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

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

2020

or

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

For the transition period from ____ to ____

Commission file number 001-38477

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

INDIANA82-3784946
Indiana82-3784946
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

17802 IH 10 West, Suite 400

San Antonio, Texas

78257


San Antonio,
 Texas78257
(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 classTrading SymbolsName of each exchange on which registered

Class A Common Stock, no par value

BH.ANew York Stock Exchange
Class B Common Stock, no par value

BH

New York Stock Exchange

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¨Nox

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¨Nox

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. YesxNo¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). YesxNo¨

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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and an “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filero
¨
Accelerated filerx
x
Non-accelerated filero
¨
Smaller reporting companyo
¨
Emerging growth companyo
¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yeso¨Nox

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 20182020 was approximately $257,082,107.

$88,264,442.

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of February 18, 2019:

22, 2021:
Class A common stock –206,864
Class B common stock –2,068,640

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for its 20192021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.




Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Page No.
Part IPage No.
Item 1.1
Item 1A.1.
Risk FactorsBusiness
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Properties
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data 
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.
Other Information
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary
Signatures
Signatures




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Part I

Item 1.Business

Item 1.    Business
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including media, property and casualty insurance, media and restaurants.licensing, restaurants, and oil and gas. The Company’s largest operating subsidiaries are involved in the franchising and operating of restaurants. Biglari Holdings is founded and led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Biglari Holdings and its major operating subsidiaries.the Company. The Company’s long-term objective is to maximize per-share intrinsic value. All major operating, investment and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari.

As of December 31, 2018,2020, Mr. Biglari’s beneficial ownership was approximately 56.9%67.2% of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock and 54.3%60.6% of the Company’s outstanding Class B common stock.

Issuance of Dual Class Common Stock

On March 5, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with its predecessor registrant, now known as OBH Inc. (the “Predecessor”), and BH Merger Company, a wholly owned subsidiary

Overview of the Company. PursuantImpact of COVID-19
The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, caused governments to impose restrictive measures to contain its spread. Those shutdowns significantly affected our operating businesses to varying degrees. The risks and uncertainties resulting from the agreement on April 30, 2018, BH Merger Company merged withpandemic may continue to affect our future earnings, cash flows, and intofinancial condition. Accordingly, estimates used in the Predecessor,preparation of our financial statements, including those associated with the Predecessor continuing as the surviving corporationevaluation of certain long-lived assets, goodwill, and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

As a result of the April 30, 2018 transaction, the Company has two classes of common stock, designated Class A common stock and Class B common stock. A share of Class B common stock has economic rights equivalentother intangible assets for impairment, may be subject to 1/5th of a share of Class A common stock; however, Class B common stock has no voting rights. Upon completion of the transaction, every ten (10) shares of common stock outstanding on April 30, 2018 converted into (i) ten (10) shares of Class B common stock and (ii) one (1) share of Class A common stock.

Since May 1, 2018, the shares of the Company’s Class A common stock have traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “BH.A” and the shares of the Company’s Class B common stock have traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “BH”.

significant adjustments in future periods.

Restaurant Operations

The Company’s restaurant operations are conducted through two subsidiaries: Steak n Shake Inc. (“Steak n Shake”) and Western Sizzlin Corporation (“Western Sizzlin”). As of December 31, 2018,2020, Steak n Shake had 413276 company-operated restaurants, 86 franchise partner units, and 194 traditional franchise units. Of the 276 company-operated units, 57 are currently closed but Steak n Shake intends to reopen most of them. Western Sizzlin had 3 company-operated restaurants and 21339 franchise units. Western Sizzlin had 4 company-operated restaurants and 55 franchise units.

Steak n Shake is engaged in the ownership, operation,franchises and franchising of Steak n Shakeoperates its restaurants. Founded in 1934 in Normal, Illinois, on Route 66, Steak n Shake is a classic American brand serving premium burgers and milkshakes. Steak n Shake is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Western Sizzlin is engaged primarily in the franchising offranchises its 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 two other concepts: Great American Steak & Buffet, and Wood Grill Buffet. Western Sizzlin is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia.

Operations


In response to COVID-19, our restaurants were required to close their dining rooms during the first quarter of 2020, and the majority of those dining rooms remained closed for the remainder of the year. We follow the guidance of health officials in determining the appropriate restrictions to put in place for each restaurant. We intend to reopen dining rooms after converting Steak n Shake’s full-service model into a self-service one. We are unable to fully predict the impact that COVID-19 will continue to have on our and our franchisees’ operations going forward.
Company-Operated Restaurants
A typical restaurant’scompany-operated restaurant 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. Restaurant operations obtain food products and supplies from independent national distributors. Purchases are centrally negotiated to ensure uniformity in product quality.

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Franchise Partner Restaurants
Steak n Shake offers a franchise partner program to transition company-operated restaurants to franchise partnerships. The franchise agreement stipulates that the franchisee make an upfront investment totaling $10,000. Steak n Shake, as the franchisor, assesses a fee of Contents

up to 15% of sales as well as 50% of profits. Potential franchise partners are screened based on entrepreneurial attitude and ability, but they become franchise partners based on achievement. Each must meet the gold standard in service. Franchise partners are required to be hands-on operators, limited to a single location.

Franchising


Traditional Franchise Restaurants
Restaurant operations’ traditional 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
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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 franchise restaurant management and associates.

In addition to the traditional franchise arrangements described above, Steak n Shake initiated a new franchise partner program during 2018 to transition company-operated restaurants to such franchisees. The franchise agreement stipulates that the franchisee make an upfront investment totaling $10,000. Steak n Shake, as the franchisor, assesses a fee of up to 15% of sales as well as 50% of profits. Potential franchisees are screened based on entrepreneurial attitude and ability, but they become franchise partners based on achievement. Each must meet the gold standard in service. Franchise partners are required to be hands-on operators. We limit a franchisee to a single location.

International

We have a corporate office in Monaco and an international organization with personnel in various functions to support our international business. As of December 31, 2018,2020, we operated threefour company locations in Europe to promote the Steak n Shake brand to prospective franchisees. Similar to our traditional domestic franchise agreements, a typical international franchise development agreement includes development and franchise fees in addition to subsequent royalty fees based on the gross sales of each restaurant. As of December 31, 2018,2020, there were a total of 2939 franchise units in Europe and the Middle East.


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, convenience, service, experience, menu food quality, location,variety and customer service.product quality. 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, weather conditions, and competing restaurants.


Because of government actions to contain the spread of COVID-19, our restaurants were required to close their dining rooms during the first quarter of 2020. Many of our competitors reopened their dining rooms in 2020, whereas the majority of our dining rooms remained closed as of December 31, 2020.
Government regulations

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, i.e., health, sanitation, safety and fire agencies in the jurisdiction in which the restaurant is located.

Various federal and state labor laws govern our relationship with our employees, e.g., minimum wage, overtime pay, unemployment tax, health insurance, and workers’ compensation. Federal, state and local government agencies have established or are in the process of establishing regulations requiring that we disclose nutritional information. To date, none of the Company’s 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.

Trademark and licenses

The name and reputation of Steak n Shake is a material asset and management protects it and other service marks through appropriate registrations.

Insurance Business

Biglari Holdings’ insurance activities are conducted through two insurance entities. Our insurance businesses provide insurance of property and casualty.

On March 9, 2020, Biglari Holdings acquired the stock of Southern Pioneer Property & Casualty Insurance Company, and its agency, Southern Pioneer Insurance Agency, Inc. (collectively “Southern Pioneer”). Our insurance business is composed of First Guard Insurance Company and its agency, 1st Guard Corporation (collectively “First Guard”). , and Southern Pioneer.

The insurance business is stringently regulated by state insurance departments. Insurers based in the United States are subject to regulation by their states of domicile and by those states in which they are licensed to write policies on an admitted basis. First Guard and Southern Pioneer operate under licenses issued by various state insurance authorities. The primary focus of regulation is to assure that insurers are financially solvent and that policyholder interests are otherwise protected. States establish minimum capital levels for insurance companies and establish guidelines for permissible business and investment activities. States have the authority to suspend or revoke a company’s authority to do business as conditions warrant. States regulate the payment of dividends by insurance companies to their shareholders and other transactions with affiliates. Dividends, capital distributions and other transactions of extraordinary amounts are subject to prior regulatory approval. Insurers may market, sell and service insurance policies in the states where they are licensed. These insurers are referred to as admitted insurers. Admitted insurers are generally required to obtain regulatory approval of their policy forms and premium rates. Except for regulatory considerations, there are virtually no barriers to entry into the insurance industry.

First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. First Guard is headquartered in Venice, Florida.

First Guard competes for truck insurance with other companies. The commercial truck insurance business is highly competitive in the areas of price and service. Vigorous competition is provided by large, well-capitalized companies and by small regional insurers. First Guard’s insurance products are marketed primarily through direct response methods via the Internet or by telephone. First Guard’s cost-efficient direct response marketing methods enable it to be a low-cost truck insurer. First

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Guard uses its own claim staff to manage claims. Seasonal variations in First Guard’s insurance business are not significant. However, extraordinary weather conditions or other factors may have a significant effect upon the frequency or severity of claims.

The insurance business is stringently regulated by state insurance departments. First Guard is headquartered in Venice, Florida.


Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance on an admitted basis. Insurance coverages are offered nationwide, primarily through insurance agents. Southern Pioneer competes with large companies and local insurers. Southern Pioneer is headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Biglari Holdings’ insurance operations may be affected by extraordinary weather conditions or other factors may have a significant effect upon the frequency or severity of claims.
Oil and Gas Business
On September 9, 2019, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Southern Oil Company, acquired the stock of Southern Oil of Louisiana Inc. (collectively “Southern Oil”). Southern Oil primarily operates under licenses issuedoil and natural gas properties offshore in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Southern Oil is headquartered in Madisonville, Louisiana.
The oil and gas industry is fundamentally a commodity business. Southern Oil’s operations and earnings, therefore, may be significantly affected by various insurance authorities. Such supervisionchanges in oil and regulation include matters relatingnatural gas prices. The COVID-19 pandemic caused oil demand to authorized linesdecrease significantly during the second and third quarters of business, capital2020, which created oversupplied markets and surplus requirements, licensing of insurers, investments,lower commodity prices and margins. In response, the filing of annualCompany cut production and other financial reports prepared onexpenses in its oil and natural gas business. Southern Oil competes with fully integrated, major global petroleum companies, as well as independent and national petroleum companies. In addition, the basis of Statutory Accounting Principles, the filing and form of actuarial reports, dividends, andCompany is subject to a variety of other financialrisks inherent in the oil and non-financial matters.

gas businesses, including a wide range of local, state, and federal regulations.

Media and Licensing Business

Maxim’s business lies principally in media and licensing. Maxim is headquartered in New York City, New York.

Maxim competes for licensing business with other companies. The nature of the licensing business is predicated on projects that materialize with irregularity. In addition, publishing is a highly competitive business. The Company's magazines and related publishing products and services compete with other mass media, including the Internet and many other leisure-time activities. Competition for advertising dollars is based primarily on advertising rates, circulation levels, reader demographics, advertiser results, and sales team effectiveness.

Internet.

Maxim products are marketed under various registered brand names, including, but not limited to, “MAXIM®” and “Maxim®”.

Investments

The Company and its subsidiaries have invested in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. (collectively, “the investment partnerships”). The investment partnerships operate as private investment funds. As of December 31, 2018,2020, the fair value of the investments was $715.1$590.9 million. These investments are subject to a rolling five-year lock-up period under the terms of the respective partnership agreements.

Employees

As of December 31, 2020, the Company employed 3,862 persons. When hiring personnel, we do not consider circumstances of birth, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other factor unrelated to talent. The Company employs 18,684 persons.

factor of prime importance to us, talent, is invariably found across a wide spectrum of humanity. We seek to associate with people of high character and competence.

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.


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Item 1A.Risk Factors

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 its 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.

Risks relating to Biglari Holdings

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 Mr. Biglari. If for any reason the services of Mr. Biglari were to become unavailable, a material adverse effect on our business could occur.

Sardar Biglari, Chairman and CEO, beneficially owns over 50% of our outstanding shares of common stock, enabling Mr. Biglari to exert control over matters requiring shareholder approval.

Mr. Biglari has the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election or removal of directors, the amendment of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, along with other significant transactions. In addition, Mr. Biglari has the ability to control the management and affairs of the Company. This control position may conflict with the interests of some or all of the Company’s passive shareholders, and reduce the possibility of a merger proposal, tender offer or proxy contest for the removal of directors.

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange rules and thus can rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

Because Mr. Biglari beneficially owns more than 50% of the Company’s outstanding voting stock, we are considered a “controlled company” pursuant to New York Stock Exchange rules. As a result, we are not required to comply with certain director independence and board committee requirements.

The Company does not have a governance and nominating committee.

Our historical growth rate is not indicative of our future growth.

When evaluating our historical growth and prospects for future growth, it is important to consider that while our business philosophy has remained constant our mix of business has changed and will continue to change. Our business model makes it difficult to assess our prospects for future growth.

Biglari Holdings’ access to capital is subject to restrictions that may adversely affect its ability to satisfy its cash requirements or implement its growth strategy.

We are a holding company and are largely dependent upon dividends and other sources of funds from our subsidiaries in order to meet our needs. Steak n Shake’s credit facility contains restrictions on its ability to pay dividends to Biglari Holdings. In addition, theThe ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to Biglari Holdings is regulated by state insurance laws, which limit the amount of, and in certain circumstances may prohibit the payment of, cash dividends. Furthermore, as a result of our substantial investments in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P., investment partnerships controlled by Mr. Biglari, our access to capital is restricted by the terms of their respective partnership agreements, as described more fully below. There is also a high likelihood that we will make additional investments in these investment partnerships. Taken together, these restrictions may result in our having insufficient funds to satisfy our cash requirements. As a result, we may need to look to other sources of capital which may be more expensive or may not be available.

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. 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. We also highlight certain competitive risks in the sections below.

Unfavorable domestic and international

Deterioration of general economic societal and political conditions could hurtmay significantly reduce our operating businesses.

Toearnings.

Our operating businesses are subject to normal economic cycles, which affect the extent thatgeneral economy or the economy worsens forspecific industries in which they operate. Significant deteriorations of economic conditions over a prolonged period of time,could produce a material adverse effect on one or more of our significant operations could be materially harmed. In addition, our restaurant operations depend on having access to borrowed funds through the capital markets at reasonable rates. To the extent that access to credit is restricted or the cost of funding increases, our business could be adversely affected.

operations.


Our operating businesses face a variety of risks associated with doing business in foreign markets.

There is no assurance that our international operations will remain 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
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country. These include,inter alia, international economic and political conditions, corruption, terrorism, 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.

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The outbreak of Contents

COVID-19 has adversely affected, and in the future it or other epidemics, pandemics or outbreaks may adversely affect, our operations, including our investments. This is or may be due to closures or restrictions requested or mandated by governmental authorities, disruption to supply chains and workforce, reduction of demand for our products and services, credit losses when customers and other counterparties fail to satisfy their obligations to us, and volatility in global equity securities markets, among other factors.

Potential changes in law or regulations may have a negative impact on our Class A common stock and Class B common stock.

In prior years, bills have been introduced in Congress that, if enacted, would have prohibited the listing of common stock on a national securities exchange if such common stock was part of a class of securities that has no voting rights or carries disproportionate voting rights. Although these bills have not been acted upon by Congress, there can be no assurance that such a bill (or a modified version thereof) will not be introduced in Congress in the future. Legislation or other regulatory developments could make the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock ineligible for trading on the NYSE or other national securities exchanges.

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 a 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 operate and in which we plan to expand. Any impairment of our intellectual property or brands, including due to changes in U.S. or foreign intellectual property laws or the absence of effective legal protections or enforcement measures, could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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, policyholders, 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 have an adverse effect on our financial position.

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, as well as a sublicense agreement with Steak n Shake that,inter alia, 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 or Mr. Biglari’s termination without cause or resignation following specified occurrences, including (1) his removal as Chairman of the Board or Chief Executive Officer or (2) his not maintaining sole capital allocation authority, 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. 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.

Risks Relating to Our Restaurant Operations

Our restaurant operations face intense competition from a wide range of industry participants.

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, convenience, service, experience, menu food quality, location,variety and customer service.product quality. 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, 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.

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The COVID-19 pandemic caused our restaurants to close their dining rooms in 2020. Many of Contents

Steak n Shake’s competitors have reopened their dining rooms. Steak n Shake will reopen dining rooms only in restaurants it believes will provide excellent customer service.

Changes in economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our restaurant operations.

Our restaurant operations are subject to normal economic cycles affecting the economy in general or the restaurant industry in particular. 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 experiencedDeclines 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.

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.

Covenants in Steak n Shake’s credit facility include restrictions on, among other things, its ability to incur additional indebtedness and to make distributions to the Company. Steak n Shake’s ability to make payments on its 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. Steak n Shake’s failure to service its debt could constitute an event

5

Fluctuations in commodity and energy prices and the availability of commodities, including beef 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 and dairy products, which can be subject to significant price fluctuations due to seasonal shifts, climate conditions, industry demand, changes in 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.

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 Sizzlin’s restaurants are located in the Midwest and Southeast portions of the United States. During the first and fourth quarters, restaurants in the Midwest may face harsh winter weather conditions. During the third and fourth 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, cause physical damage, or lead to a shortage of employees.

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 restaurant operations. 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 mayhave 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.products. The operation of the Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin 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, or proposed increases in minimum wage rates could adversely affect our business.

Risks Relating to Our Investment Activities

Our

The majority of our investment activities are conducted primarily through outside investment partnerships, The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P., which are controlled by Mr. Biglari.

Our investment activities are 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 (and may be paid in-kind rather than in cash, thus increasing the difficulty of liquidating these investments). As a result of these provisions and our consequent inability to access this capital for a defined period, 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 we may become unable to meet our capital requirements. There is a high likelihood that we will make additional investments in these investment partnerships in the future.

We also have a services agreement with Biglari Capital Corp., the general partner of the investment partnerships (“Biglari Capital”), and Biglari Enterprises LLC (collectively, the “Biglari Entities”), in which the Company will paypays a fixed fee to the Biglari Entities for business and administrative-related services. The Biglari Entities are owned by Mr. Biglari. There can be no assurance that the fees paid will be commensurate with the benefits received.

6

The incentive allocation to which Mr. Biglari, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Biglari Capital, is entitled under the terms of the respective partnership agreements is equal to 25% of the net profits allocated to the limited partners in excess of a 6% hurdle rate over the previous high-water mark.


Our investments are unusuallymay be concentrated and fair values are subject to a loss in value.

Our

The majority of our investments are predominantly held through the investment partnerships, which generally invest in common stocks. These investments aremay be largely concentrated in the common stockstocks of one investee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.a few investees. A significant decline in the major values of these investments 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.

We are subject to the risk of possibly becoming an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

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 operate as an ongoing enterprise, with approximately 19,0004,000 employees, along with an asset base from which to pursue acquisitions. Furthermore, Section 3(c)(3) of the Investment Company Act excludes insurance companies from the definition of “investment company”. Because we monitor the value of our investments and structure transactions accordingly, 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, adverse developments with respect to our ownership of certain of our operating subsidiaries, including significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings, 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.

Risks Relating to Our Insurance Business

Our success depends on our ability to underwrite risks accurately and to charge adequate rates to policyholders.

Our results of operations depend on our ability to underwrite and set rates accurately for risks assumed. A primary role of the pricing function is to ensure that rates are adequate to generate sufficient premiums to pay losses, loss adjustment expenses, and underwriting expenses.

Our insurance business is vulnerable to significant catastrophic property loss, which could have an adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

Our insurance business faces a significant risk of loss in the ordinary course of its business for property damage resulting from natural disasters, man-made catastrophes and other catastrophic events. These events typically increase the frequency and severity of commercial property claims. Because catastrophic loss events are by their nature unpredictable, historical results of operations may not be indicative of future results of operations, and the occurrence of claims from catastrophic events may result in significant volatility in our insurance business’ financial condition and results of operations from period to period. We attempt to manage our exposure to these events through reinsurance programs, although there is no assurance we will be successful in doing so.

Our insurance business is subject to extensive existing state, local and foreign governmental regulations that restrict its ability to do business and generate revenues.

Our insurance business is subject to regulation in the jurisdictions in which it operates. These regulations may relate to, among other things, the types of business that can be written, the rates that can be charged for coverage, the level of capital and reserves that must be maintained, and restrictions on the types and size of investments that can be placed. Regulations may also restrict the timing and amount of dividend payments. Accordingly, existing or new regulations related to these or other matters or regulatory actions imposing restrictions on our insurance business may adversely impact its results of operations.


7

Risks Relating to Our Media and Licensing Business

Our media business faces significant competition from other magazine publishers and newother forms of media, including digital media, and as a result our media business may not be able to improve its operating results.

Our media business competes principally with other magazine publishers. The proliferation of choices available to consumers for information and entertainment has resulted in audience fragmentation and has negatively impacted overall consumer demand for print magazines and intensified competition with other magazine publishers for share of print magazine readership. Our media business also competes with digital publishers and other forms of media. This competition has intensified as a result of the growing popularityproliferation of mobile devices and the shift in consumer preference of some consumers from print media to digital media for the delivery and consumption of content.

Competition among print magazine and digital publishers for advertising is primarily based on the circulation and readership of magazines and the number of visitors to websites, respectively, and the demographics of customers, advertising rates, plus the effectiveness of advertising sales teams. The proliferation of new platforms available to advertisers, combined with continuing competition from print platforms, has impacted both the amount of advertising our media business is able to sell and the rates it can command.

Our pursuit of licensing opportunities for the Maxim brand may prove to be unsuccessful.

Maxim’s success depends to a significant degree upon its ability to develop new licensing agreements to expand its brand. However, these licensing efforts may be unsuccessful. We may be unable to secure favorable terms for future licensing arrangements, which could lead to, among other things, disputes with licensing partners that hinder our ability to grow the Maxim brand. Future licensing partners may also fail to honor their contractual obligations or take other actions that can diminish the value of the Maxim brand. Disputes could also arise that prevent or delay our ability to collect licensing revenues under these arrangements. If any of these developments occur or our licensing efforts are otherwise not successful, the value and recognition of the Maxim brand, as well as the prospects of our media business, could be materially, adversely affected.

Risks Relating to Our mediaOil and Gas Business
Our oil and gas business is exposed to risks associated with weak economic conditions.

Because magazines are generally discretionary purchasesthe effects of volatile commodity prices.

The single largest variable that affects Southern Oil’s results of operations is the price of crude oil and natural gas. The price we receive for consumers, circulation revenues are sensitive to general economic conditionsour oil and economic cycles. Certain economic conditions such as general economic downturns, includingnatural gas production heavily influences Southern Oil’s revenue and profitability. Extended periods of increased inflation, unemployment levels, interest rates, gasolinelow prices for crude oil or natural gas can have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
Our scope of business is concentrated in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Any disruption of its extractive business would adversely affect Southern Oil’s revenues and profitability. Southern Oil’s operations are therefore subject to disruption from natural or human causes beyond its control, including physical risks from hurricanes, severe storms, and other energy prices, or declining consumer confidence, may negatively impact consumer spending. Reduced consumer spending or a shift in consumer spending patterns away from discretionary items will likelyforms of system failures, any of which could result in reduced demand forsuspension of operations or harm to people or the natural environment.
Our oil and gas business can be adversely affected by political or regulatory developments affecting our media business’ magazinesoperations.
Southern Oil’s operations can be affected by changing economic, regulatory and may resultpolitical environments. Litigation or changes in decreased revenues.

national, state, or local environmental regulations or laws, including those designed to stop or impede the development or production of oil and natural gas, could adversely affect Southern Oil’s operations and profitability.
Item 1B.
Item 1B.     Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

None.

8

Item 2.Properties

Item 2.     Properties
Restaurant Properties

As of December 31, 2018,2020, restaurant operations included 685598 company-operated and franchise locations. Restaurant operations own the land and building for 153150 restaurants. The following table lists the locations of the restaurants, as of December 31, 2018.

  Steak n Shake Western Sizzlin  
  Company Operated Franchise Company Operated Franchise Total
Domestic:          
Alabama                      2                      7                    -                         6               15
Arizona                      1                      1                    -                       -                    2
Arkansas                     -                         7                    -                       16               23
California                      1                      6                    -                         1                 8
Colorado                      2                      2                    -                       -                    4
Delaware                     -                         1                    -                       -                    1
Florida                    80                      4                    -                       -                  84
Georgia                    22                    17                    -                         5               44
Illinois                    61                    10                    -                       -                  71
Indiana                    68                      5                    -                       -                  73
Iowa                      3                     -                       -                       -                    3
Kansas                     -                         4                    -                       -                    4
Kentucky                    14                    10                    -                       -                  24
Louisiana                     -                         1                    -                       -                    1
Maryland                     -                         1                    -                         1                 2
Michigan                    19                     -                       -                       -                  19
Mississippi                     -                         4                    -                         1                 5
Missouri                    37                    24                    -                       -                  61
Nevada                     -                         6                    -                       -                    6
North Carolina                      6                    11                    -                         6               23
Ohio                    63                      3                    -                         1               67
Oklahoma                     -                         3                    -                         7               10
Pennsylvania                      7                      6                    -                       -                  13
South Carolina                      1                      5                    -                         3                 9
Tennessee                      9                    17                    -                         4               30
Texas                    14                    18                    -                         1               33
Virginia                     -                         8                      3                      3               14
Washington                     -                         1                    -                       -                    1
West Virginia                     -                         2                      1                    -                    3
International:          
France                      2                    20                    -                    -               22
Italy                     -                      2                    -                    -                 2
Portugal                     -                      4                    -                    -                 4
Qatar                     -                      1                    -                    -                 1
Saudi Arabia                     -                      1                    -                    -                 1
Spain                      1                      1                    -                    -                 2
Total                  413                  213                      4                    55             685

10 

2020.

Steak n ShakeWestern Sizzlin
Company
Operated
Franchise
Partner
Traditional
Franchise
Company
Operated
FranchiseTotal
Domestic:
Alabama— — 14 
Arizona— — — — 
Arkansas— — — 15 
California— — — — 
Colorado— — — 
Delaware— — — — 
Florida45 32 — — 82 
Georgia16 12 — 37 
Illinois47 11 — — 66 
Indiana50 11 — — 64 
Iowa— — — 
Kansas— — — — 
Kentucky11 — — 24 
Louisiana— — — — 
Maryland— — — 
Michigan18 — — — — 18 
Mississippi— — — 
Missouri18 23 — — 45 
Nebraska— — — — 
Nevada— — — — 
North Carolina— 20 
Ohio40 11 — 55 
Oklahoma— — — 
Pennsylvania— — — 
South Carolina— — 
Tennessee18 — 29 
Texas10 13 — 27 
Virginia— — 
Washington DC— — — — 
West Virginia— — — 
International:
France— 28 — — 30 
Italy— — — — 
Monaco— — — — 
Portugal— — — — 
Qatar— — — — 
Spain— — — 
Total276 86 194 39 598 

9

As of December 31, 2020, 57 of the 276 Steak n Shake company-operated stores were closed. The Company intends to reopen most of its 57 closed stores.
Oil and Gas Properties
Southern Oil primarily operates oil and natural gas wells in Louisiana. Its operations are primarily offshore in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Item 3.Legal Proceedings

We are involved

Item 3.     Legal Proceedings
Refer to Commitments and Contingencies - Note 14 to Consolidated Financial Statements included in variousItem 8 for a discussion of legal proceedings and have certain unresolved claims pending. We believe, based on examination of these matters and experiences to date, that the ultimate liability, if any, in excess of amounts already provided in our consolidated financial statements is not likely to have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flow.

On January 29, 2018, a shareholder of the Company filed a purported class action complaint against the Company and the members of our Board of Directors in the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana. The shareholder generally alleges claims of breach of fiduciary duty by the members of our Board of Directors and unjust enrichment to Mr. Biglari as a result of the issuance of a dual class structure.

On March 26, 2018, a shareholder of the Company filed a purported class action complaint against the Company and the members of our Board of Directors in the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana. This shareholder generally alleges claims of breach of fiduciary duty by the members of our Board of Directors. This shareholder sought to enjoin the shareholder vote on April 26, 2018 to approve the issuance of the dual class structure. On April 16, 2018, the shareholders withdrew their motions to enjoin the shareholder vote on April 26, 2018.

On May 17, 2018, the shareholders who filed the January 29, 2018 complaint and the March 26, 2018 complaint filed a new, consolidated complaint against the Company and the members of our Board of Directors in the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana. The shareholders generally allege claims of breach of fiduciary duty by the members of our Board of Directors and unjust enrichment to Mr. Biglari arising out of the issuance of the dual class structure. The shareholders seek, for themselves and on behalf of all other shareholders as a class, a declaration that the defendants breached their duty to the shareholders and the class, and to recover unspecified damages, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, and an award of their attorneys’ fees and other costs.

On December 14, 2018, the Judge of the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana issued an order granting the Company’s motion to dismiss the shareholders’ lawsuits. On January 11, 2019, the shareholders filed an appeal of the Judge’s order dismissing the lawsuits.

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

proceedings.
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Item 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.


Part II

Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 5.     Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information

Biglari Holdings’ Class A common stock and Class B common stock are listed for trading on the NYSE, trading symbol: BH.A and BH, respectively.

Shareholders

Biglari Holdings had 3,1732,154 beneficial shareholders of its Class A common stock and 5,7763,843 beneficial shareholders of its Class B common stock atas of February 11, 2019.

17, 2021.

Dividends

Biglari Holdings has never declared a dividend.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

From December 11, 2018November 13, 2020 through December 17, 2018, Sardar Biglari2020, The Lion Fund II, L.P. purchased 1,393 share1,864 shares of Class A common stock at an average price paid per share of $712.24 and 35084,017 shares of Class B common stock at an average price paid per share of $125.99. Mr. Biglaristock. The Lion Fund II, L.P. may be deemed to be an “affiliated purchaser” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The purchases were made through open market transactions.

11 

Total Number of Class A Shares PurchasedAverage Price Paid per Class A ShareTotal Number of Class B Shares PurchasedAverage Price Paid per Class B ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or ProgramsMaximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under Plans or Programs
October 1, 2020 – October 31, 2020— $— — $— — — 
November 1, 2020 – November 30, 2020351 $558.46 65,623 $103.63 — — 
December 1, 2020 – December 31, 20201,513 $608.95 18,394 $116.72 — — 
Total1,864 84,017 — 





10

Performance Graph

The graph below matches Biglari Holdings Inc.'s cumulative 5-year total shareholder return on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock (on an equivalent Class A common stock basis) with the cumulative total returns of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Restaurants Index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each index (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from December 31, 20132015 to December 31, 2018.

  

2020.

bh-20201231_g1.jpg
*$100 invested on 12/31/15 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending December 31.

Copyright© 2021 Standard & Poor's, a division of S&P Global. All rights reserved.
The preceding stock price performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, 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

Biglari Holdings does not have any equity compensation plans.

12 


11


Item 6.Selected Financial Data

Item 6.     Selected Financial Data
(dollars in thousands except per share data)

  2018 2017 2016 2015
Revenue:                 
Total revenues $809,894  $839,804  $850,076  $861,452 
                 
Earnings:                
Net earnings (loss) $19,392  $50,071  $99,451  $(15,843)
Net earnings (loss) per equivalent Class A share $55.71  $136.01  $271.22  $(33.94)
                 
Year-end data:                
Total assets $1,029,493  $1,063,584  $1,096,967  $987,079 
Long-term notes payable and other borrowings  240,001   256,994   281,555   296,062 
Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity $570,455  $571,328  $531,940  $451,372 

  Transition Period 52 Weeks Ended
    Fiscal
  20142014
Revenue:     
Total revenues $224,450  $793,811 
         
Earnings:        
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. $91,050  $28,804 
Net earnings per equivalent Class A share $161.63  $56.16 
         
Year-end data:        
Total assets $1,298,509  $1,156,310 
Long-term notes payable and other borrowings  309,003   311,448 
Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity $725,551  $638,717 

20202019201820172016
Revenue:
Total revenues$433,683 $668,838 $809,894 $839,804 $850,076 
Earnings:
Net earnings (loss)$(37,989)$45,380 $19,392 $50,071 $99,451 
Net earnings (loss) per equivalent Class A share$(110.05)$131.64 $55.71 $136.01 $271.22 
Year-end data:
Total assets$1,017,968 $1,139,309 $1,029,493 $1,063,584 $1,096,967 
Long-term notes payable and other borrowings$75,182 $263,182 $240,001 $256,994 $281,555 
Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity$564,828 $616,298 $570,455 $571,328 $531,940 
Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. The issuance of dual class common stock on April 30, 2018 is applied to years 2014 through2016 and 2017 on a retrospective basis for the calculation of earnings per share. The Company has applied the “two-class method” of computing earnings per share as prescribed in ASCAccounting Standards Codification 260, “Earnings Per Share.”

For total assets, periods prior to 2016 were adjusted for the reclassifications of debt issuance costs and deferred taxes. For long-term notes payable and other borrowings, periods prior to 2016 were adjusted for the reclassification of debt issuance.

As of January 1, 2018, franchise royalties and fees are composed of royalties and fees from Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin franchisees. Royalties are based upon a percentage of sales of the franchise restaurant and are recognized as earned. Franchise royalties are billed on a monthly basis. Initial franchise fees when a new restaurant opens or at the start of a new franchise term are recorded as deferred revenue when received and recognized as revenue over the term of the franchise agreement. This represents a change in methodology under the January 1, 2018 adoption of ASCAccounting Standards Codification 606 for we have historically recognized initial franchise fees upon the opening of a franchise restaurant. Comparative prior periods have not been adjusted.

Years 2015 through 2018 ended December 31. In 2014, the Company’s Board


As of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year-end moving from the last Wednesday in September to December 31, 2020, long-term notes payable and other borrowings of each year. Transition period is for September 25, 2014 to$75,182 were financial lease obligations. The Company’s note payable on December 31, 2014. Fiscal year 2014 ended2020, was classified as current and was repaid in full on the last Wednesday nearest September 30.

13 

February 19, 2020.

12

Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(dollars in thousands except per share data)

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

As of December 31, 2018,2020, Mr. Biglari’s beneficial ownership was approximately 56.9%67.2% of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock and 54.3%60.6% of the Company’s outstanding Class B common stock.

Issuance


Overview of Dual Class Common Stock

the Impact of COVID-19

The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, caused governments to impose restrictive measures to contain its spread. Those shutdowns significantly affected our operating businesses to varying degrees. The risks and uncertainties resulting from the pandemic may continue to affect our future earnings, cash flows, and financial condition. Accordingly, estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements, including those associated with the evaluation of certain long-lived assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets for impairment, may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods.
Business Acquisitions
On March 5, 2018,9, 2020, Biglari Holdings acquired the stock of Southern Pioneer Property & Casualty Insurance Company, entered into an agreement withand its predecessor registrant, now knownagency, Southern Pioneer Insurance Agency, Inc. (collectively “Southern Pioneer”). Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property as OBH Inc. (the “Predecessor”),well as homeowners and BH Merger Company,dwelling fire insurance coverages. The Company’s financial results include the results of Southern Pioneer from the date of acquisition.

On September 9, 2019, a wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Pursuant toCompany, Southern Oil Company, acquired the agreement on April 30, 2018, BH Merger Company merged withstock of Southern Oil of Louisiana Inc. (collectively “Southern Oil”). Southern Oil primarily operates oil and intonatural gas properties offshore in the Predecessor, with the Predecessor continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiaryshallow waters of the Company.

As a resultGulf of the April 30, 2018 transaction, the Company has two classes of common stock, designated Class A common stock and Class B common stock. A share of Class B common stock has economic rights equivalent to 1/5th of a share of Class A common stock; however, Class B common stock has no voting rights. Upon completion of the transaction, every ten (10) shares of common stock outstanding on April 30, 2018 converted into (i) ten (10) shares of Class B common stock and (ii) one (1) share of Class A common stock.

Since May 1, 2018, the shares of the Company’s Class A common stock have traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “BH.A” and the shares of the Company’s Class B common stock have traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “BH”.

Mexico.

Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings shareholders are disaggregated in the table that follows. Amounts are recorded after deducting income taxes.

  2018 2017 2016
Operating businesses:            
Restaurant $(2,613) $9,725  $24,834 
Insurance  4,915   3,097   3,313 
Media  796   435   (6,385)
Other  472   506   (157)
Total operating businesses  3,570   13,763   21,605 
Corporate  (8,661)  32,072   (6,387)
Investment partnership gains  33,240   11,080   91,332 
Interest expense on notes payable  (8,757)  (6,844)  (7,099)
  $19,392  $50,071  $99,451 

202020192018
Operating businesses:
Restaurant$(4,961)$(10,734)$(2,613)
Insurance9,840 5,584 4,915 
Oil and gas1,890 5,921 — 
Media1,374 572 796 
Interest expense(6,940)(8,817)(8,757)
Total operating businesses1,203 (7,474)(5,659)
Corporate and other(9,563)(7,919)(8,189)
Investment partnership gains(32,506)60,773 33,240 
Investment gains2,877 — — 
$(37,989)$45,380 $19,392 
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.

14 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 24, 2020.

Restaurants

Our restaurant businesses, which include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin, comprise 685598 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of December 31, 2018.

http:||content.edgar-online.com|edgar_conv_img|2009|12|14|0001144204-09-064464_SPACER.GIF Steak n Shake Western Sizzlin  
  Company- operated Franchise Company-operated Franchise Total
Total stores as of December 31, 2015  417   144   4   66   631 
Net restaurants opened (closed)  —     29   (1)  (2)  26 
Total stores as of December 31, 2016  417   173   3   64   657 
Net restaurants opened (closed)  (2)  27   1   (6)  20 
Total stores as of December 31, 2017  415   200   4   58   677 
Net restaurants opened (closed)  (2)  13   —     (3)  8 
Total stores as of December 31, 2018  413   213   4   55   685 

The term “same-store sales” refers to the sales2020.

Steak n ShakeWestern Sizzlin
Company-
operated
Franchise
Partner
Traditional
Franchise
Company-
operated
FranchiseTotal
Total stores as of December 31, 2017415 — 200 58 677 
Net restaurants opened (closed)(2)— 13 — (3)
Stores open on December 31, 2018413 — 213 55 685 
Corporate stores transitioned(29)29 — — — — 
Net restaurants opened (closed)(16)— — — (7)(23)
Stores open on December 31, 2019368 29 213 48 662 
Corporate stores transitioned(58)57 — — — 
Net restaurants opened (closed)(34)— (20)(1)(9)(64)
Stores open on December 31, 2020276 86 194 39 598 

As of company-operated units open at least 18 months at the beginningDecember 31, 2020, 57 of the current period and have remained open through276 company-operated Steak n Shake stores were closed. Throughout 2020, it became increasingly clear that the endproblems leading to operational shortfalls of certain restaurants could be fixed, thereby enabling those restaurants to produce a satisfactory return on investment. Steak n Shake reopened 33 locations which were previously closed. In addition, we plan to reopen most of our closed company-operated restaurants. As of December 31, 2019, 107 of the period. Same-store traffic measures the number368 company-operated Steak n Shake stores were closed.


13

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)
Restaurant operations for 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 are summarized below.

  2018   2017   2016  
Revenue                        
Net sales $740,922      $781,856      $795,322     
Franchise royalties and fees  30,998       20,773       18,794     
Other revenue  3,770       4,524       3,798     
Total revenue  775,690       807,153       817,914     
                         
Restaurant cost of sales                        
Cost of food  223,273   30.1%  238,143   30.5%  221,657   27.9%
Restaurant operating costs  393,348   53.1%  404,373   51.7%  395,262   49.7%
Rent  19,835   2.7%  18,514   2.4%  18,047   2.3%
Total cost of sales  636,456       661,030       634,966     
                         
Selling, general and administrative                        
General and administrative  57,684   7.4%  60,527   7.5%  59,446   7.3%
Marketing  55,063   7.1%  49,589   6.1%  51,324   6.3%
Other expenses  8,060   1.0%  4,011   0.5%  3,907   0.5%
Total selling, general and administrative  120,807   15.6%  114,127   14.1%  114,677   14.0%
                         
Depreciation and amortization  18,831   2.4%  20,623   2.6%  21,573   2.6%
                         
Interest on obligations under leases  8,207       9,082       9,475     
                         
Earnings before income taxes  (8,611)      2,291       37,223     
                         
Income tax expense (benefit)  (5,998)      (7,434)      12,389     
                         
Net earnings (loss) $(2,613)     $9,725      $24,834     

202020192018
Revenue
Net sales$306,577 $578,164 $740,922 
Franchise partner fees22,213 3,829 33 
Franchise royalties and fees18,794 23,360 30,965 
Other revenue3,082 4,867 3,770 
Total revenue350,666 610,220 775,690 
Restaurant cost of sales
Cost of food88,698 28.9 %176,346 30.5 %223,273 30.1 %
Restaurant operating costs137,574 44.9 %307,337 53.2 %393,348 53.1 %
Rent20,383 6.6 %17,266 3.0 %19,835 2.7 %
Total cost of sales246,655 500,949 636,456 
Selling, general and administrative
General and administrative35,922 10.2 %47,685 7.8 %57,684 7.4 %
Marketing21,507 6.1 %39,476 6.5 %55,063 7.1 %
Other expenses2,972 0.8 %1,753 0.3 %2,383 0.3 %
Total selling, general and administrative60,401 17.2 %88,914 14.6 %115,130 14.8 %
Impairments23,646 6.7 %8,186 1.3 %5,677 0.7 %
Depreciation and amortization19,042 5.4 %21,174 3.5 %18,831 2.4 %
Interest on finance leases and obligations6,274 7,816 8,207 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes(5,352)(16,819)(8,611)
Income tax expense (benefit)(391)(6,085)(5,998)
Contributions to net earnings$(4,961)$(10,734)$(2,613)
Cost of food, restaurant operating costs and rent expense are expressed as a percentage of net sales.

General and administrative, marketing, other expenses, impairments and depreciation and amortization are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.

15 

Management’s Discussion2020, and Analysis(continued)

the majority of our dining rooms remained closed through the end of 2020. To mitigate high labor costs associated with full service, Steak n Shake is seeking to reopen dining rooms with a self-service model, which will require an investment of between $100 and $200 per restaurant.


Net sales during 20182020 were $740,922$306,577, representing a decrease of $40,934 when$271,587, as compared to 2017.2019. The decreased performance of our restaurant operations in 20182020 was largely driven by Steak n Shake’s same-store sales, which decreased 5.1% whereas customer traffic decreased by 7.0%. Net salesprimarily due to the closing of dining rooms and stores over the course of the year.

Franchise partner fees were $22,213 during 2017 were $781,856 representing a decrease of $13,466 when2020, as compared to 2016. The decreased performance$3,829 during 2019. As of our restaurant operations in 2017 was largely driven by Steak n Shake’s same-store sales. In 2017, Steak n Shake’s same-store sales decreased by 1.8%December 31, 2020, there were 86 franchise partner units, as compared to 2016.

In 2018,29 franchise partner units as of December 31, 2019. We continue to transition from company-operated units to franchise-operated ones. For a franchise partner to be awarded a restaurant, he or she must demonstrate the gold standard in service.


The traditional franchising business generates franchise royalties and fees, increased $10,225which decreased by $4,566, or 49.2%. During 2018, Steak n Shake opened 33 franchise units and closed 20. Western Sizzlin opened one franchise unit and closed four.19.5% during 2020, as compared to 2019. The increasedecrease in franchise royalties and fees was primarily due to franchise stores that closed during the adoptionpandemic.

14

Management’s Discussion and fees during 2017 increased $1,979 compared to 2016. In 2017 Steak n Shake opened 40 franchise units and closed thirteen. During the same period, six Western Sizzlin franchise units closed. Analysis(continued)
The increase in franchise fees and royalties during 2017 are primarily attributable to new Steak n Shake franchise units, which opened in 2017 and 2016.

Costcost of food in 20182020 was $223,273$88,698, or 30.1%28.9% of net sales, as compared with $238,143to $176,346, or 30.5% of net sales in 2017 and $221,6572019. Restaurant operating costs during 2020 were $137,574, or 27.9%44.9% of net sales, as compared to $307,337, or 53.2% of net sales in 2016.2019. The increasedecrease in the cost of food and restaurant operating costs during 2020 as a percent of net sales during 2018 and 2017 compared to 20162019 was attributable to increased commodity costs.

Restaurant operating costs during 2018 were $393,348 or 53.1% oflower net sales compared to $404,373 or 51.7% of net sales in 2017resulting from store closures as well as dining room closures. Throughout 2020, our business was mainly off-premises — drive-through, delivery, and $395,262 or 49.7% of net sales in 2016. Total costs as a percent of net sales during 2018 and 2017 increased compared to the respective prior years principally due to higher wages.

takeout.


Selling, general and administrative expenses during 20182020 were $120,807$60,401, or 15.6%17.2% of total revenues.

revenues compared to $88,914, or 14.6% of total revenues during 2019. General and administrative expenses decreased by $2,843$11,763 during 20182020, as compared to 2017,2019, primarily because of decreased personnel costs.

Marketing expense increasedexpenses decreased by $5,474$17,969 in 20182020 as compared to 20172019, primarily by shifting to a digital strategy.


Asset impairments increased $15,460 during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to the adoptionimpact of new accounting guidance. New ASC 606 accounting guidance requires the Company to recognize franchise fees as revenueCOVID-19. The pandemic caused dining room closures and reflect advertising expenditures madehad a negative impact on behalf of the franchisees as marketing expense. The new guidance increased marketing expenses by $9,689 during 2018.

Other expenses increased by $4,049 during 2018 compared to 2017. The increase in other expenses was primarily due to asset impairments of $5,677.

Selling, general and administrative expenses during 2017 were $114,127 or 14.1% of total revenues.

General and administrative expenses increased by $1,081 during 2017 compared to 2016, primarily because of increased recruiting.

Marketing expense decreased by $1,735 in 2017 compared to 2016 because of a decrease in promotions.

store level cash flows.


Interest on obligations under leases was $8,207$6,274 during 2018,2020, versus $9,082$7,816 during 2017 and $9,475 during 2016.2019. The year over yearyear-over-year decrease in interest expense is primarily attributable to the maturity and retirement of lease obligations. The total obligations
Insurance
We view our insurance businesses as possessing two activities: underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, whereas investing decisions are the responsibility of our Chairman and CEO, Sardar Biglari. Business units are operated under leases outstanding at December 31, 2018 were $64,200, compared to $80,752 at December 31, 2017separate local management. Biglari Holdings’ insurance operations consist of First Guard and $89,498 at December 31, 2016. 

16 

Southern Pioneer.


Underwriting results of our insurance operations are summarized below.

202020192018
Underwriting gain attributable to:
First Guard9,379 6,477 5,634 
Southern Pioneer620 — — 
Pre-tax underwriting gain9,999 6,477 5,634 
Income tax expense2,100 1,295 1,127 
Net underwriting gain7,899 5,182 4,507 

Earnings of our insurance operations are summarized below.
202020192018
Premiums written$49,220 $28,746 $26,465 
Insurance losses24,828 16,924 15,457 
Underwriting expenses14,393 5,345 5,374 
Pre-tax underwriting gain9,999 6,477 5,634 
Other income and expenses
Investment income1,212 790 579 
Other income (expense)1,220 (164)
Total other income2,432 626 581 
Earnings before income taxes12,431 7,103 6,215 
Income tax expense2,591 1,519 1,300 
Contribution to net earnings$9,840 $5,584 $4,915 
Insurance premiums and other on the consolidated statement of earnings includes premiums earned, investment income, other income and commissions. Commissions are in other income (expense) in the above table.


15

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)

Insurance

First Guard

First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. Earnings of our insurance business are summarized below.

  2018 2017 2016
Premiums earned $26,465  $24,242  $22,397 
Insurance losses  15,457   14,959   12,641 
Underwriting expenses  5,374   4,765   4,843 
Pre-tax underwriting gain  5,634   4,518   4,913 
Other income and expenses            
Investment income and commissions  1,163   701   600 
Other expense    (582)  (449)  (378)
Total other income  581   252   222 
Earnings before income taxes  6,215   4,770   5,135 
Income tax expense  1,300   1,673   1,822 
Contribution to net earnings $4,915  $3,097  $3,313 

First Guard’s insurance products are marketed primarily through direct response methods via the Internet or by telephone. First Guard’s cost-efficient direct response marketing methods enable it to be a low-cost trucking insurer.

In 2018, premiums earned increased $2,223 or 9.2% compared to 2017. Premiums earned during 2017 increased $1,845 or 8.2% compared to 2016. Pre-tax A summary of First Guard’s underwriting gain during 2018 was $5,634, an increaseresults follows.

202020192018
 Amount % Amount % Amount %
Premiums written$30,210 100.0 %$28,746 100.0 %$26,465 100.0 %
Insurance losses14,031 46.5 %16,924 58.9 %15,457 46.5 %
Underwriting expenses6,800 22.5 %5,345 18.6 %5,374 20.3 %
Total losses and expenses20,831 69.0 %22,269 77.5 %20,831 66.8 %
Pre-tax underwriting gain$9,379 $6,477 $5,634 

Southern Pioneer

Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability insurance, commercial property, as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance. The financial results for Southern Pioneer are from the date of $1,116 (24.7%) compared to 2017. Pre-taxacquisition March 9, 2020.A summary of Southern Pioneer’s underwriting gain during 2017 was $4,518, a decreaseresults follows.
2020
 Amount %
Premiums written$19,010 100.0 %
Insurance losses10,797 56.8 %
Underwriting expenses7,593 39.9 %
Total losses and expenses18,390 96.7 %
Pre-tax underwriting gain$620 

Insurance – Investment Income

A summary of $395 (8.0%) compared to 2016. We strive to generate pre-tax underwriting profits every year.

Insurance premiums and other on the statement of earnings includes premiums earned,net investment income attributable to our insurance operations follows.


202020192018
Interest, dividends and other investment income:
First Guard$285 $790 $579 
Southern Pioneer927 — — 
Pre-tax investment income1,212 790 579 
Income tax expense255 166 122 
Net investment income$957 $624 $457 

We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and commissions, which are included in other income in the above table.

17 

losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.

16


Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)

Oil and Gas
Southern Oil primarily operates oil and natural gas properties offshore in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Southern Oil was acquired on September 9, 2019. Earnings for Southern Oil are summarized below.
20202019
Oil and gas revenue$26,255 $24,436 
Oil and gas production costs8,700 7,259 
Depreciation, depletion and accretion12,527 8,218 
General and administrative expenses3,010 927 
Earnings before income taxes2,018 8,032 
Income tax expense128 2,111 
Contribution to net earnings$1,890 $5,921 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused oil demand to significantly decrease, creating oversupplied markets that have resulted in lower commodity prices and margins. In response, the Company significantly cut its production and expenses during the first and second quarters of 2020. However, crude oil prices improved in mid-2020 in response to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in the increase of oil demand.As a consequence, Southern Oil began to restore the majority of its curtailed production. Southern Oil is a debt-free company.
Media and Licensing

Maxim’s business lies principally in media and licensing. Earnings of our media and licensing operations are summarized below.

  2018 2017 2016
Revenue $6,576  $7,708  $9,165 
             
Media cost of sales  4,152   6,527   15,834 
Selling, general and administrative expenses  1,329   1,570   3,000 
Depreciation and amortization  27   50   409 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes  1,068   (439)  (10,078)
Income tax expense (benefit)  272   (874)  (3,693)
Contribution to net earnings $796  $435  $(6,385)

202020192018
Media and licensing revenue$4,083 $4,099 $6,576 
Media and licensing cost2,156 3,181 4,152 
General and administrative expenses143 176 1,329 
Depreciation and amortization— — 27 
Earnings before income taxes1,784 742 1,068 
Income tax expense410 170 272 
Contribution to net earnings$1,374 $572 $796 
We acquired Maxim with the idea of transforming its business model. The magazine developed the Maxim brand, a franchise we are utilizing to generate nonmagazine revenue, notably through licensing, a cash-generating business related to consumer products, services, and events.

Investment Gains

Investment gains were $3,644 ($2,877 net of tax) during 2020. The Company did not have investment gains/losses during 2019. Dividends earned on investments are reported as investment income by our insurance companies. We have taken the risk on the belief that the probability for gain in value more than justifies the riskconsider investment income as a component of loss.

our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.



17

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)
Investment Partnership Gains

Earnings from our investments in partnerships are summarized below.

  2018 2017 2016
Investment partnership gains $40,411  $6,965  $135,886 
Loss on contribution of securities to investment partnership  —     —     (306)
Investment partnership gains  40,411   6,965   135,580 
Income tax expense (benefit)  7,171   (4,115)  44,248 
Contribution to net earnings $33,240  $11,080  $91,332 

202020192018
Investment partnership gains (losses)$(43,032)$78,133 $40,411 
Tax expense (benefit)(10,526)17,360 7,171 
Contribution to net earnings$(32,506)$60,773 $33,240 
Investment partnership gains include gains and gains/losses from changes in market values of underlying investments held by the investment partnerships and dividends earned by the partnerships. The volatility of the gains and losses during the various years is attributable to changes in market values of investments. Dividend income has a lower effective tax rate than income from changes in market values.

The investments held by the investment partnerships are largely concentratedcapital gains. Changes in the common stockmarket values of one investee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

investments can be highly volatile.

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

18 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)

Interest Expense

The Company’s interest expense is summarized below.

  2018 2017 2016
Interest expense on notes payable and other borrowings $(11,677) $(11,040) $(11,450)
Income tax benefit  (2,920)  (4,196)  (4,351)
Interest expense net of tax $(8,757) $(6,844) $(7,099)

The outstanding balance on Steak n Shake’s credit facility on December 31, 2018 was $183,698 compared to $185,898 on December 31, 2017. The decrease in the outstanding balance was due to debt payments of $2,200 during 2018. The interest rate was 6.28% and 5.32% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

202020192018
Interest expense on notes payable and other borrowings$(9,262)$(12,442)$(11,677)
Tax benefit(2,322)(3,625)(2,920)
Interest expense net of tax$(6,940)$(8,817)$(8,757)
Interest expense during 2018 increased2020 decreased by $637$3,180 compared to 2017, primarily due to higher interest rates during 2018. Interest expense during 2017 decreased by $410 compared to 2016, primarily2019 due to lower debt balances and lower average interest rates during 2017.

2020.

Income Taxes

Consolidated income tax benefit was a benefit of $2,637$12,212 in 20182020 versus a benefit of $62,961 in 2017 and an expense of $46,812$9,761 in 2016. The income2019. Income tax expense decreased during 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to a tax benefit of $2,637 was primarily from the use$10,526 for investment partnership losses of employment tax credits generated by restaurant operations. The 2017 Tax Cuts$43,032.
Corporate and Jobs Act reduces the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for our tax years beginning in 2018, which resulted in the re-measurement of the federal portion of our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017. The change in the tax rate resulted in a onetime deferred tax benefit of $51,707 during 2017. The deferred income tax benefit is derived from a re-measurement in deferred tax balances to the new statutory rate applicable to unrealized gains on marketable securities held by the Company and in the investment partnerships.

Corporate

Other

Corporate expenses exclude the activities in the restaurant, insurance, media and other companies.licensing, and oil and gas businesses. Corporate net losses during 2018 were $8,661 versus net earnings of $32,072 during 2017 and other net losses of $6,387$9,563 during 2016. In 2017, an increase in shareholders’ equity was derived from a re-measurement in deferred tax liability2020 increased compared to the new statutory rate applicable2019 due to unrealized gains on marketable securities. The majority of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities associated with unrealized gains on marketable securities are held in the corporate account. 

higher legal expenses.

Financial Condition

Our consolidated shareholders’ equity on December 31, 20182020 was $570,455,$564,828, a decrease of $873$51,470 compared to the December 31, 20172019 balance. Shareholders’ equity increased by $19,392 inThe decrease was primarily due to net incomeloss of $37,989 and was offset by an increase in treasury stock of $19,292. The increase in treasury stock was primarily a result of recording our proportionate interest in shares of the Company’s stock purchased during 2018 by The Lion Fund II, L.P. under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The shares purchased by the investment partnership are legally outstanding but under accounting convention the Company’s proportional ownership of the shares is reflected as treasury shares in the consolidated financial statements.

$14,760.

Consolidated cash and investments are summarized below.

  December 31,
  2018 2017
Cash and cash equivalents $48,557  $58,577 
Investments  33,860   23,289 
Investments reported in other current assets and other assets  4,463   4,463 
Fair value of interest in investment partnerships  715,102   925,279 
Total cash and investments  801,982   1,011,608 
Less: portion of Company stock held by investment partnerships  (157,622)  (359,258)
Carrying value of cash and investments on balance sheet $644,360  $652,350 

December 31,
20202019
Cash and cash equivalents$24,503 $67,772 
Investments94,861 44,856 
Fair value of interest in investment partnerships590,926 666,123 
Total cash and investments710,290 778,751 
Less: portion of Company stock held by investment partnerships(171,376)(160,581)
Carrying value of cash and investments on balance sheet$538,914 $618,170 
18

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)
Unrealized gains/losses of Biglari Holdings’ stock held by the investment partnerships are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial results.

19 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)

Liquidity

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

  2018 2017 2016
Net cash provided by operating activities $20,678 $25,780  $63,349 
Net cash used in investing activities  (25,290)  (11,548)  (28,795)
Net cash used in financing activities  (7,530)  (23,000)  (15,231)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  (78)  165   (38)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $(12,220) $(8,603) $19,285 

202020192018
Net cash provided by operating activities$117,556 $93,683 $20,678 
Net cash used in investing activities(129,487)(69,982)(25,290)
Net cash used in financing activities(29,109)(8,010)(7,530)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash10 (5)(78)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$(41,030)$15,686 $(12,220)

In 2018,2020, cash from operating activities decreasedincreased by $5,102$23,873, as compared to 2017 and by $42,671 compared to 2016. Net earnings (excluding non-cash items) were $3,061 during 2018, $3,316 during 2017 and $28,780 during 2016.2019. The decrease in net earnings during 2018 and 2017 compared to 2016increase was primarily due to decreases in restaurant net earnings. Distributions from investment partnerships were $29,660 during 2018, $9,395 during 2017increased operating income (excluding impairments and $26,265 during 2016. Changes in working capital accounts were a decreasedepreciation) of $12,043 during 2018, and increases during 2017 and 2016 of $13,069 and $8,304, respectively. The decrease of working capital accounts during 2018 was primarily tied$30,283, as compared to the payment of the 2017 CEO incentive fee of $7,353. And the accrual of the 2017 CEO incentive fee increased working capital accounts during 2017.

2019.


Net cash used in investing activities increased during 20182020 by $13,742$59,505, as compared to 2017, and decreased2019. The increase was primarily due to purchases of investment partnership interests in the amount of $70,130 during 2020.

Net cash used in financing activities increased by $3,505$21,099 in 2020, as compared to 2016. Capital expenditures during 2018 were $7,259 and $6,630 higher than capital expenditures during 2017 and 2016, respectively. Purchases2019. The increase was primarily due to voluntary prepayments of investments, net of redemptions of fixed maturity securities during 2018 were $9,273 and $6,385 higher than purchases of investments during 2017 and 2016, respectively. Distributions from investment partnerships of $39,040 during 2018 were reinvested into the investment partnerships during 2018.

During 2018, 2017 and 2016 we incurred debt payments of $7,579, $23,030 and $15,295, respectively. Debt obligations were reduced in 2018 because of additional principal payments on long-termSteak n Shake term debt during 2017 and 2016.

2020.


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


Steak n Shake Credit Facility

On March 19, 2014, Steak n Shake and its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement which provided for a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $220,000 and a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30,000. On October 27, 2017, Steak n Shake determined to end the use of its senior secured revolving credit facility. In 2017, Steak n Shake deposited cash to satisfy required collateral for casualty insurance previously collateralized by letters of credit issued through the revolving credit facility. The deposits are recorded in other assets under restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheets.

$220,000. The term loan iswas scheduled to mature on March 19, 2021. It amortizes at an annual rate of 1.0% in equal quarterly installments, beginning June 30, 2014, at 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan, subject to mandatory prepayments from excess cash flow, asset sales and other events described in the credit agreement. The balance will be due at maturity.

Steak n Shake has the right to request an incremental term loan facility from participating lenders and/or eligible assignees at any time, up to an aggregate total principal amount not to exceed $70,000 if certain customary conditions within the credit agreement are met.

Borrowings bear interest at a rate per annum equal to a base rate or a Eurodollar rate (minimum of 1%) plus an applicable margin. Interest on the term loan is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75%. The interest rate on the term loan was 6.28% and 5.32% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The credit agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. As of December 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants.2020, $152,506 was outstanding. The Company repaid Steak n Shake’s credit facility contains restrictionsoutstanding balance in full on its ability to pay dividends to Biglari Holdings.

20 

February 19, 2021.

Table of Contents

Western Sizzlin Revolver

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)

The term loan is secured by first priority security interests in substantially all the assets of Steak n Shake. Disruptions in debt capital markets that restrict access to funding when needed could adversely affect the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of Steak n Shake. Biglari Holdings is not a guarantor under the credit facility.

As of December 31, 2018, $183,698 was outstanding under the term loan.

Western Sizzlin Revolver

As of December 31, 2018,2020 and 2019, Western Sizzlin had no debt outstanding under theits revolver.

Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Certain accounting policies require managementus to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several yearsin determining the amounts reflected in the future. Amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements from suchstatements. Such estimates areand judgments necessarily based on numerous assumptions involvinginvolve varying, and potentiallypossibly significant, degrees of judgment and uncertainty. Accordingly, thecertain amounts currently reflectedrecorded in our consolidatedthe financial statements will likely increase or decreasebe adjusted in the future as additionalbased on new available information becomes available.

We believe the following criticaland changes in other facts and circumstances. A discussion of our principal accounting policies represent our morethat required the application of significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Given the current composition of our business, we do not believe that any accounting policies related to our insurance or media businesses were critical to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.

2020 follows.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of (i) Biglari Holdings Inc., and (ii) the wholly owned subsidiaries of Biglari Holdings Inc. in which control can be exercised. In evaluating whether we have a controlling interest in entities in which we wouldWe 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. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted for as equity method investments because of our retained limited partner interest in the investment partnerships. The Company records gains from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) in the consolidated statement of earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships.

Impairment of Restaurant Long-lived Assets

We review company-operated restaurants for impairment on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis when events or circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Assets included in the impairment assessment generally consist of property, equipment and leasehold improvements directly associated with an individual restaurant as well as any related finance or operating lease assets. We test for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the total estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the carrying value
19

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)
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.

Insurance

Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

We currently self-insure a significant portion

The estimation 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 estimateproved reserves, which is based on the requirement of reasonable certainty, is an ongoing process based on rigorous technical evaluations, commercial and market assessments and detailed analysis of well and reservoir information receivedsuch as flow rates and reservoir pressures. Although we are reasonably confident that proved reserves will be produced, the timing and amount recovered can be affected by a number of factors including, reservoir performance, government policies, and significant changes in long-term oil and natural gas price levels. In addition, proved reserves could be affected by an extended period of low prices which could reduce the level of our partners’ capacity to fund their share of joint projects. Accordingly, reserve estimates are generally different from insurance companies, combined with management’s judgments regarding frequencythe quantities of natural gas and severityoil that are ultimately recovered. We cannot predict the amounts or timing 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.

21 

reserve revisions.  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)

Income Taxes

We record deferred tax assets or liabilities based on differences between financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using currently enacted rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record deferred tax assets to the extent we believe there will be sufficient future taxable income to utilize those assets prior to their expiration. To the extent deferred tax assets 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. As of December 31, 2018, a change of one percentage point in an enacted tax rate would have an impact of approximately $3,800 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 assessevaluate goodwill and any indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. Goodwill impairment occurs when the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. The valuation methodology and underlying financial information included in our determination of fair value require significant management judgments. We use both market and income approaches to derive fair value. The judgments in these two approaches include, but are not limited to, comparable market multiples, long-term projections of future financial performance, and the selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes
Leases
We determine whether a contract is or contains a lease at contract inception based on the presence of identified assets and our right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefit from or to direct the use of such assets. When we determine a lease exists, we record a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability on our consolidated balance sheets. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. Lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets are recognized at commencement date at the value of the lease liability and are adjusted for any prepayments, lease incentives received, and initial direct costs incurred. Lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. As the discount rate implicit in such estimatesthe lease is not readily determinable in most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms include options to extend or terminate the applicationlease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. We do not record lease contracts with a term of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.

Leases

Restaurant operations12 months or less on our consolidated balance sheets. We recognize fixed lease certain properties underexpense for operating leases. Many of these lease agreements contain rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. Rent expense is recognizedleases 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 rentterm. For finance leases, we recognize amortization expense calculation that equals or exceedson the time period used for depreciation. In addition, the rent commencement date ofright-of-use asset and interest expense on the lease term isliability over 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.

22 

lease term.


20

Management’s Discussion and Analysis(continued)

Contractual Obligations

Our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 20182020 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) $11,926  $193,562  $—    $—    $205,488 
Capital leases and finance obligations (1)  11,169   14,075   4,543   1,673   31,460 
Operating leases (3)  18,397   34,611   30,811   38,499   122,318 
Purchase commitments (4)  7,320   8,699   1,000   —     17,019 
Other long-term liabilities (5)  —     —     —     2,149   2,149 
Total $48,812  $250,947  $36,354  $42,321  $378,434 

 Payments due by period
Contractual ObligationsLess than
1 year
1 – 3 years3 – 5 yearsMore than
5 years
Total
Short-term debt (1)$153,512 $— $— $— $153,512 
Finance obligations and finance lease liabilities (2)12,642 20,728 14,034 9,582 56,986 
Operating leases (3)13,521 20,553 13,548 9,447 57,069 
Purchase commitments (4)7,044 1,755 — — 8,799 
Other long-term liabilities (5)— — — 1,368 1,368 
Total$186,719 $43,036 $27,582 $20,397 $277,734 
________________

(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 $341 as of December 31, 2018 because we cannot make a reliable estimate of the timing of cash payments.

(1)Steak n Shake's term debt was paid in full on February 19, 2021.
(2)Includes principal and interest.
(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 $204 as of December 31, 2020 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.

arrangements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

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

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

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21

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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 investments in the investment partnerships we hold a concentrated position in the common stock of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.positions. A significant decline in the general stock market or in the prices of major investments may produce a large net loss and decrease in our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Decreases in values of equity investments can have a materially adverse effect on our earnings and on consolidated shareholders’ equity.

We prefer to hold equity investments for very long periods of time so we are not troubled by short-term price volatility with respect to our investments. Our interests in the investment partnerships are committed on a rolling 5-year basis, and any distributions upon our withdrawal of funds will be paid out over two years (and may be paid in kind rather than in cash). Market prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation. Consequently, the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value. A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the market price of our investments would result in a respective increase or decrease in the fair market value of our investments of $59,581,$51,441 along with a corresponding change in shareholders’ equity of approximately 8%7%.

Borrowings on Steak n Shake’s credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to a base rate or a Eurodollar rate (minimum of 1%) plus an applicable margin. Interest on the term loan is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75%. At December 31, 2018, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in short-term interest rates would have an impact of approximately $1,400 on our net earnings.

We have had minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016.

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2018.

Southern Oil’s business is fundamentally a commodity business. This means Southern Oil’s operations and earnings may be significantly affected by changes in oil and gas prices. Such commodity prices depend on local, regional and global events or conditions that affect supply and demand for oil and gas. Any material decline in crude oil or natural gas prices could have a material adverse effect on Southern Oil’s operations.

22

Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Biglari Holdings Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Biglari Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018,2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018,2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2020, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 23, 2019,27, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 and Note 12 to the financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases, effective January 1, 2019 using the Comparatives Under ASC 840 approach.
Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


Emphasis of a Matter

As discussed in Note 3 and Note 1213 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company and its subsidiaries have invested in investment partnerships in the form of limited partnership interests. These investment partnerships represent related parties, and such investments are subject to a rolling five-year lock up period under the terms of the respective partnership agreements.agreements for the investment partnerships. The value of these investments reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 20182020 and 20172019 totals $557,480,000$419,550,000 and $566,021,000,$505,542,000, respectively. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.


Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.


23

Property and Equipment — Refer to Note 5 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

Company-operated restaurants and associated long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis when events or circumstances indicate a possible impairment may have occurred. The Company’s evaluation of potential impairment of long-lived assets involves the comparison of undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group, generally an individual restaurant, over the expected remaining useful life of that asset group, to the respective carrying amount. The Company also applied a market analysis for certain properties. The Company’s undiscounted future cash flows analysis requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to future revenues, labor costs and planned operating periods. To the extent that the undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the related assets, the Company estimates the fair value of the related assets using a discounted cash flow model to assess the amount of any impairment.

We identified the impairment of company-operated restaurant long-lived assets as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions required by management to evaluate the potential impairment of these asset groups. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of certain assumptions, in management’s undiscounted and discounted future cash flows analyses, including revenue growth, labor costs and planned operating periods of restaurants.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the undiscounted and discounted future cash flows analysis and the assessment of the expected remaining holding period included the following, among others:

We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s evaluation of the recoverability of long-lived assets, including those over revenue, labor costs and the planned operating period for the store.

We evaluated the undiscounted future cash flows analysis, including estimates of revenue growth, labor costs and planned operating periods of restaurants by (1) evaluating the underlying source information and assumptions used by management (2) performing sensitivity analyses and (3) testing the mathematical accuracy of the undiscounted future cash flows analysis.

We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s undiscounted future cash flows analysis by comparing management’s projections to the Company’s historical results and available market data.

We evaluated the discount rates used by management in the performance of discounted cash flow analyses by testing management’s calculation, performing sensitivity analyses, comparing components to external market information as applicable, and assessed the mathematical accuracy of the Company’s calculations of potential impairment.





/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana

February 23, 2019

27, 2021


We have served as the Company's auditor since 2003.

25 


24

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Biglari Holdings Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Biglari Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018,2020, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2020, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.


We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, of the Company and our report dated February 23, 2019,27, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an emphasis of a matter paragraph relating to the Company’s investment in related party investment partnerships.


As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at Southern Pioneer Property & Casualty Insurance Company, and its agency, Southern Pioneer Insurance Agency, Inc. (collectively “Southern Pioneer”), which was acquired on March 9, 2020, and whose financial statements constitute approximately 7.3% of total assets and 5.0% of revenues of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at Southern Pioneer.
Basis for Opinion

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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 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.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana

February 23, 2019

26 

27, 2021

25

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands)

  December 31,
  2018 2017
Assets    
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $48,557  $58,577 
Investments  33,860   23,289 
Receivables  15,743   16,284 
Inventories  7,537   7,268 
Other current assets  9,236   7,221 
Total current assets  114,933   112,639 
Property and equipment  274,716   295,800 
Goodwill  40,052   40,081 
Other intangible assets  28,114   26,564 
Investment partnerships  557,480   566,021 
Other assets  14,198   22,479 
Total assets $1,029,493  $1,063,584 
         
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity        
Liabilities        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $117,265  $128,744 
Current portion of notes payable and other borrowings  5,720   6,748 
Total current liabilities  122,985   135,492 
Long-term notes payable and other borrowings  240,001   256,994 
Deferred taxes  86,871   88,401 
Other liabilities  9,181   11,369 
Total liabilities  459,038   492,256 
        
Shareholders’ equity        
Common stock  1,138   1,071 
Additional paid-in capital  381,904   382,014 
Retained earnings  564,160   565,504 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (2,516)  (1,404)
Treasury stock, at cost  (374,231)  (375,857)
Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity  570,455   571,328 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $1,029,493  $1,063,584 

December 31,
20202019
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$24,503 $67,772 
Investments94,861 44,856 
Receivables19,185 21,640 
Inventories2,737 4,674 
Other current assets6,492 6,449 
Total current assets147,778 145,391 
Property and equipment316,122 350,627 
Operating lease assets42,832 59,719 
Goodwill53,596 40,040 
Other intangible assets24,065 27,349 
Investment partnerships419,550 505,542 
Other assets14,025 10,641 
Total assets$1,017,968 $1,139,309 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$118,821 $121,079 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities10,614 11,635 
Current portion of notes payable and other borrowings159,012 7,103 
Total current liabilities288,447 139,817 
Long-term notes payable and other borrowings75,182 263,182 
Operating lease liabilities36,463 53,271 
Deferred taxes41,346 54,230 
Asset retirement obligations10,022 10,447 
Other liabilities1,680 2,064 
Total liabilities453,140 523,011 
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock1,138 1,138 
Additional paid-in capital381,788 381,788 
Retained earnings573,050 611,039 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1,531)(2,810)
Treasury stock, at cost(389,617)(374,857)
Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity564,828 616,298 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$1,017,968 $1,139,309 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

27 

26

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(dollars in thousands except per-share amounts)

  Year Ended
December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
       
Revenues            
Restaurant operations $775,690  $807,153  $817,914 
Insurance premiums and other  27,628   24,943   22,997 
Media advertising and other  6,576   7,708   9,165 
   809,894   839,804   850,076 
Cost and expenses            
Restaurant cost of sales  636,456   661,030   634,966 
Insurance losses and underwriting expenses  20,831   19,724   17,484 
Media cost of sales  4,152   6,527   15,834 
Selling, general and administrative  132,909   130,808   127,259 
Depreciation and amortization  19,318   21,448   22,925 
   813,666   839,537   818,468 
Other income (expenses)            
Interest expense  (11,677)  (11,040)  (11,450)
Interest on obligations under leases  (8,207)  (9,082)  (9,475)
Investment partnership gains  40,411   6,965   135,580 
Total other income (expenses)  20,527   (13,157)  114,655 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes  16,755   (12,890)  146,263 
Income tax expense (benefit)  (2,637)  (62,961)  46,812 
             
Net earnings $19,392  $50,071  $99,451 
Earnings per share            
Net earnings per equivalent Class A share *   $55.71  $136.01  $271.22 

Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Revenues
Restaurant operations$350,666 $610,220 $775,690 
Insurance premiums and other52,679 30,083 27,628 
Oil and gas26,255 24,436 
Media and licensing4,083 4,099 6,576 
 433,683 668,838 809,894 
Cost and expenses
Restaurant cost of sales246,655 500,949 636,456 
Insurance losses and underwriting expenses39,221 22,269 20,831 
Oil and gas production costs8,700 7,259 
Media and licensing cost2,156 3,181 4,152 
Selling, general and administrative76,360 100,150 127,232 
Impairments23,646 8,186 5,677 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization32,222 29,578 19,318 
Interest expense15,536 20,258 19,884 
 444,496 691,830 833,550 
Other income (expenses)
Investment gains3,644 
Investment partnership gains (losses)(43,032)78,133 40,411 
Total other income (expenses)(39,388)78,133 40,411 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes(50,201)55,141 16,755 
Income tax expense (benefit)(12,212)9,761 (2,637)
Net earnings (loss)$(37,989)$45,380 $19,392 
Earnings per share
Net earnings per equivalent Class A share *  $(110.05)$131.64 $55.71 
* Net earnings per equivalent Class B share outstanding are one-fifth of the equivalent Class A share or $11.14($22.01) for 2018, $27.202020, $26.33 for 20172019 and $54.24$11.44 for 2016.

2018.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in thousands)

  Year Ended
December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
       
Net earnings   $19,392  $50,071  $99,451 
Other comprehensive income:            
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings  (73)  —     306 
Applicable income taxes  15   —     (113)
Net change in unrealized gains on investments  —     284   568 
Applicable income taxes  —     (89)  (211)
Foreign currency translation  (1,054)  1,985   (455)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net  (1,112)  2,180   95 
Total comprehensive income $18,280  $52,251  $99,546 

Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net earnings (loss)$(37,989)$45,380 $19,392 
Other comprehensive income:
Reclassification to earnings(73)
Applicable income taxes15 
Foreign currency translation1,279 (294)(1,054)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net1,279 (294)(1,112)
Total comprehensive income (loss)$(36,710)$45,086 $18,280 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

28 

27

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

  Year Ended
December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Operating activities            
Net earnings $19,392  $50,071  $99,451 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:            
Depreciation and amortization  19,318   21,448   22,925 
Provision for deferred income taxes  (2,153)  (64,321)  38,485 
Asset impairments and other non-cash expenses  6,481   3,860   1,693 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets  993   (777)  1,806 
Investment (gains) losses (including contributions)  (559)  —     306 
Investment partnership gains  (40,411)  (6,965)  (135,886)
Distributions from investment partnerships  29,660   9,395   26,265 
Changes in receivables and inventories  (359)  (2,235)  4,280 
Changes in other assets  536   268   116 
Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses  (12,220)  15,036   3,908 
Net cash provided by operating activities  20,678  25,780   63,349 
Investing activities            
Capital expenditures  (15,293)  (8,034)  (8,663)
Purchases of perpetual lease rights  (2,503)  —     (3,367)
Proceeds from property and equipment disposals  2,590   1,004   1,084 
Distributions from investment partnerships  39,040   —     —   
Purchases of limited partner interests  (39,040)  (3,707)  (14,150)
Purchases of investments  (58,642)  (42,648)  (35,784)
Redemptions of fixed maturity securities  48,558   41,837   32,085 
Net cash used in investing activities  (25,290)  (11,548)  (28,795)
Financing activities            
Payments on revolving credit facility  (175)  (202)  (409)
Principal payments on long-term debt  (2,200)  (17,200)  (9,277)
Principal payments on direct financing lease obligations  (5,204)  (5,628)  (5,609)
Proceeds for exercise of stock options  49   30   64 
Net cash used in financing activities  (7,530)  (23,000)  (15,231)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  (78)  165   (38)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  (12,220)  (8,603)  19,285 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period  67,230   75,833   56,548 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $55,010  $67,230  $75,833 

Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Operating activities
Net earnings (loss)$(37,989)$45,380 $19,392 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Depreciation and amortization32,222 29,578 19,318 
Provision for deferred income taxes(12,216)(38,545)(2,153)
Asset impairments and other non-cash expenses24,636 9,113 6,481 
(Gains) losses on disposal of assets(868)264 993 
Investment (gains) losses(4,856)(1,172)(559)
Investment partnership (gains) losses43,032 (78,133)(40,411)
Distributions from investment partnerships98,330 129,329 29,660 
Changes in receivables and inventories7,014 3,669 (359)
Changes in other assets733 10,450 536 
Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses(32,482)(16,250)(12,220)
Net cash provided by operating activities117,556 93,683 20,678 
Investing activities
Capital expenditures(20,702)(17,679)(15,293)
Purchases of perpetual lease rights0(2,503)
Proceeds from property and equipment disposals4,415 4,577 2,590 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired(36,187)(51,062)
Distributions from investment partnerships40,000 39,040 
Purchases of limited partner interests(70,130)(40,000)(39,040)
Purchases of investments(299,950)(154,848)(58,642)
Redemptions of fixed maturity securities293,067 149,030 48,558 
Net cash used in investing activities(129,487)(69,982)(25,290)
Financing activities
Payments on revolving credit facility(500)(175)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility500 
Principal payments on long-term debt(23,279)(2,200)(2,200)
Principal payments on direct financing lease obligations(5,830)(5,810)(5,204)
Proceeds for exercise of stock options49 
Net cash used in financing activities(29,109)(8,010)(7,530)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash10 (5)(78)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(41,030)15,686 (12,220)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period70,696 55,010 67,230 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$29,666 $70,696 $55,010 
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Cash and cash equivalents$24,503 $67,772 $48,557 
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets5,163 2,924 6,453 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$29,666 $70,696 $55,010 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

29 

28

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(dollars in thousands)

  Common Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Treasury Stock Total
Balance at December 31, 2015 $1,071  $391,853  $415,982  $(3,679) $(353,855) $451,372 
Net earnings          99,451           99,451 
Other comprehensive income, net              95       95 
Adjustment to treasury stock for                        
holdings in investment partnerships      (9,939)          (9,103)  (19,042)
Exercise of stock options      (8)          72   64 
Balance at December 31, 2016 $1,071  $381,906  $515,433  $(3,584) $(362,886) $531,940 
Net earnings          50,071           50,071 
Other comprehensive income, net              2,180       2,180 
Adjustment to treasury stock for                        
holdings in investment partnerships      116           (13,009)  (12,893)
Exercise of stock options      (8)          38   30 
Balance at December 31, 2017 $1,071  $382,014  $565,504  $(1,404) $(375,857) $571,328 
Net earnings          19,392           19,392 
Adoption of accounting standards          90           90 
Other comprehensive income, net              (1,112)      (1,112)
Conversion of common stock  67   (67)  (20,826)      20,826   —   
Adjustment to treasury stock for                        
holdings in investment partnerships                  (19,292)  (19,292)
Exercise of stock options      (43)          92   49 
Balance at December 31, 2018 $1,138  $381,904  $564,160  $(2,516) $(374,231) $570,455 

Common StockAdditional Paid-
In Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Treasury StockTotal
Balance at December 31, 2017$1,071 $382,014 $565,504 $(1,404)$(375,857)$571,328 
Net earnings19,392 19,392 
Adoption of accounting standards90 90 
Other comprehensive income, net(1,112)(1,112)
Conversion of common stock67 (67)(20,826)20,826 — 
Adjustment to treasury stock for
holdings in investment partnerships(19,292)(19,292)
Exercise of stock options(43)92 49 
Balance at December 31, 2018$1,138 $381,904 $564,160 $(2,516)$(374,231)$570,455 
Net earnings45,380 45,380 
Adoption of accounting standards1,499 1,499 
Other comprehensive income, net(294)(294)
Adjustment to treasury stock for
holdings in investment partnerships(116)(626)(742)
Balance at December 31, 2019$1,138 $381,788 $611,039 $(2,810)$(374,857)$616,298 
Net earnings (loss)(37,989)(37,989)
Other comprehensive income, net1,279 1,279 
Adjustment to treasury stock for
holdings in investment partnerships(14,760)(14,760)
Balance at December 31, 2020$1,138 $381,788 $573,050 $(1,531)$(389,617)$564,828 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

30 

29

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Years Ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016)

2018)

(dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data)

Note 1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

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

As of December 31, 2018,2020, Mr. Biglari’s beneficial ownership was approximately 56.9%67.2% of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock and 54.3%60.6% of the Company’s outstanding Class B common stock.

Issuance


Overview of Dual Class Common Stock

the Impact of COVID-19

The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, which caused governments to contain its spread, thereby significantly affecting our operating businesses beginning in March and adversely affecting nearly all of our operations during 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our restaurant operations and financial results. Our restaurants were required to close their dining rooms during the first quarter and the majority of our dining rooms remained closed during the remainder of 2020. To mitigate high labor costs associated with table service, Steak n Shake is seeking to reopen dining rooms with a self-service model. The pandemic also caused oil demand to decrease significantly, creating oversupplied markets that have resulted in lower commodity prices and margins. In response, the Company significantly cut production and expenses in its oil and gas business during the second and third quarters of 2020. The risks and uncertainties resulting from the pandemic may continue to affect our future earnings, cash flows and financial condition.
Business Acquisitions
On March 5, 2018,9, 2020, Biglari Holdings acquired the stock of Southern Pioneer Property & Casualty Insurance Company, entered into an agreement withand its predecessor registrant, now knownagency, Southern Pioneer Insurance Agency, Inc. (collectively “Southern Pioneer”). Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability insurance, commercial property coverage, as OBH Inc. (the “Predecessor”),well as homeowners and BH Merger Company,dwelling fire insurance coverages. The financial results for Southern Pioneer are included from the date of acquisition. Pro-forma financial information of Southern Pioneer is not material.

On September 9, 2019, a wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Pursuant toCompany, Southern Oil Company, acquired the agreement on April 30, 2018, BH Merger Company merged withstock of Southern Oil of Louisiana Inc. (collectively "Southern Oil"). Southern Oil primarily operates oil and intonatural gas properties offshore in the Predecessor, with the Predecessor continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiaryshallow waters of the Company.

As a resultGulf of the April 30, 2018 transaction, the Company has two classesMexico. Pro-forma financial information of common stock, designated Class A common stock and Class B common stock. A share of Class B common stock has economic rights equivalent to 1/5th of a share of Class A common stock; however, Class B common stock has no voting rights. Upon completion of the transaction, every ten (10) shares of common stock outstanding on April 30, 2018 converted into (i) ten (10) shares of Class B common stock and (ii) one (1) share of Class A common stock.

Since May 1, 2018, the shares of the Company’s Class A common stock have traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “BH.A” and the shares of the Company’s Class B common stock have traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “BH”.

For accounting purposes, the April 30, 2018 transaction has been treated as a merger of entities under common control. Accordingly, the consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Predecessor has been included in the consolidated financial statements on a historical basis, except for earnings per share whichSouthern Oil is impacted by the issuance of the new common shares. 

not material.


Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries including Steak n Shake Inc. (“Steak n Shake”), Western Sizzlin Corporation, (“Western Sizzlin”), Maxim Inc. (“Maxim”,) and First Guard Insurance Company, Maxim Inc., Southern Pioneer, and its agency, 1st Guard Corporation (collectively “First Guard”).Southern Oil. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


Change in Presentation
Interest expense on finance leases and obligations has been combined with interest expense in 2020 and reclassified as a component of cost and expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. Prior period balances have been adjusted to conform to the change in presentation.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

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. In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-18,Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash. ASU 2016-18 requires that theThe statement of cash flows includeincludes restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on statements of cash flows. In 2017, the Company deposited cash to satisfy required collateral for casualty insurance.

31 

equivalents.



30

Note 1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies(continued)

Cash

Investments
We classify investments in fixed maturity securities at the acquisition date as reported oneither available-for-sale or held-to-maturity and re-evaluate the statementsclassification at each balance sheet date. Securities classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. As of cash flows consists of the following.

  December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Cash and cash equivalents $48,557  $58,577  $75,808 
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets  6,453   8,653   25 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $55,010  $67,230  $75,833 

Investments

OurDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, all investments consist ofwere classified as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities areand carried at fair value with net unrealized gains or losses reported in the statements of earnings. Realized gains and losses on disposals of investments are determined by the specific identification of cost of investments sold andsold. Dividends earned on investments are included inreported as investment gains/losses,income by our insurance companies. We consider investment income as a component of other income.

our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.

Investment Partnerships

The Company holds a limited interest in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. (collectively the “investment partnerships”). Biglari Capital Corp. (“Biglari Capital”), an entity solely owned by Mr. Biglari, is the general partner of the investment partnerships. Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted as equity method investments because of our retained limited partner interests. The Company records investment partnership gains (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their securities) as a component of other income based on our proportional ownership interest in the partnerships. The investment partnerships are, for purposes of generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), investment companies under the AICPA Audit and Accounting GuideInvestment Companies.

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. ThroughWe concentrate a high percentage of the investment partnerships we holdinvestments in a concentrated position in the common stocksmall number of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.equity securities. A significant decline in the general stock market or in the prices of major investments may have a materially adverse effect on our earnings and on consolidated shareholders’ equity.

Receivables

Our accounts receivable balance consists primarily of franchisee, customer, 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. Allowance for doubtful accounts was $3,901$6,859 and $2,298$4,857 at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.

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.

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 30 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 restaurant 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.flows which is generally at the individual restaurant level. Assets included in the impairment assessment generally consist of property, equipment and leasehold improvements directly associated with an individual restaurant as well as any related finance or operating lease assets.  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.

32 


31

Note 1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies(continued)

Oil and Gas Properties
The successful efforts method is used for crude oil and natural gas exploration and production activities. All costs for development wells, related plant and equipment, proved mineral interests in crude oil and natural gas properties, and related asset retirement obligation assets are capitalized. Costs of exploratory wells are capitalized pending determination of whether the wells found proved reserves. Costs of wells that are assigned proved reserves remain capitalized. Costs also are capitalized for exploratory wells that have found crude oil and natural gas reserves even if the reserves cannot be classified as proved when the drilling is completed, provided the exploratory well has found a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify its completion as a producing well and the company is making sufficient progress assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project. All other exploratory wells and costs are expensed. There were no capitalized costs for exploratory activities during 2020.
The Company continues to capitalize exploratory well costs after the completion of drilling when (a) the well has found a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify completion as a producing well, and (b) sufficient progress has been made in assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project. If either condition is not met or if the Company obtains information that raises substantial doubt about the economic or operational viability of the project, the exploratory well would be assumed to be impaired, and its costs, net of any salvage value, would be charged to expense.
Asset retirement obligations
Asset retirement obligations relate to future costs associated with the plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells, the removal of equipment and facilities from leased acreage, and the return of such land to its original condition.  The Company determines its asset retirement obligation amounts by calculating the present value of the estimated future cash outflows associated with its plug and abandonment obligations.  The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recorded in the period in which it is incurred, and the cost of such liability increases the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by the same amount.  The liability is accreted each period through charges to depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, and the capitalized cost is depleted on a unit-of-production basis over the proved developed reserves of the related asset. If an asset retirement obligation is settled for an amount other than the recorded amount, a gain or loss is recognized.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets 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 intangible assets 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. NoDuring 2020, we recorded an impairment to goodwill of $300 and to indefinite life intangible assets of $3,728. NaN impairments were recorded on goodwill orand other intangible assets during 2018, 2017 or 2016.2019 and 2018. Refer to Note 67 for information regarding our goodwill and other intangible assets.

Operating Leases

Dual Class Common Stock
The Company leases certain property under operating leases. Manyhas two classes 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 cancellable 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 due date when we become legally obligated for the rent payments, the date when we take access to the property, or the grounds for build out.

Common Stock

As a result of the transaction on April 30, 2018, the Predecessor’s common stock, converted into the right to receive shares ofdesignated Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The treasury shares outstanding on April 30, 2018, were retired and not converted intoEach Class A andcommon share is entitled to one vote. Class B common stock. stock possesses economic rights equal to one-fifth (1/5th) of such rights of Class A common stock; however, Class B common stock has no voting rights.

The following table presents shares authorized, issued and outstanding.

  December 31, 2018    
  Class A Class B December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Common stock authorized  500,000   10,000,000   2,500,000   2,500,000 
                 
Common stock issued  206,864   2,068,640   2,142,202   2,142,202 
Treasury stock held by the Company  —     —     (74,589)  (75,009)
Outstanding shares  206,864   2,068,640   2,067,613   2,067,193 

December 31, 2020December 31, 2019December 31, 2018
Class AClass BClass AClass BClass AClass B
Common stock authorized500,000 10,000,000 500,000 10,000,000 500,000 10,000,000 
Common stock issued and outstanding206,864 2,068,640 206,864 2,068,640 206,864 2,068,640 
On an equivalent Class A common stock basis, there were 620,592 620,284 and 620,158 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019, and 2016, respectively.

2018.


32

Note 1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. The shares of Company stock attributable to our limited partner interest in the investment partnerships — based on our proportional ownership during this period — are considered treasury stock on the consolidated balance sheet and thereby deemed not to be included in the calculation of weighted average common shares outstanding.  However, these shares are legally outstanding.

The Company has applied the “two-class method” of computing earnings per share as prescribed in ASCAccounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260, “EarningsEarnings Per Share.Share. The issuance of dual class common stock on April 30, 2018 is applied on a retrospective basis for the calculation of earnings per share. Accordingly, earnings per share for 2018, 2017 and 2016 are impacted by the issuance of the new common shares. The equivalent Class A common stock applied for computing earnings per share excludes the proportional shares of Biglari Holdings’ stock held by the investment partnerships. The equivalent Class A common stock for the earnings per share calculation was 345,192, 344,736 and 348,108 368,150for 2020, 2019 and 366,678 for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. There are no dilutive securities outstanding.

33 

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies(continued)

Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 Revenue From Contracts With Customers (“ASC 606”). In accordance with ASC 606, we changed certain characteristics of our revenue recognition accounting policy as described below. ASC 606 was applied using the modified retrospective method, where the cumulative effect of the initial application is recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018. Comparative prior periods have not been adjusted.
The impact of ASC 606 on the Company’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 was not material. The cumulative change in retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 was $90. Upon adoption of ASC 606, the Company changed its restaurant operations accounting policies for the recognition of franchise fees, recording of advertising arrangements, and recognition of gift card revenue. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have any significant impact on our insurance or media/licensing businesses.
Restaurant operations

Restaurant operations revenues were disaggregated as follows.

  2018 2017 2016
Net sales $740,922  $781,856  $795,322 
Franchise royalties and fees  30,998   20,773   18,794 
Other  3,770   4,524   3,798 
  $775,690  $807,153  $817,914 

In accordance with ASC 606-10-50, the Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers. The only Company segment that was affected significantly by ASC 606 was restaurants. The Company’s accounting policies and practices related to restaurant operations revenues consist of the following under ASC 606.

202020192018
Net sales$306,577 $578,164 $740,922 
Franchise partner fees22,213 3,829 33 
Franchise royalties and fees18,794 23,360 30,965 
Other3,082 4,867 3,770 
$350,666 $610,220 $775,690 
Net Sales
Net sales wereare composed of retail sales of food through company-ownedcompany-operated stores. Company-ownedCompany-operated store revenues are recognized, net of discounts and sales taxes, when our obligation to perform is satisfied at the point of sale. Sales taxes related to these sales are collected from customers and remitted to the appropriate taxing authority and are not reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of incomeearnings as revenue.

Franchise partner fees
Franchise partner fees are composed of up to 15% of sales as well as 50% of profits. We are therefore fully affected by the operating results of the business, unlike in a traditional franchising arrangement, where the franchisor obtains a royalty fee based on sales only. Therefore, we generate most of our revenue from our share of the franchise partners' profits. Initial franchise fee of 10000 dollars is recognized when the operator becomes a franchise partner.
Franchise royalties and fees are composed of
Franchise royalties and fees from Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin franchisees. Royaltiesfranchisees are based upon a percentage of sales of the franchise restaurant and are recognized as earned. Franchise royalties are billed on a monthly basis. Initial franchise fees when a new restaurant opens or at the start of a new franchise term are recorded as deferred revenue when received and recognized as revenue over the term of the franchise agreement. This represents a change in methodology under the January 1, 2018 adoption of ASC 606 for we have historically recognized initial franchise fees upon the opening of a franchise restaurant. Comparative prior periods have not been adjusted.

During the yearyears ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 restaurant operations recognized $1,879, $1,725 and $3,096, respectively, in revenue related to initial franchise fees. As of December 31, 20182020 and January 1, 2018,2019, restaurant operations had deferred revenue recorded in accrued expenses related to franchise fees of $9,075$6,928 and $10,581,$7,976, respectively. Restaurant operations expects to recognize approximately $649$1,071 in 20192021 and the balance in the years 20202022 through 2039. 

2040. 

33

Note 1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Our advertising arrangements with franchisees are reported in franchise royalties and fees.  This represents a change in methodology under the adoption of ASC 606 as we have historically applied advertising funds from the franchisees directly to various marketing programs. The new guidance requires the Company to recognize the marketing contributions received from franchisees as revenue and record a corresponding increase to marketing expense as the funds are applied to marketing programs as required by our franchise agreements.

During the yearyears ended December 31, 2018,2020 and 2019, restaurant operations recognized $9,675$5,193 and $7,815, respectively, in revenue related to franchisee advertising fees. As of December 31, 20182020 and January 1, 2018,2019, restaurant operations had deferred revenue recorded in accrued expenses related to franchisee advertising fees of $2,255$4,391 and $2,064,$3,043, respectively. Restaurant operations expects to recognize approximately $1,128approximately$2,196 of deferred revenue during 2019 and the balance in 2020. 

2021.

Gift card revenue
Restaurant operations sells gift cards to customers which can be redeemed for retail food sales within our stores. Gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue when issued and are subsequently recorded as net sales upon redemption. Restaurant operations estimates breakage related to gift cards when the likelihood of redemption is remote. This estimate utilizes historical trends based on the vintage of the gift card. Breakage on gift cards is recorded as other revenue in proportion to the rate of gift card redemptions by vintage. This represents a change in the methodology, under the adoption of ASC 606, used to estimate breakage for we have historically recognized breakage for the portion of the gift card balances that remained outstanding following 48 months of issuance. 

For the yearyears ended December 31, 2018,2020 and 2019, restaurant operations recognized $27,081$9,201 and $22,869, respectively, of revenue from gift card redemptions. As of December 31, 20182020 and January 1, 2018,2019, restaurant operations had deferred revenue recorded in accrued expenses related to unredeemed gift cards of $22,685$17,431 and $20,968,$20,730, respectively. The Company expects to recognize approximately $18,132$13,392 in 20192021 and the balance in the years 20202022 through 2022. 

34 

2023. 

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies(continued)

Insurance premiums and commissions

Insurance premiums are earned over the terms of the related policies. Expenses incurred in connection with acquiring new insurance business, including acquisition costs, are charged to operations as incurred. Premiums earned are stated net of amounts ceded to reinsurer.

Oil and gas
Revenues are derived from the sale of produced oil and natural gas. Revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied, which typically occurs at the point in time when control of the product transfers to the customer. Payment is due within 30 days of delivery.
Media advertising and other

Magazine subscription and advertising revenues are recognized at the magazine cover date. The unearned portion of magazine subscriptions is deferred until the magazine’s cover date, at which time a proportionate share of the gross subscription price is recognized as revenues, net of any commissions paid to subscription agents. Also included in subscription revenues are revenues generated from single-copy sales of magazines through retail outlets such as newsstands, supermarkets, convenience stores and drugstores and on certain digital devices, which may or may not result in future subscription sales. Revenues from retail outlet sales are recognized based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns.revenues. License revenue is recognized when earned. We derive value and revenues from intellectual property assets through a range of licensing and business activities, including licensing and syndication of our trademarks and copyrights in the United States and internationally.

Restaurant Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes the cost of food, restaurant operating costs and restaurant rent expense. Cost of sales excludes depreciation and amortization, which is presented as a separate line item on the consolidated statement of earnings.

Insurance Losses and Underwriting Expenses

Liabilities for estimated unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to claims occurring on or before the balance sheet date are established under insurance contracts issued by our insurance subsidiaries. Such estimates include provisions for reported claims or case estimates, provisions for incurred but not reported claims and legal and administrative costs to settle claims. The estimates of unpaid losses and amounts recoverable under reinsurance are established and continually reviewed by using a variety of actuarial, statistical and analytical techniques. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the ceding company of its obligations to indemnify policyholders with respect to the underlying insurance contracts. Liabilities for insurance losses of $1,891$14,652 and $1,907$3,211 are included in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.

Oil and Gas Production Costs
Oil and gas production costs are composed of lease operating expenses and production taxes.

34

Note 1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
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. Marketing expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Insurance Reserves

We self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our workers’ compensation, general liability, auto, directors’directors and officers’officers liability, 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 accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet.

Savings Plans

Several of our subsidiaries also sponsor deferred compensation and defined contribution retirement plans, such as 401(k) or profit sharing plans. Employee contributions to the plans are subject to regulatory limitations and the specific plan provisions. Some of the plans allow for discretionary contributions as determined by management. Employer contributions expensed with respect to these plans were not material.

Foreign Currency Translation

The Company has certain subsidiaries located in foreign jurisdictions.  For subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, the translation of functional currency statements to U.S. dollar statements uses end-of-period exchange rates for assets and liabilities, weighted average exchange rates for revenue and expenses, and historical rates for equity. The resulting currency translation adjustment is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, as a component of equity.

35 

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies(continued)

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.

New Accounting Standards

In January 2017,June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”("FASB") issued ASU 2017-04,Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. ASU 2017-04 provides for the elimination of Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. If impairment charges are recognized, the amount recorded will be the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value with certain limitations. The ASU is effective for public companies for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted ASU 2017-04 on January 1, 2018.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18,Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash. ASU 2016-18 requires that the statement of cash flows include restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on statements of cash flows. For public entities, this standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. This standard should be applied retrospectively and early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We adopted this standard in 2017 and have retroactively adjusted the consolidated statements of cash flows for all periods presented.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17,Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control.ASU 2016-17 amends the consolidation guidance in ASU 2015-02 regarding the treatment of indirect interests held through related parties that are under common control. The adoption of ASU 2016-17 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.The objective of the update is to reduce diversity in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASUAccounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13,Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available for saleavailable-for-sale debt securities. For available for saleavailable-for-sale debt securities, credit losses should be measured in a manner similar to current GAAP; however, ASU 2016-13 will requirerequires that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years.2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption ofadopted ASU 2016-13 will have on its consolidatedeffective January 1, 2020. The impact of this standard is not material to the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02,Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, along with additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11,Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which provides an additional transition method with which to adopt the new leases standard.. We adopted ASC 842 “Leases” on January 1, 2019. Most prominent among the changes in the standard is the recognition of right of use assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under current GAAP. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the consolidated statement of earnings. Under the new standard, disclosures are required to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.

36 

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies(continued)

The guidance permits the use ofsignificantly, ASC 842 requires a modified retrospective approach, which requires an entitylessee to recognize a liability to make lease payments and measure leases existing at, or entered into after,an asset with respect to its right to use the beginning ofunderlying asset for the earliest comparative period presented. Alternatively, the guidance permits a “Comparatives Under 840 Option” that changes the date of initial application to the beginning of the period of adoption.lease term. We will be electing the Comparatives Under 840 Option in which we will applyapplied ASC 840 to all comparative periods including disclosures,which included a cumulative-effect adjustment of $1,499 to retained earnings on January 1, 2019. Adoption of ASC 842 also resulted in an increase to total assets and recognizeliabilities due to the effectsrecording of operating lease assets of $63,261 and operating lease liabilities of $69,671 as of January 1, 2019 and due to the recording of finance lease assets of $11,638 and finance lease liabilities of $11,784. The difference between the asset and liability amounts primarily relates to previously recorded deferred/prepaid rent. The standard had a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets but did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of earnings and statements of cash flow. The most significant impact was the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases.

In adopting and applying ASC 842, as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date (January 1, 2019). We will electwe elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard which, among other things, allows us to carryforwardcarry forward the historical lease classification. In addition, we elected certain practical expedients and accounting policies, including an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off offrom the balance sheet. We will recognize those lease payments in the consolidated statements of earnings on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The standard will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets, but will not have a material impact on our consolidated statements

35

Note 2.     Investments
Investments were $94,861 and statements of cash flow. The most significant impact will be the recognition of right of use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. Although our accounting for existing capital leases remains substantially unchanged, the adoption of the standard will result in the recognition of right of use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases of approximately $90,000 as of January 1, 2019.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). On January 1, 2018, we adopted FASB accounting standards codification Topic 606 (“ASC 606”). In accordance with ASC 606, we changed certain characteristics of our revenue recognition accounting policy as described below. ASC 606 was applied using the modified retrospective method, where the cumulative effect of the initial application is recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018. Comparative prior periods have not been adjusted.

The following table summarizes the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on revenues, operating expenses and net earnings for 2018.

  As Reported Adjustments
for the
Adoption of
ASC 606
 Amounts without
Adoption of
ASC 606
Statements of Earnings            
Revenues            
Restaurant operations            
Net sales $740,922  $—    $740,922 
Franchise royalties and fees  30,998   9,417   21,581 
Other  3,770   (463)  4,233 
Selling, general and administrative  132,909   9,689   123,220 
Earnings before income taxes  16,755   (735)  17,490 
Income tax expense (benefit)  (2,637)  (184)  (2,453)
Net earnings  19,392   (551)  19,943 

The impact of ASC 606 on the Company’s balance sheet$44,856 as of December 31, 2018 was not material. The cumulative change in retained earnings2020 and 2019, respectively. All investments are classified as of January 1, 2018 was $90. Upon adoption of ASC 606, the Company changed its restaurant operations accounting policies for the recognition of franchise fees, recording of advertising arrangements,available-for-sale and recognition of gift card revenue. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have any significant impact on our insurance or media/licensing businesses.

Note 2. Investments

Available for sale investments were $33,860 and $23,289 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Investments in equity securities and a related derivative position of $4,463 are included in other current assets as of December 31, 2018 and in other assets as of December 31, 2017. The investments are recorded at fair value.

37 

Note 3.     Investment Partnerships

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

Biglari Capital is the general partner of the investment partnerships and is an entity solely owned by Mr. Biglari.

The fair value and adjustment for Company common stock held by the investment partnerships to determine carrying value of our partnership interest is presented below.

  Fair Value Company Common Stock Carrying
Value
Partnership interest at December 31, 2015 $734,668  $262,979  $471,689 
Investment partnership gains  248,935   113,049   135,886 
Distributions (net of contributions of $19,832)  (10,896)      (10,896)
Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held      19,042   (19,042)
Partnership interest at December 31, 2016 $972,707  $395,070  $577,637 
Investment partnership gains (losses)  (41,740)  (48,705)  6,965 
Distributions (net of contributions of $3,707)  (5,688)      (5,688)
Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held      12,893   (12,893)
Partnership interest at December 31, 2017 $925,279  $359,258  $566,021 
Investment partnership gains (losses)  (180,517)  (220,928)  40,411 
Distributions (net of reinvestments of $39,040)  (29,660)      (29,660)
Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held      19,292   (19,292)
Partnership interest at December 31, 2018 $715,102  $157,622  $557,480 

The Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $306 ($193 net of tax) on a contribution of $5,682 in securities to investment partnerships during 2016.

Fair ValueCompany Common StockCarrying
Value
Partnership interest at December 31, 2017$925,279 $359,258 $566,021 
Investment partnership gains (losses)(180,517)(220,928)40,411 
Distributions (net of contributions)(29,660)0(29,660)
Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held019,292 (19,292)
Partnership interest at December 31, 2018$715,102 $157,622 $557,480 
Investment partnership gains (losses)80,350 2,217 78,133 
Distributions (net of contributions)(129,329)0(129,329)
Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held0742 (742)
Partnership interest at December 31, 2019$666,123 $160,581 $505,542 
Investment partnership gains (losses)(46,997)(3,965)(43,032)
Distributions (net of contributions)(28,200)0(28,200)
Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held014,760 (14,760)
Partnership interest at December 31, 2020$590,926 $171,376 $419,550 
The carrying value of the investment partnerships net of deferred taxes is presented below.

  December 31,
  2018 2017
Carrying value of investment partnerships $557,480  $566,021 
Deferred tax liability related to investment partnerships  (92,703)  (95,309)
Carrying value of investment partnerships net of deferred taxes $464,777  $470,712 

December 31,
20202019
Carrying value of investment partnerships$419,550 $505,542 
Deferred tax liability related to investment partnerships(44,805)(56,518)
Carrying value of investment partnerships net of deferred taxes$374,745 $449,024 
The Company’s proportionate share of Company stock held by investment partnerships at cost is $374,231$389,617 and $354,939$374,857 at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively, and is recorded as treasury stock.

The carrying value of the partnership interest approximates fair value adjusted by the value of held Company stock. Fair value is according to our proportional ownership interest of the fair value of investments held by the investment partnerships. The fair value measurement is classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

38 

36

Note 3.     Investment Partnerships(continued)


Gains/losses from investment partnerships recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings are presented below.

  2018 2017 2016
Gains from investment partnerships $40,411  $6,965  $135,886 
Loss on contribution of securities to investment partnerships  —     —     (306)
Investment partnership gains  40,411   6,965   135,580 
Tax expense (benefit)  7,171   (4,115)  44,248 
Contribution to net earnings $33,240  $11,080  $91,332 

202020192018
Gains (losses) from investment partnerships$(43,032)$78,133 $40,411 
Tax expense (benefit)(10,526)17,360 7,171 
Contribution to net earnings$(32,506)$60,773 $33,240 
On December 31 of each year, the general partner of the investment partnerships, Biglari Capital, will earn an incentive reallocation fee for the Company’s investments equal to 25% of the net profits above an annual hurdle rate of 6% over the previous high-water mark. Our policy is to accrue an estimated incentive fee throughout the year. The total incentive reallocation from Biglari Holdings to Biglari Capital includes gains on the Company’s common stock. Gains and losses on the Company’s common stock and the related incentive reallocations are eliminated in our financial statements. Our investments in these partnerships are committed on a rolling 5-year basis.

There were $987 of incentive reallocations from Biglari Holdings to Biglari Capital during 2020, including $253 associated with gains on the Company's common stock. Gains on the Company's common stock and the related incentive reallocations are eliminated in our financial statements. There were no incentive reallocations from Biglari Holdings to Biglari Capital during 20182019 and 2017. The incentive reallocation on December 31, 2016 was $31,628 (including $11,514 for gains on Company common stock).

2018.

Summarized financial information for The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. is presented below.

   Equity in Investment Partnerships 
   Lion Fund   Lion Fund II 
Total assets as of December 31, 2018 $107,207  $901,750 
Total liabilities as of December 31, 2018 $447  $202,770 
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 $(92,093) $(120,431)
Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2018 $(92,159) $(130,193)
Biglari Holdings’ ownership interest  65.9%  92.2%
         
Total assets as of December 31, 2017 $203,560  $1,060,737 
Total liabilities as of December 31, 2017 $157  $199,974 
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 $(13,322) $(25,283)
Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017 $(13,383) $(35,740)
Biglari Holdings’ ownership interest  64.3%  92.3%
         
Total assets as of December 31, 2016 $221,676  $1,109,465 
Total liabilities as of December 31, 2016 $2,694  $201,460 
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 $37,098  $282,242 
Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016 $36,933  $273,736 
Biglari Holdings’ ownership interest  63.6%  91.8%

Equity in Investment Partnerships
Lion FundLion Fund II
Total assets as of December 31, 2020$112,970 $566,663 
Total liabilities as of December 31, 2020$189 $25,453 
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020$(4,052)$(48,544)
Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2020$(4,120)$(49,832)
Biglari Holdings’ ownership interest66.2 %95.4 %
Total assets as of December 31, 2019$117,135 $758,663 
Total liabilities as of December 31, 2019$158 $114,639 
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019$10,637 $85,831 
Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2019$10,567 $78,604 
Biglari Holdings’ ownership interest66.1 %92.9 %
Total assets as of December 31, 2018$107,207 $901,750 
Total liabilities as of December 31, 2018$447 $202,770 
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018$(92,093)$(120,431)
Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2018$(92,159)$(130,193)
Biglari Holdings’ ownership interest65.9 %92.2 %
Revenue in the above summarized financial information of the investment partnerships includes investment income and unrealized gains and losses on investments.

39 

37

Note 4.     Other Current Assets


Other current assets include the following.

  December 31,
  2018 2017
Investment in equity security and related derivative position $4,463  $—   
Deferred commissions on gift cards sold by third parties  3,218   3,946 
Prepaid contractual obligations  1,555   3,068 
Assets held for sale  —     207 
Other current assets $9,236  $7,221 
December 31,
20202019
Deferred commissions on gift cards sold by third parties$3,491 $3,379 
Prepaid contractual obligations3,001 3,070 
Other current assets$6,492 $6,449 

Note 5.     Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is composed of the following.

  December 31,
  2018 2017
Land $146,015  $156,506 
Buildings  142,658   152,610 
Land and leasehold improvements  158,938   162,652 
Equipment  201,738   203,145 
Construction in progress  1,703   1,782 
   651,052   676,695 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (376,336)  (380,895)
Property and equipment, net $274,716  $295,800 

December 31,
20202019
Land$142,601 $150,147 
Buildings138,734 144,243 
Land and leasehold improvements141,351 157,141 
Equipment192,735 196,264 
Oil and gas properties75,900 77,475 
Construction in progress1,032 3,789 
692,353 729,059 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(376,231)(378,432)
Property and equipment, net$316,122 $350,627 
Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment for 2020, 2019 and 2018 2017was $19,586, $18,881 and 2016$18,646, respectively. Depletion expense related to oil and gas properties was $18,646, $20,706$11,989 and $21,635,$8,077 during 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Accretion expense of the Company's asset retirement obligations was $497 and $177 during 2020 and 2019, respectively. Depletion and accretion expense are included in depreciation and amortization within the consolidated statement of earnings.

The Company recorded an impairment to restaurant long-lived assets of $19,618, $8,186 and $5,677 $1,789during 2020, 2019 and $695 during 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The fair value of the long-lived assets was determined based on Level 23 inputs using a discounted cash flow model and quoted prices for the properties.
The fair valueproperty and equipment cost related to finance obligations as of December 31, 2020 is as follows: $54,531 of buildings, $48,015 of land, $25,682 of land and leasehold improvements, and $54,976 of accumulated depreciation.
Note 6.    Asset Retirement Obligations
A reconciliation of the assets impaired was not material for anyending aggregate carrying amount of asset retirement obligations is as follows.
December 31
20202019
Beginning balance$10,631 $10,542 
Liabilities settled(870)(88)
Accretion expense497 177 
Asset retirement obligation$10,258 $10,631 
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $236 and $184, respectively, is classified as current and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the applicable periods.

consolidated balance sheets.
38

Note 6.7.     Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions.

No goodwill was recorded with the acquisition of Southern Oil.

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

  Restaurants Other Total
Goodwill at December 31, 2015 $28,109  $11,913  $40,022 
Change in foreign exchange rates during 2016  (19)  —     (19)
Goodwill at December 31, 2016 $28,090  $11,913  $40,003 
Change in foreign exchange rates during 2017  78   —     78 
Goodwill at December 31, 2017 $28,168  $11,913  $40,081 
Change in foreign exchange rates during 2018  (29)  —     (29)
Goodwill at December 31, 2018 $28,139  $11,913  $40,052 

RestaurantsInsuranceTotal
Goodwill at December 31, 2017$28,168 $11,913 $40,081 
Change in foreign exchange rates during 2018(29)(29)
Goodwill at December 31, 2018$28,139 $11,913 $40,052 
Change in foreign exchange rates during 2019(12)(12)
Goodwill at December 31, 2019$28,127 $11,913 $40,040 
Goodwill from acquisition13,800 13,800 
Impairments to goodwill(300)(300)
Change in foreign exchange rates during 202056 56 
Goodwill at December 31, 2020$27,883 $25,713 $53,596 
We are required to assessevaluate goodwill and any indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. Goodwill impairment occurs when the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. The valuation methodology and underlying financial information included in our determination of fair value require significant management judgments. We use both market and income approaches to derive fair value. The judgments in these two approaches include, but are not limited to, comparable market multiples, long-term projections of future financial performance, and the selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. No
In response to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated goodwill for impairment during 2020, specifically related to goodwill for certain restaurant reporting units. Making estimates of the fair value of reporting units at this time is significantly affected by assumptions of the severity, duration, and long-term effects of the pandemic on the reporting units' operations. We considered the available facts and made qualitative assessments and judgments for what we believed represented reasonably possible outcomes. The fair value of certain of Steak n Shake’s reporting units declined, and an impairment to goodwill of $300 was recorded in 2020. In addition, as a result of our impairment assessment, the fair value of the Western Sizzlin reporting unit was within 10% of the carrying value. Further decline in Western Sizzlin's franchise base may result in recording future impairments of goodwill to reflect the depletion in value. COVID-19 pandemic events will continue to evolve, and the negative effects on our operations could prove to be worse than we currently estimate. The Company may record goodwill impairment charges for goodwillin future periods. There were 0 impairment charges recorded in 2018, 20172019 or 2016.

40 

2018.

Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets(continued)

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets are composed of the following.

  December 31,
  2018 2017
  Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Total Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Total
Franchise agreement $5,310  $(4,647) $663  $5,310  $(4,116) $1,194 
Other  810   (774)  36   810   (743)  67 
Total  6,120   (5,421)  699   6,120   (4,859)  1,261 
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:                        
Trade names  15,876   —     15,876   15,876   —     15,876 
Other assets with indefinite lives  11,539   —     11,539   9,427   —     9,427 
Total intangible assets $33,535  $(5,421) $28,114  $31,423  $(4,859) $26,564 

December 31,
20202019
Gross carrying
amount
Accumulated
amortization
TotalGross carrying
amount
Accumulated
amortization
Total
Franchise agreement$5,310 $(5,310)$$5,310 $(5,178)$132 
Other810 (810)810 (792)18 
Total6,120 (6,120)6,120 (5,970)150 
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
Trade names15,876 — 15,876 15,876 — 15,876 
Other assets with indefinite lives8,189 — 8,189 11,323 — 11,323 
Total intangible assets$30,185 $(6,120)$24,065 $33,319 $(5,970)$27,349 
39

Note 7.     Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (continued)
Intangible assets subject to amortizationwith indefinite lives consist of trade names, franchise agreements connected with the purchase of Western Sizzlinrights as well as lease rights. During 2020, the Company recorded impairment charges of $3,728 on lease rights to favorable leases related to prior acquisitions. These intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated weighted averageour international restaurant operations because of useful lives ranging from eight to twelve years.

the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impairment and fair value were determined using Level 3 inputs and available market data. Amortization expense for 2020, 2019 and 2018 2017was $150, $549 and 2016 was $562, $567 and $571, respectively. The Company’s intangible assets with definite lives will fully amortizeamortized in 2020.

During 2018, the Company purchased lease rights totaling $2,503. During 2016, the Company purchased lease rights totaling $3,367 and recorded an additional $1,657 indefinite life asset associated with the tax effect of the asset acquisition.

Note 7.8.     Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses include the following.

  December 31,
  2018 2017
Accounts payable $41,967  $40,616 
Gift card liability  22,685   27,436 
Salaries, wages, and vacation  13,107   22,875 
Deferred revenue  11,681   9,522 
Taxes payable  11,214   10,571 
Workers' compensation and other self-insurance accruals  8,394   9,047 
Other  8,217   8,677 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $117,265  $128,744 
December 31,
20202019
Accounts payable$26,537 $32,626 
Gift card liability21,822 20,745 
Loss reserves14,652 3,211 
Unearned premiums13,277 1,300 
Other insurance accruals6,559 6,559 
Salaries, wages, and vacation8,285 10,667 
Deferred revenue9,324 10,454 
Taxes payable10,922 29,275 
Other7,443 6,242 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$118,821 $121,079 

Note 8.9.     Other Liabilities

Other liabilities include the following.

  December 31,
  2018 2017
Deferred rent expense $6,468  $6,726 
Other  2,713   4,643 
Other liabilities $9,181  $11,369 

41 

December 31,
20202019
Non qualified deferred compensation$1,368 $1,716 
Other312 348 
Other liabilities$1,680 $2,064 


40

Note 9.10.     Income Taxes

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

  2018 2017 2016
Current:            
Federal $(1,688) $544  $6,329 
State  1,204   816   1,998 
Deferred  (2,153)  (64,321)  38,485 
Total income taxes $(2,637) $(62,961) $46,812 
             
Reconciliation of effective income tax:            
Tax at U.S. statutory rates $3,519  $(4,512) $51,227 
State income taxes, net of federal benefit  741   259   3,332 
Tax rate changes  (1,342)  (51,707)  —   
Federal income tax credits  (4,587)  (3,158)  (4,692)
Dividends received deduction  (2,142)  (6,304)  (5,851)
Valuation allowance  658   742   905 
Foreign tax rate differences  349   1,598   2,249 
Other  167   121   (358)
Total income taxes $(2,637) $(62,961) $46,812 

On December 22, 2017, new federal income tax legislation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Act”), was signed into law. Effective January 1, 2018, the U.S. corporate federal statutory income tax rate was reduced from 35.0% to 21.0% and required re-measurement of deferred balances to the new statutory rates as of December 31, 2017.

The Act also imposed a mandatory one-time transition tax on undistributed international earnings. We do not expect to have any additional tax liability related to a transition tax.

202020192018
Current:
Federal$(472)$41,005 $(1,688)
State476 7,301 1,204 
Deferred(12,216)(38,545)(2,153)
Income tax expense (benefit)$(12,212)$9,761 $(2,637)
Reconciliation of effective income tax:
Tax at U.S. statutory rates$(10,542)$11,579 $3,519 
State income taxes, net of federal benefit(1,750)1,573 741 
Tax rate changes(1,342)
Federal income tax credits(424)(3,004)(4,587)
Dividends received deduction(233)(955)(2,142)
Valuation allowance733 441 658 
Foreign tax rate differences240 116 349 
Other(236)11 167 
Income tax expense (benefit)$(12,212)$9,761 $(2,637)
The Company did not have a net tax expense or benefit on income from international operations. Earnings (losses) before income taxes derived from domestic operations during 2020, 2019 and 2018 2017were $(40,989), $57,877 and 2016 were $21,700, $(6,230) and $154,520, respectively. Losses before income taxes derived from international operations during 2020, 2019 and 2018 2017were $9,212, $2,736, and 2016 were $4,945, $6,660 and $8,257, respectively.

As of December 31, 2018,2020, we had $341$204 of unrecognized tax benefits, including $43$59 of interest and penalties, which are included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2017,2019, we had $357$348 of unrecognized tax benefits, including $29$62 of interest and penalties, which are included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. Our continuing practice is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The unrecognized tax benefits of $341$204 would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized. Adjustments to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefit for gross increases for the current period tax position, gross decreases for prior period tax positions and the lapse of statute of limitations during 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 were not significant.

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 2015.2017. We believe we have certain state income tax exposures related to fiscal years 20142016 through 2018.2020. Because of 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 $14$190 within 12 months.

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.

42 



41

Note 9. Income10. Taxes(continued)


Our deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following.

  December 31,
  2018 2017
Deferred tax assets:        
Insurance reserves $1,816  $2,011 
Compensation accruals  677   729 
Gift card accruals  2,515   3,149 
Net operating loss credit carryforward  5,547   5,273 
Valuation allowance on net operating losses  (4,978)  (5,031)
Income tax credit carryforward  4,965   5,707 
Other  953   629 
Total deferred tax assets  11,495   12,467 
         
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Investments  92,743   95,324 
Fixed asset basis difference  934   554 
Goodwill and intangibles  4,689   4,990 
Total deferred tax liabilities  98,366   100,868 
Net deferred tax liability $(86,871) $(88,401)

Receivables

December 31,
20202019
Deferred tax assets:
Insurance reserves$1,621 $1,304 
Compensation accruals1,439 438 
Gift card accruals2,387 3,280 
Net operating loss credit carryforward7,121 6,017 
Valuation allowance on net operating losses(6,152)(5,419)
Fixed assets and depletable assets basis difference8,234 6,300 
Income tax credit carryforward2,178 4,776 
Other2,516 (36)
Total deferred tax assets19,344 16,660 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investments45,470 56,519 
Goodwill and intangibles15,220 14,371 
Total deferred tax liabilities60,690 70,890 
Net deferred tax liability$(41,346)$(54,230)
Accrued expenses on the balance sheet include income taxes receivablepayable of $2,022$2,436 and $751$17,767 as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. Income taxes paid during 2020, 2019 and 2018 2017were $15,402, $30,375 and 2016 were $810, $3,211 and $6,961, respectively. Income tax refunds during 2020, 2019 and 2018 2017were $68, $1,546 and 2016 were $8, $0 and $233, respectively.


Note 10.11.     Notes Payable and Other Borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings include the following.

  December 31,
  2018 2017
Current portion of notes payable and other borrowings    
Notes payable $2,200  $2,200 
Unamortized original issue discount  (334)  (321)
Unamortized debt issuance costs  (609)  (585)
Obligations under leases  4,463   5,279 
Western revolver  —     175 
Total current portion of notes payable and other borrowings $5,720  $6,748 
         
Long-term notes payable and other borrowings        
Notes payable $181,498  $183,698 
Unamortized original issue discount  (438)  (772)
Unamortized debt issuance costs  (796)  (1,405)
Obligations under leases  59,737   75,473 
Total long-term notes payable and other borrowings $240,001  $256,994 

December 31,
20202019
Current portion of notes payable and other borrowings
Notes payable$152,506 $2,200 
Unamortized original issue discount(87)(348)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(158)(634)
Finance obligations4,854 4,252 
Finance lease liabilities1,897 1,633 
Total current portion of notes payable and other borrowings$159,012 $7,103 
Long-term notes payable and other borrowings
Notes payable$$179,298 
Unamortized original issue discount(89)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(163)
Finance obligations68,148 74,497 
Finance lease liabilities7,034 9,639 
Total long-term notes payable and other borrowings$75,182 $263,182 

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Note 11.     Notes Payable and Other Borrowings (continued)

Steak n Shake Credit Facility

On March 19, 2014, Steak n Shake and its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement which provided for a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $220,000 and a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30,000. On October 27, 2017, Steak n Shake determined to end the use of its senior secured revolving credit facility. In 2017, Steak n Shake deposited cash to satisfy required collateral for casualty insurance previously collateralized by letters of credit issued through the revolving credit facility.

43 

Note 10. Notes Payable and Other Borrowings(continued)

$220,000. The term loan iswas scheduled to mature on March 19, 2021. It amortizes at an annual rate of 1.0% in equal quarterly installments, beginning June 30, 2014, at 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan, subject to mandatory prepayments from excess cash flow, asset sales and other events described in the credit agreement. The balance will be due at maturity.

Steak n Shake has the right to request an incremental term loan facility from participating lenders and/or eligible assignees at any time, up to an aggregate total principal amount not to exceed $70,000 if certain customary conditions within the credit agreement are met.

Borrowings bear interest at a rate per annum equal to a base rate or a Eurodollar rate (minimum of 1%) plus an applicable margin. Interest on the term loan is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75%. The interest rate on the term loan was 6.28% as of December 31, 2018.

The credit agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. Steak n Shake’s credit facility contains restrictions on its ability to pay dividends to Biglari Holdings.

The term loan is secured by first priority security interests in substantially all the assets of Steak n Shake. Disruptions in debt capital markets that restrict access to funding when needed could adversely affect the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of Steak n Shake. Biglari Holdings is not a guarantor under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2018, $183,6982020, $152,506 was outstanding. The Company repaid Steak n Shake's outstanding under the term loan.

balance in full on February 19, 2021.

Western Sizzlin Revolver

As of December 31, 2018,2020 and 2019, Western Sizzlin had no debt outstanding under theits revolver.

Expected principal payments for notes payable as of December 31, 2018, are as follows.

2019 $2,200 
2020  2,200 
2021  179,298 
Total $183,698 

The fair value of long-term debt, excluding capitalized lease obligations, was approximately $147,000 at December 31, 2018. The fair value of our debt was estimated based on quoted market prices. The fair value was determined to be a Level 3 fair value measurement.

Interest

Interest paid on debt and obligations under leases are as follows.

  2018 2017 2016
Interest paid on debt $10,655  $9,969  $10,508 
Interest paid on obligations under leases $8,207  $9,132  $9,475 
202020192018
Interest paid on debt$9,397 $11,273 $10,655 
Interest paid on obligations under leases$6,274 $7,816 $8,207 

Note 11.12.     Leased Assets and Lease Commitments

We

The Company adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, as discussed in Note 1.  Under ASC 842, leases are generally classified as either operating right-of-use assets or finance lease assets. Right-of-use assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset during the lease term. Right-of-use liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. These assets and liabilities are calculated by using the net present value of fixed lease payments over the lease term. The Company's lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain physical facilities under non-cancelablethat the option will be exercised.  The Company applied an incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of lease agreements. These leases requirepayments. Finance lease agreements include an interest rate that is used to determine the paymentpresent value of real estate taxes, insurancefuture lease payments.

A significant portion of our operating 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 $6,850 related tofinance lease portfolio includes restaurant locations. The Company’s operating leases receivablewith a term of 12 months or greater were recognized as operating right-of-use assets and liabilities and recorded as operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities. Historical capital leases and certain historical build-to-suit leases were reclassified from obligations under non-cancelable subleases. Theleases to finance lease assets and liabilities. Finance lease assets are recorded in property and equipment costand finance lease liabilities are recorded in notes payable and other borrowings. Historical sale-and-leaseback transactions in which the Company is deemed to have a continued interest in the leased asset are recorded as property and equipment and as finance obligations. Finance obligations are recorded in notes payable and other borrowings.
Operating lease expense and finance lease depreciation expense are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
During 2020, the Company negotiated lease concessions on certain lease arrangements related to finance obligationsthe COVID-19 pandemic and capitalhas accounted for these under the ASC 842 COVID-19 Election.
Total lease cost consists of the following.
20202019
Finance lease costs:
Amortization of right-of-use assets$1,404 $1,952 
Interest on lease liabilities582 828 
Operating lease costs *9,995 16,483 
Total lease costs$11,981 $19,263 
*Includes short-term leases, variable lease costs and sublease income.
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Note 12.     Leased Assets and Lease Commitments (continued)

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows.
Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Financing cash flows from finance leases$1,512 $1,610 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$632 $828 
Operating cash flows from operating leases$13,627 $16,863 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Finance lease liabilities$$1,097 
Operating lease liabilities$73 $11,069 
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows.
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Finance leases:
Property and equipment, net$6,501 $10,783 
Current portion of notes payable and other borrowings$1,897 $1,633 
Long-term notes payable and other borrowings7,034 9,639 
Total finance lease liabilities$8,931 $11,272 
Weighted-average lease terms and discount rates are as follows.
2020
Weighted-average remaining lease terms:
Finance leases5.7 years
Operating leases5.6 years
Weighted-average discount rates:
Finance leases7.1%
Operating leases6.9%
Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2018 is2020 are as follows: $56,311 of buildings, $45,017 of land, $21,351 of land and leasehold improvements, $1,952 of equipment and $64,036 of accumulated depreciation.

44 

follows.

YearOperating LeasesFinance
Leases
2021$13,521 $2,452 
202210,949 1,864 
20239,604 1,669 
20247,678 1,633 
20255,870 1,292 
After 20259,447 1,906 
Total lease payments57,069 10,816 
Less interest9,992 1,885 
Total lease liabilities$47,077 $8,931 

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Note 11.12.     Leased Assets and Lease Commitments(continued)

On December 31, 2018, obligations under non-cancelable finance obligations, capital leases, and operating leases (excluding real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs) require the following minimum future rental payments.

               Operating Leases 
Year  Finance Obligations   Capital Leases   Total   Operating Property   Non-Operating Property 
2019 $11,114  $55  $11,169  $17,914  $483 
2020  8,040   55   8,095   16,691   554 
2021  5,925   55   5,980   16,787   578 
2022  2,951   5   2,956   15,603   599 
2023  1,587   —     1,587   14,071   539 
After 2023  1,673   —     1,673   36,709   1,790 
Total minimum future rental payments  31,290   170   31,460  $117,775  $4,543 
Less amount representing interest  18,004   60   18,064         
Total principal obligations under leases  13,286   110   13,396         
Less current portion  4,433   30   4,463         
Non-current principal obligations under leases  8,853   80   8,933         
Residual value at end of lease term  50,744   60   50,804         
Obligations under leases $59,597  $140  $59,737         


Rent expense is presented below.

  2018 2017 2016
Minimum rent $20,158  $18,157  $17,906 
Contingent rent  1,470   1,839   1,841 
Rent expense $21,628  $19,996  $19,747 

Non-cancellable finance obligations were created when the Company 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.

202020192018
Minimum rent$15,672 $17,968 $20,158 
Contingent rent137 1,050 1,470 
Rent expense$15,809 $19,018 $21,628 

Note 12.13.     Related Party Transactions

On September 15,

Services Agreement
During 2017, the Company entered into a services agreement with Biglari Enterprises LLC and Biglari Capital Corp. (collectively, the “Biglari Entities”). under which the Biglari Entities provide business and administrative related services to the Company. The Biglari Entities are owned by Mr. Biglari. The services agreement replaces the shared services agreement between the Company and Biglari Capital dated July 1, 2013. The services agreement was executed in connection with a review of the relationships and transactions between the Company and Biglari Capital. After careful consideration, including an assessment by a public accounting firm of administrative-related costs incurred by the Company in connection with its investments, the Company’s Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee, comprised solely of independent board members, approved the services agreement. Under the terms of the services agreement, the Company will no longer provide business and administrative-related services to Biglari Capital. Instead, the Biglari Entities will assume the responsibility to provide the services and the Company will pay a fixed fee to the Biglari Entities.

The services agreement has a five-yearfive-year term, effective on October 1, 2017. The fixed fee is $700 per month for the first year with adjustments in years two through five. The monthly fee remained at $700 during 2020.


The Company paid Biglari Enterprises $8,400 in service fees during 2020 and 2019. The services agreement does not alter the hurdle rate connected with the incentive reallocation paid to Biglari Capital Corp. by the Company.

Investments in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P.
As of December 31, 2018,2020, the Company’s investments in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. had a fair value of $715,102.

45 

$590,926.

Note 12. Related Party Transactions(continued)

Contributions to and distributions from The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. were as follows.

  2018 2017 2016
Contributions of cash $39,040  $3,707  $14,150 
Contributions of securities        5,682 
Distributions of cash  (68,700)  (9,395)  (26,265)
Distributions of securities        (4,463)
  $(29,660) $(5,688) $(10,896)

202020192018
Contributions of cash$70,130 $40,000 $39,040 
Distributions of cash(98,330)(169,329)(68,700)
$(28,200)$(129,329)$(29,660)
As the general partner of the investment partnerships, Biglari Capital on December 31 of each year will earn an incentive reallocation fee for the Company’s investments equal to 25% of the net profits above a hurdle rate of 6% over the previous high-water mark. Our policy is to accrue an estimatedThere were $987 of incentive fee throughout the year. In 2018 and 2017, no incentive reallocation was earned. Based on Biglari Holdings’ $280,563 of earnings from the investment partnerships for 2016, the total incentive reallocationreallocations from Biglari Holdings to Biglari Capital was $31,628,during 2020, including $11,514$253 associated with gains on the Company’sCompany's common stock.

Gains on the Company's common stock and the related incentive reallocations are eliminated in our financial statements. There were no incentive reallocations from Biglari Holdings to Biglari Capital during 2019 and 2018.

Incentive Agreement
The Incentive Agreement Amendment

During 2013, Biglari Holdings andestablishes a performance-based annual incentive payment for Mr. Biglari entered intocontingent upon the growth in adjusted equity in each year attributable to our operating businesses. In order for Mr. Biglari to receive any incentive, our operating businesses must achieve an amendment toannual increase in shareholders’ equity in excess of 6% (the “Hurdle Rate”) above the Incentive Agreement to exclude earnings byprevious highest level (the “High Water Mark”). Mr. Biglari will receive 25% of any incremental book value created above the investment partnershipsHigh Water Mark plus the Hurdle Rate. In any year in which book value declines, our operating businesses must completely recover their deficit from the calculation ofprevious High Water Mark, along with attaining the Hurdle Rate, before Mr. Biglari’sBiglari becomes eligible to receive any further incentive fee. payment. No incentive fees were earned in 2018during 2020, 2019 and 2016. In 2017, Mr. Biglari earned an incentive fee of $7,353. Under the Amended and Restated Incentive Agreement Mr. Biglari would receive a payment of approximately $7,000 if an event occurred entitling him to a severance payment.

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 Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee (comprised of independent members of the Company’s Board of Directors). In addition, the license under the License Agreement is provided on a royalty-free basis in the absence of specified extraordinary events described below. Accordingly, the Company and its subsidiaries have paid no royalties to Mr. Biglari under the License Agreement since its inception.

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.

If (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”) were to occur, Mr. Biglari would be entitled to receive a 2.5% royalty on “Revenues” with respect to the “Royalty Period.” The royalty payment to Mr. Biglari would not apply to all revenues received by Biglari Holdings and its subsidiaries nor would it apply retrospectively (i.e., to revenues received with respect to the period prior to the Triggering Event). The royalty would apply 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.

46 

2018.

45

Note 12. Related Party Transactions(continued)

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

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

The Company and its subsidiaries have paid no royalties to Mr. Biglari under the License Agreement since its execution.

The actual amount of royalties paid to Mr. Biglari following the occurrence of a Triggering Event (as defined in the License Agreement) would depend on the Company’s revenues during the applicable period following the Triggering Event, and, therefore, depends on material assumptions and estimates regarding future operations and revenues. Assuming for purposes of illustration a Triggering Event occurred on December 31, 2018, using revenue from 2018 as an estimate of future revenue and calculated according to terms of the License Agreement, Mr. Biglari would receive approximately $19,000 in royalty payments annually. At a minimum, the royalties would be earned on revenue generated from January 1, 2019 through December 21, 2025. Royalty payments beyond the minimum period would be subject to the licensee’s continued use of the licensed marks.

Note 13.14.     Commitments and Contingencies

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


On January 29, 2018, a shareholder of the Company filed a purported class action complaint against the Company and the members of our Board of Directors in the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana. The shareholder generally allegesalleged claims of breach of fiduciary duty by the members of our Board of Directors and unjust enrichment to Mr. Biglari as a result of the issuance of a dual class structure.

47 

Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies(continued)


On March 26, 2018, a shareholder of the Company filed a purported class action complaint against the Company and the members of our Board of Directors in the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana. This shareholder generally allegesalleged claims of breach of fiduciary duty by the members of our Board of Directors. This shareholder sought to enjoin the shareholder vote on April 26, 2018 to approve the issuance of the dual class structure. On April 16, 2018, the shareholders withdrew their motions to enjoin the shareholder vote on April 26, 2018.

On May 17, 2018, the shareholders who filed the January 29, 2018 complaint and the March 26, 2018 complaint filed a new, consolidated complaint against the Company and the members of our Board of Directors in the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana. The shareholders generally allegealleged claims of breach of fiduciary duty by the members of our Board of Directors and unjust enrichment to Mr. Biglari arising out of the issuance of the dual class structure. The shareholders seek,structure, including the ability to vote the Company’s shares that are eliminated for themselves and on behalf of all other shareholders as a class, a declaration that the defendants breached their duty to the shareholders and the class, and to recover unspecified damages, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, and an award of their attorneys’ fees and other costs.

financial reporting purposes.


On December 14, 2018, the Judgejudge of the Superior Court of Hamilton County, Indiana issued an order granting the Company’s motion to dismiss the shareholders’ lawsuits. On January 11, 2019, the shareholders filed an appeal of the Judge’sjudge’s order dismissing the lawsuits.

On December 4, 2019, the Indiana Court of Appeals issued a unanimous decision affirming the trial court’s decision to dismiss the shareholder litigation. On January 20, 2020, the shareholders filed a petition to transfer with the Indiana Supreme Court seeking review of the decision of the Court of Appeals. The Company believesopposed the claims inpetition. On April 7, 2020, the Indiana Supreme Court denied the petition to transfer.


All of the cases referenced above are completed and each case are without meritwas concluded in the Company’s favor.

On September 8, 2014, two former restaurant manager employees filed a purported class action lawsuit against Steak n Shake (Drake v. Steak n Shake). On January 30, 2017, a former restaurant manager employee filed a purported class action lawsuit against Steak n Shake (Clendenen v. Steak n Shake). The plaintiffs generally allege claims that Steak n Shake improperly classified its managerial employees as exempt. On July 26, 2019, the Company agreed to settle both cases for $8,350 and intends to defend these cases vigorously.

the Court approved the terms of the settlement. The settlement is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in the 2019 consolidated statement of earnings.

Note 14.15.     Fair Value of Financial Assets

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

The hierarchy for measuring fair value consists of Levels 1 through 3, which are described below.

Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets.
Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities exchanged in active or inactive markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in inactive markets; other inputs that may be considered in fair value determinations of the assets or liabilities, such as interest rates and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Pricing evaluations generally reflect discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, estimated durations and yields for other instruments of the issuer or entities in the same industry sector.
46

Note 15.     Fair Value of Financial Assets (continued)
Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets or liabilities and we may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in pricing assets or liabilities.

48 

Note 14. Fair Value of Financial Assets(continued)

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

sheets:

Cash equivalents: Cash equivalents primarily consist of money market funds which are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Equity securities:The Company’s investments in equity securities are classified within LevelLevels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy. 

Bonds: The Company’s investments in bonds consist of both corporate and government debt. Bonds are classified withinas Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the instrument.

hierarchy.

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

Derivative instruments: Options related to equity securities are marked to market each reporting period and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

hierarchy depending on the instrument.

As of December 31, 20182020 and 20172019 the fair values of financial assets were as follows.

  December 31,
  2018 2017
  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets                
Cash equivalents $21,448  $—    $—    $21,448  $5,785  $—    $—    $5,785 
Equity securities:                                
   Consumer goods  1,708   4,100   —     5,808   2,445   —     —     2,445 
Bonds  32,404   —     —     32,404   —     25,901   —     25,901 
Options on equity securities  —     2,775   —     2,775   —     2,018   —     2,018 
Non-qualified deferred                                
compensation plan investments  2,149   —     —     2,149   3,459   —     —     3,459 
Total assets at fair value $57,709  $6,875  $—    $64,584  $11,689  $27,919  $—    $39,608 

December 31,
20202019
Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Cash equivalents$23,885 $$$23,885 $43,095 $$$43,095 
Equity securities:
Consumer goods7,274 5,652 12,926 6,397 6,397 
Insurance261 261 25 25 
Bonds:
Government39,472 14,043 53,515 38,911 38,911 
Corporate5,406 5,406 
Options on equity securities2,911 2,911 2,166 2,166 
Non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments1,368 1,368 2,175 2,175 
Total assets at fair value$72,260 $28,012 $$100,272 $84,206 $8,563 $$92,769 
There were no changes in our valuation techniques used to measure fair values on a recurring basis.

47

Note 15.16.     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, were as follows.

  2018 2017
   Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments   Investment
Gain (Loss)
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments   Investment
Gain (Loss)
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Beginning Balance $(1,462) $58  $(1,404) $(3,447) $(137) $(3,584)
Other comprehensive income (loss)                        
before reclassifications      —     —         195   195 
Reclassification to (earnings) loss      (58)  (58)            
Foreign currency translation  (1,054)      (1,054)  1,985       1,985 
Ending Balance $(2,516) $—    $(2,516) $(1,462) $58  $(1,404)

49 

Table of Contents

20202019
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
Investment
Gain (Loss)
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
Investment
Gain
(Loss)
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Beginning Balance$(2,810)$$(2,810)$(2,516)$$(2,516)
Foreign currency translation1,279 01,279 (294)0(294)
Ending Balance$(1,531)$$(1,531)$(2,810)$$(2,810)

Note 15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income(continued)

  2016
   Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments   Investment
Gain (Loss)
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Beginning Balance $(2,992) $(687) $(3,679)
Other comprehensive income (loss)            
before reclassifications      357   357 
Reclassification to (earnings) loss      193   193 
Foreign currency translation  (455)      (455)
Ending Balance $(3,447) $(137) $(3,584)

2018
Foreign Currency
Translation Adjustments
Investment
Gain (Loss)
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Beginning Balance$(1,462)$58 $(1,404)
Reclassification to (earnings) loss0(58)(58)
Foreign currency translation(1,054)0(1,054)
Ending Balance$(2,516)$$(2,516)
There were 0 reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during 2020 and 2019. Reclassifications made from accumulated other comprehensive income to the statement of earnings were $58 of income to earnings during 2018 and $193 of losses to earnings during 2016; there were no reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during 2017.

2018.

Note 16.17.     Business Segment Reporting

Our reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Our restaurant operations include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin. Our insurance operations include First Guard and Southern Pioneer. The Company also reports segment information for First GuardMaxim and Maxim.Southern Oil. Other business activities not specifically identified with reportable business segments are presented in “other” within total operating businesses.corporate. We report our earnings from investment partnerships separate from our corporate expenses. We assess and measure segment operating results based on segment earnings as disclosed below. Segment earnings from operations are neither necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash requirements, nor synonymous with cash flow from operations. The tabular information that follows shows data of our reportable segments reconciled to amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue for 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows.

  Revenue
  2018 2017 2016
Operating Businesses:            
Restaurant Operations:            
Steak n Shake $760,565  $792,827  $804,423 
Western  15,125   14,326   13,491 
Total Restaurant Operations  775,690   807,153   817,914 
First Guard  27,628   24,943   22,997 
Maxim  6,576   7,708   9,165 
  $809,894  $839,804  $850,076 

50 


48

Note 16.17. Business Segment Reporting(continued)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes for 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows.

   Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes 
   2018   2017   2016 
Operating Businesses:            
Restaurant Operations:            
Steak n Shake $(10,657) $431  $34,717 
Western  2,046   1,860   2,506 
Total Restaurant Operations  (8,611)  2,291   37,223 
First Guard  6,215   4,770   5,135 
Maxim  1,068   (439)  (10,078)
Other  635   669   94 
Total Operating Businesses  (693)  7,291   32,374 
Corporate and investments:            
Corporate  (11,286)  (16,106)  (10,241)
Investment partnership gains  40,411   6,965   135,580 
Total corporate  29,125   (9,141)  125,339 
Interest expense on notes            
payable and other borrowings  (11,677)  (11,040)  (11,450)
  $16,755  $(12,890) $146,263 

A disaggregation of our consolidated capital expendituresdata for 2018, 2017 and 2016each of the three most recent years is presented in the tables thatwhich follow.

   Capital Expenditures 
             
   2018   2017   2016 
             
Operating Businesses:            
Restaurant Operations:            
Steak n Shake $14,982  $7,565  $8,257 
Western  61   410   306 
Total Restaurant Operations  15,043   7,975   8,563 
First Guard  236   43   7 
Maxim  —     —     42 
Other  14   16   51 
Total Operating Businesses  15,293   8,034   8,663 
Corporate  —     —     —   
Consolidated results $15,293  $8,034  $8,663 

51 

Revenue
202020192018
Operating Businesses:
Restaurant Operations:
Steak n Shake$344,305 $595,004 $760,565 
Western6,361 15,216 15,125 
Total Restaurant Operations350,666 610,220 775,690 
Insurance Operations:
First Guard30,958 30,083 27,628 
Southern Pioneer21,721 
Total Insurance Operations52,679 30,083 27,628 
Southern Oil26,255 24,436 
Maxim4,083 4,099 6,576 
$433,683 $668,838 $809,894 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes
202020192018
Operating Businesses:
Restaurant Operations:
Steak n Shake$(4,587)$(18,575)$(10,657)
Western(765)1,756 2,046 
Total Restaurant Operations(5,352)(16,819)(8,611)
Insurance Operations:
First Guard9,632 7,103 6,215 
Southern Pioneer2,799 
Total Insurance Operations12,431 7,103 6,215 
Southern Oil2,018 8,032 
Maxim1,784 742 1,068 
Interest expense on notes payable and other borrowings(9,262)(12,442)(11,677)
Total Operating Businesses1,619 (13,384)(13,005)
Corporate and investments:
Corporate and other(12,432)(9,608)(10,651)
Investment gains3,644 
Investment partnership gains (losses)(43,032)78,133 40,411 
Total corporate(51,820)68,525 29,760 
$(50,201)$55,141 $16,755 
49

Note 16.17. Business Segment Reporting(continued)

Capital Expenditures
202020192018
Operating Businesses:
Restaurant Operations:
Steak n Shake$17,852 $9,951 $14,982 
Western72 61 
Total Restaurant Operations17,858 10,023 15,043 
Insurance Operations:
First Guard43 236 
Southern Pioneer
Total Insurance Operations43 236 
Southern Oil2,806 7,594 
Maxim
Total Operating Businesses20,669 17,660 15,279 
Corporate and other33 19 14 
Consolidated results$20,702 $17,679 $15,293 

Depreciation and Amortization
202020192018
Operating Businesses:
Restaurant Operations:
Steak n Shake$18,811 $20,533 $18,180 
Western231 641 651 
Total Restaurant Operations19,042 21,174 18,831 
Insurance Operations:
First Guard96 85 76 
Southern Pioneer318 
Total Insurance Operations414 85 76 
Southern Oil:
Depletion11,989 7,900 
Accretion497 177 
Depreciation41 141 
Total Southern Oil12,527 8,218 
Maxim27 
Total Operating Businesses31,983 29,477 18,934 
Corporate and other239 101 384 
Consolidated results$32,222 $29,578 $19,318 
50

Note 17. Business Segment Reporting (continued)
A disaggregation of our consolidated depreciation and amortization captions for 2018, 2017 and 2016 is presented in the tables that follow.

   Depreciation and Amortization  
             
   2018   2017   2016 
             
Operating Businesses:            
Restaurant Operations:            
Steak n Shake $18,180  $19,987  $20,968 
Western  651   636   605 
Total Restaurant Operations  18,831   20,623   21,573 
First Guard  76   56   64 
Maxim  27   50   409 
Other  287   287   431 
Total Operating Businesses  19,221   21,016   22,477 
Corporate  97   432   448 
Consolidated results $19,318  $21,448  $22,925 

A disaggregation of our consolidated asset captionsassets is presented in the table that follows.

  Identifiable Assets
  December 31,
  2018 2017
Reportable segments:        
Restaurant Operations:        
Steak n Shake $330,100  $373,654 
Western  16,444   17,027 
Total Restaurant Operations  346,544   390,681 
First Guard  51,565   46,693 
Maxim  18,143   19,155 
Other  19,774   20,514 
Corporate  35,987   20,520 
Investment partnerships  557,480   566,021 
Total assets $1,029,493  $1,063,584 

52 

Identifiable Assets
December 31,
20202019
Reportable segments:
Restaurant Operations:
Steak n Shake$341,190 $385,259 
Western16,512 18,322 
Total Restaurant Operations357,702 403,581 
Insurance Operations:
First Guard64,764 58,808 
Southern Pioneer74,063 
Total Insurance Operations138,827 58,808 
Southern Oil61,017 82,257 
Maxim16,485 16,549 
Corporate24,387 72,572 
Investment partnerships419,550 505,542 
Total assets$1,017,968 $1,139,309 


Note 18.     Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
For the year ended December 31, 2020
Total revenues$135,700 $96,502 $101,835 $99,646 
Gross profit35,890 32,719 33,764 34,578 
Costs and expenses146,019 101,396 102,689 94,392 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes(181,715)57,230 26,718 47,566 
Net earnings (loss)(137,885)42,466 21,101 36,329 
Net earnings (loss) per equivalent Class A share$(400.37)$121.51 $60.07 $108.23 
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Total revenues$181,859 $168,343 $160,216 $158,420 
Gross profit22,837 30,454 38,467 43,307 
Costs and expenses204,451 174,671 162,296 150,412 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes11,562 27,870 (631)16,340 
Net earnings (loss)9,818 21,974 (17)13,605 
Net earnings (loss) per equivalent Class A share$28.36 $63.50 $(0.05)$39.64 
We define gross profit as net revenue less restaurant cost of sales, media cost of sales, oil and natural gas production costs and insurance losses and underwriting expenses, which excludes depreciation and amortization.
51

Note 17. Quarterly Financial Data(Unaudited)

  1stQuarter 2ndQuarter 3rdQuarter 4thQuarter
For the year ended December 31, 2018                
Total revenues $202,225  $208,739  $203,582  $195,348 
Gross profit  36,430   42,727   36,153   33,145 
Costs and expenses  203,391   203,778   204,518   201,979 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes  (2,611)  (8,429)  (24,902)  52,697 
Net earnings (loss)  (1,814)  (7,539)  (13,703)  42,448 
Net earnings (loss) per equivalent Class A share $(5.15) $(21.73) $(39.50) $122.53 
                 
                 
For the year ended December 31, 2017                
Total revenues $203,393  $212,954  $214,234  $209,223 
Gross profit  39,582   39,992   36,664   36,285 
Costs and expenses  198,918   210,050   215,327   215,242 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes  (25,597)  35,043   (49,926)  27,590 
Net earnings (loss)  (15,821)  21,126   (24,700)  69,466 
Net earnings (loss) per equivalent Class A share $(42.72) $57.27  $(66.96) $190.05 
                 
                 
We define gross profit as net revenue less restaurant cost of sales, media cost of sales, and insurance losses and underwriting expenses, which excludes depreciation and amortization. 

Note 18.19.     Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

Capital expenditures in accounts payable at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 2017were $2,399, $339 and 2016 were $1,776, $1,036respectively.
In 2020, we had new finance lease obligations of $3,285 and $480, respectively.

lease retirements of $4,842. In 2019, we had new finance lease obligations of $5,026 and lease retirements of $940. During 2018, we had new capital lease obligations of $1,000 and lease retirements of $11,557. In 2017, we had new capital lease obligations of $1,952 and lease retirements of $5,030. During 2016, we had new capital lease obligations of $258 and lease retirements of $1,006.

In 2016, the Company made a non-cash contribution of securities of $5,682 to the investment partnerships and received a non-cash distribution of securities of $4,463 from the investment partnerships.

53 

52

Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

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

Item 9A.Controls and Procedures

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 December 31, 2018.

2020.

On March 9, 2020, we completed our acquisition of Southern Pioneer. We have excluded Southern Pioneer from management’s assessment of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2020.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 20182020 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

We excluded the evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting for Southern Pioneer during the quarter ended December 31, 2020.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Biglari Holdings Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20182020 as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(c). In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.

2020.

We are in the process of evaluating the existing controls and procedures of Southern Pioneer and integrating Southern Pioneer into our internal control over financial reporting. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidance, we have excluded Southern Pioneer from management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20182020 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Biglari Holdings Inc.

February 23, 2019

27, 2021
Item 9B.Other Information

Item 9B.     Other Information
None.

53

Part III

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 10.     Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.Executive Compensation
Item 11.     Executive Compensation
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Item 14.     Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by Part III Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 will be contained in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 20192021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed on or before April 25, 2019,29, 2021, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

54 

54

Part IV

Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

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   
PAGE   
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm25-2623-25
Consolidated Balance Sheets2726
Consolidated Statements of Earnings2827
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income2827
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows2928
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity3029
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements3130
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting5453

2.Financial Statement Schedule

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
(b)Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
Description
Exhibit
Number
Description
2.01
2.01
3.01
3.02
3.03
4.01
4.02
10.01*4.03
10.01*
10.02*10.02Incentive Agreement, dated April 30, 2010, by and between the Predecessor and Sardar Biglari (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Predecessor’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 30, 2010).
10.03*
10.0410.03Trademark 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 Predecessor’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 11, 2013).

55 

10.05Trademark Sublicense Agreement, entered as of May 14, 2013, by and among the Predecessor, Steak n Shake, LLC and Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Predecessor’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 10, 2013).
10.06
55

10.07*10.04*
10.0810.05
10.0910.06
10.1010.07
10.1110.08
21.01** 10.09*
21.01
31.01**31.01
31.02**31.02
32.01** 

101

*

101*

Interactive Data Files.

Files

104 Cover page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document and contained in Exhibit 101)
*Indicates management contract or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**Furnished herewith.


Item 16.Form 10-K Summary

Item 16.     Form 10-K Summary
Not applicable.

56 

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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 February 23, 2019.

27, 2021.
Biglari Holdings inc.
BIGLARIHOLDINGSINC.
By:
/s/ Bruce LewisBRUCELEWIS
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 February 23, 2019.

27, 2021.
SignatureTitle
/s/ Sardar BiglariSARDARBIGLARI
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Sardar Biglari
/s/ Bruce LewisBRUCELEWIS
Controller (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Bruce Lewis
/s/ Philip CooleyJOHN G. CARDWELLDirector
 Philip CooleyJohn G. Cardwell
/s/ PHILIP COOLEY
Director - Vice Chairman
Philip Cooley
/s/ KENNETH R. COOPER
Director
Kenneth R. Cooper
/s/ RUTH J. PERSON
Director
Ruth J. PersonDirector
 Ruth J. Person
/s/ Kenneth R. CooperDirector
Kenneth R. Cooper
/s/ James P. MastrianDirector
James P. Mastrian


57