Net sales

Net sales were comprised of retail sales of food through Company-owned stores. Company-owned store revenues are recognized when control of the food items are transferred to our customers 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 income as revenue.

Franchise royalties and fees

Franchise royalties and fees are comprised of royalties and fees from Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin franchisees. Royalty revenues are based on a percentage of franchise sales and are recognized when the retail food items are purchased by franchise customers. Initial franchise fees received are deferred when amounts are received and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of each respective franchise agreement, which is typically 20 years. This represents a change in methodology for we have historically recognized initial franchise fees upon the opening of a franchise restaurant.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, restaurant operations recognized $369 in revenue related to initial franchise fees. As of March 31, 2018 and January 1, 2018, restaurant operations had deferred revenue related to franchise fees of $10,818 and $10,581, respectively. Restaurant operations expects to recognize approximately $450 of deferred revenue balance during the remainder of 2018, approximately $600 in 2019 and the balance in the years 2020 through 2037.

Our advertising arrangements with franchisees are reported in franchise royalties and fees. This represents a change in methodology as we have historically reported advertising funds from the franchisees as an offset to marketing expense in our consolidated statement of earnings.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, restaurant operations recognized $2,437 in revenue related to franchise advertising fees. As of March 31, 2018 and January 1, 2018, restaurant operations had deferred revenue related to franchisee advertising fees of $2,065 and $2,064, respectively. Restaurant operations expect to recognize approximately $900 of deferred revenue balance during the remainder of 2018 and the balance in 2019.

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 used to estimate breakage as we have historically recognized breakage for the portion of the gift card balances that remained outstanding following 48 months of issuance.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2018, restaurant operations recognized $9,287 of revenue from gift card redemptions. As of March 31, 2018 and January 1, 2018, restaurant operations had deferred revenue related to unredeemed gift cards of $14,993 and $20,968, respectively. The Company expects to recognize approximately $8,700 of deferred revenue balance during the remainder of 2018, approximately $4,200 in 2019, and the balance in the years 2020 through 2022.

Note 9. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses include the following.

Note 10. Borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings include the following.

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 $8,628 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 as restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheets.

The term loan is 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.

The interest rate on the term loan was 5.40% as of March 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. Biglari Holdings is not a guarantor under the credit facility. As of March 31, 2018, $185,348 was outstanding under the term loan.

Western Revolver

As of March 31, 2018, Western has $136 due June 13, 2018.

Fair Value of Debt

The fair value of long-term debt, excluding capitalized lease obligations, was approximately $165,000 at March 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.

Note 11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

During the first quarters of 2018 and 2017, the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows.

Reclassifications made from accumulated other comprehensive income to the consolidated statement of earnings during the first quarter of 2018 was $58; there were no reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the first quarter of 2017.

Note 12. Income Taxes

In determining the quarterly provision for income taxes, the Company uses an estimated annual effective tax rate based on expected annual income, statutory tax rates, and available tax planning opportunities in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Unusual or infrequently occurring items are separately recognized during the quarter in which they occur.

Income tax benefit for the first quarter of 2018 was $797 compared to $9,776 for the first quarter of 2017. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The U.S. corporate federal statutory income tax rate was reduced from 35.0% to 21.0% for tax years beginning in 2018. The variance in income taxes between 2018 and 2017 is attributable to the reduced corporate tax rate and taxes on income and losses generated by the investment partnerships.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had approximately $363 and $357, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, which are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies

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

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 for breach of fiduciary duty by the individual defendants and unjust enrichment to Mr. Biglari as a result of the agreement with NBHSA Inc. and the issuance of dual class common stock. The shareholder seeks, for himself and on behalf of all other shareholders as a class (other than the individual defendants and those related to or affiliated with them), to seek a declaration that the defendants breached their duty to the shareholder and the class and that Mr. Biglari would be unjustly enriched, and to recover unspecified damages, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, and an award of their attorneys’ fees and other costs.

On March 26, 2018, a second shareholder of the Company filed a purported class action complaint against the Company, the members of our Board of Directors, New BH, and Merger Sub 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 28, 2018 to approve the agreement with NBHSA Inc. and the issuance of dual class common stock. On April 16, 2018, the shareholder withdrew his motion to enjoin the special meeting.

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

Note 14. Fair Value of Financial Assets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. 

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

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

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.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair values of financial assets were as follows.

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

Note 15. Related Party Transactions

Services Agreement

On September 15, 2017, the Company entered into a services agreement with Biglari Enterprises LLC and Biglari Capital (collectively, the “Biglari Entities”). 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-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 services agreement does not alter the hurdle rate connected with the incentive reallocation paid to Biglari Capital by the Company.

Investments in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s investments in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. had a fair value of $918,229.

Distributions from The Lion Fund II, L.P. were $5,200 and $5,015 during the first quarters of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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 estimated incentive fee throughout the year. The Company did not accrue incentive fees for Biglari Capital during the first quarters of 2018 and 2017.

Incentive Agreement Amendment

During 2013, Biglari Holdings and Mr. Biglari entered into an amendment to the Incentive Agreement to exclude earnings by the investment partnerships from the calculation of Mr. Biglari’s incentive bonus. Under the Amended and Restated Incentive Agreement Mr. Biglari would receive a payment of approximately $13,000 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.

“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 franchised locations), products and brands. On May 14, 2013, the Company, Steak n Shake, LLC and Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc. entered into a Trademark Sublicense Agreement in connection therewith. Accordingly, revenues received by the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates from Steak n Shake’s restaurants, products and brands would come within the definition of Revenues for purposes of the License Agreement.

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

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, 2017, using revenue from 2017 as an estimate of future revenue and calculated according to terms of the License Agreement, Mr. Biglari would receive approximately $20,000 in royalty payments annually. At a minimum, the royalties would be earned on revenue generated from January 1, 2018 through December 21, 2024. Royalty payments beyond the minimum period would be subject to the licensee's continued use of the licensed marks.

Note 16. Business Segment Reporting

Our reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Our restaurant operations includes Steak n Shake and Western. The Company also reports segment information for First Guard and Maxim. Other business activities not specifically identified with reportable business segments are presented in “other” within total operating businesses. 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 and earnings (losses) before income taxes for the first quarters of 2018 and 2017 were as follows.

(dollars in thousands except per share data)

Overview

Biglari Holdings Inc. (“Biglari Holdings” or the “Company”) is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including media, property and casualty insurance, and restaurants. The Company’s largest operating subsidiaries are involved in the franchising and operating of restaurants. Biglari Holdings is founded and led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. 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.

On March 5, 2018 the Company entered into an agreement with NBHSA Inc. (“New BH”), a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and BH Merger Company (“Merger Sub”), a wholly owned subsidiary of New BH. Pursuant to the agreement, on April 30, 2018, Merger Sub merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of New BH. Upon completion of the merger, New BH changed its name to “Biglari Holdings Inc.” and replaced the Company as the publicly held corporation through which our collection of businesses is conducted.

New BH 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 1/5^th of a share of Class A common stock, however, Class B common stock has no voting rights.

As a result of the April 30, 2018 transaction, the current shareholders of the Company became shareholders of New BH and received, for every ten (10) shares of common stock of the Company they owned on April 30, 2018, (i) ten (10) shares of Class B common stock of New BH and (ii) one (1) share of Class A common stock of New BH. In other words, shareholders received for a share of common stock of the Company (i) one (1) share of Class B common stock of New BH and (ii) 1/10^th of one share of Class A common stock of New BH.

Starting on May 1, 2018, the shares of New BH Class A common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “BH.A,” whereas the New BH Class B common stock trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “BH,” which is the former ticker symbol for the Company’s common stock.

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

Our restaurant businesses include Steak n Shake Inc. (“Steak n Shake”) and Western Sizzlin Corporation (“Western”). As of March 31, 2018, Steak n Shake comprised 415 company-operated restaurants and 201 franchised units. Western comprised 4 company-operated restaurants and 58 franchised units.

Our insurance business is composed of First Guard Insurance Company and its agency, 1st Guard Corporation (collectively “First Guard”). First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial trucking insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers.

Our media business is composed of Maxim Inc. (“Maxim”). Maxim’s business lies principally in media and licensing.

Restaurants

Steak n Shake and Western comprise 678 company-operated and franchised restaurants as of March 31, 2018.

Earnings of our restaurant operations are summarized below.

Cost of food, restaurant operating costs and rent expense are expressed as a percentage of net sales.

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

Net sales during the first quarter of 2018 were $185,571, representing a decrease of $3,480 over the first quarter of 2017. The decreased performance of our restaurant operations was largely driven by Steak n Shake’s same-store sales, which decreased 1.7% whereas customer traffic decreased 7.2% during the first quarter. The term “same-store sales” refers to the sales of company-operated units open at least 18 months at the beginning of the current period and have remained open through the end of the period.

In the first quarter of 2018 franchise royalties and fees increased $1,546 or 27.8% compared to those in 2017.  The adoption of the new accounting guidance increased franchise fees and royalties by $2,369. The first quarter of 2017 included $987 in international decommitment fees. Steak n Shake opened eight franchise units and closed seven franchise units during the first quarter of 2018. There were 201 Steak n Shake franchise units as of March 31, 2018 compared to 182 franchise units as of March 31, 2017.

Cost of food in the first quarter of 2018 was $55,928 or 30.1% of net sales compared to the first quarter in 2017 of $54,401 or 28.8% of net sales. The increase during 2018 was attributable to increased costs primarily related to bacon, cheese and beef.

Restaurant operating costs during the first quarter of 2018 were $97,815 or 52.7% of net sales compared to $98,347 or 52.0% of net sales in 2017. The increase in costs as a percentage of net sales during the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017 was principally due to higher wages and benefits.

General and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2018 were $15,087 or 7.8% of total revenues compared to expenses in the first quarter of 2017, which were $13,952 or 7.1% of total revenues. The increase in general and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017 was principally tied to higher recruiting expenses.

Marketing expenses during the first quarter of 2018 were $13,593 or 7.0% of total revenues compared to expenses in the first quarter of 2017, which were $12,435 or 6.4% of total revenues. The increase in marketing expenses during the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017 was principally due to the adoption of the new accounting guidance. The new ASC 606 accounting guidance requires the Company to expense franchise ad funds and recognize franchise fees as revenue instead of marketing expenses.

Insurance

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

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.

Premiums written during the first quarter of 2018 were $6,328, an increase of $421 or 7.1% compared to 2017. Pre-tax underwriting gain was $400 in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $887 in the first quarter of 2017.

Insurance premiums and other on the statement of earnings includes premiums written, investment income and commissions. In the preceding table, commissions are included in other income.

Media

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

We acquired Maxim in 2014 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.

We have taken the risk on the belief that the probability for gain in value more than justifies the risk of loss.

Investment Partnership Gains (Losses)

Earnings (loss) from our investments in partnerships are summarized below.

The Company recorded after-tax gains from investment partnerships of $3,075 during the first quarter of 2018 and after-tax losses of $15,207 during the first quarter of 2017. The volatility of the gains and losses during the various periods is attributable to changes in market values of investments held by the investment partnerships. The investments held by the investment partnerships are largely concentrated in the common stock of one investee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

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.

Interest Expense

The Company’s interest expense is summarized below.

Interest expense during the first quarter of 2018 was $2,754 compared to $2,824 for the first quarter of 2017. The outstanding balance on Steak n Shake’s credit facility on March 31, 2018 was $185,348 compared to $187,548 on March 31, 2017. The interest rate was 5.40% as of March 31, 2018.

Corporate

Corporate expenses exclude the activities in the restaurant, insurance, media and other companies. Corporate net losses during the first quarter of 2018 were $2,695 versus net losses of $1,868 during the first quarter of 2017. Legal and professional expenses associated with shareholder lawsuits and the implementation of dual class stock increased expenses during the first quarter of 2018 as compared to 2017.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax benefit for the first quarter of 2018 was $797 compared to $9,776 for the first quarter of 2017. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The U.S. corporate federal statutory income tax rate was reduced from 35.0% to 21.0% for tax years beginning in 2018. The variance in income taxes between 2018 and 2017 is attributable to the reduced corporate tax rate and taxes on income and losses generated by the investment partnerships.

Financial Condition

Our consolidated shareholders’ equity on March 31, 2018 was $551,707, a decrease of $19,621 compared to the December 31, 2017 balance. The decrease during the first quarter of 2018 was primarily attributable to an increase in treasury stock. The increase in treasury stock was primarily a result of recording our proportionate interest in 45,302 shares of the Company’s stock purchased during the first quarter of 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.

Consolidated cash and investments are summarized below.

Liquidity

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

Cash used in operating activities was $9,445 during the first quarter of 2018 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $9,863 during the first quarter of 2017. Net earnings adjusted for non-cash items decreased by $4,669 because of lower revenues and earnings. Cash used in working capital accounts increased $14,824 primarily due to the timing of the 2017 incentive fee payment of $7,353.

Net cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of 2018 of $1,776 was primarily due to capital expenditures of $2,452 and increases of fixed maturity securities (net of maturing securities) of $848 offset by proceeds from property and equipment disposals of $1,524. Net cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of 2017 of $232 was primarily due to capital expenditures of $1,990 offset by reductions of fixed maturity securities (net of purchases) of $1,708.

During the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 we incurred debt payments of $589 and $15,570, respectively. Debt obligations were reduced during 2017 because of additional principal payments on long-term debt.

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

Steak n Shake Credit Facility

On March 19, 2014, Steak n Shake and its subsidiaries entered into a 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 $8,628 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 as restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheets.

The term loan is 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.

The interest rate on the term loan was 5.40% as of March 31, 2018.

The credit agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants. 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. Biglari Holdings is not a guarantor under the credit facility. As of March 31, 2018, $185,348 was outstanding under the term loan.

Western Revolver

As of March 31, 2018, Western has $136 due June 13, 2018.

Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Certain accounting policies require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements from such estimates are necessarily based on numerous assumptions involving varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty. Accordingly, the amounts currently reflected in our consolidated financial statements will likely increase or decrease in the future as additional information becomes available. There have been no material changes to critical accounting policies previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For detailed information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements and the expected impact on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 2, “New Accounting Standards” in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In general, forward-looking statements include estimates of future revenues, cash flows, capital expenditures, or other financial items, and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “may,” and other similar terminology. A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or circumstances may not occur. Investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. These forward-looking statements are all based on currently available operating, financial, and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Our actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, many beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, Risk Factors of our annual report on Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise them, except as may be required by law.

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. 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 carrying value of our investments of $57,456 along with a corresponding change in shareholders’ equity of approximately 8%.

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%. Interest on loans under the revolver is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.75% to 4.25% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 3.25%. At March 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 the first quarters of 2018 and 2017.

Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), our Chief Executive Officer and Controller have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2018.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II Other Information

Information in response to this Item is included in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part 1 Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.

The following are material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for 2017.

The Class B common stock may not be attractive as acquisition currency.

We may use shares of Class B common stock from time to time as consideration in connection with the acquisition of other companies. It is possible that companies that we are interested in acquiring will not agree to accept shares of Class B common stock because such shares of stock carry no voting rights or because of the then prevailing trading characteristics of such shares.

The trading price for Class A and Class B common stock will depend on a variety of factors.

The trading prices of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will depend on many factors, including the future performance of Biglari Holdings, general market conditions, market activity in the Class A and Class B shares, the number of shares of each class outstanding, the relative rights between the two classes of stock, and other pertinent factors. Accordingly, we cannot predict the prices at which shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will trade.

The issuance of dual stock may negatively affect the decision of institutional investors to invest in the Company, and could have implications for the inclusion of shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock in certain stock indices.

The issuance of dual class stock may negatively affect the decision by certain institutional investors to purchase or hold shares of the Company’s common stock. The holding of non-voting stock, such as the Class B common stock, may not be permitted by the investment policies of certain institutional investors or may be less attractive to the portfolio managers of certain institutional investors. Significant sales of shares of Class A and Class B common stock by investors who receive such shares as part of the recapitalization may occur if such investors are unwilling, unable or choose not to hold such shares. These sales could depress trading prices for our common stocks, particularly in the period immediately following the recapitalization. Some stock index providers have announced decisions to exclude companies with multi-class capital structures or limited public voting rights from their indices. There can be no assurance that either class of our stock will be listed in the indices.

Potential changes in law or regulations may have a negative impact on our Class A 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 carried 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 are unable to predict whether any such legislation or regulatory proposals will be adopted or whether they will have such effect.

On September 16, 2017, The Lion Fund II, L.P. entered into a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Under the Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, a broker dealer will make periodic purchases of up to an aggregate of 110,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on behalf of The Lion Fund II, L.P. at prevailing market prices, subject to the terms of the Purchase Plan. The trading plan was terminated upon the issuance of dual class stock.

None.

Not applicable.

None.

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SIGNATURES

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