Biglari Holdings Inc.
For the period ended Mar 31, 2026. Filed May 8, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2026 · Filed May 8, 2026
BH$322.43-2.7%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-09-30; filed 2025-11-07.
0001628280-25-050620
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2026-03-31; filed 2026-05-08.
0001628280-26-032880
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 87 previous paragraphs and 81 current paragraphs.
50 unchanged; 19 reworded; 12 added; 18 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 17 previous and 17 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (12)
Current report
Net sales for the first quarter of 2026 were $40,347 as compared to $41,615 during the first quarter of 2025. Steak n Shake’s domestic same-store sales increased 10.0%. Total revenue decreased due to fewer company-operated units in 2026 compared to 2025.
Current report
The cost of food at company-operated units during the first quarter of 2026 was $12,665 or 31.4% of net sales, as compared to $12,464 or 30.0% of net sales during the first quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily due to Steak n Shake changing its frying oil to 100% beef tallow.
Current report
General and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2026 were $11,836 or 17.9% of total revenue, as compared to $11,928 or 18.5% of total revenue during the first quarter of 2025. General and administrative expenses in 2026 remained consistent with 2025.
Current report
First Guard produced an underwriting gain in 2026 of $1,571, representing an increase of $356, or 29.3% compared to 2025.
Current report
Southern Pioneer produced an underwriting gain in 2026 of $1,312, representing an increase of $1,814 compared to 2025.
Current report
Abraxas Petroleum’s revenue increased $236, or 4.0% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to 2025, primarily due to an increase in oil production during 2026 compared to 2025.
Current report
Southern Oil’s revenue decreased $1,030, or 25.5% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to 2025. The revenue decline was primarily due to reduced production during 2026 compared to 2025.
Current report
Maxim’s revenue increased during the first quarter of 2026 compared to 2025 primarily due to digital contests.
Current report
The increase in interest expense is due to interest on Steak n Shake’s note payable obtained on September 30, 2025. The outstanding balance on Steak n Shake’s note payable was $221,625 on March 31, 2026. The interest rate on Steak n Shake’s note payable is fixed at 8.8%.
Current report
Cash used in investing activities increased during the first quarter of 2026 by $75,249 compared to the first quarter of 2025. The change was primarily attributable to purchases of limited partnership interests, which were $24,810 higher, and purchases of investments, which were $34,970 higher.
Current report
Cash provided by financing activities increased during the first quarter of 2026 by $4,055 compared to the first quarter of 2025. The Company had net payments on its line of credit and note payable of $7,000 offset by proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $14,920 compared to net borrowings of $3,400 on its lines of credit in the first quarter of 2025.
Current report
On January 16, 2026, we entered into an At the Market Offering Agreement with a third party providing for the sale of up to $500,000 in shares of our common stock. Through May 8, 2026, the Company sold 4,312 shares of Class A Common Stock for $9,080 and 14,500 shares of Class B Common Stock for $5,993. We intend to use the net proceeds from these offerings to support our business and investment activities and build a stronger capital position at the holding company for the acquisition of businesses, for augmenting the capital of insurance subsidiaries, or for other general corporate purposes.
Removed paragraphs (18)
Previous report
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
Previous report
As of September 30, 2025, Mr. Biglari beneficially owns shares of the Company that represent approximately 74.3% of the voting interest.
Previous report
Net sales for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 were $47,462 and $135,935, respectively, representing an increase of $7,802 or 19.7% and $16,725 or 14.0%, compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2024, respectively. The increase in net sales was primarily due to an increase in Steak n Shake’s same-store sales of 15.6% for domestic company-operated units during the third quarter of 2025.
Previous report
Included in franchise partner fees were $5,885 and $5,780 of rental income during the third quarter of 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $17,325 and $17,265 during the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. Franchise partners rent buildings and equipment from Steak n Shake.
Previous report
The cost of food at company-operated units during the third quarter of 2025 was $14,849 or 31.3% of net sales, as compared to $12,218 or 30.8% of net sales during the third quarter of 2024. The cost of food at company-operated units during the first nine months of 2025 was $41,480 or 30.5% of net sales, as compared to $35,549 or 29.8% of net sales during the first nine months of 2024. The cost of food as a percentage of net sales increased during the third quarter of 2025 compared to 2024 primarily due to improvements in the quality of various products.
Previous report
General and administrative expenses during the third quarter of 2025 were $12,129 or 16.9% of total revenue, as compared to $10,355 or 16.6% of total revenue in the third quarter of 2024. General and administrative expenses during the first nine months of 2025 were $36,833 or 17.7% of total revenue, as compared to $35,101 or 18.6% of total revenue in the first nine months of 2024. General and administrative expenses increased during 2025 compared to 2024 primarily due to an increase in professional fees during the third quarter of 2025.
Previous report
Marketing expenses during the third quarter of 2025 were $5,370 or 7.5% of total revenue, as compared to $3,182 or 5.1% of total revenue in the third quarter of 2024. Marketing expenses during the first nine months of 2025 were $13,467 or 6.5% of total revenue, as compared to $8,984 or 4.8% of total revenue in the first nine months of 2024. Marketing expenses increased during 2025 compared to 2024 primarily due to promotions of new products and new methods of payments.
Previous report
The Company recorded no impairment charges in the third quarter of 2025 and 2024, and $1,251 and $107 in the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively, related to underperforming stores.
Previous report
Other income was $4,130 during 2025 versus $4,420 during 2024. During 2025, Steak n Shake sold four properties for a gain of $4,489. During 2024, Western Sizzlin received a settlement of $450 and Steak n Shake sold five properties for a gain of $4,383.
Previous report
It is the nature of the insurance industry to experience volatility in underwriting performance.
Previous report
First Guard produced an underwriting gain in the third quarter and first nine months of 2025. Its underwriting gain increased $1,500 in the first nine months of 2025 compared to 2024.
Previous report
Premiums earned increased $4,530 or 21.9% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to 2024, primarily because of rate increases in its personal lines, e.g. homeowners insurance.
Previous report
Abraxas Petroleum’s revenue decreased $2,552 during the first nine months of 2025 compared to 2024 primarily due to lower sales prices of crude oil and natural gas.
Previous report
Southern Oil’s revenue remained consistent during the first nine months of 2025 compared to 2024. Southern Oil repaired several nonperforming wells throughout 2024 which has increased production during 2025. However, the sales prices of crude oil were lower during 2025 compared to the same period of 2024 which offset any increase in revenue from Southern Oil’s production increases.
Previous report
Maxim’s revenue and media costs increased during the first nine months of 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024 due to the launch of various new digital contests.
Previous report
Cash used in investing activities increased during 2025 by $1,284 as compared to 2024 primarily due to a reduction in proceeds from the sale of property and equipment.
Previous report
Cash provided by financing activities increased during 2025 by $183,853 as compared to 2024 primarily due to a note payable of $225,000 to Steak n Shake on September 30, 2025.
Previous report
On November 8, 2024, Biglari Holdings entered into a line of credit in an aggregate principal amount of up to $75,000. The line of credit was terminated on September 29, 2025.
Reworded paragraphs (19)
Previous wording
Our restaurant businesses, which include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin, comprise 441 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of September 30, 2025.
Current wording
Our restaurant businesses, which include Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin, comprise 437 company-operated and franchise restaurants as of March 31, 2026.
Previous wording
As of September 30, 2025, ten of the 141 company-operated Steak n Shake stores were closed. Steak n Shake plans to sell or lease eight of the ten locations and reopen the remaining two locations.
Current wording
As of March 31, 2026, seven of the 128 company-operated Steak n Shake stores were closed. Of the seven locations, Steak n Shake plans to reopen two locations and sell or lease five locations.
Previous wording
General and administrative, marketing, other expenses, impairments, and depreciation are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.
Current wording
General and administrative, marketing, other expenses, and depreciation are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.
Previous wording
Fees generated by our franchise partners were $19,166 during the third quarter of 2025, as compared to $17,157 during the third quarter of 2024. Franchise partner fees were $56,455 and $53,064 during the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, there were 173 and 177 franchise partner units, respectively. Franchise partner fees were higher primarily because franchise partner same-store sales increased 14.8% during the third quarter of 2025 compared to 2024.
Current wording
Fees generated by our franchise partners were $20,541 during the first quarter of 2026, as compared to $17,139 during the first quarter of 2025. Franchise partner same-store sales increased approximately 13%.
Previous wording
The franchise royalties and fees generated by the traditional franchising business were $2,897 during the third quarter of 2025, as compared to $3,442 during the third quarter of 2024. Franchise royalties and fees during the first nine months of 2025 were $9,514 as compared to $10,534 during the first nine months of 2024. There were 96 Steak n Shake traditional units open on September 30, 2025, as compared to 116 units open on September 30, 2024. The lower unit count was the primary reason for the decrease in franchise royalties and fees during 2025 compared to 2024.
Current wording
The franchise royalties and fees generated by the traditional franchising business were $3,126 during the first quarter of 2026, as compared to $3,489 during the first quarter of 2025. There were 96 Steak n Shake traditional units open on March 31, 2026, as compared to 104 units open on March 31, 2025.
Previous wording
The labor costs at company-operated restaurants during the third quarter of 2025 were $14,573 or 30.7% of net sales, as compared to $13,158 or 33.2% of net sales in the third quarter of 2024. Labor costs at company-operated restaurants during the first nine months of 2025 were $42,033 or 30.9% of net sales, as compared to $38,694 or 32.5% of net sales in 2024. Labor costs expressed as a percentage of net sales decreased during 2025 compared to 2024 primarily due to a decrease in management labor.
Current wording
The labor costs at company-operated restaurants during the first quarter of 2026 were $12,858 or 31.9% of net sales, as compared to $13,439 or 32.3% of net sales during the first quarter of 2025. The decrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to a decrease in management labor costs.
Previous wording
Interest on obligations under leases was $4,081 during 2025 versus $4,016 during 2024.
Current wording
Interest on obligations under leases was $1,357 during the first quarter of 2026 versus $1,333 during the first quarter of 2025.
Previous wording
To better convey the performance of the franchise partnership model, the table below shows the underlying sales, cost of food, labor costs, and other restaurant costs of the franchise partners. We believe the franchise partner information is useful to readers, as they have a direct effect on Steak n Shake’s profitability. Steak n Shake’s same-store sales increased 14.8% for franchise partner units during the third quarter of 2025.
Current wording
To better convey the performance of the franchise partnership model, the table below shows the underlying sales, cost of food, labor costs, and other restaurant costs of the franchise partners. We believe the unaudited franchise partner information is useful to readers, as they have a direct effect on Steak n Shake’s profitability.
Previous wording
First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, primarily selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. First Guard’s insurance products are marketed primarily through direct response methods via the Internet or by telephone. First Guard’s cost-efficient direct response marketing methods enable it to be a low-cost insurer. A summary of First Guard’s underwriting results follows.
Current wording
First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. First Guard’s insurance products are marketed primarily through direct response methods via the Internet or by telephone. First Guard’s cost-efficient direct response marketing methods enable it to be a low-cost insurer. A summary of First Guard’s underwriting results follows.
Previous wording
Our oil and gas business is highly dependent on oil and natural gas prices. We did not record any impairments to our oil and gas assets during 2025. However, we may be required to record impairments of our oil and gas properties resulting from prolonged declines in oil and gas prices. It is expected that the prices of oil and gas commodities will remain volatile, which will be reflected in our financial results.
Current wording
Our oil and gas business is highly dependent on oil and natural gas prices. It is expected that the prices of oil and gas commodities will remain volatile, which will be reflected in our financial results.
Previous wording
During the first nine months of 2025, Abraxas Petroleum recorded a gain of $10,212 from selling undeveloped reserves to an unaffiliated party to conduct development activities; however, Abraxas Petroleum will not be required to fund any exploration expenditures on the undeveloped properties.
Current wording
In the first quarter of 2025, Abraxas Petroleum recorded a gain of $9,323 from selling undeveloped reserves to an unaffiliated party to conduct development activities; however, Abraxas Petroleum was not required to fund any exploration expenditures on the undeveloped properties. No gain was recorded in the first quarter of 2026.
Previous wording
Investment gains net of tax for the third quarter of 2025 were $1,184 as compared to investment gains net of tax for the third quarter of 2024 of $3,706. Investment gains net of tax for the first nine months of 2025 were $2,214 as compared to investment gains net of tax for the first nine months of 2024 of $2,879. Dividends earned on investments are reported as investment income by our insurance companies. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Current wording
Investment losses net of tax for the first quarter of 2026 and 2025 were $1,397 and $1,288, respectively. Dividends and interest earned on investments are reported as investment income by our insurance companies. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating.
Previous wording
Earnings (loss) from our investments in partnerships are summarized below.
Current wording
Earnings (losses) from our investments in partnerships are summarized below.
Previous wording
Investment gains and losses in 2025 and 2024 were mainly derived from our investments in equity securities and included unrealized gains and losses from market price changes during the period. We believe that investment and derivative gains/losses are generally meaningless for analytical purposes in understanding our quarterly and annual results.
Current wording
Investment gains and losses in 2026 and 2025 were mainly derived from our investments in equity securities and included unrealized gains and losses from market price changes during the period. We believe that investment and derivative gains/losses are generally meaningless for analytical purposes in understanding our reported quarterly and annual results. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
Previous wording
Corporate expenses exclude the activities of the restaurant, insurance, brand licensing, and oil and gas businesses. Corporate and other net losses during the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 were $3,775 and $10,594, respectively, compared to $5,548 and $10,669 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to no accrued incentive fees in 2025.
Current wording
Corporate expenses exclude the activities of the restaurant, insurance, brand licensing, and oil and gas businesses. Corporate and other net losses during the first quarter of 2026 were $4,548 compared to $3,289 in the first quarter of 2025. The higher loss in 2026 was primarily due to higher legal and professional fees.
Previous wording
Income tax benefit for the third quarter of 2025 was $2,261 compared to income tax expense of $11,201 for the third quarter of 2024. Income tax expense for the first nine months of 2025 was $4,002 compared to income tax expense of $3,292 for the first nine months of 2024. The variance in income taxes between 2025 and 2024 is primarily attributable to taxes on income generated by the investment partnerships.
Current wording
The income tax benefit for the first quarter of 2026 was $4,351 compared to an income tax benefit of $7,908 for the first quarter of 2025. The decreased income tax benefit between 2026 and 2025 is primarily attributable to lower tax benefits on pre-tax losses generated by the investment partnerships.
Previous wording
In 2025, cash from operating activities increased by $57,523 as compared to 2024. The change was primarily attributable to $54,000 of distributions from investment partnerships during 2025.
Current wording
Cash provided by operating activities increased during the first quarter of 2026 by $4,537 as compared to the first quarter of 2025. The change was primarily attributable to $13,020 of distributions from the investment partnerships during 2026.
Previous wording
Biglari Holdings’ line of credit was amended on September 13, 2024, and the available line of credit was increased to $35,000. The line of credit matures on September 13, 2026. The line of credit includes customary covenants, as well as financial maintenance covenants. As of September 30, 2025, we were in compliance with all covenants. The balance on the line of credit was $15,000 and $35,000 on September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
Current wording
Biglari Holdings’ line of credit is $35,000 and matures on September 13, 2026. The line of credit includes customary covenants, as well as financial maintenance covenants. As of March 31, 2026, we were in compliance with all covenants. The balance on the line of credit was $22,500 and $27,250 on March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively.
Previous wording
On September 30, 2025, Steak n Shake obtained a loan of $225,000. The term of the loan is five years, with an interest rate fixed at 8.8% per annum, and the loan will be amortized at a rate of 3.0% per annum. The loan includes customary covenants as well as financial maintenance covenants and customary events of default. The debt is an obligation of Steak n Shake and the proceeds from the loan were distributed to Biglari Holdings. All of the debt is secured by real estate owned by Steak n Shake.
Current wording
On September 30, 2025, Steak n Shake obtained a loan of $225,000. The term loan is five years, with an interest rate fixed at 8.8% per annum, and the loan will be amortized at a rate of 3.0% per annum. The loan includes customary covenants as well as financial maintenance covenants and customary events of default. As of March 31, 2026, Steak n Shake was in compliance with all covenants. The debt is an obligation of Steak n Shake and the proceeds from the loan were distributed to Biglari Holdings. All of the debt is secured by real estate owned by Steak n Shake.