MINNEAPOLIS - (BUSINESS WIRE) - April 14, 2020 - Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA) announced today net income for the quarter ended March 28, 2020 of $7,317,000 or $1.87 per share diluted compared to net income of $7,272,200 or $1.73 per share diluted in 2019.
First quarter earnings were positively impacted by an increase in customer activity in the Company’s lease portfolio. Despite a lower portfolio size, the Company’s leasing income net of leasing expense was comparable to the first quarter of 2019. Earnings also benefited from a lower level of selling, general and administrative expenses in the first quarter of approximately $1.2 million when compared to the first quarter of 2019. These items were partially offset by additional provision for credit losses in the Company’s lease portfolio to reflect the estimated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as lower royalty revenues when compared to the first quarter of 2019.
“Following a strong start to the year, during the last three weeks of the quarter our franchising performance was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to a substantial number of temporary store closings and greatly reduced customer traffic for our franchised locations that were still operational during the quarter,” stated Brett D. Heffes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “I want to express my sincere gratitude and thank you to our employees who are managing through this crisis in an exceptional manner. I applaud your work ethic, passion for Winmark and your commitment to continue to support both our franchisees and leasing customers during this unprecedented period of time.”
“While our franchisees’ operations have been negatively impacted and our visibility is limited, we are still experiencing modest levels of royalties due to the ingenuity, resiliency and perseverance of our franchise partners. We are inspired daily by our franchisees and the efforts they are undertaking to continue to serve the communities in which we operate.”
Winmark Corporation creates, supports and finances business. At March 28, 2020, there were 1,256 franchises in operation under the brands Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore® and Music Go Round®. An additional 42 retail franchises have been awarded but are not open.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), relating to future events or the future financial performance of the Company. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions or statements of intention subject to risks and uncertainties and actual events or results could differ materially from those anticipated. Because actual result may differ, shareholders and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
Brett D. Heffes
763-520-8500
SOURCE Winmark Corporation
Winmark Corporation is a recognized leader in franchise-owned and operated business opportunities.