10-K 1 q1101361_10k-biglari.htm Unassociated Document
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
 
x  
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 25, 2013

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)
 
(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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, stated value $.50 per share
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
 
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 o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
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
 
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of April 10, 2013 was approximately $464,091,032 based on the closing stock price of $383.52 per share on that day.
 
As of December 3, 2013, 1,720,834 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.
 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
 
 
 

 

 
Table of Contents

       
     
Page No.
 
Part I
 
  
Item 1.
Business
 
1
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
5
 
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
10
 
Item 2.
Properties
 
10
 
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
 
10
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
10
 
         
 
Part II
     
         
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
11
 
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
 
13
 
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
14
 
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
26
 
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
27
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings—
     
 
Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011
 
30
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—
     
 
Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011
 
31
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets—
     
 
As of September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012
 
32
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—
     
 
Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011
 
33
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—
     
 
Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011
 
34
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
35
 
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
62
 
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
 
62
 
Item 9B.
Other Information
 
62
 
         
 
Part III
     
         
Item 10
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
63
 
Item 11
Executive Compensation
 
63
 
Item 12
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 
 
63
 
Item 13
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
 
63
 
Item 14
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
63
 
         
 
Part IV
     
         
Item 15
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
64
 
         
Signatures
 
65
 
Exhibit Index
 
73
 
 
 
 

 
 
Part I

Item 1.
 
Business
 
Biglari Holdings Inc. (“Biglari Holdings” or the “Company”) is a diversified holding company engaged in a number of business activities. The Company’s most important 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, Steak n Shake Operations, Inc. (“Steak n Shake”), and Western Sizzlin Corporation (“Western”).  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.

Biglari Holdings’ fiscal year ends on the last Wednesday in September. Accordingly, every five or six years, our fiscal year contains 53 weeks. Fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 contained 52 weeks. The Company’s first, third, and fourth quarters contain 12 weeks and our second quarter contains 16 weeks (except in fiscal years when there are 53 weeks, in which case the fourth quarter contains 13 weeks). Western’s financial reporting is on a calendar, not fiscal, year end.

Restaurant Operations

The Company’s Restaurant Operations’ activities are conducted through two restaurant concepts, Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin. As of September 25, 2013, Steak n Shake operated 415 company-operated restaurants and 104 franchised units. Western operated 4 company-operated restaurants and 82 franchised units.

Steak n Shake is engaged in the ownership, operation, and franchising of Steak n Shake restaurants. Founded in 1934 in Normal, Illinois, Steak n Shake is a classic American brand serving premium burgers and milk shakes.

Western Sizzlin is engaged primarily in the franchising of restaurants.  Founded in 1962 in Augusta, Georgia, Western Sizzlin offers signature steak dishes as well as other classic American menu items. Western Sizzlin also operates other concepts, Great American Steak & Buffet, and Wood Grill Buffet consisting of hot and cold food buffet style dining.

Restaurant Operations
A typical restaurant’s management team consists of a general manager, a restaurant manager and other managers depending on the operating complexity and sales volume of the restaurant. Each restaurant’s general manager has primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of his or her unit.

Purchasing
Restaurant Operations obtain food products and supplies from independent national distributors. Purchases are centrally negotiated to ensure uniformity in product quality.

Franchising
Restaurant Operations’ franchising program extends the brands to areas in which there are no current development plans for Company stores.  The expansion plans include seeking qualified new franchisees and expanding relationships with current franchisees.

Restaurant Operations typically seek franchisees with both the financial resources necessary to fund successful development and significant experience in the restaurant/retail business. Both restaurant chains assist franchisees with the development and ongoing operation of their restaurants. In addition, personnel assist franchisees with site selection, approve restaurant sites, and provide prototype plans, construction support and specifications. Restaurant Operations’ staff provides both on-site and off-site instruction to franchised restaurant management and associates. Moreover, Steak n Shake franchised restaurants are required to serve only approved menu items.
 
 
1

 

 
International
Historically, we had no exposure to international markets. Starting in fiscal 2012, we began perusing activities to expand globally. During fiscal year 2013 the first Steak n Shake franchise restaurant opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as part of a 40-unit agreement. We have opened a corporate office in Monaco to support expansion in the Middle East and Europe. We are developing an international organization with personnel in various functions to support international efforts. We plan to open several company-operated locations in Europe to introduce and promote the Steak n Shake brand to prospective franchisees. Similar to our domestic franchise agreements, a typical international franchise development agreement provides the vehicle for payment of development fees and franchise fees in addition to subsequent royalty fees based on the gross sales of each restaurant. In fiscal 2013, 24.8% of Steak n Shake’s general and administrative expenses were spent on direct franchising costs which included efforts to franchise internationally.

Geographic Concentration and Restaurant Locations
The following table lists the locations of the 605 Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin restaurants, including 186 franchised units, as of September 25, 2013:

   
Steak n Shake
 
Western Sizzlin
     
               
   
Company- operated
 
Franchised
 
Company-operated
 
Franchised
 
Total
 
Domestic:
                     
Alabama                                                                          
 
2
 
5
 
 
6
 
13
 
Arkansas                                                                          
 
 
2
 
 
17
 
19
 
California                                                                          
 
 
 
 
2
 
2
 
Colorado                                                                          
 
 
1
 
 
 
1
 
Florida                                                                          
 
80
 
2
 
 
1
 
83
 
Georgia                                                                          
 
23
 
14
 
 
8
 
45
 
Illinois                                                                          
 
63
 
7
 
 
1
 
71
 
Indiana                                                                          
 
68
 
2
 
 
 
70
 
Iowa                                                                          
 
3
 
 
 
 
3
 
Kansas                                                                          
 
 
4
 
 
1
 
5
 
Kentucky                                                                          
 
14
 
2
 
 
 
16
 
Louisiana                                                                          
 
 
1
 
 
1
 
2
 
Maryland                                                                          
 
 
 
 
2
 
2
 
Michigan                                                                          
 
19
 
1
 
 
 
20
 
Mississippi                                                                          
 
 
1
 
 
8
 
9
 
Missouri                                                                          
 
39
 
23
 
 
1
 
63
 
Nevada                                                                          
 
 
2
 
 
 
2
 
New Jersey                                                                          
 
 
1
 
 
 
1
 
New York                                                                          
 
1
 
 
 
 
1
 
North Carolina                                                                          
 
6
 
6
 
 
10
 
22
 
Ohio                                                                          
 
63
 
 
 
1
 
64
 
Oklahoma                                                                          
 
 
5
 
 
11
 
16
 
Pennsylvania                                                                          
 
6
 
3
 
 
 
9
 
South Carolina                                                                          
 
1
 
4
 
1
 
3
 
9
 
Tennessee                                                                          
 
9
 
8
 
 
4
 
21
 
Texas                                                                          
 
18
 
4
 
 
 
22
 
Virginia                                                                          
 
 
3
 
3
 
4
 
10
 
West Virginia                                                                          
 
 
2
 
 
1
 
3
 
International:
                     
United Arab Emirates                                                                          
 
 
1
 
 
 
1
 
Total                                                                          
 
415
 
104
 
4
 
82
 
605
 
 
 
2

 

 
Competition
The restaurant business is one of the most intensely competitive industries. As there are virtually no barriers to entry into the restaurant business, competitors may include national, regional and local establishments. There may be established competitors with financial and other resources that are greater than the Company’s Restaurant Operations capabilities. Restaurant businesses compete on the basis of price, menu, food quality, location, personnel and customer service. The restaurant business is often affected by changes in consumer tastes and by national, regional, and local economic conditions.  The performance of individual restaurants may be impacted by factors such as traffic patterns, demographic trends, severe weather conditions, and competing restaurants. Additional factors that may adversely affect the restaurant industry include, but are not limited to, food and wage inflation, safety, and food-borne illness.

Government Regulation
The Company is subject to various global, federal, state and local laws affecting its Restaurant Operations.  Each of the restaurants must comply with licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which include health, sanitation, safety and fire agencies in the jurisdiction in which the restaurant is located.  In addition, each restaurant must comply with various laws that regulate the franchisor/franchisee relationship, employment and pay practices and child labor laws. To date, none of the Company Restaurant Operations have been materially adversely affected by such laws or been affected by any difficulty, delay or failure to obtain required licenses or approvals.

Investment Management
On July 1, 2013, Biglari Holdings sold all of the outstanding shares of Biglari Capital Corp (“Biglari Capital”) to Mr. Biglari. Biglari Capital is the general partner of The Lion Fund, L.P.  and the newly-formed The Lion Fund II, L.P, limited partnerships that operate as private investment funds (collectively, the “investment partnerships”). On July 3, 2013, the Company liquidated the partners’ interests in Western Acquisitions, L.P. by distributing assets of the partnership to the partners.  Prior to the sale of Biglari Capital and the liquidation of Western Acquisitions, L.P., the Investment Management segment was composed of Biglari Capital and Western Investments, Inc., the general partner of Western Acquisitions, L.P.  This segment provided investment advisory services to private investment funds.

The Company and its subsidiaries have invested in the investment partnerships in the form of limited partner interest.   In 2013 the Company contributed cash and securities, with an aggregate value of $377.6 million to the investment partnerships.  These investments are subject to a rolling five-year lock-up period under the terms of the respective partnership agreements.

Employees
The Company employs 21,686 persons.
 
 
3

 

 
Trademarks
Steak n Shake trademarks that are registered for restaurant services on the Principal Register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office include, among others: “Steak n Shake®”, “Steak’n Shake Famous For Steakburgers®”, “Famous For Steakburgers®”, “Takhomasak®”, “Original Steakburgers®”, “In Sight It Must Be Right®”, “Steak n Shake It’s a Meal®”, “The Original Steakburger®”, “Steak n Shake In Sight It Must be Right®”,  “Original Double Steakburger®”, “Steak n Shake Signature®”, “Signature Steakburger®”, “California Double Steakburger®”, “Just No Equal®”, “3-D Grilled Cheese Steakburger®”, “Steak Franks®”,  and “Steak n Shake by Biglari®”.

Western trademarks that are registered for restaurant services on the Principal Register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office include, among others: “Western Sizzlin®”, “Western Sizzlin Steak House®”, “Western®”, “Sizzlin®”,  “Western Sizzlin Wood Grill and Buffet®”, and “Western Sizzlin Wood Grill®”.

Biglari trademarks “Biglari”, “Biglari Design”, “Biglari Group”, among others have been filed with the Principal Register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in association with one or more of the following categories:  the provision of investment services, franchising services, financial services, restaurant franchising (including business management assistance in the establishment and/or operating of restaurants), hospitality services, hotel management services, insurance services, restaurant services, retail and retail related services, real estate services and apparel.

On January 11, 2013, the Company entered into a Trademark License Agreement with Mr. Biglari pursuant to which Mr. Biglari granted to the Company an exclusive license to use the Biglari and Biglari Holdings names and marks in association with various products and services.  On May 14, 2013, the Company, Steak n Shake, LLC and Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc. entered into a Trademark Sublicense Agreement providing for 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.  See Note 17, “Related Party Transactions” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
 
Additional information with respect to Biglari Holdings’ businesses
Information related to our reportable segments may be found in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Biglari Holdings maintains a website (www.biglariholdings.com) where its annual reports, press releases, interim shareholder reports and links to its subsidiaries’ websites can be found.  Biglari Holdings’ periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which include Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, Form 8-K and amendments thereto, may be accessed by the public free of charge from the SEC and through Biglari Holdings’ website. In addition, corporate governance documents such as Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct, Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee Charter and Audit Committee Charter are posted on the Company’s website and are available without charge upon written request. The Company’s website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this report on Form 10-K.
 
 
4

 

 
Item 1A.
 
Risk Factors
 
Biglari Holdings and its subsidiaries (referred to herein as “we,” us,” “our,” or similar expressions) are subject to certain risks and uncertainties in our business operations which are described below. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks we face.  Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or that are currently deemed immaterial may also impair our business operations.

We are dependent on our Chairman and CEO.
Our success depends on the services of Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. All major operating, investment, and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Moreover, certain counterparties have requested and obtained a provision in their agreements with the right to terminate in the event Mr. Biglari ceases to be our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. If for any reason the services of Mr. Biglari were to become unavailable, there could be a material adverse effect on our business.

Competition.
Each of our operating businesses faces intense competitive pressure within the markets in which they operate.  Competition may arise domestically as well as internationally. While we manage our businesses with the objective of achieving long-term sustainable growth by developing and strengthening competitive advantages, many factors, including market changes, may erode or prevent the strengthening of competitive advantages.  Accordingly, future operating results will depend to some degree on whether our operating units are successful in protecting or enhancing their competitive advantages.  If our operating businesses are unsuccessful in these efforts, our periodic operating results may decline from current levels in the future.

The restaurant business is one of the most competitive industries. As there are virtually no barriers to entry into the restaurant business, competitors may include national, regional and local establishments. There may be established competitors with financial and other resources that are greater than the Company’s Restaurant Operations capabilities. Restaurant businesses compete on the basis of price, menu, food quality, location, personnel and customer service. The restaurant business is often affected by changes in consumer tastes and by national, regional, and local economic conditions.  The performance of individual restaurants may be impacted by factors such as traffic patterns, demographic trends, severe weather conditions, and competing restaurants. Additional factors that may adversely affect the restaurant industry include, but are not limited to, food and wage inflation, safety, and food-borne illness.

Unfavorable economic, societal and political conditions could hurt our operating businesses.
Our operating businesses are subject to normal economic cycles affecting the economy in general or the industries in which we operate.  To the extent that the recovery from the economic recession continues to be slow or the economy worsens for a prolonged period of time, one or more of our significant operations could be materially harmed.  In addition, we depend on having access to borrowed funds through the capital markets at reasonable rates.  To the extent that access to the credit is restricted or the cost of funding increases, our business could be adversely affected.

As a result of our international expansion, we may become subject to increased risks from unstable political conditions and civil unrest.  Further, terrorism activities deriving from unstable conditions or acts intended to compromise the integrity or security of our computer networks and information systems could produce losses to our international operations, as well as our operations based in the United States.  Our business operations could be adversely affected directly through the loss of human resources or destruction of production facilities and information systems.

The restaurant industry has been affected by economic factors, including the deterioration of global, national, regional and local economic conditions, declines in employment levels, and shifts in consumer spending patterns. The disruptions experienced in the global economy and volatility in the financial markets have reduced, and may continue to reduce, consumer confidence in the economy, negatively affecting consumer restaurant spending, which could be harmful to our financial position and results of operations. As a result, decreased cash flow generated from our business may adversely affect our financial position and our ability to fund our operations. In addition, macroeconomic disruptions could adversely impact the availability of financing for our franchisees’ expansions and operations.
 
 
5

 

 
Our cash flows and financial position could be negatively impacted if we are unable to comply with the restrictions and covenants in Steak n Shake’s debt agreements.
The Company’s subsidiaries currently maintain debt instruments, including Steak n Shake’s credit agreement, dated as of September 25, 2012, as amended, with the lenders party thereto (the “Credit Facility”). Covenants in the debt agreements impose operating and financial restrictions, including requiring operating subsidiaries to maintain certain financial ratios and thereby restricting, among other things, their ability to incur additional indebtedness and make distributions to the Company.  Their failure to comply with these covenants and restrictions could constitute an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result, among other things, in the acceleration of their indebtedness, which could negatively impact our operations and business and may also significantly affect our ability to obtain additional or alternative financing.  In such event, our cash flows may not be sufficient to fully repay this indebtedness and we cannot assure you that we would be able to refinance or restructure this debt.  In addition, the restrictions contained in these debt instruments could adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, acquisitions or investments.

Steak n Shake’s ability to make payments on the Credit Facility and to fund operations depends on its ability to generate cash, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Steak n Shake may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service this debt or to fund its other liquidity needs.

We may be required to recognize additional impairment charges on our long-lived assets and goodwill, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.
Long-lived assets, including restaurant sites, leasehold improvements, other fixed assets, and amortized intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. Expected cash flows associated with an asset over its estimated useful life are the key factor in determining the recoverability of the carrying value of the asset. The estimate of cash flows is based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance. Management’s estimates of undiscounted cash flows may differ from actual cash flows due to, among other things, changes in economic conditions, changes to our business model or changes in operating performance. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows over an asset’s estimated useful life is less than the carrying value of the asset, we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset.

We periodically evaluate our goodwill to determine whether all or a portion of their carrying values may no longer be recoverable, in which case a charge to income may be necessary. Estimated fair values developed based on our assumptions and judgments might be significantly different if other reasonable assumptions and estimates were to be used. If estimated fair values are less than the carrying values of goodwill in future impairment tests, or if significant impairment indicators are noted relative to other intangible assets subject to amortization, we may be required to record impairment losses against future income. Any future evaluations requiring an impairment of our goodwill and other intangible assets could materially affect our results of operations and shareholders’ equity in the period in which the impairment occurs.

Judgments made by management related to the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and our ability to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets are affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance. As the ongoing expected cash flows and carrying amounts of long-lived assets are assessed, these factors could cause us to realize a material impairment charge. If assets are determined to be impaired, the determination of an asset’s fair value, which is generally measured by discounting estimated future cash flows, is also subject to significant judgment, including the determination of a discount rate that is commensurate with the risk inherent in the projected cash flows.  If the assumptions underlying these judgments change in the future, we may be required to realize further impairment charges for these assets.

Our historical growth rate and performance are not indicative of our future growth or financial results.
Our historical growth must be viewed in the context of the recent opportunities available to us as a result of our access to capital at a time when market conditions resulted in unprecedented asset acquisition opportunities. When evaluating our historical growth and prospects for future growth, it is also important to consider that while our business philosophy has remained relatively constant, our mix of business, distribution channels and areas of focus have changed and will continue to change.  Our dynamic business model makes it difficult to assess our prospects for future growth.
 
 
6

 

 
Fluctuations in commodity and energy prices and the availability of commodities, including beef, fried products, poultry, and dairy, could affect our restaurant business.
The cost, availability and quality of ingredients Restaurant Operations use to prepare their food is subject to a range of factors, many of which are beyond their control.  A significant component of our restaurant business’ costs is related to food commodities, including beef, fried products, poultry, and dairy products, which can be subject to significant price fluctuations due to seasonal shifts, climate conditions, industry demand, changes in international commodity markets, and other factors. If there is a substantial increase in prices for these food commodities, our results of operations may be negatively affected. In addition, our restaurants are dependent upon frequent deliveries of perishable food products that meet certain specifications. Shortages or interruptions in the supply of perishable food products caused by unanticipated demand, problems in production or distribution, disease or food-borne illnesses, inclement weather, or other conditions could adversely affect the availability, quality, and cost of ingredients, which would likely lower revenues, damage our reputation, or otherwise harm our business.

We face a variety of risks associated with doing business in foreign markets.
There is no assurance that our international operations will be profitable. Our international operations are subject to all of the risks associated with our domestic operations, as well as a number of additional risks, varying substantially country by country. These include, inter alia, international economic and political conditions, corruption, social and ethnic unrest, foreign currency fluctuations, differing cultures and consumer preferences.  Our expansion into international markets could also create risks to our brands.

In addition, we may become subject to foreign governmental regulations that impact the way we do business with our international franchisees and vendors.  These include antitrust and tax requirements, anti-boycott regulations, international trade regulations, the USA Patriot Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and applicable local law. Failure to comply with any such legal requirements could subject us to monetary liabilities and other sanctions, which could harm our business and our financial condition.

The inability of Restaurant Operations’ franchisees to operate profitable restaurants may negatively impact our financial performance.
Restaurant Operations operate franchise programs and collect royalties and marketing and service fees from their franchisees. Growth within the existing franchise base is dependent upon many of the same factors that apply to our Restaurant Operations’ company-operated restaurants, and sometimes the challenges of opening profitable restaurants prove to be more difficult for the franchisees. For example, franchisees may not have access to the financial or management resources that they need to open or continue operating the restaurants contemplated by their franchise agreements. In addition, our Restaurant Operations’ continued growth is also partially dependent upon our ability to find and retain qualified franchisees in new markets, which may include markets in which the Steak n Shake and Western brands are less well known. Furthermore, the loss of any franchisees due to financial concerns and/or operational inefficiencies could impact our Restaurant Operations’ profitability. Moreover, if our franchisees do not successfully operate or market restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards, our restaurant brands’ reputations could be harmed, which in turn could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Adverse weather conditions or losses due to casualties could negatively impact our operating performance.
Property damage caused by casualties and natural disasters, instances of inclement weather, flooding, hurricanes, fire, and other acts of nature can adversely impact sales in several ways. Many of Steak n Shake’s and Western’s restaurants are located in the Midwest and Southeast portions of the United States. During the first and second fiscal quarters, restaurants in the Midwest may face harsh winter weather conditions. During the first and fourth fiscal quarters, restaurants in the Southeast may experience hurricanes or tropical storms. Our sales and operating results may be negatively affected by these harsh weather conditions, which could make it more difficult for guests to visit our restaurants, necessitate the closure of restaurants for a period of time or costly repairs due to physical damage or lead to a shortage of employees resulting from unsafe road conditions or an evacuation of the general population.
 
 
7

 

 
We are subject to health, employment, environmental, and other government regulations, and failure to comply with existing or future government regulations could expose us to litigation or penalties, damage our reputation, and lower profits.
We are subject to various global, federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting our business. Changes in existing laws, rules and regulations applicable to us, or increased enforcement by governmental authorities, may require us to incur additional costs and expenses necessary for compliance. If we fail to comply with any of these laws, we may be subject to governmental action or litigation, and our reputation could be accordingly harmed. Injury to our reputation would, in turn, likely reduce revenues and profits.

The development and construction of restaurants is subject to compliance with applicable zoning, land use, and environmental regulations. Difficulties in obtaining, or failure to obtain, the required licenses or approvals could delay or prevent the development of a new restaurant in a particular area.

In recent years, there has been an increased legislative, regulatory, and consumer focus on nutrition and advertising practices in the food industry. As a result, Restaurant Operations may become subject to regulatory initiatives in the area of nutrition disclosure or advertising, such as requirements to provide information about the nutritional content of our food products, which could increase expenses. The operation of the Steak n Shake and Western franchise system is also subject to franchise laws and regulations enacted by a number of states, and to rules promulgated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Any future legislation regulating franchise relationships may negatively affect our operations, particularly our relationship with franchisees. Failure to comply with new or existing franchise laws and regulations in any jurisdiction or to obtain required government approvals could result in a ban or temporary suspension on future franchise sales.  Further national, state and local government initiatives, such as mandatory health insurance coverage, “living wage” or other proposed increases in minimum wage rates could adversely affect our business.

Our investment activities are now conducted primarily through outside investment partnerships: The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P.
As a result of our sale of Biglari Capital Corp. (“Biglari Capital”), general partner of The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. (collectively, the “investment partnerships”), to Mr. Biglari, and the contribution of our investments to these funds in exchange for limited partner interests, our investment activities are now conducted mainly through these outside investment partnerships. Under the terms of their partnership agreements, each contribution made by the Company to the investment partnerships is subject to a five-year lock-up period, and any distribution upon our withdrawal of funds will be paid out over a two-year period. As a result of these provisions, our capital invested in the investment partnerships may be subject to an increased risk of loss of all or a significant portion of value, and may become unable to meet our capital requirements.

In connection with the sale of Biglari Capital, we also entered into a Shared Services Agreement with Biglari Capital pursuant to which we agreed to provide certain services to Biglari Capital (e.g., use of space at our corporate headquarters) in exchange for a 6% hurdle rate for the Company and its subsidiaries (as compared to a 5% hurdle rate for all other limited partners), above which Biglari Capital is entitled to receive an incentive reallocation in its capacity as general partner of the investment partnerships. There can be no assurance that the benefit, if any, we may realize from this increased hurdle rate will enable us to recoup our costs incurred in performing services for Biglari Capital under the Shared Services Agreement.

Our investment activities may involve the purchase of securities on margin.
We may purchase securities on margin in connection with our investment activities.  If we do so, a significant decrease in the value of the securities that collateralize the margin line of credit could result in a margin call. If we do not have sufficient cash available from other sources in the event of a margin call, we may be required to sell those securities at a time when we prefer not to sell them, which could result in material losses.

Our investments are unusually concentrated and fair values are subject to a loss in value.
Our investments are concentrated in outside limited partnerships, which generally invest in common stocks.  A significant decline in the major values of these partnerships may produce a large decrease in our consolidated shareholders’ equity and can have a material adverse effect on our consolidated book value per share and earnings.
 
 
8

 

 
We are subject to the risk of possibly becoming an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Because we are a holding company and a significant portion of our assets may, from time to time, consist of investments in entities in which we do not have a controlling interest, we run the risk of inadvertently becoming an investment company, which would require us to register under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Registered investment companies are subject to extensive, restrictive and potentially adverse regulations relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, dividends and transactions with affiliates. Registered investment companies are not permitted to operate their business in the manner in which we operate our business, nor are registered investment companies permitted to have many of the relationships that we have with our affiliated companies.

To avoid becoming and registering as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we monitor the value of our investments and structure transactions accordingly. As a result, we may structure transactions in a less advantageous manner than if we did not have Investment Company Act concerns, or we may avoid otherwise economically desirable transactions due to those concerns. In addition, events beyond our control, including significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings or adverse developments with respect to our ownership of certain of our subsidiaries, could result in our inadvertently becoming an investment company. If it were established that we were an investment company, there would be a risk, among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, in an action brought by the SEC, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties or that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken during the period it was established that we were an unregistered investment company.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could decrease the value of our brand and products.
The success of our business depends on the continued ability to use the existing trademarks, service marks, and other components of our brand to increase brand awareness and further develop branded products. While we take steps to protect our intellectual property, our rights to our trademarks could be challenged by third parties or our use of these trademarks may result in liability for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, or unfair competition, adversely affecting our profitability.  We may also become subject to these risks in the international markets in which we plan to operate.

Litigation could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows and results of operations.
We are or may be from time to time a party to various legal actions, investigations and other proceedings brought by employees, consumers, suppliers, shareholders, government agencies or other third parties in connection with matters pertaining to our business, including related to our investment activities. The outcome of such matters is often difficult to assess or quantify and the cost to defend future proceedings may be significant.   Even if a claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any negative allegation regarding our Company, our business or our products could adversely affect our reputation. While we believe that the ultimate outcome of routine legal proceedings individually and in the aggregate will not have a material impact on our financial position, we cannot assure that an adverse outcome on, or reputational damage from, any of these matters would not, in fact, materially impact our business and results of operations for the period when these matters are completed or otherwise resolved.

Certain agreements with our Chairman and CEO may deter a change of control.
We have entered into a license agreement with Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, under which Mr. Biglari has granted the Company an exclusive license to use his name when connected to the provision of certain products and services, and a sublicense agreement with Steak n Shake that, among other things, grants Steak n Shake the right to use the trademark “Steak n Shake by Biglari.” In the event of a change of control of the Company, Mr. Biglari would be entitled to receive revenue-based royalty payments related to the usage of his name under the terms of the license agreement for a defined period of no less than five years. Revenue-based royalties derived from Steak n Shake’s restaurants (including Company operated and franchised locations), products and brands, would be included in calculating these royalty payments. A change of control would also enable franchisees to terminate their franchise agreement with us.  In addition, we have an incentive agreement with Mr. Biglari, in which he is entitled to receive performance-based annual incentive payments contingent on the growth of the Company’s adjusted book value in each fiscal year. In the event of a change in control after the third anniversary of the incentive agreement, Mr. Biglari would receive specified payments thereunder. The combination of these provisions along with others referenced (e.g., contracts cancellable if Mr. Biglari is no longer Chairman and CEO) altogether could have the effect of preventing a transaction involving a change of control of the Company or deterrence of a potential proxy contest.
 
 
9

 

 
Item 1B.
 
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.

Item 2.
 
Properties
 
Office and Warehouse Facilities

Use
 
Location
 
Own/Lease
Executive Office
 
San Antonio, TX
 
Lease
Executive Office
 
Indianapolis, IN
 
Lease
Executive Office
 
Roanoke, VA
 
Lease
Executive Office
 
Los Angeles, CA
 
Lease
Executive Office
 
Monte-Carlo, Monaco
 
Lease
Executive Office
 
Indianapolis, IN
 
Own

Restaurant Properties

As of September 25, 2013, Restaurant Operations included 605 company-operated and franchised. Restaurant Operations owns the land and building for 153 restaurants. See “Geographic Concentration and Restaurant Locations” under Part I, Item 1 for additional detail.

Item 3.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
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.
 

Item 4.
 
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable.
 
 
10

 

 
Part II

Item 5.
 
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Rights Offering
In fiscal year 2013, Biglari Holdings completed an offering of transferable subscription rights, distributing one transferable subscription right (“Rights”) for each share of its common stock to shareholders of record on August 27, 2013.  Every five Rights entitled a shareholder to subscribe for one share of common stock at a price of $265.00.  Shareholders on the record date who fully exercised the Rights distributed to them were also entitled to subscribe for and purchase additional shares of common stock not purchased by other Rights holders through their basic subscription privileges.  The offering was oversubscribed and 286,767 new shares of common stock were issued.  The Company received net proceeds of $75.6 million from the offering.  Including the issuance of the newly subscribed shares the Company had 1,720,782 shares outstanding as of September 25, 2013.

Market Information
Biglari Holdings’ common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), trading symbol:  BH. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share, as reported on the NYSE List and adjusted for the 2013 offering of transferable subscription rights during the periods indicated:

   
2013
   
2012
 
  
 
High
   
Low
   
High
   
Low
 
First Quarter                                                                                        
  $ 354.06     $ 305.00     $ 363.86     $ 266.26  
Second Quarter                                                                                        
    374.69       339.09       388.64       341.91  
Third Quarter                                                                                        
    385.32       345.84       384.04       339.13  
Fourth Quarter                                                                                        
    432.67       385.15       368.76       325.90  

Shareholders
Biglari Holdings had approximately 10,300 beneficial shareholders, of which approximately 1,200 were record holders of its common stock at December 3, 2013.

Dividends
Biglari Holdings has not declared a cash dividend during the fiscal years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011.
 
 
11

 

 
Performance Graph
The following chart compares the subsequent value of $100 invested in Biglari Holdings’ common stock on September 30, 2008 with a similar investment in the Standard and Poor’s 500 Stock Index and Standard and Poor’s Restaurant Index.
 
 
The preceding stock price performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filings.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The “Equity Compensation Plan Information” required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 23, 2014, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
12

 

 
Item 6.
 
Selected Financial Data
 
Selected Financial Data for the Past Five Years
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
 
 
52 Weeks Ended
   
53 Weeks Ended
 
                         
  
 
Fiscal 2013(2)(4)
   
Fiscal 2012(2)(3)
   
Fiscal 2011(2)(3)
   
Fiscal 2010 (2)(3)
   
Fiscal 2009 (2)
 
Revenue:
                             
Total net revenues
  $ 755,822     $ 740,207     $ 709,200     $ 673,781     $ 628,736  
                                         
Earnings:
                                       
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
  $ 140,271     $ 21,593     $ 34,565     $ 28,094     $ 5,998  
Basic earnings per share attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (1)
  $ 98.11     $ 15.02     $ 24.13     $ 18.67     $ 3.91  
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (1)
  $ 97.90     $ 14.99     $ 24.00     $ 18.55     $ 3.89  
                                         
Year-end data:
                                       
Total assets
  $ 988,543     $ 773,787     $ 672,860     $ 563,839     $ 514,496  
Long-term debt:
                                       
Obligations under leases
    106,247       110,353       116,066       124,247       130,076  
Other long-term debt
    110,500       120,250       101,417       17,781       48  
Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity
  $ 564,589     $ 349,125     $ 279,678     $ 248,995     $ 291,861  

 
(1)
Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. In fiscal year 2013 the Company completed a rights offering in which 286,767 new shares of common stock were issued.  The theoretical earnings per share have been retroactively restated for all years to give effect to the rights offering.
 
(2)
Fiscal years 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009 ended on September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, September 29, 2010 and September 30, 2009, respectively.
 
(3)
For financial reporting purposes all common shares of the Company held by the consolidated affiliated partnerships are recorded in Treasury stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For purposes of computing the weighted average common shares outstanding, 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.
 
(4)
For financial reporting purposes and for purposes of computing the weighted average common shares outstanding, the shares of Company stock attributable to the unrelated limited partners of The Lion Fund, L.P.  — based on their proportional ownership during the period — are considered outstanding shares.
 
 
13

 
 
 
Item 7.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
 
Biglari Holdings Inc. (“Biglari Holdings” or the “Company”) is a diversified holding company engaged in a number of business activities. Our most important 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, Steak n Shake Operations, Inc. (“Steak n Shake”), and Western Sizzlin Corporation (“Western”). Our 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.

On July 1, 2013, Biglari Holdings sold all of the outstanding shares of Biglari Capital Corp. (“Biglari Capital”) to Mr. Biglari.  Biglari Capital is the general partner of The Lion Fund, L.P. (the “Lion Fund”) and the newly-formed The Lion Fund II, L.P. (the “Lion Fund II”).  Lion Fund and Lion Fund II (collectively “investment partnerships”) are limited partnerships that operate as private investment funds.  In connection with the sale of Biglari Capital, the Company contributed cash and securities with an aggregate value of $377,636 to the investment partnerships in exchange for a limited interest.
 
Biglari Holdings recognized a non-cash pre-tax gain of $182,476 ($114,931 net of tax) on the contribution of securities to investment partnerships in 2013.  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 2013 was accompanied by a corresponding reduction of unrealized investment gains included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.

Our interests are accounted as equity method investments because of our retained limited partner interest in the investment partnerships.  The Company records earnings from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships’ total earnings.
 
On July 3, 2013 the Company liquidated the partners’ interest in Western Acquisitions, L.P. by distributing assets of the partnership to the partners.
 
In fiscal year 2013 the Company completed a rights offering in which 286,767 new shares of common stock were issued.  The theoretical earnings per share have been retroactively restated for all years to give effect to the rights offering.  The Company received net proceeds of $75,595 from the offering.
 
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.

We have a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the last Wednesday in September. Fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, which ended on September 25, September 26, and September 28, respectively, all contained 52 weeks.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1, Business and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this Form 10-K. The following discussion should also be read in conjunction with the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, Risk Factors set forth above.

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.
 
 
14

 

 
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings for each of the past three years are disaggregated in the table that follows:

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Operating Business:
                 
Restaurant Operations:
                 
Steak n Shake
  $ 21,023     $ 31,756     $ 29,367  
Western
    338       1,354       1,610  
Total Restaurant Operations
    21,361       33,110       30,977  
                         
Investment Management:
                       
Biglari Capital Corp. (incentive fee)
    13       22       1,535  
Management fees
                139  
Consolidated affiliated partnerships
    662       1,321       1,815  
Total Investment Management Operations
    675       1,343       3,489  
                         
Corporate and Other:
                       
Corporate and other
    (5,578 )     (9,196 )     (3,099 )
Gains from investment partnerships
    13,296              
Investment and derivative gains
    114,579       2,604       4,941  
Total Corporate and Other
    122,297       (6,592 )     1,842  
                         
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
                       
Interest expense and loss on debt extinguishment, excluding interest allocated to operating businesses
    (4,062 )     (6,268 )     (1,743 )
    $ 140,271     $ 21,593     $ 34,565  

Fiscal Year 2013
We recorded net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $140,271 for the current year, as compared with net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $21,593 in 2012. The increase was primarily driven by a pre-tax gain of $182,746 ($114,931 net of tax) on contributions to investment partnerships and $20,068 pre-tax Gains from changes in the carrying value of the partnerships.

As of September 25, 2013 the total number of company-operated and franchised restaurants was 605 as follows:

   
Company-operated
 
Franchised
 
Total
Steak n Shake                                                                                                       
 
415
 
104
 
519
Western                                                                                                       
 
4
 
82
 
86
Total                                                                                                       
 
419
 
186
 
605

During 2013, Steak n Shake did not close any company-operated restaurants, but two franchised units suffered closure. Steak n Shake opened one company-operated as well as twenty-three franchised units.  Western closed one company-operated restaurant and seven franchised units. Western opened two franchised units.
 
 
15

 

 
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.

We believe the following critical accounting policies represent our more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of (i) Biglari Holdings Inc., (ii) the wholly-and majority-owned subsidiaries of Biglari Holdings Inc. in which control can be exercised and (iii) limited partnership investment entities in which we have a controlling interest as the general partner. In evaluating whether we have a controlling interest in entities in which we would consolidate, we consider the following: (1) for voting interest entities, we consolidate those entities in which we own a majority of the voting interests; and (2) for limited partnership entities, we consolidate those entities if we are the general partner of such entities and for which no substantive removal rights exist.  The analysis as to whether to consolidate an entity is subject to a significant amount of judgment. Some of the criteria considered include the determination as to the degree of control over an entity by its various equity holders and the design of the entity.

Before the sale of Biglari Capital and liquidation of Western Acquisitions, L.P., the Company consolidated its affiliated partnerships in its consolidated financial statements, which included the accounts of (i) the Company, (ii) its wholly-owned subsidiaries Biglari Capital, Steak n Shake, and Western, and (iii) the Lion Fund and Western Acquisitions, L.P. (the “consolidated affiliated partnerships”), in which the Company had a substantive controlling interest.  As a result of the sale of Biglari Capital and the related liquidation of Western Acquisitions, L.P., the Company has ceased to have a controlling interest in the consolidated affiliated partnerships, which, accordingly, will no longer be consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.  Beginning July 1, 2013, the consolidated financial statements only include the accounts of (i) the Company and (ii) its wholly-owned subsidiaries Steak n Shake and Western.  All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Prior to July 1, 2013 the consolidated affiliated partnerships’ assets and liabilities were consolidated on the Consolidated Balance Sheet even though outside limited partners had majority ownership in the consolidated affiliated partnerships. The Company did not guarantee any of the liabilities of its subsidiaries that were serving as general partners to these consolidated affiliated partnerships.

Beginning July 1, 2013, our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted as equity method investments because of our retained limited partner interest in the investment partnerships.  The Company records Gains from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships.

Long-lived Assets — Impairment and Classification as Held for Sale
We review company-operated restaurants for impairment on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis when events or circumstances indicate a possible impairment. We test for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the total estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the carrying value is written down to the estimated fair value, and a loss is recognized in earnings. The future cash flows expected to be generated by an asset requires significant judgment regarding future performance of the asset, fair market value if the asset were to be sold, and other financial and economic assumptions.

We sell restaurants that have been closed due to underperformance. We classify an asset as held for sale in the period during which each of the following conditions is met: (a) management has committed to a plan to sell the asset; (b) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition; (c) an active search for a buyer has been initiated; (d) completion of the sale of the asset within one year is probable; (e) the asset is being marketed at a reasonable price; and (f) no significant changes to the plan of sale are expected. There is judgment involved in estimating the timing of completing the sale of an asset.
 
 
16

 

 
Insurance Reserves
We currently self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our workers’ compensation, general liability, directors’ and officers’ liability, and auto liability insurance programs. For certain programs, we purchase reinsurance for individual and aggregate claims that exceed predetermined limits. We record a liability for all unresolved claims and our estimates of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims at the anticipated cost to us. The liability estimate is based on information received from insurance companies, combined with management’s judgments regarding frequency and severity of claims, claims development history, and settlement practices. Significant judgment is required to estimate IBNR claims as parties have yet to assert a claim, and therefore the degree to which injuries have been incurred and the related costs have not yet been determined. Additionally, estimates about future costs involve significant judgment regarding legislation, case jurisdictions, and other matters.

We self-insure our group health insurance risk. We record a liability for our group health insurance for all applied claims and our estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Our estimate is based on information received from our insurance company and claims processing practices.

Our reserves for self-insured liabilities at September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012 were $8,629 and $7,971, respectively.

Income Taxes
We record deferred tax assets or liabilities based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities using currently enacted rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record deferred tax assets to the extent we believe there will be sufficient future taxable income to utilize those assets prior to their expiration. To the extent deferred tax assets would be unable to be utilized, we would record a valuation allowance against the unrealizable amount and record that amount as a charge against earnings. Due to changing tax laws and state income tax rates, significant judgment is required to estimate the effective tax rate expected to apply to tax differences that are expected to reverse in the future. We must also make estimates about the sufficiency of taxable income in future periods to offset any deductions related to deferred tax assets currently recorded. Based on 2013 results, a change of one percentage point in the annual effective tax rate would have an impact of $2,165 on net earnings.

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
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 required analysis of potential impairment of goodwill requires a two-step approach. The first step 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 exists when the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. The valuation methodology and underlying financial information included in our determination of fair value require significant management judgments. We use both market and income approaches to derive fair value. The judgments in these two approaches include, but are not limited to, comparable market multiples, long-term projections of future financial performance, and the selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.

Leases
Restaurant Operations leases certain properties under operating leases. Many of these lease agreements contain rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, including cancelable option periods when failure to exercise such options would result in an economic penalty. We use a time period for straight-line rent expense calculation that equals or exceeds the time period used for depreciation. In addition, the rent commencement date of the lease term is the earlier of the date when they become legally obligated for the rent payments or the date when they take access to the grounds for build out. Accounting for leases involves significant management judgment.
 
 
17

 

 
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 periods indicated:

   
2013
(52 weeks)
   
2012
(52 weeks)
   
2011
(52 Weeks)
 
Net revenues
                 
Restaurant Operations:
                 
Net sales
    97.5 %     97.5 %     97.9 %
Franchise royalties and fees
    1.6       1.3       1.2  
Other revenue
    0.4       0.3       0.3  
Total
    99.5       99.1       99.5  
Investment Management Operations:
                       
Management fee income
                0.0  
Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships:
                       
Investment gains
    0.5       0.8       0.4  
Other income
    0.0       0.0       0.1  
Total
    0.5       0.9       0.5  
Total net revenues
    100.0       100.0       100.0  
                         
Costs and expenses
                       
Cost of sales (1)
    29.6       28.7       27.7  
Restaurant operating costs (1)
    47.3       46.8       47.7  
General and administrative
    10.2       8.7       6.8  
Depreciation and amortization
    3.3       3.6       4.0  
Marketing
    5.9       5.7       5.4  
Rent
    2.4       2.4       2.4  
Pre-opening costs
    0.0       0.1       0.0  
Provision for restaurant closings
    0.2       0.1       0.1  
Impairment of intangible assets
    0.2              
Loss on disposal of assets
    0.1       0.1       0.1  
Other operating (income) expense
    (0.1 )     (0.1 )     (0.2 )
                         
Other income (expenses)
                       
Interest, dividend and other investment income
    1.1       0.5       0.1  
Interest on obligations under leases
    (1.3 )     (1.4 )     (1.5 )
Interest expense
    (0.9 )     (1.1 )     (0.4 )
Loss on debt extinguishment
          (0.3 )      
Gain on sale of Biglari Capital Corp.
    0.2              
Gain on contributions to investment partnerships.
    24.2              
Realized investment gains/losses
    0.0       0.6       1.0  
Other than temporary impairment
    (0.1 )            
Derivative and short sale gains/losses
                0.1  
Total other income (expenses)
    23.2       (1.6 )     (0.7 )
                         
Earnings before income taxes
    26.0       4.2       6.7  
                         
Income tax from operating earnings
    8.9       0.9       2.0  
Income tax on gains from investment partnerships
    0.9              
Total income taxes
    9.8       0.9       2.0  
                         
Gains from investment partnerships
    2.7              
                         
Consolidated net earnings
    18.9       3.3       4.8  
Earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest:
                       
Income allocation
    (0.3 )     (0.4 )     (0.3 )
Incentive fee
    0.0       0.0       0.4  
Total earnings/loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
    (0.3 )     (0.4 )     0.1  
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
    18.6 %     2.9 %     4.9 %

 
(1)
Cost of sales and Restaurant operating costs are expressed as a percentage of Net sales.
 
 
18

 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2013 Compared with Fiscal Year 2012

Net Earnings Attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
We recorded net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $140,271 or $97.90 per diluted share, for the current year, as compared with net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $21,593, or $14.99 per diluted share, in 2012.  The increase was primarily driven by a pre-tax gain of $182,746 ($114,931 net of tax) on contributions to investment partnerships and a $20,068 pre-tax gain from changes in the carrying value of the investment partnerships.  Earnings per share have been retroactively restated for all years to account for the 2013 rights offering.

Net Revenues
In 2013, net sales increased 2.1% from $721,754 to $736,968, primarily due to the performance of our Restaurant Operations, mainly through the increase in Steak n Shake’s same-store sales. Steak n Shake’s same-store sales increased 2.2% during 2013. (Customer traffic increased by 2.1%.)

Franchise royalties and fees increased 21.9% during 2013. The number of franchised units increased from 170 at the end of 2012 to 186 at the end of 2013. Franchise fees in conjunction with the opening of the franchised stores alone accounted for a 4.7% increase.  The remaining 17.2% increase is primarily attributable to royalties from new Steak n Shake franchised stores, opened in 2012 and 2013.

Cost and Expenses
The cost of sales in the current year was $218,199 or 29.6% of net sales, compared with $207,234 or 28.7% of net sales in 2012. Higher revenues impacted cost of sales by approximately $5.4 million.  Higher commodity prices impacted cost of sales by approximately $3.2 million.

Restaurant operating costs in the current year were $348,654 or 47.3% of net sales compared to $337,905 or 46.8% of net sales in 2012. Restaurant operating costs increased because of, inter alia, increased staffing in our stores of $4.3 million, higher supply costs of $2.3 million, and higher insurance costs of $1.6 million.

General and administrative expenses increased from $64,286 or 8.7% of total net revenues in 2012 to $76,799 or 10.2% of total net revenues in the current year. Increased training in 2013 resulted in a $2.7 million higher expense, largely tied to franchise openings. In addition, our efforts to franchise the Steak n Shake concept domestically and internationally has steadily increased General and administrative expenses. In fiscal 2013, direct franchising costs represent 24.8% of Steak n Shake’s general and administrative expenses, up from 14.8% in fiscal 2012.
 
Depreciation and amortization expense was $25,250 or 3.3% of total net revenues in the current year, versus $26,424 or 3.6% of total net revenues in 2012.

Marketing expense was $44,375 or 5.9% of total net revenues in the current year, versus $42,531 or 5.7% of total net revenues in 2012.  The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in radio advertising.

Rent expense in 2013 remained consistent at 2.4% as a percentage of total net revenues compared to the prior year.

Asset impairments and provision for restaurant closings for 2013 were $1,738 or 0.2% of total net revenues in the current year, versus $901 or 0.1% of total net revenues in 2012. Steak n Shake recorded asset impairment costs of $1,666 for 2013 and $901 for 2012. No Steak n Shake company-operated restaurants were closed in 2013 or 2012.  Western closed one company-operated restaurant in 2013 and recorded restaurant closing costs of $72.

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.

Loss on disposal of assets was $1,111 or 0.1% of total net revenues in the current year compared to $611 or 0.1% of total net revenues in the prior year.

Other Income (Expenses)
We recorded interest, dividend and other investment income of $8,265 in 2013 mostly from dividends relating to our investment in Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. versus $4,000 recorded in 2012.

Interest expense on obligations under leases was $9,829 or 1.3% of total net revenues in the current year, versus $10,073 or 1.4% of total net revenues in 2012.
 
 
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Interest expense decreased from $8,155 in 2012 to $6,551 in the current year.  The decrease primarily pertained to lower interest on Steak n Shake’s current credit facility, which was entered into on September 25, 2012 compared to Steak n Shake’s former credit facility, which was entered into on September 8, 2011.  The interest rate on Steak n Shake’s current credit facility was 3.94% on September 25, 2013. The total outstanding debt for the Company on September 25, 2013 was $120,250 compared to $132,388 on September 26, 2012.

The loss on extinguishment of debt for 2012 of $1,955 related to the write-off of deferred loan costs associated with Steak n Shake’s former credit facility.

Our 2013 effective income tax rate increased to 37.8% from the 2012 effective income tax rate of 20.7%.  The increase in the tax rate is primarily attributable to Gains from investment partnerships of $20,068 not included in Earnings before income taxes and Gain on contributions to investment partnerships of $182,746 taxed at 37.1%.

Biglari Holdings Investment Gains
For 2013 we recorded Gain on sale of Biglari Capital Corp. of $1,597, Gain on contributions to investment partnerships of $182,746, Other than temporary impairment of $570, and realized investment gains of $1 related to dispositions on marketable equity securities. We recorded net realized investment gains of $4,200 for 2012 related to dispositions of marketable equity securities.

Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships Investment Gains
Prior to the July 1, 2013 deconsolidation of our affiliated partnerships, we recorded a net realized gain of $261 for 2013 related to dispositions of investments held by our consolidated affiliated partnerships, plus an unrealized net investment gain of $3,336 for a total of $3,597.  We also received an incentive fee of $21. These amounts were offset by $1,922 related to earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Investment Partnerships
We recorded $20,068 of Gains from investment partnerships in 2013.  Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted for as equity method investments after the July 1, 2013 deconsolidation of our affiliated partnerships.  The carrying value of investment partnerships are inclusive of unrealized gains and losses on their securities. Our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships is net of an estimated accrued incentive fee payable to Biglari Capital Corp., the general partner.

Fiscal Year 2012 Compared with Fiscal Year 2011

Net Earnings Attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
We recorded net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $21,593, or $14.99 per diluted share, for 2012, as compared with net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $34,565, or $24.00 per diluted share, in 2011.

Net Revenues
In 2012, net sales increased 3.9% from $694,378 to $721,754, primarily due to the performance of our Restaurant Operations, mainly through the increase in Steak n Shake’s same-store sales. Steak n Shake’s same-store sales increased 3.8% during 2012. (Customer traffic of 3.7%.)

Franchise royalties and fees increased 12.0% during 2012. The number of franchised units increased from 165 at the end of 2011 to 170 at the end of 2012. The increase in revenue is primarily attributable to new Steak n Shake franchised stores opened in 2011 and 2012.

Cost and Expenses
Cost of sales was $207,234 or 28.7% of net sales, compared with $192,645 or 27.7% of net sales in 2011. Higher commodity prices impacted cost of sales by approximately $8.6 million.  Higher revenues impacted cost of sales by approximately $6.9 million.

Restaurant operating costs were $337,905 or 46.8% of net sales compared to $331,262 or 47.7% of net sales in 2011.  Restaurant operating costs primarily increased because of higher insurance costs of $4.0 million and higher employment taxes of $2.2 million.
 
 
20

 

 
General and administrative expenses increased from $48,404 or 6.8% of total net revenues in 2011 to $64,286 or 8.7% of total net revenues largely because of an increase in legal and professional services of $3.8 million, as well as higher incentive compensation costs of $7.7 million. Moreover, investment related expenses (i.e., incentive compensation) appear on the income statement, but any corresponding unrealized capital gains run through the balance sheet as other comprehensive income.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $26,424 or 3.6% of total net revenues, versus $28,361 or 4.0% of total net revenues in 2011.

Marketing expense was $42,531 or 5.7% of total net revenues, versus $38,476 or 5.4% of total net revenues in 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in marketing efforts and higher production costs associated with our television commercials.

Rent expense in 2012 remained consistent at 2.4% as a percentage of total net revenues compared to the prior year.

Asset impairments and provision for restaurant closings for 2012 was $901 or 0.1% of total net revenues, versus $1,032 or 0.1% of total net revenues in 2011.

Loss on disposal of assets was $611 or 0.1% of total net revenues compared to $702 or 0.1% of total net revenues in the prior year.

Other Income (Expenses)
We recorded interest, dividend and other investment income of $4,000 in 2012 mostly through the receipt of dividends relating to our increased investment in Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. versus $742 recorded in 2011.

Interest expense on obligations under leases was $10,073 or 1.4% of total net revenues, versus $10,565 or 1.5% of total net revenues in 2011.

Interest expense increased from $2,811 in 2011 to $8,155 in 2012.  The increase primarily pertained to the interest on Steak n Shake’s former credit facility, which was entered into on September 8, 2011. A full year of interest is reflected in our 2012 results.  Steak n Shake entered into a new credit facility on September 25, 2012, which is further discussed in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.  The total outstanding debt for the Company on September 26, 2012 was $132,388 compared to $127,558 on September 28, 2011.

The loss on extinguishment of debt for 2012 of $1,955 related to the write-off of deferred loan costs associated with Steak n Shake’s former credit facility.  We had no gains/losses on debt extinguishment in 2011.

Our 2012 effective income tax rate decreased to 20.7% from the 2011 effective income tax rate of 29.0%. The decrease in the tax rate is primarily attributable to dividends received from equity investments, which are taxed at lower rates than is the income derived from wholly owned businesses.

Biglari Holdings Investment Gains
We recorded net realized investment gains of $4,200 for 2012 related to dispositions of marketable equity securities.  We recorded $7,360 of net realized gains on investments and $610 of investment gains related to the change in fair value of derivatives and securities sold short in 2011. We directly hold these investments, not our consolidated affiliated partnerships.

Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships Investment Gains
We recorded a net realized gain of $2,895 for 2012 related to dispositions of investments held by our consolidated affiliated partnerships, plus an unrealized net investment gain of $3,047 for a total of $5,942.  We also received an incentive fee of $36. These amounts were offset by $3,188 related to earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Effects of Governmental Regulations and Inflation
Most Restaurant Operation employees are paid hourly rates related to minimum wage laws. Any increase in the legal minimum wage would directly increase our operating costs. We are also subject to various laws related to zoning, land use, health and safety standards, working conditions, and accessibility standards. Any changes in these laws that require improvements to our restaurants would increase our operating costs. In addition, we are subject to franchise registration requirements and certain related laws regarding franchise operations. Any changes in these laws could affect our ability to attract and retain franchisees.

Inflation in food, labor, fringe benefits, energy costs, transportation costs and other operating costs directly affect our operations.
 
 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We generated $38,792 in cash flows from operations during 2013 based primarily on net earnings.  We generated $49,966 and $74,751 in cash flows from operations during 2012 and 2011, respectively, based primarily on net earnings and due to timing of receipts and payment of disbursements related to operating activities.

Net cash used in investing activities of $60,765, $87,885 and $89,503 during 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, was primarily a result of net purchases of investments and capital expenditures.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $56,343 in 2013, which was primarily the result of the Rights offering.
 
Net cash used in financing activities of $709 in 2012 was a result of principal payments on Steak n Shake’s former credit facility and direct financing lease obligations offset by borrowings under the Credit Facility.  Net cash provided by financing activities of $66,176 during 2011 resulted primarily from borrowings on long-term debt.

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.

Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships
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.  Because we have ceased to have a controlling interest in the consolidated affiliated partnerships, they are no longer consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.  From July 1, 2013, we record gains/losses from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on the securities) in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings based on the carrying value of proportional ownership interests in the investment partnerships.

Collectively, the Lion Fund and Western Acquisitions 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 September 26, 2012, the consolidated affiliated partnerships held 205,743 shares of the Company’s common stock.  However, beginning July 1, 2013, only the Company’s proportional share of its common stock held by the investment partnerships is recorded as Treasury stock.  As of September 25, 2013 our proportional share of the Company’s common stock held by the investment partnerships was 132,406 shares.

Net earnings of the Company included the realized and unrealized appreciation/depreciation of the investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships, other than realized and unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments the consolidated affiliated partnerships held in the Company’s common stock, which was eliminated in the consolidation.

In fiscal year 2010, Biglari Holdings invested a total of $35,697 in the Lion Fund, both in the form of the acquisition of the general partner and as a direct limited partner investment. The fair value of these investments in the Lion Fund totaled $48,306 at September 26, 2012. These investments in the Lion Fund did not appear explicitly in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 26, 2012 because of the requirement to consolidate fully the Lion Fund (inclusive of third party interests) in the Company’s financial statement. Further, the Lion Fund’s portfolio holds significant interest in Biglari Holdings’ common stock, which was classified on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as a reduction to Shareholders’ equity as of September 26, 2012.
 
 
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Steak n Shake Credit Facility
On September 25, 2012, Steak n Shake, as borrower, entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with the lenders party thereto. The Credit Facility consists of a $130,000 senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan”) and a $50,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”). As of September 25, 2013, outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan were $120,250 and there were no borrowings under the Revolver.

The Term Loan matures on September 25, 2017 and has a repayment schedule with quarterly amortization, beginning on December 31, 2012, initially equal to 1.875% of the initial principal amount of the Term Loan (as adjusted pursuant to the Credit Facility), together with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount to be paid, with the balance due at maturity. The Revolver will be available until September 25, 2017. Interest on the Term Loan and Revolver is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 3.00% to 3.75% or a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.00% to 2.75%. The applicable margins are contingent on Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio. The Revolver also carries a commitment fee ranging from 0.35% to 0.50%, based on Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio, per annum on the unused portion of the credit line.

As of September 25, 2013, the interest rate on the Term Loan was 3.94%.

The Credit Facility includes affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, as well as financial covenants relating to a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio.  Steak n Shake was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facility as of September 25, 2013.

On September 18, 2013, Steak and Shake entered into a first amendment to the Credit Facility.  The amendment provided the ability for Steak n Shake to make investments in the investment partnerships, extended the maximum total leverage ratio up to 3.75 to 1.00 for the period ending September 30, 2013, and made certain other amendments to the Credit Facility.

Both the Term Loan and the Revolver are 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.  $114,176 of the proceeds of the Term Loan was used to repay all outstanding amounts under Steak n Shake’s former credit facility. The remaining Term Loan proceeds of $15,824 were used for working capital and general corporate purposes. Steak n Shake incurred no material early termination penalties in connection with retiring the former credit facility.

We recorded a $1,955 loss on the extinguishment of debt for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2012 related to the write-off of deferred loan costs associated with the former credit facility.

We had $6,588 and $4,781 in standby letters of credit outstanding as of September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, respectively.

Security Agreement
In connection with the Credit Facility, Steak n Shake entered into a security agreement (the “Security Agreement”) with Fifth Third Bank. Pursuant to the Security Agreement, Steak n Shake granted to Fifth Third a lien on all of the Pledged Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement).  The Pledged Collateral does not include the real estate of Steak n Shake, but such real estate is subject to a springing lien if Steak n Shake does not maintain certain leverage ratios.

Interest Rate Swap
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 $214 on September 25, 2013 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 its 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 $10,000 on September 25, 2013. The fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $187 and $351 on September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, respectively, and is included in Accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
 
23

 

 
Western Real Estate Loan Agreement and Note Payable
Western Real Estate, L.P. (“Western RE”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western, had a promissory note of $2,293 as of September 26, 2012. The balance of the note was paid in full on November 28, 2012.

The carrying amounts for debt reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet do not differ materially from their fair market values at September 25, 2013.

Debentures
The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of Western. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each share of Western’s common stock was cancelled upon the completion of the merger and converted into the right to receive a pro rata portion of a new issue of 14% redeemable subordinated debentures due 2015 issued by the Company (the “Debentures”) in the aggregate principal amount of $22,959 with cash paid in lieu of fractional Debenture interests. The Company paid $194 in lieu of fractional Debentures.

On March 30, 2011, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding Debentures. The Debentures were redeemed for cash at an aggregate redemption price of approximately $23,420, representing 100% of the principal amount outstanding, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, March 30, 2011. The Debentures were issued and the redemption was effected pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture, dated March 30, 2010 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. Upon the redemption of the Debentures, the Company’s obligations under the Debentures and the Indenture were satisfied and discharged in accordance with their terms. Included in the Debentures aggregate redemption price of $23,420 was approximately $7,804 of principal and interest paid to the Lion Fund. The payment to the Lion Fund does not appear explicitly in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for 2011 because of the requirement to consolidate fully the Lion Fund in the Company’s financial statements.
 
 
24

 

 
Contractual Obligations
Our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of September 25, 2013 are shown in the following table:
 
   
Payments due by period
 
       
Contractual Obligations
 
Less than
1 year
   
1 – 3 years
   
3 – 5 years
   
More than
5 years
   
Total
 
Long-term debt (1) (2) 
  $ 14,703     $ 34,487     $ 87,891     $     $ 137,081  
Capital leases and finance obligations(1) 
    15,960       28,733       19,047       14,168       77,908  
Operating leases (3) 
    15,110       27,038       22,717       59,928       124,793  
Purchase commitments (4) 
    2,048       883       29             2,960  
Other long-term liabilities (5) 
                      1,202       1,202  
Total
  $ 47,821     $ 91,141     $ 129,684     $ 75,298     $ 343,944  
   
(1)
Includes principal and interest and assumes payoff of indebtedness at maturity date.
(2)
Includes outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.
(3)
Excludes amounts to be paid for contingent rents. Includes amounts to be paid for subleased properties.
(4)
Includes agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms. Excludes agreements that are cancelable without penalty.
(5)
Includes liabilities for Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. Excludes our unrecognized tax benefits of $803 as of September 25, 2013 because we cannot make a reliable estimate of the timing of cash payments.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements other than operating leases entered into in the normal course of business.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
For detailed information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements and the expected impact on our financial statements, see Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In general, forward-looking statements include estimates of future revenues, cash flows, capital expenditures, or other financial items, and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “may,” and other similar terminology. A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or circumstances may not occur. Investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. These forward-looking statements are all based on currently available operating, financial, and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Our actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, many beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, Risk Factors set forth above. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise them, except as may be required by law.
 
 
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Item 7A.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
The majority of our investments are conducted through investment partnerships which generally hold common stocks. We also hold marketable securities directly. Through direct and indirect (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 so we are not troubled by short-term price volatility with respect to our investments.  Our interests in the investment partnerships are committed on a rolling 5-year basis. Market prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation. Consequently the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value.  A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the market price of our investments would result in a respective increase or decrease in the fair market value of our investments of $48,318, along with a corresponding change in Shareholders’ equity of approximately 5%.

At September 25, 2013 interest on the Term Loan and Revolver was based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 3.00% to 3.75% or a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.00% to 2.75%, based on Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio. At September 25, 2013, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in short-term interest rates would have an impact of approximately $281 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 $214 on September 25, 2013. 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 $187 at September 25, 2013.

We began to transact business in international markets in fiscal year 2013. We have had minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
 
 
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Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Biglari Holdings Inc.
San Antonio, Texas

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Biglari Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Biglari Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements, during 2013, the Company contributed cash and securities with an aggregate value of $377.6 million to investment partnerships.  The Company and its subsidiaries have invested in the investment partnerships in the form of limited partner interests.  These investments are subject to a rolling five-year lock-up period under the terms of the respective partnership agreements for the investment partnerships.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 25, 2013, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated December 7, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
December 7, 2013
 
 
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Biglari Holdings Inc.
San Antonio, Texas

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Biglari Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 25, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 25, 2013, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended September 25, 2013 of the Company and our report dated December 7, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule and included an emphasis of a matter paragraph relating to the contribution of cash and securities to investment partnerships that are subject to a rolling five-year lock-up period.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
December 7, 2013
 
 
28

 

 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of Biglari Holdings Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, and effected by the board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and includes those policies and procedures that:

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets of the company;
Provide assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company;
Provide assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements; and
Ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to management by others within those entities, particularly during the period which this report is being prepared.
 
Because of inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of September 25, 2013 based on the criteria set forth in a report entitled Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that, as of September 25, 2013, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has issued an audit report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and its report is included herein.


/s/ Sardar Biglari
 
/s/ Bruce Lewis
Sardar Biglari
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
Bruce Lewis
Controller
   
 
 
29

 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)
 
   
2013
(52 Weeks)
   
2012
(52 Weeks)
   
2011
(52 Weeks)
 
Net revenues
                 
Restaurant Operations:
                 
Net sales
  $ 736,968     $ 721,754     $ 694,378  
Franchise royalties and fees
    11,741       9,631       8,600  
Other revenue
    3,210       2,520       2,425  
Total
    751,919       733,905       705,403  
Investment Management Operations:
                       
Management fee income
                224  
Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships:
                       
Investment gains
    3,597       5,942       3,135  
Other income
    306       360       438  
Total
    3,903       6,302       3,797  
Total net revenues
    755,822       740,207       709,200  
                         
Costs and expenses
                       
Cost of sales
    218,199       207,234       192,645  
Restaurant operating costs
    348,654       337,905       331,262  
General and administrative
    76,799       64,286       48,404  
Depreciation and amortization
    25,250       26,424       28,361  
Marketing
    44,375       42,531       38,476  
Rent
    18,453       17,638       16,891  
Pre-opening costs
    199       430       89  
Provision for restaurant closings
    1,738       901       1,032  
Impairment of intangible asset
    1,244              
Loss on disposal of assets
    1,111       611       702  
Other operating (income) expense
    (934 )     (934 )     (1,157 )
Total costs and expenses, net
    735,088       697,026       656,705  
                         
Other income (expenses)
                       
Interest, dividend and other investment income
    8,265       4,000       742  
Interest on obligations under leases
    (9,829 )     (10,073 )     (10,565 )
Interest expense
    (6,551 )     (8,155 )     (2,811 )
Loss on debt extinguishment
          (1,955        
Gain on sale of Biglari Capital Corp.
    1,597              
Gain on contributions to investment partnerships
    182,746              
Realized investment gains
    1       4,200       7,360  
Other than temporary impairment
    (570 )            
Derivative and short sale gains
                610  
Total other income (expenses)
    175,659       (11,983 )     (4,664 )
                         
Earnings before income taxes
    196,393       31,198       47,831  
                         
Income tax from operating earnings
    67,517       6,453       13,867  
Income tax on gains from investment partnerships
    6,772              
Total income taxes
    74,289       6,453       13,867  
                         
Gains from investment partnerships
    20,068              
                         
Consolidated net earnings
    142,172       24,745       33,964  
                         
Earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest:
                       
Income allocation
    (1,922 )     (3,188 )     (1,909 )
Incentive fee
    21       36       2,510  
Total earnings/loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
    (1,901 )     (3,152 )     601  
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
  $ 140,271     $ 21,593     $ 34,565  
                         
Earnings per share attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
                       
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 98.11     $ 15.02     $ 24.13  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 97.90     $ 14.99     $ 24.00  
Weighted average shares and equivalents
                       
Basic
    1,429,684       1,437,321       1,432,728  
Diluted
    1,432,737       1,440,834       1,440,215  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
30

 

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s)

   
2013
(52 Weeks)
   
2012
(52 Weeks)
   
2011
(52 Weeks)
 
                   
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. 
  $ 140,271     $ 21,593     $ 34,565  
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
                       
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings
    (1 )     (1,455 )     2,213  
Applicable income taxes
          553       (861 )
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings on contribution to investment partnerships
    (182,746 )            
Applicable income taxes
    67,815              
Reclassification of other than temporary impairment losses on investments
    461              
Applicable income taxes
    (175 )            
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments
    146,079       81,075       (9,144 )
Applicable income taxes
    (53,881 )     (30,808 )     3,476  
Foreign currency translation gains
    8              
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net
    (22,440 )     49,365       (4,316 )
Total comprehensive income
  $ 117,831     $ 70,958     $ 30,249  


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
31

 

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

   
September 25, 2013
   
September 26, 2012
 
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 94,626     $ 60,359  
Investments
    85,479       269,858  
Receivables, net of allowance of $804 and $744, respectively
    7,055       7,001  
Inventories
    6,475       6,624  
Assets held for sale
    561       2,357  
Other current assets
    3,290       2,798  
Total current assets
    197,486       348,997  
Property and equipment, net
    346,147       356,638  
Goodwill
    28,251       27,529  
Other intangible assets, net
    7,721       6,248  
Other assets
    11,239       9,109  
Investment partnerships
    397,699        
Investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships
          25,266  
Total assets
  $ 988,543     $ 773,787  
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
               
Liabilities
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 37,511     $ 33,210  
Accrued expenses
    54,003       53,866  
Deferred income taxes
    5,511       19,367  
Current portion of obligations under leases
    6,239       5,713  
Current portion of long-term debt
    9,750       12,138  
Total current liabilities
    113,014       124,294  
Deferred income taxes
    84,525       8,675  
Obligations under leases
    106,247       110,353  
Long-term debt
    110,500       120,250  
Other long-term liabilities
    9,668       9,002  
Total liabilities
    423,954       372,574  
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 15 and 19)
               
Redeemable noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliated partnerships
          52,088  
Shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock – $0.50 stated value, 2,500,000 shares authorized – 1,797,941 and 1,511,174 shares issued at September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, respectively, 1,588,376 and 1,227,928 shares outstanding (net of treasury stock), respectively
    899       756  
Additional paid-in capital
    269,810       143,035  
Retained earnings
    348,339       251,983  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    21,457       43,897  
Treasury stock – at cost: 209,565 and 283,246 shares at September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, respectively (includes 132,406 shares held by investment partnerships at September 25, 2013 and 205,743 shares held by consolidated affiliated partnerships at September 26, 2012)
    (75,916 )     (90,546 )
Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity
    564,589       349,125  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 988,543     $ 773,787  


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
32

 

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s)

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(52 Weeks)
   
(52 Weeks)
   
(52 Weeks)
 
Operating activities
                 
Net earnings
  $ 142,172     $ 24,745     $ 33,964  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows (excluding investment
operations of consolidated affiliated partnerships):
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    25,250       26,424       28,361  
Provision for deferred income taxes
    72,035       (2,727 )     (2,186 )
Asset impairments and provision for restaurant closings
    1,738       901       1,032  
Impairment of intangible assets
    1,244              
Stock-based compensation and other non-cash expenses
    526       888       950  
Loss on disposal of assets
    1,111       611       702  
Gain on sale of Biglari Capital Corp.
    (1,597 )            
Gain on contributions to investment partnerships
    (182,746 )            
Gain on sale of subsidiary
                (1,559 )
Loss on debt extinguishment
          1,955        
Realized investment gains/losses
    (1 )     (4,200 )     (7,360 )
Other than temporary impairments on investments
    570              
Derivative and short sale gains/losses
                (610 )
Gains from investment partnerships
    (20,068 )            
Changes in receivables and inventories
    195       (3,659 )     2,066  
Changes in other assets
    (2,742 )     1,019       2,972  
Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    3,764       10,491       12,918  
Investment operations of consolidated affiliated partnerships:
                       
Purchases of investments
     —       (14,477 )     (53,727 )
Sales of investments
    1,516       26,052       52,271  
Realized investment gains, net
    (261 )     (2,895 )     (3,365 )
Unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities held by consolidated affiliated partnerships
    (3,336 )     (3,047 )     230  
Changes in cash and cash equivalents held by consolidated affiliated partnerships
    (578 )     (12,115 )     7,870  
Changes in due to/from broker
                222  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    38,792       49,966       74,751  
Investing activities
                       
Additions of property and equipment
    (14,167 )     (8,675 )     (13,018 )
Proceeds from property and equipment disposals
    2,449       2,379       2,007  
Purchase of business and lease rights
    (3,770 )            
Proceeds from sale of Biglari Capital Corp., net of cash on hand
    1,699              
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of cash on hand
     —             196  
Purchases of investments and contributions to investment partnerships
    (46,977 )     (108,825 )     (171,893 )
Sales of investments
    1       38,108       90,058  
Changes in due to/from broker
     —       (7,272 )     3,147  
Changes in restricted cash
     —       (3,600 )      
Net cash used in investing activities
    (60,765 )     (87,885 )     (89,503 )
Financing activities
                       
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
    17,000             194,045  
Payments on revolving credit facility
    (17,000 )     (15,000 )     (197,045 )
Borrowings on long-term debt
     —       130,000       111,959  
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (12,138 )     (110,170 )     (17,333 )
Deferred financing charges
     —       (1,961 )     (3,174 )
Principal payments on direct financing lease obligations
    (5,904 )     (5,272 )     (7,469 )
Proceeds from stock rights offering
    75,595              
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employees stock purchase plan
    13       29       29  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards
    3       382       3  
Repurchase of employee shares for tax withholding
          (8 )     (541 )
Financing activities of consolidated affiliated partnerships:
                       
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
    1,076       1,545       1,780  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
    (2,302 )     (254 )     (16,078 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    56,343       (709 )     66,176  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (103 )            
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    34,267       (38,628 )     51,424  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    60,359       98,987       47,563  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 94,626     $ 60,359     $ 98,987  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
33

 

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s except share data)
   
Common Stock
   
Additional Paid-In Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Treasury Stock
   
Total
 
  
                                   
Balance at September 29, 2010
  $ 756     $ 143,521     $ 195,825     $ (1,152 )   $ (89,955 )   $ 248,995  
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
                    34,565                       34,565  
Other comprehensive loss, net
                            (4,316 )             (4,316 )
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions
            375                       (614 )     (239 )
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum redemption value
            673                               673  
Balance at September 28, 2011
  $ 756     $ 144,569     $ 230,390     $ (5,468 )   $ (90,569 )   $ 279,678  
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
                    21,593                       21,593  
Other comprehensive income, net
                            49,365               49,365  
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions
            859                       23       882  
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum redemption value
            (2,393 )                             (2,393 )
Balance at September 26, 2012
  $ 756     $ 143,035     $ 251,983     $ 43,897     $ (90,546 )   $ 349,125  
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
                    140,271                       140,271  
Other comprehensive loss, net
                            (22,440 )             (22,440 )
Deconsolidation of affiliated partnerships
            12,224                       25,640       37,864  
Adjustment to Treasury stock for holdings in investment partnerships
                                    (11,033 )     ( 11,033 )
Issuance of common stock for rights offering
    143       119,367       (43,915 )                     75,595  
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions
            (6 )                     23       17  
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum redemption value
            (4,810 )                             (4,810 )
Balance at September 25, 2013
  $ 899     $ 269,810     $ 348,339     $ 21,457     $ (75,916 )   $ 564,589  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
34

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)
 
 
Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business
Biglari Holdings Inc. (“Biglari Holdings” or the “Company”) is a diversified holding company engaged in a number of business activities.  The Company’s most important 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.

Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year ends on the last Wednesday in September. Fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 each contain 52 weeks.

Principles of Consolidation
As of September 25, 2013, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of (i) the Company and (ii) its wholly-owned subsidiaries Steak n Shake Operations, Inc. (“Steak n Shake”) and Western Sizzlin Corporation (“Western”).  In addition to consolidating wholly-owned entities we consolidate entities if we have a controlling interest in the general partner.

As a result of acquisitions in 2010 the Company obtained controlling interests in The Lion Fund, L.P. (the “Lion Fund”), Western Acquisitions, L.P., Mustang Capital Partners I, L.P. and Mustang Capital Partners II, L.P. which were collectively referred to as “consolidated affiliated partnerships”. Prior to the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 the Company consolidated its affiliated partnerships in its consolidated financial statements, which included the accounts of (i) the Company, (ii) its wholly-owned subsidiaries Biglari Capital Corp. (“Biglari Capital”), Steak n Shake, and Western, and (iii) the Lion Fund and Western Acquisitions, L.P.   The consolidated affiliated partnerships’ assets and liabilities were consolidated on the Consolidated Balance Sheet even though outside limited partners had majority ownership in all of the partnerships. The Company did not guarantee any of the liabilities of its subsidiaries that served as general partners to these consolidated affiliated partnerships. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 the Company liquidated the partners’ interest in Western Acquisitions, L.P. by distributing assets of the partnership to the partners and Biglari Holdings sold all of the outstanding shares of Biglari Capital to Mr. Biglari.  Biglari Capital is the general partner of the Lion Fund and the newly-formed The Lion Fund II, L.P. (the “Lion Fund II”).  Lion Fund and Lion Fund II (collectively “investment partnerships”) are limited partnerships that operate as private investment funds.  As a result of the sale of Biglari Capital and the related liquidation of Western Acquisitions, L.P., the Company has ceased to have a controlling interest in the consolidated affiliated partnerships, which are, accordingly, no longer consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, Mustang Capital Partners I, L.P. and Mustang Capital Partners II, L.P. were liquidated and the funds distributed to the partners. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2011, Western Mustang Holdings, L.L.C. sold its interests in Mustang Capital Management, L.L.C. and Mustang Capital Advisors, L.P.

Beginning July 1, 2013, the consolidated financial statements only include the accounts of (i) the Company and (ii) its wholly-owned subsidiaries Steak n Shake and Western.

During fiscal year 2013, the Company contributed cash and securities owned by it in exchange for limited partner interest in the investment partnerships.  Prior to the sale of Biglari Capital, the securities contributed to the investment partnerships were accounted for as available for sale securities with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted for as equity method investments due to our retained limited partner interest.  Prospectively from the sale of Biglari Capital, the Company records earnings from investment partnerships in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships’ total earnings.

Western’s and the investment partnerships’ September 30 period end for financial reporting purposes differs from the end of the Company’s fiscal year. There were no significant transactions in the intervening period.
 
 
35

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)
 
Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents primarily consist of U.S. Government securities and money market accounts, all of which have original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried at fair value. Our policy is to reinvest cash equivalents to acquire businesses or to purchase securities.  Cash held by the consolidated affiliated partnerships is included in Investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Investments
Our investments consist of available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair value with net unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in Shareholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses on disposals of investments are determined by specific identification of cost of investments sold and are included in Realized investment gains/losses, a component of Other income.

Investment Partnerships
Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted as equity method investments because of our retained limited partner interests.  The Company records Gains from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in the partnerships.

Investments Held by Investment Partnerships and Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships
The investment partnerships and consolidated affiliated partnerships are, for purposes of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), investment companies under the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies. The Company has retained the specialized accounting for these entities, pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946-810-45 (formerly EITF Issue No. 85-12, Retention of Specialized Accounting for Investments in Consolidation).

Marketable equity securities held by the consolidated affiliated partnerships are recorded at fair value with net unrealized and realized investment gains/losses included in Investment gains/losses of consolidated affiliated partnerships, a component of Net revenues on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

Concentration of Equity Price Risk
The majority of our investments are conducted through investment partnerships which generally hold common stocks. We also hold marketable securities directly. Through direct and indirect holding (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.

Receivables
Our accounts receivable balance consists primarily of franchisee, tax, and other receivables. We carry our accounts receivable at cost less an allowance for doubtful accounts which is based on a history of past write-offs and collections and current credit conditions.

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market, and consist primarily of restaurant food items and supply inventory.

Assets Held for Sale
Assets held for sale consists of property and equipment related to restaurants and land that is currently being marketed for disposal. Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value less costs to sell.  The Company expects to sell these properties within one year of their classification as assets held for sale.
 
 
36

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)

Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are recognized on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (10 to 25 years for buildings and land improvements, and 3 to 10 years for equipment). Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the term of the related leases. Interest costs associated with the construction of new restaurants are capitalized. Major improvements are also capitalized while repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. We review our long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. For purposes of this assessment, assets are evaluated at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows. If the future undiscounted cash flows of an asset are less than the recorded value, an impairment is recorded for the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset. Refer to Note 3 for information regarding asset impairments.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and indefinite life intangibles are not amortized, but are tested for potential impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances change that could cause goodwill or indefinite life intangibles to become impaired. Other purchased intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally on a straight-line basis. We perform reviews for impairment of intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying value. When an impairment is identified, we reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. No impairments were recorded on goodwill during fiscal years 2013, 2012, or 2011. During fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded an impairment related to the trade name of Western’s company-operated stores.  Refer to Note 10 for information regarding our goodwill and other intangible assets.

Capitalized Software
Internal-use software is stated at cost less accumulated amortization and is amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life ranging from three to seven years. Software assets are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable over the remaining lives of the assets. During the software application development stage, capitalized costs include external consulting costs, cost of software licenses, and internal payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with a software project. Upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if they result in added functionality which enables the software to perform tasks it was previously incapable of performing. Software maintenance, training, data conversion, and business process reengineering costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Capitalized software is included in the balance of Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Operating Leases
The Company leases certain property under operating leases. Many of these lease agreements contain rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, including cancelable option periods when failure to exercise such options would result in an economic penalty. In addition, the rent commencement date of the lease term is the earlier of the date when we become legally obligated for the rent payments or the date when we take access to the property or the grounds for build out.
 
 
37

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)

Revenue Recognition
Net Sales
We record revenue from restaurant sales at the time of sale, net of discounts. Revenue from the sale of gift cards is deferred at the time of sale and recognized upon redemption by the customer or at expiration of the gift cards. Sales revenues are presented net of sales taxes. Cost of sales primarily includes the cost of food and disposable paper and plastic goods used in preparing and selling our menu items and excludes depreciation and amortization, which is presented as a separate line item on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

Franchise Royalties and Fees
Unit franchise fees and area development fees are recorded as revenue when the related restaurant begins operations. Royalty fees and administrative services fees are based on franchise sales and are recognized as revenue as earned.

Other Revenue
Other revenue relates primarily to rental income.

Investment Gains from Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships
Investment gains from consolidated affiliated partnerships include realized and unrealized gains/losses on investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships. Realized gains/losses from the disposal of investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships are determined by specific identification of cost of investments sold.

Insurance Reserves
We self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our workers’ compensation, general liability, auto, directors’ and officers’ and medical liability insurance programs, and record a reserve for our estimated losses on all unresolved open claims and our estimated incurred but not reported claims at the anticipated cost to us. Insurance reserves are recorded in the balance of Accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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, distributing one transferable subscription right (“Rights”) for each share of its common stock to shareholders of record on August 27, 2013.  Every five Rights entitled a shareholder to subscribe for one share of common stock at a price of $265.00.  Shareholders on the record date who fully exercised the Rights distributed to them were also entitled to subscribe for and purchase additional shares of common stock not purchased by other Rights holders through their basic subscription privileges.  The offering was oversubscribed and 286,767 new shares of common stock were issued.  The Company received net proceeds of $75,595 from the offering.  Earnings per share have been retroactively restated for every year to account for the 2013 rights offering.  For fiscal year 2013 financial reporting purposes, the shares of Company stock attributable to our limited partner interest in the Lion Fund — based on our proportional ownership during the period — are considered Treasury stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  For fiscal year 2012 financial reporting purposes all common shares of the Company held by the consolidated affiliated partnerships are recorded in Treasury stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

For purposes of computing the weighted average common shares outstanding 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.
 
 
38

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)

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

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Basic earnings per share:
             
 
 
Weighted average common shares
    1,429,684       1,437,321       1,432,728  
Diluted earnings per share:
                       
Weighted average common shares
    1,429,684       1,437,321       1,432,728  
Dilutive effect of stock awards
    3,053       3,513       7,487  
Weighted average common and incremental shares
    1,432,737       1,440,834       1,440,215  
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
    705       705       705  

Stock-Based Compensation
We account for all stock-based compensation, including grants of employee stock options, nonvested stock and shares issued under our employee stock purchase plan, using the fair value based method. Refer to Note 18 for additional information regarding our stock-based compensation.

The Steak n Shake 401(k) Savings Plan
The Steak n Shake 401(k) Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) is a defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees after they have attained age 21 and completed six months of service and allows employees to defer up to 20% of their salaries and allows for discretionary matching contributions. Discretionary matching contributions of $207, $213 and $271 were made in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Marketing Expense
Advertising costs are charged to expense at the later of the date the expenditure is incurred or the date the promotional item is first communicated.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan
We maintain The Steak n Shake Non-Qualified Savings Plan, a self-directed non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the “Non-Qualified Plan”) for executive employees. The Non-Qualified Plan allows highly compensated employees to defer amounts from their salaries for retirement savings and includes a discretionary employer match generally equal to the amount of the match the employee would have received as a participant in our 401(k) Plan. The Non-Qualified Plan is structured as a rabbi trust; therefore, assets in the Non-Qualified Plan are subject to creditor claims in the event of bankruptcy. We recognize investment assets in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at current fair value. A liability of the same amount is recorded in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet representing our obligation to distribute funds to participants. The investment assets are classified as trading, and accordingly, realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in income.

Use of Estimates
Preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from the estimates.
 
 
39

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)

New Accounting Standards
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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.  We do not believe the adoption of ASU 2013−02 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 will have a material impact on the measurement of net earnings or other comprehensive income.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities and in January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11, as clarified, enhances disclosures surrounding offsetting (netting) assets and liabilities. The clarified standard applies to derivatives, repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions and requires companies to disclose gross and net information about financial instruments and derivatives eligible for offset and to disclose financial instruments and derivatives subject to master netting arrangements in financial statements. The clarified standard did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

In October 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-04, Technical Corrections and Improvements, which makes certain technical corrections (i.e., relatively minor corrections and clarifications) and “conforming fair value amendments” to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”). The corrections and improvements include technical corrections based on feedback on the Codification and conforming amendments primarily related to fair value in areas outside of ASC 820. The amendments affect various Codification topics and apply to all reporting entities within the scope of those topics and became effective for the Company on December 20, 2012.  The adoption of ASU 2012-04 did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012−02, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.  The revised standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of testing indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment. It allows companies to perform a “qualitative” assessment to determine whether further impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets is necessary, similar in approach to the goodwill impairment test.  The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2012-02 did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011−12, Comprehensive Income. The amendments in ASU 2011-12 supersede certain pending paragraphs in ASU 2011−05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income to effectively defer only those changes in ASU 2011−05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements became effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.  The adoption of ASU 2011−12 did not impact the measurement of net earnings or other comprehensive income.
 
 
40

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 2. Divestitures

On July 1, 2013, Biglari Holdings sold all of the outstanding shares of Biglari Capital to Mr. Biglari for $1,700.  The Company recorded a gain on the sale of $1,597.  Biglari Capital is the general partner of the investment partnerships.  During fiscal year 2013, the Company contributed cash and securities owned by it with an aggregate value of $377,636 in exchange for limited partner interests in the investment partnerships.

On July 3, 2013 the Company liquidated the partners’ interests in Western Acquisitions, L.P. by distributing assets of the partnership to the partners.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, Mustang Capital Partners I, L.P. and Mustang Capital Partners II, L.P. were liquidated and the funds distributed to the partners. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2011, Western Mustang Holdings, L.L.C. sold its interests in Mustang Capital Management, L.L.C. and Mustang Capital Advisors, L.P. As a result of the sale, we recorded a gain of $1,559, of which $1,259 was non-cash in Other operating income in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

As a result of the sale, the Company ceased to have involvement in the operations of Mustang Capital Management, L.L.C. and Mustang Capital Advisors, L.P. Although these entities meet the definition of “discontinued operations,” as defined in FASB ASC paragraph 205-20-45-1, Reporting Discontinued Operations (“ASC paragraph 205-20-45-1”), we have not separated the results of operations because the amounts are immaterial to our consolidated financial results. Net earnings after tax related to the entities was approximately $2,606 for the year ended September 28, 2011, including $1,246 that is attributable to noncontrolling interests. The after-tax income for the year ended September 28, 2011 includes the aforementioned gain on sale of $1,559.

Note 3. Impairment and Restaurant Closings

Steak n Shake recorded asset impairment during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 of $1,666, $901 and $1,032, respectively.  No Steak n Shake company-operated restaurants were closed in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011.  Western recorded restaurant closing costs of $72 in fiscal year 2013. Western closed one company-operated restaurant in fiscal year 2013.

Note 4. Investments

Investments consisted of the following:

   
2013
   
2012
 
Cost
  $ 50,884     $ 199,057  
Gross unrealized gains
    34,595       71,416  
Gross unrealized losses
          (615 )
Fair value
  $ 85,479     $ 269,858  

During fiscal year 2013, the Company contributed $377,636 of cash and securities to the investment partnerships in exchange for limited partner interests.  We apply equity method accounting to these investments.  As of September 25, 2013, the Company retained a balance of $85,479 of investments deemed as available-for-sale securities, largely concentrated in the common stock of one investee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
 
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.
 
 
41

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 4. Investments – (continued)

The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $182,746 ($114,931 net of tax) on the contribution of securities to investment partnerships for fiscal year 2013.  The gain had a material effect on the Company’s fiscal 2013 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.

Realized investment gains/losses for the fiscal years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 were as follows:
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross realized gains on sales
  $ 1     $ 4,584     $ 7,775  
Gross realized losses on sales
          (384 )     (415 )
Total realized gains/losses
  $ 1     $ 4,200     $ 7,360  

During fiscal year 2013, the Company had unrealized losses on available-for-sale equity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months.  Therefore, we recorded an impairment of $570 in fiscal year 2013.
 
From time to time, the Company enters into certain derivative transactions as part of its investment strategy. In accordance with ASC 815, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, these derivatives are marked to market for each reporting period and this fair value adjustment is recorded as a gain or loss in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

The Company may enter into short sales on certain equity securities, that is, a transaction in which the Company sells securities it does not own. The Company’s use of short sales involves the risk that the price of the security in the open market may be higher when it is purchased in order to close out the Company’s short position, resulting in a loss to the Company. Such a loss is theoretically limitless because there are no restrictions on the potential increase in the price of a security, or any guarantee as to the price at which the Company would be able to purchase the security in the open market. Securities sold in short sale transactions and the interest and dividends payable on such securities, if any, are reflected as a liability in Accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012 we had no outstanding short sales.

For the year ended September 28, 2011, the Company recorded investment gains of $610 related to the change in fair value of derivatives and securities sold short.

Note 5.  Equity in Investment Partnerships

Beginning July 1, 2013, as a result of the sale of Biglari Capital and of our limited partner interests in the investment partnerships, the Company reports on the limited partnership interests under the equity method of accounting.  Our proportional share of equity in the investment partnerships, excluding Company common stock held by said partnerships, is recorded as Equity in investment partnerships.  The Company’s pro-rata share of its common stock held by the investment partnerships is recorded as Treasury stock.  The Company will record 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 carrying value of our partnership interest is presented below:
 
Fair value of partnership interest at July 1, 2013
     
$
54,608
 
Contributions to investment partnerships
       
377,636
 
Gains from investment partnerships from July 1 through September 25, 2013
       
23,053
 
Fair value of partnership interest at September 25, 2013
       
455,297
 
Gains from appreciation of Biglari Holdings stock held by investment partnerships
       
(2,985
)
Proportionate share of Company stock held by investment partnerships
       
(54,613
)
Carrying value of partnership interests at September 25, 2013
     
$
397,699
 
 
 
42

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)
 
Note 5.  Equity in Investment Partnerships – (continued)

The carrying value of the partnership interest approximates fair value adjusted by changes in the value of Company stock held.  Fair value is estimated based on 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.

The investment partnerships have a December 31 fiscal year end, with their most current quarter ending September 30, 2013.  For purposes of recording our allocation of Gains from the investment partnerships, we use the investment partnerships’ similar period results.  For the period ended September 25, 2013, the investment partnership for the period ended September 30, 2013 was used. Accordingly, we recorded $20,068 of Gains from investment partnerships during fiscal year 2013. As 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% on December 31 of each year. Our policy is to accrue an estimated incentive fee throughout the fiscal year. Our investment in these partnerships is committed according to a rolling 5-year basis. 

Summarized financial information for Lion Fund and Lion Fund II is presented below:
   
Equity in Investment Partnerships
 
   
Lion Fund
   
Lion Fund II
 
Current and Total Assets as of September 30, 2013
  $ 126,121     $ 408,883  
Current and Total Liabilities as of September 30, 2013
  $ 83     $ 11  
Revenue for the 3 month period ending September 30, 2013
  $ 9,200     $ 25,109  
Earnings for the 3 month period ending September 30, 2013
  $ 9,170     $ 25,098  
Biglari Holdings’ Ownership Interest
    52.14     96.28 %

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 and Western Acquisitions 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 September 26, 2012, the consolidated affiliated partnerships held 205,743 shares of the Company’s common stock.  However, beginning July 1, 2013, only the Company’s proportional share of its common stock as held by the investment partnerships is recorded as Treasury stock.  As of September 25, 2013 our proportional share of the Company’s common stock held by the investment partnerships was 132,406 shares.

Net earnings of the Company included the realized and unrealized appreciation/depreciation of the investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships, other than realized and unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments the consolidated affiliated partnerships held in the Company’s common stock, which was eliminated in the consolidation.

In fiscal year 2010, Biglari Holdings invested a total of $35,697 in the Lion Fund, both in the form of the acquisition of the general partner and as a direct limited partner investment.  The fair value of these investments in the Lion Fund totaled $48,306 at September 26, 2012. These investments in the Lion Fund did not appear explicitly in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 26, 2012 because of the requirement to consolidate fully the Lion Fund (inclusive of third party interests) in the Company’s financial statement. Further, the Lion Fund’s portfolio holds significant interest in Biglari Holdings’ common stock, which was classified on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as a reduction to Shareholders’ equity as of September 26, 2012.
 
 
43

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 6. Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships – (continued)

The following table summarizes the cost and fair value of the investments held by the consolidated affiliated partnerships, other than holdings of the Company’s common stock:

   
2012
 
Equity securities:
     
Cost
  $ 10,288  
Fair value
  $ 13,151  

The investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships, other than holdings of the Company’s common stock, were as follows:
 
 
September 26, 2012
 
 
   
Fair value of equity securities
  $ 13,151  
Cash
    12,115  
Investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships
  $ 25,266  

Cash held by consolidated affiliated partnerships was available for use only by the consolidated affiliated partnerships.

Realized investment gains/losses arise when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis). The net unrealized and realized gains/losses from investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships, other than holdings of the Company’s debt and equity securities, for the fiscal years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 were as follows:

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross unrealized gains
  $ 3,746     $ 3,047     $ 1,317  
Gross unrealized losses
    (410 )           (1,547 )
Net realized gains/losses from sale
    261       2,895       3,365  
Total net unrealized and realized gains/losses
  $ 3,597     $ 5,942     $ 3,135  

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 was 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 maximum redemption amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interests as of September 26, 2012 was $52,088. The affiliated partnerships were no longer consolidated as of September 25, 2013.

The following is a reconciliation of the redeemable noncontrolling interests in the consolidated affiliated partnerships:

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Carrying value at beginning of year
  $ 52,088     $ 45,252     $ 62,245  
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
    1,076       1,545       1,780  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
    (2,302 )     (254 )     (17,499 )
Incentive fee
    (21 )     (36 )     (2,510 )
Income allocation
    1,922       3,188       1,909  
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum
redemption value
    4,810       2,393       (673 )
Adjustment to reflect deconsolidation of affiliated partnerships
    (57,573 )            
Carrying value at end of year
  $     $ 52,088     $ 45,252  
 
 
44

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 6. Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships – (continued)

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 $2,393 on September 26, 2012 and ($673) on September 28, 2011.

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 the fee was earned.

Biglari Capital, the general partner of the Lion Fund, earned a $21 incentive reallocation fee at December 31, 2012.  At December 31, 2011, Biglari Capital earned a $36 incentive reallocation fee.  At December 31, 2010, Biglari Capital earned a $2,510 incentive reallocation fee.  As a result of the sale of Biglari Capital and 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 gains and losses related to its investments in the consolidated affiliated partnerships; all other earnings or losses from the consolidated affiliated partnerships are allocated to the redeemable noncontrolling interests.
 
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, Mustang Capital Partners I, L.P. and Mustang Capital Partners II, L.P. were liquidated, and their funds were distributed to the partners. The distribution of $15,660, including $1,421 of noncash distributions, is noted in the Distributions to noncontrolling interests line in the above reconciliation.

Note 7. Assets Held for Sale

Assets held for sale are composed of the following:

   
2013
   
2012
 
Land and buildings
  $ 561     $ 2,050  
Improvements
          307  
Total assets held for sale
  $ 561     $ 2,357  

As of September 25, 2013, the balance included two parcels of land. In fiscal year 2013, three restaurants and two parcels of land were sold. Two parcels of land were added to assets held for sale during 2013.

The balance on September 26, 2012 included the following assets: three restaurants and two parcels of land.  In fiscal year 2012, one restaurant and two parcels of land were sold. One parcel of land and one restaurant were added to assets held for sale during 2012. Five parcels of land, one office building, and one restaurant were reclassified to property and equipment during fiscal year 2012.

The Company expects to sell these properties within one year of their classification as assets held for sale.

Note 8. Other Current Assets

Other current assets primarily include prepaid rent and other prepaid contractual obligations.
 
 
45

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 9. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is composed of the following:

   
2013
   
2012
 
Land
  $ 162,488     $ 162,685  
Buildings
    152,891       150,601  
Land and leasehold improvements
    155,962       155,702  
Equipment
    209,913       204,340  
Construction in progress
    5,538       2,605  
  
    686,792       675,933  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (340,645 )     (319,295 )
Property and equipment, net
  $ 346,147     $ 356,638  

Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $23,422, $24,290, and $25,169, respectively.

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.

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

   
2013
   
2012
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 27,529     $ 27,529  
Acquisition of business and lease rights
    722        
Balance at end of year
  $ 28,251     $ 27,529  

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 step 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 exists when the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value.

During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, we perform our annual assessment of the recoverability of our goodwill related to four reporting units. During the second quarter of the fiscal year, we perform our annual assessment of our recoverability of goodwill related to two reporting units. 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 potential impairment was identified for our reporting units during fiscal years 2013, 2012, or 2011.

During fiscal year 2013, the Company made the decision to close two of Western’s company-operated stores.  As a result, the Company will combine the two reporting units related to Western’s operations into one in order to test goodwill for impairment in the future.

The Company acquired a business and lease rights during fiscal year 2013 for $3,770.  The purchase price was allocated under Intangible assets with indefinite lives of $3,407, Goodwill of $722, and other assets and liabilities of ($359).  Proforma financial information is not presented as it is not material.
 
 
46

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 10. Goodwill and Other Intangibles – (continued)

Other Intangibles
Other intangibles are composed of the following:

   
2013
   
2012
 
                         
   
Gross carrying amount
   
Accumulated amortization
   
Total
   
Gross carrying amount
   
Accumulated amortization
   
Total
 
Right to operate
  $ 1,480     $ (1,353 )   $ 127     $ 1,480     $ (1,235 )   $ 245  
Franchise agreement
    5,310       (1,859 )     3,451       5,310       (1,328 )     3,982  
Other
    810       (574 )     236       810       (533 )     277  
Total
    7,600       (3,786 )     3,814       7,600       (3,096 )     4,504  
Intangible assets with indefinite lives
    3,907             3,907       1,744             1,744  
Total intangible assets
  $ 11,507     $ (3,786 )   $ 7,721     $ 9,344     $ (3,096 )   $ 6,248  

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of franchise agreements connected with the purchase of Western and rights to favorable leases related with prior acquisitions. These intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated weighted average of useful lives ranging from eight to twelve years.

Amortization expense for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $690, $702, and $742, respectively. Total annual amortization expense for each of the next five years will approximate $595.

Intangible assets with indefinite lives consist of reacquired franchise rights in connection with previous acquisitions as well as lease rights acquired in the current year.  During fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded an impairment loss for an intangible asset of $1,244.  The loss represents the trade name of Western’s company-operated stores, which we decided no longer to use.

Note 11. Other Assets

Other assets primarily include capitalized software, non-qualified plan investments, the non-current portion of capitalized loan acquisition costs, restricted cash of $3,600 related to workers’ compensation claims, and the non-current portion of prepaid rent.

Note 12. Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses include the following:

   
2013
   
2012
 
Salaries, wages, vacation, and severance
  $ 22,379     $ 22,205  
Taxes payable
    12,986       13,067  
Insurance accruals
    8,629       7,971  
Other
    10,009       10,623  
Total accrued expenses
  $ 54,003     $ 53,866  

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.
 
 
47

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 14. Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following:

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Current:
             
 
 
Federal
  $ 506     $ 7,275     $ 13,217  
State
    1,748       1,905       2,836  
Deferred
    72,035       (2,727 )     (2,186 )
Total income taxes
  $ 74,289     $ 6,453     $ 13,867  
                         
Reconciliation of effective income tax:
                       
Tax at U.S. statutory rates (35%)
  $ 68,738     $ 10,919     $ 16,741  
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
    5,043       1,063       1,410  
Tax attributed to investment partnerships
    7,024              
Federal income tax credits
    (4,249 )     (3,517 )     (4,307 )
Share-based payments
    -       25       68  
Tax attributed to noncontrolling interests
    (666 )     (1,103 )     210  
Dividends received deduction
    (2,647 )     (963 )     (161 )
Other
    1,046       29       (94 )
Total income taxes
  $ 74,289     $ 6,453       13,867  

Income taxes paid totaled $1,518 in fiscal year 2013, $16,802 in fiscal year 2012, and $12,436 in fiscal year 2011. Income tax refunds totaled $52 in fiscal year 2013, $641 in fiscal year 2012 and $2,856 in fiscal year 2011.

As of September 25, 2013, we had approximately $803 of unrecognized tax benefits, including approximately $100 of interest and penalties, which are included in Other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. During fiscal year 2013, we recognized approximately $46 in potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions. Our continuing practice is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters in Income tax expense. Of the $803 of unrecognized tax benefits, $803 would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized.

The following table summarizes the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties:

   
 
 
September 29, 2010
  $ 1,235  
Gross increases – current period tax positions
    178  
Gross increases – prior period tax positions
    238  
Lapse of statute of limitations
    (171 )
September 28, 2011
    1,480  
Gross increases – current period tax positions
    109  
Lapse of statute of limitations
    (843 )
September 26, 2012
    746  
Gross increases – current period tax positions
    25  
Gross decreases – prior period tax positions
    (6 )
Lapse of statute of limitations
    (62 )
September 25, 2013
  $ 703  

We file income tax returns which are periodically audited by various foreign, federal, state, and local jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to federal, state, and local tax examinations for fiscal years prior to 2009. We believe we have certain state income tax exposures related to fiscal years 2009 through 2012. Due to the expiration of the various state statutes of limitations for these fiscal years, it is possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $419 within 12 months.
 
 
48

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 14. Income Taxes – (continued)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Our deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:

   
2013
   
2012
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Insurance reserves
  $ 2,938     $ 2,673  
Share-based payments
    13       13  
Compensation accruals
    1,952       1,968  
Gift card accruals
    942       596  
Net operating loss credit carryforward
    60       60  
Other
    2,027       2,516  
Total deferred tax assets
    7,932       7,826  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Investments
    91,405       27,274  
Fixed asset basis difference
    3,187       5,436  
Goodwill and intangibles
    3,376       3,158  
Total deferred tax liabilities
    97,968       35,868  
Net deferred tax liability
    (90,036 )     (28,042 )
Less current portion
    (5,511 )     (19,367 )
Long-term liability
  $ (84,525 )   $ (8,675 )

Receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheet include income tax receivables of $1,662 and $2,455 as of September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, respectively.

In September 2013, the IRS issued final and proposed regulations under IRC Sections 162, 263(a), and 168.  These regulations provide guidance regarding the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property and the disposition of tangible depreciable property.  The regulations are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014 and taxpayers will be allowed to rely on, and early adopt, both the final regulations and the proposed disposition rules to facilitate implementation efforts.  The application of the new regulations did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 15. Leased Assets and Lease Commitments

We lease certain physical facilities under non-cancelable lease agreements. These leases require the payment of real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Certain leased facilities, which are no longer operated but are subleased to third parties or franchisees, are classified below as non-operating properties. Minimum future rental payments for non-operating properties have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $9,567 related to operating leases receivable under non-cancelable subleases. The property and equipment cost related to finance obligations and capital leases as of September 25, 2013 is as follows: $72,941 buildings, $61,663 land, $29,506 land and leasehold improvements, $2,600 equipment and $66,108 accumulated depreciation.
 
 
49

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 15. Leased Assets and Lease Commitments – (continued)

On September 25, 2013, obligations under non-cancelable finance obligations, capital leases, and operating leases (excluding real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs) require the following minimum future rental payments:

                     
Operating Leases
 
                         
Year
 
Finance Obligations
   
Capital Leases
   
Total
   
Operating Property
   
Non-Operating
Property
 
2014
  $ 15,279     $ 681     $ 15,960     $ 14,649     $ 461  
2015
    14,576       673       15,249       13,812       412  
2016
    12,997       487       13,484       12,400       414  
2017
    10,367       300       10,667       11,072       581  
2018
    8,147       233       8,380       10,269       795  
After 2018
    14,168             14,168       52,814       7,114  
Total minimum future rental payments
    75,534       2,374       77,908     $ 115,016     $ 9,777  
Less amount representing interest
    43,546       249       43,795                  
Total principal obligations under leases
    31,988       2,125       34,113                  
Less current portion
    5,659       580       6,239                  
Non-current principal obligations under leases
    26,329       1,545       27,874                  
Residual value at end of lease term
    78,354       19       78,373                  
Obligations under leases
  $ 104,683     $ 1,564     $ 106,247                  

Contingent rent totaling $1,356 in fiscal year 2013, $1,173 in fiscal year 2012, and $967 in fiscal year 2011 is recorded in Rent expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

Non-cancellable finance obligations were created when the Company, under prior management, entered into certain build-to-suit or sale leaseback arrangements. As a result of continuing involvement in the underlying leases (generally due to right of substitution or purchase option provisions of the leases), the Company accounts for the leases as financings.

Note 16. Borrowings

Steak n Shake Credit Facility
On September 25, 2012, Steak n Shake, as borrower, and its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with the lenders party thereto as amended. The Credit Facility consists of a $130,000 senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan”) and a $50,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”).

The Term Loan matures on September 25, 2017 and has a repayment schedule with quarterly amortization, beginning on December 31, 2012, initially equal to 1.875% of the initial principal amount of the Term Loan (as adjusted pursuant to the  Credit Facility), together with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount to be paid, with the balance due at maturity. The Revolver will be available until September 25, 2017. Interest on the Term Loan and Revolver is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 3.00% to 3.75% or a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.00% to 2.75%. The applicable margins are contingent on Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio. The Revolver also carries a commitment fee ranging from 0.35% to 0.50%, based on Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio, per annum on the unused portion of the credit line.  As of September 25, 2013, the interest rate on the Term Loan was 3.94%, and there were no borrowings under the Revolver.

The Credit Facility includes affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, as well as financial covenants relating to a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio.  Steak n Shake was in compliance with all covenants under the New Credit Facility as of September 25, 2013.
 
On September 18, 2013, Steak n Shake entered into a first amendment to the Credit Facility, which provided Steak n Shake the ability to make certain investments, including into The Lion Fund II, extended the maximum total leverage ratio up to 3.75 to 1.00 for the period ending September 30, 2013, as well as made certain other amendments to the Credit Facility.
 
 
50

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)
 
Note 16. Borrowings – (continued)

Both the Term Loan and the Revolver are 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.  $114,176 of the proceeds of the Term Loan was used to repay all outstanding amounts under Steak n Shake’s former credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses. The remaining Term Loan proceeds of approximately $15,824 were used by Steak n Shake for working capital and general corporate purposes.  Steak n Shake incurred no material early termination penalties in connection with the termination of the former credit facility.

We recorded a $1,955 loss on the extinguishment of debt for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2012 related to the write-off of deferred loan costs associated with the former credit facility.  We capitalized $1,961 in debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility in 2012 and we capitalized $3,174 in debt issuance costs for the year ended September 28, 2011 related to the former credit facility.

We had $6,588 and $4,781 in standby letters of credit outstanding as of September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, respectively.

Security Agreement
In connection with the Credit Facility, Steak n Shake entered into a security agreement (the “Security Agreement”) with Fifth Third Bank. Pursuant to the Security Agreement, Steak n Shake granted to Fifth Third a lien on all of the Pledged Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement). The Pledged Collateral does not include the real estate of Steak n Shake, but such real estate is subject to a springing lien if Steak n Shake does not maintain certain leverage ratios.

Interest Rate Swap
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 $214 on September 25, 2013 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 $10,000 on September 25, 2013. The fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $187 and $351 on September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, respectively, and is included in Accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Western Real Estate Loan Agreement and Note Payable
Western Real Estate, L.P. (“Western RE”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western, had a promissory note of $2,293 as of September 26, 2012. The balance of the note was paid in full on November 28, 2012.

The carrying amounts for debt reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet do not differ materially from their fair market values at September 25, 2013.  The fair value was determined to be a Level 3 fair value measurement.

Expected principal payments for all outstanding borrowings, excluding the Revolver, for which we had no outstanding borrowings as of September 25, 2013, are as follows:

2014
    9,750  
2015
    13,000  
2016
    13,000  
2017
    84,500  
Total
  $ 120,250  

Interest
No interest was capitalized in connection with financing additions to property and equipment during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011. Interest paid on debt amounted to $4,950 in 2013, $7,359 in 2012, and $2,947 in 2011. Interest paid on obligations under leases was $9,829, $10,073, and $10,565 in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
 
 
51

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

Note 16. Borrowings – (continued)
 
Debentures
In connection with the acquisition of Western in fiscal year 2010, the Company issued 14% redeemable subordinated debentures due 2015 (the “Debentures”) in the aggregate principal amount of $22,959. On March 30, 2011, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding Debentures. The Debentures were redeemed for cash at an aggregate redemption price of approximately $23,420, representing 100% of the principal amount outstanding, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, March 30, 2011. The Debentures were issued and the redemption was effected pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture, dated March 30, 2010 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. Upon the redemption of the Debentures, the Company’s obligations under the Debentures and the Indenture were satisfied and discharged in accordance with their terms. Included in the Debentures aggregate redemption price of $23,420 was approximately $7,804 of principal and interest paid to the Lion Fund. The payment to the Lion Fund did not appear explicitly in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows because of the requirement to consolidate fully the Lion Fund in the Company’s financial statements.

Note 17. 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, (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.

Taken together, the agreements provide for the following transactions:

·
The contribution of investments held by Biglari Holdings to the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II. In return, Biglari Holdings received limited partner interests in each of these investment partnerships.
 
·
Biglari Capital’s distribution of substantially all of its partnership interests in the Lion Fund (including its adjusted capital balance) to Biglari Holdings. As a result, Biglari Capital maintained solely a general partner interest in each of the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II.
 
·
The sale of Biglari Capital by Biglari Holdings to Mr. Biglari for a purchase price of $1,700.
 
·
The execution of the Shared Services Agreement pursuant to which Biglari Holdings will provide certain services to Biglari Capital in exchange for an increase in Biglari Holdings’ and its subsidiaries’ hurdle rate above that of other limited partners (6% vs. 5%) with respect to Biglari Holdings’ and its subsidiaries’ limited partner interests in the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II. The hurdle rate is the threshold annualized return for limited partners of each of the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II above which Biglari Capital, as general partner of each, is entitled to receive an incentive reallocation.
 
·
The modification of the Incentive Bonus Agreement between Biglari Holdings and Mr. Biglari to give effect to the transactions, inter alia, by providing that Mr. Biglari’s incentive compensation will thereafter be calculated without reference to any investments by Biglari Holdings and its subsidiaries in investment partnerships (including the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II), of which Biglari Capital or Mr. Biglari is the general partner.
 
The transactions were entered into by Biglari Holdings to, among other things, (a) reduce regulatory burdens related to investments, (b) improve cash management, (c) foster an enhanced understanding of Biglari Holdings and mitigate conflicts of interest through the separation and clear demarcation of Biglari Holdings from the Lion Fund, and (d) simplify the Incentive Bonus Agreement.
 
 
52

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 17. Related Party Transactions – (continued)

Stock Purchase Agreement
Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, Biglari Holdings sold all the shares of Biglari Capital to Mr. Biglari for a purchase price of $1,700 in cash (the “Biglari Capital Transaction”) and recorded a gain of $1,597.  Prior to the execution and delivery of the Stock Purchase Agreement, Biglari Capital distributed to the Company substantially all of Biglari Capital’s partnership interests in the Lion Fund (including, without limitation, Biglari Capital’s adjusted capital balance in its capacity as general partner of the Lion Fund, which totaled $5,721). Biglari Capital thus retained solely a general partner interest in each of the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II at the time of the Biglari Capital Transaction. In addition, Biglari Holdings contributed securities owned by it to the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II in exchange for limited partner interests in each of these investment partnerships. Biglari Holdings will maintain an interest in the contributed securities through its limited partner interests in the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II, but without the associated costs under the Incentive Bonus Agreement with Mr. Biglari, as explained further below. The contribution of securities to the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II was enacted in order to achieve a clear delineation on a forward-going basis between the roles of Biglari Holdings – which will generally own companies in their entirety – and the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II – which will own companies in part, i.e., through their investments in securities.

Shared Services Agreement
In connection with the Biglari Capital Transaction, Biglari Holdings and Biglari Capital entered into the Shared Services Agreement pursuant to which Biglari Holdings will provide certain services to Biglari Capital, including use of space at the Company’s corporate headquarters in San Antonio, 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 and the Lion Fund II, 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. The Shared Services Agreement runs for an initial five-year term, and automatically renews for successive five-year periods, unless terminated by either party effective at the end of the initial or renewed term, as applicable. The term of the Shared Services Agreement coincides with the lock-up period for the Company’s investments in the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II under their respective partnership agreements.

Incentive Agreement Amendment
Also in connection with the Biglari Capital Transaction, Biglari Holdings and Mr. Biglari entered into the Incentive Agreement Amendment, which amends the Amended and Restated Incentive Bonus Agreement with Mr. Biglari to reflect and give effect to the Biglari Capital Transaction and to more closely tie Mr. Biglari’s incentive compensation to the Company’s operating earnings, while excluding unrealized gains and earnings on investments held by the investment partnerships from the calculation of the incentive bonus. The Incentive Agreement Amendment makes assertions as follows:

·
With respect to the Company’s fiscal year ending September 25, 2013 (“fiscal 2013”) only, provides for Mr. Biglari’s incentive compensation to be calculated by reference to the periods (i) from the beginning of fiscal 2013 to the closing of the Biglari Capital Transaction and (ii) from the closing of the Biglari Capital Transaction to the end of fiscal 2013. Any decrease in adjusted book value attributable to a decline in operating earnings during this latter period will be offset against adjusted book value for the former period in determining Mr. Biglari’s incentive compensation.

·
Excludes from the calculation of Biglari Holdings’ adjusted book value, and therefore from the calculation of Mr. Biglari’s incentive compensation, commencing with the period after the closing of the Biglari Capital Transaction, any realized or unrealized gains or losses, earnings and all other amounts attributable to any investments by Biglari Holdings and its subsidiaries in “Outside Investment Partnerships,” defined as investment partnerships (or the equivalent) in which Biglari Holdings or a subsidiary is a limited partner (or the equivalent) and Mr. Biglari or his affiliate (other than Biglari Holdings or a subsidiary) is the general partner (or the equivalent). As a result of the Biglari Capital Transaction, the Lion Fund and the Lion Fund II now constitute Outside Investment Partnerships and all amounts attributable to their investments in securities (including the securities contributed by Biglari Holdings) will be excluded from the calculation of Mr. Biglari’s incentive compensation.
 
 
53

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 17. Related Party Transactions – (continued)
 
·
Provides for the “high water mark” in the Incentive Bonus Agreement to be adjusted to give effect to the Biglari Capital Transaction, commencing with the period after the closing of the Biglari Capital Transaction. The calculation of the high water mark would thus exclude (a) Biglari Holdings’ and its subsidiaries’ investments in Outside Investment Partnerships, (b) gains/losses (realized or unrealized) and earnings on the securities contributed to the Outside Investment Partnerships, prior to their date of contribution, as well as the aggregate cost to acquire such securities, and (c) any other items on Biglari Holdings’ Consolidated Balance Sheet related to investment partnerships.
 
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.
 
 
54

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 17. Related Party Transactions – (continued)

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.

Note 18. Common Stock Plans

We maintain stock-based compensation plans which allow for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, and restricted stock to officers, other key employees, and to members of the Board of Directors. We generally use treasury shares to satisfy the issuance of shares under these stock-based compensation plans.  No shares were granted under the plans in fiscal year 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Restricted Stock Plans
On March 7, 2008, our shareholders approved the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan provides for grants of stock-based awards for up to 45,000 shares of common stock with a maximum of 35,000 shares which may be issued as restricted stock. These restricted stock awards are restricted for a period and are forfeited to us if the grantee is not employed (except for reasons of retirement, permanent disability or death) at the end of the vesting period. Awards of restricted stock are valued at 100% of market value at the date of grant. The total value of the stock grant is amortized to compensation expense ratably over the vesting period. There are no shares of restricted stock granted under the 2008 Plan for which restrictions have not lapsed at September 25, 2013. At September 25, 2013, no shares were reserved for future grants.  To date, 11,660 shares have vested under the 2008 Plan.

The total fair value of shares vested during the year ended September 28, 2011 was $657. No shares vested in 2013 or 2012.  The amount charged to expense under the 2008 Plan was $51 ($32, net of tax) in 2011. No expense was recorded under the 2008 Plan in 2013 or 2012.  There was no unrecognized compensation cost at September 25, 2013.

There was no restricted stock activity under the 2008 Plan in 2013.
 
 
55

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 18. Common Stock Plans – (continued)

Employee Stock Option Plans
The 2008 Plan also provides for awards in the form of options to purchase shares of common stock. No options were granted in 2013, 2012, or 2011 under the 2008 Plan. Options granted under the 2008 Plan are exercisable in equal installments on each anniversary of the date of grant until fully exercisable. The options expire ten years from the date of the grant and are issued with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. Options may be granted under the 2008 Plan to officers and key employees selected by the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”). As of September 25, 2013, 10,235 options have been granted under the 2008 Plan and no shares are available for future issuance.

The following table summarizes the options activity under all of our stock option plans:

   
Options
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at September 26, 2012
    10,036     $ 275.89          
Exercised
    (535 )     171.08          
Canceled or forfeited
    (120 )     293.21          
Outstanding at September 25, 2013
    9,381       281.64  
3.39 years
  $ 1,252  
Vested or expected to vest at September 25, 2013
    9,381       281.64  
3.39 years
  $ 1,252  
Exercisable at September 25, 2013
    9,281     $ 282.52  
3.42 years
  $ 1,248  

During fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, $0, $75 ($74, net of tax), and $218 ($210, net of tax), respectively, was charged to expense related to the stock option plans. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011 was $133, $235, and $693, respectively. There was no unrecognized stock option compensation cost at September 25, 2013.

Note 19. 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.
 
 
56

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)
 
Note 20. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

The fair value framework as established in ASC paragraph 820-10-50-2 requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair values, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2: Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1. For example, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

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.

Cash equivalents: Cash equivalents primarily consist of money market funds which are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The consolidated affiliated partnerships did not hold cash equivalents on September 26, 2012.

Equity securities: The Company’s investments in equity securities are carried at fair value, based on quoted market prices, and are classified within Level 1 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 that are carried at fair value, based on quoted market prices, and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investment held by consolidated affiliated partnership: Investments of $190 as of September 26, 2012 have been classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and represent a private security.

Interest rate swaps: Interest rate swaps are marked to market each reporting period with fair value based on readily available market quotes, and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Interest rate swaps at September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012 represent the fair market value for Steak n Shake’s two interest rate swaps.
 
 
57

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 20. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities – (continued)

As of September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012, the fair values of financial assets and liabilities were as follows:

   
September 25, 2013
   
September 26, 2012
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets
                                               
Cash equivalents
  $                 $     $ 14,286     $     $     $ 14,286  
Equity securities:
                                                               
Restaurant/Retail
    79,357                   79,357       266,940                   266,940  
Insurance
    6,122                   6,122       1,574                       1,574  
Other
                            1,344                   1,344  
Equity securities held by consolidated affiliated partnerships:
                                                               
Restaurant/Retail
                            11,156                   11,156  
Other
                            1,805                   1,805  
Non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments
    1,169                   1,169       888                   888  
Investment held by consolidated affiliated partnership
                                        190       190  
Total assets at fair value
  $ 86,648     $     $     $ 86,648     $ 297,993     $     $ 190     $ 298,183  
                                                                 
Liabilities
                                                               
Interest rate swaps
          401             401             351             351  
Total liabilities at fair value
  $     $ 401     $     $ 401     $     $ 351     $     $ 351  

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

During fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded impairments on long-lived assets of $1,666, $901, and $1,032, respectively. The fair value of the long-lived assets was determined based on Level 2 inputs using quoted prices for similar properties and quoted prices for the properties from brokers. The fair value of the assets impaired was not material for the years ended 2013, 2012, and 2011.

During fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded impairment on intangible assets of $1,244.  The fair value was determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis which is a level 3 measurement.  The fair value of the trade name was not material at impairment.
 
 
58

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 21. Business Segment Reporting

Our reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses have been grouped together for segment reporting based upon operations even though those business units are operated under separate management.

For fiscal year 2013 reportable segments were: (1) Restaurant Operations and (2) Investment Management. Our Restaurant Operations segment includes Steak n Shake and Western. On July 1, 2013 the Company sold Biglari Capital and no longer has an Investment Management segment as of September 25, 2013.  We present information related to the holding company, Biglari Holdings, as Corporate and other.

We assess and measure segment operating results based on segment earnings as disclosed below. Segment earnings from operations are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash requirements, nor are they 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. The segments’ financial information does not reflect the impact of eliminations arising from intersegment transactions. The eliminations row represents the eliminations required to arrive at our consolidated GAAP reported results.

A disaggregation of select data from our Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three most recent years is presented in the tables that follow.

Net revenue and earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests for the years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011 were as follows:

   
Net Revenue
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Operating Business:
                 
Restaurant Operations:
                 
Steak n Shake
  $ 737,090     $ 718,010     $ 689,325  
Western
    14,829       15,895       16,078  
Total Restaurant Operations
    751,919       733,905       705,403  
                         
Investment Management:
                       
Management fees
                224  
Consolidated affiliated partnerships
    3,903       6,302       3,573  
Total Investment Management Operations
    3,903       6,302       3,797  
    $ 755,822     $ 740,207     $ 709,200  
 
 
59

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 21. Business Segment Reporting – (continued)
 
   
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests
   
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Operating Business:
                                   
Restaurant Operations:
                                   
Steak n Shake
  $ 28,376     $ 45,622     $ 41,247     $ 21,023     $ 31,756     $ 29,367  
Western
    511       2,157       2,455       338       1,354       1,610  
Total Restaurant Operations
    28,887       47,779       43,702       21,361       33,110       30,977  
                                                 
Investment Management:
                                               
Biglari Capital Corp. (incentive fee)
    21       36       2,510       13       22       1,535  
Management fees
                224                   139  
Consolidated affiliated partnerships
    3,380       5,319       3,370       662       1,321       1,815  
Total Investment Management Operations
    3,401       5,355       6,104       675       1,343       3,489  
                                                 
Corporate and Other:
                                               
Corporate and other
   
(12,070
)     (15,990 )     (4,624 )    
(5,931
)     (9,196 )     (3,099 )
Gains from investment partnerships
    20,068                   13,296              
Gain on contributions to investment partnerships
   
182,746
     
     
     
114,931
     
     
 
Investment and derivative gains
   
1
      4,200       7,970      
1
      2,604       4,941  
Total Corporate and Other
    190,745       (11,790 )     3,346       122,297       (6,592 )     1,842  
                                                 
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
                                               
Eliminations including Gains from investment partnerships
    (20,089 )     (36 )     (2,510 )                  
Interest expense and loss on debt extinguishment, excluding interest allocated to operating businesses
    (6,551 )     (10,110 )     (2,811 )     (4,062 )     (6,268 )     (1,743 )
    $ 196,393     $ 31,198     $ 47,831     $ 140,271     $ 21,593     $ 34,565  

A disaggregation of our consolidated capital expenditure, depreciation, and amortization captions for fiscal years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011 is presented in the table that follows:

   
Capital Expenditures
   
Depreciation and Amortization
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Reportable segments:
                                   
Restaurant Operations:
                                   
Steak n Shake
  $ 6,337     $ 7,513     $ 11,092     $ 24,230     $ 25,432     $ 27,279  
Western
    64       58       18       693       729       785  
Investment Management
                                  27  
Corporate and other
    7,766       1,104       1,908       327       263       270  
Consolidated Results
  $ 14,167     $ 8,675     $ 13,018     $ 25,250     $ 26,424     $ 28,361  
 
 
60

 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data)

 
Note 21. Business Segment Reporting – (continued)

A disaggregation of our consolidated asset captions as of September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012 is presented in the table that follows:

   
Goodwill
   
Identifiable Assets
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Reportable segments:
                       
Restaurant Operations
                       
Steak n Shake
  $ 15,225     $ 14,503     $ 504,589     $ 433,382  
Western
    13,026       13,026       5,298       7,526  
Investment Management
                277       26,348  
Corporate and other
                450,128       279,002  
Consolidated results
  $ 28,251     $ 27,529     $ 960,292     $ 746,258  
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
                               
Goodwill
                    28,251       27,529  
Total assets
                  $ 988,543     $ 773,787  
 
Note 22. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
 
   
1st
Quarter
   
2nd
Quarter
   
3rd
Quarter (3)
   
4th
Quarter (3)
 
                         
For the year ended September 25, 2013 (52 weeks) (1)
  $ 166,511     $ 225,210     $ 184,602     $ 179,499  
Total net revenues
    38,425       48,523       41,927       41,240  
Gross profit (2)
    159,181       220,606       178,137       177,164  
Costs and expenses
    5,930       1,420       169,834       19,209  
Earnings before income taxes
    4,562       2,180       106,704       26,825  
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (5)
  $ 3.17     $ 1.52     $ 74.57     $ 18.85  
Basic earnings per common share (4)
  $ 3.17     $ 1.51     $ 74.40     $ 18.82  
Diluted earnings per common share (4)
                               
                                 
For the year ended September 26, 2012 (52 weeks) (1)
                               
Total net revenues
  $ 166,390     $ 223,684     $ 175,773     $ 174,360  
Gross profit (2)
    42,129       52,279       40,990       41,217  
Costs and expenses
    151,678       211,536       167,884       165,928  
Earnings before income taxes
    14,753       7,667       4,986       3,792  
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.
    8,795       4,528       4,853       3,417  
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 6.13     $ 3.15     $ 3.38     $ 2.38  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 6.11     $ 3.15     $ 3.37     $ 2.38  
 
                           
(1)
Our fiscal year includes quarters consisting of 12, 16, 12 and 12 weeks, respectively.
(2)
We define Gross profit as Net sales less Cost of sales and Restaurant operating costs, which excludes Depreciation and amortization.
(3)
We recorded pre-tax Gain on contribution to investment partnerships of $162,869 in the 3rd quarter and $19,877 in the 4th quarter.
(4)
Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. In fiscal year 2013 the Company completed a rights offering in which 286,767 new shares of common stock were issued.  The theoretical earnings per share have been retroactively restated for all years to give effect to the rights offering.
(5)
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. for the fourth quarter 2013 includes $20,068 ($13,296 net of tax) of Gains from investment partnerships.
 
Note 23. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
 
During fiscal year 2013, we had four new capital lease obligations of $2,311 and had $1,043 of capital expenditures in Accounts payable at year-end. During fiscal year 2012, we had no new capital lease obligations or lease retirements, and had $589 of capital expenditures in Accounts payable at year-end. During fiscal year 2011, we had no new lease obligations or lease retirements, and had $741 of capital expenditures in Accounts payable at year-end.
 
 
61

 

Item 9.
 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
Not applicable.

Item 9A.
 
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 September 25, 2013.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 25, 2013 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.
 
Other Information
 
None.
 
 
62

 

 
Part III

Item 10.
 
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 23, 2014, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11.
 
Executive Compensation
 
The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 23, 2014, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 23, 2014, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 23, 2014, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.
 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 23, 2014, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
63

 

 
Part IV

Item 15
 
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 

(a) 1. Financial Statements

The following Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included in Part II, Item 8 of this report:
 
 
PAGE
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
27-28
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
29
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012
32
For the years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011:
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
30
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
31
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
33
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
34
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
35
   
2. Financial Statement Schedule
 
   
Schedule I—Parent Company
 
Condensed Balance Sheets at September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012
66
For the years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011:
 
Condensed Statements of Earnings
67
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income
68
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
69
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements
70
 
Other schedules have been omitted for the reason that they are not required, are not applicable, or the required information is set forth in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
   
(b) Exhibits
 
   
See the “Exhibit Index” at page 73.
 
 
 
64

 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on December 7, 2013.
 
         
   
Biglari Holdings inc.
         
  
 
By: 
 
/s/ Bruce Lewis
       
Bruce Lewis
Controller

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, on December 7, 2013.

     
Signature
 
Title
     
/s/ Sardar Biglari
 
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer)
Sardar Biglari
   
     
/s/ Duane E. Geiger
 
Interim Chief Financial Officer and Vice President (Principal Financial Officer)
Duane E. Geiger
   
     
/s/ Bruce Lewis
 
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
Bruce Lewis
   
     
/s/ Philip Cooley
 
Director
Philip Cooley
   
     
/s/ Dr. Ruth J. Person
 
Director
Dr. Ruth J. Person
   
     
/s/ Kenneth R. Cooper
 
Director
Kenneth R. Cooper
   
     
/s/ William L. Johnson
 
Director
William L. Johnson
   
     
/s/ James P. Mastrian
 
Director
James P. Mastrian
   
 
 
65

 

 
Condensed Balance Sheets

Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)
(Amounts in $000s)
Schedule I


   
September 25, 2013
   
September 26,
2012
 
Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                              
  $ 72,279     $ 25,931  
Investments                                                                                                              
    6,122       248,494  
Other                                                                                                              
    4,696       7,000  
Investment partnerships                                                                                                              
    346,514        
Investments in and advances to/from subsidiaries                                                                                                              
    218,186       105,197  
Total assets                                                                                                                 
  $ 647,797     $ 386,622  
                 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                                                                              
  $ 11,947     $ 11,162  
Deferred income taxes                                                                                                              
    13       25,873  
Total current liabilities                                                                                                                 
    11,960       37,035  
Deferred income taxes                                                                                                                 
    71,248       462  
Total liabilities                                                                                                                 
    83,208       37,497  
                 
Shareholders’ equity                                                                                                                 
    564,589       349,125  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity                                                                                                                 
  $ 647,797     $ 386,622  
                 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements.
 
 
66

 

 
Condensed Statements of Earnings

Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(Amounts in $000s)
Schedule I (continued)


   
2013
(52 Weeks)
   
2012
(52 Weeks)
   
2011
(52 Weeks)
 
Income
                 
Distributed earnings from subsidiaries
  $     $     $ 28,094  
Undistributed earnings from subsidiaries
    29,777       28,306       5,500  
Total
    29,777       28,306       33,594  
                         
Costs, expenses and other
                       
General and administrative
    19,685       18,374       4,768  
Interest
          14       1,589  
Other income, net
    (5,220 )     (3,412 )     (329 )
Gain on sale of Biglari Capital Corp.
    (1,597 )            
Gain on contributions to investment partnerships
    (162,869 )            
Other than temporary impairment
    570              
Investment  income
    (1 )     (4,152 )     (7,970 )
Total
    (149,432 )     10,824       (1,942 )
                         
Income taxes
    59,006       (4,111 )     971  
                         
Gains from  investment partnerships
    20,068              
                         
Net earnings
  $ 140,271     $ 21,593     $ 34,565  

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements.
 
 
67

 

 
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income

Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(Amounts in $000s)
Schedule I (continued)

   
2013
(52 Weeks)
   
2012
(52 Weeks)
   
2011
(52 Weeks)
 
                   
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. 
  $ 140,271     $ 21,593     $ 34,565  
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
                       
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings
    (1 )     (1,455 )     2,213  
Applicable income taxes
          553       (861 )
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings on contribution to investment partnerships
    (182,746 )            
Applicable income taxes
    67,815              
Reclassification of other than temporary impairment losses on investments
    461              
Applicable income taxes
    (175 )            
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments
    146,079       81,075       (9,144 )
Applicable income taxes
    (53,881 )     (30,808 )     3,476  
Foreign currency translation gains
    8              
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net
    (22,440 )     49,365       (4,316 )
Total comprehensive income
  $ 117,831     $ 70,958     $ 30,249  
 
 


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
68

 

 
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)
(Years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(Amounts in $000s)
Schedule I (continued)


   
2013
(52 Weeks)
   
2012
(52 Weeks)
   
2011
(52 Weeks)
 
Operating activities
                 
Net earnings
  $ 140,271     $ 21,593     $ 34,565  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash:
                       
Excess distributed earnings of subsidiaries
                128,749  
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
    (29,777 )     (28,306 )     (5,500 )
Provision for deferred income taxes
    56,396       (3,570 )      
Gain on sale of Biglari Capital Corp.
    (1,597 )            
Gain on contributions to investment partnerships
    (162,869 )            
Realized investment gains/losses
    (1 )     (4,152 )     (7,360 )
Other than temporary impairments on investments
    570              
Derivative and short sale gains/losses
                (610 )
Gains from investment partnerships
    (20,068 )            
Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    785       7,346       239  
Other
    3,410       (3,483 )     (198 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (12,880 )     (10,572 )     149,885  
Investing activities
                       
Investments in and advances to/from subsidiaries, net
    30,000       7,239       2,611  
Additions of property and equipment
    (1,106 )     (624 )     (661 )
Proceeds from sale of Biglari Capital Corp., net of cash on hand
    1,699              
Purchases of investments
    (46,977 )     (101,004 )     (171,893 )
Sales of investments
    1       49,536       90,058  
Changes in due to/from broker
          (7,051 )     3,148  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (16,383 )     (51,904 )     (76,737 )
Financing activities
                       
Principal payments on long-term debt
                (22,765 )
Proceeds from stock rights offering
    75,595              
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employees stock purchase plan
    13       29       29  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards
    3       382       3  
Repurchase of employee shares for tax withholding
          (8 )     (541 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    75,611       403       (23,274 )
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    46,348       (62,073 )     49,874  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    25,931       88,004       38,130  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 72,279     $ 25,931     $ 88,004  
 
 
69

 

 
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements
Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)
(years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s)


Note 1. Basis of Presentation

Biglari Holdings Inc.’s (the “Company”) condensed financial information has been derived from the consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 the Company sold all of the outstanding shares of Biglari Capital Corp. (“Biglari Capital”) to Mr. Biglari for $1,700.  Biglari Capital is the general partner of the Lion Fund and the newly-formed The Lion Fund II, L.P. (the “Lion Fund II”).  Lion Fund and Lion Fund II (collectively “investment partnerships”) are limited partnerships that operate as private investment funds.  Prior to the sale of Biglari Capital, the Company consolidated the Lion Fund. As a result of the sale of Biglari Capital the Company has ceased to have a controlling interest in the Lion Fund, which is, accordingly, no longer consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.

During fiscal year 2013, the Company contributed cash and securities owned by it of $326,451 in exchange for limited partner interest in the investment partnerships.  Prior to the sale of Biglari Capital, the securities contributed to the investment partnerships were accounted for as available-for-sale-securities with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of Shareholders’ equity in the Condensed Balance Sheet.  Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted for as equity method investments due to our retained limited partner interest.  Prospectively from the sale of Biglari Capital, the Company records earnings from investment partnerships in the Condensed Statement of Earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships’ total earnings.

Our investments consist of available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair value with net unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in Shareholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses on disposals of investments are determined by specific identification of cost of investments sold and are included in Realized investment gains/losses, a component of Other income.

Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted as equity method investments because of our retained limited partner interest.  The Company records earnings from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) in the Condensed Statements of Earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in partnerships’ total earnings.
 
In fiscal year 2013, Biglari Holdings completed an offering of transferable subscription rights, distributing one transferable subscription right (“Rights”) for each share of its common stock to shareholders of record on August 27, 2013.  Every five Rights entitled a shareholder to subscribe for one share of common stock at a price of $265.00.  Shareholders on the record date who fully exercised the Rights distributed to them were also entitled to subscribe for and purchase additional shares of common stock not purchased by other Rights holders through their basic subscription privileges.  The offering was oversubscribed and 286,767 new shares of common stock were issued.  The Company received net proceeds of $75,595 from the offering. 

Note 2. Subsidiary Transactions

Dividends
No cash dividends were received during fiscal year 2013 or 2012. During fiscal year 2011, the Company received cash dividends from subsidiaries of $156,843, which included distributions of current year earnings of $28,094 and historical earnings of $128,749.

Our wholly-owned subsidiary has a credit facility that imposes restrictions on its ability to transfer funds to the Company through intercompany loans, distributions, or dividends.

Investment in Subsidiaries
The Company’s investment in subsidiaries is stated at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries adjusted for the cost basis of shares of Biglari Holdings common stock held by certain consolidated affiliated partnerships.
 
 
70

 

 
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements
Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)
(years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s)

Note 3. Investments
Investments consisted of the following:

   
2013
   
2012
 
Cost
  $ 5,989     $ 180,240  
Gross unrealized gains
    133       68,715  
Gross unrealized losses
          (461 )
Fair value
  $ 6,122     $ 248,494  

During fiscal year 2013, the Company contributed $326,451 of cash and securities to the investment partnerships in exchange for limited partner interests.  We apply equity method accounting to these investments.  As of September 25, 2013, the Company retained a balance of $6,122 of investments deemed as available-for-sale securities.

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.

The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $162,869 ($102,607 net of tax) on the contribution of securities to investment partnerships for fiscal year 2013.  The gain had a material effect on the Company’s fiscal 2013 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.

Realized investment gains/losses for the fiscal years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 were as follows:

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross realized gains on sales
  $ 1     $ 4,536     $ 7,775  
Gross realized losses on sales
          (384 )     (415 )
Total realized gains/losses
  $ 1       4,152       7,360  

During fiscal year 2013, the Company had unrealized losses on available-for-sale equity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months.  Therefore, we recorded an impairment of $570 in fiscal year 2013.

From time to time, the Company enters into certain derivative transactions as part of its investment strategy. In accordance with ASC 815, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, these derivatives are marked to market for each reporting period and this fair value adjustment is recorded as a gain or loss in the Condensed Statement of Earnings.

The Company may enter into short sales on certain equity securities, that is, a transaction in which the Company sells securities it does not own. The Company’s use of short sales involves the risk that the price of the security in the open market may be higher when it is purchased in order to close out the Company’s short position, resulting in a loss to the Company. Such a loss is theoretically limitless because there are no restrictions on the potential increase in the price of a security, or any guarantee as to the price at which the Company would be able to purchase the security in the open market. Securities sold in short sale transactions and the interest and dividends payable on such securities, if any, are reflected as a liability in Accrued expenses in the Condensed Balance Sheet. As of September 25, 2013 and September 26, 2012 we had no outstanding short sales.

For the year ended September 28, 2011, the Company recorded investment gains of $610 related to the change in fair value of derivatives and securities sold short.
 
 
71

 

 
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements
Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)
(years ended September 25, 2013, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2011)
(amounts in $000s)

Note 4.  Equity in Investment Partnerships

Beginning July 1, 2013, as a result of the sale of Biglari Capital and of our limited partner interests in the investment partnerships, the Company reports on the limited partnership interests under the equity method of accounting.  Our proportional share of equity in the investment partnerships, excluding Company common stock held by said partnerships, is recorded as Equity in investment partnerships.  The Company’s pro-rata share of its common stock held by the investment partnerships is recorded as Treasury stock.  The Company will record gains/losses from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) in the Condensed 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 carrying value of our partnership interest is presented below:
 
 
Fair value of partnership interest at July 1, 2013                                                                                                                                     
 
$
54,608
 
Contributions to investment partnerships                                                                                                                                     
   
326,451
 
Gains from investment partnerships from July 1 through September 25, 2013                                                                                                                                     
   
23,053
 
Fair value of partnership interest at September 25, 2013                                                                                                                                     
   
404,112
 
Gains from appreciation of Biglari Holdings stock held by investment partnerships                                                                                                                                     
   
(2,985
)
Proportionate share of Company stock held by investment partnerships                                                                                                                                     
   
(54,613
)
Carrying value of partnership interests at September 25, 2013                                                                                                                                     
 
$
346,514
 
 
The carrying value of the partnership interest approximates fair value adjusted by changes in the value of Company stock held.  Fair value is estimated based on 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.
 
The investment partnerships have a December 31 fiscal year end, with their most current quarter ending September 30, 2013.  For purposes of recording our allocation of Gains from the investment partnerships, we use the investment partnerships’ similar period results.  For the period ended September 25, 2013, the investment partnership for the period ended September 30, 2013 was used. Accordingly, we recorded $20,068 of Gains from investment partnerships during fiscal year 2013. As 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% on December 31 of each year. Our policy is to accrue an estimated incentive fee throughout the fiscal year. Our investment in these partnerships is committed according to a rolling 5-year basis. 
 
The investments held by the investment partnerships are largely concentrated in the common stock of one investee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
 
Note 5. Income Taxes
Federal income taxes are paid based on the consolidated results of Biglari Holdings.
 
 
72

 

 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit
Number
 
Description
     
All documents referenced below were filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Company, file number 0-8445, unless otherwise indicated.
     
2.01
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 22, 2009, by and among the Company, Grill Acquisition Corporation and Western. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 23, 2009).
3.01
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, filed March 27, 2002, as amended by Articles of Amendment dated December 17, 2009, January 27, 2010 and April 8, 2010. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated April 15, 2010).
3.02
 
Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended through July 1, 2009. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2009).
4.01
 
Specimen certificate representing Common Stock of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 11, 2001).
10.01*
 
1997 Employee Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the Appendix to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement dated December 24, 1996).
10.02*
 
Amendment No. 1 to 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the Appendix to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement dated December 19, 2001).
10.03*
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Company’s 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2004 filed on December 16, 2004).
10.04*
 
2005 Director Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement dated December 20, 2004).
10.05*
 
2006 Employee Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2006).
10.06*
 
2006 Incentive Bonus Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2006).
10.07*
 
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2006 Employee Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2006).
10.08*
 
2007 Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 9, 2007).
10.09*
 
2008 Equity Incentive Plan.  (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement dated February 8, 2008).
10.10*
 
Form of Employee Stock Option Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 9, 2008).
10.11*
 
Form of 2008 Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 9, 2008).
10.12*
 
The Steak n Shake Non-Qualified Savings Plan, amended and restated as of March 15, 2010.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated April 22, 2010).
10.13
 
Multiple Unit Franchise Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2005, by and among the Company, Reinwald Enterprises Emory, LLC and Reinwald Enterprises Wild Geese, LLC.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 27, 2005)
 10.14*
 
Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into on October 9, 2007 with the following Officers and Directors of the Company: Jeffrey A. Blade, Duane E. Geiger, Alan B. Gilman, Omar Janjua, David C. Milne, Thomas Murrill, Gary T. Reinwald, Steven M. Schiller, J. Michael Vance, Geoff Ballotti, Wayne Kelley, Charles Lanham, Ruth Person, John W. Ryan, J. Fred Risk, Steven M. Schmidt, Edward Wilhelm, and James Williamson, Jr.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2007).
10.15*
 
Severance Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2010, by and between the Company and Duane Geiger. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 23, 2009).
10.16*
 
Amended and Restated Incentive Bonus Agreement, dated September 28, 2010, by and between the Company and Sardar Biglari. (Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement dated September 28, 2011).
10.17
 
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2012, by and among Steak n Shake Operations, Inc., as borrower, Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc., as a subsidiary guarantor, Steak n Shake, LLC, as a subsidiary guarantor, the lenders party thereto, Fifth Third Bank, as lead arranger, book manager, administrative agent, collateral agent, swingline lender and issuing bank, Regions Bank, as syndication agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Compass Bank, as co-documentation agents.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 28, 2012).
10.18
 
Security Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2012, by Steak n Shake Operations, Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc. and Steak n Shake, LLC, as pledgers, assignors and debtors, in favor of Fifth Third Bank, in its capacity as collateral agent, pledgee, assignee and secured party.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 28, 2012).
10.19
 
Trademark License Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2013, by and between Biglari Holdings Inc. and Sardar Biglari.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 11, 2013).
10.20
 
Trademark Sublicense Agreement, entered as of May 14, 2013, by and among the Company, Steak n Shake, LLC and Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 10, 2013).
10.21
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated July 1, 2013, by and between Biglari Holdings Inc. and Sardar Biglari.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 2, 2013).
10.22
 
Shared Services Agreement, dated July 1, 2013, by and between Biglari Holdings Inc. and Biglari Capital Corp.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 2, 2013).
10.23*
 
First Amendment, dated as of July 1, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Incentive Bonus Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2010, by and between Biglari Holdings Inc. and Sardar Biglari.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 2, 2013).
10.24
 
First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 18, 2013, by and among Steak n Shake Operations, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and Fifth Third Bank, as administrative agent, collateral agent and L/C issuer.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 24, 2013).
14.01 
 
Code of Conduct, dated May 17, 2010.
21.01 
 
Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.01 
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.01 
 
Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.02 
 
Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32.01 
 
Section 1350 Certifications.
101**
 
Interactive Data Files.
 
*
Indicates management contract or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
**
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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