Younger shoppers are spending less and getting thriftier. Perversely, that's bad news for this thrift store operator.Winmark (WINA -0.72%), the innovative retailer of used toys and clothing best known for its Once Upon a Child and Plato's Closet stores, is seeing some stock selling this morning as its shares tumbled 2% through 12:45 p.m. ET.And why is this happening? It's never 100% certain, but my hunch is that investors may have been spooked by a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, which reported o ...

Shares of leading resale goods franchisor Winmark (WINA -0.72%) were down 16% this week as of 12:30 p.m. ET Thursday, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.As of this writing, there appears to be no direct Winmark-related news causing the steady decline in share price. While this lack of news isn't uncommon for the notoriously quiet operator -- CEO Brett Heffes typically only offers a one-sentence comment on each quarter's results -- the 16% drop is eye-catching.Ultimately, however, I ...

Financial Performance - Winmark Corporation reported net income of $9,956,400 or $2.71 per diluted share for Q1 2025, an increase from $8,819,000 or $2.41 per diluted share in Q1 2024, representing a 12.9% increase in net income year-over-year [2]. - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $21,919,700, up 9.0% from $20,109,500 in Q1 2024, driven by a 3.0% increase in royalties and a significant rise in leasing income from $836,800 to $2,307,800 [11]. - The company generated $15,078,400 in net cash from operating activities for Q1 2025, compared to $13,364,000 in Q1 2024, reflecting stronger operational cash flow [13]. Asset and Liability Management - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $21,828,800 as of March 29, 2025, compared to $12,189,800 at the end of 2024, reflecting a strong liquidity position [7]. - Total current assets rose to $25,775,000 from $15,365,600 at the end of 2024, indicating improved asset management and operational efficiency [7]. - The company’s total liabilities increased to $83,003,800 as of March 29, 2025, compared to $77,890,600 at the end of 2024, primarily due to an increase in current liabilities [9]. - Winmark Corporation's shareholders' equity deficit improved to $(45,941,300) from $(51,046,100) at the end of 2024, showing a positive trend in equity management [9]. Business Expansion and Strategy - The company had 1,363 franchises in operation as of March 29, 2025, with 79 additional franchises awarded but not yet opened, indicating ongoing market expansion [4]. - Winmark Corporation plans to continue focusing on sustainability and small business formation through its franchise model, which is expected to drive future growth [4]. - The company has completed the run-off of its leasing portfolio, which was announced in May 2021, indicating a strategic shift in its business operations [3].

Franchise Operations - As of December 28, 2024, Winmark operates 1,350 franchises across the United States and Canada, with over 2,800 available territories[16] - The company had a net store growth of 47 new stores in 2024, with a total of 1,350 franchised stores, achieving a renewal rate of 98%[26] - Winmark has signed 79 new franchise agreements, with the majority expected to open in 2025[33] - Over the past three years, the company has successfully renewed over 99% of franchise agreements up for renewal[51] - The company has 118 franchise agreements expiring in 2025, 116 in 2026, and 104 in 2027 across its brands, highlighting the importance of renewals for financial performance[72] Financial Performance - System-wide sales for 2024 reached $1,610.2 million, reflecting a growth from $1,589.0 million in 2023 and $1,534.3 million in 2022[24] - Total revenue for the year ended December 28, 2024, was $81.3 million, a decrease of 2.3% from $83.2 million in 2023[115] - Net income for 2024 was 49.1% of total revenue, compared to 48.3% in 2023, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.6%[114] - The franchising segment's operating income increased by $2.2 million, or 4.5%, to $51.6 million in 2024 from $49.4 million in 2023[126] - Cash flow from operating activities provided $42.2 million in 2024, down from $44.0 million in 2023[129] Royalties and Fees - The total royalties and franchise fees for 2024 amounted to $73.7 million, which is 90.7% of consolidated revenue, up from 86.2% in 2023[26] - Royalties from franchisees increased by $2.0 million, or 2.8%, compared to 2023, indicating a positive trend in franchise performance[107] - Royalties increased to $72.2 million in 2024, up 2.8% from $70.2 million in 2023, primarily due to additional franchise stores[116] Marketing and Advertising - Franchisees are required to spend a minimum of 5% of their gross sales on approved advertising and marketing initiatives[42] - The e-commerce platform developed for Music Go Round, Play It Again Sports, and Style Encore enhances marketing and sales opportunities for franchisees[24] - Franchisees are required to pay an annual marketing fee of $1,500 and spend 5% of gross sales on advertising, with a potential increase to 6%[46] Employee Development - The company employs 89 individuals as of December 28, 2024, with no employees covered by collective bargaining agreements[65] - The company recognizes that employee development is critical, offering competitive salaries and benefits, including a 401(k) plan with matching contributions[66] Competition and Market Risks - The company faces significant competition from larger retailers and online marketplaces, which may impact franchisee sales[52][79] - The company is subject to various federal and state franchise laws and regulations, which may impose additional costs or burdens in the future[85] Financial Condition and Liquidity - The company maintains cash assets that may exceed FDIC insurance limits, posing a risk to liquidity and financial condition[81] - Total contractual obligations as of December 28, 2024, amounted to $73.8 million, with significant payments due in the next 1-3 years[132] - The company ended 2024 with $12.3 million in cash, down from $13.4 million at the end of 2023[129] Leasing Operations - The leasing operations are in a run-off phase, with anticipated decreases in leasing revenues and cash flows[59] - Leasing income net of leasing expense for the fiscal year 2024 was $1.8 million, a significant decrease from $4.4 million in 2023, as the company continues to run off its middle-market leasing portfolio[113] Dividends - In 2024, the company declared and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $3.50 per share, amounting to $12.3 million, along with a special cash dividend of $7.50 per share totaling $26.5 million[214] - In 2023, the company declared and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $3.10 per share, amounting to $10.8 million, along with a special cash dividend of $9.40 per share totaling $32.9 million[215] - In 2022, the company declared and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $2.55 per share, amounting to $8.9 million, along with a special cash dividend of $3.00 per share totaling $10.4 million[215]

Core Insights - Winmark reported Q4 2024 earnings below analyst expectations, indicating challenges and strategic shifts in its business model [2][6] - The company's focus on sustainable growth remains evident despite financial misses [2] Financial Performance - For Q4 2024, Winmark's diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) was $2.60, below the expected $2.65 and slightly down from $2.64 in Q4 2023, representing a year-over-year decrease of 1.5% [3] - Total revenue for Q4 2024 was $19.55 million, falling short of the anticipated $20 million and reflecting a 2.4% decrease from the previous year [3] - Net income decreased to $9.58 million, down 1.4% from $9.72 million in Q4 2023 [3] - Royalties increased by 2.7% year-over-year, reaching $17.64 million [3][8] Company Overview - Winmark specializes in franchising retail resale of used goods, operating brands such as Plato's Closet and Once Upon A Child, with 1,350 franchise stores as of the end of 2024, up from 1,319 the previous year [4] Strategic Developments - The company is phasing out its leasing segment, which has narrowed revenue margins, and is focusing on its core franchise operations [5][6] - Leasing income dropped significantly to $1.81 million in 2024 from $4.77 million previously, contributing to the revenue shortfall [6] Franchise Expansion - Winmark awarded 79 new franchises, increasing the operational franchise count to 1,350, with over 2,800 untapped territories available for future development [7] Brand Performance - Key brands like Plato's Closet and Once Upon A Child continue to be significant contributors to revenue, with royalties being a major revenue source [8] Future Outlook - Management maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook with planned franchise expansions and emphasizes the importance of executing franchise growth and e-commerce evolution for long-term success [9]

Financial Performance - Net income for the year ended December 28, 2024, was $39,954,200, or $10.89 per diluted share, compared to $40,178,100, or $11.04 per diluted share in 2023, representing a decrease of 0.6%[1] - Total revenue for the year ended December 28, 2024, was $81,289,100, down from $83,243,500 in 2023, reflecting a decline of approximately 2.4%[1] - The fourth quarter 2024 net income was $9,583,100, or $2.60 per diluted share, compared to $9,716,800, or $2.64 per diluted share for the same period last year, indicating a decrease of 1.4%[1] - Net cash provided by operating activities for the year was $42,157,900, compared to $43,994,300 in 2023, a decrease of about 4.2%[9] - The company paid dividends totaling $38,865,900 during the year, down from $43,664,200 in the previous year, reflecting a decrease of approximately 11%[9] Franchise Operations - As of December 28, 2024, there were 1,350 franchises in operation and over 2,800 available territories, with an additional 79 franchises awarded but not yet opened[2] Royalties - Royalties for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, amounted to $72,198,500, an increase from $70,230,700 in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 2.8%[7] Cash and Liabilities - The company reported a decrease in cash and cash equivalents to $12,189,800 as of December 28, 2024, down from $13,361,500 in 2023, a decline of about 8.8%[5] - Total current liabilities decreased significantly to $5,087,900 as of December 28, 2024, from $10,461,600 in 2023, a reduction of approximately 51.3%[5] Shareholders' Equity - The company’s total shareholders' equity (deficit) improved to $(51,046,100) as of December 28, 2024, compared to $(59,156,100) in 2023, indicating a positive change of approximately 13.5%[5]

Core Insights - Winmark Corporation has launched a new campaign titled "Part of Their Journey," celebrating individuals whose lives have been positively influenced by the company and its resale brands [1][2] - The campaign features stories of various individuals, including professional athletes and community leaders, showcasing Winmark's commitment to providing quality used equipment and clothing [2][3] - Winmark emphasizes its role in supporting sustainable choices and making success more accessible for individuals across different fields [4] Company Overview - Winmark Corporation is a franchisor focused on sustainability and small business formation, operating five resale brands: Play It Again Sports, Once Upon A Child, Plato's Closet, Music Go Round, and Style Encore [5] - As of September 28, 2024, Winmark had 1,343 franchises in operation and over 2,800 available territories, with an additional 82 franchises awarded but not yet opened [5]

Core Insights - Winmark Corporation has launched a new campaign titled "Part of Their Journey," celebrating individuals whose lives have been positively influenced by the company and its resale brands [1][2] - The campaign features stories of various individuals, including professional athletes and community leaders, highlighting Winmark's commitment to providing quality used equipment and clothing [2][3] - Winmark aims to inspire and support individuals in their personal and professional journeys by making quality resources more accessible [4] Company Overview - Winmark Corporation is a franchisor focused on sustainability and small business formation, operating five resale brands: Play It Again Sports®, Once Upon A Child®, Plato's Closet®, Music Go Round®, and Style Encore® [5] - As of September 28, 2024, Winmark had 1,343 franchises in operation and over 2,800 available territories, with an additional 82 franchises awarded but not yet opened [5]

Company Overview - Winmark Corporation is a leader in the circular economy with over 35 years of experience and operates five resale brands: Play It Again Sports, Once Upon A Child, Plato’s Closet, Music Go Round, and Style Encore [1][4] - As of September 28, 2024, Winmark has 1,343 franchises in operation and over 2,800 available territories, with an additional 82 franchises awarded but not yet opened [4] Partnership with Tom Hoge - Winmark announced a four-year partnership extension with PGA Tour member Tom Hoge, who will continue as the brand ambassador and wear Winmark and Play It Again Sports logos during PGA TOUR events [1] - Tom Hoge has been part of the Winmark team since 2022 and is recognized for his professionalism and commitment to sustainability and community engagement, aligning with Winmark's core values [2][3] Strategic Alignment - The partnership emphasizes Winmark's commitment to leveraging sports to promote sustainability and community values, as stated by CEO Brett Heffes [3] - Tom Hoge expressed his honor in extending the relationship, highlighting Winmark's dedication to sustainability and community opportunities [3]

Financial Performance - Net income for Q3 2024 was $11,120,700, or $3.03 per diluted share, compared to $11,149,800, or $3.05 per diluted share in Q3 2023, reflecting a slight decrease[1] - Total revenue for Q3 2024 was $21,510,900, down from $22,317,800 in Q3 2023, representing a decrease of approximately 3.6%[6] - Net income for the nine months ended September 28, 2024, was $30,371,200, slightly down from $30,461,300 for the same period in 2023, representing a decrease of approximately 0.3%[7] - Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to $33,700,000 from $35,231,400, reflecting a decline of about 4.4% year-over-year[7] Revenue and Expenses - Royalties increased to $19,512,500 in Q3 2024 from $19,210,000 in Q3 2023, showing a growth of about 1.6%[6] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses for Q3 2024 were $5,919,800, a decrease from $6,248,200 in Q3 2023[6] - Dividends paid increased to $9,132,100 from $7,997,900, representing an increase of approximately 14.2% year-over-year[7] - Cash paid for interest decreased to $2,149,200 from $2,309,100, reflecting a reduction of about 6.9%[7] - Cash paid for income taxes increased to $8,281,400 from $8,058,100, indicating an increase of approximately 2.8%[7] Assets and Liabilities - Cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to $37,197,000 as of September 28, 2024, compared to $13,361,500 at the end of 2023[4] - Total current assets rose to $40,502,600 from $16,746,500 at the end of 2023, indicating a substantial increase[4] - The company’s total liabilities decreased slightly to $75,145,700 from $77,662,200 at the end of 2023[4] - The company reported a decrease in accounts payable from $427,100 to $118,700, a reduction of approximately 72.1%[7] Investments and Financing - The company’s net investment in leases was reduced to zero as part of its decision to run-off its leasing portfolio[1] - Payments on notes payable remained constant at $3,187,500 for both periods, showing stability in financing obligations[7] - Proceeds from exercises of stock options decreased to $2,715,000 from $3,154,200, a decline of about 13.9%[7] Franchise Operations - The company reported a total of 1,343 franchises in operation as of September 28, 2024, with over 2,800 available territories[2] - Winmark Corporation continues to focus on sustainability and small business formation through its franchise operations[2] Deferred Revenue - The company experienced a significant change in deferred revenue, decreasing from $616,200 to $375,100, a decline of about 39.1%[7]