UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024
or
| 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 001-38477
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
| (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)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbols | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| | ||||||||
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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and an “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | ☒ | |||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | |||||||||
| Emerging growth company | |||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No x
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of May 8, 2024:
| Class A common stock – | |||||
| Class B common stock – | |||||
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.
INDEX
| Page No. | ||||||||
PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands)
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Investments | |||||||||||
| Receivables | |||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||
| Other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Property and equipment | |||||||||||
| Operating lease assets | |||||||||||
| Goodwill and other intangible assets | |||||||||||
| Investment partnerships | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Liabilities and shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | |||||||||||
| Unearned premiums | |||||||||||
| Current portion of lease obligations | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Lease obligations | |||||||||||
| Deferred taxes | |||||||||||
| Asset retirement obligations | |||||||||||
| Other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Common stock | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Retained earnings | |||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Treasury stock, at cost | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
1
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||
| Restaurant operations | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Insurance premiums and other | |||||||||||
| Oil and gas | |||||||||||
| Licensing and media | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | |||||||||||
| Costs and expenses | |||||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||
| Insurance losses and underwriting expenses | |||||||||||
| Oil and gas production costs | |||||||||||
| Licensing and media costs | |||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |||||||||||
| Gain on sale of oil and gas properties | ( | ||||||||||
| Impairments | |||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, and amortization | |||||||||||
| Interest expense on leases | |||||||||||
| Interest expense on debt | |||||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | |||||||||||
| Other income | |||||||||||
| Investment gains | |||||||||||
| Investment partnership gains | |||||||||||
| Total other income | |||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | |||||||||||
| Income tax expense | |||||||||||
| Net earnings | |||||||||||
| Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest | |||||||||||
| Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Net earnings per average equivalent Class A share* | $ | $ | |||||||||
*Net earnings per average equivalent Class B share outstanding are one-fifth of the average equivalent Class A share or $15.91 44.46
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(dollars in thousands)
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | ( | ||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | |||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest | |||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders | $ | $ | |||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Biglari Holdings Inc. Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Treasury Stock | Non-controlling Interests | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the first quarter of 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment for holdings in investment partnerships | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the first quarter of 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment for holdings in investment partnerships | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands)
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Operating activities | |||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
| Provision for deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Asset impairments | |||||||||||
| Gains on sale of assets | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Investment and investment partnerships gains | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Distributions from investment partnerships | |||||||||||
| Changes in receivables and inventories | ( | ||||||||||
| Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||
| Investing activities | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from property and equipment disposals | |||||||||||
| Purchases of interests in limited partnerships | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Purchases of investments | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Sales of investments and redemptions of fixed maturity securities | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Financing activities | |||||||||||
| Repayments of borrowings | ( | ||||||||||
| Principal payments on direct financing lease obligations | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes | ( | ||||||||||
| Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | |||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year | |||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of first quarter | $ | $ | |||||||||
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Restricted cash in other long-term assets | |||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of first quarter | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Biglari Holdings Inc. have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) applicable to interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the results of the interim periods have been included and consist only of normal recurring adjustments. The results for the interim periods shown are not necessarily indicative of results for the year. The financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. The Company’s largest operating subsidiaries are involved in the franchising and operating of restaurants. Biglari Holdings is founded and led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Biglari Holdings’ management system combines decentralized operations with centralized financial decision-making. Operating decisions for the various business units are made by their respective managers. All major investment and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari.
As of March 31, 2024, Mr. Biglari beneficially owns shares of the Company that represent approximately 71.5 % of the voting interest.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Steak n Shake Inc., Western Sizzlin Corporation, First Guard Insurance Company, Maxim Inc., Southern Pioneer Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Southern Oil Company, and Abraxas Petroleum Corporation. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Note 2. Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the year. The shares of Company stock attributable to our limited partner interest in The Lion Fund, L.P., and The Lion Fund II, L.P. (collectively, the “investment partnerships”) — based on our proportional ownership during this period — are considered treasury stock on the consolidated balance sheet and thereby deemed not to be included in the calculation of weighted-average common shares outstanding. However, these shares are legally outstanding.
The following table presents shares authorized, issued, and outstanding on March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class A | Class B | Class A | Class B | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock authorized | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued and outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
5
Note 2. Earnings Per Share (continued)
The Company has applied the “two-class method” of computing earnings per share as prescribed in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260, “Earnings Per Share”. (Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifth of a Class A share.) The equivalent Class A common stock applied for computing earnings per share excludes the proportional shares of Biglari Holdings’ stock held by the investment partnerships. In the tabulation below is the weighted-average equivalent Class A common stock for earnings per share.
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Equivalent Class A common stock outstanding | |||||||||||
| Proportional ownership of Company stock held by investment partnerships | |||||||||||
| Equivalent Class A common stock for earnings per share | |||||||||||
Note 3. Investments
We classify investments in fixed maturity securities at the acquisition date as available-for-sale. Realized gains and losses on disposals of investments are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividends and interest earned on investments are reported as investment income by our insurance companies. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Investment gains for the first quarter of 2024 and 2023 were $1,713 and $3,638 , respectively.
Note 4. Investment Partnerships
The Company reports on the limited partnership interests in investment partnerships under the equity method of accounting. We record our proportional share of equity in the investment partnerships but exclude Company common stock held by said partnerships. The Company’s pro-rata share of its common stock held by the investment partnerships is recorded as treasury stock even though these shares are legally outstanding. The Company records gains/losses from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) in the consolidated statements of earnings based on our carrying value of these partnerships. The fair value is calculated net of the general partner’s accrued incentive fees. Gains and losses on Company common stock included in the earnings of these partnerships are eliminated because they are recorded as treasury stock.
Biglari Capital Corp. is the general partner of the investment partnerships. Biglari Capital Corp. is solely owned by Mr. Biglari.
The fair value and adjustment for Company common stock held by the investment partnerships to determine the carrying value of our partnership interest are presented below.
| Fair Value | Company Common Stock | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||
| Partnership interest at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | |||||||||||||||||
| Contributions (net of distributions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Changes in proportionate share of Company stock held | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Partnership interest at March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Company Common Stock | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||
| Partnership interest at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Investment partnership gains (losses) | |||||||||||||||||
| Contributions | |||||||||||||||||
| Changes in proportionate share of Company stock held | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Partnership interest at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
6
The carrying value of the investment partnerships net of deferred taxes is presented below.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Carrying value of investment partnerships | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liability related to investment partnerships | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Carrying value of investment partnerships net of deferred taxes | $ | $ | |||||||||
We expect that a majority of the $31,314 and $27,896 deferred tax liabilities enumerated above will not become due until the dissolution of the investment partnerships.
The Company’s proportionate share of Company stock held by investment partnerships at cost was $419,648 and $416,342 as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively.
The carrying value of the partnership interest approximates fair value adjusted by the value of held Company stock. Fair value of our partnership interest is assessed according to our proportional ownership interest of the fair value of investments held by the investment partnerships. Unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities held by the investment partnerships affect our net earnings.
Gains/losses from investment partnerships recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings are presented below.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Gains from investment partnerships | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Tax expense | |||||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | $ | |||||||||
On December 31 of each year, the general partner of the investment partnerships, Biglari Capital Corp., 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 % over the previous high-water mark. Our policy is to accrue an estimated incentive fee throughout the year. The total incentive reallocation from Biglari Holdings to Biglari Capital Corp. includes gains on the Company’s common stock. Gains and losses on the Company’s common stock and the related incentive reallocations are eliminated in our financial statements.
There were no
7
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 | ||||||||||
| Total assets as of March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total liabilities as of March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Revenue for the first quarter of 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Earnings for the first quarter of 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Biglari Holdings’ ownership interest as of March 31, 2024 | % | % | |||||||||
| Total assets as of December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total liabilities as of December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Revenue for the first quarter of 2023 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Earnings for the first quarter of 2023 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Biglari Holdings’ ownership interest as of March 31, 2023 | % | % | |||||||||
Revenue in the financial information of the investment partnerships, summarized above, includes investment income and unrealized gains and losses on investments.
Note 5. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is composed of the following.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Land | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Buildings | |||||||||||
| Land and leasehold improvements | |||||||||||
| Equipment | |||||||||||
| Oil and gas properties | |||||||||||
| Construction in progress | |||||||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | $ | $ | |||||||||
Depletion expense related to oil and gas properties was $2,568 and $2,648 during the first quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company recorded an to restaurant long-lived assets of $107 in the first quarter of 2024 and $776 in the first quarter of 2023 related to underperforming stores.
Property and equipment held for sale of $1,149 and $773 are recorded in other current assets as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively. The assets classified as held for sale include properties owned by Steak n Shake, which were previously company-operated restaurants.
8
Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions.
A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows.
| Goodwill | |||||
Goodwill at December 31, 2023 | |||||
| Goodwill | $ | ||||
| Accumulated impairment losses | ( | ||||
| $ | |||||
| Change in foreign exchange rates during the first quarter of 2024 | ( | ||||
Goodwill at March 31, 2024 | $ | ||||
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment reviews include determining the estimated fair values of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. The key assumptions and inputs used in such determinations may include forecasting revenues and expenses, cash flows and capital expenditures, as well as an appropriate discount rate and other inputs. Significant judgment by management is required in estimating the fair value of a reporting unit and in performing impairment reviews. Due to the inherent subjectivity and uncertainty in forecasting future cash flows and earnings over long periods of time, actual results may differ materially from the forecasts. If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds fair value, the excess is charged to earnings as an impairment loss. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, then the excess, limited to the carrying amount of goodwill, will be charged to earnings as an impairment loss. There was no
Other Intangible Assets
Intangible assets with indefinite lives are composed of the following.
| Trade Names | Lease Rights | Total | |||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Intangibles | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Accumulated impairment losses | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Change in foreign exchange rates during the first quarter of 2024 | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Note 7. Restaurant Operations Revenues
Restaurant operations revenues were as follows.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Franchise partner fees | |||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
Net Sales
Net sales are composed of retail sales of food through company-operated stores. Company-operated store revenues are recognized, net of discounts and sales taxes, when our obligation to perform is satisfied at the point of sale. Sales taxes related to these sales are collected from customers and remitted to the appropriate taxing authority and are not reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings as revenue.
9
Note 7. Restaurant Operations Revenues (continued)
Franchise Partner Fees
Franchise partner fees are composed of up to 15 % of sales as well as 50 % of profits. We are therefore fully affected by the operating results of the business, unlike in a traditional franchising arrangement, where the franchisor obtains a royalty fee based on sales only. We generate most of our revenue from our share of the franchise partners’ profits. An initial franchise fee of ten thousand dollars is recognized when the operator becomes a franchise partner. The Company recognizes franchise partner fees monthly as underlying restaurant sales occur.
The Company leases or subleases property and equipment to franchise partners under lease arrangements. Both real estate and equipment rental payments are charged to franchise partners and are recognized in accordance with ASC 842, “Leases”. During the first quarter of 2024 and 2023, restaurant operations recognized $5,705 and $5,575 , respectively, in franchise partner fees related to rental income.
Franchise Royalties and Fees
Franchise royalties and fees from Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin franchisees are based upon a percentage of sales of the franchise restaurant and are recognized as earned. Franchise royalties are billed on a monthly basis. Initial franchise fees when a new restaurant opens or at the start of a new franchise term are recorded as deferred revenue when received and recognized as revenue over the term of the franchise agreement.
Other Revenue
Restaurant operations sell gift cards to customers which can be redeemed for retail food sales within our stores. Gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue when issued and are subsequently recorded as net sales upon redemption. Restaurant operations estimate breakage related to gift cards when the likelihood of redemption is remote. This estimate utilizes historical trends based on the vintage of the gift card. Breakage on gift cards is recorded as other revenue in proportion to the rate of gift card redemptions by vintage.
Note 8. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses include the following.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Gift cards and other marketing | |||||||||||
| Insurance accruals | |||||||||||
| Compensation | |||||||||||
| Deferred revenue | |||||||||||
| Taxes payable | |||||||||||
| Oil and gas payable | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | $ | |||||||||
Note 9. Line of Credit and Note Payable
Biglari Holdings’ Line of Credit
Biglari Holdings’ available line of credit is $30,000 . The line of credit matures on September 12, 2024. The line of credit includes customary covenants, as well as financial maintenance covenants. There was no
Western Sizzlin Revolver
Western Sizzlin’s available line of credit is $500 . As of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, Western Sizzlin had no
10
Note 10. Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Our liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (also referred to as “claim liabilities”) under insurance contracts are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet date and include estimates for incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) claims. A reconciliation of the changes in claim liabilities, net of reinsurance, for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 follows.
| March 31, | March 31, | ||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Balances at beginning of year: | |||||||||||
| Gross liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net liabilities | |||||||||||
| Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: | |||||||||||
| Current accident year | |||||||||||
| Prior accident years | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||
| Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses: | |||||||||||
| Current accident year | |||||||||||
| Prior accident years | |||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||
| Balances at March 31: | |||||||||||
| Net liabilities | |||||||||||
| Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses | |||||||||||
| Gross liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
We recorded net reductions of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of $3,319 and $1,651 in the first quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively, which produced corresponding reductions in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in those periods. These reductions as a percentage of the net liabilities at the beginning of each year were 21.9 % in 2024 and 9.8 % in 2023.
Note 11. Lease Assets and Obligations
Lease obligations include the following.
| Current portion of lease obligations | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Finance obligations | |||||||||||
| Total current portion of lease obligations | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Long-term lease obligations | |||||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Finance obligations | |||||||||||
| Total long-term lease obligations | $ | $ | |||||||||
11
Note 11. Lease Assets and Obligations (continued)
Nature of Leases
Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin operate restaurants that are located on sites owned by us or leased from third parties. In addition, they own sites and lease sites from third parties that are leased and/or subleased to franchisees.
Lease Costs
A significant portion of our operating and finance lease portfolio includes restaurant locations. We recognize fixed lease expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, we recognize amortization expense on the right-of-use asset and interest expense on the lease liability over the lease term.
Total lease cost consists of the following.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Finance lease costs: | |||||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Operating and variable lease costs | |||||||||||
| Sublease income | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total lease costs | $ | $ | |||||||||
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Financing cash flows from finance leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Operating cash flows from finance leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Finance leases: | |||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | $ | $ | |||||||||
Weighted-average lease terms and discount rates are as follows.
| March 31, 2024 | |||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease terms: | |||||
| Finance leases | |||||
| Operating leases | |||||
| Weighted-average discount rates: | |||||
| Finance leases | % | ||||
| Operating leases | % | ||||
12
Note 11. Lease Assets and Obligations (continued)
Maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2024 are as follows.
| Year | Operating Leases | Finance Leases | ||||||||||||
| Remainder of 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | ||||||||||||||
| 2027 | ||||||||||||||
| 2028 | ||||||||||||||
| After 2028 | ||||||||||||||
| Total lease payments | ||||||||||||||
| Less interest | ||||||||||||||
| Total lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Lease Income
The components of lease income are as follows.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Variable lease income | |||||||||||
| Total lease income | $ | $ | |||||||||
The following table displays the Company’s future minimum rental receipts for non-cancelable leases and subleases as of March 31, 2024. Franchise partner leases and subleases are short-term leases and have been excluded from the table.
| Operating Leases | ||||||||||||||
| Year | Subleases | Owned Properties | ||||||||||||
| Remainder of 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | ||||||||||||||
| 2027 | ||||||||||||||
| 2028 | ||||||||||||||
| After 2028 | ||||||||||||||
| Total future minimum receipts | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Note 12. Income Taxes
In determining the quarterly provision for income taxes, the Company used an estimated annual effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2024 and 2023. Our periodic effective income tax rate is affected by the relative mix of pre-tax earnings or losses and underlying income tax rates applicable to the various taxing jurisdictions.
13
Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies
We are involved in various legal proceedings and have certain unresolved claims pending. We believe, based on examination of these matters and experiences to date, that the ultimate liability, if any, in excess of amounts already provided in our consolidated financial statements, is not likely to have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flow.
Note 14. Fair Value of Financial Assets
The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the fair values presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in an actual current market exchange. The use of alternative market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value.
The hierarchy for measuring fair value consists of Levels 1 through 3, which are described below.
•Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets.
•Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities exchanged in active or inactive markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in inactive markets; other inputs that may be considered in fair value determinations of the assets or liabilities, such as interest rates and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Pricing evaluations generally reflect discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, estimated durations, and yields for other instruments of the issuer or entities in the same industry sector.
•Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets or liabilities and we may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in pricing assets or liabilities.
The following methods and assumptions were used to determine the fair value of each class of the following assets recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets:
Cash equivalents: Cash equivalents primarily consist of money market funds which are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Equity securities: The Company’s investments in equity securities are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Bonds: The Company’s investments in bonds consist of both corporate and government debt. Bonds are classified as Level l of the fair value hierarchy.
14
Note 14. Fair Value of Financial Assets (continued)
As of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the fair values of financial assets were as follows.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer goods | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets at fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There were no changes in our valuation techniques used to measure fair values on a recurring basis.
Note 15. Related Party Transactions
Service Agreement
The Company is party to a service agreement with Biglari Enterprises LLC (“Biglari Enterprises”), under which Biglari Enterprises provides business and administrative related services to the Company. Biglari Enterprises is owned by Mr. Biglari.
The Company paid Biglari Enterprises $2,400 and $2,100 in service fees during the first quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The service agreement does not alter the hurdle rate connected with the incentive reallocation paid to Biglari Capital Corp.
Incentive Agreement
Note 16. Business Segment Reporting
Our reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Our restaurant operations include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin. Our insurance operations include First Guard and Southern Pioneer. Our oil and gas operations include Southern Oil and Abraxas Petroleum. The Company also reports segment information for Maxim. We report our earnings from investment partnerships separate from our corporate expenses. We assess and measure segment operating results based on segment earnings as disclosed below. Segment earnings from operations are neither necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash requirements, nor synonymous with cash flow from operations. The tabular information that follows shows data of our reportable segments reconciled to amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
15
A disaggregation of our consolidated data for the first quarters of 2024 and 2023 is presented in the tables which follow.
| Revenues | |||||||||||
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Operating Businesses: | |||||||||||
| Restaurant Operations: | |||||||||||
| Steak n Shake | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Western Sizzlin | |||||||||||
| Total Restaurant Operations | |||||||||||
| Insurance Operations: | |||||||||||
| Underwriting: | |||||||||||
| First Guard | |||||||||||
| Southern Pioneer | |||||||||||
| Investment income and other | |||||||||||
| Total Insurance Operations | |||||||||||
| Oil and Gas Operations: | |||||||||||
| Abraxas Petroleum | |||||||||||
| Southern Oil | |||||||||||
| Total Oil and Gas Operations | |||||||||||
| Maxim | |||||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
16
| Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes | |||||||||||
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Operating Businesses: | |||||||||||
| Restaurant Operations: | |||||||||||
| Steak n Shake | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Western Sizzlin | |||||||||||
| Total Restaurant Operations | |||||||||||
| Insurance Operations: | |||||||||||
| Underwriting: | |||||||||||
| First Guard | |||||||||||
| Southern Pioneer | ( | ||||||||||
| Investment income and other | |||||||||||
| Total Insurance Operations | |||||||||||
| Oil and Gas Operations: | |||||||||||
| Abraxas Petroleum | |||||||||||
| Southern Oil | |||||||||||
| Total Oil and Gas Operations | |||||||||||
| Maxim | ( | ||||||||||
| Interest expense not allocated to segments | ( | ||||||||||
| Total Operating Businesses | |||||||||||
| Corporate and other | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Investment gains | |||||||||||
| Investment partnership gains | |||||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
17
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
Overview
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. Biglari Holdings is founded and led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Biglari Holdings’ management system combines decentralized operations with centralized financial decision-making. Operating decisions for the various business units are made by their respective managers. All major investment and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari.
As of March 31, 2024, Mr. Biglari beneficially owns shares of the Company that represent approximately 71.5% of the voting interest.
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders are disaggregated in the table that follows. Amounts are recorded after deducting income taxes.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Operating businesses: | |||||||||||
| Restaurant | $ | 3,473 | $ | 5,840 | |||||||
| Insurance | 1,738 | 2,169 | |||||||||
| Oil and gas | 1,149 | 1,670 | |||||||||
| Brand licensing | (265) | 91 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | — | (129) | |||||||||
| Corporate and other | (1,996) | (2,998) | |||||||||
| Total operating businesses | 4,099 | 6,643 | |||||||||
| Investment partnership gains | 17,148 | 56,029 | |||||||||
| Investment gains | 1,332 | 2,865 | |||||||||
| Net earnings | 22,579 | 65,537 | |||||||||
| Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | 651 | |||||||||
| Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders | $ | 22,579 | $ | 64,886 | |||||||
18
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
Restaurants
Our restaurant businesses, which include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin, comprise 485 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of March 31, 2024.
| Steak n Shake | Western Sizzlin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company- operated | Franchise Partner | Traditional Franchise | Company- operated | Franchise | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total stores as of December 31, 2023 | 148 | 181 | 128 | 3 | 32 | 492 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | 3 | (3) | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (3) | — | (3) | — | (1) | (7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total stores as of March 31, 2024 | 148 | 178 | 125 | 3 | 31 | 485 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total stores as of December 31, 2022 | 177 | 175 | 154 | 3 | 36 | 545 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate stores transitioned | (3) | 3 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net restaurants opened (closed) | (2) | — | (11) | — | — | (13) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total stores as of March 31, 2023 | 172 | 178 | 143 | 3 | 36 | 532 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2024, 15 of the 148 company-operated Steak n Shake stores were closed. Steak n Shake plans to sell or lease 9 of the 15 locations and refranchise the balance.
19
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
Restaurant operations are summarized below.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 38,735 | $ | 36,894 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise partner fees | 17,758 | 17,912 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | 3,477 | 4,258 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | 2,026 | 2,065 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 61,996 | 61,129 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of food | 10,974 | 28.3 | % | 10,448 | 28.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Labor costs | 12,429 | 32.1 | % | 11,603 | 31.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy and other | 11,018 | 28.4 | % | 10,687 | 29.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of sales | 34,421 | 32,738 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 11,730 | 18.9 | % | 10,463 | 17.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Marketing | 2,945 | 4.8 | % | 2,953 | 4.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses (income) | (234) | (0.4) | % | (1,612) | (2.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total selling, general and administrative | 14,441 | 23.3 | % | 11,804 | 19.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Impairments | 107 | 0.2 | % | 776 | 1.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 6,835 | 11.0 | % | 6,707 | 11.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest on finance leases and obligations | 1,314 | 1,307 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 4,878 | 7,797 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 1,405 | 1,957 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 3,473 | $ | 5,840 | |||||||||||||||||||
Cost of food, labor costs, and occupancy and other costs are expressed as a percentage of net sales.
General and administrative, marketing, other expenses, impairments, and depreciation are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.
Net sales for the first quarter of 2024 were $38,735 as compared to $36,894 during the first quarter of 2023. The increase in net sales was primarily due to an increase in Steak n Shake’s same-store sales of 9.9% during the first quarter of 2024.
For company-operated units, sales to the end customer are recorded as revenue generated by the Company, but for franchise partner units, only our share of the restaurant’s profits, along with certain fees, are recorded as revenue. Because we derive most of our revenue from our share of the profits, revenue will decline as we transition from company-operated units to franchise partner units.
Our franchise partner fees were $17,758 during the first quarter of 2024, as compared to $17,912 during the first quarter of 2023. As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, there were 178 franchise partner units. Included in franchise partner fees were $5,705 and $5,575 of rental income during the first quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively. Franchise partners rent buildings and equipment from Steak n Shake. Our share of franchise partner fees was lower primarily because our franchise partners’ food and labor expenses were 1.8 percentage points higher during the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the first quarter of 2023.
20
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
The franchise royalties and fees generated by the traditional franchising business were $3,477 during the first quarter of 2024, as compared to $4,258 during the first quarter of 2023. The decrease in franchise royalties and fees was primarily due to the closing of traditional franchise stores. There were 125 Steak n Shake traditional units open on March 31, 2024, as compared to 143 units open on March 31, 2023.
The cost of food at company-operated units during the first quarter of 2024 was $10,974 or 28.3% of net sales, as compared to $10,448 or 28.3% of net sales during the first quarter of 2023. The cost of food expressed as a percentage of net sales in 2024 remained consistent with 2023.
Labor costs at company-operated restaurants during the first quarter of 2024 were $12,429 or 32.1% of net sales, as compared to $11,603 or 31.4% of net sales during the first quarter of 2023. Labor costs expressed as a percentage of net sales in 2024 remained consistent with 2023.
General and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2024 were $11,730 or 18.9% of total revenue, as compared to $10,463 or 17.1% of total revenue during the first quarter of 2023. General and administrative expenses increased in 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily because of higher salaries and wages. Salaries and wages were higher due to an increase in Steak n Shake’s personnel.
Interest on obligations under leases was $1,314 during the first quarter of 2024 versus $1,307 during the first quarter of 2023.
Other income was $234 during the first quarter of 2024 versus $1,612 during the first quarter of 2023. Western Sizzlin received a settlement of $450 during 2024 and Steak n Shake recorded gains of sales of properties of $1,431 during 2023.
To better convey the performance of the franchise partnership model, the table below shows the underlying sales, cost of food, labor costs, and other restaurant costs of the franchise partners. We believe the franchise partner information is useful to readers, as they have a direct effect on Steak n Shake’s profitability.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales and other | $ | 80,788 | $ | 77,952 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of food | $ | 23,170 | 28.7 | % | $ | 20,871 | 26.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Labor costs | 21,765 | 26.9 | % | 20,940 | 26.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy and other | 16,778 | 20.8 | % | 15,867 | 20.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of sales | $ | 61,713 | $ | 57,678 | |||||||||||||||||||
The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include data in the table above. Figures are shown for information purposes only.
Insurance
We view our insurance businesses as possessing two activities: underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, whereas investing decisions are the responsibility of our Chairman and CEO, Sardar Biglari. Our business units are operated under separate local management. Biglari Holdings’ insurance operations consist of First Guard and Southern Pioneer.
21
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
Underwriting results of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Underwriting gain attributable to: | |||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 800 | $ | 1,862 | |||||||
| Southern Pioneer | 59 | (111) | |||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 859 | 1,751 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 180 | 368 | |||||||||
| Net underwriting gain | $ | 679 | $ | 1,383 | |||||||
Earnings of our insurance operations are summarized below.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 15,922 | $ | 14,764 | |||||||
| Insurance losses | 10,878 | 8,596 | |||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 4,185 | 4,417 | |||||||||
| Pre-tax underwriting gain | 859 | 1,751 | |||||||||
| Other income and expenses | |||||||||||
| Investment income | 915 | 585 | |||||||||
| Other income and expenses | 472 | 451 | |||||||||
| Total other income | 1,387 | 1,036 | |||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 2,246 | 2,787 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 508 | 618 | |||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 1,738 | $ | 2,169 | |||||||
Insurance premiums and other on the consolidated statement of earnings includes premiums earned, investment income, other income, and commissions.
First Guard
First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. First Guard’s insurance products are marketed primarily through direct response methods via the Internet or by telephone. First Guard’s cost-efficient direct response marketing methods enable it to be a low-cost insurer. A summary of First Guard’s underwriting results follows.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 9,310 | 100.0 | % | $ | 8,899 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Insurance losses | 6,775 | 72.8 | % | 5,244 | 58.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 1,735 | 18.6 | % | 1,793 | 20.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 8,510 | 91.4 | % | 7,037 | 79.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Pretax underwriting gain | $ | 800 | $ | 1,862 | |||||||||||||||||||
First Guard produced an underwriting gain in the first quarter of 2024, despite having a higher ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums earned (72.8%) than it had during the first quarter of 2023 (58.9%).
22
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
Southern Pioneer
Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property insurance, as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance. A summary of Southern Pioneer’s underwriting results follows.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 6,612 | 100.0 | % | $ | 5,865 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Insurance losses | 4,103 | 62.1 | % | 3,352 | 57.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting expenses | 2,450 | 37.0 | % | 2,624 | 44.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total losses and expenses | 6,553 | 99.1 | % | 5,976 | 101.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Pretax underwriting gain (loss) | $ | 59 | $ | (111) | |||||||||||||||||||
Southern Pioneer’s underwriting gain was primarily attributable to a lower expense ratio. The prior year’s higher expense ratio was caused by information technology projects related to the implementation of a new policy administration system.
A summary of net investment income attributable to our insurance operations follows.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Interest, dividends and other investment income: | |||||||||||
| First Guard | $ | 570 | $ | 387 | |||||||
| Southern Pioneer | 345 | 198 | |||||||||
| Pre-tax investment income | 915 | 585 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 192 | 123 | |||||||||
| Net investment income | $ | 723 | $ | 462 | |||||||
We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
23
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
Oil and Gas
A summary of revenues and earnings of our oil and gas operations follows.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Oil and gas revenues | $ | 9,510 | $ | 12,223 | |||||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 4,499 | 5,471 | |||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and accretion | 2,792 | 2,850 | |||||||||
| Gain on sale of properties | (481) | — | |||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 1,234 | 1,799 | |||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 1,466 | 2,103 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 317 | 433 | |||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 1,149 | $ | 1,670 | |||||||
Our oil and gas business is highly dependent on oil and natural gas prices. The lower natural gas prices and lower production during 2024 caused decreases in revenues and production costs. Production decreases were primarily because several gas wells were shut-in along with the natural depletion of oil and gas reserves.
During the third quarter of 2023, Abraxas Petroleum entered into a royalty-based arrangement with an unaffiliated party to conduct development activities; however, Abraxas Petroleum will not be required to fund any exploration expenditures on its undeveloped properties. In the first quarter of 2024, Abraxas Petroleum sold additional undeveloped reserves, which resulted in a gain of $481.
Abraxas Petroleum
Abraxas Petroleum operates oil and gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas. Earnings for Abraxas Petroleum are summarized below.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Oil and gas revenues | $ | 5,868 | $ | 7,252 | |||||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 2,819 | 3,131 | |||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and accretion | 1,547 | 1,666 | |||||||||
| Gain on sale of properties | (481) | — | |||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 596 | 1,246 | |||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 1,387 | 1,209 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 319 | 278 | |||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 1,068 | $ | 931 | |||||||
24
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
Southern Oil
Southern Oil primarily operates oil and natural gas properties offshore in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Earnings for Southern Oil are summarized below.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Oil and gas revenues | $ | 3,642 | $ | 4,971 | |||||||
| Oil and gas production costs | 1,680 | 2,340 | |||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and accretion | 1,245 | 1,184 | |||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 638 | 553 | |||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 79 | 894 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (2) | 155 | |||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 81 | $ | 739 | |||||||
Brand Licensing
Maxim’s business lies principally in licensing and media. Earnings of operations are summarized below.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Licensing and media revenues | $ | 212 | $ | 595 | |||||||
| Licensing and media costs | 503 | 452 | |||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 63 | 21 | |||||||||
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | (354) | 122 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (89) | 31 | |||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | (265) | $ | 91 | |||||||
Licensing revenue was lower during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to fewer licensing events in the first quarter of 2024.
We acquired Maxim with the idea of transforming its business model. The magazine developed the Maxim brand, a franchise we are utilizing to generate nonmagazine revenue, notably through licensing, a cash-generating business related to consumer products, services, and events.
Investment Gains and Investment Partnership Gains
Investment gains net of tax for the first quarter of 2024 and 2023 were $1,332 and $2,865, respectively. Dividends and interest earned on investments are reported as investment income by our insurance companies. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Earnings from our investments in partnerships are summarized below.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Investment partnership gains | $ | 21,985 | $ | 72,588 | |||||||
| Tax expense | 4,837 | 16,559 | |||||||||
| Contribution to net earnings | $ | 17,148 | $ | 56,029 | |||||||
25
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
Investment partnership gains include gains/losses from changes in market values of underlying investments and dividends earned by the partnerships. Dividend income has a lower effective tax rate than income from capital gains. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
The investment partnerships hold the Company’s common stock as investments. The Company’s pro-rata share of its common stock held by the investment partnerships is recorded as treasury stock even though these shares are legally outstanding. Gains and losses on Company common stock included in the earnings of the partnerships are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
Investment gains and losses in 2024 and 2023 were mainly derived from our investments in equity securities and included unrealized gains and losses from market price changes during the period. We believe that investment and derivative gains/losses are generally meaningless for analytical purposes in understanding our reported quarterly and annual results. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
Interest Expense
The Company’s interest expense is summarized below.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Interest expense on note payable and other borrowings | $ | — | $ | (167) | |||||||
| Tax benefit | — | (38) | |||||||||
| Interest expense net of tax | $ | — | $ | (129) | |||||||
On September 13, 2022, Biglari Holdings entered into a line of credit in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30,000. There was no balance on the line of credit on March 31, 2024, or December 31, 2023.
Corporate and Other
Corporate expenses exclude the activities of the restaurant, insurance, brand licensing, and oil and gas businesses. Corporate and other net losses during the first quarter of 2024 were relatively consistent to the same period during 2023.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2024 was $6,816 compared to an income tax expense of $19,738 for the first quarter of 2023. The variance in income taxes between 2024 and 2023 is attributable to taxes on income generated by the investment partnerships. Investment partnership pretax gains were $21,985 during the first quarter of 2024 compared to pretax gains of $72,588 during the first quarter of 2023.
Financial Condition
Consolidated cash and investments are summarized below.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 34,536 | $ | 28,066 | |||||||
| Investments | 97,725 | 91,879 | |||||||||
| Fair value of interest in investment partnerships | 544,909 | 472,772 | |||||||||
| Total cash and investments | 677,170 | 592,717 | |||||||||
| Less: portion of Company stock held by investment partnerships | (324,152) | (273,669) | |||||||||
| Carrying value of cash and investments on balance sheet | $ | 353,018 | $ | 319,048 | |||||||
Unrealized gains/losses of Biglari Holdings’ stock held by the investment partnerships are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial results.
26
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
Liquidity
Our balance sheet continues to maintain significant liquidity. Consolidated cash flow activities are summarized below.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 19,125 | $ | 19,923 | |||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (11,242) | (12,735) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (1,403) | (5,050) | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (10) | 8 | |||||||||
| Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 6,470 | $ | 2,146 | |||||||
The increase in cash during 2024 was $6,470 compared to $2,146 during 2023. The increase is primarily due to a decrease in cash used in investing activities and financing activities. Cash from operating activities in the first quarter of 2024 remained consistent with the first quarter of 2023.
Cash used in investing activities was $1,493 lower during the first quarter of 2024 as compared to 2023. The decrease is primarily due to lower investment activity during 2024. Purchases of investments, net of proceeds from redemptions of fixed maturity securities, decreased by $2,655 in 2024 compared to 2023.
Cash used by financing activities was $3,647 lower during the first quarter of 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to principal payments on the Company’s line of credit in 2023.
Biglari Holdings’ Line of Credit
Biglari Holdings’ available line of credit is $30,000. The line of credit matures on September 12, 2024. The line of credit includes customary covenants, as well as financial maintenance covenants. As of March 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all covenants. There was no balance on the line of credit on March 31, 2024, or December 31, 2023.
Western Sizzlin Revolver
Western Sizzlin’s available line of credit is $500. As of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, Western Sizzlin had no debt outstanding on its revolver.
Critical Accounting Policies
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Certain accounting policies require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements from such estimates are necessarily based on numerous assumptions involving varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty. Accordingly, the amounts currently reflected in our consolidated financial statements will likely increase or decrease in the future as additional information becomes available. There have been no material changes to critical accounting policies previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
No recently issued accounting pronouncements were applicable for this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
27
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In general, forward-looking statements include estimates of future revenues, cash flows, capital expenditures, or other financial items, and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “may,” and other similar terminology. A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or circumstances may not occur. Investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. These forward-looking statements are all based on currently available operating, financial, and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Our actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, many beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, Risk Factors of our annual report on Form 10-K and Item 1A of this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise them, except as may be required by law.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not applicable.
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 March 31, 2024.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
28
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information in response to this Item is included in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part 1, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in Item 1A to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
From March 4 through March 15, 2024, The Lion Fund, L.P., purchased 1,021 shares of Class A common stock and 11,405 shares of Class B common stock. The Lion Fund, L.P., may be deemed to be an “affiliated purchaser” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The purchases were made through open market transactions.
| Total Number of Class A Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Class A Share | Total Number of Class B Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Class B Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under Plans or Programs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, 2024 - January 31, 2024 | — | $ | — | — | $ | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 1, 2024 - February 29, 2024 | — | $ | — | — | $ | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024 | 1,021 | $ | 953.21 | 11,405 | $ | 188.27 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,021 | 11,405 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
29
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
| Exhibit Number | Description | |||||||
| 101 | Interactive Data Files. | |||||||
| 104 | Cover page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document and contained in Exhibit 101) | |||||||
_________________
| * | Furnished herewith. | ||||
30
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.
| Biglari Holdings Inc. | |||||||||||
| Date: May 10, 2024 | By: | /s/ BRUCE LEWIS | |||||||||
| Bruce Lewis | |||||||||||
| Controller | |||||||||||
31