Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Restaurants / Biglari Holdings Inc.

Biglari Holdings Inc.

bh · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker bh
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Restaurants
Employees 2535
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FY2012 Annual Report · Biglari Holdings Inc.
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Dear Shareholders of Biglari Holdings Inc.:  

Not only is it appropriate but it is also requisite to review the business objectives and 
economic principles of Biglari Holdings to ensure that all owners understand the tenor of the 
company.  In  building  Biglari  Holdings,  or  BH,  we  want  our  owners,  whom  we  view  as  our 
partners,  to  be  fully  conversant  with  the  business.  Absolutely  crucial  is  the  necessity  of  our 
attracting  only  long-term  investors,  in  accord  with  our  modus  operandi.  Consequently,  Phil 
Cooley, Vice Chairman of BH, and I  find it imperative to transmit information we ourselves 
would want to know if our roles were reversed with you.   

Biglari Holdings, a diversified holding company owning controlled and noncontrolled 
businesses,  has  been  organized  to  permit  maximum  flexibility  of  capital  deployment  to 
businesses  and  investments.  BH  will  persist  in  its  evolution  as  we  assemble  an  ever-larger 
number of cash-generating businesses. As the sole capital deployer, who allocates capital with 
maximum latitude, I review a wide range of options to apportion capital so I can shape Biglari 
Holdings  based  on  opportunity.  As  a  result,  Biglari  Holdings  represents  a  quintessential 
entrepreneurial company.  To elucidate what the idea of entrepreneurship means, allow me to 
share with you the tale of how it all began for this entrepreneur.   

The Genesis Story 

Our  corporate  journey  began  in  1996  when  at  age  18  I  founded  my  first  substantive 
business,  an  internet  service  provider,  by  raising  a  whopping  $15,000.  I  was  a  freshman  in 
college, and I felt time was passing me by to get a real business going. Armed with a pittance 
of capital, I had to rely on ingenuity to ensure we made it, by doing such things as bartering 
our  connectivity  services  for  other  services  we  vitally  needed,  e.g.,  signage,  advertising,  and 
business  cards.  (The  ability  to  make  lemonade  out  of  lemons  would  henceforth  prove 
valuable.)  It  was  also  the  first  time  that  I  had  to  meet  a  payroll,  when  I  hired  a  handful  of 
people who became convinced that we had a bright future. We were determined to persevere, 
overcoming resistance and thereby growing the enterprise at a healthy clip on a simple motto: I 
asked customers to choose us based upon faith but retain us based upon performance.  

Although the venture generated a decent cash flow, the combination of my becoming 
increasingly concerned over the competitive dynamics plus the run up in asset values, namely, 
the Internet bubble, led me to contact a firm that had gone public and was seeking to purchase 
companies  such  as  mine  for  cash.  Thus,  three  years  after  the  launch,  I  sold  the  business  to 
Internet America (with the apt ticker symbol, GEEK). While I was in the process of selling the 
company,  I  had  also  been  working  on  my  next  undertaking:  to  continue  my  entrepreneurial 
journey of building and operating enterprises. 

In  2000,  I  took  the  proceeds  from  the  sale  to  seed  the  founding  of  my  next  venture, 
Biglari Capital Corp., general partner of The Lion Fund, L.P., a private partnership of a limited 
number of members. I began building on the foundations of my initial businesses by propelling 
one  profitable  venture  into  another.  Over  the  years,  we  developed  a  history  of  appraising, 
investing,  owning,  running,  and  turning  around  companies  —  and  in  doing  so,  we  were 
creating wealth for our partners and shareholders. Through a series of multifaceted transactions 
in public and in private companies — too detailed to be enumerated — Biglari Holdings Inc. 
was  founded,  the  dynamic  vehicle  through  which  all  our  business  activities  are  carried  out.  

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currently,  Biglari  Holdings  includes  three  major  wholly-owned  subsidiaries:  Biglari  Capital 
Corp.,  Western  Sizzlin  Corp.  and  Steak  n  Shake  Operations,  Inc.  By  now  our  workforce 
numbers about 22,000 employees, but we still function as we did when we were a start-up.  

As a corollary, we have found significant opportunities in underperforming companies, 
and  we are thus  willing  to  engage  in  turnaround  situations.  For  an  entrepreneur,  turnarounds 
are  very  similar  to  start-ups  —  both  require  sharp  decision-making  in  a  chaotic,  amorphous, 
disorderly setting. For instance, the reason we were able to engineer a highly successful, rapid 
operational  turnaround  at  Steak  n  Shake  during  the  Great  Recession  stems  from  our 
entrepreneurial approach.  

As  a  businessman,  I  have  utilized  capital  to  invest,  create,  operate,  and  build 
businesses.  Whether  I  am  starting  a  new  business  under  the  mantle  of  Biglari  Holdings, 
seeking  the  improvement  of  a  controlled  operating  company  or  of  a  noncontrolled  one,  my 
pursuit remains entrepreneurial. Being an entrepreneur is not just an outcome but also a way of 
thinking  and  behaving  creatively,  adaptively,  and  innovatively.  The  term  entrepreneur  was 
best  explained  around  1800  by  French  economist  Jean-Baptiste  Say,  who  is  attributed  as 
saying that an entrepreneur is someone who “shifts economic resources out of an area of lower 
and into an area of higher productivity and greater yield.”  

* * * 

Because we intend to construct BH through multiple dimensions, we do so with a long-
term  economic  purpose:  to  maximize  per-share  intrinsic  value.1  Our  operating  and  capital 
deployment  decisions  are  driven  by  their  long-term  economic  consequences,  measured  by 
advancement in per-share intrinsic value.   

In  meeting  our  objectives,  we  search  for  simple,  comprehensible,  and  predictable 
businesses  whose  future  economics  can  be  evaluated  in  order  to  tilt  the  profit-to-risk  ratio 
vastly  in  our  favor.  BH  is  in  the  business  of  owning  other  businesses  in  full  and  in  part. 
Because  our  subsidiaries  generate  cash  beyond  their  needs,  we  cycle  the  cash  to  add  to  our 
collection  of  majority-owned  and  partially-owned  businesses.  Our  preference  is  to  acquire 
businesses in their  entirety at  viable prices.  Naturally, we will  choose stock ownership when 
the  stock  market  offers  us  the  opportunity  to  purchase  a  minority  interest  at  a  discount  over 
transactions  involving  corporate  acquisitions.  Over  the  last  two  years  we  have  apportioned 
capital to marketable stocks because select bargains were presented in the stock market.  

The  combination  of  cash  generated  by  operating  subsidiaries  along  with  my  capital 
allocation  work  will  stoke  our  corporate  performance,  which  according  to  our  criterion must 
outdo our benchmark, the S&P 500 Index.  

Phil  and  I  evaluate  BH’s  economic  performance  in  many  ways.  We  will  present  the 
segments  that  coincide  with  our  thinking  by  reviewing  BH  as  composed  of  two  parts: 
investments and operating businesses.  

1 Intrinsic value is measured by taking all future cash flows into and out of the business and 

discounting the net figures at an appropriate interest rate. 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                   
Investments  

As of the end of fiscal 2012, total investments (cash, stocks, and BH’s investment in 
The Lion Fund, L.P.) amounted to $378.6 million, increasing from $252.8 million, for a year-
over-year  gain  of  50%.2  Total  investments  were  $6.9  million  at  the  end  of  fiscal  2008.  The 
subsequent  increase  of  $372  million  by  the  end  of  fiscal  2012  resulted  from  a  series  of 
effective  investment  and  business  decisions.  The  following  table  displays  BH’s  annual  total 
investments since fiscal 2008: 

Fiscal Year (In Millions) 

Cash Equivalents ....................  
Marketable Securities .............  
The Lion Fund, L.P.  ..............  

2012 
$   60.4 
269.9 
48.3 

2011 
   $   99.0 
115.3 
38.5 

Total Investments ...................  

$ 378.6 

   $ 252.8 

2010 
$   47.6 
32.5 
38.6 

$ 118.7 

2009 
$  51.4 
  3.0 
– 

$  54.4 

2008 
$   6.9 
– 
– 

$   6.9 

Enjoy  the  numbers  but  do  not  expect  an  encore.  In  fiscal  2013,  I  do  not  expect  a 
dramatic lift. You should also brace yourself in the short run because we do not mind a rough 
ride  provided  that  we  trigger  a  higher  eventual  return.  In  fact,  we  prefer  volatility,  for  it 
produces the potential to exploit price oscillations. Our results will invariably be more volatile 
because our portfolio is quite concentrated.   

Our approach to purchasing stocks is to concentrate capital into very few concerns. We 
focus  our  attention  and  capital  in  an  attempt  to  increase  returns  yet  concomitantly  reduce 
investment  risk.  Therefore,  we  limit  our  appraisals  and  allocations  to  businesses  we  can 
rationally  assess,  immersing  ourselves  in  understanding  a  business  rather  than  attempting  to 
study many shallowly. As a consequence, our range of investments may be narrow, but within 
it  we  must  be  supreme.  Analysis  that  is  a  mile  wide  and  an  inch  deep  is  fool’s  gold.  We 
purchase  stocks  for  investment  not  speculation.  Our  old-fashioned,  long-term  investment 
approach is one that suits us.  

Over  75  years  ago  John  Maynard  Keynes  employed  a  strategy  favoring  portfolio 
concentration  when  he  managed  a  fund  of  King’s  College  at  Cambridge,  producing  a  stellar 
investment  record.  In  1938  Keynes  succinctly  outlined  his  guiding  principles:  “1.  a  careful 
selection  of  a  few  investments  having  regard  to  their  cheapness  in  relation  to  their  probable 
actual and potential intrinsic value over a period of years ahead and in relation to alternative 
investments at the time; 2. a steadfast holding of these  in fairly large units through thick and 
thin…. 3. a balanced investment position, i.e. a variety of risks in spite of individual holdings 
being  large….”  Such  a  strategy  is  simple  to  understand  but  seldom  practiced.  Keynes 
explained  in  his  seminal  book  The  General  Theory:  “Finally  it  is  the  long-term  investor,  he 
who most promotes the public interest, who will in practice come in for most criticism…. For  

2  This  sum  excludes  the  investments  held  by  the  operating  subsidiaries  engaged  in 
investment  management, that is,  the  funds  we  invest  on  behalf  of  limited  partners.  For  more 
information  on  the  accounting  of  The  Lion  Fund,  L.P.  (“TLF”),  read  the  2010  Chairman’s 
Letter under the heading of Accounting Rules Regulating Affiliated Partnerships. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
 
  
  
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
                                                   
it is in the essence of his behaviour that he should be eccentric, unconventional and rash in the 
eyes  of  average  opinion….  Worldly  wisdom  teaches  that  it  is  better  for  reputation  to  fail 
conventionally than to succeed unconventionally.”  

* * * 

Securities  held  at  BH  are  at  market  value  with  realized  gains/losses  influencing 
reported earnings, sometimes materially. In the long run, all gains — realized and unrealized — 
are essential to the value of the company. But we do not realize gains or avoid losses in order 
to  report  higher  earnings.  In  fact,  we  encourage  you  to  analyze  our  business  performance 
before interpreting the ramifications of realized gains. At fiscal year end we had a pool of pre-
tax  unrealized  gains  of  $70.8  million,  which if  we  had  realized  them  we  would  have  greatly 
enlarged and thereby distorted our reported earnings. Below is a table of our net realized gains 
since 2010:  

Common Stocks ....................  

2012 
$ 4,200 

Derivatives/Other ..................  

– 

Pre-Tax Gain (In 000’s) 

2011 
$ 7,360 

610 

2010 
$ 3,802 

222 

Total 
$ 15,362 

832 

Total ......................................   

$ 4,200 

$ 7,970 

$ 4,024 

$ 16,194 

Capital Structure 

BH as a holding company has separate obligations from its subsidiaries. Furthermore, 
each  subsidiary’s  capital  structure  risk  will  vary  and  will  be  inversely  related  to  its  business 
risk. As of now, we have no debt at the parent company level.  Most of the debt resides in our 
wholly-owned subsidiary, Steak n Shake.  

Toward the end of fiscal 2011, Steak n Shake added $86 million of debt which allowed 
it to dispatch $83.2 million to BH. Thus, the proceeds went to BH to fund its growth. After a 
year of Steak n Shake’s producing strong cash flows along with even better market conditions, 
we refinanced its credit facility right at the end of fiscal 2012, thereby reducing the interest rate 
from 5.3% to 3.7% while gaining additional flexibility. Steak n Shake’s refinancing resulted in 
a  fiscal  year  end  of  $130  million  in  debt  and  $50  million  in  available  revolving  credit. 
However,  Steak  n  Shake’s  debt  is  not  guaranteed  by  BH.  The  refinancing  gives  us  more 
optionality,  which  we  value  far  more  than  most  people  do.  We  continue  to  adjust  Steak  n 
Shake’s  capital  structure  to  maintain  an  appropriate  level  of  debt  and  debt  capacity,  while 
strengthening BH’s balance sheet. 

Balance sheet management is a source of value at BH and an essential responsibility of 
mine.  Indisputably,  we  are  debt averse  and  will add  debt  only  if  it  is  in  an arrangement  that 
would not place us in a precarious situation under any circumstances. Our views toward capital 
structure are conservative, and will remain so, even though our returns could be enhanced with 
additional leverage.  

As we craft Biglari Holdings, we aim to do so on a solid foundation. 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
 
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earning Power  

Although Phil and I believe the evaluation of BH’s economic progress should include 
earnings  from  both  controlled  and  noncontrolled  holdings,  accounting  conventions  dictate 
otherwise. To share with you our views on how we weigh BH, we think it is first instructive to 
review  with  you  the  requirements  under  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  In  the 
interest of brevity, we will provide you with an ultra-abridged outline of the accounting rules 
concerning  ownership  by  one  company  of  the  common  stock  in  another.  The  following  are 
three accounting guidelines, largely driven by ownership interest.  

1.  Holdings of more than 50% result in consolidation of financial statements. Steak 
n  Shake,  owned  100%  by  Biglari  Holdings,  is  an  example.  Consequently,  we 
fully record the sales, expenses, profits, assets, liabilities, etc. of Steak n Shake.  

2.  Holdings between 20% and 50% impact the income statement as a single item by 
recording the proportional share of the investees’ net income. BH currently does 
not have businesses of significance that fall into this category.   

3.  Holdings  below  20%  are  not  regarded  on  the  income  statement  except  for 
dividends received. Over the last year we have  committed significant capital to 
this  category.  We  recorded  the  dividends  received  as  part  of  our  reported 
earnings. But our pro-rata claim on their retained earnings will not be accounted 
for on our income statement. 

Biglari  Holdings’  ownership  of  businesses  ranges  from  less  than  1%  to  100%.  In 
assessing BH’s progress, Phil and I fully credit our earnings of noncontrolled businesses which 
we add to the earnings of our controlled businesses in order to arrive at a reasonable estimate 
of  “economic”  earnings.  We  would  never  make  a  capital  deployment  decision  based  on 
accounting  consequences.  Rather,  we  concern  ourselves  with  the  economic  consequences  of 
our decisions.  

Our  earning  power  from  noncontrolled  holdings  is  now  rather  sizable  because  of  an 
important move to concentrate capital into the stock of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. 
At fiscal year-end we held 4,091,037 shares (140,100 shares through TLF) for an ownership of 
17.3%  of  the  company.  The  open-market  purchases  cost  us  $200  million  and  had  a  market 
value of $275 million at fiscal year end. Cracker Barrel has  621 stores and generated sales of 
$2.5 billion in its 2012 fiscal year. Because of our current 18% ownership of Cracker Barrel, 
our economic stake is akin to owning 100% of a $450 million chain with 111 stores. However, 
under  accounting  rules  we  do  not  record  our  pro-rata  share  of  Cracker  Barrel’s  earnings. 
Instead,  we  account  for  only  dividends  received.  In  the  coming  year,  Cracker  Barrel  is 
expected  to  pay  us  over  $8  million  in  dividends.  However,  our  pro-rata  share  of  retained 
earnings — unaccounted for on our books — should exceed the dollar amount of the dividends 
received in the coming year. 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
When  Phil and I  factor in our share of undistributed  earnings of equity positions, we 
calculate the figure on an  after-tax basis: if retained earnings were paid out as dividends, we 
would  be  required  to  pay  taxes.  As  a  corporation, we  exclude  70%  of  all  dividends  received 
from taxable income, resulting in an effective tax rate of about 11%.  

Operating Businesses  

Our subsidiary businesses are rivers of cash. We take the surplus cash and reinvest it 
where we believe we can generate high risk-adjusted returns. We have no master plan of what 
businesses we will own or  in which industries we will compete. Invariably, we move money 
around  for  better  utilization,  weighing  one  opportunity  against  another,  as  a  mechanism  to 
spawn more value. Doing so over time, we will diversify BH into a broad range of differing 
businesses.   

At  this  time,  our  operating  businesses  are  involved  in  restaurant  operations  (Steak  n 
Shake  and  Western  Sizzlin)  and  investment  management  (Biglari  Capital  Corp.,  et  al.).  The 
following  table  delineating  earnings  is  presented  in  a  way  we  believe  is  most  useful  to 
shareholders: 

(In 000’s) 

2012 

2011 

Operating Earnings: 
Restaurant Operations: 

 Steak n Shake.....................................................  
 Western Sizzlin ..................................................  

$ 45,622 
2,157 

$ 41,247 
2,455 

Investment Management: 
  Biglari Capital (Incentive Fee) .........................  
  Other .................................................................  
Corporate and Other(1) .........................................  
Operating Earnings Before Interest and Taxes ....  
Interest Expense(2) ...............................................  
Income Taxes ......................................................  

Net Operating Earnings .......................................  
Investment Gains (net of taxes) ...........................  

36 
– 

(13,859)   

33,956    
10,110    
 4,857    

 18,989    
 2,604    

2,510 
224 
(3,163) 

43,273  
2,811  
 10,838  

 29,624  
 4,941  

Total Earnings  ....................................................  

$  21,593    

$  34,565  

(1) Includes earnings from consolidated affiliated partnerships 
(2) Includes loss on debt extinguishment  

In  2012  performance  by  operating  businesses  was  satisfactory.  However,  judging  by 
net operating earnings (before realized investment gains) of $19 million versus $29.6 million 
the  prior  year,  it  would  appear  rather  dismal.  Nevertheless,  we  will  review  the  main  reasons 
why  the  drop  in  net  numbers  was  unrelated  to  the  underlying  business  and  why  we  believe 
intrinsic value actually increased.  

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate  expenses  jumped  significantly  largely  because  of  investment-related  fees, 
namely, the performance-based compensation, which runs through the earnings statement, yet 
unrealized  investment  gains  do  not.  Unrealized  appreciation,  after  income  tax  effect,  is 
included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Per-share book value encompasses 
both operating earnings/losses as well as unrealized gains/losses. In fiscal 2012, per-share book 
value grew by 24.8%, a rate greatly enhanced by investment gains. The 2012 pre-tax change in 
unrealized  appreciation  was  $79.6  million  plus  $4.2  million  in  realized  gains.  Had  we  not 
created  these  gains,  corporate  expenses  would  have  been  lower  by  $8.4  million.  A  core 
principle of the incentive plan is that compensation is based on economic gain.3 Of course, by 
growing  the  value  of  the business  through  investments,  the operating  earnings  appear  worse, 
another  example  of  a  shortcoming  in  accounting  principles.  In  general,  the  higher  the 
unrealized gains, the worse the operating earnings.  

Interest  expenses  increased  by  $7.3  million,  which  includes  refinancing  costs.  As 
previously discussed in the Capital Structure section, the debt is attributable to Steak n Shake. 
We  altered  the  earnings  table  this  year  by  breaking  out  interest  on  the  debt  to  provide 
necessary data in order for you to conduct a more robust analytical assessment of the business. 
The  cash  Steak  n  Shake  has  raised  and  distributed  created  value  for  BH,  because  it  led  to 
higher economic earnings inasmuch as we have gainfully employed the capital. Nevertheless, 
the  interest  costs  appear  on  the  income  statement  even  though  the  full  economic  benefit  
does not.   

Biglari Capital Corp. was not a profit contributor last year. Its profits are unpredictable 
because  that  entity  derives  results  from  the  performance  of  The  Lion  Fund,  which  changes 
year-over-year.  The lack of consistency does not concern us because that is the nature of the 
business. Volatility also does not concern our loyal partners, many of whom had faith in me in 
the early days of my founding the venture when we were unknown and unproven.  

Restaurant Operations 

Restaurants, our core business, are BH’s cash engine.   

Our  two  wholly-owned  restaurant  businesses  are  Steak  n  Shake  and  Western  Sizzlin. 
The  business  models  of  each  differ.  Steak  n  Shake  is  primarily  involved  in  operating 
restaurants  with  501  locations,  of  which  414  are  company-operated.  However,  Western  is 
principally involved in franchising restaurants, with 92 units — all but 5 franchisee run.  

Western  sent  BH  about  $3.2  million  of  cash,  some  of  which  was  from  changes  in 
working  capital.  For  BH  to  receive  a  proportional  amount  of  cash  in  the  current  year, 
Western’s  operating  performance  must  improve.  The  Western  team  is  charged  with  several 
initiatives to produce the desired result.    

* * * 

3  The  incentive  plan  stipulates  that  after  shareholders  earn  6%  on  equity,  they  would 
receive 75% of the gain above the hurdle rate, and I would earn 25%.  Per-share book value, 
adjusted to remove noneconomic factors, was chosen as a proxy, albeit usually understated, to 
track per-share progress in intrinsic value. For more information regarding the plan, read the 
2010 Chairman’s Letter and the incentive agreement, both available at biglariholdings.com. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                   
 
Phil  and  I  believe  that  in  fiscal  2012,  Steak  n  Shake’s  growth  in  intrinsic  value 
surpassed its growth in earnings. Steak n Shake’s earnings before interest and taxes climbed to 
$45.6 million, up from $41.2 million the prior year. This 10.7% increase was attained despite 
our  investing  noteworthy  money  into  our  franchising  efforts,  which  lessened  profits.  We 
overcame  the  spending  on  the  emerging  side  of  the  business,  franchising,  by  making  the 
traditional side, the stores in our domain, far more productive.  

Most  publicly-traded  restaurant  companies  spend  money  to  open  new  stores  in  an 
attempt to gain more overall  profit. But many fail to achieve an increment in profit to justify 
the investment. Some even manage to experience a decline in profit in spite of investments in 
new stores. Unlike most others, Steak n Shake has not retained earnings to open stores, yet has 
produced an extraordinary upswing in earnings.  

The major  reason  Steak  n  Shake’s  unit-level  performance  has  been  improving  is  that 
unit-level customer traffic has been on the ascendency for the last fifteen consecutive quarters. 
Customer  traffic  is  a  performance  metric  that  measures  the  number  of  patrons  who  walk 
through  units  open  for  more  than  eighteen  months.  As  I  have  warned  in  the  past,  a  single 
metric to measure results is incomplete and inconclusive. However, the metric accrues validity 
when  it  has  been  accompanied  within  a  constant  base  of  stores  in  which  traffic  growth  was 
attained without consequential capital outlays to produce it, covers several years, and results in 
profit growth. After all, without customers there is no business. On this customer metric, Steak 
n Shake has been an outperformer, an outlier in the restaurant industry.  

Customer Traffic 

2009 

2010 

2011 
2012 

Cumulative 

Q1 
(0.9%)  

  Q2 

  Q3 

  Q4 

    FY 

 9.6%  

23.0%   

7.8%   13.4%   20.0%      10.1% 
8.6%      10.6% 
7.4%  
5.4%        4.8% 
3.5%   
1.7%        3.7% 
5.7%   
 2.2%  
33.4%    28.1%   33.1%   39.7%      32.3% 

 4.8%  

5.2%  

5.2%  

Fiscal  2009  was  the  turnaround  year.  In  less  than  a  year  we  came  out  of  a  financial 
coma  to  sprint  past  competitors,  many  of  whom  were  fading.  Since  then  we  have  been  on  a 
growth trajectory. On a cumulative basis, we have had a 32% increase in customer traffic, all 
through the same stores. Stated differently, this increment from fiscal 2008 to 2012 represents, 
in aggregate, about 70 million more visits by customers. 

To  achieve  such  desirable  results  required  an  industrious  organization,  one  fanatical 
about the customer.  In 2009 Steak n Shake was reinvigorated, reengineered, and reinvented to 
infuse a new purpose — both aspirational and audacious — to lead and dominate the premium 
burger and milkshake segment of the restaurant industry. The company became transformed, 
and  value  was  extracted  through  better  execution.  I  am  frequently  asked  what  has  been  the 
secret  to  our  achievement.  The  answer  is  easy:  the  approximately  22,000  associates  whose 
talents were unleashed, who worked assiduously to ensure that  patrons are delighted on each 
visit, and who are eager to return. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increasing customer traffic by building new units is not a managerial feat — all it takes 
is  money.  The  trick  and  the  triumph  are  to  enlarge  customer  traffic  profitably  and  adeptly 
through  existing  stores  —  and  leveraging  fixed  restaurant-level  costs  —  without  spending 
much money.  

More  customers  per  store  have  led  to  more  profit  per  store.  Displayed  below  are  the 

earnings before interest and taxes on a per unit basis for the last five fiscal years: 

(Dollars in 000’s) 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

Operating Earnings Before  
      Interest and Taxes ..........................  
No. of Company-Operated Stores ........       

  $  45,622 

   $  41,247 

   $  38,316 

   $  11,473      ($ 30,754) 

414      

413       

412       

412      

423 

Operating Earnings Per Store ..............      $ 

110.2     $ 

99.9      $ 

93.0      $ 

27.8     ($  72.7) 

Note  Present management assumed control in the fourth quarter, fiscal 2008. 

Our formula is extremely simple: Provide the highest quality burgers and shakes at the 
lowest possible  profit per customer  from an ever-increasing number of customers. Instead of 
using a weak peer group as a benchmark, we focus on the customer. The more meaningful we 
are  to  customers,  the  less  meaningful  the  competition  becomes.  As  a  corollary,  we  are 
obligated to solve our own  problems (e.g., increasing healthcare costs) in order to shield our 
customers  from  inflation.  We  view  ourselves  as  fiduciaries  of  our  customers,  operating  on  a 
basic principle: Great value for customers converts into great results for owners.  

To  combat rising  operating  costs,  we  must  conquer  inefficiency.  We  absolutely  must 
operate at a level that is faster and more effective than that of our contemporaries. To deliver 
the lowest possible prices to our customers, we must have the lowest possible operating costs. 
We  have  designed  a  low-cost  operating  platform,  one  built  upon  thrift.  We  plan  to  invest 
further in our supply chain to advance efficiency as well as capacity to service our stores.  

 In  addition  to  our  conquest  of  costs,  we  are  investing  notable  capital  to  impose 
rigorous  system-wide  standards.  Although  we  maneuver  with  extreme  dexterity,  we 
concurrently hold stringent rules pertaining to service and quality.   

Steak n Shake: Pursuing Franchising 

John D. Rockefeller, Sr. once said, “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the 
great.”  While  opening  company-operated  stores  is  financially  and  operationally  sound,  a  far 
superior path is franchising. We prefer to leverage the Steak n Shake brand by capitalizing on a 
franchise-based model, a noncapital-intensive strategy that generates high-return, annuity-like 
cash flow. We are going for a great return by giving up a good one.  

By  pursuing  a  franchising  strategy,  we  are  teaming  up  with  partners  in  our 
determination to become a global brand.  I have always believed that Steak n Shake is a brand 
that  can  be  ubiquitous.    To  make  it  a  reality,  we  have  been  investing  significant  money  to 
advance our franchising initiatives. In fiscal 2008, direct franchising costs represented 2% of 
Steak n Shake’s G&A. In fiscal 2012, it reached  14.8%. This year, we are on track to spend 
even more. But these expenditures signify one of the most efficient uses of our capital because, 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
we  believe,  they  will  achieve  high  rates  of  return  yet  concomitantly  reduce  operating  risk. 
Even though these efforts dilute Steak n Shake’s near-term earnings, we estimate that we are 
augmenting  the  company’s  intrinsic  value.  Eventually,  franchising  will  represent  a  business 
that will not consume cash but will coin it. 

The  basic  premise  is  to  strengthen  operating  capabilities  to  develop  a  formidable 
franchise  network  —  cultivating  and  overseeing  skilled  entrepreneurs  —  to  adhere  to  our 
uniform  operating  regimen.  Over  the  last  year,  we  have  made  good  progress  in  recruiting 
franchise partners. We have signed agreements with franchisees who in the coming years have 
committed to opening 171 units. A major milestone was announced a couple of months ago: 
Our first international development agreement was signed in order to establish 40 restaurants 
throughout  the  United  Arab  Emirates.    And  we  are  just  beginning,  for  the  UAE  will  be  the 
springboard from which we plan to grow the Steak n Shake brand in many other countries. 

To manage international operations systematically, we are in the process of opening an 
office  in Europe.  We  continue to  recruit  personnel  in  areas  such as  marketing,  supply  chain, 
operations, franchise sales, and information technology.  

One  salient  factor  in  our  ability  to  secure  franchise  partners  has  been  the  creation  of 
new  Steak  n  Shake  concepts,  along  with their  unmatched  design  and  superb  unit economics. 
These benefits arose from our new subsidiary, Biglari Design Inc., whose main purpose is to 
assist our portfolio companies in the development and design of new concepts and aesthetics, 
along with the fostering of their brands. As innovators, we have an advantage in design, and 
our expertise shows as it has elevated Steak n Shake’s ability to secure partnerships to enhance 
its brand domestically and abroad.  

We  are  excited  about  our  prospects  for  franchise  growth.  Steak  n  Shake  is optimally 
situated  to  attain  sustainable  growth  in  its  niche  because  of  its  manifold  and  inherent 
advantages.  Steak  n  Shake  is  a  company  with  great  potential,  one  to  which  we  are  deeply 
dedicated.  

Shareholder Communications 

Through  our  direct  communications  with  you,  such  as  the  Chairman’s  Letters,  we 
strive  to  advance  your  understanding  of  the  business.  At  Biglari  Holdings,  we  have  no 
departments  set  aside  for  legal,  investor  relations,  or  public  relations.  I  myself  pen  letters  to 
you  because  we  do  not  believe  in  outsourcing  thinking  or  writing.  I  owe  it  to  you  to  hear 
directly from me. We do avoid discussion when it pertains to our interests in specific publicly 
traded  companies.  Outside  of  regulatory  requirements,  we  do  not  bruit  about  our  investment 
ideas,  opting  instead  for  maximum  discretion.  Yelping,  we  let  others  do.  My  aim  in  the 
Chairman’s  Letter  is  to  impart  our  business  philosophy,  explain  how  the  business  has 
performed, and supply the information necessary for you to arrive at your own estimate of the 
worth of the company.  We encourage you to read my Chairman’s Letters from prior years to 
gain  more  knowledge  of  the  business,  which  can  be  easily  accessed  on  our  website  at 
biglariholdings.com. 

Our  culture  is  shareholder-oriented  and  entrepreneurial.  A  critical  element  of  BH’s 
value encompasses my capital allocation work.  How capital is redeployed greatly affects the 
value  of  your  shares.  BH  is  an  exceedingly  adaptive  organization;  because so  much  rests  on 
capital allocation, BH is foremost a jockey stock. Our catechism we know is not for everyone. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For  that  reason  we  attempt  to  be  explicit  in  our  communications  to  ensure  that  any  entering 
stockholder is fully knowledgeable about the company. An investor would be in error to own 
BH stock if he or she is not comfortable with our structure, strategy, or style. Those who are in 
accord  with  our  idiosyncrasies  and also  have  a  long  time  horizon,  then  what  this  jockey  can 
guarantee is that we will give all we have to create value over the long haul.  

We will issue press releases on fiscal 2013’s quarterly results after the market closes on 
January 25, May 17, and August 9. The 2013 annual report will be posted on our website on 
Saturday, December 7, 2013. 

Our annual meeting will be held on Thursday, April  4, 2013 in New York City at the 
St.  Regis  Hotel.  We  will  begin  at  1:00  pm.  The  bulk  of  the  meeting,  following  prior  years’ 
practices,  will center  on answering  your  questions. Our  meetings  are  highly  unusual  because 
they usually last about five and one-half hours. It is a testament to our unconventional format 
and in the spirit of an owner-oriented culture in which — unlike most shareholder meetings of 
other  public  companies  —  we  want  our  owners  to  be  engaged  by  asking  questions  on  their 
minds. Phil and I look forward to spend the time necessary to answer your questions. We find 
the annual meeting to be an effective medium for communication.  

* * * 

My  entrepreneurial  odyssey  of  business  creation  ab  initio  has  rested  on  a  basic 
principle: to generate cash and then to parlay that cash into more cash-producing businesses. 
Our  ideas  may  be  in  accord  with  those  of  a  different  era  and  quite  often  contrary  to  current 
corporate conventions. Irrespective of our nonconformity, we will do what we believe is right. 
We allow our long-range results to be the ultimate arbiter of our actions.  

We are honored to be stewards of your capital, we value your long-term allegiance, and 

we anticipate a continuing, prosperous partnership.  

December 7, 2012 

Sardar Biglari  
Chairman of the Board 

11 

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

FORM 10-K 

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

For the fiscal year ended September 26, 2012 

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 0-8445 

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

INDIANA 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) 

37-0684070 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

17802 IH 10 West, Suite 400 
San Antonio, Texas 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

78257 
(Zip Code) 

(210) 344-3400 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of each class 
Common Stock, stated value $.50 per share 

Name of each exchange on which registered 
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 

 No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during 
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for 
the past 90 days. Yes  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be 
submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that 
the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yes  

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.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the 
definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): 

Large accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer   

Smaller reporting company  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes  No  

The  aggregate  market  value  of  the  voting  and  non-voting  common  stock  held  by  non-affiliates  of  the  registrant  as  of  April  11,  2012  was  approximately 
$490,567,737 based on the closing stock price of $405.73 per share on that day. 

As of December 3, 2012, 1,433,671 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this 
Form 10-K. 

 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
    
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 Table of Contents 

Part I 

  Page No. 

Item 1.  Business  ...........................................................................................................................................................    
Item 1A.  Risk Factors  ....................................................................................................................................................    
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments  ..........................................................................................................................    
Properties  ........................................................................................................................................................    
Item 2. 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings  ...........................................................................................................................................    
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures ..................................................................................................................................   

Part II 

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

Equity Securities  .............................................................................................................................................  
Selected Financial Data  ..................................................................................................................................    
Item 6. 
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  ...................    
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  ....................................................................    
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ...........................................................................................    
Item 8. 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings— 

1   
4   
8   
8   
8   
8   

9   
11   
12   
22   
23   

Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010 ......................................   

26   

Consolidated Balance Sheets— 

As of September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 ....................................................................................   

27   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows— 

Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010 ......................................   

28   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—  

Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010 ......................................   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  ....................................................................................................   
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure  ..................    
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures  ...............................................................................................................................    
Item 9B.  Other Information  ..........................................................................................................................................    

Part III 

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  .......................................................................................................    

29   
30   
55   
55   
55   

56   
56   

56   
56   
56   

Item 15  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules  ...............................................................................................    

57   

Signatures  ...........................................................................................................................................................................    
Exhibit Index  ......................................................................................................................................................................    

58   
64   

Part IV 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Item 1. 

Business 

Part I 

Biglari Holdings Inc. (“Biglari Holdings” or the “Company”) is a diversified holding company engaged in a number of diverse 
business activities.  The Company is led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Biglari Holdings,  Biglari 
Capital  Corp.  (“Biglari  Capital”),  Steak  n  Shake  Operations,  Inc.  (“Steak  n  Shake”),  and  Western  Sizzlin  Corporation 
(“Western”).  The  Company’s  long-term  objective  is  to  maximize  per-share  intrinsic  value  of  the  Company.  The  Company’s 
strategy is to reinvest cash generated from its operating subsidiaries into any investments with the objective of achieving high 
risk-adjusted  returns.  All  major  operating,  investment,  and  capital  allocation  decisions  are  made  for  the  Company  and  its 
subsidiaries by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 

Biglari  Holdings’  fiscal  year  ends  on  the  last  Wednesday  in  September.  Accordingly,  every  five  or  six  years,  our  fiscal  year 
contains  53  weeks.  Fiscal  years  2012,  2011  and  2010  contained  52  weeks.  The  Company’s  first,  third,  and  fourth  quarters 
contain 12 weeks and our second quarter contains 16 weeks (except in fiscal years when there are 53 weeks, in which case the 
fourth quarter contains 13 weeks). Western and Biglari Capital’s September 30 year end for financial reporting purposes differs 
from the end of the Company’s fiscal year, the last Wednesday in September. 

Restaurant Operations 

The  Company’s  Restaurant  Operations’  activities  are  conducted  through  two  restaurant  concepts,  Steak  n  Shake  and  Western 
Sizzlin.  As  of  September  26,  2012,  Steak  n  Shake  operated  414  company-operated  restaurants  and  83  franchised  units  in  25 
states and Western operated 5 company-operated restaurants and 87 franchised units in 17 states. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Geographic Concentration and Restaurant Locations 
The following table lists the locations of the 589 Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin restaurants, including 170 franchised units, 
as of September 26, 2012: 

Steak n Shake 

Company- 
operated   Franchised   

Alabama ...................................................................................    
Arkansas ...................................................................................    
California  .................................................................................    
Colorado ...................................................................................    
Florida ......................................................................................    
Georgia .....................................................................................    
Illinois ......................................................................................    
Indiana ......................................................................................    
Iowa ..........................................................................................    
Kansas ......................................................................................    
Kentucky ..................................................................................    
Louisiana  .................................................................................    
Maryland ..................................................................................    
Michigan ..................................................................................    
Mississippi ................................................................................    
Missouri ....................................................................................    
Nevada  .....................................................................................    
New York .................................................................................    
North Carolina ..........................................................................    
Ohio ..........................................................................................    
Oklahoma .................................................................................    
Pennsylvania.............................................................................    
South Carolina ..........................................................................    
Tennessee .................................................................................    
Texas ........................................................................................    
Virginia ....................................................................................    
West Virginia ...........................................................................    
Total  ........................................................................................    

2 
— 
— 
— 
80 
23 
63 
68 
3 
— 
14 
— 
— 
19 
— 
39 
— 
1 
6 
63 
— 
6 
1 
9 
17 
— 
— 
414 

4 
2 
  — 
2 
1 
9 
6 
2 
  — 
4 
2 
1 
  — 
  — 
1 
22 
1 
  — 
5 
  — 
4 
1 
2 
8 
3 
2 
1 
83 

  Western Sizzlin 
Company-
operated    Franchised    Total   
6 
16 
2 
— 
— 
8 
1 
— 
— 
1 
— 
3 
2 
— 
11 
2 
— 
— 
11 
1 
11 
— 
3 
4 
— 
4 
1 
87 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
1 
1 
  — 
3 
  — 
5 

12 
18 
2 
2 
81 
40 
70 
70 
3 
5 
16 
4 
2 
19 
12 
63 
1 
1 
22 
64 
15 
7 
7 
22 
20 
9 
2 
  589 

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

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

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Management  

The  Investment  Management  segment  is  composed  of  Biglari  Capital  and  Western  Investments,  Inc.  This  segment  provides 
investment advisory services to private investment funds.  

Biglari Capital, as General Partner of The Lion Fund, L.P. (the “Lion Fund”) is entitled to receive a performance reallocation of 
25%  of  the  increase  in  net  assets  annually.  This  reallocation  is  subject  to  a  5%  performance  hurdle  rate  that  the  Lion  Fund’s 
performance must exceed in order for the General Partner to be entitled to such reallocation.  

The Company and its affiliates may also earn income through their investments in the Lion Fund and Western Acquisitions, L.P. 
(collectively the “consolidated affiliated partnerships”). In these cases, the income consists of realized and unrealized gains and 
losses on investment activities along with interest, dividends and other income.  

Employees 
The Company employs approximately 22,000 persons. 

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

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

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. 

3 

 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A. 

Risk Factors 

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

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

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

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

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

Historically,  we  have  not  derived  any  of  our  revenues  or  earnings  from  international  markets.    As  a  result  of  our  intended 
international expansion, we may become subject to increased risks from unstable political conditions and civil unrest.  Further, 
terrorism activities deriving from unstable conditions or acts intended to compromise the integrity or security of our computer 
networks and information  systems could produce losses to  our international operations,  as  well as our operations based in the 
United States.  Our business operations could be adversely affected directly through the loss of human resources or destruction of 
production facilities and information systems. 

The  restaurant  industry  has  been  affected  by  economic  factors,  including  the  deterioration  of  national,  regional  and  local 
economic conditions, declines in employment levels, and shifts in consumer spending patterns. The disruptions experienced in 
the overall 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.  

4 

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 

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

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

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

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 federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting our business. Changes in existing laws, rules and 
regulations applicable to us, or increased enforcement by governmental authorities, may require us to incur additional costs  and 
expenses necessary for compliance.  If we fail to comply with any of these laws, we may be subject to governmental action or 
litigation, and our reputation could be accordingly harmed. Injury to our reputation would, in turn, likely reduce revenues and 
profits. 

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

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

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

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We are subject to the risk of possibly becoming an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  
Because  we  are  a  holding  company  and  a  significant  portion  of  our  assets  may,  from  time  to  time,  consist  of  investments  in 
companies in which we own less than a 50% interest, we run the risk of inadvertently becoming an investment company, which 
would  require  us  to  register  under  the  Investment  Company  Act.  Registered  investment  companies  are  subject  to  extensive, 
restrictive and potentially adverse regulations relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, 
dividends  and  transactions  with  affiliates.  Registered  investment  companies  are  not  permitted  to  operate  their  business  in  the 
manner in which we operate our business, nor are registered investment companies permitted to have many of the relationships 
that we have with our affiliated companies.  

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

Our investments are unusually concentrated and fair values are subject to a loss in value. 
Our  investments  are  generally  concentrated  in  common  stocks.    A  significant  decline  in  the  major  values  of  our  larger 
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.  Under certain circumstances, significant declines in the fair values of these investments may 
require the recognition of losses in the statement of earnings. 

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

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

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments 

None. 

Item 2. 

Properties 

Office and Warehouse Facilities 

Use 
Executive Office 
Executive Office 
Executive Office 

Restaurant Properties 

   Location 

San Antonio, TX 
Indianapolis, IN 

  Roanoke, VA 

   Own/Lease 
  Lease 
   Lease 
  Lease 

As  of  September  26,  2012,  Restaurant  Operations  included  589  company-operated  and  franchised  restaurants  located  in  27 
states.  Restaurant  Operations  owns  the  land  and  building  for  153  restaurants.  See  “Geographic  Concentration  and  Restaurant 
Locations” under Part I, Item 1 for additional detail. 

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings 

None. 

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
Item 5. 

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

Part II 

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

2012 

2011 

High 

Low 

   High 

   Low 

First Quarter ................................................................................................   $  
Second Quarter ............................................................................................  
Third Quarter ...............................................................................................  
Fourth Quarter .............................................................................................  

391.88  $  
418.57     
413.61     
397.16     

286.77   $ 
368.24      
365.25      
351.00      

444.71   $   325.82 
459.77  
    391.45 
437.24      368.45 
405.50      288.29 

Shareholders 
Biglari  Holdings  had  approximately  10,400  beneficial  shareholders,  of  which  approximately  1,500  were  record  holders  of  its 
common stock at December 3, 2012.   

Dividends 
Biglari Holdings has not declared a cash dividend during the fiscal years ended  September 26, 2012,  September 28, 2011 and 
September 29, 2010.  

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
   
 
   
   
 
 
Performance Graph 
The following chart compares the subsequent value of $100 invested in Biglari Holdings’ common stock on September 30, 2007 
with a similar investment in the Standard and Poor’s 500 Stock Index and Standard and Poor’s Restaurant Index. 

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN* 
Among Biglari Holdings Inc., the S&P 500 Index, and the S&P Restaurants Index 

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

9/07

9/08

9/09

9/10

9/11

9/12

Biglari Holdings Inc.

S&P 500

S&P Restaurants

*$100 invested on 9/30/07 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. 
Fiscal year ending September 30. 

Copyright© 2012 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved. 

The preceding stock price performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filings 
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except to the extent that we 
specifically incorporate it by reference into such filings. 

The  “Equity  Compensation  Plan  Information”  required  by  Item  201(d)  of  Regulation  S-K  will  be  contained  in  our  definitive 
Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 24, 2013, and such information is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6. 

Selected Financial Data 

Selected Financial Data for the Past Five Years 
(dollars in thousands except per share data) 

52 Weeks Ended 
Fiscal 
2011(2) 

Fiscal 
2012(2) 

Fiscal 
2010 (2) 

   53 Weeks 

Ended 
Fiscal 
2009 (2) 

  52 Weeks 
Ended 
Fiscal 
2008 (2) 

Revenue:  

Total net revenues  ....................................................................................

  $  

740,207   $   709,200     $  673,781   $  

628,736     $ 611,278 

Earnings: 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. ..........................
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (1)  ...
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (1) .

  $  
  $  
  $  

21,593   $  
16.19   $  
16.15   $  

34,565     $  28,094   $  
20.11   $  
25.99     $ 
19.99   $  
   $ 
25.86 

5,998     $  (22,979) 
(16.27) 
(16.27) 

4.21     $ 
4.20     $ 

Year-end data: 

Total assets  ..............................................................................................
Long-term debt:  

  $  

773,787   $   672,860     $  563,839   $  

514,496     $ 520,136 

Obligations under leases  .......................................................................
Other long-term debt  ............................................................................
Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity  .............................................

  $  

110,353       116,066        124,247      
17,781      
120,250       101,417      
349,125   $   279,678     $  248,995   $  

130,076       134,809 
15,783 
291,861     $ 283,579 

48      

(1)  Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. For financial 
reporting purposes all common shares of the Company held by the consolidated affiliated partnerships are recorded in Treasury 
stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For purposes of computing the weighted average common shares outstanding, the shares of 
treasury stock attributable to the unrelated limited partners of the consolidated affiliated partnerships — based on their proportional 
ownership during the period — are considered outstanding shares. 

(2)  Fiscal years 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008 ended on September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, September 29, 2010, September 

30, 2009 and September 24, 2008, respectively. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
  
     
 
 
  
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
 
 
  
   
  
   
 
  
   
     
      
   
  
    
     
      
  
   
  
   
  
 
Item 7. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

(dollars in thousands except per share data) 

Biglari Holdings Inc. (“Biglari Holdings” or the “Company”) is a diversified holding company engaged in a number of diverse 
business activities. The Company is led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Biglari Holdings,  Biglari 
Capital  Corp.  (“Biglari  Capital”),  Steak  n  Shake  Operations,  Inc.  (“Steak  n  Shake”),  and  Western  Sizzlin  Corporation 
(“Western”). The  Company’s  long-term  objective  is  to  maximize  per-share  intrinsic  value  of  the  Company.  The  Company’s 
strategy is to reinvest cash generated from its operating subsidiaries into any investments with the objective of achieving high 
risk-adjusted  returns. All  major  operating,  investment,  and  capital  allocation  decisions  are  made  for  the  Company  and  its 
subsidiaries by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 

In the following discussion, the term “same-store sales” refers to the sales of only those units open at least 18 months as of the 
beginning of the current period being discussed and which remained open through the end of the period.   

We have a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the last Wednesday in September. Fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, which ended 
on September 26, September 28, and September 29, respectively, all contained 52 weeks. 

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

Investment  gains/losses  in  any  given  period  will  vary;  therefore,  for  analytical  purposes,  management  measures  operating 
performance by analyzing earnings before realized and unrealized investment gains/losses. 

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

2012 

2011 

2010 

Operating Business: 
Restaurant Operations: 

Steak n Shake ....................................................................................................     $ 
Western  .............................................................................................................      
Total Restaurant Operations  ....................................................................................      

31,756 
1,354 
33,110 

 $  

Investment Management:  

Biglari Capital Corp. (Incentive Fee)  ................................................................      
Management fees  ..............................................................................................      
Consolidated affiliated partnerships  ..................................................................      
Total Investment Management Operations  ..............................................................      

22 
— 
1,321 
1,343 

Corporate and Other: 

Corporate and other  ...........................................................................................      
Investment and derivative gains/losses  ..............................................................      
Total Corporate and Other  .......................................................................................      

(9,196) 
2,604 
(6,592) 

29,367 
1,610 
30,977 

1,535 
139 
1,815 
3,489 

(3,099) 
4,941 
1,842 

  $ 

27,257 
646 
27,903 

— 
144 
215 
359 

(1,510) 
2,495 
985 

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount: 

Interest expense and loss on debt extinguishment, excluding interest allocated 
to operating businesses ......................................................................................      
  $ 

(6,268) 
21,593 

 $  

(1,743) 
34,565 

  $ 

(1,153) 
28,094 

Fiscal Year 2012 
We  recorded net  earnings  attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.  of $21,593 for the current  year, as compared  with  net earnings 
attributable  to  Biglari  Holdings  Inc.  of  $34,565  in  2011.  The  decrease  was  primarily  driven  by  increased  general  and 
administrative expenses related to our efforts to franchise the Steak n Shake concept, higher incentive compensation costs, and 
an increase in legal and professional services. Net earnings in 2012 also reflected a full year of interest expense associated with 
Steak n Shake’s former credit facility, which was entered into in September 2011. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 26, 2012 the total number of company-operated and franchised restaurants was 589 as follows: 

Steak n Shake  ...............................................................................................................  
Western  .........................................................................................................................  
Total  ..............................................................................................................................  

  Company-
operated 
414 
5 
419 

  Franchised    Total 
83  
87  
170  

497 
92 
589 

During  2012,  Restaurant  Operations  suffered  no  closings  of  underperforming  company-operated  restaurants  or  transfers  to 
franchisees.  Five  Western  Sizzlin  franchised  units  were  closed,  and  three  franchised  units  were  opened.  Furthermore,  during 
2012, Steak n Shake opened one company-operated unit and eight franchised units, and closed one franchised unit.   

Critical Accounting Policies 
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial 
statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Certain 
accounting  policies  require  management  to  make  estimates  and  judgments  concerning  transactions  that  will  be  settled  several 
years  in  the  future.  Amounts  recognized  in  our  financial  statements  from  such  estimates  are  necessarily  based  on  numerous 
assumptions  involving  varying  and  potentially  significant  degrees  of  judgment  and  uncertainty.  Accordingly,  the  amounts 
currently  reflected  in  our  financial  statements  will  likely  increase  or  decrease  in  the  future  as  additional  information  becomes 
available.   

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

Consolidation 
The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  (i)  Biglari  Holdings  Inc.,  (ii)  the  wholly-and  majority-owned 
subsidiaries  of  Biglari  Holdings  Inc.  in  which  control  can  be  exercised  and  (iii)  limited  partnership  investment  companies  in 
which  we  have a controlling  interest as the  general partner. In evaluating  whether  we have a controlling interest in entities in 
which we would consolidate, we consider the following: (1) for voting interest entities, we consolidate those entities in which we 
own a majority of the voting interests; and (2) for limited partnership entities, we consolidate those entities if we are the general 
partner of such entities and for which no substantive  removal rights exist. All material intercompany accounts and transactions 
have been eliminated in consolidation.  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. 

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

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

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

13 

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

Our reserves for self-insured liabilities at September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 were $7,971 and $7,511, respectively.  

Income Taxes 
We record deferred tax assets or liabilities based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities 
using currently enacted rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record deferred tax 
assets to the extent we believe there will be sufficient future taxable income to utilize those assets prior to their expiration. To the 
extent deferred tax assets would be unable to be utilized, we would record a valuation allowance against the unrealizable amount 
and record that amount as a charge against earnings. Due to changing tax laws and state income tax rates, significant judgment is 
required to estimate the effective tax rate expected to apply to tax differences that are expected to reverse in the future. We must 
also  make  estimates  about  the  sufficiency  of  taxable  income  in  future  periods  to  offset  any  deductions  related  to  deferred  tax 
assets currently recorded. Based on 2012 results, a change of one percentage point in the annual effective tax rate would have an 
impact of $312 on net earnings. 

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

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 
We  are  required  to  assess  goodwill  and  any  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  for  impairment  annually,  or  more  frequently  if 
circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The required analysis of potential impairment of goodwill requires a two-
step approach. The first step is the estimation of fair value of each reporting unit. If step one indicates that impairment potentially 
exists,  the  second  step  is  performed  to  measure  the  amount  of  impairment,  if  any.  Goodwill  impairment  exists  when  the 
estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. We use both market and income approaches to derive fair value. 
The valuation methodology and underlying financial information included in our determination of fair value require significant 
judgments  to  be  made  by  management.  The  judgments  in  these  two  approaches  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  comparable 
market multiples, long-term projections of future financial performance, and the selection of appropriate discount rates used to 
determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could 
produce significantly different results. 

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

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Results of Operations 
The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to total net revenues, unless otherwise noted, of items included in the 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the periods indicated: 

 2012  
(52 weeks) 

2011 
(52 Weeks) 

2010 
(52 Weeks) 

Net revenues 
Restaurant Operations  

Net sales ................................................................................................................................................................    
Franchise royalties and fees  ..................................................................................................................................       
Other revenue  .......................................................................................................................................................    
Total   .........................................................................................................................................................................       
Investment Management Operations  

97.5  %    
1.3   
0.3 
99.1 

97.9 %    
1.2   
0.3  
99.5   

98.5 % 
0.9   
0.3  
99.7   

Management fee income  .......................................................................................................................................    

  — 

0.0  

0.0  

Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships  

Investment gains/losses  .........................................................................................................................................    
Other income  ........................................................................................................................................................    
Total  ..........................................................................................................................................................................    
Total net revenues  ....................................................................................................................................................    

0.8   
0.0 
0.9 
  100.0 

0.4  
0.1  
0.5  
100.0  

0.3  
0.0  
0.3  
100.0  

27.7   
47.7   
6.8   
4.0   
5.4   
2.4   
0.0   
0.1   
0.1   
(0.2 ) 

0.1  
(1.5 ) 
(0.4 ) 
—  
1.0  
0.1  
(0.7 ) 

6.7  

2.0   

4.8  
—  

27.1   
48.5   
6.2   
4.3   
5.2   
2.5   
0.0   
0.1   
0.0   
(0.1 ) 

0.1  
(1.7 ) 
(0.3 ) 
—  
0.6  
0.0  
(1.3 ) 

6.2  

1.8     

4.4  
0.0  

(0.2 ) 
—  
(0.2 ) 
4.2 % 

Costs and expenses 

Cost of sales (1)  ......................................................................................................................................................       
Restaurant operating costs (1)  .................................................................................................................................       
General and administrative  ...................................................................................................................................       
Depreciation and amortization  ..............................................................................................................................       
Marketing  .............................................................................................................................................................       
Rent  ......................................................................................................................................................................       
Pre-opening costs  ..................................................................................................................................................       
Asset impairments and provision for restaurant closings  ......................................................................................       
Loss on disposal of assets  .....................................................................................................................................       
Other operating (income) expense  ........................................................................................................................    

Other income (expenses) 

Interest, dividend and other investment income  ....................................................................................................    
Interest on obligations under leases  ......................................................................................................................    
Interest expense  ....................................................................................................................................................    
Loss on debt extinguishment  .................................................................................................................................    
Realized investment gains/losses  ..........................................................................................................................    
Derivative and short sale gains/losses  ...................................................................................................................    
Total other income (expenses)  .................................................................................................................................    

Earnings before income taxes  .................................................................................................................................    

28.7   
46.8   
8.7   
3.6   
5.7   
2.4   
0.1   
0.1   
0.1   
(0.1)  

0.5   
(1.4)  
(1.1)  
(0.3)  
0.6   

  — 

(1.6)  

4.2   

Income taxes  ..............................................................................................................................................................       

0.9 

Consolidated net earnings   
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest  .........................................................................................................    
Earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest: 

3.3   

  — 

Income allocation  .................................................................................................................................................    
Incentive fee  .........................................................................................................................................................    
Total earnings/loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests  ...............................................................    

Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.  

(0.4)  
0.0 
(0.4) 
2.9  %   

(0.3 ) 
0.4  
0.1  
4.9 %  

(1) 

 Cost of sales and Restaurant operating costs are expressed as a percentage of Net sales. 

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Fiscal Year 2012 Compared with Fiscal Year 2011 

Net Earnings Attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. 
We recorded net earnings  attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.  of $21,593, or $16.15 per diluted share, for the current year, as 
compared with net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. of $34,565, or $25.86 per diluted share, in 2011. 

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

Franchise royalties and fees increased 12.0% during 2012. The number of franchised units increased from 165 at the end of 2011 
to 170 at the end of 2012.   

Cost and Expenses 
Cost of sales in the current year was $207,234 or 28.7% of net sales, compared with $192,645 or 27.7% of net sales in 2011. This 
increase in percentage of net sales was created primarily by inflationary pressures on commodities. 

Restaurant operating costs in the current year were $337,905 or 46.8% of net sales compared to $331,262 or 47.7% of net sales 
in 2011. Restaurant operating costs increased because of, inter alia, changes in the state unemployment tax rates and unfavorable 
development  in  workers’  compensation,  health  and  general  liability  insurance  claims,  in  terms  of  number  of  cases  and  their 
severity. These increases in costs were offset by the implementation of several operating initiatives, which have generated higher 
productivity and labor efficiency.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16 

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

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

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

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

Fiscal Year 2011 Compared with Fiscal Year 2010 

Net Earnings Attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. 
We  recorded net earnings  attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.  of  $34,565, or $25.86 per diluted share, for  2011, as compared 
with  net  earnings  attributable  to  Biglari  Holdings  Inc.  of  $28,094,  or  $19.99  per  diluted  share,  in  2010.  The  increase  was 
primarily  driven  by  the  performance  of  our  operating  businesses,  realized  investment  gains,  and  the  inclusion  of  Western’s 
results for the full year versus six months in 2010.  

Net Revenues 
In 2011, net sales increased 4.7% from  $663,524 to $694,378 primarily due to the performance of our Restaurant Operations, 
principally the increase in Steak n Shake’s same-store sales. Steak n Shake’s same-store sales increased 4.2% during 2011. The 
increase in same-store sales resulted from an increase in guest traffic of  4.8%, partially offset by lower average selling prices. 
The inclusion of Western for the full year increased total net revenue by $7,322 or 1.0%. 

Franchise royalties and fees increased 45.5% during 2011. The number of franchised units increased from 162 at the end of 2010 
to  165  at  the  end  of  2011  due  to  the  addition  of  Steak  n  Shake  franchised  units.  The  inclusion  of  Western  for  the  full  year 
increased franchise fees by $1,531 or 0.2%. 

Cost and Expenses 
Cost  of  sales  was  $192,645  or  27.7%  of  net  sales,  compared  with  $179,633  or  27.1%  of  net  sales  in  2010.  This  increase  in 
percentage of net sales was created primarily by inflationary pressures on commodities. 

Restaurant  operating  costs  were  $331,262  or  47.7%  of  net  sales  compared  to  $321,937  or  48.5%  of  net  sales  in  2010.  The 
decrease  as  a  percentage  of  net  sales  resulted  from  the  implementation  of  several  operating  initiatives,  which  has  resulted  in 
higher productivity and labor efficiency. 

General and administrative expenses increased from $41,553 or 6.2% of total net revenues in 2010 to $48,404 or 6.8% of total 
net  revenues  because  of  the  inclusion  of  Western’s  general  and  administrative  expenses,  our  efforts  to  franchise  the  Steak  n 
Shake concept and the accrual of the incentive compensation costs.  

Depreciation and amortization expense was $28,361 or 4.0% of total net revenues, versus $29,258 or 4.3% of total net revenues 
in 2010.  

Marketing expense was $38,476 or 5.4% of total net revenues, versus $34,835 or 5.2% of total net revenues in 2010. 

Rent expense decreased from 2.5% to 2.4% as a percentage of total net revenues compared to the prior year. 

Asset impairments and provision for restaurant closings for 2011 was $1,032 or 0.1% of total net revenues, versus $353 or 0.1% 
of total net revenues in 2010.  

Loss on disposal of assets increased to $702 or 0.1% of total net revenues as compared to $126 or 0.0% in the prior year.  

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expenses) 
Interest  expense  on  obligations  under  leases  was  $10,565  or  1.5%  of  total  net  revenues,  versus  $11,125  or  1.7%  of  total  net 
revenues in 2010.  

Our 2011 effective income tax rate remained consistent with the prior year at 29.0%. 

Biglari Holdings Investment Gains 
We  recorded  net  realized  investment  gains  of  $7,360  for  2011  related  to  dispositions  of  marketable  equity  securities  and 
investment gains of $610 related to the change in fair value of derivatives and securities sold short. We recorded $3,802 of net 
realized  gains  on  investments  and  $222  of  investment  gains  related  to  the  change  in  fair  value  of  derivatives  in  2010.   These 
investments are held directly by us and not by our consolidated affiliated partnerships. 

Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships Investment Gains 
We  recorded  a  net  realized  gain  of  $3,365  for  2011  related  to  dispositions  of  investments  held  by  our  consolidated  affiliated 
partnerships and an unrealized net investment  loss of $230 for a total of $3,135.  We also received an incentive fee of $2,510. 
These amounts were offset by $1,909 related to earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests. 

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

Inflation in food, labor, fringe benefits, energy costs, transportation costs and other operating costs directly affect our operations. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 
We  generated  $49,966, $74,751, and $68,618 in cash flows from operations during  2012,  2011, and  2010, respectively, based 
primarily on net earnings and due to timing of receipts and payment of disbursements related to operating activities in each of the 
fiscal years. 

Net cash used in investing activities of $87,885, $89,503 and $31,424 during 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, was primarily a 
result of net purchases of investments.  

Net cash used in financing activities was $709 in 2012. Principal payments on Steak n Shake’s former credit facility and direct 
financing lease obligations were offset by borrowings under the New Credit Facility.  Net cash provided by financing activities 
of $66,176 during 2011 resulted primarily from borrowings on long-term debt.  Net cash used in financing activities of $41,026 
during 2010 resulted primarily from the purchase of shares of Company stock by consolidated affiliated partnerships.  

Our  balance  sheet  continues  to  maintain  significant  liquidity.  We  intend  to  meet  the  working  capital  needs  of  our  operating 
subsidiaries principally through anticipated cash flows generated from operations, existing credit facilities, and the sale of excess 
properties and investments. We continually review available financing alternatives. 

Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships  
Investments held directly by the consolidated affiliated partnerships usually consist of domestic equity securities.  Certain of the 
consolidated affiliated partnerships hold the Company’s common stock as investments.  In our consolidated financial statements, 
the Company classifies this common stock as Treasury stock despite the shares being legally outstanding. As of  September 26, 
2012  and  September  28,  2011,  the  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships  held  205,743  shares  of  the  Company’s  common  stock 
($69,221 at cost). Consolidated net earnings of the Company include the realized and unrealized appreciation and depreciation of 
the investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships, other than realized and unrealized appreciation and depreciation of 
investments  the  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships  hold  in  the  Company’s  equity  securities  which  has  been  eliminated  in 
consolidation.  

Throughout  2010,  Biglari  Holdings  invested  a  total  of  $35,697  in  the  Lion  Fund,  both  in  the  form  of  the  acquisition  of  the 
general partner and as a direct limited partner investment.  The fair value of these investments in the Lion Fund totaled $48,306 
at September 26, 2012. No amounts were invested in 2012 or 2011. These investments in the Lion Fund do not appear explicitly 
in  our  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  because  of  the  requirement  to  fully  consolidate  the  Lion  Fund  (inclusive  of  third  party 
interests) in our financial statements.  Further, the Lion Fund’s portfolio holds significant interests in Biglari Holdings’ common 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
stock, which is classified on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as a reduction to Shareholders’ equity.  Biglari Holdings’ pro-rata 
ownership of its common stock through the Lion Fund at September 26, 2012 was 98,430 shares of stock (with a fair value of 
$35,933) based on Biglari Holdings’ ownership interest in the Lion Fund at year end. 

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

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

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

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

As of September 26, 2012, the interest rate on the Term Loan was 3.72%, and there were no borrowings under the Revolver.  

The  New  Credit  Facility  includes  affirmative  and  negative  covenants  and  events  of  default,  as  well  as  financial  covenants 
relating  to  a  maximum  total  leverage  ratio  and  a  minimum  consolidated  fixed  charge  coverage  ratio.    Steak  n  Shake  was  in 
compliance with all covenants under the New Credit Facility as of September 26, 2012. 

Both the Term Loan and the Revolver have been guaranteed by the Subsidiary Guarantors and secured by first priority security 
interests  in  substantially  all  the  assets  of  Steak  n  Shake  (including  the  capital  stock  of  Steak  n  Shake  Enterprises)  and  the 
Subsidiary Guarantors. Biglari Holdings is not a guarantor under the New Credit Facility.  $114,176 of the proceeds of the Term 
Loan  was  used  to  repay  all  outstanding  amounts  under  Steak  n  Shake’s  former  credit  facility.  The  remaining  Term  Loan 
proceeds  of  $15,824  were  used  for  working  capital  and  general  corporate  purposes.  Steak  n  Shake  incurred  no  material  early 
termination penalties in connection with retiring the former credit facility. 

As of September 28, 2011, outstanding borrowings  under Steak n Shake’s former credit facility  were $110,000 under the term 
loan and $15,000 under the revolving credit facility.  

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

We  had  $4,781  and  $4,610  in  standby  letters  of  credit  outstanding  as  of  September  26,  2012  and  September  28,  2011, 
respectively.  

19 

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

Interest Rate Swap 
During  fiscal  year  2011, Steak n  Shake  entered into an interest rate  swap agreement  for a notional amount of $20,000,  which 
effectively fixed the interest rate on a prior credit facility at 3.25% through February 15, 2016. The notional amount decreases 
$1,000  quarterly  through  its  maturity  on  February  15,  2016.    The  notional  amount  of  the  interest  rate  swap  was  $14,000  on 
September  26,  2012.  The  fair  value  of  the  interest  rate  swap  was  a  liability  of  $351  and  $439  on  September  26,  2012  and 
September 28, 2011, respectively, and is included in Accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. 

On October 11, 2012, Steak n Shake entered into a new interest rate swap for a notional amount of $65,000 through September 
30, 2015.  The agreement hedges potential changes in the Eurodollar rate. 

Western Real Estate Loan Agreement and Note Payable 
Western Real Estate, L.P. (“Western RE”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western, has a promissory note (the “Note”) which is 
secured by approximately 23 acres of real property. The principal amount of the Note is $2,293 and, as of September 26, 2012, 
the Note bore interest at a rate of 5.0% annually.   The balance of the note was paid in full on November 28, 2012. 

The  loan  agreement  under  which  the  Note  was  issued  (the  “Loan  Agreement”)  contains  various  affirmative  and  negative 
covenants,  limitations  and  events  of  default  customary  for  loans  of  this  type  to  similar  borrowers,  including  limitations  on 
Western RE’s ability to incur indebtedness and liens, subject to limited exceptions, and certain financial covenants that must be 
maintained. Additionally, the Note is not guaranteed by or an obligation of the parent Company; rather, the Note is guaranteed 
by Western and its subsidiaries. Western RE was in compliance with all covenants under the Loan Agreement as of September 
26, 2012. 

The carrying amounts for debt reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet do not differ materially from their fair market values 
at September 26, 2012 as a result of the recent refinancing. 

Contractual Obligations 
Our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of September 26, 2012 are shown in the following table. 

Payments due by period 

Contractual Obligations 
Long-term debt (1) (2)  ....................................................................
Capital leases and finance obligations(1)  ......................................
Operating leases (3)  ......................................................................
Purchase commitments (4)  ............................................................
Other long-term liabilities (5)  ........................................................
Total .............................................................................................

   Less 
than 
1 year 

1 – 3 
years 

More than 
5 years 

3 – 5 
years 
   $  16,951    $ 29,754   $ 101,199    $             —   $147,904 
14,986      79,805 
60,468     120,704 
2,741 
887 
   $   48,895   $  83,650   $ 143,155    $      76,341   $352,041 

15,279     28,282   
      14,115     25,423    
191     
—  

21,258    
20,698     
—     
—    

2,550    
 —  

  Total 

—     

887  

(1)  Includes principal and interest and assumes payoff of indebtedness at maturity date. 
(2)  Includes outstanding borrowings under the New Credit Facility as of September 26, 2012. 
(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 $812 as 

of September 26, 2012 because we cannot make a reliable estimate of the timing of cash payments. 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
  
  
     
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements other than operating leases entered into in the normal course of business. 

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

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

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

Our investments are generally concentrated in common stocks. A significant decline in the general stock market or in the price of 
major investments may produce a large decrease in our Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity and under certain circumstances may 
require the recognition of losses in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Decreases in values of equity investments can have a 
material  adverse  effect  on  our  Consolidated  Shareholders’  Equity.    On  September  26,  2012,  most  of  the  fair  value  of  our 
investments was concentrated in the common stock of one investee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. 

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.  Market prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation and 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 $26,986 and a corresponding change in Shareholders’ equity of approximately 5%. 

At  September  26,  2012  interest  on  the  Term  Loan  and  Revolver  was  based  on  a  Eurodollar  rate  plus  an  applicable  margin 
ranging from 3.00% to 3.75% or a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.00% to 2.75%, based on Steak n Shake’s 
total leverage ratio.  At September 26, 2012, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in short-term interest rates would have an 
impact  of  approximately  $806  on  our  net  earnings.  In  February  2011,  in  connection  with  the  issuance  of  the  term  loan  under 
Steak n Shake’s previous credit facility, Steak n Shake entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the lender for a notional 
amount of $20,000, which effectively fixed the interest rate on the term loan at 3.25% through its maturity. The fair value of the 
interest rate swap was a liability of $351 at September 26, 2012. 

We  have  minimal  exposure  to  foreign  currency  exchange  rate  fluctuations,  as  we  have  just  begun  to  transact  business  in 
international markets and are not a party to any material non-U.S. dollar denominated contracts. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

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

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Biglari Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of 
September  26,  2012  and  September  28,  2011,  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  earnings,  changes  in  shareholders’ 
equity, and cash flows for the years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010. Our audits also 
included  the  financial  statement  schedule  listed  in  the  Index  at  Item  15.  These  financial  statements  and  financial  statement 
schedule  are  the  responsibility  of  the  Company's  management.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  financial 
statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. 

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

In  our  opinion,  such  consolidated  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of  Biglari 
Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries as of  September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011, and the results of their operations and their 
cash flows for the years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010, in conformity with accounting 
principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America.  Also,  in  our  opinion,  such  financial  statement  schedule,  when 
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the 
information set forth therein. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 
Company's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  September  26,  2012,  based  on  the  criteria  established  in  Internal 
Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  and  our 
report dated December 8, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE, LLP  
Indianapolis, Indiana 
December 8, 2012 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

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

We  have audited  the internal  control over  financial reporting of Biglari  Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of 
September  26,  2012,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  —  Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of 
Sponsoring Organizations of  the  Treadway  Commission. The Company's  management is responsible for  maintaining  effective 
internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, 
included  in  the  accompanying  Management’s  Report  on  Internal  Control  Over  Financial  Reporting.  Our  responsibility  is  to 
express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 

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

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

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

In  our  opinion,  the  Company  maintained,  in  all  material  respects,  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of 
September 26, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 
consolidated  financial  statements  and  financial  statement  schedule  as  of  and  for  the  year  ended  September  26,  2012  of  the 
Company and our report dated December  8, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial 
statement schedule. 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE, LLP 
Indianapolis, Indiana 
December 8, 2012 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

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

• 

• 

• 

• 

Pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that  in  detail  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and 
dispositions of assets of the company; 
Provide  assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  the  financial 
statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and 
that  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  company  are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of 
management and directors of the company; 
Provide assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of 
the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements; and 
Ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  company,  including  its  consolidated  subsidiaries,  is  made 
known  to  management  by  others  within  those  entities,  particularly  during  the  period  which  this  report  is 
being prepared. 

Because of inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting  may not prevent or detect  misstatements. 
Projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  controls  may  become  inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

Management has evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of September  26, 2012 based on 
the  criteria  set  forth  in  a  report  entitled  Internal  Control — Integrated  Framework,  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).  Based  on  this  evaluation,  we  have  concluded  that,  as  of  September  26, 
2012, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria. 

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

/s/ Sardar Biglari 
Sardar Biglari 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

/s/ Bruce Lewis 
Bruce Lewis 
Controller  

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Net revenues 
Restaurant Operations  

2012  
(52 Weeks) 

2011 
(52 Weeks) 

2010 
(52 Weeks) 

Net sales ..........................................................................................................................................................   $   721,754    $  694,378      $  663,524   
5,909   
Franchise royalties and fees .............................................................................................................................  
2,213  
Other revenue ..................................................................................................................................................  
 671,646   
Total  ....................................................................................................................................................................  
Investment Management Operations  

9,631   
2,520   
    733,905   

8,600        
2,425  
705,403      

Management fee income ..................................................................................................................................  

—   

224  

233  

Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships  

Investment gains/losses ....................................................................................................................................  
Other income ...................................................................................................................................................  
Total  ....................................................................................................................................................................  
Total net revenues  ..............................................................................................................................................  

5,942   
360   
6,302   
    740,207   

3,135  
438  
3,797  
709,200  

1,837  
65  
2,135  
673,781  

Costs and expenses 

Cost of sales  ....................................................................................................................................................  
Restaurant operating costs  ..............................................................................................................................  
General and administrative ..............................................................................................................................  
Depreciation and amortization .........................................................................................................................  
Marketing ........................................................................................................................................................  
Rent .................................................................................................................................................................  
Pre-opening costs .............................................................................................................................................  
Asset impairments and provision for restaurant closings .................................................................................  
Loss on disposal of assets ................................................................................................................................  
Other operating (income) expense ...................................................................................................................  
Total costs and expenses, net  .............................................................................................................................  

    207,234   
    337,905   
64,286   
26,424   
42,531   
17,638   
430   
901   
611   
(934)  
    697,026   

192,645        
331,262        
48,404        
28,361        
38,476        
16,891        
89        
1,032        
702        

(1,157 )   
 656,705      

179,633   
321,937   
41,553   
29,258   
34,835   
16,627   
—   
353   
126   
(558 ) 
 623,764  

Other income (expenses) 

Interest, dividend and other investment income ...............................................................................................  
Interest on obligations under leases .................................................................................................................  
Interest expense ...............................................................................................................................................  
Loss on debt extinguishment............................................................................................................................  
Realized investment gains/losses .....................................................................................................................  
Derivative and short sale gains/losses ..............................................................................................................  
Total other income (expenses) ............................................................................................................................  

4,000   
(10,073)  
(8,155)  
(1,955)  
4,200   
—   
(11,983)  

742  
(10,565 )    
(2,811 )    
—  
7,360  
610  
(4,664 )   

383  
(11,125 ) 
(1,859 ) 
—  
3,802  
222  
(8,577 ) 

Earnings before income taxes  ...........................................................................................................................  

31,198   

47,831  

41,440  

Income taxes .........................................................................................................................................................  

Consolidated net earnings  .................................................................................................................................  
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest ....................................................................................................  
Earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest: 

Income allocation  ............................................................................................................................................  
Incentive fee  ...................................................................................................................................................  
Total earnings/loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests  ..........................................................  
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.  ..........................................................................................   $  

6,453   

24,745   
—   

(3,188)  
36   
(3,152)  
21,593   

13,867  

33,964  
—  

12,019   

29,421  
(10 ) 

(1,909 )    
2,510  
601  

(1,317 ) 
—  
(1,317 ) 
$      34,565     $      28,094  

Earnings per share attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. 

Basic earnings per common share .........................................................................................................................   $  

16.19 

Diluted earnings per common share ......................................................................................................................   $  

16.15 

$ 

$ 

25.99 

25.86 

$ 

$ 

20.11 

19.99 

Weighted average shares and equivalents 
Basic .....................................................................................................................................................................  
Diluted ..................................................................................................................................................................  

1,334,007  
1,337,268  

   1,329,745         1,396,892   
   1,336,693         1,405,375   

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

26 

 
 
 
 
  
 
    
 
 
 
      
   
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
 
  
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
          
     
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
 
  
   
 
   
 
   
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
  
 
   
 
 
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
 
  
 
   
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
          
     
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

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

   September 26, 

2012 

  September 28, 
2011 

Assets 
Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents .......................................................................................................................      $  
Investments .............................................................................................................................................         
Receivables, net of allowance of $744 and $559, respectively ...............................................................         
Inventories ..............................................................................................................................................         
Deferred income taxes ............................................................................................................................         
Assets held for sale .................................................................................................................................         
Other current assets .................................................................................................................................         
Total current assets ......................................................................................................................................         
Property and equipment, net ........................................................................................................................         
Goodwill ......................................................................................................................................................         
Other intangible assets, net ..........................................................................................................................         
Other assets ..................................................................................................................................................         
Investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships .............................................................................        
Total assets .................................................................................................................................................      $  
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity 
Liabilities 
Current liabilities: 

Accounts payable ....................................................................................................................................      $  
Due to broker ..........................................................................................................................................        
Accrued expenses ...................................................................................................................................         
Revolving credit ......................................................................................................................................         
Deferred income taxes ............................................................................................................................        
Current portion of obligations under leases ............................................................................................         
Current portion of long-term debt ...........................................................................................................         
Total current liabilities .................................................................................................................................         
Deferred income taxes .................................................................................................................................         
Obligations under leases ..............................................................................................................................         
Long-term debt ............................................................................................................................................         
Other long-term liabilities ............................................................................................................................         
Total liabilities ............................................................................................................................................         
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 14 and 18) 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliated partnerships ..............................................        
Shareholders’ equity 
Common stock – $0.50 stated value, 2,500,000 shares authorized – 1,511,174 shares issued at September 
26, 2012 and September 28, 2011, 1,227,928 and 1,227,276 shares outstanding (net of treasury stock), 
respectively .............................................................................................................................................  
Additional paid-in capital ............................................................................................................................         
Retained earnings.........................................................................................................................................         
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) .......................................................................................         
Treasury stock – at cost: 283,246 and 283,898 shares (includes 205,743 shares held by consolidated 

60,359 
269,858 
7,001 
6,624 
— 
2,357 
2,798 
348,997 
356,638 
27,529 
6,248 
9,109 
25,266 
773,787 

  $ 

98,987   
115,321   
4,133   
5,886   
6,150   
6,870   
3,237   
 240,584   
371,736   
27,529   
6,950   
7,278   
18,783  
 $          672,860   

  $ 

33,210 
— 
53,866 
— 
19,367 
5,713 
12,138 
124,294 
8,675 
110,353 
120,250 
9,002 
372,574 

52,088 

756 
143,035 
251,983 
43,897 

29,236   
7,272  
46,948   
15,000   
—  
5,272   
 11,141   
 114,869   
 6,664   
116,066   
101,417   
 8,914   
 347,930   

45,252  

756   
144,569   
230,390   
(5,468 ) 

affiliated partnerships) at September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011, respectively ............................  
Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity ..............................................................................................         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity .................................................................................................     $  

(90,546) 
349,125 
773,787 

 (90,569 ) 
279,678   
  $          672,860  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

27 

 
 
 
  
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
 
  
     
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
    
 
   
    
 
  
     
    
 
  
     
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
    
 
   
 
 
    
 
  
     
  
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s) 

2012 

2011 
   (52 Weeks)    (52 Weeks)      (52 Weeks)   

2010 

Operating activities 
Net earnings  ............................................................................................................................................................      $   24,745    $ 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows (excluding investment  
operations of consolidated affiliated partnerships):..................................................................................................  

33,964      $ 

29,421    

Depreciation and amortization ............................................................................................................................          26,424   
(2,727)  
Provision for deferred income taxes ....................................................................................................................         
901   
Asset impairments and provision for restaurant closings .....................................................................................         
888   
Stock-based compensation and other non-cash expenses ....................................................................................         
611   
Loss on disposal of assets ....................................................................................................................................         
Gain on sale of subsidiary  ..................................................................................................................................  
—   
1,955   
Loss on debt extinguishment  ..............................................................................................................................  
Realized investment gains/losses  ........................................................................................................................  
(4,200)  
—   
Derivative and short sale gains/losses .................................................................................................................  
(3,659)  
Changes in receivables and inventories ...............................................................................................................         
Changes in other assets .......................................................................................................................................         
1,019   
Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses ............................................................................................          10,491   

Investment operations of consolidated affiliated partnerships: 

Purchases of investments.....................................................................................................................................  
Sales of investments ............................................................................................................................................  
Realized investment gains, net ............................................................................................................................  
Unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities held by consolidated affiliated partnerships ...........................  
Changes in cash and cash equivalents held by consolidated affiliated partnerships .............................................  
Changes in due to/from broker  ...........................................................................................................................  

      (14,477)  
      26,052   
(2,895)  
(3,047)  
      (12,115) 
— 
Net cash provided by operating activities ............................................................................................................          49,966 
Investing activities 

Additions of property and equipment ..................................................................................................................         
(8,675)  
Proceeds from property and equipment disposals ................................................................................................         
2,379   
Proceeds from sale of joint venture .....................................................................................................................  
—   
—   
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of cash on hand ........................................................................................  
Purchases of investments.....................................................................................................................................        (108,825)  
Sales of investments ............................................................................................................................................          38,108   
(7,272)  
Changes in due to/from broker ............................................................................................................................  
Changes in restricted cash ...................................................................................................................................  
(3,600)  
Cash from merger activities ................................................................................................................................  

—  
Net cash used in investing activities ......................................................................................................................          (87,885) 
Financing activities 

—   
Proceeds from revolving credit facility ...............................................................................................................         
(15,000)  
Payments on revolving credit facility ..................................................................................................................  
    130,000   
Borrowings on long-term debt  ............................................................................................................................  
Principal payments on long-term debt .................................................................................................................        (110,170)  
(1,961)  
Deferred financing charges .................................................................................................................................  
(5,272)  
Principal payments on direct financing lease obligations ....................................................................................       
29   
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employees stock purchase plan .....................................................         
382   
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards ......................................................................................................         
—   
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares ...................................................................................................................  
(8)  
Repurchase of employee shares for tax withholding ...........................................................................................         
—   
Distributions to noncontrolling interest ...............................................................................................................  

Financing activities of consolidated affiliated partnerships: 

28,361        
(2,186 )      
1,032        
950        
702        
(1,559 )    
—  
(7,360 )    
(610 )    
2,066        
2,972       
12,918        

(53,727 )    
52,271  
(3,365 )    
230  
7,870  
222  
 74,751      

(13,018 )      
2,007        
—  
196  
(171,893 )      
90,058        
3,147  
—  
—  

 (89,503 )    

194,045        
(197,045 )    
111,959  
(17,333 )      
(3,174 )    
(7,469 )     
29  
3  
—  
(541 )     
—  

29,258   
207   
353   
1,735   
126   
—  
—  
(3,802 ) 
(222 ) 
3,951    
(123 ) 
8,834  

(24,771 ) 
25,117  
(831 ) 
(1,006 ) 
371  
—  
 68,618   

(8,650 ) 
1,885   
457  
—  
(73,228 ) 
47,112   
3,903  
—  
(2,903 ) 
 (31,424 ) 

500    
(1,000 ) 
—  
(80 ) 
—  
(4,570 ) 
345   
—   
(711 ) 
(257 ) 
(221 ) 

—   
Purchase of shares of Company stock by consolidated affiliated partnerships ....................................................  
—   
Proceeds from sale of shares of Company stock by consolidated affiliated partnerships.....................................  
1,545   
Contributions from noncontrolling interests ........................................................................................................         
Distributions to noncontrolling interests ..............................................................................................................         
(254) 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities .............................................................................................         
(709) 
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents ....................................................................................................          (38,628) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year .......................................................................................................          98,987 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ............................................................................................................      $   60,359 

—  
—  
1,780        
 (16,078 )    
 66,176     
51,424     
 47,563      

(38,411 ) 
2,651  
1,878   
 (1,150 ) 
 (41,026 ) 
 (3,832 ) 
 51,395   
  $     98,987       $      47,563   

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

28 

 
 
 
  
 
  
 
    
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
    
 
  
     
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
     
 
     
 
  
     
 
     
 
  
  
  
   
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
     
 
     
 
  
 
 
     
 
 
 
  
 
 
      
   
  
  
     
 
  
     
 
  
  
  
     
 
  
     
 
  
     
 
 
 
    
 
      
   
  
   
 
 
  
  
   
 
  
  
   
  
   
     
 
  
  
     
 
  
   
 
 
  
  
  
     
 
  
     
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010)  
(amounts in $000s except share data) 

Balance at September 30, 2009 ........................................................................
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. ............................................
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, net of $58 tax ......
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of $750 tax ......
Total comprehensive income..........................................................................
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions ..............
Retirement of shares held by subsidiary ...........................................................
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares ................................................................
Reacquired shares from acquisitions ................................................................
Purchase of Company stock by consolidated affiliated partnerships ................
Sale of Company stock by consolidated affiliated partnerships ........................
Balance at September 29, 2010 ........................................................................
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. ............................................
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, net of $861 tax ....
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of $3,476 tax ...
Total comprehensive income..........................................................................
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions ..............
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum 

redemption value ............................................................................................
Balance at September 28, 2011 ........................................................................
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. .......................................
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, net of  
  $(553) tax ....................................................................................................
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of  
  $30,808 tax ..................................................................................................
Total comprehensive income .......................................................................
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions ........
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum 

redemption value........................................................................................
Balance at September 26, 2012 ......................................................................

Additional 
Paid-In 
Capital 

Retained 
Earnings 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss) 

Treasury 
Stock    

Total 

Common 
Stock 

  $  757   $  

143,691   $    167,731  $   
28,094     

(1)      

1,225    
1    
(711)   

(685)   

  $  

756   $  

143,521    $   195,825   $  

34,565  

(304)      

(92)     
(1,172)     

112    $   (20,430)   $   291,861 
28,094 
(92) 
(1,172) 
26,830 
921 
— 
(711) 
(34,146) 
(38,411) 
2,651 
(1,152)    $   (89,955)   $   248,995 
34,565 
1,352 
(5,668) 
30,249 
(239) 

      (34,146)      
      (38,411)      
3,336       

1,352     
(5,668)     

(614)      

375    

673 
144,569   $  

 $  

756   $  

230,390   $  
21,593  

673 
(5,468)    $   (90,569)   $   279,678 
21,593 

(902) 

50,267 

859    

23       

(902) 

50,267 
70,958 
882 

 $  

756   $  

(2,393) 
143,035   $  

251,983   $  

(2,393) 
43,897    $   (90,546)   $   349,125 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

29 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
    
   
        
     
     
      
  
  
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
     
  
    
   
      
  
 
 
 
     
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
   
     
  
    
   
     
 
 
     
  
      
 
 
   
     
  
    
   
     
 
 
   
     
  
    
   
      
  
 
 
  
    
   
      
  
 
 
  
   
     
 
 
     
  
  
 
  
   
    
 
   
     
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
     
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
     
  
  
   
  
 
 
   
     
  
  
     
 
 
     
  
 
 
     
  
 
 
 
 
     
  
  
 
  
   
    
 
   
     
  
 
 
   
  
   
 
 
 
     
  
 
 
   
  
   
 
 
 
     
  
  
   
  
   
 
     
     
  
  
     
   
     
  
 
 
     
  
   
 
 
     
  
   
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Description of Business 
Biglari Holdings Inc. (“Biglari Holdings” or the “Company”) is a diversified holding company engaged in a number of diverse 
business activities.  The Company is led by Sardar Biglari,  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Biglari Holdings and its 
major operating subsidiaries. The Company’s long-term objective is to maximize per-share intrinsic value of the Company. Our 
strategy is to reinvest cash generated from our operating subsidiaries into any investments with the objective of achieving high 
risk-adjusted  returns.  All  major  operating,  investment,  and  capital  allocation  decisions  are  made  for  the  Company  and  its 
subsidiaries by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.   

Fiscal Year 
Our fiscal year ends on the last Wednesday in September. Fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010 each contain 52 weeks. 

Principles of Consolidation 
As of September 26, 2012, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of (i) the Company, (ii) its wholly-owned 
subsidiaries  Biglari  Capital  Corp.  (“Biglari  Capital”),  Steak  n  Shake  Operations,  Inc.  (“Steak  n  Shake”),  and  Western  Sizzlin 
Corporation  (“Western”),  and  (iii)  investment  related  subsidiaries  and  limited  partnerships  (the  “consolidated  affiliated 
partnerships”).  As  a  result  of  the  Company’s  acquisitions  of  Western  and  Biglari  Capital  in  2010,  the  Company  acquired 
financial interests in The Lion Fund, L.P. (the “Lion Fund”), Western Acquisitions, L.P., Mustang Capital Partners I, L.P. and 
Mustang  Capital  Partners  II,  L.P.,  investment  limited  partnerships  (collectively  referred  to  as  consolidated  affiliated 
partnerships), in which the Company has a substantive controlling interest. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, Mustang 
Capital Partners I, L.P. and Mustang Capital Partners II, L.P. were liquidated and the funds distributed to the partners. During the 
third quarter of fiscal year 2011, Western Mustang Holdings, L.L.C. sold its interests in Mustang Capital Management, L.L.C. 
and Mustang Capital Advisors, L.P. Refer to Note 5 for further information regarding the sale.  

We  consolidate  entities  in  which  we  have  a  wholly-owned  or  controlling  interest  in  the  general  partner.  The  consolidated 
affiliated  partnerships’  assets  and  liabilities  are  consolidated  on  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  even  though  outside  limited 
partners have majority ownership in all of the investment partnerships. The Company does not guarantee any of the liabilities of 
its subsidiaries that are serving as general partners to these  consolidated affiliated partnerships. All intercompany accounts and 
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  

The  financial  information  of  Western  and  Biglari  Capital  has  been  reflected  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the 
Company as of March 30, 2010 and April 30, 2010, their respective acquisition dates. Western’s and Biglari Capital’s September 
30 year end for financial reporting purposes differs from the end of the Company’s fiscal year, the last Wednesday in September. 
There were no significant transactions in the intervening period. 

Reclassification 
Debt issuance costs recorded in 2011 have been reclassified and are now presented in cash flows from financing activities in the 
Statement of Cash Flows to conform to the current year presentation. 

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

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

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

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

Investments Held by Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships 
The  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships  are,  for  purposes  of  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States 
(“GAAP”),  investment  companies  under  the  AICPA  Audit  and  Accounting  Guide  Investment  Companies.  The  Company  has 
retained the specialized accounting for these entities, pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting 
Standards  Codification  (“ASC”)  Topic  946-810-45  (formerly  EITF  Issue  No.  85-12,  Retention  of  Specialized  Accounting  for 
Investments in Consolidation). As such marketable equity securities held by the consolidated affiliated partnerships are recorded 
at  fair  value  with  net  unrealized  and  realized  investment  gains/losses  included  in  Investment  gains/losses  of  consolidated 
affiliated partnerships, a component of Net revenues on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.  

Concentration of Equity Price Risk 
Our investments are generally concentrated in common stocks. A significant decline in the general stock market or in the price of 
major investments may produce a large decrease in our Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity and under certain circumstances may 
require the recognition of losses in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Decreases in values of equity investments can have a 
material adverse effect on our Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity.  

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

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

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

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

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

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

Goodwill and Intangible Assets 
Goodwill and indefinite life intangibles are  not amortized, but are tested for potential impairment on an annual basis, or more 
often  if  events  or  circumstances  change  that  could  cause  goodwill  or  indefinite  life  intangibles  to  become  impaired.  Other 
purchased  intangible  assets  are  amortized  over  their  estimated  useful  lives,  generally  on  a  straight-line  basis.  We  perform 
reviews for impairment of intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an 
asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use  
of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying value. When an impairment is identified, we reduce the carrying  
value of the asset to its estimated fair value. No impairments were recorded on goodwill or intangible assets during fiscal years 
2012, 2011 or 2010. Refer to Note 9 for information regarding our goodwill and other intangible assets. 

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

Due to Broker 
Due to broker represents margin debit balances collateralized by certain of the Company’s investments in securities.  

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

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

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

Other Revenue 
Other revenue relates primarily to rental income. 

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

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

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

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

Earnings Per Share 
Earnings  per  share  of  common  stock  is  based  on  the  weighted  average  number  of  shares  outstanding  during  the  year.  For 
financial reporting purposes all common shares of the Company held by the consolidated affiliated partnerships are recorded in 
Treasury stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For purposes of computing the weighted average common shares outstanding, 
the shares of treasury stock attributable to the unrelated limited partners of the consolidated affiliated partnerships — based on 
their proportional ownership during the period — are considered outstanding shares. 

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

Basic earnings per share: 
Weighted average common shares  .....................................................................................
Diluted earnings per share: 
Weighted average common shares  .....................................................................................
Dilutive effect of stock awards  ...........................................................................................
Weighted average common and incremental shares ...........................................................
Number of share-based awards excluded from the 
calculation of earnings per share as the awards’ 
exercise prices were greater than the average 
market price of the Company’s common stock. ............................................................

2012 

2011 

    2010 

        1,334,007 

  1,329,745     1,396,892 

        1,334,007 
3,261 
        1,337,268 

 1,329,745     1,396,892 
8,483 
 1,336,693     1,405,375 

6,948     

705 

705 

12,962 

Stock-Based Compensation 
We  account  for  all  stock-based  compensation,  including  grants  of  employee  stock  options,  nonvested  stock  and  shares  issued 
under  our  employee  stock  purchase  plan,  using  the  fair  value  based  method.  Refer  to  Note  17  for  additional  information 
regarding our stock-based compensation. 

The Steak n Shake 401(k) Savings Plan 
The Steak n Shake 401(k) Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) is a defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees 
after they have attained age 21 and completed six months of service and allows employees to defer up to 20% of their salaries 
and allows for discretionary matching contributions. Discretionary matching contributions of $213, $271 and $253 were made in 
fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Discretionary contributions starting in 2010 were based on the profitability of the 
Company and are subject to quarterly revision. 

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. 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
 
    
    
   
    
 
       
   
        
 
  
  
   
 
  
    
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

In  May  2011,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2011−04,  Amendments  to  Achieve  Common  Fair  Value  Measurement  and  Disclosure 
Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs  (“ASU 2011−04”). ASU 2011−04 attempts to improve the comparability of fair value 
measurements disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Amendments in ASU 2011− 
04 clarify the intent of the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, as well as change certain 
measurement requirements and disclosures. ASU 2011−04 was effective for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year 2012 and 
was applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements. 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

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

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010−06,  Improving Disclosures about Fair Value  Measurements (“ASU 2010−06”). 
ASU 2010−06 amends ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”), and requires additional 
disclosure about significant transfers between levels 1, 2, and 3 of the fair value hierarchy as  well as disclosure of changes in 
level  3  activity  on  a  gross  basis.  In  addition,  the  guidance  clarifies  existing  requirements  regarding  the  required  level  of 
disaggregation by class of assets and liabilities and also clarifies disclosures of inputs and valuation techniques. The  guidance 
became effective beginning in the Company's second quarter of fiscal year 2010, except for the requirement to disclose level 3 
activity on a gross basis, which became effective as of the beginning of the Company's fiscal year 2012. The adoption did not 
have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 

Note 2. Acquisitions 

Biglari Capital Corp.  
On  April  30,  2010,  the  Company  acquired  Biglari  Capital  for  $4,107  pursuant  to  a  Stock  Purchase  Agreement  (the  “Stock 
Purchase  Agreement”)  between  the  Company  and  Sardar  Biglari,  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer,  who  was  the  sole 
shareholder of Biglari Capital. Biglari Capital is the general partner of the Lion Fund, a Delaware limited partnership operating 
as a private investment fund.  

The Lion Fund is a private partnership that accounts for its investments at fair value. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest 
approximated the net asset value of the Lion Fund attributable to investors other than the Company, less the accrued incentive 
fee at the time of the acquisition. The Lion Fund investors may redeem their interests in the Lion Fund upon certain occurrences. 

At  the  acquisition  date,  the  Lion  Fund  owned  76,421  shares  of  common  stock  of  the  Company  as  well  as  $7,540  of  the 
Company’s  debentures.  The  fair  value  of  the  Company  stock  owned  by  the  Lion  Fund  was  $29,900,  which  was  recorded  as 
Treasury  stock  yet  the  shares  remain  outstanding.  The  debentures  owned  by  the  Lion  Fund  were  recorded  as  a  debt 
extinguishment.  As  the  debentures  had  just  been  issued  by  the  Company  30  days  before  the  acquisition,  the  fair  value  of  the 
debentures  approximated  their  cost,  and  no  gain  or  loss  was  recorded  on  the  debt  extinguishment  (the  debentures  remained 
outstanding until their redemption on March 30, 2011).  The noncontrolling interest in the Lion Fund had a fair value of $44,193 
as of April 30, 2010. 

The Company accounted for the acquisition in accordance with ASC Topic 805, whereby the purchase price paid is allocated to 
the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Biglari Capital based on their estimated fair values as of the closing date.  

Acquisition related costs were not material and have been recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated 
Statement of Earnings. 

The  following  table  represents  the  Company’s  assessment  of  the  total  purchase  consideration  allocated  to  the  estimated  fair 
values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Biglari Capital as of April 30, 2010: 

Investments  .................................................................................................................................................................   $    10,926   
7,540   
Company debentures  ...................................................................................................................................................  
18,466   
   Total assets acquired  ................................................................................................................................................  

66   
Current liabilities  .........................................................................................................................................................  
  44,193   
Redeemable noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliated partnerships  .............................................................  
(29,900 ) 
Treasury stock  .............................................................................................................................................................  
   Total liabilities assumed and treasury stock acquired  ..............................................................................................  
14,359   
Net assets acquired  ......................................................................................................................................................   $      4,107   

Purchase 
Allocation 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 2. Acquisitions – (continued) 

Western Sizzlin Corporation 
On March 30, 2010, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Grill Acquisition Corporation (“Merger Sub”), acquired 
100% of the outstanding equity interests of Western, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger among the Company, Merger 
Sub  and  Western,  dated  as  of  October  22,  2009  (the  “Merger  Agreement”).    Sardar  Biglari,  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive 
Officer,  was  also  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Western  at  the  time  of  the  acquisition.  Pursuant  to  the  Merger 
Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into Western, with Western continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Company. Western is primarily engaged in the franchising of restaurants.   

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement,  each  share of  Western’s common stock  was cancelled  upon the completion of the 
merger and converted into the right to receive a pro rata portion of a new issue of 14% redeemable subordinated debentures due 
2015 issued by the  Company  (the “Debentures”) in the aggregate principal amount of $22,959 (approximately $8.07 principal 
amount  of  Debentures  per  Western  share),  with  cash  of  $194  paid  in  lieu  of  fractional  Debenture  interests.  See  Note  15  for 
further information on the Debentures. 

The Company accounted for the acquisition in accordance with ASC Topic 805, whereby the purchase price paid  is allocated to 
the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Western based on their estimated fair values 
as of the closing date.   

During fiscal year 2010, we incurred $701 of transaction related costs which have been recorded in General and administrative 
expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. 

The table shown below reflects the final purchase price allocation.  

Current assets  ...............................................................................................................................................................................  
Property and equipment, net  .........................................................................................................................................................  
Investments, including marketable securities held by consolidated affiliated partnerships  ..........................................................  
Goodwill .......................................................................................................................................................................................  
Intangible assets  ...........................................................................................................................................................................  
Other assets  ..................................................................................................................................................................................  
    Total assets acquired  ................................................................................................................................................................  

  Amounts at 
 September 28,   
2011 
 $           3,310   
4,874   
13,037   
13,026   
6,880   
663   
41,790   

Current liabilities  ..........................................................................................................................................................................  
Debt  ..............................................................................................................................................................................................  
Other long-term liabilities  ............................................................................................................................................................  
Redeemable noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliated partnerships  ...............................................................................  
Treasury stock  ..............................................................................................................................................................................    
    Total liabilities assumed and treasury stock acquired  ...............................................................................................................  
Net assets acquired  .......................................................................................................................................................................  

1,966   
2,595   
2,634   
15,882   
(4,246 ) 
18,831   
  $         22,959   

The goodwill and intangible assets generated from the merger is a result of the excess purchase price over the net fair value of 
the assets and liabilities acquired.  We expect goodwill of approximately $942 to be deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill in the 
amount of $13,026 has been recorded in the Restaurant Operations segment. 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 2. Acquisitions – (continued) 

Pro Forma Information 
The following unaudited pro forma combined results of operations give effect to the acquisitions of Western and Biglari Capital 
as if they had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma combined results of operations do not 
purport  to  represent  our  consolidated  earnings  had  the  acquisitions  occurred  on  the  dates  assumed,  nor  are  these  results 
necessarily indicative of the Company’s future consolidated results of operations.  

Net revenues  ...........................................................................................................................................................
Net earnings  ...........................................................................................................................................................
Basic earnings per share  .........................................................................................................................................
Diluted earnings per share  ......................................................................................................................................

$683,518  
$28,198  
$20.25  
$20.13  

Note 3. Impairment and Restaurant Closings 

Steak  n  Shake  recorded  pre-tax  asset  impairment  during  fiscal  years  2012,  2011  and  2010  of  $901,  $1,032  and  $353, 
respectively.  No company-operated restaurants were closed in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010.  

  September 29, 

2010  
(52 weeks) 

Note 4. Investments 

Investments consisted of the following: 

Cost  ............................................................................................................................................
Gross unrealized gains  ................................................................................................................
Gross unrealized losses  ..............................................................................................................
Fair value  ....................................................................................................................................

  $   199,057 
71,416 
(615) 
  $   269,858 

2012 

2011 
  $       124,140  
         1,956   
 (10,775 ) 
  $       115,321   

On September 26, 2012, most of the total fair value of our investments was concentrated in the common stock of one investee, 
Cracker  Barrel  Old  Country  Store,  Inc.    On  September  26,  2012  we  held  4,091,037  shares  (140,100  shares  through  the  Lion 
Fund) of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.   

As of September 26, 2012, unrealized losses on available for sale equity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for 
more  than  twelve  consecutive  months  were  $461.  We  considered  several  factors  in  determining  other-than-temporary 
impairment losses including the current and long-term business prospects of the issuer, the length of time and relative magnitude 
of  the  price  decline  and  our  ability  and  intent  to  hold  the  investment  until  the  price  recovers.   As  of  September  26,  2012,  we 
concluded that the unrealized losses were temporary.  

Investment  gains/losses  are  recognized  when  investments  are  sold  (as  determined  on  a  specific  identification  basis)  or  as 
otherwise required by GAAP. The timing of realized gains and losses from sales can have a material effect on periodic earnings. 
However, such realized gains or losses usually have little, if any, impact on total Shareholders’ equity because the investments 
are carried at fair value with any unrealized gains/losses included as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income 
in Shareholders’ equity. 

Realized investment gains/losses  for the  fiscal  years ended  September 26, 2012,  September 28, 2011 and September 29, 2010 
were as follows: 

Gross realized gains on sales  .......................................................................................................   $ 
Gross realized losses on sales  ......................................................................................................   $ 

4,584 
(384) 

 $   7,775      $  3,810   
 $     (415 )   $        (8 ) 

2012 

2011 

    2010 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
     
   
  
     
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 4. Investments – (continued) 

From time to time, the Company enters into certain derivative transactions as part of its investment strategy. In accordance with 
ASC  815,  Accounting  for  Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging  Activities,  these  derivatives  are  marked  to  market  for  each 
reporting  period  and  this  fair  value  adjustment  is  recorded  as  a  gain  or  loss  in  the  Consolidated  Statement  of  Earnings.  We 
believe  that  realized  investment  gains/losses  are  often  meaningless  in  terms  of  understanding  reported  results.  Short-term 
investment gains/losses have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility in our results. 

The Company may enter into short sales on certain equity securities, that is, a transaction in which the Company sells securities 
it does  not own. The  Company’s  use of  short sales involves the risk that the price  of  the  security  in the open  market  may be 
higher when it is purchased in order to close out the Company’s short position, resulting in a loss to the Company. Such a loss is 
theoretically limitless because there are no restrictions on the potential increase in the price of a security, or any guarantee as to 
the  price  at  which  the  Company  would  be  able  to  purchase  the  security  in  the  open  market. Securities  sold  in  short  sale 
transactions and the interest and dividends payable on such securities, if any, are reflected as a liability in Accrued expenses in 
the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 we had no outstanding short sales. 

For the year ended September 28, 2011, the Company recorded investment  gains of $610 related to the change in fair value of 
derivatives  and  securities  sold  short.  For  the  year  ended  September  29,  2010,  the  Company  recorded  investment  gains  from 
marking derivatives to market of $222. 

Note 5. Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships 

Collectively, The Lion Fund L.P., Western Acquisitions, L.P., Mustang Capital Partners I, L.P. and Mustang Capital Partners II, 
L.P.  are  referred  to  as  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships  of  the  Company.  Investments  held  directly  by  the  consolidated 
affiliated partnerships usually consist of domestic equity  securities. Certain of the consolidated affiliated partnerships  hold the 
Company’s common stock as investments.   Within our consolidated financial statements, the Company classifies this common 
stock as Treasury stock despite the shares being legally outstanding.  Certain of the consolidated affiliated partnerships held the 
Company’s Debentures as investments. These Debentures were redeemed by the Company on March 30, 2011.  Refer to Note 15 
for further information. As of September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011, the consolidated affiliated partnerships held 205,743 
shares of the Company’s common stock ($69,221 at cost).    

Consolidated net earnings of the Company include the realized and unrealized appreciation and depreciation of the investments 
held by consolidated affiliated partnerships, other than realized and unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments the 
consolidated affiliated partnerships hold in the Company’s equity securities which has been eliminated in consolidation.  

Throughout fiscal year 2010, Biglari Holdings invested a total of $35,697 in the Lion Fund, both in the form of the acquisition of 
the  general  partner  and  as  a  direct  limited  partner  investment. The  fair  value  of  these  investments  in  the  Lion  Fund  totaled 
$48,306  at  September  26,  2012  and  $38,455  at  September  28,  2011.  No  amounts  were  invested  in  2012  or  2011.  These 
investments in the Lion Fund do not appear explicitly in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet because of the requirement 
to consolidate  fully the  Lion  Fund (inclusive of third party interests) in the  Company’s  financial statements. Further, the  Lion 
Fund’s  portfolio  holds  significant  interests  in  Biglari  Holdings’  common  stock,  which  as  described  above  is  classified  on  the 
Company’s  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  as  a  reduction  to  Shareholders’  equity.  Biglari  Holdings’  pro-rata  ownership  of  its 
common stock through the Lion Fund was 98,430 and 99,792 shares of stock (with a fair value of $35,933 and $29,577) based on 
Biglari Holdings’ ownership interest in the Lion Fund on September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011, respectively. 

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

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 5. Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships – (continued) 

As a result of the sale, the Company will not have involvement in the operations of Mustang Capital Management, L.L.C. and 
Mustang  Capital  Advisors,  L.P.  Although  these  entities  meet  the  definition  of  “discontinued  operations,”  as  defined  in  FASB 
ASC  paragraph  205-20-45-1,  Reporting  Discontinued  Operations  (“ASC  paragraph  205-20-45-1”),  we  have  not  separated  the 
results of operations because the amounts are immaterial to our consolidated financial results. Net earnings after tax related to the 
entities  was  approximately  $2,606  and  $621  for  the  years  ended  September  28,  2011  and  September  29,  2010,  respectively, 
including $1,246 and $192, respectively that is attributable to noncontrolling interests. The after-tax income for the  year ended 
September 28, 2011 includes the aforementioned gain on sale of $1,559. 

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

Equity securities:  

Cost  ....................................................................................................................................   $  
Fair value  ...........................................................................................................................   $  

10,288 
13,151 

  $ 
  $ 

19,122 
18,783 

2012 

2011 

Investments held by consolidated affiliated partnerships on the Consolidated Balance Sheet include $12,115 and $0 of cash that 
is only available for use by the consolidated affiliated partnerships at September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011, respectively. 

Realized investment  gains/losses arise  when investments are  sold (as determined on a  specific identification basis). The  gross 
unrealized  gains/losses  and  net  realized  gains/losses  from  investments  held  by  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships,  other  than 
holdings of the Company’s debt and equity securities, for the fiscal years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011 and 
September 29, 2010 were as follows: 

Gross unrealized gains  ........................................................................................   $  
Gross unrealized losses  .......................................................................................   $  
Net realized gains/losses from sale  .....................................................................   $  

3,047 
— 
2,895 

 $  
 $  
 $  

  $  
1,317 
(1,547)    $  
  $  
3,365 

2012 

2011 

2010 

1,499 
(493) 
831 

The limited partners of each of the investment funds have the ability to redeem their capital upon certain occurrences; therefore, 
the  ownership  of  the  investment  funds  held  by  the  limited  partners  is  presented  as  Redeemable  noncontrolling  interests  of 
consolidated  affiliated  partnerships  and  measured  at  the  greater  of  carrying  value  or  fair  value  on  the  accompanying 
Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The maximum redemption amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interests as of September 26, 
2012 and September 28, 2011 was $52,088 and $45,252, respectively. 

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

Carrying value at beginning of year  ..............................................................................
Contributions from noncontrolling interests  .................................................................
Distributions to noncontrolling interests  .......................................................................
Incentive fee ...................................................................................................................
Income allocation  ..........................................................................................................
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum  

  $  

2012 

2011 

2010 

45,252 
1,545 
(254) 
(36) 
3,188 

 $    62,245   $      60,075 
1,878 
(1,025) 
— 
1,317 

  1,780  
(17,499 )     
(2,510 )     
1,909   

redemption value  .....................................................................................................
Carrying value at end of year  ........................................................................................

  $  

2,393   
52,088 

39 

(673 )     

— 
 $  62,245 

 $    45,252  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 5. Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships – (continued) 

The Company, through its ownership of Biglari Capital and Western Investments Inc., is entitled to an incentive fee to the extent 
investment performance of the consolidated affiliated partnerships exceeds specified hurdle rates. Any such fee is included in net 
earnings attributable to the Company in the period the fee is earned. 

Biglari  Capital,  the  general  partner  of  the  Lion  Fund,  earned  a  $36  incentive  reallocation  fee  at  December  31,  2011.    At 
December 31, 2010, Biglari Capital earned a  $5,199 incentive reallocation fee; however, $2,689 is eliminated, for that amount 
represents  the  Company’s  fee  as  a  limited  partner,  which  is  uncharged  because  the  Company  owns  the  general  partner.  The 
remaining $2,510 is an incentive fee that is charged and reallocated from outside limited partners of the Lion Fund. The incentive 
fee is assessed only once a year, on December 31, and no predictability of such earnings exists because the Lion Fund’s annual 
performance is unpredictable. 

Net earnings attributable to the Company only includes the Company’s share of earnings and losses related to our investments in 
the consolidated affiliated partnerships; all other earnings or losses from the consolidated affiliated partnerships are allocated to 
the redeemable noncontrolling interests. 

During  the  first  quarter  of  fiscal  year  2011,  Mustang  Capital  Partners  I,  L.P.  and  Mustang  Capital  Partners  II,  L.P.  were 
liquidated,  and  their  funds  were  distributed  to  the  partners.  The  distribution  of  $15,660,  including  $1,421  of  noncash 
distributions, is noted in the Distributions to noncontrolling interests line in the above reconciliation. 

Note 6. Assets Held for Sale 

Assets held for sale are composed of the following: 

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

  2011 
 $   6,262   
 608   
 $  6,870   

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

The balance on September 28, 2011 included the following assets: one office building, four restaurants, and eight parcels of land. 
In fiscal year 2011, one parcel of land was sold and one restaurant was subleased. 

The  Company  expects  to  sell  these  properties  within  one  year  of  their  classification  as  assets  held  for  sale.  For  any  of  these 
properties that are unsold within one year, management reclassifies them as property and equipment.   

Note 7. Other Current Assets 

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

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 8. Property and Equipment 

Property and equipment is composed of the following: 

Land  ....................................................................................................................................................
Buildings  ............................................................................................................................................
Land and leasehold improvements  .....................................................................................................
Equipment  ..........................................................................................................................................
Construction in progress  .....................................................................................................................

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  ...............................................................................
Property and equipment, net  ...............................................................................................................

2012 

  $   162,685 
      150,601   
      155,702   
      204,340   

2,605 
      675,933 
     (319,295) 
  $   356,638 

2011 
 $    161,339   
149,444   
153,731   
202,933   
 1,850   
 669,297   
(297,561 ) 
 $    371,736   

Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $24,290, $25,169, 
and $26,373, respectively. 

Note 9. Goodwill and Other Intangibles 

Goodwill 
Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection  with business 
acquisitions. There was no change to the carrying value of goodwill from September 28, 2011. The carrying value of goodwill 
decreased from September 29, 2010 to September 28, 2011 by $1,230 due to the final purchase price adjustment relating to the 
Western acquisition. Refer to Note 2 for additional discussion of the Western acquisition. 

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

Balance at beginning of year  .............................................................................................................   $   27,529 
Purchase price allocation adjustment .................................................................................................  
— 
Balance at end of year  .......................................................................................................................   $   27,529 

2012 

2011 
$ 28,759   
(1,230 ) 
$ 27,529   

We  are  required  to  assess  goodwill  and  any  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  for  impairment  annually,  or  more  frequently  if 
circumstances  indicate  impairment  may  have  occurred.  The  analysis  of  potential  impairment  of  goodwill  requires  a  two-step 
approach. The first step is the estimation of  fair value  of  each reporting unit. If step one indicates that impairment  potentially 
exists,  the  second  step  is  performed  to  measure  the  amount  of  impairment,  if  any.  Goodwill  impairment  exists  when  the 
estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. 

During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, we perform our annual assessment of the recoverability of our goodwill related to 
four  reporting  units.  During  the  second  quarter  of  the  fiscal  year,  we  perform  our  annual  assessment  of  our  recoverability  of 
goodwill  related  to  two  reporting  units.  The  valuation  methodology  and  underlying  financial  information  included  in  our 
determination  of  fair  value  require  significant  judgments  to  be  made  by  management.  We  use  both  market  and  income 
approaches  to  derive  fair  value.  The  judgments  in  these  two  approaches  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  comparable  market 
multiples,  long-term  projections  of  future  financial  performance,  and  the  selection  of  appropriate  discount  rates  used  to 
determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could 
produce significantly different results. No potential impairment  was identified for our reporting units during fiscal years 2012, 
2011, or 2010.  

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 9. Goodwill and Other Intangibles – (continued) 

Other Intangibles 
Other intangibles are composed of the following: 

  Gross 

2012 

2011 

Right to operate  ...............................................................
Franchise agreement  ........................................................
Other ................................................................................
Total  ................................................................................
Intangible assets with indefinite lives  ..............................
Total intangible assets  .....................................................

carrying 
amount 
  $   1,480   $  
      5,310      
810      
      7,600      
      1,744      
  $   9,344   $  

Accumulated 
amortization 

Total 
(1,235)   $   245 
(1,328)      3,982 
(533)       277 
(3,096)      4,504 
    1,744 
(3,096)   $  6,248 

— 

  Gross 
carrying 
amount 

Accumulated 
amortization      Total 

 $       1,480     $          (1,117 )   $       363 
4,513 
330 
5,206 
1,744 
 $       9,344     $          (2,394 )   $    6,950 

(797 )    
(480 )  
(2,394 )  
—    

5,310  
810  
7,600    
1,744    

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of franchise agreements acquired in connection with the acquisition of Western, 
a  right  to  operate  and  favorable  leases  acquired  in  connection  with  prior  acquisitions  and  are  being  amortized  over  their 
estimated  weighted  average  useful  lives  ranging  from  eight  to  twelve  years.  In  connection  with  the  sale  of  Mustang  Capital 
Management,  L.L.C.  and  Mustang  Capital  Advisors,  L.P.  during  the  third  quarter  of  fiscal  year  2011,  we  disposed  of  an 
intangible asset relating to certain customer relationships with a gross carrying value and net basis at the time of disposal of $326 
and $266, respectively.   

Amortization expense for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $702, $742, and $487, respectively. Total annual amortization 
expense for each of the next five years will approximate $620. 

Intangible  assets  with  indefinite  lives  consist  of  a  trade  name  acquired  in  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  Western  and 
reacquired franchise rights acquired in connection with previous acquisitions. 

Note 10. Other Assets 
Other assets primarily include capitalized software, non-qualified plan investments,  the non-current portion of capitalized loan 
acquisition costs, and restricted cash of $3,600 related to workers’ compensation claims. 

Note 11. Accrued Expenses 
Accrued expenses include the following: 

Salaries, wages, vacation, and severance  ...................................................................................................
Taxes payable  ............................................................................................................................................
Insurance accruals  .....................................................................................................................................
Other  ..........................................................................................................................................................
Total accrued expenses  ..............................................................................................................................

2012 
  $  22,205 
     13,067 
     7,971      
     10,623 
  $  53,866 

2011 
  $ 15,340 
16,656 
7,511 
 7,441 
  $ 46,948 

Note 12. Other Long-term Liabilities 

Other  long-term  liabilities  include  deferred  rent  expense,  non-qualified  plan  obligations,  deferred  gain  on  sale-leaseback 
transactions, uncertain tax positions, and deferred compensation. 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
     
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 13. Income Taxes 

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

Current: 
Federal  ...............................................................................................................................    $ 
State  ...................................................................................................................................       
Deferred  .............................................................................................................................       
Total income taxes  .............................................................................................................    $ 

7,275    $  13,217      $  10,212   
   2,836         1,600   
1,905   
 207    
(2,727) 
 $ 13,867      $ 12,019   
6,453 

(2,186 )    

2012 

  2011 

     2010 

Reconciliation of effective income tax: 
Tax at U.S. statutory rates (35%)  ......................................................................................    $  10,919    $  16,741      $  14,504  
   1,410         1,463  
State income taxes, net of federal benefit  ..........................................................................       
   (4,307 )       (4,146 )  
Federal income tax credits  .................................................................................................       
189   
Share-based payments  .......................................................................................................       
(466 ) 
Tax attributed to noncontrolling interests  ..........................................................................        
(11 ) 
Dividends received deduction  ...........................................................................................        
486    
Other  ..................................................................................................................................       
 $ 13,867      $ 12,019   
Total income taxes  .............................................................................................................    $ 

1,063   
(3,517)  
25   
(1,103)  
(963)  
29 
6,453 

210  
(161 )    
 (94 )    

68        

Income taxes paid totaled $16,802 in fiscal year 2012, $12,436 in fiscal year 2011, and $9,878 in fiscal year 2010. Income tax 
refunds totaled $641 in fiscal year 2012 and $2,856 in fiscal year 2011. 

As of September 26, 2012, we had approximately $812 of unrecognized tax benefits, including approximately $66 of interest and 
penalties,  which  are  included  in  Other  long-term  liabilities  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet.  During  fiscal  year  2012,  we 
recognized approximately $67 in potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions. Our continuing practice 
is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters in Income tax expense. Of the $812 of unrecognized 
tax benefits, $769 would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized. 

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

September 30, 2009  .................................................................................................................................................
Gross increases – prior period tax positions  ............................................................................................................
Lapse of statute of limitations  .................................................................................................................................
September 29, 2010  .................................................................................................................................................
Gross increases – current period tax positions .........................................................................................................
Gross increases – prior period tax positions  ............................................................................................................
Lapse of statute of limitations  .................................................................................................................................
September 28, 2011  .................................................................................................................................................
Gross increases – current period tax positions  ...................................................................................................
Lapse of statute of limitations  ...............................................................................................................................
September 26, 2012  ................................................................................................................................................

   $  

  $  

1,205    
281   
(251)  
 1,235   
178    
238    
(171)  
1,480    
109   
(843)  
746   

We file income tax returns which are periodically audited by various federal, state, and local jurisdictions. With few exceptions, 
we are no longer subject to federal, state, and local tax examinations for fiscal years prior to  2009. We believe we have certain 
state  income  tax  exposures  related  to  fiscal  years  2009  through  2011.  Due  to  the  expiration  of  the  various  state  statutes  of 
limitations for these fiscal years, it is possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately 
$72 within 12 months.  

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
          
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
   
 
  
          
    
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
       
  
       
  
      
  
      
  
 
   
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 13. Income Taxes – (continued) 

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

Deferred tax assets: 
Insurance reserves  ..............................................................................................................................
Share-based payments  ........................................................................................................................
Compensation accruals  .......................................................................................................................
Gift card accruals  ................................................................................................................................
State net operating loss credit carryforward  .......................................................................................
Investments  .........................................................................................................................................
Other  ...................................................................................................................................................
Total deferred tax assets  .....................................................................................................................

   $   2,673    $ 

13   
       1,968   
596   
60   
—   
       2,516 
       7,826 

2,539   
330   
1,645   
561   
107   
3,603  
 1,724   
 10,509   

2012 

2011 

Deferred tax liabilities: 
Investments  .........................................................................................................................................
Fixed asset basis difference  ................................................................................................................
Goodwill and intangibles  ....................................................................................................................
Total deferred tax liabilities  ................................................................................................................
Net deferred tax liability  .....................................................................................................................
Less current portion  ............................................................................................................................
Long-term liability ..............................................................................................................................

      27,274   
       5,436   
      3,158   
       35,868 
       (28,042) 
       (19,367) 
   $   (8,675) 

—  
7,833   
3,190  
 11,023   
 (514 ) 
 6,150   
 $     (6,664 ) 

Receivables  on  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  include  income  tax  receivables  of  $2,455  as  of  September  26,  2012. Accrued 
expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheet include income tax payable of $4,372 as of September 28, 2011. 

Note 14. Leased Assets and Lease Commitments 

We lease certain physical facilities under non-cancelable lease agreements. These leases require the payment of real estate taxes, 
insurance  and  maintenance  costs.  Certain  leased  facilities,  which  are  no  longer  operated  but  are  subleased  to  third  parties  or 
franchisees, are classified below as non-operating properties. Minimum future rental payments for non-operating properties have 
not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $4,646 related to operating leases receivable under non-cancelable subleases. 
The property and equipment cost related to finance obligations and capital leases as of September 26, 2012 is as follows: $72,828 
buildings, $61,663 land, $29,506 land and leasehold improvements, $566 equipment and $61,682 accumulated depreciation.  

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
   
  
  
      
  
  
  
  
      
  
  
      
  
  
     
 
  
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
    
 
  
     
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 14. Leased Assets and Lease Commitments – (continued) 

On  September  26,  2012,  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 

   Finance 

Capital 
Leases 

Operating 
Property 

Non-Operating 
Property 

Obligations   

  Total 
Year 
 106   $  15,279    $ 
2013  .........................................................................................................     $ 
412 
368 
14,579     
 17     
2014  .........................................................................................................      
318 
13,703     
 17     
2015  .........................................................................................................      
321 
12,161     
 17     
2016  .........................................................................................................      
328 
9,097    
17   
2017  .........................................................................................................    
 14,986   
  15   
 2,808 
After 2017  ...............................................................................................    
79,805   $   116,149    $              4,555 
189  
Total minimum future rental payments  ...................................................   
 44,703  
  26   
Less amount representing interest  ...........................................................   
 35,102    
163   
Total principal obligations under leases  ..................................................   
5,713    
94   
Less current portion  .................................................................................    
 29,389    
  69   
Non-current principal obligations under leases  .......................................    
 80,964    
  26   
Residual value at end of lease term  .........................................................    
Obligations under leases  ..........................................................................     $   110,258   $            95    $ 110,353    

15,173   $ 
14,562     
13,686     
12,144     
9,080    
 14,971   
79,616   
 44,677   
34,939   
 5,619   
 29,320   
 80,938   

13,703    $ 
 12,832     
 11,905     
 10,651     
9,398     
57,660   

Contingent rent totaling $1,173 in fiscal year 2012, $967 in fiscal year 2011,  and $749 in fiscal year 2010 is recorded in Rent 
expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Earnings.  

Note 15. Borrowings 

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

Steak n Shake Credit Facility 
On September 25, 2012, Steak n Shake, as borrower, Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc. (“Steak n Shake Enterprises”) and Steak n 
Shake,  LLC,  as  guarantors  (together  with  Steak  n  Shake  Enterprises,  the  “Subsidiary  Guarantors”),  each  subsidiaries  of  the 
Company, entered into a credit agreement (the “New Credit Facility”)  with the lenders party thereto. The New Credit Facility 
consists of a $130,000 senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan”) and a $50,000 senior secured revolving credit facility 
(the “Revolver”).  

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 15. Borrowings – (continued) 

The  Term  Loan  matures  on  September  25,  2017  and  has  a  repayment  schedule  with  quarterly  amortization,  beginning  on 
December 31, 2012, initially equal to 1.875% of the initial principal amount of the Term Loan (as adjusted pursuant to the New 
Credit Facility), together with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount to be paid, with the balance due at  maturity. 
The Revolver will be available until September 25, 2017. Interest on the Term Loan and Revolver is based on a Eurodollar rate 
plus an applicable margin ranging from 3.00% to 3.75% or a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.00% to 2.75%. 
The  applicable  margins  are  contingent  on  Steak  n  Shake’s  total  leverage  ratio.  The  Revolver  also  carries  a  commitment  fee 
ranging from 0.35% to 0.50%, based on Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio, per annum on the unused portion of the credit line.  
As of September 26, 2012, the interest rate on the Term Loan was 3.72%, and there were no borrowings under the Revolver.  

The  New  Credit  Facility  includes  affirmative  and  negative  covenants  and  events  of  default,  as  well  as  financial  covenants 
relating  to  a  maximum  total  leverage  ratio  and  a  minimum  consolidated  fixed  charge  coverage  ratio.    Steak  n  Shake  was  in 
compliance with all covenants under the New Credit Facility as of September 26, 2012. 

Both the Term Loan and the Revolver have been guaranteed by the Subsidiary Guarantors and secured by first priority security 
interests  in  substantially  all  the  assets  of  Steak  n  Shake  (including  the  capital  stock  of  Steak  n  Shake  Enterprises)  and  the 
Subsidiary Guarantors. Biglari Holdings is not a guarantor under the New Credit Facility.  $114,176 of the proceeds of the Term 
Loan were used to repay all outstanding amounts under Steak n Shake’s former credit facility, which was terminated, and to pay 
related  fees  and  expenses.  The  remaining  Term  Loan  proceeds  of  approximately  $15,824  will  be  used  by  Steak  n  Shake  for 
working capital and general corporate purposes.   Steak n Shake incurred no material early termination penalties in connection 
with the termination of the former credit facility. 

As of September 28, 2011, outstanding borrowings  under Steak n Shake’s former credit facility  were $110,000 under the term 
loan and $15,000 under the revolving credit facility.  

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

We  had  $4,781  and  $4,610  in  standby  letters  of  credit  outstanding  as  of  September  26,  2012  and  September  28,  2011, 
respectively.  

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

Interest Rate Swap 
During  fiscal  year 2011, Steak n  Shake entered into an interest rate  swap agreement  for a notional amount of $20,000,  which 
effectively fixed the interest rate on a prior credit facility at 3.25% through February 15, 2016. The notional amount decreases 
$1,000  quarterly  through  its  maturity  on  February  15,  2016.    The  notional  amount  of  the  interest  rate  swap  was  $14,000  on 
September  26,  2012.  The  fair  value  of  the  interest  rate  swap  was  a  liability  of  $351  and  $439  on  September  26,  2012  and 
September 28, 2011, respectively, and is included in Accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. 

On October 11, 2012, Steak n Shake entered into a new interest rate swap for a notional amount of $65,000 through September 
30, 2015.  The agreement hedges potential changes in the Eurodollar rate. 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 15. Borrowings – (continued) 

Western Real Estate Loan Agreement and Note Payable 
Western Real Estate, L.P. (“Western RE”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western, has a promissory note (the “Note”) which is 
secured by approximately 23 acres of real property. The principal amount of the Note is $2,293 and, as of September 26, 2012, 
the  Note  bore  interest  at  a  rate  of  5.0%  annually.  As  of  September  26,  2012,  the  Note  was  due  and  payable  in  consecutive 
monthly payments of accrued interest only that commenced on March 30, 2010. The Note may be prepaid in whole or in part at 
any time without penalty.  The balance of the note was paid in full on November 28, 2012. 

The  loan  agreement  under  which  the  Note  was  issued  (the  “Loan  Agreement”)  contains  various  affirmative  and  negative 
covenants,  limitations  and  events  of  default  customary  for  loans  of  this  type  to  similar  borrowers,  including  limitations  on 
Western RE’s ability to incur indebtedness and liens, subject to limited exceptions, and certain financial covenants that must be 
maintained. Additionally, the Note is not guaranteed by or an obligation of the parent Company; rather, the Note is guaranteed 
by Western and its subsidiaries. Western RE was in compliance with all covenants under the Loan Agreement as of September 
26, 2012. 

Expected  principal  payments  for  all  outstanding  borrowings,  excluding  the  Revolver,  for  which  we  had  no  outstanding 
borrowings as of September 26, 2012, are as follows: 

2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
Total 

$ 

$ 

12,138 
9,750 
13,000 
13,000 
84,500 
132,388 

The  carrying  amounts  for  debt  reported  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  do  not  differ  materially  from  their  fair  values  at 
September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 as a result of the refinancing in each fiscal year.  The fair value was determined to 
be a Level 3 fair value measurement. 

Interest 
No interest was capitalized in connection with financing additions to property and equipment during fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 
2010. Interest paid on debt amounted to $7,359 in 2012, $2,947 in 2011, and $1,274 in 2010. Interest paid on obligations under 
leases was $10,073, $10,565, and $10,697 in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. 

Note 16. Related Party Transactions 

On April 30, 2010, the Company acquired Biglari Capital pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and 
Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who was the sole shareholder of Biglari Capital. (Refer to Note 2.) 

On March 30, 2010, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Merger Sub, acquired 100% of the outstanding equity 
interests of Western. Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 
Western at the time of the acquisition. Additionally, at the time of the merger, Mr. Biglari owned shares of Western’s common 
stock through his ownership interest in the Lion Fund. (Refer to Note 2.) 

Mr. Biglari, along with his affiliates, and certain directors of the Company  make investments in the Lion Fund (other than the 
amounts  invested  by  the  Company),  which  are  not  subject  to  special  profits,  interest  allocations,  or  incentive  allocations.  
However, Mr. Biglari does not pay an incentive allocation fee as a limited partner in the Lion Fund. As of  September 26, 2012 
and September 28, 2011, the total fair value of these investments was approximately $2,506 and $1,997, respectively. 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 17. Common Stock Plans  

We  maintain  stock-based  compensation  plans  which  allow  for  the  issuance  of  incentive  stock  options,  non-qualified  stock 
options,  and  restricted  stock  to  officers,  other  key  employees,  and  to  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors.  We  generally  use 
treasury shares to satisfy the issuance of shares under these stock-based compensation plans. We utilize the fair value recognition 
provisions of ASC paragraph 718-10-55-10, Fair-Value-Based Instruments in a Share-Based Transaction. This guidance applies 
to all awards granted after the effective date and to modifications, repurchases or cancellations of existing awards. Additionally, 
under the modified prospective method of adoption, we recognize compensation expense for the portion of outstanding awards 
on the adoption date for which the requisite service period has not yet been rendered based on the grant-date fair value of those 
awards. 

The  weighted  average  fair  value  of  shares  granted  during  the  year  ended  September  29,  2010  was  $158.52.  No  shares  were 
granted  in  fiscal  year  2012  or  2011.  We  estimate  the  fair  value  of  each  grant  using  the  Black-Scholes  option-pricing  model. 
Expected volatilities are generally based on historical volatility of our stock. We use historical data to estimate the expected life, 
and groups of employees that have  similar historical behaviors are considered separately for valuation purposes. The  risk-free 
rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The 
Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting 
restrictions  and  are  fully  transferable.  In  addition,  option-pricing  models  require  the  input  of  highly  subjective  assumptions 
including the expected stock price volatility. Because our stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of 
traded options, changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate. The fair value estimates 
are based on the following weighted average assumptions: 

Risk-free interest rate  .........................................................................................................................................      
Dividend yield  ....................................................................................................................................................      
Expected volatility  ..............................................................................................................................................      
Expected life in years  .........................................................................................................................................       3.0 years 

4.3 % 
0.0 % 
52.4 % 

2010 

Restricted Stock Plans 
On  March  7,  2008,  our  shareholders  approved  the  2008  Equity  Incentive  Plan  (the  “2008 Plan”). The  2008 Plan  provides  for 
grants of stock-based awards for up to 45,000 shares of common stock with a maximum of 35,000 shares which may be issued as 
restricted stock. These restricted stock awards are restricted for a period and are forfeited to us if the grantee is not employed 
(except for reasons of retirement, permanent disability or death) at the end of the vesting period. Awards of restricted stock are 
valued at 100% of  market  value  at the date  of  grant.  The  total value of the stock grant is amortized to compensation  expense 
ratably over the vesting period. There are no shares of restricted stock granted under the 2008 Plan for which restrictions have 
not lapsed at September 26, 2012. At September 26, 2012, 27,834 shares were reserved for future grants but are not permitted to 
be issued under the 2008 Plan. To date, 11,660 shares have vested under the 2008 Plan.  

The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010 
was $0, $657, and $768, respectively. The amount charged to expense under the 2008 Plan was $0 in 2012, $51 ($32, net of tax) 
in 2011, and $235 ($143, net of tax) in 2010. There was no unrecognized compensation cost at September 26, 2012. 

There was no restricted stock activity under the 2008 Plan in 2012. 

Employee Stock Option Plans 
The 2008 Plan also provides for awards in the form of options to purchase shares of common stock. No options were granted in 
2012,  2011  or  2010  under  the  2008  Plan.  Options  granted  under  the  2008  Plan  are  exercisable  in  equal  installments  on  each 
anniversary of the date of grant until fully exercisable. The options expire ten years from the date of the grant and are issued with 
an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. Options  may be granted under 
the  2008  Plan  to  officers  and  key  employees  selected  by  the  Governance,  Compensation  and  Nominating  Committee  of  the 
Board of Directors (the  “Compensation  Committee”). As  of September  26, 2012, 10,270  options have been granted under the 
2008 Plan and 27,834 shares are available for future issuance but are not permitted to be issued under the 2008 Plan. These are 
the same shares available for future issuance referenced in the Restricted Stock Plan’s disclosure.  

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 17. Common Stock Plans – (continued)  

Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plans 
Our Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plans provide for the grant of non-qualified stock options at a price equal to the fair 
market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. Options outstanding under each plan through fiscal  year 2005 are 
exercisable as to 20% on the date of grant and 20% on each anniversary of the date of grant thereafter until fully exercisable. 
Options outstanding that  were issued in fiscal  year 2006 or later are exercisable as to 25% on each anniversary of the  date  of 
grant until fully exercisable. The options expire five years from the date of grant. At September  26, 2012, 10,500 options have 
been  granted  under  the  Non-Employee  Director  Stock  Option  Plans.  The  Non-Employee  Director  Stock  Option  Plans  were 
replaced  by  the  2008  Plan  and  as  a  result,  no  shares  are  reserved  for  future  grants  under  the  Non-Employee  Director  Stock 
Option Plans. 

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

Outstanding at September 28, 2011  .............................................................
Exercised  .....................................................................................................
Canceled or forfeited  ...................................................................................
Outstanding at September 26, 2012 ..............................................................
Vested or expected to vest at September 26, 2012  ......................................
Exercisable at September 26, 2012  ..............................................................

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Life 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 

  Options 
      13,579      $   282.44        
  244.77      
  344.62      
  275.89       4.40 years     $ 
  276.03       4.40 years     $ 
   9,836      $   277.43       4.46 years     $ 

(1,548)      
(1,995)      
     10,036       
     10,017       

1,003 
1,000 
989 

During  fiscal  years  2012,  2011,  and  2010,  $75  ($74,  net  of  tax),  $218  ($210,  net  of  tax),  and  $592  ($570,  net  of  tax), 
respectively, was charged to expense related to the stock option plans. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the 
years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010 was $235, $693, and $490, respectively. There 
was no unrecognized stock option compensation cost at September 26, 2012. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
Under  the  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  (the  “ESPP”),  a  maximum  of  92,627  shares  of  common  stock  are  available  for 
issuance  to  all  eligible  employees  as  determined  by  the  Board  of  Directors  subject  to  a  limitation  of  7,500  shares  per  year. 
Unissued  shares  in  any  given  calendar  year  are  available  to  increase  the  annual  maximum  number  of  shares  issuable  in 
subsequent  years.  Employees  may  purchase  shares  of  common  stock  through  payroll  deductions  ranging  from  2%  to  10%  of 
compensation  up  to  a  maximum  fair  market  value  of  $200  or  a  maximum  purchase  of  50  shares  per  year,  whichever  is  less, 
within the limitations of the offering. Shares were purchased on a quarterly basis at a 15% discount from the share price on the 
last day of the quarter. Shares purchased under the ESPP were 812 in 2010. During fiscal year 2010, $32 was charged to expense 
related to the ESPP. No shares were purchased in fiscal years 2012 or 2011.  

Our  compensation  philosophy,  including  the  various  equity  plans,  changed  during  fiscal  year  2010  to  reflect  present 
management’s  view  on  the  most  effective  method  to  create  shareholder  value.  The  new  incentives,  which  are  cash  based,  are 
designed  to  ensure  alignment  with  the  Company’s  objective  to  maximize  intrinsic  business  value  on  a  per  share  basis.  We 
resolved to suspend, indefinitely, all future option grants under the 2008 Plan, we terminated the 2009 Employee Stock Option 
Plan, under which no options had been granted, we placed a moratorium on the issuance of restricted stock, and we  terminated 
the ESPP. 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
      
 
  
 
    
      
 
  
 
    
      
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 18. 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. 

Note 19. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities 

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

• 
• 

• 

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

The following methods and assumptions were used to determine the fair value of each class of the following assets and liabilities 
recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. 

Cash equivalents: Cash equivalents primarily consist of money market funds which are classified within Level 1 of the fair value 
hierarchy. The consolidated affiliated partnerships did not hold cash equivalents on September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011. 

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

Non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments:  The assets of the  Non-Qualified  Plan are set up in a  rabbi trust.  They 
represent mutual funds that are carried at fair value, based on quoted market prices, and are classified within Level 1 of the fair 
value hierarchy. 

Investment held by consolidated affiliated partnership: Investments of $190 and $193 as of September 26, 2012 and September 
28, 2011, respectively, have been classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and represent a private security. 

Investment  derivatives  and  interest  rate  swaps:  Investment  derivatives  and  interest  rate  swaps  are  marked  to  market  each 
reporting  period  with  fair  value  based  on  readily  available  market  quotes,  and  are  classified  within  Level  2  of  the  fair  value 
hierarchy. Interest rate swaps at September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 represent the mark to market adjustment for Steak 
n Shake’s interest rate swap. 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 19. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities – (continued)  

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

September 26, 2012 
Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total 

September 28, 2011 

  Level 1    Level 2   Level 3   Total 

Assets 
Cash equivalents  .....................................................................
Equity securities: 
   Restaurant/Retail  .................................................................
   Other  ....................................................................................
Equity securities held by consolidated affiliated partnerships:   
   Restaurant/Retail  .................................................................
   Other  ....................................................................................
Non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments  .........
Investment held by consolidated affiliated partnership  ...........
Total assets at fair value  .........................................................

  $  14,286 

  $   —    $   —    $   14,286   $ 

  266,940       —        —      266,940    
2,918       —        —        2,918    

—  $  88,022   $  —   $  88,022 

89,971   
25,350   

—    
—    

—     89,971 
—     25,350 

—    
7,677 
11,156       —        —        11,156    
—     10,913 
1,805       —        —        1,805    
546 
—    
888    
193 
193  
190   
  $ 297,993   $   —    $   190    $ 298,183   $134,457   $ 88,022   $     193   $222,672 

888    
—       —        190        

7,677   
10,913   
546   
—  

—    
—    
—    
—  

Liabilities 
Interest rate swaps  ..................................................................
Total liabilities at fair value  ....................................................

  $ 

—      
—   $  

351        —       
351    $   —    $  

351               —          439          —   
 439 
351   $          —  $      439   $       —   $       439 

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

During fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded impairments on long-lived assets of $901, $1,032, and $353, 
respectively.  The  fair  value  of  the  long-lived  assets  was  determined  based  on  Level  2  inputs  using  quoted  prices  for  similar 
properties and quoted prices for the properties from brokers.  

Note 20. Business Segment Reporting 

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

As  of  September  26,  2012,  our  reportable  segments  are:  (1)  Restaurant  Operations  and  (2)  Investment  Management.  Our 
Restaurant  Operations  segment  includes  Steak  n  Shake  and  Western.  The  Company  and  its  affiliates  own  a  percentage  of  the 
funds included in our Investment Management segment and receive allocations of investment gains and losses. In addition to the 
two aforementioned reportable segments, we present information related to the holding company, Biglari Holdings, as Corporate 
and other. 

We  assess  and  measure  segment  operating  results  based  on  segment  earnings  as  disclosed  below.  Segment  earnings  from 
operations are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash requirements, nor  are they synonymous with cash flow 
from operations. 

The tabular information that follows shows data of our reportable segments reconciled to amounts reflected in the consolidated 
financial statements. The segments’ financial information does not reflect the impact of eliminations arising from intersegment 
transactions. The eliminations row represents the eliminations required to arrive at our consolidated GAAP reported results. 

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

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BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 20. Business Segment Reporting – (continued) 

Net revenue and earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests for the years ended  September 26, 2012, September 
28, 2011, and September 29, 2010 were as follows: 

Net Revenue 
2011 

2012 

2010 

Operating Business: 
Restaurant Operations: 

Steak n Shake .......................................................................................................................................    $   718,010 
Western  ................................................................................................................................................        15,895 
Total Restaurant Operations  .......................................................................................................................        733,905 

 $ 689,325 
16,078 
  705,403 

 $  662,891 
8,755 
  671,646 

Investment Management:  

Management fees  .................................................................................................................................       
Consolidated affiliated partnerships  .....................................................................................................       
Total Investment Management Operations  .................................................................................................       

— 
6,302 
6,302 
  $   740,207 

224 
3,573 
3,797 
 $ 709,200 

233 
1,902 
2,135 
 $  673,781 

  Earnings before income taxes and 
noncontrolling interests 
2011 

2010 

2012 

  Net earnings attributable to 

Biglari Holdings Inc. 

2012 

  2011 

2010 

Operating Business: 
Restaurant Operations: 

Steak n Shake .........................................................................    $ 
Western  ..................................................................................       
Total Restaurant Operations  .........................................................       

45,622 
2,157 
47,779 

 $   41,247 
2,455 
43,702 

 $    38,316     $   31,756   $   29,367   $    27,257   
646   
27,903   

1,038         1,354   
39,354         33,110   

1,610  
30,977  

Investment Management:  

Biglari Capital Corp. (Incentive Fee)  .....................................       
Management fees  ...................................................................       
Consolidated affiliated partnerships  .......................................       
Total Investment Management Operations  ...................................       

36 
— 
5,319 
5,355 

2,510 
224 
3,370 
6,104 

—        
233        

22   
—   
1,775         1,321   
2,008         1,343   

1,535  
139  
1,815  
3,489  

—   
144   
215   
359   

Corporate and Other: 

Corporate and other  ................................................................        (15,990)   
Investment and derivative gains/losses  ...................................       

4,200 

Total Corporate and Other  ............................................................        (11,790)   

(4,624 ) 
7,970 
3,346 

(2,087 )       (9,196)  
4,024         2,604   
1,937         (6,592)  

(3,099 ) 
4,941  
1,842  

(1,510 ) 
2,495   
985   

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount: 

(36)   

(2,510 ) 

—        

—   

—  

—   

Eliminations  ...........................................................................       
Interest expense and loss on debt extinguishment, excluding 
interest allocated to operating businesses ................................  

    (10,110) 
31,198 

  $ 

(2,811 ) 
 $   47,831 

(1,859 ) 

(1,153 ) 
 $    41,440     $   21,593   $   34,565   $    28,094   

    (6,268) 

(1,743 ) 

The earnings presentation was adjusted from the prior years to show interest expense, excluding interest allocated to operating 
businesses, as a reconciliation of segments to consolidated amounts in order  to more accurately reflect the earnings before and 
after tax of the Restaurant Operations. 

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
     
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
     
     
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
      
 
  
   
   
   
 
   
      
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
      
 
  
   
   
 
 
 
      
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
      
 
  
   
   
 
 
 
      
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 20. Business Segment Reporting – (continued) 

A  disaggregation  of  our  consolidated  capital  expenditure,  depreciation,  and  amortization  captions  for  fiscal  years  ended 
September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010 is presented in the table that follows. 

Capital Expenditures 
  2011 

2010 

  2012 

Depreciation and 
Amortization 

  2012 

  2011 

  2010 

Reportable segments: 

Restaurant Operations: 

Steak n Shake  ............................................................................................
Western  .....................................................................................................
Investment Management .................................................................................
Corporate and other  ..............................................................................................
Consolidated Results  ..........................................................................................

  $  7,513 
58 

      —     
    1,104 
  $  8,675 

 $ 11,092   $  6,061   $ 25,432    $ 27,279   $  28,696 
431 
33 
98 
 $ 13,018   $    8,650   $ 26,424    $ 28,361   $  29,258 

729      
—      
—       —      
263      

18    
—    
1,908  

785      
27      
270      

2,589      

A disaggregation of our consolidated asset captions as of September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 is presented in the table 
that follows. 

Goodwill 

2012 

  2011 

Identifiable Assets  
2012 

2011 

Reportable segments: 

Restaurant Operations  

Steak n Shake  .................................................................................................................   $   14,503 
Western  ..........................................................................................................................  
    13,026 
Investment Management  .....................................................................................................  
Corporate and other  ..................................................................................................................  
Consolidated results  ..................................................................................................................   $   27,529 
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount: 
Goodwill ....................................................................................................................................  
Total assets  ...............................................................................................................................  

—     
—     

 $  14,503   $  433,382   $    406,619 
7,919 
  13,026       7,526   
19,186 
—       26,348    
211,607 
—      279,002     
 $    645,331 
 $  27,529   $  746,258 

       27,529   
27,529 
   $  773,787   $    672,860 

Note 21. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 

For the year ended September 26, 2012 (52 weeks) (1) 
Total net revenues....................................................................................................  
Gross profit (2)  ..........................................................................................................  
Costs and expenses  ..................................................................................................  
Earnings before income taxes  ................................................................................  
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.  ..............................................  
Basic earnings per common share  .........................................................................  
Diluted earnings per common share  .....................................................................  

1st 
Quarter 

2nd 
Quarter 

3rd 
Quarter 

4th 
Quarter 

 $ 166,390  $ 223,684   $  175,773   $ 174,360 
     42,129      52,279       40,990       41,217 
    151,678     211,536      167,884     165,928 
     14,753      7,667       4,986       3,792 
     8,795      4,528       4,853       3,417 
2.56 
3.39  $  
 $ 
2.56 
3.39  $  
 $ 

3.64  $  
3.63  $  

6.60  $ 
6.58  $ 

For the year ended September 28, 2011 (52 weeks) (1) 
Total net revenues .....................................................................................................     $ 158,722   $ 211,277   $ 170,861   $ 168,340 
Gross profit (2)  ...........................................................................................................        39,090      47,713      40,432      43,236 
Costs and expenses  ...................................................................................................        145,690      199,225      157,692      154,098 
8,440      11,151      15,134 
Earnings before income taxes  ...................................................................................        13,106     
8,676      10,781 
5,645     
9,463     
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.  ....................................................       
8.09 
4.25   $ 
7.13   $ 
Basic earnings per common share  ............................................................................     $ 
8.08 
4.23   $ 
7.08   $ 
Diluted earnings per common share  .........................................................................     $ 

6.52   $ 
6.49   $ 

(1)  Our fiscal year includes quarters consisting of 12, 16, 12 and 12 weeks, respectively. 
(2)  We define Gross profit as Net sales less Cost of sales and Restaurant operating costs, which excludes Depreciation and amortization. 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
    
  
  
 
   
    
    
  
  
  
  
     
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
 
 
   
    
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
   
   
  
 
 
 
  
   
   
   
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010) 
(amounts in $000s, except share and per share data) 

Note 22. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information 

During fiscal year 2012, we  had no new capital lease obligations or lease retirements, and had $589 of capital expenditures in 
Accounts payable at year-end. During fiscal year 2011, we had no new lease obligations or lease retirements, and had $741 of 
capital expenditures in Accounts payable at year-end. During fiscal year 2010, we had new leases of $248, lease retirements of 
$1,453  and  $371  of  capital  expenditures  in  Accounts  payable  at  year-end.  Additionally,  we  issued  $22,959  of  Debentures  in 
connection with our acquisition of Western. We paid $194 of that amount in cash in lieu of fractional Debentures.  

54 

 
 
 
 
Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

Not applicable. 

Item 9A. 

Controls and Procedures 

Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15 (e)), 
our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Controller  have  concluded  that  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  were  effective  as  of 
September 26, 2012. 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 26, 
2012 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  

Item 9B. 

Other Information 

None. 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Item 10. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

Part III 

The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 24, 2013, and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 11. 

Executive Compensation 

The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 24, 2013, and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters 

The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 24, 2013, and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 24, 2013, and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 14. 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders, to be filed on or before January 24, 2013, and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
Item 15 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 

Part IV 

  (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: 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  ............................................................................................  
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting  ...............................................................................  
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 .................................................................  
For the years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and  September 29, 2010: 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings  ..........................................................................................................................  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  ......................................................................................................................  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity  ....................................................................................  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  .....................................................................................................................  

2. Financial Statement Schedule 

Schedule I—Parent Company 
Condensed Balance Sheets at September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 ....................................................................  
For the years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011and  September 29, 2010: 

Condensed Statements of Earnings  ..............................................................................................................................  
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows  .........................................................................................................................  
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements  .......................................................................................  

Other schedules have been omitted for the reason that they are not required, are not applicable, or the required 

information is set forth in the financial statements or notes thereto. 

PAGE 
23-24 
25 
27 

26 
28 
29 
30 

59 

60 
61 
62 

(b) Exhibits 

See the “Exhibit Index” at page 64. 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on December 8, 2012. 

SIGNATURES 

   BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

By: 

/s/ BRUCE LEWIS 
Bruce Lewis 
Controller  

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons 
on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, on December 8, 2012. 

Signature 

/s/ SARDAR BIGLARI 
Sardar Biglari 

/s/ DUANE E. GEIGER 
Duane E. Geiger 

/s/ BRUCE LEWIS 
Bruce Lewis 

/s/ PHILIP COOLEY 
Philip Cooley 

/s/ DR. RUTH J. PERSON  
Dr. Ruth J. Person 

/s/ KENNETH R. COOPER 
Kenneth R. Cooper 

/s/ WILLIAM L. JOHNSON 
William L. Johnson 

/s/ JAMES P. MASTRIAN 
James P. Mastrian 

   Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer) 

Title 

   Interim Chief Financial Officer and Vice President (Principal Financial Officer) 

  Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) 

   Director 

   Director 

   Director 

  Director 

  Director 

58 

 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
  
  
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
    
  
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
  
  
Condensed Balance Sheets 

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

September 26, 
2012 

  September 28, 
2011 

Assets 

Cash and cash equivalents  ........................................................................................................................     $ 
Investments  ..............................................................................................................................................      
Other  ........................................................................................................................................................      
Investments in and advances to/from subsidiaries  ....................................................................................      
Total assets  ..................................................................................................................................................     $ 

25,931 
248,494 
7,000 
105,197 
386,622 

  $ 

88,004   
114,176   
5,572  
 80,879   
  $         288,631   

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses ...................................................................................................     $ 
Due to broker  ............................................................................................................................................      
Deferred income taxes  ..............................................................................................................................      
Total current liabilities  .................................................................................................................................      
Deferred income taxes  ..................................................................................................................................      
Total liabilities  .............................................................................................................................................      

  $ 

11,162 
— 
25,873 
37,035 
462 
37,497 

1,902  
7,051  
—  
8,953  
—  
8,953  

Shareholders’ equity  .....................................................................................................................................      
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  .................................................................................................     $ 

349,125 
386,622 

279,678   
  $         288,631  

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements. 

59 

 
 
 
    
 
 
 
  
    
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
    
     
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
Condensed Statements of Earnings 

Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)  
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010)  
(Amounts in $000s) 
Schedule I (continued) 

2012 
(52 Weeks) 

2011 
(52 Weeks)  

2010 
(52 Weeks)  

Income 

Distributed earnings from subsidiaries  ......................................................................................     $  
Undistributed earnings/losses from subsidiaries  ........................................................................        
Total ..............................................................................................................................................        

— 
28,306 
28,306 

  $ 

  $ 

28,094  
5,500     
33,594      

26,679  
1,390   
28,069   

Costs, expenses and other 

General and administrative  ........................................................................................................        
Interest  .......................................................................................................................................        
Other income, net  ......................................................................................................................        
Investment  income  ...................................................................................................................        
Total  .............................................................................................................................................        

18,374 
14 
(3,412) 
(4,152) 
10,824 

4,768         
1,589  
(329 )   
 (7,970 )   
(1,942 )   

2,068   
1,635  
(67 ) 
 (4,024 ) 
(388 ) 

Income taxes  .................................................................................................................................        

(4,111) 

971        

363  

Net earnings  .................................................................................................................................     $  

21,593 

 $     34,565       $      28,094   

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements. 

60 

 
 
 
    
  
 
  
  
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
    
 
   
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows 

Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)  
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010)  
(Amounts in $000s) 
Schedule I (continued) 

Operating activities 
Net earnings  .............................................................................................................................    $  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash: 

21,593 

  $ 

34,565      $ 

28,094  

2012 
(52 Weeks) 

2011 
(52 Weeks) 

2010 
(52 Weeks) 

—     
(28,306)    
(3,570)    
(4,152)    
—     
7,346     
(3,483)   
(10,572)   

Excess distributed earnings of subsidiaries  ..........................................................................       
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries ..................................................................................       
Provision for deferred income taxes  .....................................................................................       
Realized investment gains/losses ..........................................................................................       
Derivative and short sale gains/losses ...................................................................................       
Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses  .............................................................  
Other  ....................................................................................................................................       
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities  .............................................................       
Investing activities 
7,239     
Investments in and advances to/ from subsidiaries, net  ............................................................       
Additions of property and equipment  .......................................................................................       
(624)    
Purchases of investments  ..........................................................................................................        (101,004)    
49,536     
Sales of investments  .................................................................................................................       
(7,051)    
Changes in due to/from broker  .................................................................................................       
Payments for acquisitions  .........................................................................................................       
— 
Net cash used in investing activities  ......................................................................................       
Financing activities 
Principal payments on long-term debt  ......................................................................................       
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares  ........................................................................................       
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employees stock purchase plan  ..........................       
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards  ...........................................................................       
Repurchase of employee shares for tax withholding  ................................................................       
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  ..............................................................       
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents  .....................................................................       
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  .......................................................................       
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  .............................................................................    $  

403 
(62,073)   
88,004 
25,931 

—     
—     
29     
382     
(8)   

(51,904)   

128,749      
(5,500 )    
—     
(7,360 )    
(610 )    
239     
(198 )   
149,885    

2,611     
(661 )    
(171,893 )    
90,058     
3,148     
—    
(76,737 )   

34,489  
(1,390 ) 
—  
(3,802 ) 
(222 ) 
2,487  
657  
60,313  

(32,637 )  
(2,589 ) 
(73,228 )  
47,112   
3,903  
(4,107 ) 
(61,546 )  

(22,765 )    
—     
29     
3     
(541 )   
(23,274 )   
49,874    
38,130    

—  
(711 ) 
345   
—   
(257  )  
 (623 )  
 (1,856 )  
 39,986   
  $      88,004     $      38,130   

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements. 

61 

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
  
   
   
        
  
 
 
   
   
 
    
  
 
   
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements 
Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)  
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010)  
(Amounts in $000s) 

Note 1. Basis of Presentation 

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

For  the  purpose  of  presenting  the  Company’s  Condensed  Balance  Sheet,  the  Company  has  treated  shares  of  Biglari  Holdings 
common stock held by certain consolidated affiliated partnerships as treasury stock of the Company and included as a component 
of Shareholders’ equity. The inclusion of the 205,743 shares of treasury stock has decreased the Company’s Shareholders’ equity 
and Investment in subsidiaries by $69,221.  

Note 2. Subsidiary Transactions 

Dividends 
No cash dividends were received during fiscal year 2012. During fiscal year 2011, the Company received cash dividends from 
subsidiaries of $156,843, which included distributions of current year earnings of $28,094 and historical earnings of $128,749. 
The Company received cash dividends from subsidiaries of $61,168 in fiscal year 2010, which included distributions of current 
year earnings of $26,679 and historical earnings of $34,489.  

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

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

On April 30, 2010, the Company acquired Biglari Capital pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and 
Sardar  Biglari,  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer,  who  was  the  sole  shareholder  of  Biglari  Capital.  The  cash  paid  in 
connection with this acquisition totaled $4,107. 

On March 30, 2010, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Merger Sub, acquired 100% of the outstanding equity 
interests of Western. Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 
Western at the time of the acquisition. Additionally, at the time of the merger, Mr. Biglari owned shares of Western’s common 
stock through his ownership interest in the Lion Fund. 

Note 3. Investments 
Investments consisted of the following: 

2012 
  $  180,240 
      68,715 

(461)    

  $  248,494 

2011 
   $  122,762   
1,950   
 (10,536 ) 
   $ 114,176   

Cost .......................................................................................................................................................
Gross unrealized gains  ..........................................................................................................................
Gross unrealized losses  .........................................................................................................................
Fair value  ..............................................................................................................................................

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
    
  
     
  
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements 
Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)  
(Years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010)  
(Amounts in $000s) 

On September 26, 2012,  most of our investments  were concentrated in the common stock of one investee, Cracker Barrel Old 
Country Store, Inc.  As of September 26, 2012, unrealized losses on available for sale equity securities in a continuous unrealized 
loss  position  for  more  than  twelve  consecutive  months  were  $461.  We  considered  several  factors  in  determining  other-than-
temporary impairment losses including the current and long-term business prospects of the issuer, the length of time and relative 
magnitude of the price decline and our ability and intent to hold the investment until the price recovers 

Investment  gains/losses  are  recognized  when  investments  are  sold  (as  determined  on  a  specific  identification  basis)  or  as 
otherwise required by GAAP. The timing of realized gains and losses from sales can have a material effect on periodic earnings. 
However, such realized gains or losses usually have little, if any, impact on total Shareholders’ equity because the investments 
are carried at fair value with any unrealized gains/losses included as a component of Shareholders’ equity. 

Realized investment gains/losses for the years ended September 26, 2012, September 28, 2011, and September 29, 2010 were as 
follows:  

Gross realized gains on sales  .............................................................................................   $   4,536 
Gross realized losses on sales  ............................................................................................   $  

  $     7,775     $    3,810  
(384)    $       (415 )   $          (8 ) 

2012 

2011 

2010 

From time to time, the Company enters into certain derivative transactions as part of its investment strategy. In accordance with 
ASC  815,  Accounting  for  Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging  Activities,  these  derivatives  are  marked  to  market  for  each 
reporting  period and this fair value adjustment is recorded as a gain or loss in the Condensed Statement of Earnings. We believe 
that  realized  investment  gains/losses  are  often  meaningless  in  terms  of  understanding  reported  results.  Short-term  investment 
gains/losses have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility in our results. 

The Company has entered into short sales on certain equity securities, that is, a transaction in which the Company sells securities 
it does  not own. The  Company’s  use of  short sales involves the risk that the  price  of  the  security  in the open  market  may be 
higher when it is purchased in order to close out the Company’s short position, resulting in a loss to the Company. Such a loss is 
theoretically limitless because there are no restrictions on the potential increase in the price of a security, or any guarantee as to 
the  price  at  which  the  Company  would  be  able  to  purchase  the  security  in  the  open  market. Securities  sold  in  short  sale 
transactions and the interest and dividends payable on such securities, if any, are reflected as a liability in Accrued expenses in 
the Condensed Balance Sheet. As of September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011 we had no outstanding short sales. 

For the year ended September 28, 2011, the Company recorded investment gains of $610 related to the change in fair value of 
derivatives  and  securities  sold  short.  For  the  year  ended  September  29,  2010,  the  Company  recorded  investment  gains  from 
marking derivatives to market of $222. 

Note 4. Debt 
In  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  Western,  the  Company  issued  14%  redeemable  subordinated  debentures  due  2015  (the 
“Debentures”) in the aggregate principal amount of $22,959, with cash of $194 paid in lieu of fractional Debenture interests.  On 
March  30,  2011,  the  Company  redeemed  all  of  its  outstanding  Debentures.  The  Debentures  were  redeemed  for  cash  at  an 
aggregate redemption price of approximately $23,420, representing 100% of the principal amount outstanding, plus accrued and 
unpaid interest up to, but not including, March 30, 2011. Included in the Debentures aggregate redemption price of $23,420 was 
approximately $7,804 of principal and interest paid to the Lion Fund.  

Note 5. Income Taxes 
Federal income taxes are paid based on the consolidated results of Biglari Holdings. 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Exhibit 
Number 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS 

Description 

All documents referenced below were filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Company, file number  
0-8445, unless otherwise indicated. 

2.01 

3.01 

3.02 

4.01 

 Agreement  and  Plan  of  Merger,  dated  as  of  October  22,  2009,  by  and  among  the  Company,  Grill  Acquisition 
Corporation and Western. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K 
dated October 23, 2009). 

  Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, filed March 27, 2002, as amended by Articles of 
Amendment dated December 17, 2009, January 27, 2010 and April 8, 2010. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 
to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated April 15, 2010). 

  Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended through July 1, 2009. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2009). 

  Specimen certificate representing Common Stock of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 11, 2001). 

10.01* 

  1997 Employee Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the Appendix to the Company’s definitive  Proxy 
Statement dated December 24, 1996). 

10.02* 

  Amendment  No.  1  to  1997  Employee  Stock  Option  Plan.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  the  Appendix  to  the 
Company’s definitive Proxy Statement dated December 19, 2001). 

10.03* 

  Form  of  Stock  Option  Agreement  under  the  Company’s  1997  Employee  Stock  Option  Plan.  (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2004 
filed on December 16, 2004). 

10.04* 

  2005  Director  Stock  Option  Plan.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Appendix  B  to  the  Company’s  definitive  Proxy 
Statement dated December 20, 2004). 

10.05* 

  2006 Employee Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated February 8, 2006). 

10.06* 

  2006 Incentive Bonus Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K dated February 8, 2006). 

10.07* 

  Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2006 Employee Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2006). 

10.08* 

 2007  Non-Employee  Director  Restricted  Stock  Plan.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit 10.1  to  the  Company’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 9, 2007). 

10.09* 

 2008 Equity Incentive Plan.  (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement 
dated February 8, 2008). 

10.10* 

10.11* 

  Form  of  Employee  Stock  Option  Agreement  under  the  Company’s  2008  Equity  Incentive  Plan.  (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 9, 
2008). 

  Form of 2008 Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan. 
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.02  to  the  Company’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarterly 
period ended April 9, 2008). 

10.12* 

 The  Steak  n  Shake  Non-Qualified  Savings  Plan,  amended  and  restated  as  of  March  15,  2010.    (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated April 22, 2010). 

10.13 

  Multiple  Unit  Franchise  Agreement,  dated  as  of  September  21,  2005,  by  and  among  the  Company,  Reinwald 
Enterprises Emory, LLC and Reinwald Enterprises Wild Geese, LLC.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to 
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 27, 2005) 

 10.14* 

  Form  of  Indemnity  Agreement  entered  into  on  October  9,  2007  with  the  following  Officers  and  Directors  of  the 

64 

 
 
  
  
 
   
 
   
Exhibit 
Number 

Description 
Company: Jeffrey A. Blade, Duane E. Geiger, Alan B. Gilman, Omar Janjua, David C. Milne, Thomas Murrill, Gary 
T. Reinwald, Steven M. Schiller, J. Michael  Vance,  Geoff  Ballotti, Wayne Kelley,  Charles  Lanham,  Ruth Person, 
John  W.  Ryan,  J.  Fred  Risk,  Steven  M.  Schmidt,  Edward  Wilhelm,  and  James  Williamson,  Jr.    (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 26, 
2007). 

10.15* 

  Severance Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2010, by and between the Company and Duane Geiger. (Incorporated 
by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.01  to  the  Company’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarterly  period  ended 
December 23, 2009). 

10.16 

  Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April 30, 2010, by and between the Company and Sardar Biglari.  (Incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 30, 2010). 

10.17* 

  Amended and Restated Incentive Bonus Agreement, dated September 28, 2010, by and between the Company and 
Sardar Biglari. (Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement dated September 
29, 2010). 

10.18 

  Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2012, by and among Steak n Shake Operations, Inc., as borrower, Steak 
n Shake Enterprises, Inc., as a subsidiary guarantor, Steak n Shake, LLC, as a subsidiary guarantor, the lenders party 
thereto,  Fifth  Third  Bank,  as  lead  arranger,  book  manager,  administrative  agent,  collateral  agent,  swingline  lender 
and  issuing  bank,  Regions  Bank,  as  syndication  agent,  and  Wells  Fargo  Bank,  N.A.  and  Compass  Bank,  as  co-
documentation agents.   (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current  Report on Form  8-K 
dated September 28, 2012). 

10.19 

  Security Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2012, by Steak n Shake Operations, Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc. 
and Steak n Shake, LLC, as pledgers, assignors and debtors, in favor of Fifth Third Bank, in its capacity as collateral 
agent,  pledgee,  assignee  and  secured  party.    (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  to  the  Company’s  Current 
Report on Form 8-K dated September 28, 2012). 

14.01  

  Code of Conduct, dated May 17, 2010. 

21.01  

  Subsidiaries of the Company. 

23.01  

  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

31.01  

  Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer. 

31.02  

  Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer. 

32.01  

  Section 1350 Certifications. 

101** 

  The following financial information  from Biglari Holdings Inc.’s  Annual Report on Form 10-K  for the fiscal  year 
ended  September  26,  2012,  formatted  in  XBRL  (Extensible  Business  Reporting  Language),  includes:  (i)  the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 26, 2012 and September 28, 2011, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of 
Earnings  for  the  Years  Ended  September  26,  2012,  September  28,  2011,  and  September  29,  2010,  (iii)  the 
Consolidated  Statements  of  Cash  Flows  for  the  Years  Ended  September  26,  2012,  September  28,  2011,  and 
September  29,  2010,  (iv)  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Changes  in  Shareholders’  Equity  for  the  Years  Ended 
September  26,  2012,  September  28,  2011,  and  September  29,  2010,  and  (v)  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements and Schedule I, tagged in summary and detail. 

* 

Indicates  management  contract  or  compensatory  plans  or  arrangements  required  to  be  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  this  Annual 
Report on Form 10-K. 

**  In  accordance  with  Rule  406T  of  Regulation  S-T,  these  interactive  data  files  are  deemed  not  filed  or  part  of  a  registration 
statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for 
purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under 
those sections. 

65