,455 | ||
| Oil and gas production costs | 9,605 | 4,487 | ||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 6,359 | 2,510 | ||||
| Gain on sale of properties | (13,563) | — | ||||
| General and administrative expenses | 2,765 | 3,806 | ||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 22,410 | 652 | ||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (384) | 154 | ||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 22,794 | $ | 498 |
Southern Oil
Southern Oil primarily operates oil and natural gas properties offshore in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Earnings for Southern Oil are summarized below.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 17,495 | $ | 46,091 | $ | 33,004 | ||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 7,760 | 13,355 | 10,470 | |||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 3,980 | 5,503 | 8,073 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 2,399 | 2,694 | 4,748 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 3,356 | 24,539 | 9,713 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 744 | 5,946 | 2,185 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 2,612 | $ | 18,593 | $ | 7,528 |
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Brand Licensing
Maxim’s business lies principally in licensing and media. Earnings of operations are summarized below.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing and media revenue | $ | 2,118 | $ | 4,577 | $ | 3,203 | ||||
| Licensing and media cost | 1,840 | 2,695 | 2,275 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 267 | 122 | 114 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 11 | 1,760 | 814 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 3 | 447 | (1,550) | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 8 | $ | 1,313 | $ | 2,364 |
Licensing and media revenue decreased $2,459 in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily because an important licensing transaction shifted from 2023 to 2024.
We acquired Maxim with the idea of transforming its business model. The magazine developed the Maxim brand, a franchise we are utilizing to generate nonmagazine revenue, notably through licensing, a cash-generating business related to consumer products, services, and events.
Investment Gains and Investment Partnership Gains
Investment gains were $2,211 ($1,731 net of tax) in 2023 as compared to investment losses of $3,393 ($2,682 net of tax) in 2022. Dividends and interest earned on investments are reported as investment income by our insurance companies. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Earnings from our investments in partnerships are summarized below.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | $ | 19,440 | $ | (75,953) | $ | 10,953 | ||||
| Tax expense (benefit) | 4,794 | (18,992) | 2,054 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 14,646 | $ | (56,961) | $ | 8,899 |
Investment partnership gains include gains/losses from changes in the market values of underlying investments and dividends earned by the partnerships. Dividend income has a lower effective tax rate than income from capital gains. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
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 in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
Investment gains and losses in 2023 and 2022 were mainly derived from our investments in equity securities and included unrealized gains and losses from market price changes during the period. We believe that investment gains/losses are generally meaningless for analytical purposes in understanding our reported quarterly or annual results. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Interest Expense
The Company’s interest expense is summarized below.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest expense on notes payable and other borrowings | $ | (681) | $ | (399) | $ | (1,121) | ||||
| Tax benefit | (150) | (94) | (280) | |||||||
| Interest expense net of tax | $ | (531) | $ | (305) | $ | (841) |
The Company paid Steak n Shake’s outstanding credit facility in full in February 2021. On September 13, 2022, Biglari Holdings entered into a line of credit in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30,000. There was no balance on the line of credit on December 31, 2023. The balance on the line of credit was $10,000 on December 31, 2022.
Income Taxes
The consolidated income tax expense was $9,308 in 2023 versus a benefit of $10,722 in 2022. During 2023, the Company recognized tax benefits of $5,660 associated with the tax attributes of Abraxas Petroleum’s oil and gas properties offset by an increase in tax expense of $23,786 for investment partnership gains in 2023.
Corporate and Other
Corporate expenses exclude the activities of the restaurant, insurance, brand licensing, and oil and gas businesses. Corporate and other net losses increased in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to an incentive fee of $7,271.
Financial Condition
Our consolidated shareholders’ equity on December 31, 2023, was $599,330, an increase of $52,364 as compared to the December 31, 2022 balance. The increase in shareholders’ equity was primarily due to net income of $54,948 and an increase in additional paid-in capital for purchases of noncontrolling interest of $3,806, offset by a change in treasury stock of $6,662.
Consolidated cash and investments are summarized below.
| December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 28,066 | $ | 37,467 | ||
| Investments | 91,879 | 69,466 | ||||
| Fair value of interest in investment partnerships | 472,772 | 383,004 | ||||
| Total cash and investments | 592,717 | 489,937 | ||||
| Less: portion of Company stock held by investment partnerships | (273,669) | (227,210) | ||||
| Carrying value of cash and investments on balance sheet | $ | 319,048 | $ | 262,727 |
Unrealized gains/losses of Biglari Holdings’ stock held by the investment partnerships are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Liquidity
Our balance sheet continues to maintain significant liquidity. Consolidated cash flow activities are summarized below.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 73,002 | $ | 127,825 | $ | 228,767 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (66,080) | (136,605) | (58,525) | |||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (16,132) | 3,860 | (156,157) | |||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 59 | 38 | (64) | |||||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | (9,151) | $ | (4,882) | $ | 14,021 |
In 2023, cash from operating activities decreased by $54,823 as compared to 2022. The change was primarily attributable to distributions from investment partnerships of $14,500 in 2023 compared to $70,700 in 2022. The distributions during 2022 were primarily used to acquire Abraxas Petroleum.
Net cash used in investing activities was $70,525 lower during 2023 as compared to 2022. Capital expenditures were $6,341 higher in 2022 primarily due to Steak n Shake’s implementation of a self-service model. Proceeds from sales of property and equipment were $19,309 higher in 2023 primarily due to the sale of oil and gas properties for $13,563 and the sale of restaurant properties for $10,883. During 2022, the Company acquired 90% of Abraxas Petroleum for $58,274, net of cash acquired. In 2023, the Company acquired the remaining 10% of Abraxas Petroleum for $5,387.
Cash used by financing activities of $16,132 during 2023 was primarily due to net repayments on the Company’s line of credit. Cash provided by financing activities of $3,860 during 2022 was primarily due to net borrowings on the Company’s line of credit.
We intend to meet the working capital needs of our operating subsidiaries, principally through cash flows generated from operations and cash on hand. We continually review available financing alternatives.
Biglari Holdings Line of Credit
On September 13, 2022, Biglari Holdings entered into a line of credit in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30,000. The line of credit will be available on a revolving basis until September 13, 2024. The line of credit includes customary covenants, as well as financial maintenance covenants. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants. There was no balance on the line of credit on December 31, 2023. The balance of the line of credit was $10,000 on December 31, 2022. Our interest rate is based on the 30-day Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 2.73%.
Western Sizzlin Revolver
Western Sizzlin’s available line of credit is $500. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, Western Sizzlin had no debt outstanding under its revolver.
Critical Accounting Policies
Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and judgments in determining the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Such estimates and judgments necessarily involve varying, and possibly significant, degrees of uncertainty. Accordingly, certain amounts currently recorded in the financial statements will likely be adjusted in the future based on new available information and changes in other facts and circumstances. A discussion of our principal accounting policies that required the application of significant judgments as of December 31, 2023, follows.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Biglari Holdings Inc. and the wholly owned subsidiaries of Biglari Holdings Inc. The analysis as to whether to consolidate an entity is subject to a significant amount of judgment. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted for as equity method investments because of our retained limited partner interest in the investment partnerships. The Company records gains from the investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) in the consolidated statement of earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Impairment of Restaurant Long-lived Assets
We review company-operated restaurants for impairment on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis when events or circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Assets included in the impairment assessment generally consist of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements directly associated with an individual restaurant as well as any related finance or operating lease assets. We test for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the total estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the carrying value is written down to the estimated fair value, and a loss is recognized in earnings. Determining the future cash flows expected to be generated by an asset requires significant judgment regarding future performance of the asset, fair market value if the asset were to be sold, and other financial and economic assumptions.
Oil and Natural Gas Reserves
Crude oil and natural gas reserves are estimates of future production that impact certain asset and expense accounts. Proved reserves are the estimated quantities of oil and gas that geoscience and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be economically producible in the future under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations. Proved reserves include both developed and undeveloped volumes. Proved developed reserves represent volumes expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved undeveloped reserves are volumes expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled proved acreage, or from existing wells where expenditure is required for recompletion. We estimate our proved oil and natural gas reserves in accordance with the guidelines established by the SEC. Due to the inherent uncertainties and the limited nature of reservoir data, estimates of reserves are subject to change as additional information becomes available.
Income Taxes
We record deferred tax assets or liabilities, which are based on differences between financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record deferred tax assets to the extent we believe there will be sufficient future taxable income to utilize those assets prior to their expiration. To the extent deferred tax assets are unable to be utilized, we would record a valuation allowance against the unrealizable amount and record that amount as a charge against earnings. Due to changing tax laws and state income tax rates, significant judgment is required to estimate the effective tax rate applicable to tax differences arising from reversal in the future. We must also make estimates about the sufficiency of taxable income in future periods to offset any deductions related to deferred tax assets currently recorded.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We evaluate 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 managerial judgment. Based on a review of the qualitative factors, if we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, we may bypass the quantitative impairment test. We may also elect not to perform the qualitative assessment for the reporting unit or intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment test instead.
Leases
We determine whether a contract is or contains a lease at contract inception based on the presence of identified assets and our right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefit from, or to direct the use of, such assets. When we determine a lease exists, we record a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability on our consolidated balance sheets. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. Lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets are recognized at the commencement date at the value of the lease liability and are adjusted for any prepayments, lease incentives received, and initial direct costs incurred. Lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. As the discount rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable in most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. We do not record lease contracts with a term of 12 months or less on our consolidated balance sheets. We recognize fixed lease expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, we recognize amortization expense on the right-of-use asset and interest expense on the lease liability over the lease term.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
For detailed information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements and the expected impact on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.
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, set forth above. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise them, except as may be required by law.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001726173-23-000009.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. 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.
Biglari Holdings’ management system combines decentralized operations with centralized financial decision-making. Operating decisions for the various business units are made by their respective managers. All major investment and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari.
As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Biglari beneficially owns shares of the Company that represent approximately 66.3% of the economic interest and approximately 70.4% of the voting interest.
Business Acquisitions
On September 14, 2022, the Company purchased 685,505 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Shares”) of Abraxas Petroleum Corporation (“Abraxas Petroleum”) for a purchase price of $80,000. On October 26, 2022, the Company converted the Preferred Shares to 90% of the outstanding common stock of Abraxas Petroleum. The Company used working capital including its line of credit to fund the purchase of the Preferred Shares. Abraxas Petroleum operates oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin. The preliminary purchase price allocation includes $70,200 of oil and gas properties, cash of $21,726, and liabilities, net of other assets, of $11,926. The Company’s financial results include the results of Abraxas Petroleum from the acquisition date to the end of the calendar year. The revenues and operating results for Abraxas Petroleum were not significant to the Company.
On March 9, 2020, Biglari Holdings acquired the stock of Southern Pioneer Property & Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliated agency, Southern Pioneer Insurance Agency, Inc. (collectively “Southern Pioneer”). Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance coverage. The Company’s financial results include the results of Southern Pioneer from the date of acquisition.
Discussion of Operations
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders are disaggregated in the table that follows.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating businesses: | ||||||||||
| Restaurant | $ | 9,383 | $ | 11,235 | $ | (4,961) | ||||
| Insurance | 7,662 | 11,290 | 9,840 | |||||||
| Oil and gas | 19,091 | 7,528 | 1,890 | |||||||
| Brand licensing | 1,313 | 2,364 | 1,374 | |||||||
| Interest expense | (305) | (841) | (6,940) | |||||||
| Corporate and other | (9,806) | (9,829) | (9,563) | |||||||
| Total operating businesses | 27,338 | 21,747 | (8,360) | |||||||
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | (56,961) | 8,899 | (32,506) | |||||||
| Investment gains (losses) | (2,682) | 4,832 | 2,877 | |||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | (32,305) | 35,478 | (37,989) | |||||||
| Earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (287) | — | — | |||||||
| Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders | $ | (32,018) | $ | 35,478 | $ | (37,989) |
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1, Business and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this Form 10-K. The following discussion should also be read in conjunction with the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, Risk Factors, set forth above.
Our Management Discussion and Analysis generally discusses 2022 and 2021 items. Discussions of 2020 items can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2022.
Investment gains and losses in 2022 and 2021 were mainly derived from our investments in equity securities and included unrealized gains and losses from market price changes during the period. We believe that investment and derivative gains/losses are generally meaningless for analytical purposes in understanding our reported quarterly and annual results. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
Through our subsidiaries, we engage in numerous diverse business activities. We operate on a decentralized management structure. The business segment data (Note 17 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.
Restaurants
Our restaurant businesses, which include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin, comprise 545 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of December 31, 2022.
| Steak n Shake | Western Sizzlin | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company- operated | Franchise Partner | Traditional Franchise | Company- operated | Franchise | Total | |||||||||||
| Stores open on December 31, 2019 | 368 | 29 | 213 | 4 | 48 | 662 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (58) | 57 | 1 | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (34) | — | (20) | (1) | (9) | (64) | ||||||||||
| Stores open on December 31, 2020 | 276 | 86 | 194 | 3 | 39 | 598 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (73) | 73 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (4) | — | (16) | — | (1) | (21) | ||||||||||
| Stores open on December 31, 2021 | 199 | 159 | 178 | 3 | 38 | 577 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (16) | 16 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (6) | — | (24) | — | (2) | (32) | ||||||||||
| Stores open on December 31, 2022 | 177 | 175 | 154 | 3 | 36 | 545 |
As of December 31, 2022, 39 of the 177 company-operated Steak n Shake stores were closed. We plan to refranchise a majority of our closed company-operated restaurants.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Restaurant operations for 2022, 2021, and 2020 are summarized below.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 149,184 | $ | 187,913 | $ | 306,577 | |||||||||||
| Franchise partner fees | 63,853 | 55,641 | 22,213 | ||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | 19,678 | 21,736 | 18,794 | ||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | 8,853 | 6,000 | 3,082 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 241,568 | 271,290 | 350,666 | ||||||||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of food | 44,461 | 29.8 | % | 55,315 | 29.4 | % | 88,698 | 28.9 | % | ||||||||
| Restaurant operating costs | 79,921 | 53.6 | % | 92,543 | 49.2 | % | 137,574 | 44.9 | % | ||||||||
| Occupancy costs | 15,882 | 10.6 | % | 19,633 | 10.4 | % | 20,383 | 6.6 | % | ||||||||
| Total cost of sales | 140,264 | 167,491 | 246,655 | ||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 40,206 | 16.6 | % | 39,940 | 14.7 | % | 35,922 | 10.2 | % | ||||||||
| Marketing | 13,921 | 5.8 | % | 13,923 | 5.1 | % | 21,507 | 6.1 | % | ||||||||
| Other expenses (income) | (2,294) | (0.9) | % | 3,323 | 1.2 | % | 2,972 | 0.8 | % | ||||||||
| Total selling, general and administrative | 51,833 | 21.5 | % | 57,186 | 21.1 | % | 60,401 | 17.2 | % | ||||||||
| Impairments | 3,520 | 1.5 | % | 4,635 | 1.7 | % | 23,646 | 6.7 | % | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 27,496 | 11.4 | % | 21,484 | 7.9 | % | 19,042 | 5.4 | % | ||||||||
| Interest on finance leases and obligations | 5,493 | 6,039 | 6,274 | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 12,962 | 14,455 | (5,352) | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 3,579 | 3,220 | (391) | ||||||||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 9,383 | $ | 11,235 | $ | (4,961) |
Cost of food, restaurant operating costs, and occupancy costs are expressed as a percentage of net sales.
General and administrative, marketing, other expenses, impairments, and depreciation and amortization are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.
The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected our restaurant operations and financial results. Our restaurants were required to close their dining rooms during the first quarter of 2020. The majority of Steak n Shake’s dining rooms remained closed through the end of 2020 but reopened during 2021, and in doing so implemented a self-service model.
Net sales during 2022 were $149,184 as compared to $187,913 during 2021. The decrease in revenue of company-owned restaurants is primarily due to the shift of company units to franchise partner units. For company-operated units, sales to the end customer are recorded as revenue generated by the Company, but for franchise partner units, only our share of the restaurant's profits, along with certain fees, are recorded as revenue. Because we derive most of our revenue from our share of the profits, revenue will continue to decline as we transition from company-operated units to franchise partner units.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
To better convey the underlying economics of the franchise partnership model, the table below shows the average unit sales, the cost of food, and the labor costs of franchise partners. The average was based on 137 comparable franchise partner units, out of a total of 175. To be included as a comparable franchise partner unit, a unit had to be operated by a franchise partner for all of 2022, and had to be open in 2021 as either a company-operated or a franchise partner unit.
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $ | 1,819 | $ | 1,595 | |||||||
| Cost of food | 502 | 27.6 | % | 448 | 28.1 | % | |||||
| Labor costs | 500 | 27.5 | % | 435 | 27.3 | % |
Our franchise partner fees were $63,853 during 2022 as compared to $55,641 during 2021. As of December 31, 2022, there were 175 franchise partner units as compared to 159 franchise partner units as of December 31, 2021. Included in franchise partner fees were $20,426 and $15,483 of rental income during 2022 and 2021, respectively. Franchise partners rent buildings and equipment from Steak n Shake.
The franchise royalties and fees generated by the traditional franchising business were $19,678 during 2022 as compared to $21,736 during 2021. The decrease in franchise royalties and fees was primarily due to the closing of certain traditional franchise stores. There were 190 traditional units open on December 31, 2022, as compared to 216 units open on December 31, 2021.
Other revenue in 2022 was $8,853 as compared to $6,000 in 2021. The increase was primarily a result of gift card breakage, as our restaurants have seen fewer gift card redemptions since the onset of the pandemic.
The cost of food at company-operated units in 2022 was $44,461, or 29.8% of net sales as compared to $55,315, or 29.4% of net sales in 2021. The decreases in the cost of food and operating costs are mainly attributable to the transitioning of company-operated units to franchise partner units. The cost of food expressed as a percentage of net sales remained consistent with 2021.
The operating costs at company-operated restaurants during 2022 were $79,921, or 53.6% of net sales as compared to $92,543, or 49.2% of net sales in 2021. As we transition to franchise partner units, the remaining company-operated units generate lower average unit volumes and correspondingly higher operating costs (including higher wages) as a percentage of net sales.
Selling, general and administrative expenses during 2022 were $51,833, or 21.5% of total revenue as compared to $57,186, or 21.1% of total revenue during 2021. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased during 2022 as compared to 2021 primarily because of lower professional costs.
Asset impairments decreased $1,115 during 2022 as compared to 2021. Higher asset impairments were recorded in 2021 primarily because a large number of underperforming stores were affected by the pandemic.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $6,012 during 2022 as compared to 2021. The year-over-year increase is primarily attributable to higher capital expenditures in 2021.
Interest on obligations under leases was $5,493 during 2022 versus $6,039 during 2021. The year-over-year decrease in interest expense is primarily attributable to the maturity and retirement of lease obligations.
Insurance
We view our insurance businesses as possessing two activities: underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, whereas investing decisions are the responsibility of our Chairman and CEO, Sardar Biglari. Our business units are operated under separate local management. Biglari Holdings’ insurance operations consist of First Guard and Southern Pioneer.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Underwriting results of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underwriting gain (loss) attributable to: | ||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 6,578 | $ | 10,573 | $ | 9,379 | ||||
| Southern Pioneer | (1,277) | 1,744 | 620 | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 5,301 | 12,317 | 9,999 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 1,113 | 2,587 | 2,100 | |||||||
| Net underwriting gain | $ | 4,188 | $ | 9,730 | $ | 7,899 |
Earnings of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiums earned | $ | 59,949 | $ | 55,411 | $ | 49,220 | ||||
| Insurance losses | 37,187 | 27,649 | 24,828 | |||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 17,461 | 15,445 | 14,393 | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 5,301 | 12,317 | 9,999 | |||||||
| Other income and expenses | ||||||||||
| Investment income | 1,380 | 704 | 1,212 | |||||||
| Other income | 3,223 | 1,414 | 1,220 | |||||||
| Total other income | 4,603 | 2,118 | 2,432 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 9,904 | 14,435 | 12,431 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 2,242 | 3,145 | 2,591 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 7,662 | $ | 11,290 | $ | 9,840 |
Insurance premiums and other on the consolidated statement of earnings includes premiums earned, investment income, other income, and commissions. Commissions are in other income in the above table.
First Guard
First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. 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 insurer. A summary of First Guard’s underwriting results follows.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 35,914 | 100.0 | % | $ | 33,521 | 100.0 | % | $ | 30,210 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Insurance losses | 22,299 | 62.1 | % | 16,338 | 48.7 | % | 14,031 | 46.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 7,037 | 19.6 | % | 6,610 | 19.7 | % | 6,800 | 22.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 29,336 | 81.7 | % | 22,948 | 68.4 | % | 20,831 | 69.0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | $ | 6,578 | $ | 10,573 | $ | 9,379 |
First Guard’s ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums earned was 62.1% during 2022 as compared to 48.7% during 2021. First Guard’s underwriting results in 2022 were in line with its historical performance despite cost inflation in property and physical damage claims, which began to accelerate in 2022. However, 2021 was an abnormally favorable year with low claim frequency despite a return to pre-pandemic traffic patterns.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Southern Pioneer
Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property insurance, as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance. The financial results for Southern Pioneer are from the date of acquisition, March 9, 2020. A summary of Southern Pioneer’s underwriting results follows.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 24,035 | 100.0 | % | $ | 21,890 | 100.0 | % | $ | 19,010 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Insurance losses | 14,888 | 61.9 | % | 11,311 | 51.7 | % | 10,797 | 56.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 10,424 | 43.4 | % | 8,835 | 40.4 | % | 7,593 | 39.9 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 25,312 | 105.3 | % | 20,146 | 92.1 | % | 18,390 | 96.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) | $ | (1,277) | $ | 1,744 | $ | 620 |
Southern Pioneer’s ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums earned was 61.9% during 2022 as compared to 51.7% during 2021. Southern Pioneer’s 2022 performance was primarily attributable to higher claim frequency and severity (mainly related to adverse weather) in several niche lines.
Insurance – Investment Income
A summary of net investment income attributable to our insurance operations follows.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest, dividends, and other investment income: | |||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 751 | $ | 133 | $ | 285 | |||||
| Southern Pioneer | 629 | 571 | 927 | ||||||||
| Pre-tax investment income | 1,380 | 704 | 1,212 | ||||||||
| Income tax expense | 289 | 148 | 255 | ||||||||
| Net investment income | $ | 1,091 | $ | 556 | $ | 957 |
We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Oil and Gas
Biglari Holdings’ oil and gas operations consist of Southern Oil and Abraxas Petroleum.
Southern Oil
Southern Oil primarily operates oil and natural gas properties offshore in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Earnings for Southern Oil are summarized below.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 46,091 | $ | 33,004 | $ | 26,255 | ||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 13,355 | 10,470 | 8,700 | |||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 5,503 | 8,073 | 12,527 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 2,694 | 4,748 | 3,010 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 24,539 | 9,713 | 2,018 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 5,946 | 2,185 | 128 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 18,593 | $ | 7,528 | $ | 1,890 |
Our oil and gas business is highly dependent on oil and natural gas prices. Demand for petroleum grew in 2022, with our financial results benefiting from stronger prices and margins. The average West Texas Intermediate price per barrel for the year ended December 31, 2022, was approximately $94.53 as compared to approximately $68.17 for the year ended December 31, 2021. It is expected that the prices of oil and gas commodities will remain volatile, which will be reflected in our financial results. Depreciation, depletion, and accretion expense during 2022 decreased $2,570 as compared to 2021, primarily due to temporarily shutting in producing wells.
Abraxas Petroleum
Abraxas Petroleum operates oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin. Earnings for Abraxas Petroleum from the date of acquisition, September 14, 2022, are summarized below.
| 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 11,455 |
| Oil and gas production costs | 4,487 | |
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 2,510 | |
| General and administrative expenses | 3,806 | |
| Earnings before income taxes | 652 | |
| Income tax expense | 154 | |
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 498 |
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Brand Licensing
Maxim’s business lies principally in licensing and media. Earnings of operations are summarized below.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing and media revenue | $ | 4,577 | $ | 3,203 | $ | 4,083 | ||||
| Licensing and media cost | 2,695 | 2,275 | 2,156 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 122 | 114 | 143 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 1,760 | 814 | 1,784 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 447 | (1,550) | 410 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 1,313 | $ | 2,364 | $ | 1,374 |
We acquired Maxim with the idea of transforming its business model. The magazine developed the Maxim brand, a franchise we are utilizing to generate nonmagazine revenue, notably through licensing, a cash-generating business related to consumer products, services, and events.
Investment Gains and Investment Partnership Gains
Investment losses were $3,393 ($2,682 net of tax) in 2022 as compared to investment gains of $6,401 ($4,832 net of tax) in 2021. Investment gains in 2021 included a gain from the sale of real estate of $5,047 ($3,785 net of tax). Dividends earned on investments are reported as investment income by our insurance companies. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Earnings from our investments in partnerships are summarized below.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | $ | (75,953) | $ | 10,953 | $ | (43,032) | ||||
| Tax expense (benefit) | (18,992) | 2,054 | (10,526) | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | (56,961) | $ | 8,899 | $ | (32,506) |
Investment partnership gains include gains/losses from changes in the market values of underlying investments and dividends earned by the partnerships. Dividend income has a lower effective tax rate than income from capital gains. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
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 in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
Investment gains and losses in 2022 and 2021 were mainly derived from our investments in equity securities and included unrealized gains and losses from market price changes during the period. We believe that investment and derivative gains/losses are generally meaningless for analytical purposes in understanding our reported quarterly or annual results. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Interest Expense
The Company’s interest expense is summarized below.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest expense on notes payable and other borrowings | $ | (399) | $ | (1,121) | $ | (9,262) | ||||
| Tax benefit | (94) | (280) | (2,322) | |||||||
| Interest expense net of tax | $ | (305) | $ | (841) | $ | (6,940) |
The Company paid Steak n Shake’s outstanding credit facility in full in February 2021. On September 13, 2022, Biglari Holdings entered into a line of credit in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30,000. The balance on the line of credit was $10,000 on December 31, 2022.
Income Taxes
The consolidated income tax benefit was $10,722 in 2022 versus an expense of $6,789 in 2021. The change in income tax expense was primarily due to a tax benefit of $18,992 for investment partnership losses in 2022.
Corporate and Other
Corporate expenses exclude the activities of the restaurant, insurance, brand licensing, and oil and gas businesses. Corporate and other net losses for 2022 remained consistent with the preceding year.
Financial Condition
Our consolidated shareholders’ equity on December 31, 2022, was $546,966, a decrease of $40,730 as compared to the December 31, 2021 balance. The decrease in shareholders’ equity was primarily due to a net loss of $32,018 and an increase in treasury stock of $7,829.
Consolidated cash and investments are summarized below.
| December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 37,467 | $ | 42,349 | ||
| Investments | 69,466 | 83,061 | ||||
| Fair value of interest in investment partnerships | 383,004 | 474,201 | ||||
| Total cash and investments | 489,937 | 599,611 | ||||
| Less: portion of Company stock held by investment partnerships | (227,210) | (223,802) | ||||
| Carrying value of cash and investments on balance sheet | $ | 262,727 | $ | 375,809 |
Unrealized gains/losses of Biglari Holdings’ stock held by the investment partnerships are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
Liquidity
Our balance sheet continues to maintain significant liquidity. Consolidated cash flow activities are summarized below.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 127,825 | $ | 228,767 | $ | 117,556 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (136,605) | (58,525) | (129,487) | |||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 3,860 | (156,157) | (29,109) | |||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 38 | (64) | 10 | |||||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | (4,882) | $ | 14,021 | $ | (41,030) |
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
In 2022, cash from operating activities decreased by $100,942 as compared to 2021. The change was primarily attributable to a decrease in distributions from investment partnerships from $180,170 in 2021 to $70,700 in 2022. The distributions during 2022 were primarily used to acquire Abraxas Petroleum, and the distributions during 2021 were primarily used to repay Steak n Shake’s term loan.
Net cash used in investing activities increased during 2022 by $78,080 as compared to 2021. The change was primarily due to the acquisition of Abraxas Petroleum of $58,274, net of cash acquired, as well as purchases of limited partner interests of $48,570 during 2022.
Cash provided by financing activities of $3,860 during 2022 was primarily because of the $10,000 draw on the Company’s line of credit. Cash used in financing activities of $156,157 during 2021 was primarily attributable to the repayment of Steak n Shake’s outstanding balance of its term debt.
We intend to meet the working capital needs of our operating subsidiaries, principally through cash flows generated from operations and cash on hand. We continually review available financing alternatives.
Biglari Holdings Line of Credit
On September 13, 2022, Biglari Holdings entered into a line of credit in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30,000. The line of credit will be available on a revolving basis until September 12, 2024. The line of credit includes customary covenants, as well as financial maintenance covenants. As of December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with all covenants. The balance of the line of credit on December 31, 2022, was $10,000. Our interest rate was 6.53% on December 31, 2022, which is based on the 30-day Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 2.728%.
Steak n Shake Credit Facility
On March 19, 2014, Steak n Shake and its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement that provided for a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $220,000. The term loan was scheduled to mature on March 19, 2021. The Company repaid Steak n Shake’s outstanding balance in full on February 19, 2021.
Western Sizzlin Revolver
Western Sizzlin’s available line of credit is $500. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, Western Sizzlin had no debt outstanding under its revolver.
Critical Accounting Policies
Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and judgments in determining the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Such estimates and judgments necessarily involve varying, and possibly significant, degrees of uncertainty. Accordingly, certain amounts currently recorded in the financial statements will likely be adjusted in the future based on new available information and changes in other facts and circumstances. A discussion of our principal accounting policies that required the application of significant judgments as of December 31, 2022, follows.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Biglari Holdings Inc. and the wholly owned subsidiaries of Biglari Holdings Inc. The analysis as to whether to consolidate an entity is subject to a significant amount of judgment. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted for as equity method investments because of our retained limited partner interest in the investment partnerships. The Company records gains from the investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) in the consolidated statement of earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships.
Impairment of Restaurant Long-lived Assets
We review company-operated restaurants for impairment on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis when events or circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Assets included in the impairment assessment generally consist of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements directly associated with an individual restaurant as well as any related finance or operating lease assets. We test for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the total estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the carrying value is written down to the estimated fair value, and a loss is recognized in earnings. Determining the future cash flows expected to be generated by an asset requires significant judgment regarding future performance of the asset, fair market value if the asset were to be sold, and other financial and economic assumptions.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Oil and Natural Gas Reserves
Crude oil and natural gas reserves are estimates of future production that impact certain asset and expense accounts. Proved reserves are the estimated quantities of oil and gas that geoscience and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be economically producible in the future under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations. Proved reserves include both developed and undeveloped volumes. Proved developed reserves represent volumes expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved undeveloped reserves are volumes expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled proved acreage, or from existing wells where expenditure is required for recompletion. We estimate our proved oil and natural gas reserves in accordance with the guidelines established by the SEC. Due to the inherent uncertainties and the limited nature of reservoir data, estimates of reserves are subject to change as additional information becomes available.
Income Taxes
We record deferred tax assets or liabilities, which are based on differences between financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record deferred tax assets to the extent we believe there will be sufficient future taxable income to utilize those assets prior to their expiration. To the extent deferred tax assets are unable to be utilized, we would record a valuation allowance against the unrealizable amount and record that amount as a charge against earnings. Due to changing tax laws and state income tax rates, significant judgment is required to estimate the effective tax rate applicable to tax differences arising from reversal in the future. We must also make estimates about the sufficiency of taxable income in future periods to offset any deductions related to deferred tax assets currently recorded.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We evaluate 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 managerial judgment. Based on a review of the qualitative factors, if we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, we may bypass the quantitative impairment test. We may also elect not to perform the qualitative assessment for the reporting unit or intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment test instead.
Leases
We determine whether a contract is or contains a lease at contract inception based on the presence of identified assets and our right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefit from, or to direct the use of, such assets. When we determine a lease exists, we record a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability on our consolidated balance sheets. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. Lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets are recognized at the commencement date at the value of the lease liability and are adjusted for any prepayments, lease incentives received, and initial direct costs incurred. Lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. As the discount rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable in most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. We do not record lease contracts with a term of 12 months or less on our consolidated balance sheets. We recognize fixed lease expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, we recognize amortization expense on the right-of-use asset and interest expense on the lease liability over the lease term.
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, set forth above. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise them, except as may be required by law.
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FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001726173-22-000004.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. 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.
Biglari Holdings’ management system combines decentralized operations with centralized finance decision-making. Operating decisions for the various business units are made by their respective managers. All major investment and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari.
As of December 31, 2021, Mr. Biglari beneficially owns shares of the Company that represent approximately 66.2% of the economic interest and approximately 70.4% of the voting interest.
Overview of the Impact of COVID-19
The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, caused governments to impose restrictive measures to contain its spread. Those shutdowns significantly affected our operating businesses to varying degrees. The risks and uncertainties resulting from COVID-19 and its variants may continue to affect our future earnings, cash flows, and financial condition. Accordingly, estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements, including those associated with the evaluation of certain long-lived assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets for impairment, may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods.
Business Acquisition
On March 9, 2020, Biglari Holdings acquired the stock of Southern Pioneer Property & Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliated agency, Southern Pioneer Insurance Agency, Inc. (collectively “Southern Pioneer”). Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance coverage. The Company’s financial results include the results of Southern Pioneer from the date of acquisition.
Discussion of Operations
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings shareholders are disaggregated in the table that follows. Amounts are recorded after deducting income taxes.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating businesses: | ||||||||||
| Restaurant | $ | 11,235 | $ | (4,961) | $ | (10,734) | ||||
| Insurance | 11,290 | 9,840 | 5,584 | |||||||
| Oil and gas | 7,528 | 1,890 | 5,921 | |||||||
| Brand licensing | 2,364 | 1,374 | 572 | |||||||
| Interest expense | (841) | (6,940) | (8,817) | |||||||
| Corporate and other | (9,829) | (9,563) | (7,919) | |||||||
| Total operating businesses | 21,747 | (8,360) | (15,393) | |||||||
| Investment partnership gains | 8,899 | (32,506) | 60,773 | |||||||
| Investment gains | 4,832 | 2,877 | — | |||||||
| $ | 35,478 | $ | (37,989) | $ | 45,380 |
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1, Business and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this Form 10-K. The following discussion should also be read in conjunction with the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, Risk Factors set forth above.
Our Management Discussion and Analysis generally discusses 2021 and 2020 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2021 and 2020. Discussions of 2019 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019 can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Restaurants
Our restaurant businesses, which include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin, comprise 577 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of December 31, 2021.
| Steak n Shake | Western Sizzlin | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company- operated | Franchise Partner | Traditional Franchise | Company- operated | Franchise | Total | |||||||||||
| Total stores as of December 31, 2018 | 413 | — | 213 | 4 | 55 | 685 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (29) | 29 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (16) | — | — | — | (7) | (23) | ||||||||||
| Stores open on December 31, 2019 | 368 | 29 | 213 | 4 | 48 | 662 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (58) | 57 | 1 | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (34) | — | (20) | (1) | (9) | (64) | ||||||||||
| Stores open on December 31, 2020 | 276 | 86 | 194 | 3 | 39 | 598 | ||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (73) | 73 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (4) | — | (16) | — | (1) | (21) | ||||||||||
| Stores open on December 31, 2021 | 199 | 159 | 178 | 3 | 38 | 577 |
As of December 31, 2021, 42 of the 199 company-operated Steak n Shake stores were closed. Over the past two years, Steak n Shake reopened 50 locations that were previously closed. We plan to refranchise a majority of our closed company-operated restaurants.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Restaurant operations for 2021, 2020 and 2019 are summarized below.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 187,913 | $ | 306,577 | $ | 578,164 | |||||||||||
| Franchise partner fees | 55,641 | 22,213 | 3,829 | ||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | 21,736 | 18,794 | 23,360 | ||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | 6,000 | 3,082 | 4,867 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 271,290 | 350,666 | 610,220 | ||||||||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of food | 55,315 | 29.4 | % | 88,698 | 28.9 | % | 176,346 | 30.5 | % | ||||||||
| Restaurant operating costs | 92,543 | 49.2 | % | 137,574 | 44.9 | % | 307,337 | 53.2 | % | ||||||||
| Occupancy costs | 19,633 | 10.4 | % | 20,383 | 6.6 | % | 17,266 | 3.0 | % | ||||||||
| Total cost of sales | 167,491 | 246,655 | 500,949 | ||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 39,940 | 14.7 | % | 35,922 | 10.2 | % | 47,685 | 7.8 | % | ||||||||
| Marketing | 13,923 | 5.1 | % | 21,507 | 6.1 | % | 39,476 | 6.5 | % | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 3,323 | 1.2 | % | 2,972 | 0.8 | % | 1,753 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||
| Total selling, general and administrative | 57,186 | 21.1 | % | 60,401 | 17.2 | % | 88,914 | 14.6 | % | ||||||||
| Impairments | 4,635 | 1.7 | % | 23,646 | 6.7 | % | 8,186 | 1.3 | % | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 21,484 | 7.9 | % | 19,042 | 5.4 | % | 21,174 | 3.5 | % | ||||||||
| Interest on finance leases and obligations | 6,039 | 6,274 | 7,816 | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 14,455 | (5,352) | (16,819) | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 3,220 | (391) | (6,085) | ||||||||||||||
| Contributions to net earnings | $ | 11,235 | $ | (4,961) | $ | (10,734) |
Cost of food, restaurant operating costs, and occupancy costs are expressed as a percentage of net sales.
General and administrative, marketing, other expenses, impairments, and depreciation and amortization are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our restaurant operations and financial results. Our restaurants were required to close their dining rooms during the first quarter of 2020.
The majority of Steak n Shake’s dining rooms remained closed through the end of 2020 but were reopened during 2021, and in doing so implemented a self-service model. The transformation has resulted in higher capital expenditures in 2021 as compared to prior years. Steak n Shake has spent approximately $40,000 in capital expenditures related to the conversion of table-service restaurants to self-service restaurants.
Net sales during 2021 were $187,913, as compared to $306,577 during 2020. The decrease in revenue of company-owned restaurants is primarily due to the shift of company units to franchise partner units. For company-operated units, sales to the end customer are recorded as revenue generated by the Company, but for franchise partner units, only our share of the restaurant's profits, along with certain fees, are recorded as revenue. Because we derive most of our revenue from our share of the profits, revenue will continue to decline as we transition from company-operated units to franchise partner units.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Franchise partner fees were $55,641 during 2021, as compared to $22,213 during 2020. As of December 31, 2021, there were 159 franchise partner units, as compared to 86 franchise partner units as of December 31, 2020. For a franchise partner to be awarded a restaurant, he or she must demonstrate the gold standard in service.
The franchise royalties and fees generated by the traditional franchising business were $21,736 during 2021, as compared to $18,794 during 2020. The increase in franchise royalties and fees was primarily due to the reopening of dining rooms in 2021.
Our drive-through, carryout, and delivery capabilities positioned us to improve profitability in 2021 and 2020; however, our business has been challenged by COVID-19 related labor availability.
The cost of food in 2021 was $55,315, or 29.4% of net sales, as compared to $88,698, or 28.9% of net sales in 2020. Restaurant operating costs during 2021 were $92,543, or 49.2% of net sales, as compared to $137,574, or 44.9% of net sales in 2020. The decreases in the cost of food and operating costs are mainly attributable to the transitioning of company-operated units to franchise partner units. The increase in operating costs as a percentage of net sales is mainly attributable to increasing wages — in our pursuit to become the maximum-wage employer in our category.
Selling, general and administrative expenses during 2021 were $57,186, or 21.1% of total revenues compared to $60,401, or 17.2% of total revenues during 2020. General and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of net sales during 2021, as compared to 2020, primarily because of an increase in legal fees. Marketing expenses decreased by $7,584 in 2021 as compared to 2020, primarily by shifting to a digital strategy.
Asset impairments decreased $19,011 during 2021 compared to 2020. Higher asset impairments were recorded in 2020 primarily because of dining room closures and uncertainties caused by the pandemic.
Interest on obligations under leases was $6,039 during 2021, versus $6,274 during 2020. The year-over-year decrease in interest expense is primarily attributable to the maturity and retirement of lease obligations.
Insurance
We view our insurance businesses as possessing two activities: underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, whereas investing decisions are the responsibility of our Chairman and CEO, Sardar Biglari. Our business units are operated under separate local management. Biglari Holdings’ insurance operations consist of First Guard and Southern Pioneer.
Underwriting results of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underwriting gain attributable to: | ||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 10,573 | $ | 9,379 | $ | 6,477 | ||||
| Southern Pioneer | 1,744 | 620 | — | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 12,317 | 9,999 | 6,477 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 2,587 | 2,100 | 1,295 | |||||||
| Net underwriting gain | $ | 9,730 | $ | 7,899 | $ | 5,182 |
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Earnings of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiums earned | $ | 55,411 | $ | 49,220 | $ | 28,746 | ||||
| Insurance losses | 27,649 | 24,828 | 16,924 | |||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 15,445 | 14,393 | 5,345 | |||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 12,317 | 9,999 | 6,477 | |||||||
| Other income and expenses | ||||||||||
| Investment income | 704 | 1,212 | 790 | |||||||
| Other income (expense) | 1,414 | 1,220 | (164) | |||||||
| Total other income | 2,118 | 2,432 | 626 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 14,435 | 12,431 | 7,103 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 3,145 | 2,591 | 1,519 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 11,290 | $ | 9,840 | $ | 5,584 |
Insurance premiums and other on the consolidated statement of earnings includes premiums earned, investment income, other income, and commissions. Commissions are in other income (expense) in the above table.
First Guard
First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. 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 insurer. A summary of First Guard’s underwriting results follows.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 33,521 | 100.0 | % | $ | 30,210 | 100.0 | % | $ | 28,746 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Insurance losses | 16,338 | 48.7 | % | 14,031 | 46.5 | % | 16,924 | 58.9 | % | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 6,610 | 19.7 | % | 6,800 | 22.5 | % | 5,345 | 18.6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 22,948 | 68.4 | % | 20,831 | 69.0 | % | 22,269 | 77.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | $ | 10,573 | $ | 9,379 | $ | 6,477 |
Southern Pioneer
Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property insurance, as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance. The financial results for Southern Pioneer are from the date of acquisition March 9, 2020. A summary of Southern Pioneer’s underwriting results follows.
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | |||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 21,890 | 100.0 | % | $ | 19,010 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| Insurance losses | 11,311 | 51.7 | % | 10,797 | 56.8 | % | ||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 8,835 | 40.4 | % | 7,593 | 39.9 | % | ||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 20,146 | 92.1 | % | 18,390 | 96.7 | % | ||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | $ | 1,744 | $ | 620 |
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Insurance – Investment Income
A summary of net investment income attributable to our insurance operations follows.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest, dividends, and other investment income: | |||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 133 | $ | 285 | $ | 790 | |||||
| Southern Pioneer | 571 | 927 | — | ||||||||
| Pre-tax investment income | 704 | 1,212 | 790 | ||||||||
| Income tax expense | 148 | 255 | 166 | ||||||||
| Net investment income | $ | 556 | $ | 957 | $ | 624 |
We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Oil and Gas
Southern Oil primarily operates oil and natural gas properties offshore in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Southern Oil was acquired on September 9, 2019. Earnings for Southern Oil are summarized below.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas revenue | $ | 33,004 | $ | 26,255 | $ | 24,436 | ||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 10,470 | 8,700 | 7,259 | |||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 8,073 | 12,527 | 8,218 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 4,748 | 3,010 | 927 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 9,713 | 2,018 | 8,032 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 2,185 | 128 | 2,111 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 7,528 | $ | 1,890 | $ | 5,921 |
Initially, the COVID-19 pandemic caused oil demand to significantly decrease, creating oversupplied markets that have resulted in lower commodity prices and margins. In response, the Company cut production and expenses in its oil and natural gas business during 2020. In 2021, however, the significant increase in average crude oil and natural gas prices resulting from the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the resumption of normal economic activity, and the resulting improvement in supply and demand fundamentals caused Southern Oil to return to full production.
Brand Licensing
Maxim’s business lies principally in licensing and media. Earnings of operations are summarized below.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing and media revenue | $ | 3,203 | $ | 4,083 | $ | 4,099 | ||||
| Licensing and media cost | 2,275 | 2,156 | 3,181 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 114 | 143 | 176 | |||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 814 | 1,784 | 742 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | (1,550) | 410 | 170 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 2,364 | $ | 1,374 | $ | 572 |
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
We acquired Maxim with the idea of transforming its business model. The magazine developed the Maxim brand, a franchise we are utilizing to generate nonmagazine revenue, notably through licensing, a cash-generating business related to consumer products, services, and events.
Investment Gains and Investment Partnership Gains
Investment gains were $6,401 ($4,832 net of tax) in 2021 and $3,644 ($2,877 net of tax) in 2020. Investment gains in 2021 included a gain from the sale of real estate of $5,047 ($3,785, net of tax). Dividends earned on investments are reported as investment income by our insurance companies. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Earnings from our investments in partnerships are summarized below.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | $ | 10,953 | $ | (43,032) | $ | 78,133 | ||||
| Tax expense (benefit) | 2,054 | (10,526) | 17,360 | |||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 8,899 | $ | (32,506) | $ | 60,773 |
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. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
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 in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
Interest Expense
The Company’s interest expense is summarized below.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest expense on notes payable and other borrowings | $ | (1,121) | $ | (9,262) | $ | (12,442) | ||||
| Tax benefit | (280) | (2,322) | (3,625) | |||||||
| Interest expense net of tax | $ | (841) | $ | (6,940) | $ | (8,817) |
Interest expense during 2021 decreased by $8,141 compared to 2020 due to the repayment of Steak n Shake’s term loan in full on February 19, 2021.
Income Taxes
Consolidated income tax expense was $6,789 in 2021 versus a benefit of $12,212 in 2020. Income tax expense increased during 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to a tax benefit of $10,526 for investment partnership losses of $43,032 in 2020.
Corporate and Other
Corporate expenses exclude the activities of the restaurant, insurance, brand licensing, and oil and gas businesses. Corporate and other net losses of $9,829 during 2021 increased compared to 2020 due to higher legal expenses.
Financial Condition
Our consolidated shareholders’ equity on December 31, 2021 was $587,696, an increase of $22,868 compared to the December 31, 2020 balance. The increase was primarily due to net income of $35,478 offset by an increase in treasury stock of $12,234.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Consolidated cash and investments are summarized below.
| December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 42,349 | $ | 24,503 | ||
| Investments | 83,061 | 94,861 | ||||
| Fair value of interest in investment partnerships | 474,201 | 590,926 | ||||
| Total cash and investments | 599,611 | 710,290 | ||||
| Less: portion of Company stock held by investment partnerships | (223,802) | (171,376) | ||||
| Carrying value of cash and investments on balance sheet | $ | 375,809 | $ | 538,914 |
Unrealized gains/losses of Biglari Holdings’ stock held by the investment partnerships are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
Liquidity
Our balance sheet continues to maintain significant liquidity. Consolidated cash flow activities are summarized below.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 228,767 | $ | 117,556 | $ | 93,683 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (58,525) | (129,487) | (69,982) | |||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (156,157) | (29,109) | (8,010) | |||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (64) | 10 | (5) | |||||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 14,021 | $ | (41,030) | $ | 15,686 |
In 2021, cash from operating activities increased by $111,211, as compared to 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to distributions from investment partnerships of $180,170 for 2021 and $98,330 for 2020. The distributions during 2021 were primarily used to repay Steak n Shake’s term loan.
Net cash used in investing activities decreased during 2021 by $70,962, as compared to 2020. The decrease was primarily due to the acquisition of Southern Pioneer and purchases of limited partner interests during 2020.
Net cash used in financing activities increased by $127,048 in 2021, as compared to 2020. The increase was primarily due to the repayment of Steak n Shake’s outstanding balance of its term debt during 2021.
We intend to meet the working capital needs of our operating subsidiaries, principally through cash flows generated from operations and cash on hand. 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 that provided for a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $220,000. The term loan was scheduled to mature on March 19, 2021. As of December 31, 2020, $152,506 was outstanding. The Company repaid Steak n Shake’s outstanding balance in full on February 19, 2021.
Western Sizzlin Revolver
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, Western Sizzlin had no debt outstanding under its revolver.
Critical Accounting Policies
Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and judgments in determining the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Such estimates and judgments necessarily involve varying, and possibly significant, degrees of uncertainty. Accordingly, certain amounts currently recorded in the financial statements will likely be adjusted in the future based on new available information and changes in other facts and circumstances. A discussion of our principal accounting policies that required the application of significant judgments as of December 31, 2021, follows.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Biglari Holdings Inc. and the wholly owned subsidiaries of Biglari Holdings Inc. The analysis as to whether to consolidate an entity is subject to a significant amount of judgment. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted for as equity method investments because of our retained limited partner interest in the investment partnerships. The Company records gains from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) in the consolidated statement of earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships.
Impairment of Restaurant Long-lived Assets
We review company-operated restaurants for impairment on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis when events or circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Assets included in the impairment assessment generally consist of property, equipment and leasehold improvements directly associated with an individual restaurant as well as any related finance or operating lease assets. We test for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the total estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the carrying value is written down to the estimated fair value, and a loss is recognized in earnings. Determining the future cash flows expected to be generated by an asset requires significant judgment regarding future performance of the asset, fair market value if the asset were to be sold, and other financial and economic assumptions.
Oil and Natural Gas Reserves
Crude oil and natural gas reserves are estimates of future production that impact certain asset and expense accounts. Proved reserves are the estimated quantities of oil and gas that geoscience and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be economically producible in the future under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations. Proved reserves include both developed and undeveloped volumes. Proved developed reserves represent volumes expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved undeveloped reserves are volumes expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled proved acreage, or from existing wells where expenditure is required for recompletion. We estimate our proved oil and natural gas reserves in accordance with the guidelines established by the SEC. Due to the inherent uncertainties and the limited nature of reservoir data, estimates of reserves are subject to change as additional information becomes available.
Income Taxes
We record deferred tax assets or liabilities based on differences between financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using currently enacted rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record deferred tax assets to the extent we believe there will be sufficient future taxable income to utilize those assets prior to their expiration. To the extent deferred tax assets are unable to be utilized, we would record a valuation allowance against the unrealizable amount and record that amount as a charge against earnings. Due to changing tax laws and state income tax rates, significant judgment is required to estimate the effective tax rate applicable to tax differences arising from reversal in the future. We must also make estimates about the sufficiency of taxable income in future periods to offset any deductions related to deferred tax assets currently recorded.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We evaluate 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 managerial judgment. We use both market and income approaches to derive fair value. The methods behind 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.
Leases
We determine whether a contract is or contains a lease at contract inception based on the presence of identified assets and our right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefit from, or to direct the use of, such assets. When we determine a lease exists, we record a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability on our consolidated balance sheets. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. Lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets are recognized at commencement date at the value of the lease liability and are adjusted for any prepayments, lease incentives received, and initial direct costs incurred. Lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. As the discount rate
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
implicit in the lease is not readily determinable in most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. We do not record lease contracts with a term of 12 months or less on our consolidated balance sheets. We recognize fixed lease expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, we recognize amortization expense on the right-of-use asset and interest expense on the lease liability over the lease term.
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 set forth above. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise them, except as may be required by law.
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