ITEM 1: BUSINESS
Background
We are a franchisor of five value-oriented retail store concepts that buy, sell and trade gently used merchandise. Each of our retail store brands emphasizes consumer value by offering high-quality used merchandise at substantial savings from the price of new merchandise and by purchasing customers’ used goods that have been outgrown or are no longer used. Our concepts also offer a limited amount of new merchandise to customers. As of December 27, 2014, we had 1,092 franchised stores across the United States and Canada.
We operate a middle-market equipment leasing business through our wholly owned subsidiary, Winmark Capital Corporation. Our middle-market leasing business serves large and medium-sized businesses and focuses on technology-based assets which typically cost more than $250,000. The businesses we target generally have annual revenue of between $30 million and several billion dollars. We generate middle-market equipment leases primarily through business alliances, equipment vendors and directly from customers.
Additionally, we operate a small-ticket financing business through our wholly owned subsidiary, Wirth Business Credit, Inc. Our small-ticket financing business serves small businesses and focuses on assets which generally have a cost of $5,000 to $100,000.
Our significant assets are located within the United States, and we generate all revenues from United States operations other than franchising revenues from Canadian operations of approximately $2.9 million, $2.7 million and $2.5 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For additional financial information, please see Item 6 - Selected Financial Data and Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. We were incorporated in Minnesota in 1988.
Franchise Operations
Our retail brands with their fiscal year 2014 system-wide sales, defined as estimated revenues generated by all franchise owned locations, are summarized as follows:
Plato’s Closet® - $407 million.
We began franchising the Plato’s Closet brand in 1999. Plato’s Closet stores buy and sell used clothing and accessories geared toward the teenage and young adult market. Customers have the opportunity to sell their used items to Plato’s Closet stores and to purchase quality used clothing and accessories at prices lower than new merchandise.
Once Upon A Child® - $275 million.
We began franchising the Once Upon A Child brand in 1993. Once Upon A Child stores buy and sell used and, to a lesser extent, new children’s clothing, toys, furniture, equipment and accessories. This brand primarily targets parents of children ages infant to 12 years. These customers have the opportunity to sell their used children’s items to a Once Upon A Child store when outgrown and to purchase quality used children’s clothing, toys, furniture and equipment at prices lower than new merchandise.
Play It Again Sports® - $227 million.
We began franchising the Play It Again Sports brand in 1988. Play It Again Sports stores buy, sell, trade and consign used and new sporting goods, equipment and accessories for a variety of athletic activities including team sports (baseball/softball, hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer), fitness, ski/snowboard and golf among others. The stores offer a flexible mix of merchandise that is adjusted to adapt to seasonal and regional differences.
Music Go Round® - $26 million.
We began franchising the Music Go Round brand in 1994. Music Go Round stores buy, sell, trade and consign used and, to a lesser extent, new musical instruments, speakers, amplifiers, music-related electronics and related accessories.
Style Encore® - $7 million.
In January 2013, we announced the development of an additional retail concept focused on buying and selling used women’s apparel, shoes and accessories, branded as Style Encore. Customers have the opportunity to sell their used items to Style Encore stores and to purchase quality used clothing, shoes and accessories at prices lower than new merchandise. We began awarding franchises in May 2013. As of December 27, 2014, there were 24 franchises in operation under the brand, with an additional 36 franchises awarded but not yet open.
The following table presents the royalties and franchise fees contributed by our franchised retail brands for each of the past three years and the corresponding percentage of consolidated revenues for each such year:
The following table presents a summary of our retail brands franchising activity for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014:
Retail Brands Franchising Overview
We use franchising as a business method of distributing goods and services through our retail brands to consumers. We, as franchisor, own a retail business brand, represented by a service mark or similar right, and an operating system for the franchised business. We then enter into franchise agreements with franchisees and grant the franchisee the right to use our business brand, service marks and operating system to manage a retail business. Franchisees are required to operate their retail businesses according to the systems, specifications, standards and formats we develop for the business brand. We train the franchisees how to operate the franchised business. We also provide continuing support and service to our franchisees.
We have developed value-oriented retail brands based on a mix of used and, to a lesser extent, new merchandise. We franchise rights to franchisees who open franchised locations under such brands. The key elements of our franchise strategy include:
· franchising the rights to operate retail stores offering value-oriented merchandise;
· attracting new, qualified franchisees; and
· providing initial and continuing support to franchisees.
Offering Value-Oriented Merchandise
Our retail brands provide value to consumers by purchasing and reselling used merchandise that consumers have outgrown or no longer use at substantial savings from the price of new merchandise. By offering a combination of high-quality used and value-priced new merchandise, we benefit from consumer demand for value-oriented retailing. In addition, we believe that among national retail operations our retail store brands provide a unique source of value to consumers by purchasing used merchandise. We also believe that the strategy of buying used merchandise increases consumer awareness of our retail brands.
Attracting Franchisees
Our franchise marketing program for retail brands seeks to attract prospective franchisees with experience in management and operations and an interest in being the owner and operator of their own business. We seek franchisees who:
· have a sufficient net worth;
· have prior business experience; and
· intend to be integrally involved with the management of the business.
At December 27, 2014, we had 105 signed retail franchise agreements, of which approximately 90 are expected to open in 2015.
We began franchising in Canada in 1991 and, as of December 27, 2014, had 77 franchised retail stores open in Canada. The Canadian retail stores are operated by franchisees under agreements substantially similar to those used in the United States.
Retail Brand Franchise Support
As a franchisor, our success depends upon our ability to develop and support competitive and successful franchise brands. We emphasize the following areas of franchise support and assistance.
Training
Each franchisee must attend our training program regardless of prior experience. Soon after signing a franchise agreement, the franchisee is required to attend new owner orientation training. This course covers basic management issues, such as preparing a business plan, lease evaluation, evaluating insurance needs and obtaining financing. Our training staff assists each franchisee in developing a business plan for their retail store with financial and cash flow projections. The second training session is centered on store operations. It covers, among other things, point-of-sale computer training, inventory selection and acquisition, sales, marketing and other topics. We provide the franchisee with operations manuals that we periodically update.
Field Support
We provide operations personnel to assist the franchisee in the opening of a new business. We also have an ongoing field support program designed to assist franchisees in operating their retail stores. Our franchise support personnel visit each retail store periodically and, in most cases, a business assessment is made to determine whether the franchisee is operating in accordance with our standards. The visit is also designed to assist franchisees with operational issues.
Purchasing
During training each franchisee is taught how to evaluate, purchase and price used goods directly from customers. We have developed specialized computer point-of-sale systems for our brands that provide the franchisee with standardized pricing information to assist in the purchasing of used items.
We provide centralized buying services, which on a limited basis include credit and billing for the Play It Again Sports franchisees. Our Play It Again Sports franchise system uses several major vendors including Nautilus, Wilson Sporting Goods, Champro Sporting Goods, Easton Sports, CCM Hockey and Bauer Hockey. The loss of any of the above vendors would change the vendor mix, but not significantly change our products offered.
To provide the franchisees of our Play It Again Sports, Once Upon A Child and Music Go Round systems a source of affordable new product, we have developed relationships with our significant vendors and negotiated prices for our franchisees to take advantage of the buying power a franchise system brings.
Our typical Once Upon A Child franchised store purchases approximately 30% of its new product from Rachel’s Ribbons, Melissa & Doug, Dorel, North States and Nuby. The loss of any of the above vendors would change the vendor mix, but not significantly change our products offered.
Our typical Music Go Round franchised store purchases approximately 50% of its new product from KMC/Musicorp, RapcoHorizon Company, D’Addario, GHS Corporation and Ernie Ball. The loss of any of the above vendors would change the vendor mix, but not significantly change our products offered.
There are no significant vendors of new products to our typical Plato’s Closet and Style Encore franchised stores as new product is an extremely low percentage of sales for these brands.
Retail Advertising and Marketing
We encourage our franchisees to implement a marketing program that includes the following: television, radio, point-of-purchase materials, in store signage and local store marketing programs as well as email marketing promotions, website promotions and participation in social and digital media. Franchisees of the respective retail brands are required to spend a minimum of 5% of their gross sales on approved advertising and marketing. Franchisees may be required to participate in regional cooperative advertising groups.
Computerized Point-Of-Sale Systems
We require our retail brand franchisees to use a retail information management computer system in each store, which has evolved with the development of new technology. This computerized point-of-sale system is designed specifically for use in our franchise retail stores. The current system includes our proprietary Data Recycling System software, a dedicated server, two or more work station registers, a receipt printer, a report printer and a bar code scanner, together with software modules for inventory management, cash management and customer information management. Our franchisees purchase the computer hardware from us. The Data Recycling System software is designed to accommodate buying of used merchandise. This system provides franchisees with an important management tool that reduces errors, increases efficiencies and enhances inventory control. We provide point-of-sale system support through our Computer Support Center located at our Company headquarters.
The Retail Franchise Agreement
We enter into franchise agreements with our franchisees. The following is a summary of certain key provisions of our current standard retail brand franchise agreement. Except as noted, the franchise agreements used for each of our retail brands are generally the same.
Each franchisee must execute our franchise agreement and pay an initial franchise fee. At December 27, 2014, the franchise fee for all brands was $25,000 for an initial store in the U.S. and $26,500CAD for an initial store in Canada. Once a franchisee opens its initial store, it can open additional stores, in any brand, by paying a $15,000 franchise fee for a store in the U.S. and $16,000CAD for a store in Canada, provided an acceptable territory is available and the franchisee meets the brand’s additional store standards. The franchise fee for our initial retail store and additional retail store in Canada is based upon the exchange rate applied to the United States franchise fee on the last business day of the preceding fiscal year. The franchise fee in March 2015 for an initial retail store in Canada will be $29,000CAD, and an additional retail store in Canada will be $17,500CAD. Typically, the franchisee’s initial store is open for business approximately 12 months from the date the franchise agreement is signed. The franchise agreement has an initial term of 10 years, with subsequent 10-year renewal periods, and grants the franchisee an exclusive geographic area, which will vary in size depending upon population, demographics and other factors. Under current franchise agreements, franchisees of the respective brands are required to pay us weekly continuing fees (royalties) equal to the percentage of gross sales outlined in their Franchise Agreements, generally ranging from 4% to 5% for all of our brands except Music Go Round, which is 3%.
Each Franchisee is required to pay us an annual marketing fee of $500 or $1,000. Each new or renewing franchisee is required to spend 5% of its gross sales for advertising and promoting its franchised store. Existing franchisees with older Franchise Agreements may only be required to spend 3% to 4% of their gross sales on advertising and promotion. Currently, for all of the retail brands except Play It Again Sports, we have the option to increase the minimum advertising expenditure requirement from 5% to 6% of the franchisee’s gross sales, of which up to 2% would be paid to us as an advertising fee for deposit into an advertising fund. While we currently do not have the option to increase the advertising expenditure requirement for Play It Again Sports franchisees, we may also require those franchisees to pay 2% of their gross sales into an advertising fund. This fund, if initiated, would be managed by us and would be used for advertising and promotion of the franchise system.
During the term of a franchise agreement, franchisees agree not to operate directly or indirectly any competitive business. In addition, franchisees agree that after the end of the term or termination of the franchise agreement, franchisees will not operate any competitive business for a period of one year and within a reasonable geographic area.
Although our franchise agreements contain provisions designed to assure the quality of a franchisee’s operations, we have less control over a franchisee’s operations than we would if we owned and operated a retail store. Under the franchise agreement, we have a right of first refusal on the sale of any franchised store, but we are not obligated to repurchase any franchise.
Renewal of the Franchise Relationship
At the end of the 10-year term of each franchise agreement, each franchisee has the option to “renew” the franchise relationship by signing a new 10-year franchise agreement. If a franchisee chooses not to sign a new franchise agreement, a franchisee must comply with all post termination obligations including the franchisee’s noncompetition clause discussed above. We may choose not to renew the franchise relationship only when permitted by the franchise agreement and applicable state law.
We believe that renewing a significant number of these franchise relationships is important to the success of the Company. During the past three years, we renewed 97% of franchise agreements up for renewal.
Retail Franchising Competition
Retailing, including the sale of teenage, children’s and women’s apparel, sporting goods and musical instruments, is highly competitive. Many retailers have substantially greater financial and other resources than we do. Our franchisees compete with established, locally owned retail stores, discount chains and traditional retail stores for sales of new merchandise. Full line retailers generally carry little or no used merchandise. Resale, thrift and consignment shops and garage and rummage sales offer competition to our franchisees for the sale of used merchandise. Also, our franchisees increasingly compete with online used and new goods marketplaces such as eBay, craigslist and many others.
Our Plato’s Closet franchise stores primarily compete with specialty apparel stores such as Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Old Navy, Hollister and Forever 21. We compete with other franchisors in the teenage resale clothing retail market.
Our Play It Again Sports franchisees compete with large retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Sports Authority as well as regional and local sporting goods stores. We also compete with Target and Wal-Mart.
Our Once Upon A Child franchisees compete primarily with large retailers such as Babies “R” Us, Wal-Mart, Target and various specialty children’s retail stores such as Gap Kids. We compete with other franchisors in the specialty children’s resale retail market.
Our Music Go Round franchise stores compete with large musical instrument retailers such as Guitar Center as well as local independent musical instrument stores.
Our Style Encore franchise stores compete with a wide range of women’s apparel stores. We also compete with other franchisors in the women’s resale clothing retail market.
Our retail franchises may face additional competition in the future. This could include additional competitors that may enter the used merchandise market. We believe that our franchisees will continue to be able to compete with other retailers based on the strength of our value-oriented brands and the name recognition associated with our service marks.
We also face competition in connection with the sale of franchises. Our prospective franchisees frequently evaluate other franchise opportunities before purchasing a franchise from us. We compete with other franchise companies for franchisees based on the following factors, among others: amount of initial investment, franchise fee, royalty rate, profitability, franchisor services and industry. We believe that our franchise brands are competitive with other franchises based on the fees we charge, our franchise support services and the performance of our existing franchise brands.
Equipment Leasing Operations
We operate a middle-market leasing operation through Winmark Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary. We operate a small-ticket financing operation through Wirth Business Credit, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary. We incorporated both of these subsidiaries in April 2004. To differentiate ourselves from our competitors in the leasing industry, we offer innovative lease and financing products and concentrate on building long-term relationships with our customers and business alliances.
During the past three years, our leasing operations have experienced improved financial results. Contribution to consolidated operating income from this segment increased from $6.5 million in fiscal 2011 to $9.4 million in fiscal 2014. Our leasing portfolio also increased over this period from $29.8 million at the end of 2011 to $44.0 million at the end of 2014.
Winmark Capital Corporation
Winmark Capital Corporation is engaged in the business of providing non-cancelable leases for high-technology and business-essential assets to both larger organizations and smaller, growing companies. We target businesses with annual revenue between $30 million and several billion dollars. We focus on transactions that have terms from two to three years. Such transactions are generally larger than $250,000 and include high-technology equipment and/or business essential equipment, including computers, telecommunications equipment, storage systems, network equipment and other business-essential equipment. The leases are retained in our portfolio to accommodate equipment additions and upgrades to meet customers’ changing needs.
Industry
The high-technology equipment industry has been characterized by rapid and continuous advancements permitting broadened user applications and reductions in processing costs. The introduction of new equipment generally does not cause existing equipment to become obsolete but usually does cause the market value of existing equipment to decrease to reflect the improved performance per dollar cost of the new equipment. Users frequently replace equipment as their existing equipment becomes inadequate for their needs or as increased processing capacity is required, creating a secondary market in used equipment.
Generally, high-technology equipment, such as information technology equipment, does not suffer from material physical deterioration if properly maintained. As required under our leases, our leased equipment is kept under continual maintenance, in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, most often provided by the manufacturer. The economic life and residual value of information technology equipment is subject to, among other things, the development of technological improvements and changes in sale and maintenance terms initiated by the manufacturer.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy allows us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors in the leasing industry. Key elements of this strategy include:
· Relationship Focus. We maintain a focused, long-term, customer-service approach to our business.
· Full Service. We can service the equipment leasing needs of both large organizations as well as smaller, growing companies.
· Asset Ownership. We differentiate ourselves with our commitment to retain ownership of our leases throughout the lease term.
Leasing and Sales Activities
Our middle-market lease products are marketed nationally through our principal office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and our satellite office in Santa Barbara, California.
We market our leasing services directly to end-users and indirectly through business alliances, and through vendors of equipment, software, value-added services and consulting services. We directly market to customers and prospects by telephone canvassing and by establishing relationships with business alliances in the local business community.
We generally lease high-technology and other business-essential equipment. Additionally, we may lease operating system and application software to our customers, but typically only with a hardware lease. Our standard lease agreements, entered into with each customer, are noncancelable “net” leases which contain “hell-or-high water” provisions under which the customer, upon acceptance of the equipment, must make all lease payments regardless of any defects or performance of the equipment, and which require the customer to maintain and service the equipment, insure the equipment against casualty loss and pay all property, sales and other taxes related to the equipment. We retain ownership of the equipment we lease and, in the event of default by the customer, we or the financial institution to whom the lease payment has been assigned may declare the customer in default, accelerate all lease payments due under the lease and pursue other available remedies, including repossession of the equipment. Upon expiration of the initial term or extended lease term, depending on the structure of the lease, the customer may:
· return the equipment to us;
· renew the lease for an additional term; or
· purchase the equipment.
If the equipment is returned to us, it will typically be sold into the secondary-user marketplace.
Wirth Business Credit, Inc.
Our small-ticket financing operation serves the needs of small businesses. Small-ticket financing transactions are typically between $5,000 and $100,000, have terms of between two and four years and cover business essential assets, including computers, printing equipment, security systems, telecommunications equipment, production equipment and other assets. Our financing transactions are generally full pay out transactions, which means, after paying all required payments under the financing agreement, the customer owns the asset. Key elements of our small-ticket business strategy include a focus on both business owners and equipment vendor relationships as well as providing fast credit decisions, flexible terms and an easy to understand process.
The small ticket finance industry is highly fragmented and competitive. Small business owners typically finance their businesses through one of many possible sources including banks, vendor captive finance companies, leasing brokers, credit card companies and independent leasing companies. These sources of funding typically limit their focus to certain types of transactions and may base their decision on credit quality, geography, size of transaction, type of asset or other criteria.
Financing
To date, we have funded the vast majority of our leases internally using our available cash or debt.
Winmark Capital Corporation may from time to time arrange permanent financing of leases through non-recourse discounting of lease rentals with various financial institutions at fixed interest rates. The proceeds from the assignment of the lease rentals will generally be equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments due under the lease, discounted at the interest rate charged by the financial institution. Interest rates obtained under this type of financing are negotiated on a transaction-by-transaction basis and reflect the financial strength of the customer, the term of the lease and the prevailing interest rates. In the event of a default by a customer in non-recourse financing, the financial institution has a first lien on the underlying leased equipment, with no further recourse against us. The institution may, however, take title to the collateral in the event the customer fails to make lease payments or certain other defaults by the customer occur under the terms of the lease. Our use of lease discounting is dependent upon having leases that are attractive to financial institutions as well as our available cash balances.
Equipment Leasing Competition
We compete with a variety of equipment financing sources that are available to businesses, including: national, regional and local finance companies that provide lease and loan products; financing through captive finance and leasing companies affiliated with major equipment manufacturers; credit card companies; and commercial banks, savings and loans, and credit unions. Many of these companies are substantially larger than we are and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do.
Some of our competitors have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. A lower cost of funds could enable a competitor to offer leases with yields that are much less than the yields that we offer, which might cause us to lose lease origination volume. In addition, certain of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could enable them to establish more origination sources and end user customer relationships and increase their market share. We have and will continue to encounter significant competition.
Government Regulation
Fourteen states, the Federal Trade Commission and five Canadian Provinces impose pre-sale franchise registration and/or disclosure requirements on franchisors. In addition, a number of states have statutes which regulate substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship such as termination, nonrenewal, transfer, discrimination among franchisees and competition with franchisees.
Additional legislation, both at the federal and state levels, could expand pre-sale disclosure requirements, further regulate substantive aspects of the franchise relationship and require us to file our Franchise Disclosure Documents with additional states. We cannot predict the effect of future franchise legislation, but do not believe there is any imminent legislation currently under consideration which would have a material adverse impact on our operations.
Although most states do not directly regulate the commercial equipment lease financing business, certain states require licensing of lenders and finance companies, and impose limitations on interest rates and other charges, and a disclosure of certain contract terms and constrain collection practices. We believe that we are currently in compliance with all material statutes and regulations that are applicable to our business.
Trademarks and Service Marks
Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Music Go Round®, Style Encore®, Winmark®, Winmark Business Solutions®, Wirth Business Credit® and Winmark Capital®, among others, are our registered service marks. These marks are of considerable value to our business. We intend to protect our service marks by appropriate legal action where and when necessary. Each service mark registration must be renewed every 10 years. We have taken, and intend to continue to take, all steps necessary to renew the registration of all our material service marks.
Seasonality
Our Plato’s Closet and Once Upon A Child franchise brands have experienced higher than average sales volumes during the spring months and during the back to school season. Our Play It Again Sports franchise brand has experienced higher than average sales volumes during the winter season. Overall, the different seasonal trends of our brands partially offset each other and do not result in significant seasonality trends on a Company-wide basis. Our equipment leasing business is not seasonal; however, quarter to quarter results often vary significantly.
Employees
As of December 27, 2014, we employed 108 employees, all of which were full-time.
Available Information
We maintain a Web site at www.winmarkcorporation.com, the contents of which are not part of or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K (and amendments to those reports) available on our Web site via a link to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Web site, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports have been filed with or furnished to the SEC.
ITEM 1A:
ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS
We are dependent on franchise renewals.
Each of our franchise agreements is 10 years long. At the end of the term of each franchise agreement, each franchisee may, if certain conditions are met, “renew” the franchise relationship by signing a new 10-year franchise agreement. As of December 27, 2014 each of our five franchised retail brands have the following number of franchise agreements that will expire over the next three years:
We believe that renewing a significant number of these franchise relationships is important to our continued success. If a significant number of franchise relationships are not renewed, our financial performance would be materially and adversely impacted.
We are dependent on new franchisees.
Our ability to generate increased revenue and achieve higher levels of profitability depends in part on increasing the number of franchises open. Unfavorable macro-economic conditions may affect the ability of potential franchisees to obtain external financing and/or impact their net worth, both of which could lead to a lower level of openings than we have historically experienced. There can be no assurance that we will sustain our current level of franchise openings.
We are in the early stages of developing a new retail concept.
We are currently investing in the continued development of our newest retail concept, Style Encore, focused on buying and selling used women’s apparel, shoes and accessories. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in this undertaking and that it will not have a negative impact on our financial performance.
We may make additional investments outside of our core businesses.
From time to time, we have and may continue to make investments both inside and outside of our current businesses. To the extent that we make additional investments that are not successful, such investments could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
We are dependent upon our chief executive officer.
Our success depends on the efforts and abilities of John L. Morgan, our chairman of the board and chief executive officer. The loss of the services of Mr. Morgan could materially harm our business. Such a loss may also divert management attention away from operational issues.
We may sell franchises for a territory, but the franchisee may not open.
We believe that a substantial majority of franchises awarded but not opened will open within the time period permitted by the applicable franchise agreement or we will be able to resell the territories for most of the terminated or expired franchises. However, there can be no assurance that substantially all of the currently sold but unopened franchises will open and commence paying royalties to us.
Our retail franchisees are dependent on supply of used merchandise.
Our retail brands are based on offering customers a mix of used and new merchandise. As a result, the ability of our franchisees to obtain continuing supplies of high quality used merchandise is important to the success of our brands. Supply of used merchandise comes from the general public and is not regular or highly reliable. In addition, adherence to federal and state product safety and other requirements may limit the amount of used merchandise available to our franchisees. In addition to laws and regulations that apply to businesses generally, our franchised retail stores may be subject to state or local statutes or ordinances that govern secondhand dealers. There can be no assurance that our franchisees will avoid supply problems with respect to used merchandise.
We may be unable to collect accounts receivable from franchisees.
In the event that our ability to collect accounts receivable significantly declines from current rates, we may incur additional charges that would affect earnings. If we are unable to collect payments due from our franchisees, it would materially adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
We operate in extremely competitive industries.
Retailing, including the sale of teenage, children’s and women’s apparel, sporting goods and musical instruments, is highly competitive. Many retailers have significantly greater financial and other resources than us and our franchisees. Individual franchisees face competition in their markets from retailers of new merchandise and, in certain instances, resale, thrift and other stores that sell used merchandise. We may face additional competition as our franchise systems expand and if additional competitors enter the used merchandise market.
Our equipment leasing businesses compete with a variety of equipment financing sources that are available to businesses, including: national, regional, and local finance companies that provide leases and loan products; financing through captive finance and leasing companies affiliated with major equipment manufacturers; and commercial banks, savings and loans, credit unions and credit cards. Many of these companies are substantially larger than we are and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. There can be no assurances that we will be able to successfully compete with these larger competitors.
We are subject to credit risk from nonpayment or slow payments in our lease portfolio and our allowance for credit losses may be inadequate to absorb losses.
In our leasing business, if we inaccurately assess the creditworthiness of our customers, we may experience a higher number of lease defaults than expected, which would reduce our earnings. For our middle-market customers, we serve a wide range of businesses from smaller companies that may be financed by venture capital investors to larger organizations that may be financed by private equity firms and larger independent public or private companies. In many cases, our credit analysis relies on the customer’s current or projected financials. If we fail to adequately assess the risks of our customer’s business plans, we may experience credit losses. For our small-ticket customers, there is typically only limited publicly available financial and other information about their businesses. Accordingly, in making credit decisions, we rely upon the accuracy of information from the small business owner and/or third party sources, such as credit reporting agencies. If the information we obtain from small business owners and/or third party sources is incorrect, our ability to make appropriate credit decisions will be impaired.
If losses from leases exceed our allowance for credit losses, our operating income will be reduced. In connection with our leases, we record an allowance for credit losses to provide for estimated losses. Determining the appropriate level of the allowance is an inherently uncertain process and therefore our determination of this allowance may prove to be inadequate to cover losses in connection with our portfolio of leases. Losses in excess of our allowance for credit losses would cause us to increase our provision for credit losses, reducing or eliminating our operating income. Any such significant increase in losses could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
Deterioration in economic or business conditions may negatively impact our leasing business.
In an economic slowdown or recession, our equipment leasing businesses may face an increase in delinquent payments, lease defaults and credit losses. The volume of leasing business for our new and existing customers may decline, as well as the credit quality of our customers. Because we extend credit to many emerging and leveraged companies through our subsidiary Winmark Capital Corporation and primarily to small businesses through our subsidiary Wirth Business Credit, Inc., our customers may be particularly susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions. Any protracted economic slowdowns or recessions may make it difficult for us to maintain the volume of lease originations for new and existing customers, and may deteriorate the credit quality of new leases. Any of these events may slow the growth of our leasing portfolio and impact the profitability of our leasing operations.
We are subject to restrictions and counterparty risk in our credit facility.
The terms of our $35.0 million line of credit impose certain operating and financial restrictions on us and require us to meet certain financial tests including tests related to minimum levels of debt service coverage and tangible net worth and maximum levels of leverage. As of December 27, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants under this facility; however, failure to comply with these covenants in the future may result in default and could result in acceleration of the related indebtedness. Any such acceleration of indebtedness would have an adverse impact on our business activities and financial condition.
Sustained credit market deterioration could jeopardize the counterparty obligations of one or both of the banks participating in this facility, which could have an adverse impact on our business if we are not able to replace such credit facility or find other sources of liquidity on acceptable terms.
We are subject to government regulation.
As a franchisor, we are subject to various federal and state franchise laws and regulations. Fourteen states, the Federal Trade Commission and five Canadian Provinces impose pre-sale franchise registration and/or disclosure requirements on franchisors. In addition, a number of states have statutes which regulate substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship such as termination, nonrenewal, transfer, discrimination among franchisees and competition with franchisees.
Additional legislation, both at the federal and state levels, could expand pre-sale disclosure requirements, further regulate substantive aspects of the franchise relationship and require us to file our franchise offering circulars with additional states. Future franchise legislation could impose costs or other burdens on us that could have a material adverse impact on our operations. In addition, evolving labor and employment laws, rules and regulations could result in potential claims against us as a franchisor for labor and employment related liabilities that have historically been borne by franchisees.
Although most states do not directly regulate the commercial equipment lease financing business, certain states require licensing of lenders and finance companies, impose limitations on interest rates and other charges, constrain collection practices and require disclosure of certain contract terms. Laws or regulations may be adopted with respect to our equipment leases or the equipment leasing industry, and collection processes. Any new legislation or regulation, or changes in the interpretation of existing laws, which affect the equipment leasing industry could increase our costs of compliance.
ITEM 1B:
ITEM 1B: UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2:
ITEM 2: PROPERTIES
We lease 41,016 square feet at our headquarters facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We are obligated to pay rent monthly under the lease, and will pay an average of $647,000 annually over the remaining term that expires in 2019. We are also obligated to pay estimated taxes and operating expenses as described in the lease, which change annually. The total rentals, taxes and operating expenses paid may increase if we exercise any of our rights to acquire additional space described in the lease. Our facilities are sufficient to meet our current and immediate future needs.
ITEM 3:
ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not a party to any material litigation and are not aware of any threatened litigation that would have a material adverse effect on our business.
ITEM 4:
ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5:
ITEM 5: MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information, Holders, Dividends
Winmark Corporation’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “WINA”. The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported by NASDAQ for the quarterly periods indicated:
At March 6, 2015, there were 4,999,594 shares of common stock outstanding held by approximately 83 shareholders of record. Shareholders of record do not include holders who beneficially own common stock held in nominee or “street name”.
We declared and paid cash dividends per common share of the following amounts in each of the quarterly periods indicated:
Any future declaration of dividends will be subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and subject to our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, compliance with loan covenants and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
(1) The Board of Directors’ authorization for the repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock was originally approved in 1995 with no expiration date. The total shares approved for repurchase has been increased by additional Board of Directors’ approvals and is currently limited to 5,000,000 shares, of which 166,700 may still be repurchased under the existing authorization.
Performance Graph
In accordance with the rules of the SEC, the following graph compares the performance of our common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market to the NASDAQ US Benchmark TR composite index and to the NASDAQ US Benchmark Retail TR industry index, of which we are a component. The graph compares on an annual basis the cumulative total shareholder return on $100 invested on December 24, 2009 through our fiscal year ended December 27, 2014 and assumes reinvestment of all dividends. The performance graph is not necessarily indicative of future investment performance.
ITEM 6:
ITEM 6: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected financial information for the periods indicated. The information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes discussed in Items 8 and 15, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discussed in Item 7.
ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
As of December 27, 2014, we had 1,092 franchises operating under the Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Play It Again Sports, Music Go Round and Style Encore brands and had a leasing portfolio of $44.0 million. Management closely tracks the following financial criteria to evaluate current business operations and future prospects: royalties, leasing activity, and selling, general and administrative expenses.
Our most profitable source of franchising revenue is royalties received from our franchise partners. During 2014, our royalties increased $2.6 million or 7.2% compared to 2013.
During 2014, we purchased $27.5 million in equipment for lease customers compared to $20.7 million in 2013. Overall, our leasing portfolio (net investment in leases - current and long-term) increased to $44.0 million at December 27, 2014 from $37.5 million at December 28, 2013. Leasing income net of leasing expense in 2014 was $14.6 million compared to $12.9 million in the same period last year. Fluctuations in period-to-period leasing income and leasing expense result primarily from the manner and timing in which leasing income and leasing expense is recognized over the term of each particular lease in accordance with accounting guidance applicable to leasing. For this reason, we believe that more meaningful levels of leasing activity are the purchases of equipment for lease customers and the medium- to long-term trend in the size of the leasing portfolio.
Management continually monitors the level and timing of selling, general and administrative expenses. The major components of selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, wages and benefits, advertising, travel, occupancy, legal and professional fees. During 2014, selling, general and administrative expense increased $1.6 million, or 7.2%, compared to the same period last year.
Management also monitors several nonfinancial factors in evaluating the current business operations and future prospects including franchise openings and closings and franchise renewals. The following is a summary of our franchising activity for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014:
Renewal activity is a key focus area for management. Our franchisees sign 10-year agreements with us. The renewal of existing franchise agreements as they approach their expiration is an indicator that management monitors to determine the health of our business and the preservation of future royalties. In 2014, we renewed 99% of franchise agreements up for renewal. This percentage of renewal has ranged between 96% and 99% during the last three years.
Our ability to grow our operating income is dependent on our ability to: (i) effectively support our franchise partners so that they produce higher revenues, (ii) open new franchises, (iii) increase lease originations and minimize write-offs in our leasing portfolios, and (iv) control our selling, general and administrative expenses. A detailed description of the risks to our business along with other risk factors can be found in Item 1A “Risk Factors”.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth selected information from our Consolidated Statements of Operations expressed as a percentage of total revenue and the percentage change in the dollar amounts from the prior period:
Revenue
Revenues for the year ended December 27, 2014 totaled $61.2 million compared to $55.7 million and $51.9 million for the comparable periods in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Royalties and Franchise Fees
Royalties increased to $39.0 million for 2014 from $36.3 million for the same period in 2013, a 7.2% increase. The increase was due to higher Plato’s Closet and Once Upon A Child royalties of $1.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The increase in royalties for these brands is primarily from having 35 additional Plato’s Closet and 26 additional Once Upon A Child franchise stores in 2014 compared to 2013. In 2013, royalties increased $2.5 million compared to 2012. This increase was primarily due to having 37 additional franchise stores in 2013 compared to 2012 as well as higher franchisee retail sales.
Franchise fees increased to $2.0 million for 2014 from $1.5 million for 2013 primarily as a result of opening 26 more franchises in 2014 compared to 2013. Franchise fees in 2013 increased $0.2 million compared to 2012 primarily due to opening 15 more franchises in 2013 compared to 2012. Franchise fees include initial franchise fees from the sale of new franchises and transfer fees related to the transfer of existing franchises. Franchise fee revenue is recognized when the franchise opens or when the franchise agreement is assigned to a buyer of a franchise. An overview of retail brand franchise fees is presented in the Franchising subsection of the Business section (Item 1).
Leasing Income
Leasing income increased to $16.2 million in 2014 compared to $14.5 million for the same period in 2013. The increase is primarily due to a higher level of equipment sales to customers as well as a larger lease portfolio in 2014 compared to 2013. Leasing income in 2013 increased $1.3 million compared to 2012 primarily due to the classification of certain leases as sales-type leases in accordance with accounting guidance applicable to lessors as well as a larger lease portfolio in 2013 compared to 2012.
Merchandise Sales
Merchandise sales include the sale of product to franchisees either through our Computer Support Center or through the Play It Again Sports buying group (together, “Direct Franchisee Sales”). Direct Franchisee Sales increased to $2.7 million in 2014 from $2.3 million in 2013. The increase is primarily due to an increase in technology purchases by our franchisees. Direct Franchisee Sales in 2013 decreased $0.4 million compared to 2012 as a result of decreased technology purchases by our franchisees.
Cost of Merchandise Sold
Cost of merchandise sold includes in-bound freight and the cost of merchandise associated with Direct Franchisee Sales. Cost of merchandise sold increased to $2.6 million in 2014 from $2.2 million in 2013. The increase was due to an increase in Direct Franchisee Sales in 2014 discussed above. Cost of merchandise sold in 2013 decreased $0.4 million compared to 2012 due to a decrease in Direct Franchisee Sales in 2013 discussed above. Cost of merchandise sold as a percentage of Direct Franchisee Sales for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was 96.0%, 94.8% and 95.3%, respectively.
Leasing Expense
Leasing expense of $1.6 million in 2014 was comparable to $1.6 million in 2013. Leasing expense in 2013 decreased $0.2 million compared to 2012 due to a decrease in the associated cost of equipment sales to customers.
Provision for Credit Losses
Provision for credit losses was $62,900 in 2014 compared to ($44,700) in 2013 and ($47,600) in 2012. The increase in provision for credit losses in 2014 is primarily due to the increase in lease payments receivable associated with the larger lease portfolio. The provision levels for 2013 and 2012 were impacted by net recoveries in the leasing portfolio.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 7.2% to $23.8 million in 2014 from $22.2 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits. The $1.9 million, or 9.5%, increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2013 compared to 2012 was primarily due to an increase in compensation, benefits and advertising production expenses, inclusive of amounts related to the launch of our new Style Encore resale concept.
Loss from Equity Investments
During 2012, we recorded a loss of $0.7 million from our investment in Tomsten (representing our pro-rata share of losses for the period). In addition, as part of an impairment analysis during 2012 we determined that the carrying value of our investment was not expected to be recoverable from the future cash flows of the Tomsten business or the sale of our ownership stake. We therefore recorded an impairment charge in 2012 of $1.8 million to reduce our carrying value of this investment to $0 as of December 29, 2012. As this investment was fully impaired, we did not record additional losses during 2013 or 2014. (See Note 3 - “Investments”).
Impairment of Investment in Notes
During 2012, we recorded an impairment charge of $1.3 million for our investment in BridgeFunds notes as a result of our estimate of expected future cash flows from this investment. As of December 29, 2012, our aggregate valuation allowance reduced the net carrying value of this investment to $0. We maintained the net investment balance of $0 as of December 28, 2013 and December 27, 2014, as we do not expect to receive any cash flows from this investment, and therefore did not record any additional impairment during 2013 or 2014. (See Note 3 - “Investments”).
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased to $484,500 in 2014 compared to $213,500 in 2013. The increase is primarily due to higher average corporate borrowings during 2014 when compared to 2013. Interest expense in 2013 decreased $178,800 compared to 2012 due to lower average corporate borrowings during 2013 when compared to 2012.
Interest and Other Income
During 2014, we had interest and other income of $14,000 compared to $23,400 and $66,000 of interest and other income in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes was calculated at an effective rate of 38.4%, 38.4% and 44.1% for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The lower effective rate in 2014 and 2013 compared to 2012 is primarily due to a decrease in state taxes and our recording of deferred tax asset valuation allowance for the losses from and impairments of our investments in Tomsten and BridgeFunds in 2012.
Segment Comparison of Fiscal Years 2014, 2013 and 2012
We currently have two reportable business segments, franchising and leasing. The franchising segment franchises value-oriented retail store concepts that buy, sell, trade and consign merchandise. The leasing segment includes (i) Winmark Capital Corporation, our middle-market equipment leasing business and (ii) Wirth Business Credit, Inc., our small-ticket financing business. Segment reporting is intended to give financial statement users a better view of how we manage and evaluate our businesses. Our internal management reporting is the basis for the information disclosed for our business segments and includes allocation of shared-service costs. The following tables summarize financial information by segment and provide a reconciliation of segment contribution to income from operations:
Franchising Segment Operating Income
The franchising segment’s 2014 operating income increased by $1.8 million, or 8.1%, to $23.6 million from $21.9 million for 2013. The increase in segment contribution was primarily due to increased royalty revenues, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. The $1.2 million increase in the franchising segment’s 2013 operating income from 2012 was primarily due to increased royalty revenues partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses (inclusive of amounts related to the launch of our new Style Encore resale concept).
Leasing Segment Operating Income
The leasing segment’s operating income for 2014 increased by $1.5 million, or 19.1%, to $9.4 million from $7.9 million for 2013. The increase in segment contribution was due to an increase in leasing income net of leasing expense. The $1.3 million increase in the leasing segment’s 2013 operating income from 2012 was due to an increase in leasing income net of leasing expense.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity have historically been cash flow from operations and borrowings. The components of the Consolidated Statements of Operations that reduce our net income but do not affect our liquidity include non-cash items for depreciation, compensation expense related to stock options, loss from and impairment of equity investments and impairment of investment in notes.
We ended 2014 with $2.1 million in cash and cash equivalents compared to $10.6 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2013.
Operating activities provided $18.0 million of cash during 2014 compared to $21.6 million provided during 2013 and $18.2 million provided during 2012. A contributing factor to the decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2014 compared to 2013 was an increase in cash paid for income taxes of $6.1 million. A contributing factor to the increase in cash provided by operating activities in 2013 compared to 2012 was a decrease in income tax receivable of $1.2 million.
Investing activities used $7.1 million of cash during 2014 compared to $4.0 million used during 2013 and $6.1 million used during 2012. Our most significant investing activities consist of the purchase of equipment for lease contracts and principal collections on lease receivables, as our franchising business is not capital intensive. Purchase of equipment for lease customers in 2014 was $27.5 million compared to $20.7 million in 2013 and $23.8 million in 2012. During 2014, principal collections on lease receivables were $20.7 million compared to $17.8 million during 2013 and $16.9 million during 2012.
Financing activities used $19.5 million of cash during 2014 compared to $9.2 million used during 2013 and $18.8 million used during 2012. Our most significant financing activities over the past three years have consisted of net borrowings/payments on our line of credit, the payment of dividends, repurchase of common stock, and net proceeds and tax benefits received from the exercise of stock options. During 2012, we paid $26.1 million in cash dividends (including a $5.00 per share special cash dividend) and used $7.2 million to purchase 134,720 shares of our common stock. Net borrowings on our line of credit of $10.8 million during 2012 were associated with these activities. During 2013, we paid off the $10.8 million remaining on the line of credit from the 2012 activities, paid dividends of $1.0 million, repurchased 28,422 shares of our common stock for $1.9 million and received net proceeds and tax benefits from the exercise of stock options of $3.7 million. During 2014, we paid $26.9 million in cash dividends (including a $5.00 per share special cash dividend) and used $11.6 million to purchase 166,030 shares of our common stock. Net borrowings on our line of credit of $18.5 million during 2014 were associated with these activities. (See Note 6 - “Shareholders’ Equity”).
We have debt obligations and future operating lease commitments for our corporate headquarters and satellite office space. As of December 27, 2014, we had no other material outstanding commitments. (See Note 11 - “Commitments and Contingencies”). The following table summarizes our significant future contractual obligations at December 27, 2014:
(1) The Company’s borrowings under the Line of Credit are classified as current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets due to the Company’s ability to repay the outstanding borrowings within one year. In addition to the principal payments noted in the table, the Company will incur interest expense on such variable rate debt. Interest rates on amounts outstanding under the Line of Credit at December 27, 2014, ranged from 2.41% to 3.25%.
As of December 27, 2014, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
We have a revolving credit facility with The PrivateBank and Trust Company and BMO Harris Bank N.A. (the “Line of Credit”). The Line of Credit, which has a termination date of February 28, 2018, has been and will continue to be used for general corporate purposes. Borrowings under the Line of Credit are subject to certain borrowing base limitations, and the Line of Credit is secured by a lien against substantially all of our assets, contains customary financial conditions and covenants, and requires maintenance of minimum levels of debt service coverage and tangible net worth and maximum levels of leverage (all as defined within the Line of Credit). As of December 27, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants and our borrowing availability under the Line of Credit was $35.0 million (the lesser of the borrowing base or the aggregate line of credit). There were $18.5 million in borrowings outstanding under the Line of Credit bearing interest ranging from 2.41% to 3.25%, leaving $16.5 million available for additional borrowings.
The Line of Credit allows us to choose between three interest rate options in connection with our borrowings. The interest rate options are the Base Rate, LIBOR and Fixed Rate (all as defined within the Line of Credit) plus an applicable margin of 0.25%, 2.75% and 2.75%, respectively. Interest periods for LIBOR borrowings can be one, two or three months, and interest periods for Fixed Rate borrowings can be one, two, three or four years as selected by us. The Line of Credit also provides for non-utilization fees of 0.25% per annum on the daily average of the unused commitment.
We may utilize discounted lease financing to provide funds for a portion of our leasing activities. Rates for discounted lease financing reflect prevailing market interest rates and the credit standing of the lessees for which the payment stream of the leases are discounted. We believe that discounted lease financing will continue to be available to us at competitive rates of interest through the relationships we have established with financial institutions.
We believe that the combination of our cash on hand, the cash generated from our franchising business, cash generated from discounting sources and our Line of Credit will be adequate to fund our planned operations, including leasing activity, through 2015.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Company prepares the consolidated financial statements of Winmark Corporation and Subsidiaries in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As such, the Company is required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that it believes are reasonable based on information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from these estimates. The critical accounting policies that the Company believes are most important to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the reported financial results include the following:
Revenue Recognition - Royalty Revenue and Franchise Fees
The Company collects royalties from each retail franchise based on a percentage of retail store gross sales. The Company recognizes royalties as revenue when earned. At the end of each accounting period, estimates of royalty amounts due are made based on applying historical weekly sales information to the number of weeks of unreported franchisee sales. If there are significant changes in the actual performance of franchisees versus the Company’s estimates, its royalty revenue would be impacted. During 2014, the Company collected $18,100 more than it estimated at December 28, 2013. As of December 27, 2014, the Company’s royalty receivable was $1,194,400.
The Company collects initial franchise fees when franchise agreements are signed and recognizes the initial franchise fees as revenue when the franchise is opened, which is when the Company has performed substantially all initial services required by the franchise agreement. Franchise fees collected from franchisees but not yet recognized as income are recorded as deferred revenue in the liability section of the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 27, 2014, deferred franchise fees were $2,005,300.
Leasing Income Recognition
Leasing income for direct financing leases is recognized under the effective interest method. The effective interest method of income recognition applies a constant rate of interest equal to the internal rate of return on the lease. Generally, when a lease is more than 90 days delinquent (when more than three monthly payments are owed), the lease is classified as being on non-accrual and the Company stops recognizing leasing income on that date. Payments received on leases in non-accrual status generally reduce the lease receivable. Leases on non-accrual status remain classified as such until there is sustained payment performance that, in the Company’s judgment, would indicate that all contractual amounts will be collected in full.
In certain circumstances, the Company may re-lease equipment in its existing portfolio. As this equipment may have a fair value greater than its carrying amount when re-leased, the Company may be required to account for the lease as a sales-type lease. At inception of a sales-type lease, revenue is recorded that consists of the present value of the future minimum lease payments discounted at the rate implicit in the lease. In subsequent periods, the recording of income is consistent with the accounting for a direct financing lease.
For leases that are accounted for as operating leases, income is recognized on a straight-line basis when payments under the lease contract are due.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses at an amount that it believes to be sufficient to absorb losses inherent in its existing lease portfolio as of the reporting dates. Leases are collectively evaluated for potential loss. The Company’s methodology for determining the allowance for credit losses includes consideration of the level of delinquencies and non-accrual leases, historical net charge-off amounts and review of any significant concentrations.
A provision is charged against earnings to maintain the allowance for credit losses at the appropriate level. If the actual results are different from the Company’s estimates, results could be different. The Company’s policy is to charge-off against the allowance the estimated unrecoverable portion of accounts once they reach 121 days delinquent. (See Note 4 - “Investment in Leasing Operations”).
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company currently uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. The determination of the fair value of the awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include implied volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends.
The Company evaluates the assumptions used to value awards on an annual basis. If factors change and the Company employs different assumptions for estimating stock-based compensation expense in future periods or if the Company decides to use a different valuation model, the future periods may differ significantly from what it has recorded in the current period and could materially affect operating income, net income and earnings per share.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Pronouncements”.
Outlook
Forward Looking Statements
The statements contained Item 1 “Business”, Item 1A “Risk Factors”, in this Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and in Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplemental Data” that are not strictly historical fact, including without limitation, the Company’s statements relating to growth opportunities, prospects for and anticipated operations of the leasing business, its ability to open new franchises, its ability to manage costs in the future, the number of franchises it believes will open, its future cash requirements, allowance for credit losses and its belief that it will have adequate capital and reserves to meet its current and contingent obligations and operating needs, as well as its disclosures regarding market rate risk, are forward looking statements made under the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations as of the date of this report but involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward looking statements. Investors are cautioned to consider these forward looking statements in light of important factors which may result in material variations between results contemplated by such forward looking statements and actual results and conditions including, but not limited to, the risk factors discussed in Section 1A of this report. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason.
ITEM 7A:
ITEM 7A: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company incurs financial markets risk in the form of interest rate risk. Risk can be quantified by measuring the financial impact of a near-term adverse increase in short-term interest rates. At December 27, 2014, the Company had available a $35.0 million line of credit with The PrivateBank and Trust Company and BMO Harris Bank N.A. The interest rates applicable to this agreement are based on either the bank’s base rate or LIBOR for short-term borrowings (less than three months) or the bank’s index rate for borrowings one year or greater. The Company had $18.5 million of debt outstanding at December 27, 2014 under this line of credit all of which was in the form of short-term borrowings subject to daily changes in the bank’s base rate or LIBOR. The Company’s earnings would be affected by changes in these short-term interest rates. With the Company’s borrowings at December 27, 2014, a one percent increase in short-term rates would reduce annual pretax earnings by $185,000. The Company had no interest rate derivatives in place at December 27, 2014.
None of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents at December 27, 2014 was invested in money market mutual funds, which are subject to the effects of market fluctuations in interest rates. The Company’s portfolio of marketable securities is subject to customary equity market risk.
Although the Company conducts business in foreign countries, international operations are not material to its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, foreign currency transaction gains and losses were not material to the Company’s results of operations for the year ended December 27, 2014. Accordingly, the Company is not currently subject to material foreign currency exchange rate risks from the effects that exchange rate movements of foreign currencies would have on its future costs or on future cash flows it would receive from its foreign activity. To date, the Company has not entered into any foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative financial instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
ITEM 8:
ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Winmark Corporation and Subsidiaries
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Fiscal years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
1. Organization and Business:
Winmark Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) offers licenses to operate franchises using the service marks Plato’s Closet®, Play It Again Sports®, Once Upon A Child®, Music Go Round® and Style Encore®. In addition, the Company sells point-of-sale system hardware to its franchisees and certain merchandise to its Play It Again Sports franchisees. The Company also operates both middle market and small-ticket equipment leasing businesses under the Winmark Capital® and Wirth Business Credit® marks. The Company has a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Saturday in December. Fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were 52-week fiscal years.
Following is a summary of our franchising activity for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014:
2. Significant Accounting Policies:
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Winmark Capital Corporation, Wirth Business Credit, Inc. and Grow Biz Games, Inc. All material inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements also include the Company’s investment in and share of net earnings or losses for its investment in Tomsten, Inc. (“Tomsten”), which is recorded using the equity method of accounting.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had $73,100 and $55,700 of cash located in Canadian banks. The Company holds its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions and at times, such balances may be in excess of insurance limits.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
Receivables
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts on trade receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $1,600 and $4,300 at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. If receivables in excess of the provided allowance are determined uncollectible, they are charged to expense in the year the determination is made. Trade receivables are written off when they become uncollectible (which generally occurs when the franchise terminates and there is no reasonable expectation of collection), and payments subsequently received on such receivable are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. Historically, receivables balances written off have not exceeded allowances provided.
Investment in Leasing Operations
The Company uses the direct finance method of accounting to record income from direct financing leases. At the inception of a lease, the Company records the minimum future lease payments receivable, the estimated residual value of the leased equipment and the unearned lease income. Initial direct costs related to lease originations are deferred as part of the investment and amortized over the lease term. Unearned lease income is the amount by which the total lease receivable plus the estimated residual value exceeds the cost of the equipment.
Leasing Income Recognition
Leasing income for direct financing leases is recognized under the effective interest method. The effective interest method of income recognition applies a constant rate of interest equal to the internal rate of return on the lease. Generally, when a lease is more than 90 days delinquent (when more than three monthly payments are owed), the lease is classified as being on non-accrual and the Company stops recognizing leasing income on that date. Payments received on leases in non-accrual status generally reduce the lease receivable. Leases on non-accrual status remain classified as such until there is sustained payment performance that, in the Company’s judgment, would indicate that all contractual amounts will be collected in full.
In certain circumstances, the Company may re-lease equipment in its existing portfolio. As this equipment may have a fair value greater than its carrying amount when re-leased, the Company may be required to account for the lease as a sales-type lease. At inception of a sales-type lease, revenue is recorded that consists of the present value of the future minimum lease payments discounted at the rate implicit in the lease. In subsequent periods, the recording of income is consistent with the accounting for a direct financing lease.
For leases that are accounted for as operating leases, income is recognized on a straight-line basis when payments under the lease contract are due.
Leasing Expense
Leasing expense includes the cost of financing equipment purchases, the cost of equipment sales as well as depreciation expense for operating lease assets. Additionally, at inception of a sales-type lease, cost is recorded that consists of the equipment’s book value, less the present value of its residual and is included in leasing expense.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
Initial Direct Costs
The Company defers initial direct costs incurred to originate its leases in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The initial direct costs deferred are part of the investment in leasing operations and are amortized using the effective interest method. Initial direct costs include commissions and costs associated with credit evaluation, recording guarantees and other security arrangements, documentation and transaction closing.
Lease Residual Values
Residual values reflect the estimated amounts to be received at lease termination from sales or other dispositions of leased equipment to unrelated parties. The leased equipment residual values are based on the Company’s best estimate.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses at an amount that it believes to be sufficient to absorb losses inherent in its existing lease portfolio as of the reporting dates. Leases are collectively evaluated for potential loss. The Company’s methodology for determining the allowance for credit losses includes consideration of the level of delinquencies and non-accrual leases, historical net charge-off amounts and review of any significant concentrations.
A provision is charged against earnings to maintain the allowance for credit losses at the appropriate level. If the actual results are different from the Company’s estimates, results could be different. The Company’s policy is to charge-off against the allowance the estimated unrecoverable portion of accounts once they reach 121 days delinquent.
Inventories
The Company values its inventories at the lower of cost, as determined by the weighted average cost method, or market. Inventory consists of computer hardware and related accessories.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Investments
The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds expected undiscounted future cash flows, the Company measures the amount of impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value.
The Company evaluates its long-term equity investments for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The impairment, if any, is measured by the difference between the assets’ carrying amount and their fair value (as prescribed by applicable accounting guidance), based on the best information available, including market prices, discounted cash flow analysis or other financial metrics that management utilizes to help determine fair value.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
The Company evaluates its long-term note investments for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the notes. The impairment, if any, is measured by the difference between the recorded investment in the notes, including accrued interest, and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate of the notes (as prescribed by applicable accounting guidance), based on the best information available to management. Once a note investment is deemed impaired, any significant change in the amount or timing of the expected or actual cash flows requires recalculation of the impairment applying the procedures described above.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization for financial reporting purposes is provided on the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives used in calculating depreciation and amortization are: three to five years for computer and peripheral equipment, five to seven years for furniture and equipment and the shorter of the lease term or useful life for leasehold improvements. Major repairs, refurbishments and improvements which significantly extend the useful lives of the related assets are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs, supplies and accessories are charged to expense as incurred.
Goodwill
The Company reviews its goodwill for impairment at its fiscal year end or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that there has been impairment in the value of its goodwill. No impairment was noted during the years ended December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013. Goodwill of $607,500 is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, and is all attributable to the Franchising segment.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted U.S. accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The ultimate results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates relate to allowance for credit losses and impairment of long-term investments. These estimates may be adjusted as more current information becomes available, and any adjustment could be significant.
Advertising
Advertising costs are charged to operating expenses as incurred. Advertising costs were $252,800, $185,300 and $137,200 for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes the cost of all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, in the consolidated financial statements based on the grant date fair value of those awards. This cost is recognized over the period for which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
The Company estimates the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock at the date of grant based on its historical volatility rate. The Company’s decision to use historical volatility was based upon the lack of actively traded options on its common stock. The Company estimates the expected term based upon historical option exercises. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates for the expected term. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record share-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. For options granted, the Company amortizes the fair value on a straight-line basis. All options are amortized over the vesting periods.
Revenue Recognition - Franchising
The Company collects royalties from each retail franchise based on a percentage of retail store gross sales. The Company recognizes royalties as revenue when earned. The Company collects initial franchise fees when franchise agreements are signed and recognizes the initial franchise fees as revenue when the franchise is opened, which is when the Company has performed substantially all initial services required by the franchise agreement. The Company had deferred franchise fee revenue of $2,005,300 and $2,034,100 at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. The Company recognizes deferred software license fees over the 10-year life of the initial franchise agreement. The Company had deferred software license fees of $1,399,400 and $1,236,600 at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. Merchandise sales are recognized when the product has been shipped to the franchisee.
Sales Tax
The Company’s accounting policy is to present taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities on a net basis.
Discounted Lease Rentals
The Company may utilize its lease rentals receivable and underlying equipment as collateral to borrow from financial institutions at fixed rates on a non-recourse basis. In the event of a default by a customer, the financial institution has a first lien on the underlying leased equipment, with no further recourse against the Company. Proceeds from discounting are recorded on the balance sheet as discounted lease rentals. As customers make payments, lease income and interest expense are recorded and discounted lease rentals are reduced by the effective interest method.
Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding to arrive at the Earnings Per Share - Basic. The Company calculates Earnings Per Share - Diluted by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and dilutive stock equivalents from the potential exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
The following table sets forth the presentation of shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”):
Fair Value Measurements
The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company uses three levels of inputs to measure fair value:
· Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
· Level 2 - observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
· Level 3 - unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
The Company’s marketable securities were valued based on Level 1 inputs using quoted prices.
The Company determined the fair value of its investment in Tomsten, Inc. to be zero based on Level 3 inputs using a discounted cash flow model which included inputs on future revenues, expenses and other cash flows. See Note 3.
Due to their nature, the carrying value of cash equivalents, receivables, long-term note investments, payables and debt obligations approximates fair value.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides guidance for revenue recognition that supersedes existing revenue recognition guidance (but does not apply to nor supersede accounting guidance for lease contracts). The ASU’s core principle is that an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and should be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the ASU recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on the Company’s consolidated results.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications did not impact net income or shareholders’ equity as previously reported.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
3. Investments
Marketable Securities
The following is a summary of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities:
The Company’s unrealized gains and losses for marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
The Company’s realized gains and losses recognized on sales of available-for-sale marketable securities are as follows:
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings is determined by using the average cost of the security when sold. Gross realized gains (losses) reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings are included in Interest and Other Income (Expense) and the related tax benefits (expenses) are included in the Provision for Income Taxes lines of the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Long-term Investments
Tomsten, Inc.
The Company has an investment in Tomsten, the parent company of “Archiver’s” retail chain. The Company has invested a total of $8.5 million in the purchase of common stock of Tomsten (including $1.0 million invested in June 2011 pursuant to a Rights Offering by Tomsten), with such aggregate investment representing 22.0% of the outstanding common stock of Tomsten. The Company applies the equity method of accounting to this investment. During the first half of 2012, the Company provided management services to Tomsten, and the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer served on Tomsten’s board of directors.
In 2012, the Company recorded $697,300 for its pro-rata share of Tomsten’s losses in the statement of operations on the line item captioned Loss from Equity Investments. During the fourth quarter of 2012, as part of its impairment analysis for Tomsten the Company determined that the carrying value of its investment was not expected to be recoverable from the future cash flow of the Tomsten business or the sale of its ownership stake and therefore recorded a $1.8 million impairment charge, bringing the carrying value of this investment to $0. On April 29, 2013, Tomsten filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in Minnesota and such proceedings were in progress at December 27, 2014.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
BridgeFunds, LLC
In 2004, the Company made a commitment to lend $2.0 million to BridgeFunds Limited at an annual rate of 12% pursuant to several senior subordinated promissory notes, and the commitment was fully funded by 2006. BridgeFunds Limited advances funds to claimants involved in civil litigation to cover litigation expenses. In 2007, in connection with raising capital, BridgeFunds Limited completed a restructuring where all assets and liabilities, including the warrant, were assigned to and assumed by BridgeFunds, LLC (“BridgeFunds”). In 2009, the Company entered into a modification agreement with BridgeFunds, whereby the maturity date of all of the outstanding promissory notes was changed to September 30, 2010, the annual rate of interest on the notes was increased to 15% and monthly prepayments of the principal of such notes in an amount equal to Available Cash Flow (as defined within the agreements governing the notes) is required. In each of 2010, 2011 and 2012, the Company entered into amendments to the agreements governing the notes that extended the maturity date on the notes out by one year, respectively.
During 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Company received no payments of interest and did not receive any payments of principal on the notes. The Company stopped accruing interest on this investment as of September 30, 2010. The Company has deemed this investment to be impaired, and in evaluating the investment for impairment has determined that its present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the effective interest rate on the notes of 15%, is less than the recorded investment in the notes. In developing its estimate of expected future cash flows, the Company used certain information obtained from BridgeFunds concerning existing liabilities, claimant cases outstanding, historical default rates and settlement discounts on claimant advances, and made certain assumptions regarding the timing of case settlements, the payment of future liabilities and future default and settlement discount rates. The Company recognized $1.3 million in impairment charges during 2012 and established a corresponding valuation allowance that, along with previously recognized impairment charges, reduced the net investment balance to $0 at December 29, 2012. The Company has maintained the net investment balance of $0 as of December 28, 2013 and December 27, 2014, as it does not expect to receive any cash flows from this investment.
4. Investment in Leasing Operations:
Investment in leasing operations consists of the following:
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
As of December 27, 2014, the $44.0 million total net investment in leases consists of $19.8 million classified as current and $24.2 million classified as long-term. As of December 28, 2013, the $37.5 million total net investment in leases consists of $17.2 million classified as current and $20.3 million classified as long-term.
As of December 27, 2014, leased assets with two customers approximated 15% and 10%, respectively, of the Company’s total assets. As of December 2013, no customer had leased assets totaling more than 10% of the Company’s total assets.
Future minimum lease payments receivable under lease contracts and the amortization of unearned lease income, net of initial direct costs deferred, is as follows as of December 27, 2014:
The activity in the allowance for credit losses for leasing operations during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, is as follows:
The Company’s investment in direct financing and sales-type leases (“Investment In Leases”) and allowance for credit losses by loss evaluation methodology are as follows:
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
The Company’s key credit quality indicator for its investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is the status of the lease, defined as accruing or non-accrual. Leases that are accruing income are considered to have a lower risk of loss. Non-accrual leases are those that the Company believes have a higher risk of loss. The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s accruing and non-accrual leases. Delinquent balances are determined based on the contractual terms of the lease.
5. Receivables:
The Company’s current receivables consisted of the following:
The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade receivables is as follows:
As part of its normal operating procedures, the Company requires Standby Letters of Credit as collateral for a portion of its trade receivables.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
6. Shareholders’ Equity:
Dividends
In 2014, the Company declared and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.23 per share ($1.2 million) and a $5.00 per share special cash dividend (the “2014 Special Dividend”). The 2014 Special Dividend totaled $25.8 million and was financed by a combination of cash on hand as well as net borrowings under the Line of Credit of $13.0 million. (See Note 7 - “Line of Credit”).
In 2013, the Company declared and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.19 per share ($0.96 million).
In 2012, the Company declared and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.15 per share ($0.75 million) and a $5.00 per share special cash dividend (the “2012 Special Dividend”). The 2012 Special Dividend totaled $25.4 million and was financed by a combination of cash on hand as well as net borrowings under the Line of Credit of $12.8 million. (See Note 7 - “Line of Credit”).
Repurchase of Common Stock
In 2014, the Company repurchased 166,030 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $11.6 million or $69.65 per share. In 2013, the Company repurchased 28,422 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $1.9 million or $65.26 per share. In 2012, the Company repurchased 134,720 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $7.2 million or $53.60 per share. Under the Board of Directors’ authorization, as of December 27, 2014 the Company has the ability to repurchase an additional 166,700 shares of its common stock. Repurchases may be made from time to time at prevailing prices, subject to certain restrictions on volume, pricing and timing.
Stock Option Plans
The Company had authorized up to 750,000 shares of common stock be reserved for granting either nonqualified or incentive stock options to officers and key employees under the Company’s 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Plan”). The 2001 Plan expired on February 20, 2011. At the April 30, 2014 Annual Shareholders Meeting, the Company’s shareholders approved an increase in the shares of common stock available for granting either nonqualified or incentive stock options to officers and key employees under the Company’s 2010 Stock Option Plan (the “2010 Plan”) from 250,000 to 500,000.
Grants under the 2001 Plan and 2010 Plan are made by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at a price of not less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. If an incentive stock option is granted to an individual who owns more than 10% of the voting rights of the Company’s common stock, the option exercise price may not be less than 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant. The term of the options may not exceed 10 years, except in the case of nonqualified stock options, whereby the terms are established by the Compensation Committee. Options may be exercisable in whole or in installments, as determined by the Compensation Committee.
The Company also sponsors a Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors (the “Nonemployee Directors Plan”), and at the April 30, 2014 Annual Shareholders Meeting, the Company’s shareholders approved an increase in the shares of common stock available for granting options to directors of the Company who are not employees from 300,000 to 350,000.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
Stock option activity under the 2001 Plan, 2010 Plan and Nonemployee Directors Plan (collectively, the “Option Plans”) as of December 27, 2014 was as follows:
The fair value of options granted under the Option Plans during 2014, 2013 and 2012 were estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions and results:
Options outstanding as of December 27, 2014 are exercisable as follows:
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.2 million, $8.7 million and $7.4 million, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $5.1 million, $3.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
During 2014, 2013 and 2012, option holders surrendered 0, 1,207 and 31,351 shares, respectively, of previously owned common stock as payment for option shares exercised as provided for by the Option Plans. All unexercised options at December 27, 2014 have an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of the grant.
Compensation expense of $1,417,200, $1,153,600 and $930,200 relating to the vested portion of the fair value of stock options granted was expensed to “Selling, General and Administrative Expenses” in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 27, 2014, the Company had $3.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of approximately 2.6 years.
7. Line of Credit:
As of December 27, 2014, there was $18.5 million in borrowings outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility with The PrivateBank and Trust Company and BMO Harris Bank N.A. (the “Line of Credit”) bearing interest ranging from 2.41% to 3.25%.
During 2012, the Line of Credit was amended to, among other things, provide the consent of the lenders for the payment of the 2012 Special Dividend, to amend certain financial covenant calculations to remove the effect of the 2012 Special Dividend in such calculations, to increase the aggregate commitments from $30.0 million to $35.0 million and extend the termination date from July 31, 2014 to February 29, 2016. During 2014, the Line of Credit was amended to, among other things, amend certain financial covenant calculations to remove the effect of the 2014 Special Dividend in such calculations, to reduce the applicable margin on the interest rate options, and to extend the termination date from February 29, 2016 to February 28, 2018.
The Line of Credit has been and will continue to be used for general corporate purposes. During 2014 and 2012, the Line of Credit was used to finance in part the 2014 and 2012 Special Dividends (as indicated above). Borrowings under the Line of Credit are subject to certain borrowing base limitations, and the Line of Credit is secured by a lien against substantially all of the Company’s assets, contains customary financial conditions and covenants, and requires maintenance of minimum levels of debt service coverage and tangible net worth and maximum levels of leverage (all as defined within the Line of Credit). As of December 27, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants and the Company’s additional borrowing availability under the Line of Credit was $16.5 million.
The Line of Credit allows the Company to choose between three interest rate options in connection with its borrowings. The interest rate options are the Base Rate, LIBOR and Fixed Rate (all as defined within the Line of Credit) plus an applicable margin as of December 27, 2014, of 0.25%, 2.75% and 2.75%, respectively. Interest periods for LIBOR borrowings can be one, two or three months, and interest periods for Fixed Rate borrowings can be one, two, three or four years as selected by the Company. The Line of Credit also provides for non-utilization fees of 0.25% per annum on the daily average of the unused commitment.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
8. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are as follows:
9. Discounted Lease Rentals
The Company utilized certain lease receivables and underlying equipment as collateral to borrow from financial institutions at a weighted average rate of 3.26% at December 27, 2014 on a non-recourse basis. As of December 27, 2014, $0.2 million of the $0.3 million liability balance is current.
10. Income Taxes:
A reconciliation of the expected federal income tax expense based on the federal statutory tax rate to the actual income tax expense is provided below:
Components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are presented below:
During the years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, $91,100, $413,600 and $884,300 respectively, was directly credited to stockholders’ equity to account for excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises.
The Company has assessed its taxable earnings history and prospective future taxable income. Based upon this assessment, the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized in future periods and no valuation allowance is necessary, except for the deferred tax assets related to the loss from and impairment of equity and note investments (which are capital losses for tax purposes). As a result, valuation allowances of $4.1 million and $4.1 million as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively, have been recorded.
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, was $465,500 and $398,000, respectively, primarily for potential foreign and state taxes.
The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense for all periods presented. The Company had accrued approximately $16,500 and $14,300 for the payment of interest and penalties at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively.
The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal, numerous state and certain foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010. The Internal Revenue Service concluded its examination of our U.S. federal tax return for the fiscal year ended 2010 in 2012. We expect various statutes of limitation to expire during the next 12 months. Due to the uncertain response of taxing authorities, a range of outcomes cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
11. Commitments and Contingencies:
Employee Benefit Plan
The Company provides a 401(k) Savings Incentive Plan which covers substantially all employees. The plan provides for matching contributions and optional profit-sharing contributions at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Employee contributions are fully vested; matching and profit sharing contributions are subject to a five-year service vesting schedule. Company contributions to the plan for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $297,400, $281,900 and $271,800, respectively.
Operating Leases
As of December 27, 2014, the Company rents its corporate headquarters in a facility with a lease that expires in August 2019 as well as satellite office space in California with a lease that expires in January 2019. These leases require the Company to pay maintenance, insurance, taxes and other expenses in addition to minimum annual rent. Total rent expense under operating leases, inclusive of maintenance, insurance, taxes and other expenses, was $1,026,800 in 2014, $883,800 in 2013 and $866,300 in 2012. As of December 27, 2014, minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases, exclusive of maintenance, insurance, taxes and other expenses, are as follows:
For leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the date we take possession of the property to the end of the initial lease term. We record any difference between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the leases as part of deferred rent, in accrued liabilities or other liabilities, as appropriate.
Cash or lease incentives received upon entering into certain leases (“tenant allowances”) are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent from the date we take possession of the property through the end of the initial lease term. We record the unamortized portion of tenant allowances as a part of deferred rent, in accrued liabilities or other liabilities, as appropriate.
At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, total deferred rent included in our consolidated balance sheets was $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of which $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively was included in other liabilities.
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
Litigation
The Company is exposed to a number of asserted and unasserted legal claims encountered in the normal course of business. Management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.
12. Segment Reporting
The Company currently has two reportable business segments, franchising and leasing. The franchising segment franchises value-oriented retail store concepts that buy, sell, trade and consign merchandise. The leasing segment includes (i) Winmark Capital Corporation, a middle-market equipment leasing business and (ii) Wirth Business Credit, Inc., a small-ticket financing business. Segment reporting is intended to give financial statement users a better view of the how the Company manages and evaluates its businesses. The Company’s internal management reporting is the basis for the information disclosed for its business segments and includes allocation of shared-service costs. Segment assets are those that are directly used in or identified with segment operations, including cash, accounts receivable, prepaids, inventory, property and equipment and investment in leasing operations. Unallocated assets include corporate cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, long-term investments, current and deferred tax amounts and other corporate assets. Inter-segment balances and transactions have been eliminated. The following tables summarize financial information by segment and provide a reconciliation of segment contribution to operating income:
WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
Revenues are all generated from United States operations other than franchising revenues from Canadian operations of $2.9 million, $2.7 million and $2.5 million in each of fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. All long-lived assets are located within the United States.
13. Related Party Transactions:
On December 20, 2012, in connection with the Company’s existing stock repurchase plan, Winmark repurchased 16,000 shares of common stock from Dean B. Phillips, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors at the time, for aggregate consideration of $889,600, or $55.60 per share.
14. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited):
The Company’s unaudited quarterly results for the years ended December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows:
The total of basic and diluted earnings per common share by quarter may not equal the totals for the year as there are changes in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding each quarter and basic and diluted earnings per common share are calculated independently for each quarter.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Winmark Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Winmark Corporation (a Minnesota corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 27, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Winmark Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 27, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have 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 December 27, 2014, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 11, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 11, 2015
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Winmark Corporation
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Winmark Corporation (a Minnesota corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 27, 2014, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 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 Annual 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 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2014, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 27, 2014, and our report dated March 11, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 11, 2015
ITEM 9:
ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A:
ITEM 9A: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 27, 2014.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 27, 2014.
Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate due to changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2014 has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the most recent fiscal quarter ended December 27, 2014, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B:
ITEM 9B: OTHER INFORMATION
All information required to be reported in a report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter covered by this Form 10-K has been reported.
PART III
ITEM 10:
ITEM 10: DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The sections entitled “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Audit Committee,” “Majority of Independent Directors; Committees of Independent Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and “Code of Ethics and Business Conduct,” appearing in our proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 29, 2015 are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11:
ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The sections entitled “Executive Compensation,” “2014 Director Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” appearing in our proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 29, 2015 are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12:
ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The sections entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Executive Officers” and “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” appearing in our proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 29, 2015 are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13:
ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The sections entitled “Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons,” “Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons” and “Majority of Independent Directors; Committees of Independent Directors” appearing in our proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 29, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14:
ITEM 14: PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The section entitled “Principal Accounting Fees and Services” appearing in our proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held April 29, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15:
ITEM 15: EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following documents are filed as a part of this Report:
1. Financial Statements
The financial statements filed as part of this report are listed on the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 27.
2. Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC have been omitted as not required or not applicable, or the information required has been included elsewhere by reference in the consolidated financial statements and related items.
3. Exhibits
See Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
WINMARK CORPORATION
KNOWN TO ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints John L. Morgan and Anthony D. Ishaug and each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
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 capacity and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE
TITLE
DATE
/s/ JOHN L. MORGAN
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
March 11, 2015
John L. Morgan
(principal executive officer)
/s/ ANTHONY D. ISHAUG
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
March 11, 2015
Anthony D. Ishaug
(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/ LAWRENCE A. BARBETTA
Director
March 11, 2015
Lawrence A. Barbetta
/s/ JENELE C. GRASSLE
Director
March 11, 2015
Jenele C. Grassle
/s/ KIRK A. MACKENZIE
Director
March 11, 2015
Kirk A. MacKenzie
/s/ PAUL C. REYELTS
Director
March 11, 2015
Paul C. Reyelts
/s/ MARK L. WILSON
Director
March 11, 2015
Mark L. Wilson
/s/ STEVEN C. ZOLA
Director
March 11, 2015
Steven C. Zola
EXHIBIT INDEX
WINMARK CORPORATION
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 27, 2014
Exhibit
Number
Description
3.1
Articles of Incorporation, as amended (Exhibit 3.1)(1)
3.2
By-laws, as amended and restated to date (Exhibit 3.2)(2)
10.1
Asset Purchase Agreement dated January 24, 1992 with Sports Traders, Inc. and James D. Van Buskirk (“Van Buskirk”) concerning acquisition of wholesale business, including amendment dated March 11, 1992 (Exhibit 10.6 (a))(1)
10.2
Retail store agreement dated January 24, 1992 with Van Buskirk (Exhibit 10.6 (b))(1)
10.3
Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors (Exhibit 10.3)(3)(4)
10.4
Employment Agreement with John L. Morgan, dated March 22, 2000 (Exhibit 10.1)(3)(5)
10.5
First Amendment to Employment Agreement with John L. Morgan dated February 18, 2001 (Exhibit 10.26)(3)(6)
10.6
2001 Stock Option Plan, including forms of stock option agreements (Exhibit 10.27)(3)(6)
10.7
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement with John L. Morgan dated March 23, 2006 (Exhibit 10.1)(3)(7)
10.8
Third Amendment to Employment Agreement with John L. Morgan dated December 15, 2006 (Exhibit 10.1)(3)(8)
10.9
Amendment No. 1 to the 2001 Stock Option Plan (Exhibit 10.13) (3) (2)
10.10
Securities Purchase Agreement with BridgeFunds Limited dated October 13, 2004 (Exhibit 10.3)(9)
10.11
Amendment No. 1 to Securities Purchase Agreement with BridgeFunds Limited dated April 14, 2006 (Exhibit 10.1)(10)
10.12
Multi-Tenant Office Lease with Utah State Retirement Investment Fund for Corporate Headquarters dated September 28, 2008 (Exhibit 10.1)(11)
10.13
Modification Agreement by and between Winmark Corporation and BridgeFunds, LLC dated October 22, 2009 (Exhibit 10.2)(12)
10.14
2010 Stock Option Plan, including forms of stock option agreements (Exhibit 10.18) (3) (13)
10.15
Credit Agreement, dated July 13, 2010, among Winmark Corporation and its subsidiaries and The PrivateBank and Trust Company (Exhibit 10.2)(14)
10.16
Security Agreements, dated July 13, 2010, among Winmark Corporation, each of its subsidiaries and The PrivateBank and Trust Company (Exhibit 10.3)(14)
10.17
Pledge Agreement, dated July 13, 2010, among Winmark Corporation and The PrivateBank and Trust Company (Exhibit 10.4)(14)
10.18
First Amendment to Modification Agreement by and between Winmark Corporation and BridgeFunds, LLC dated October 20, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1)(15)
10.19
Second Amendment to Modification Agreement by and between Winmark Corporation and BridgeFunds, LLC dated July 22, 2011 (Exhibit 10.1)(16)
10.20
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, among Winmark Corporation and its subsidiaries, The PrivateBank and Trust Company, and BMO Harris Bank N.A., dated January 30, 2012 (Exhibit 10.1)(17)
Exhibit
Number
Description
10.21
Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, among Winmark Corporation and its subsidiaries, The PrivateBank and Trust Company, and BMO Harris Bank N.A., dated February 29, 2012 (Exhibit 10.1)(18)
10.22
Third Amendment to Modification Agreement by and between Winmark Corporation and BridgeFunds, LLC dated July 26, 2012 (Exhibit 10.1) (19)
10.23
Lease Amending Agreement No. 1 to Multi-Tenant Office Lease by and between Winmark Corporation and AX Waterford L.P. dated October 21, 2013 (Exhibit 10.1)(20)
10.24
Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, among Winmark Corporation and its subsidiaries, The PrivateBank and Trust Company, and BMO Harris Bank N.A., dated February 21, 2014 (Exhibit 10.1)(21)
10.25
First Amendment to the 2010 Stock Option Plan (Exhibit 10.1) (3)(22)
10.26
First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors (Exhibit 10.2) (3)(22)
10.27
Non-Competition Agreement, dated January 26, 2015, by and among Steven C. Zola, Winmark Corporation and Winmark Capital Corporation (Exhibit 10.1) (3)(23)
21.1
Subsidiaries: Grow Biz Games, Inc., a Minnesota corporation; Winmark Capital Corporation, a Minnesota corporation and Wirth Business Credit, Inc., a Minnesota corporation
23.1*
Consent of GRANT THORNTON LLP; Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
24.1
Power of Attorney (Contained on signature page to this Form 10-K)
31.1*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Interactive Data Files Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: Financial statements from the annual report on Form 10-K of Winmark Corporation and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 27, 2014, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
* Filed Herewith
(1) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, effective August 24, 1993 (Reg. No. 33-65108).
(2) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006.
(3) Indicates management contracts, compensation plans or arrangements required to be filed as exhibits.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 27, 2009.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 25, 2000.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
(8) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2006.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 25, 2004.
(10) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 5, 2006.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2008.
(12) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2009.
(13) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2009.
(14) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 26, 2010.
(15) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 25, 2010.
(16) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 25, 2011.
(17) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2012.
(18) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2012.
(19) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012.
(20) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 23, 2013.
(21) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2014.
(22) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2014.
(23) Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 26, 2015.