form10q07428_04092014.htm
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended April 9, 2014
 
or
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                                 to                                

Commission File Number:  0-8445
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

INDIANA
37-0684070
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

17802 IH 10 West, Suite 400
San Antonio, Texas
78257
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(210) 344-3400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes x  No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes x     No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer x
   
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes o    No x
 
As of May 13, 2014, 1,720,889 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.50 stated value, were outstanding.
 
 
 

 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.
INDEX

 
Page No.
 
     
 
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
18
26
26
     
 
     
27
27
27
27
27
28
29

 
 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
April 9, 2014
   
September 25, 2013
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 112,970     $ 94,626  
Investments
    21,509       85,479  
Receivables, net of allowance of $782 and $804, respectively
    9,038       7,055  
Inventories
    7,156       6,475  
Deferred income taxes
    7,761       -  
Assets held for sale
    461       561  
Other current assets
    7,267       3,290  
Total current assets
    166,162       197,486  
Property and equipment, net
    345,554       346,147  
Goodwill
    40,137       28,251  
Other intangible assets, net
    23,301       7,721  
Other assets
    13,593       11,239  
Investment partnerships
    477,110       397,699  
Total assets
  $ 1,065,857     $ 988,543  
                 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
               
Liabilities
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
    45,227       37,511  
Accrued expenses
    56,860       54,003  
Deferred income taxes
    -       5,511  
Current portion of obligations under leases
    6,468       6,239  
Current portion of long-term debt
    2,200       9,750  
Total current liabilities
    110,755       113,014  
Deferred income taxes
    82,995       84,525  
Obligations under leases
    102,369       106,247  
Long-term debt
    215,616       110,500  
Other long-term liabilities
    10,304       9,668  
Total liabilities
    522,039       423,954  
                 
Shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock – $0.50 stated value, 2,500,000 shares authorized – 1,797,941 shares issued at April 9, 2014 and September 25, 2013, 1,566,738 and 1,588,376 shares outstanding (net of treasury stock), respectively
    899       899  
Additional paid-in capital
    269,810       269,810  
Retained earnings
    359,027       348,339  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    186       21,457  
Treasury stock – at cost: 231,203 and 209,565 shares (includes 154,151 and 132,406 shares held by investment partnerships) at April 9, 2014 and September 25, 2013, respectively
    (86,104 )     (75,916 )
Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity
    543,818       564,589  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,065,857     $ 988,543  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
1

 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
 (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
Sixteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended
 
             
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
 
                         
Net revenues
                       
Restaurant Operations:
                       
Net sales
  $ 226,701     $ 218,737     $ 395,504     $ 382,476  
Franchise royalties and fees
    4,806       3,281       7,614       5,755  
Other revenue
    1,078       797       1,806       1,322  
Total  
    232,585       222,815       404,924       389,553  
                                 
Other revenue
    1,989       -       1,989       -  
                                 
Revenue from consolidated affiliated partnerships
    -       2,395       -       2,168  
Total net revenues  
    234,574       225,210       406,913       391,721  
                                 
Costs and expenses
                               
Cost of sales  
    66,426       64,837       116,071       112,791  
Restaurant operating costs  
    108,096       105,377       188,442       182,737  
General and administrative
    24,891       23,624       42,898       37,201  
Depreciation and amortization
    7,486       7,750       13,132       13,693  
Marketing
    11,309       11,766       20,678       21,999  
Rent
    6,100       5,485       10,434       9,497  
Pre-opening costs
    185       5       665       5  
Provision for restaurant closings
    270       286       270       286  
Impairment of intangible assets
    -       1,244       -       1,244  
Loss on disposal of assets
    224       632       345       839  
Other operating (income) expense
    (234 )     (400 )     (339 )     (505 )
Total costs and expenses, net  
    224,753       220,606       392,596       379,787  
                                 
Other income (expenses)
                               
Interest, dividend and other investment income
    472       2,436       1,060       4,980  
Interest on obligations under leases
    (2,985 )     (2,991 )     (5,224 )     (5,199 )
Interest expense
    (2,120 )     (2,059 )     (3,594 )     (3,796 )
Debt extinguishment losses
    (1,133 )     -       (1,133 )     -  
Realized investment gains/losses
    -       -       -       1  
Gain on contribution to investment partnership
    29,524       -       29,524       -  
Other than temporary impairment of losses on investments
    -       (570 )     -       (570 )
Total other income (expenses)
    23,758       (3,184 )     20,633       (4,584 )
                                 
Earnings before income taxes  
    33,579       1,420       34,950       7,350  
                                 
Income tax expense (benefit) on operating earnings
    11,290       (1,965 )     11,686       (422 )
Income tax benefit on investment partnership losses
    (17,750 )     -       (9,773 )     -  
Total income tax expense (benefit)
    (6,460 )     (1,965 )     1,913       (422 )
                                 
Investment partnership losses
    (45,842 )     -       (22,349 )     -  
                                 
Net earnings (loss)
    (5,803 )     3,385       10,688       7,772  
                                 
Total earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests  
    -       (1,205 )     -       (1,030 )
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.  
  $ (5,803 )   $ 2,180     $ 10,688     $ 6,742  
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
                               
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (3.66 )   $ 1.52     $ 6.73     $ 4.69  
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (3.66 )   $ 1.51     $ 6.72     $ 4.68  
                                 
Weighted average shares and equivalents
                               
Basic
    1,587,304       1,436,409       1,587,781       1,436,478  
Diluted
    1,587,304       1,439,401       1,591,308       1,439,347  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
2

 

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 (Unaudited)

(In thousands)
 
Sixteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended
 
             
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
 
                         
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
  $ (5,803 )   $ 2,180     $ 10,688     $ 6,742  
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Reclassification of investment appreciation
                               
in net earnings
    -       -       -       (1 )
Reclassification of investment appreciation
                               
on contribution to investment partnerships
    (29,524 )     -       (29,524 )     -  
Applicable income taxes
    11,219       -       11,219       -  
Reclassification of other than temporary
                               
losses on investments
    -       461       -       461  
Applicable income taxes
    -       (175 )     -       (175 )
Net change in unrealized gains and losses
                               
on investments
    (10,386 )     80,554       (4,595 )     71,055  
Applicable income taxes
    3,950       (30,611 )     1,751       (27,001 )
Foreign currency translation
    (411 )     (96 )     (122 )     (96 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
    (25,152 )     50,133       (21,271 )     44,243  
Total comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (30,955 )   $ 52,313     $ (10,583 )   $ 50,985  
 
 
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
3

 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 (Unaudited)

(In thousands)
 
Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended
 
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
 
Operating activities
           
Net earnings
  $ 10,688     $ 7,772  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    13,132       13,693  
Provision for deferred income taxes
    (1,717 )     (1,944 )
Asset impairments and provision for restaurant closing
    270       286  
Impairment of intangible assets
    -       1,244  
Stock-based compensation and other non-cash expenses
    424       240  
Loss on disposal of assets
    345       839  
Debt extinguishment losses
    1,133       -  
Gain on contribution to investment partnership
    (29,524 )     -  
Realized investment gains/losses
    -       (1 )
Other than temporary impairment of investments
    -       570  
Investment partnership losses
    22,349       -  
Changes in receivables and inventories
    (410 )     (390 )
Changes in other assets
    (2,711 )     (481 )
Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    345       (1,893 )
Investment operations of consolidated affiliated partnerships
               
Sales of investments
    -       1,015  
Realized investment gains, net
    -       (156 )
Unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities held by consolidated affiliated partnerships
    -       (1,781 )
Changes in cash and cash equivalents held by consolidated affiliated partnerships
    -       (203 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    14,324       18,810  
Investing activities
               
Additions of property and equipment
    (14,803 )     (7,526 )
Proceeds from property and equipment disposals
    2,543       2,352  
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
    (39,232 )     (3,770 )
Purchases of investments and contributions to investment partnerships
    (40,000 )     (45,277 )
Sales of investments and distributions from investment partnerships
    2,468       1  
Changes in restricted cash
    3,600       -  
Net cash (used in) investing activities
    (85,424 )     (54,220 )
Financing activities
               
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
    10,700       15,000  
Payments on revolving credit facility
    (10,700 )     (9,000 )
Borrowings on long-term debt
    217,800       -  
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (120,250 )     (7,250 )
Deferred financing charges
    (4,754 )     -  
Principal payments on direct financing lease obligations
    (3,630 )     (3,353 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    -       9  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards
    -       4  
Financing activities of consolidated affiliated partnerships:
               
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
    -       538  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
    -       (1,866 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    89,166       (5,918 )
Effect of exchange rate on cash
    278       -  
Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    18,344       (41,328 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    94,626       60,359  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 112,970     $ 19,031  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
4

 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Twenty-Eight Weeks ended April 9, 2014 and April 10, 2013)
(Unaudited)

(In thousands)
 
Common Stock
   
Additional Paid-In Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Treasury Stock
   
Total
 
  
                                   
Balance at September 25, 2013
  $ 899     $ 269,810     $ 348,339     $ 21,457     $ (75,916 )   $ 564,589  
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
                    10,688                       10,688  
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions
                                    2       2  
Adjustment to Treasury stock for holdings in investment partnerships
                                    (10,190 )     (10,190 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
                            (21,271 )             (21,271 )
Balance at April 9, 2014
  $ 899     $ 269,810     $ 359,027     $ 186     $ (86,104 )   $ 543,818  
                                                 
Balance at September 26, 2012
  $ 756     $ 143,035     $ 251,983     $ 43,897     $ (90,546 )   $ 349,125  
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
                    6,742                       6,742  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
                            44,243               44,243  
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions
            4                       10       14  
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum redemption value
            (881 )                             (881 )
Balance at April 10, 2013
  $ 756     $ 142,158     $ 258,725     $ 88,140     $ (90,536 )   $ 399,243  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
5

 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
April 9, 2014
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Biglari Holdings Inc. (“Biglari Holdings” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America applicable to interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the results of the interim periods have been included and consist only of normal recurring adjustments. The results for the interim periods shown are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire fiscal years. The financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 25, 2013.

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

Principles of Consolidation
As of April 9, 2014, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  In addition to consolidating wholly-owned entities we consolidate entities if we have a controlling interest in the general partner.  As of April 10, 2013, the consolidated financial statements included the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries (including Biglari Capital Corp. (“Biglari Capital”)), and investment related limited partnerships The Lion Fund, L.P. and Western Acquisitions, L.P. (collectively the “consolidated affiliated partnerships”), in which we had a controlling interest. As a result of the sale of Biglari Capital and the related liquidation of Western Acquisitions, L.P. during July 2013, the Company ceased to have a controlling interest in the consolidated affiliated partnerships.  Accordingly, Biglari Capital and the consolidated affiliated partnerships are no longer consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.

Business Acquisitions
On February 27, 2014 the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of Maxim.  Maxim is a brand management company whose business lies in media, publishing, licensing and products. On March 19, 2014, the Company acquired the stock of First Guard Insurance Company and its affiliate, 1st Guard Corporation (collectively “First Guard”).  First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial trucking insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers.  The financial results for Maxim and First Guard from the acquisition dates to the end of the fiscal quarter are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  The results of these acquisitions were not material, individually, or in aggregate, to the consolidated financial statements.  The purchase price of the two acquisitions was allocated based on the Company’s preliminary purchase price allocation.  The fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired — other than investments, goodwill and intangibles — was not material.
 
Note 2. New Accounting Standards

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08 “Reporting of Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” ASU 2014-08 provides a narrower definition of discontinued operations than under existing U.S. GAAP. ASU 2014-08 requires that only disposals of components of an entity (or groups of components) that represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the reporting entity’s operations are reported in the financial statements as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 also provides guidance on the financial statement presentations and disclosures of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective prospectively for disposals (or classifications of held-for-sale) of components of an entity that occur in annual or interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014. We do not believe the adoption of ASU 2014-08 will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6

 

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405), which provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements. The guidance requires an entity to measure those obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations.  ASU 2013-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, which is effective for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year 2015.  We do not believe the adoption of ASU 2013-04 will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.  ASU 2013-02 requires disclosure of the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net earnings during the reporting period and is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012.  The adoption of ASU 2013−02 did not have a material impact on the measurement of net earnings or other comprehensive income.  

Note 3. Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. In fiscal year 2013, Biglari Holdings completed an offering of transferable subscription rights.  The offering was oversubscribed and 286,767 new shares of common stock were issued.  Earnings per share for the sixteen and twenty-eight weeks ended April 10, 2013 have been retroactively restated to account for the 2013 rights offering. 

For twenty-eight weeks ended April 9, 2014, the shares of Company stock attributable to our limited partner interest in The Lion Fund, L.P. — based on our proportional ownership during the period — are considered treasury stock on the consolidated balance sheet and thereby deemed to calculate the weighted average common shares outstanding. 
 
For twenty-eight weeks ended April 10, 2013, all common shares of the Company held by the consolidated affiliated partnerships are recorded in treasury stock on the consolidated balance sheet.  In order to compute the weighted average common shares outstanding, only the shares of treasury stock attributable to the unrelated limited partners of the consolidated affiliated partnerships — based on their proportional ownership during the period — are considered outstanding shares.

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares:

   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended
 
             
   
April 9,
2014
   
April 10,
2013
   
April 9,
2014
   
April 10,
2013
 
Basic earnings per share:
                       
Weighted average common shares
    1,587,304       1,436,409       1,587,781       1,436,478  
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Weighted average common shares
    1,587,304       1,436,409       1,587,781       1,436,478  
Dilutive effect of stock awards
     -       2,992       3,527       2,869  
Weighted average common and incremental shares
    1,587,304       1,439,401       1,591,308       1,439,347  
Number of share-based awards excluded from the calculation of earnings per share as the awards exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company's common stock
    -       759       -       759  
 
For the sixteen weeks ended April 9, 2014, 3,608 share-based awards were excluded from the calculation of earnings per share as they were considered anti-dilutive because of the Company’s net loss for the period.

 
7

 

Note 4. Investments

Investments consisted of the following:
 
   
April 9,
2014
   
September 25,
2013
 
Cost
  $ 21,032     $ 50,884  
Gross unrealized gains
    477       34,595  
Fair value
  $ 21,509     $ 85,479  
 
Investment gains/losses are recognized when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or as otherwise required by GAAP. The timing of realized gains and losses from sales can have a material effect on periodic earnings. However, such realized gains or losses usually have little, if any, impact on total shareholders’ equity because the investments are carried at fair value with any unrealized gains/losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.  We believe that realized investment gains/losses are often meaningless in terms of understanding reported results. Short-term investment gains/losses have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility in our results.

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company contributed $74,418 of securities to the investment partnerships in exchange for limited partner interests.  The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $29,524 ($18,305 net of tax) on the contribution of securities.  The gain had a material accounting effect on the Company’s fiscal 2014 earnings.  However, this gain had no impact on total shareholders’ equity because the investments were carried at fair value prior to the contribution, with the unrealized gains included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

In connection with the acquisition of First Guard we acquired $15,043 of investments.

Note 5.  Investment Partnerships

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

The fair value and adjustment for Company common stock held by the investment partnerships to determine carrying value of our partnership interest is presented below:
 
   
Fair Value
   
Fair Value of Company Common Stock
   
Carrying Value
 
Partnership interest at September 25, 2013
  $ 455,297     $ 57,598     $ 397,699  
Investment partnership gains (losses)
    (15,146 )     7,203       (22,349 )
Contributions of cash and securities (net of distributions) to investment partneships
    111,950       -       111,950  
Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held
    -       10,190       (10,190 )
Partnership interest at April 9, 2014
  $ 552,101     $ 74,991     $ 477,110  
 
The Company’s proportionate share of Company stock held by investment partnerships at cost is $64,803 and $54,613 at April 9, 2014 and September 25, 2013, respectively, and is recorded as treasury stock.
 
The carrying value of the partnership interest approximates fair value adjusted by changes in the value of held Company stock.  Fair value is according to our proportional ownership interest of the fair value of investments held by the investment partnerships. The fair value measurement is classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
 
 
8

 
 
For purposes of distinguishing investment partnership gains and losses, we use the investment partnerships’ results for a similar period.  For the Company’s period ending April 9, 2014, the investment partnerships’ value was utilized for the period ending March 31, 2014.  Therefore, we recorded $22,349 of losses from investment partnerships during fiscal year 2014. On December 31 of each year, the general partner of the investment partnerships, Biglari Capital, will earn an incentive reallocation fee for the Company’s investments equal to 25% of the net profits above an annual hurdle rate of 6%. Our policy is to accrue an estimated incentive fee throughout the fiscal year. Our investment in these partnerships is committed on a rolling 5-year basis. 
 
Summarized financial information for The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. is presented below:
 
   
Equity in Investment Partnerships
 
   
Lion Fund
   
Lion Fund II
 
Current and total assets as of March 31, 2014
  $ 185,502     $ 459,771  
Current and total liabilities as of March 31, 2014
  $ 78     $ 39  
Revenue for the six month period ended March 31, 2014
  $ 18,016     $ (17,610 )
Earnings for the six month period ended March 31, 2014
  $ 17,980     $ (17,642 )
Biglari Holdings’ ownership interest
    61.61 %     95.24 %
 
The investments held by the investment partnerships are largely concentrated in the common stock of one investee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

Note 6. Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships

Collectively, The Lion Fund L.P. and Western Acquisitions, L.P. were referred to as consolidated affiliated partnerships of the Company.  Certain of the consolidated affiliated partnerships held the Company’s common stock as investments. Within our consolidated financial statements, we classified this common stock as treasury stock though the shares were legally outstanding. As of April 10, 2013, the consolidated affiliated partnerships held 205,743 shares of the Company’s common stock.
 
 
Net earnings for the sixteen and twenty-eight weeks ended April 10, 2013 of the Company included the realized and unrealized appreciation and depreciation of the investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships, other than realized and unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments the consolidated affiliated partnerships held in the Company’s equity securities which have been eliminated in consolidation. 

Realized investment gains/losses arise when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis). The total revenue from consolidated affiliated partnerships, other than holdings of the Company’s equity securities, were as follows:

   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended
 
             
   
April 10, 2013
 
April 10, 2013
 
Net unrealized gains/losses
    2,216       1,781  
Net realized gains/losses from sale
    69       156  
Other income
    110       231  
Total revenue from consolidated affiliated partnerships
  $ 2,395     $ 2,168  
 
The limited partners of each of the investment funds have the ability to redeem their capital upon certain occurrences; therefore, the ownership of the investment funds held by the limited partners is presented as redeemable noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliated partnerships and measured at the greater of carrying value or fair value on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.The affiliated partnerships were no longer consolidated as of September 25, 2013.

 
9

 

The following is a reconciliation of the redeemable noncontrolling interests in the consolidated affiliated partnerships:
 
   
Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended
 
       
   
April 10,
2013
 
Carrying value at beginning of period
  $ 52,088  
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
    538  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
    (1,866 )
Incentive fee
    (21 )
Income allocation
    1,051  
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum redemption value
    881  
Carrying value at end of period
  $ 52,671  
 
The consolidated affiliated partnerships held shares of the Company’s common stock.  Any unrealized gain or loss on the common stock of the Company was eliminated in our financial statements. The unrealized gain that was attributable to the noncontrolling interests increased the redemption value of outside capital.  The adjustment to increase the redemption value based on unrealized gains in the Company’s common stock held by the consolidated affiliated partnerships was $881 on April 10, 2013.

The Company, through its ownership of Biglari Capital and Western Investments Inc., was entitled to an incentive fee to the extent investment performance of the consolidated affiliated partnerships exceeded specified hurdle rates. Any such fee was included in net earnings attributable to the Company in the period in which the fee was earned.

Biglari Capital, the general partner of The Lion Fund, L.P., earned a $21 incentive reallocation fee at December 31, 2012.  As a result of the sale of Biglari Capital and the liquidation of Western Acquisitions, L.P., the Company is no longer entitled to receive such incentive fees.

Net earnings attributable to the Company only included the Company’s share of earnings and losses related to its investments in the consolidated affiliated partnerships; all other earnings or losses from the consolidated affiliated partnerships were allocated to the redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Note 7. Assets Held for Sale

Assets held for sale are composed of the following:
 
   
April 9,
2014
   
September 25,
2013
 
Land and buildings
  $ 461     $ 561  
 
As of April 9, 2014, the balance consisted of one parcel of land. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, one parcel of land was sold.  As of September 25, 2013 the balance included two parcels of land.

The Company expects to sell the property within one year of its classification as assets held for sale.

Note 8. Other Current Assets

Other current assets primarily include prepaid rent and prepaid contractual obligations.

 
10

 

Note 9. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is composed of the following:
 
   
April 9,
2014
   
September 25,
2013
 
Land
  $ 161,834     $ 162,488  
Buildings
    158,907       152,891  
Land and leasehold improvements
    154,625       155,962  
Equipment
    210,778       209,913  
Construction in progress
    9,267       5,538  
      695,411       686,792  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (349,857 )     (340,645 )
Property and equipment, net
  $ 345,554     $ 346,147  
 
Note 10. Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill
Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions. Based on the Company’s preliminary purchase price allocations for the First Guard and Maxim acquisitions, the Company recorded $27,790 to goodwill and other intangibles.

We are required to assess goodwill and any indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The analysis of potential impairment of goodwill requires a two-step approach. The first is the estimation of fair value of each reporting unit. If step one indicates that impairment potentially exists, the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. Goodwill impairment occurs when its estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value.

The valuation methodology and underlying financial information included in our determination of fair value require significant management judgments. We use both market and income approaches to derive fair value. The judgments in these two approaches include, but are not limited to, comparable market multiples, long-term projections of future financial performance, and the selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.  No impairment charges for goodwill were recorded during the year-to-date periods in fiscal 2014 or 2013.

Other Intangibles
Other intangibles are composed of the following:

   
April 9, 2014
   
September 25, 2013
 
   
Gross carrying amount
   
Accumulated amortization
   
Total
   
Gross carrying amount
   
Accumulated amortization
   
Total
 
Amortizing intangibles:
                                   
Right to operate
  $ 1,480     $ (1,416 )   $ 64     $ 1,480     $ (1,353 )   $ 127  
Franchise agreement
    5,310       (2,124 )     3,186       5,310       (1,859 )     3,451  
Other
    810       (597 )     213       810       (574 )     236  
Total
    7,600       (4,137 )     3,463       7,600       (3,786 )     3,814  
Intangibles with indefinite lives:
                                               
Trade names
    15,903       -       15,903       -       -       -  
Other assets with indefinite lives
    3,935       -       3,935       3,907       -       3,907  
Total intangible assets
  $ 27,438     $ (4,137 )   $ 23,301     $ 11,507     $ (3,786 )   $ 7,721  
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of franchise agreements acquired in connection with the purchase of Western Sizzlin Corporation (“Western”) as well as rights to favorable leases related to prior acquisitions.  These intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated weighted average of useful lives ranging from eight to twelve years.
 
 
11

 

Amortization expense for the sixteen weeks which ended April 9, 2014 and April 10, 2013 was $181 and $182, respectively. Amortization expense for the twenty-eight weeks ending April 9, 2014 and April 10, 2013 was $351.  Total annual amortization expense for each of the next five years will approximate $580.

Intangible assets with indefinite lives consist of trade names, franchise rights as well as lease rights.  During the second fiscal quarter of 2013, the Company recorded an impairment loss for an intangible asset of $1,244. This number represents the trade name of Western’s company-operated stores, which we decided not to use any longer. The calculation of fair value for the trade name was determined primarily by using a discounted cash flow analysis.

Note 11. Other Assets

Other assets primarily include capitalized software, non-qualified plan investments, the non-current portion of capitalized loan acquisition costs, and the non-current portion of prepaid rent.
 
Note 12. Borrowings

On March 19, 2014, Steak n Shake Operations, Inc. (“Steak n Shake”) and its subsidiaries entered into a new credit agreement. This credit agreement provides for a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $220.0 million (the “Term Loan”) and a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30.0 million (the “Revolver”).

The Term Loan is scheduled to mature on March 19, 2021. It will amortize at an annual rate of 1.0% in equal quarterly installments, beginning June 30, 2014, at 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan, subject to mandatory prepayments from excess cash flow, asset sales and other events described in the credit agreement. The balance will be due at maturity and the Revolver will be available on a revolving basis until March 19, 2019.

Steak n Shake has the right to request an incremental term loan facility from participating lenders and/or eligible assignees any time, up to the aggregate total principal amount, but not to exceed $70.0 million if certain customary conditions within the credit agreement are met.

Borrowings bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the prime rate or a Eurodollar rate (minimum of 1%) plus an applicable margin. Interest on the Term Loan will be based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75%. Interest on loans under the Revolver will be based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.75% to 4.25% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 3.25%. The applicable margins on Revolver loans will be contingent on Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio. The Revolver also carries a commitment fee ranging from 0.40% to 0.50% per annum, according to Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio, on the unused portion of the Revolver.

The credit agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, as well as a financial maintenance covenant, solely with respect to the Revolver, relating to the maximum total leverage ratio.

Both the Term Loan and the Revolver have been secured by first priority security interests in substantially all the assets of Steak n Shake. Biglari Holdings is not a guarantor under the credit facility. Approximately $118,589 of the proceeds of the Term Loan were used to repay all outstanding amounts under Steak n Shake’s former credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses, $50,000 of such proceeds were used to pay a cash dividend to Biglari Holdings, and the remaining Term Loan proceeds of approximately $51,411 will be used by Steak n Shake for working capital and general corporate purposes.  As of April 9, 2014, $220,000 is outstanding under the Term Loan, and no amount is outstanding under the Revolver.

Interest Rate Swaps
 
During fiscal year 2013, Steak n Shake entered into a new interest rate swap for a notional amount of $65,000 through September 30, 2015.  The agreement hedges potential changes in the Eurodollar rate.  The fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $259 and $214 on April 9, 2014 and September 25, 2013, respectively, and is included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet.
 
During fiscal year 2011, Steak n Shake entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $20,000, which effectively fixed the interest rate on a prior credit facility at 3.25% through February 15, 2016. The notional amount decreases $1,000 quarterly through its maturity on February 15, 2016.  The notional amount of the interest rate swap was $8,000 on April 9, 2014. The fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $112 and $187 on April 9, 2014 and September 25, 2013, respectively, and is included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet.
 
 
12

 
 
The carrying amounts for debt reported in the consolidated balance sheet did not differ materially from their fair values at April 9, 2014 and September 25, 2013. The fair value was determined to be a Level 3 fair value measurement.
 
Note 13. Other Long-term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities include deferred rent expense, non-qualified plan obligations, deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions, uncertain tax positions, and deferred compensation.

Note 14.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

During the sixteen weeks and twenty-eight weeks ended April 9, 2014, the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows:
 
   
Sixteen Weeks Ended April 9, 2014
 
   
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
   
Investment Gain
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
                   
Balance as of December 18, 2013
  $ 297     $ 25,041     $ 25,338  
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
    (411 )     (6,436 )     (6,847 )
Reclassification to (earnings) loss
    -       (18,305 )     (18,305 )
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
    (411 )     (24,741 )     (25,152 )
Balance as of April 9, 2014
  $ (114 )   $ 300     $ 186  
 
    Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended April 9, 2014  
   
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
   
Investment
Gain
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Balance as of September 25, 2013
  $ 8     $ 21,449     $ 21,457  
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
    (122 )     (2,844 )     (2,966 )
Reclassification to (earnings) loss
    -       (18,305 )     (18,305 )
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
    (122 )     (21,149 )     (21,271 )
Balance as of April 9, 2014
  $ (114 )   $ 300     $ 186  
 
The following reclassifications were made from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the consolidated statement of earnings:
 
Reclassifications from Accumulated  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Sixteen Weeks Ended April 9, 2014
   
Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended April 9, 2014
 
Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings
Investment Gain
  $ 29,524     $ 29,524  
Gain on contribution to investment partnership
      11,219       11,219  
Income tax expense on operating earnings
    $ 18,305     $ 18,305  
Net of Tax
 
Note 15. Income Taxes

In determining the quarterly provision for income taxes, the Company uses an estimated annual effective tax rate based on expected annual income, statutory tax rates, and available tax planning opportunities in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Unusual or infrequently occurring items are separately recognized during the quarter in which they occur. 
 
Income tax expense for the twenty-eight weeks which ended April 9, 2014 was $1,913 compared to a tax benefit of $422 in the same period in the prior year.  The increase in the tax expense is primarily attributable to gain on contribution to investment partnership.  
 
As of April 9, 2014 and September 25, 2013, we had approximately $844 and $803, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, which are included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

 
13

 

Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies

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

On June 3, 2013 and July 2, 2013, two shareholders of the Company filed derivative actions putatively on behalf of the Company against the members of our board of directors in the United States District Courts for the Southern District of Indiana and the Western District of Texas. The shareholders allege claims for breach of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement, contribution and indemnification, abuse of control, waste, and unjust enrichment relating to certain Company transactions, including the Company’s acquisition of Biglari Capital, Mr. Biglari’s incentive agreement, the trademark license agreement between the Company and Mr. Biglari, and the Company’s rights offering. The shareholders seek to recover unspecified damages, various forms of injunctive relief, and an award of their attorneys’ fees. The Company believes these claims are without merit and intends to defend these cases vigorously.
 
Note 17. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the fair values presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in an actual current market exchange. The use of alternative market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value. The hierarchy for measuring fair value consists of Levels 1 through 3, which are described below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interest rate swaps: Interest rate swaps are marked to market each reporting period and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Interest rate swaps at April 9, 2014 and September 25, 2013 represent the fair market value for Steak n Shake’s two interest rate swaps.

 
14

 

As of April 9, 2014 and September 25, 2013, the fair values of financial assets and liabilities were as follows:
 
   
April 9, 2014
   
September 25, 2013
 
             
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets
                                               
Cash
  $ 327     $ -     $ -     $ 327     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Equity securities:
                                                               
   Restaurant/Retail
    -       -       -       -       79,357       -       -       79,357  
   Insurance
    6,466       -       -       6,466       6,122       -       -       6,122  
Bonds
    -       15,043       -       15,043       -       -       -       -  
Non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments
    1,479       -       -       1,479       1,169       -       -       1,169  
Total assets at fair value
  $ 8,272     $ 15,043     $ -     $ 23,315     $ 86,648     $ -     $ -     $ 86,648  
                                                                 
Liabilities
                                                               
Interest rate swaps
    -       371       -       371       -       401       -       401  
Total liabilities at fair value
  $ -     $ 371     $ -     $ 371     $ -     $ 401     $ -     $ 401  
 
There were no changes in our valuation techniques used to measure fair values on a recurring basis.

Note 18. Related Party Transactions

 
On July 1, 2013, Biglari Holdings entered into the following agreements with Mr. Biglari, its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer:  (i) a Stock Purchase Agreement for the sale of Biglari Capital; (ii) a Shared Services Agreement with Biglari Capital, and (iii) a First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Incentive Bonus Agreement, dated September 28, 2010, with Mr. Biglari.  The transactions contemplated thereby were unanimously approved by the independent Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”), which retained separate counsel, tax/accounting advisors, an independent compensation consultant, and a financial advisor to assist the Committee in the structuring, evaluation, and negotiation of such transactions.
 
Shared Services Agreement
Connected with the Biglari Capital Transaction, Biglari Holdings and Biglari Capital entered into the Shared Services Agreement pursuant to which Biglari Holdings provides certain services to Biglari Capital in exchange for a 6% hurdle rate for Biglari Holdings and its subsidiaries (as compared to a 5% hurdle rate for all other limited partners) in order to determine the incentive reallocation to Biglari Capital, as general partner of The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P., under their respective partnership agreements. The incentive reallocation to Biglari Capital is equal to 25% of the net profits allocated to the limited partners in excess of their applicable hurdle rate.
 
During fiscal year 2014, the Company provided services for Biglari Capital under the Shared Services Agreement, costing an aggregate of $1,227.
 
Investments in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P.
During fiscal year 2014, the Company contributed cash and securities it owned with an aggregate value of $111,950 in exchange for limited partner interests in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P.  As of April 9, 2014, the Company’s investments in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. had a fair value of $552,101.
 
As the general partner of the investment partnerships, Biglari Capital on December 31 of each year will earn an incentive reallocation fee for the Company’s investments equal to 25% of the net profits above an annual hurdle rate of 6%.  Our policy is to accrue an estimated incentive fee throughout the fiscal year.  The total incentive reallocation from Biglari Holdings to Biglari Capital for calendar year 2013 was $14,702, including $3,655 associated with gains on the Company’s common stock, which is eliminated in our financial statements. 
 
 
15

 

License Agreement
On January 11, 2013, the Company entered into a Trademark License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Mr. Biglari.  The License Agreement was unanimously approved by the Committee.
 
Under the License Agreement, Mr. Biglari granted to the Company an exclusive license to use the Biglari and Biglari Holdings names (the “Licensed Marks”) in association with various products and services (collectively the “Products and Services”). Upon (a) the expiration of twenty years from the date of the License Agreement (subject to extension as provided in the License Agreement), (b) Mr. Biglari’s death, (c) the termination of Mr. Biglari’s employment by the Company for Cause (as defined in the License Agreement), or (d) Mr. Biglari’s resignation from his employment with the Company absent an Involuntary Termination Event (as defined in the License Agreement), the Licensed Marks for the Products and Services will transfer from Mr. Biglari to the Company without any compensation if the Company is continuing to use the Licensed Marks in the ordinary course of its business. Otherwise, the rights will revert to Mr. Biglari.

The license provided under the License Agreement is royalty-free unless and until one of the following events occurs: (i) a Change of Control (as defined in the License Agreement) of the Company; (ii) the termination of Mr. Biglari’s employment by the Company without Cause; or (iii) Mr. Biglari’s resignation from his employment with the Company due to an Involuntary Termination Event (each, a “Triggering Event”).  Following the occurrence of a Triggering Event, Mr. Biglari is entitled to receive a 2.5% royalty on “Revenues” with respect to the “Royalty Period.”  The royalty payment to Mr. Biglari does not apply to all revenues received by Biglari Holdings and its subsidiaries simply because the name of the public corporation is “Biglari Holdings,” nor does it apply retrospectively (i.e., to revenues received with respect to the period prior to the Triggering Event).  The royalty applies to revenues recorded by the Company on an accrual basis under GAAP, solely with respect to the defined period of time after the Triggering Event equal to the Royalty Period, from a covered Product, Service or business that (1) has used the Biglari Holdings or Biglari name at any time during the term of the License Agreement, whether prior to or after a Triggering Event, or (2) the Company has specifically identified, prior to a Triggering Event, will use the name Biglari or Biglari Holdings.

“Revenues” means all revenues received, on an accrual basis under GAAP, by the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates from the following:  (1) all Products and Services covered by the License Agreement bearing or associated with the names Biglari and Biglari Holdings at any time (whether prior to or after a Triggering Event).  This category would include, without limitation, the use of Biglari or Biglari Holdings in the public name of a business providing any covered Product or Service; and (2) all covered Products, Services and businesses that the Company has specifically identified, prior to a Triggering Event, will bear, use or be associated with the name Biglari or Biglari Holdings.

The Committee unanimously approved the association of the Biglari name and mark with all of Steak n Shake’s restaurants (including Company operated and franchised locations), products and brands. On May 14, 2013, the Company, Steak n Shake, LLC and Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc. entered into a Trademark Sublicense Agreement in connection therewith. Accordingly, revenues received by the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates from Steak n Shake’s restaurants, products and brands would come within the definition of Revenues for purposes of the License Agreement.

The “Royalty Period” is a defined period of time, after the Triggering Event, calculated as follows: (i) if, following three months after a Triggering Event, the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates continues to use the Biglari or Biglari Holdings name in connection with any covered product or service, or continues to use Biglari as part of its corporate or public company name, then the “Royalty Period” will equal (a) the period of time during which the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates continues any such use, plus (b) a period of time after the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates have ceased all uses of the names Biglari and Biglari Holdings equal to the length of the term of the License Agreement prior to the Triggering Event, plus three years.  As an example, if a Triggering Event occurs five years after the date of the License Agreement, and the Company ceases all uses of the Biglari and Biglari Holdings names two years after the Triggering Event, the Royalty Period will equal a total of ten years (the sum of two years after the Triggering Event during which the Biglari and Biglari Holdings names are being used, plus a period of time equal to the five years prior to the Triggering Event, plus three years); or (ii) if the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates cease all uses of the Biglari and Biglari Holdings names within three months after a Triggering Event, then the “Royalty Period” will equal the length of the term of the License Agreement prior to the Triggering Event, plus three years.  As an example, if a Triggering Event occurs five years after the date of the License Agreement, and the Company ceases all uses of the Biglari and Biglari Holdings names two months after the Triggering Event, the Royalty Period will equal a total of eight years (the sum of the period of time equal to the five years prior to the Triggering Event, plus three years).  Notwithstanding the above methods of determining the Royalty Period, the minimum Royalty Period is five years after a Triggering Event.
 
 
16

 
 
Note 19. Business Segment Reporting

Net revenue, earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, and net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. for the sixteen and twenty-eight weeks ended April 9, 2014 and April 10, 2013 were as follows:

   
Net Revenue
 
   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended
 
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
 
Operating Business:
                       
Restaurant Operations:
                       
Steak n Shake
  $ 229,708     $ 219,067     $ 399,088     $ 382,222  
Western
    2,877       3,748       5,836       7,331  
Total Restaurant Operations
  $ 232,585     $ 222,815     $ 404,924     $ 389,553  
                                 
Corporate and Other
    1,989       2,395       1,989       2,168  
    $ 234,574     $ 225,210     $ 406,913     $ 391,721  
 
 
   
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests
   
Net earnings (losses) attibutable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
 
   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended
   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended
 
                                                 
   
April 9, 2014
 
April 10, 2013
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
 
Operating Business:
                                               
Restaurant Operations:
                                               
Steak n Shake
  $ 11,233     $ 8,353     $ 16,832     $ 16,855     $ 7,243     $ 6,931     $ 10,963     $ 12,597  
Western
    495       (856 )     847       (574 )     309       (533 )     526       (373 )
Total Restaurant Operations
    11,728       7,497       17,679       16,281       7,552       6,398       11,489       12,224  
                                                                 
Corporate and Other:
                                                               
Corporate and other
    (4,420 )     (3,448 )     (7,526 )     (4,566 )     (1,551 )     (2,588 )     (3,599 )     (2,776 )
Gain on contribution to investment partnership.
    29,524       -       29,524       -       18,305       -       18,305       -  
Investment partnership losses
    (45,842 )     -       (22,349 )     -       (28,092 )     -       (12,576 )     -  
Investment losses
    -       (570 )     -       (569 )     -       (353 )     -       (352 )
Total Corporate and Other
    (20,738 )     (4,018 )     (351 )     (5,135 )     (11,338 )     (2,941 )     2,130       (3,128 )
                                                                 
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
                                                 
Eliminations for losses from investment partnerships
    45,842       -       22,349       -       -       -       -       -  
Interest expense excluding interest allocated to operating businesses
    (3,253 )     (2,059 )     (4,727 )     (3,796 )     (2,017 )     (1,277 )     (2,931 )     (2,354 )
    $ 33,579     $ 1,420     $ 34,950     $ 7,350     $ (5,803 )   $ 2,180     $ 10,688     $ 6,742  
                                                                 
 
As a result of the sale of Biglari Capital and related deconsolidation of the consolidated affiliated partnerships during July 2013, the Company no longer has an investment management segment.  The segment related financial information for the sixteen and twenty-eight weeks ended April 10, 2013 has been restated to eliminate this segment.  Amounts previously reported are now included as a component of corporate and other.

The results of operations of First Guard and Maxim are included in corporate and other.
 
 
17

 

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

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

In the following discussion, the term “same-store sales” refers to the sales of only those units open at least 18 months as of the beginning of the current period being discussed and which remained open through the end of the period.

Investment gains/losses in any given period will vary; therefore, for analytical purposes, management measures operating performance by analyzing earnings before realized and unrealized investment gains/losses.

Biglari Holdings recognized a non-cash pre-tax gain of $29,524 ($18,305 net of tax) on the contribution of securities to investment partnerships in the second fiscal quarter of 2014. Biglari Holdings’ management does not regard the gain that was recorded, as required by GAAP, as meaningful. The gain recognized for financial reporting purposes is deferred for income tax purposes. The transaction essentially had no effect on our consolidated shareholders’ equity because the gain included in earnings in 2014 was accompanied by a corresponding reduction of unrealized investment gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income.

On February 27, 2014 the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of Maxim.  Maxim is a brand management company whose business lies in media, publishing, licensing and products. On March 19, 2014, the Company acquired the stock of First Guard Insurance Company and its affiliate, 1st Guard Corporation (collectively “First Guard”).  First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial trucking insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers.  The financial results for Maxim and First Guard from the acquisition dates to the end of the fiscal quarter are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  The results of these acquisitions were not material, individually, or in aggregate, to the consolidated financial statements.  The purchase price of the two acquisitions was allocated based on the Company’s preliminary purchase price allocation.  The fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired — other than investments, goodwill and intangibles — was not material.

Sixteen Weeks Ended April 9, 2014
We recorded net losses attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $5,803 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, as compared with net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $2,180 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2013.

Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended April 9, 2014
We recorded net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $10,688 for the current year-to-date period, as compared with net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $6,742 in the same period of fiscal year 2013.

In fiscal year 2013 the Company completed a rights offering in which 286,767 new shares of common stock were issued.  The earnings per share have been retroactively restated for the sixteen and twenty-eight weeks ended April 10, 2013 to give effect to the rights offering.

As of April 9, 2014, the total number of company-operated and franchised restaurants for Steak n Shake Operations, Inc. (“Steak n Shake”) and Western Sizzlin Corporation (“Western”) was 613 as follows:

   
Company-operated
   
Franchised
   
Total
 
Steak n Shake
    415       115       530  
Western
    3       80       83  
Total
    418       195       613  
 
In the second quarter of 2014, Steak n Shake closed one restaurant and sold two restaurants to franchisees.  Steak n Shake also opened five franchised units.
 
 
18

 

Critical Accounting Policies
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Certain accounting policies require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized in our financial statements from such estimates are necessarily based on numerous assumptions involving varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty. Accordingly, the amounts currently reflected in our financial statements will likely increase or decrease in the future as additional information becomes available. There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 25, 2013.

 
19

 
 
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to total net revenues, unless otherwise noted, of items included in the consolidated statements of earnings for the sixteen and twenty-eight weeks ended April 9, 2014 and April 10, 2013:

   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended
 
             
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
   
April 9, 2014
   
April 10, 2013
 
                         
Net revenues
                       
Restaurant Operations:
                       
Net sales
    96.6 %     97.1 %     97.2 %     97.6 %
Franchise royalties and fees
    2.1       1.5       1.9       1.5  
Other revenue
    0.5       0.4       0.4       0.3  
Total
    99.2       98.9       99.5       99.4  
                                 
Other revenue
    0.8       -       0.5       -  
                                 
Revenue from consolidated affiliated partnerships
    -       1.1       -       0.6  
                                 
Total net revenues
    100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0  
                                 
Costs and expenses
                               
Cost of sales
    29.3       29.6       29.3       29.5  
Restaurant operating costs
    47.7       48.2       47.6       47.8  
General and administrative
    10.6       10.5       10.5       9.5  
Depreciation and amortization
    3.2       3.4       3.2       3.5  
Marketing
    4.8       5.2       5.1       5.6  
Rent
    2.6       2.4       2.6       2.4  
Pre-opening costs
    0.1       0.0       0.2       0.0  
Provision for restaurant closings
    0.1       0.1       0.1       0.1  
Impairment of intagible assets
    -       0.6       -       0.3  
Loss on disposal of assets
    0.1       0.3       0.1       0.2  
Other operating (income) expense
    (0.1 )     (0.2 )     (0.1 )     (0.1 )
                                 
Other income (expenses)
                               
Interest, dividend and other investment income
    0.2       1.1       0.3       1.3  
Interest on obligations under leases
    (1.3 )     (1.3 )     (1.3 )     (1.3 )
Interest expense
    (0.9 )     (0.9 )     (0.9 )     (1.0 )
Debt extinguishment losses
    (0.5 )     -       (0.3 )     -  
Realized investment gains/losses
    -       -       -       0.0  
Gain on contribution to investment partnership
    12.6       -       7.3       -  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments
    -       (0.3 )     -       (0.1 )
Total other income (expenses)
    10.1       (1.4 )     5.1       (1.2 )
                                 
Earnings before income taxes
    14.3       0.6       8.6       1.9  
                                 
Income tax expense (benefit) on operating earnings
    4.8       (0.9 )     2.9       (0.1 )
Income tax benefit on investment partnership losses
    (7.6 )     -       (2.4 )     -  
Total income tax expense (benefit)
    (2.8 )     (0.9 )     0.5       (0.1 )
                                 
Investment partnership losses
    (19.5 )     -       (5.5 )     -  
                                 
Net earnings
    (2.5 )     1.5       2.6       2.0  
                                 
Total earnings/loss attributable to redeemable
                               
noncontrolling interests
    -       (0.5 )     -       (0.3 )
                                 
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
    (2.5 ) %     1.0 %     2.6 %     1.7 %
 
____________________________________________________________________
Cost of sales and restaurant operating costs are expressed as a percentage of net sales.
 
 
20

 

Comparison of Sixteen Weeks Ended April 9, 2014 to Sixteen Weeks Ended April 10, 2013

Net Earnings / Losses Attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
For the current quarter we recorded net losses attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $5,803, or $3.66 per diluted share, as compared with net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $2,180, or $1.51 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2013.  The decrease was primarily driven by $28,092 (net of tax) of investment partnership losses.

Net Revenues
In the second quarter of 2014, net sales increased 3.6% from $218,737 to $226,701 primarily because of the increased performance of our restaurant operations, largely driven by Steak n Shake’s same-store sales.  Steak n Shake’s same-store sales increased 3.7% during the second quarter of 2014, and customer traffic increased by 2.9%. 
 
Franchise royalties and fees increased 46.5% during the second quarter of 2014. The number of franchised units was 195 on April 9, 2014, compared to 178 on April 10, 2013.  Franchise fees accounted for a 27.0% increase.  The remaining 19.5% increase is primarily attributable to royalties by new franchised Steak n Shake stores opened in 2013 and 2014.
 
Other revenue of $1,989 was recorded in the current quarter, primarily related to revenues from Maxim.
 
Costs and Expenses
Cost of sales was $66,426 or 29.3% of net sales, compared with $64,837 or 29.6% of net sales in the second quarter of 2013.  The increase in costs primarily was related to higher sales. 
 
Restaurant operating costs were $108,096 or 47.7% of net sales compared to $105,377 or 48.2% of net sales in the second quarter of 2013.  The increased costs were mainly caused by higher sales. 
 
General and administrative expenses increased from $23,624 or 10.5% of total net revenues in the second quarter of 2013 to $24,891 or 10.6% of total net revenues.  The operating expenses of Maxim were $3,017, but the net increase in general and administrative expenses was $1,267 because of lower compensation expenses of $1,841.
 
Depreciation and amortization expense was $7,486 or 3.2% of total net revenues versus $7,750 or 3.4% of total net revenues in the second quarter of 2013.
 
Marketing expense was $11,309 or 4.8% of total net revenues versus $11,766 or 5.2% of total net revenues in the second quarter of 2013.
 
Rent expense was $6,100 or 2.6% of total net revenues versus $5,485 or 2.4% of total net revenue in the second quarter of 2013.
 
Impairment of intangible assets for the second quarter of 2013 of $1,244 was an impairment on the trade name of Western’s company-operated stores, which we decided no longer to use.  No impairments were recorded in 2014.
 
Other Income (Expenses)
We recorded interest, dividend and other investment income of $472 primarily through accruing dividends, versus $2,436 recorded in the second quarter of 2013.  The decrease is impelled by the contribution of securities on July 1, 2013 to the investment partnerships.  The dividends for 2014 from the contributed securities are reflected in investment partnership results.
 
Interest expense increased from $2,059 for the second quarter of 2013 to $2,120 for the current quarter.  The loss on extinguishment of debt for the current quarter of $1,133 related to the write-off of deferred loan costs associated with Steak n Shake’s former credit facility.
 
Income tax benefit increased from $1,965 for the second quarter of 2013 to $6,460 for the current quarter.  The increase in benefit is primarily attributable to decline in carrying value of the investment partnerships.
 
Investment Partnerships
We recorded $45,842 of investment partnership losses in the second quarter of 2014.  Our interest in the investment partnerships is accounted for as equity method investments.  The carrying value of investment partnerships is inclusive of unrealized gains and losses on their securities.  Our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships is net of an incentive fee payable to Biglari Capital, the general partner.
 
 
21

 

Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships Investment Gains
Prior to the July 1, 2013 sale of Biglari Capital, we accounted for investment gains and losses on securities held by our consolidated affiliated partnerships.  As we have ceased to hold a controlling interest in the consolidated affiliated partnerships, they are no longer consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.  In the second quarter of 2013, we recorded a net realized gain of $69 related to dispositions of investments held by the consolidated affiliated partnerships, an unrealized net investment gain of $2,216, as well as other income of $110 for a total of $2,395. These totals were offset by $1,205 linked to gains attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.  
 
Comparison of Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended April 9, 2014 to Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended April 10, 2013
 
Net Earnings Attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
For the current year-to-date period, we recorded net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $10,688, or $6.72 per diluted share, as compared with net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $6,742, or $4.68 per diluted share, for the same period of 2013.

Net Revenues
In the current year-to-date period, net sales increased 3.4% from $382,476 to $395,504 primarily because of the increased performance of our restaurant operations, largely driven by Steak n Shake’s same-store sales.  Steak n Shake’s same-store sales increased 3.4% during the current year-to-date period, and customer traffic increased by 2.8%.  

Franchise royalties and fees increased 32.3% during the current year-to-date period.  Franchise fees accounted for a 15.6% increase.  The remaining 16.7% increase is primarily attributable to royalties by new Steak n Shake franchised stores already opened in 2013 and 2014.

Other revenue of $1,989 was recorded in the current quarter primarily related to revenues from Maxim.

Costs and Expenses
Cost of sales was $116,071 or 29.3% of net sales, compared with $112,791 or 29.5% of net sales in the same period of 2013.  The increase in costs primarily was related to higher sales.

Restaurant operating costs were $188,442 or 47.6% of net sales compared to $182,737 or 47.8% of net sales in the same period of 2013.  The increased costs were mainly caused by higher sales.

General and administrative expenses increased from $37,201 or 9.5% of total net revenues in the prior year-to-date period of 2013 to $42,898 or 10.5% of total net revenues.  The increased costs were mainly caused by $3,017 of operating expenses for Maxim during the second quarter of 2014.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the current year-to-date period was $13,132 or 3.2% of total net revenues versus $13,693 or 3.5% of total net revenues in the same period of 2013.

Marketing expense for the current year-to-date period was $20,678 or 5.1% of total net revenues versus $21,999 or 5.6% of total net revenues in the same period of 2013.

Rent expense for the current year-to-date period was $10,434 or 2.6% of total net revenues versus $9,497 or 2.4% of total net revenues in the same period of 2013.

Impairment of intangible assets for 2013 of $1,244 was an impairment of the trade name of Western’s company-operated stores, which we decided no longer to use.  No impairments were recorded in 2014.

Other Income (Expenses)
We recorded interest, dividend and other investment income of $1,060 primarily through accruing dividends pertinent to one investment versus $4,980 recorded in the same period of 2013.  The decrease is impelled by the contribution of securities on July 1, 2013 to the investment partnerships.  The dividends for 2014 from the contributed securities are reflected in investment partnership losses.

Interest expense decreased from $3,796 for the prior year-to-date period of 2013 to $3,594 for the current year-to-date period.
 
 
22

 

Income tax changed from a benefit of $422 for the year-to-date period of 2013 to an expense of $1,913 for the current year-to-date period.  The change in expense is primarily attributable to the deferred tax expense for gains on contributions to investment partnerships.

Biglari Holdings Investment Gains
In the current year-to-date period we recognized a gain of $29,524 ($18,305 net of tax) on the contribution of securities to investment partnerships.  Biglari Holdings’ management does not regard the gain that was recorded, as required by GAAP, as meaningful.  The gain recognized for financial reporting purposes is deferred for income tax purposes.  The transaction essentially had no effect on our consolidated shareholders’ equity because the gain included in earnings in the third quarter was accompanied by a corresponding reduction of unrealized investment gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Investment Partnerships
We recorded $22,349 of investment partnership losses in 2014.  Our interest in the investment partnerships is accounted for as equity method investments.  The carrying value of investment partnerships is inclusive of unrealized gains and losses on their securities.  Our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships is net of an incentive fee payable to Biglari Capital, the general partner.

Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships Investment Gains
Prior to the July 1, 2013 sale of Biglari Capital we accounted for investment gains and losses on securities held by our consolidated affiliated partnerships.  As we have ceased to have controlling interest in the consolidated affiliated partnerships, they are no longer consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.  Prospectively from July 1, 2013, we will record earnings from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on the securities held by them) in the consolidated statements of earnings based on our proportional ownership interests in the investment partnerships’ total earnings.

We recorded a net realized gain of $156 in 2013 related to dispositions of investments held by our consolidated affiliated partnerships, an unrealized net investment gain of $1,781, as well as other income of $231 for a total of $2,168. We also received an incentive fee of $21. These amounts were offset by $1,051 connected to earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
We generated $14,324 in cash flows from operations during the current year-to-date period as compared to $18,810 during the same period of 2013.

Net cash used in investing activities during the current year-to-date period was $85,424 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $54,220 during the same period last year.  The change primarily related to the acquisition of First Guard and Maxim during the current year.

Net cash provided by financing activities during the current year-to-date period was $89,166 compared to net cash used by financing activities of $5,918 during the same period last year.  The change primarily related to the borrowings on a new credit agreement for Steak n Shake.

Our balance sheet continues to maintain significant liquidity. We intend to meet the working capital needs of our operating subsidiaries principally through anticipated cash flows generated from operations, existing credit facilities and the sale of excess properties and investments. We continually review available financing alternatives.

Steak n Shake Credit Facility
On March 19, 2014, Steak n Shake and its subsidiaries entered into a new credit agreement. This credit agreement provides for a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $220.0 million (the “Term Loan”) and a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30.0 million (the “Revolver”).

The Term Loan, scheduled to mature on March 19, 2021, will amortize at an annual rate of 1.0% in equal quarterly installments, beginning on June 30, 2014, of 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan, subject to mandatory prepayments from excess cash flow, asset sales and other events described in the credit agreement, with the balance due at maturity. The Revolver will be available on a revolving basis until March 19, 2019.

Steak n Shake has the right to request an incremental term loan facility from participating Lenders and/or eligible assignees at any time, up to an aggregate total principal amount not to exceed $70.0 million, provided that certain customary conditions specified in the credit agreement are met.
 
 
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Borrowings bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the prime rate or Eurodollar rate (minimum of 1%) plus an applicable margin. Interest on loans under the Term Loan will be based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% or the prime rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75%. Interest on loans under the Revolver will be based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.75% to 4.25% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 3.25%. The applicable margins on Revolver loans will be contingent on Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio. The Revolver also carries a commitment fee ranging from 0.40% to 0.50% per annum, based on Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio, on the unused portion of the Revolver.

Both the Term Loan and the Revolver have been secured by first priority security interests in substantially all the assets of Steak n Shake. Biglari Holdings is not a guarantor under the credit facility. Approximately $118,589 of the proceeds of the Term Loan were used to repay all outstanding amounts under Steak n Shake’s former credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses, $50,000 of such proceeds were used to pay a cash dividend to Biglari Holdings, and the remaining Term Loan proceeds of approximately $51,411 will be used by Steak n Shake for working capital and general corporate purposes. As of April 9, 2014, $220,000 is outstanding under the Term Loan and no amount is outstanding under the Revolver.

The credit agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, as well as a financial maintenance covenant, solely with respect to the Revolver, relating to a maximum total leverage ratio.  Steak n Shake was in compliance with this financial covenant as of April 9, 2014.  

 
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New Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 2 in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Effects of Governmental Regulations and Inflation
Most employees are paid hourly rates related to federal and state minimum wage laws. Any increase in the legal minimum wage would directly increase the Company’s operating costs. The Company is also subject to various federal, state and local laws related to zoning, land use, safety standards, working conditions, and accessibility standards. Any changes in these laws that require improvements to its restaurants would increase operating costs. In addition, the Company is subject to franchise registration requirements and certain related federal and state laws regarding franchise operations. Any changes in these laws could affect its ability to attract and retain franchisees.

Inflation in food, labor, fringe benefits, energy costs, transportation costs, and other operating costs also directly affect our restaurant operations.

Risks Associated with 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 ability of the restaurant operations to increase store traffic on a profitable basis;
 
·
competition in the restaurant industry for customers, staff, locations, and new products;
 
·
disruptions in the overall economy and the financial markets;
 
·
the Company’s ability to comply with the restrictions and covenants to its debt agreements;
 
·
declines in the market price of our common stock, which could adversely affect our goodwill impairment analysis;
 
·
the potential to recognize additional impairment charges on our long-lived assets;
 
·
fluctuations in food commodity and energy prices and the availability of food commodities;
 
·
the ability of our franchisees to operate profitable restaurants;
 
·
the poor performance or closing of even a small number of restaurants;
 
·
changes in customer preferences, tastes, and dietary habits;
 
·
changes in minimum wage rates and the availability and cost of qualified personnel;
 
·
harsh weather conditions or losses due to casualties;
 
·
unfavorable publicity relating to food safety or food-borne illness;
 
·
exposure to liabilities related to the ownership and leasing of significant amounts of real estate;
 
·
our ability to comply with existing and future governmental regulations;
 
·
our ability to adequately protect our trademarks, service marks, and other components of our brand;
 
·
changes in market prices of our investments; and
 
·
other risks identified in the periodic reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Accordingly, such forward-looking statements do not purport to be predictions of future events or circumstances and may not be realized. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that are currently deemed immaterial may also become important factors that may harm our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required in our periodic reports.

 
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ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
The majority of our investments are conducted through investment partnerships that generally hold common stocks. We also hold marketable securities directly. Through investments held by the investment partnerships we hold a concentrated position in the common stock of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.  A significant decline in the general stock market or in the prices of major investments may produce a large net loss and decrease in our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Decreases in values of equity investments can have a materially adverse effect on our earnings and on consolidated shareholders’ equity.

We prefer to hold equity investments for very long periods of time; thus, we are not troubled by short-term price volatility assailing our investments.  Our interests in the investment partnerships are committed on a rolling 5-year basis. Market prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation. Consequently the amount realized in a subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value.  A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the market price of our investments would result in a respective increase or decrease in the fair market value of our investments of $49,862, along with a corresponding change in shareholders’ equity of approximately 6%.

Borrowings on loans under the Term Loan bear interest at a rate per annum equal to a Eurodollar rate (minimum of 1%) plus an applicable margin of 3.75% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75%.  Interest on loans under the Revolver bear interest at a rate per annum equal to a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.75% to 4.25% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 3.25%.  At April 9, 2014, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in short-term interest rates would have an impact of approximately $228 on our net earnings. On October 11, 2012, Steak n Shake entered into a new interest rate swap for a notional amount of $65,000 through September 30, 2015.  The agreement hedges potential changes in the Eurodollar rate.  The fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $259 on April 9, 2014. In February 2011, in connection with the issuance of the term loan under Steak n Shake’s previous credit facility, Steak n Shake entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the lender for a notional amount of $20,000, which effectively fixed the interest rate on the term loan at 3.25% through its maturity. The fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $112 at April 9, 2014.

We began to transact business in international markets in fiscal year 2013. We have had minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), our Chief Executive Officer and Controller have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of April 9, 2014.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended April 9, 2014 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
An investment in the common stock of any company involves a degree of risk. Investors should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10−K filed with the SEC, and those other risks described elsewhere in this report, before deciding whether to purchase our common stock. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also become important factors that may harm the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. The occurrence of risk factors could harm the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. The trading price of the Company’s common stock could decline due to any of these risks and uncertainties, and stockholders may lose part or all of their investment.

There have been no material changes in the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 25, 2013. 

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
None.

ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.

ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.

 
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ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number
 
Description
     
31.01
 
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.02
 
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.01*
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101**
 
Interactive Data Files.
­­­­­­_________________
*
Furnished herewith.

**
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.
 
 
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SIGNATURES

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

Date:  May 16, 2014
 
   
 
Biglari Holdings inc.
   
   
 
By:
/s/ Bruce Lewis
   
Bruce Lewis
Controller
     

 
 
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