UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


 

FORM 10-K

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006           Commission File Number: 000-22012


WINMARK CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota

 

41-1622691

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

 

Identification Number)

 

 

 

4200 Dahlberg Drive, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55422-4837

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number:  (763) 520-8500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:  Common Stock, no par value per share

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes   o                    No   x

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

Yes   o                    No   x

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

Yes   x                    No   o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated filer   o

 

Accelerated filer   o

 

Non-Accelerated   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Yes   o                    No   x

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of such stock as of the last business day of registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, as reported on the Nasdaq Market, was $46,833,323.

Shares of no par value Common Stock outstanding as of March 16, 2007: 5,467,445 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 2, 2007 have been incorporated by reference into Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this report.

 

 




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

PART I

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Business

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

 

 

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Properties

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

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

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

 

 

 

 

Item 7.

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

 

 

 

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

 

 

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

 

 

 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

 

 

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

 

 

 

 

Item 9B.

Other Information

 

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

 

 

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

 

 

 

 

Item 12.

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

 

 

 

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

 

 

 

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

 

1




PART I

ITEM 1: BUSINESS

 

Background

We are a franchisor of value-oriented retail store concepts that buy, sell, trade and consign 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.  The retail brands also offer new merchandise to customers.

We also 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 assets which generally have a cost of more than $250,000.  We generate middle-market equipment leases primarily through business alliances, equipment vendors and directly from customers.

We also operate a small-ticket financing business through our wholly-owned subsidiary Wirth Business Credit, Inc. (formerly known as Winmark Business Solutions, Inc.).  Our small-ticket financing business serves small businesses and focuses on assets which generally have a cost of $5,000 to $250,000.  We generate financing business directly from customers, and also through our Wirth Business Credit™ franchisees.

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 $1.8 million, $1.7 million and $1.8 million for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  We were incorporated in Minnesota in 1988.

Franchise Operations

Our four retail brands with their fiscal year 2006 system-wide sales, defined as revenues generated by all franchise owned locations, are summarized as follows:

Play It Again Sports ® - $254 million.

We began franchising the Play It Again Sports® brand in 1988.  Play It Again Sports® franchises sell, buy, trade and consign used and new sporting goods, equipment and accessories for a variety of athletic activities including hockey, wheeled sports (in-line skating, skateboards, etc.), fitness, ski/snowboard, golf and baseball/softball.  The franchises offer a flexible mix of merchandise that is adjusted to adapt to seasonal and regional differences.  Play It Again Sports® is known for providing the highest value to the customer by offering a mix of used and new sporting goods.  For the years ended 2006, 2005 and 2004, Play It Again Sports® contributed royalties and franchise fees of $10.4 million, $10.2 million and $10.3 million, respectively.   As a percentage of consolidated revenues for 2006, 2005 and 2004, these amounts equaled 38.1%, 38.4% and 37.9%, respectively.

Once Upon A Child ® - $115 million.

We began franchising the Once Upon A Child® brand in 1993.   Once Upon A Child® franchises sell and buy used and new children’s clothing, toys, furniture, equipment and accessories.  This store brand primarily targets cost-conscious parents of children ages infant to 10 years with emphasis on children ages seven years old and under.  These customers have the opportunity to sell their used children’s items to a Once Upon A Child® franchise when outgrown and to purchase quality used children’s clothing, toys, furniture and equipment at prices lower than new merchandise.  New merchandise is offered to supplement the used merchandise.  For the years ended 2006, 2005 and 2004, Once Upon A Child® contributed royalties and franchise fees of $4.9 million, $4.3 million, and $4.1 million, respectively.  As a percentage of consolidated revenues for 2006, 2005 and 2004, these amounts equaled 17.7%, 16.2% and 15.0%, respectively.

2




Plato’s Closet ® - $100 million.

We began franchising the Plato’s Closet® brand in 1999.  Plato’s Closet® franchises sell and buy used and new clothing and accessories geared toward the teenage and young adult market.  Customers have the opportunity to sell their used items to a Plato’s Closet® franchise when unused or outgrown and to purchase quality used clothing and accessories at prices lower than new merchandise.  For the years ended 2006, 2005 and 2004, Plato’s Closet® contributed royalties and franchise fees of $4.2 million, $3.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively.  As a percentage of consolidated revenues for 2006, 2005 and 2004, these amounts equaled 15.2%, 13.3% and 9.6%, respectively.

Music Go Round ® - $25 million.

We began franchising the Music Go Round® brand in 1994.  Music Go Round® franchises sell, buy, trade and consign used and new musical instruments, speakers, amplifiers, music-related electronics and related accessories for parents of children who play musical instruments, as well as professional and amateur musicians.  For the years ended 2006, 2005 and 2004, Music Go Round® contributed royalties and franchise fees of $0.8 million, $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively.  As a percentage of consolidated revenues for 2006, 2005 and 2004, these amounts equaled 2.8%, 3.3% and 3.2%, respectively.

In addition to our four retail brands, we also franchise a small-ticket leasing business.

Wirth Business Credit™

We began franchising the Wirth Business Credit™ business in 2006.  Wirth Business Credit, Inc. franchises leasing and financing services businesses that provide franchisees an array of small-ticket equipment leasing and financing options funded through Winmark or its affiliates to offer to customers for business essential equipment and assets.  Wirth Business Credit™ franchisees are paid a transaction fee for each leasing or financing transaction funded through Winmark or its affiliates, and as such Winmark Corporation does not receive royalties from Wirth Business Credit™ franchisees.

The following table presents a summary of our franchising activity for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006:

 

 


TOTAL
12/31/05

 


OPENED

 


CLOSED

 


TOTAL
12/30/06

 

AVAILABLE
FOR
RENEWAL

 


COMPLETED 
RENEWALS

 


%
RENEWED

 

Play It Again Sports®

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchises - US and Canada

 

396

 

14

 

(22

)

388

 

9

 

9

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once Upon A Child®

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchises - US and Canada

 

206

 

12

 

(4

)

214

 

16

 

16

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plato’s Closet®

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchises - US

 

159

 

24

 

(2

)

181

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music Go Round®
Franchises - US

 

42

 

0

 

(1

)

41

 

9

 

9

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Franchised Stores

 

803

 

50

 

(29

)

824

 

34

 

34

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wirth Business Credit™

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchises - US

 

0

 

12

 

0

 

12

 

 

 

N/A

 

Total

 

803

 

62

 

(29

)

836

 

34

 

34

 

100

%

 

3




Retail Brands Franchising Overview

We use franchising as a business method of distributing goods and services through our retail brands to consumers.  We also use franchising as a method to originate small-ticket leasing transactions with our Wirth Business Credit™ franchises.  We discuss our Wirth Business Credit™ franchise system in the Equipment Leasing Operation Subsection of this Business Section.  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 on 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 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.

We have and we intend to reinvest operating cash flow generated from our business into:

·                   supporting the current franchise systems;

·                   making investments in infrastructure to support our corporate needs; and

·                   pursuing new business opportunities such as Wirth Business Credit, Inc., Winmark Capital Corporation and other business opportunities.

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.  We also offer value-priced 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 30, 2006, we had 55 signed franchise agreements that are expected to open in 2007.  Of these, 54 are retail brand franchises.

4




We began franchising in Canada in 1991 and, as of December 30, 2006, had 62 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 of one of our retail brands 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.  In addition to purchasing used products from customers who bring merchandise to the store, the franchisee is also encouraged to develop sources for purchasing used merchandise in the community.  Franchisees typically do not repair or recondition used products, but rather, purchase quality used merchandise that may be put directly on display for resale on an ‘ as is ’ basis.  We have developed specialized computer point-of-sale systems for Once Upon A Child® and Plato’s Closet® stores that provide the franchisee with standardized pricing information to assist in the purchasing of used items.  Play It Again Sports® and Music Go Round® also use buying guides and the point-of-sale system to assist franchisees in pricing used items.

We provide centralized buying services including credit and billing for the Play It Again Sports® franchisees.  Upon credit approval, Play It Again Sports® franchisees may order through the buying group, in which case, product is shipped directly to the store by the vendor.  We are invoiced by the vendor, and in turn, we invoice the franchisee adding a 4% service fee to cover our costs of operating the buying group.  Our Play It Again Sports® franchise system uses several major vendors including Keys Fitness, Horizon Fitness, Easton Sporting Goods, The Hockey Company and Bauer Nike 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 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.

5




Our typical Once Upon A Child® franchised store purchases approximately 50% of its new product from Graco, Million Dollar Baby and Dorel Juvenile Group.  While we believe that there are several other vendors that could adequately replace the loss of any of these three major vendors, it would alter the selection of product offered.

There are no significant vendors to our typical Plato’s Closet® franchised store.

Retail Advertising and Marketing

We encourage our franchisees to implement a marketing program that includes one or more of the following: television, radio, direct mail, point-of-purchase materials, in store signage and local store marketing programs.  Through these mediums, we advertise that we buy, sell and trade used and new items.  Franchisees of the respective retail brands are required to spend the following minimum percentage of their gross sales on approved advertising and marketing: Play It Again Sports® - 5%, Once Upon A Child® - 5%, Plato’s Closet® - 4% and Music Go Round® - 3%.  The advertising percentage for new Plato’s Closet® franchises will increase to 5% in 2007.  In addition, Play It Again Sports®, Once Upon A Child® and Music Go Round® franchisees are required to pay us an annual marketing fee of $500.  Franchisees may be required to participate in regional cooperative advertising groups.  Plato’s Closet® franchisees with agreements dated prior to and after March 15, 2005 are required to pay us an annual marketing fee of $500 and $1,000, respectively.

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, one 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.  We generally require franchisees to purchase their computer hardware from us.  We charge a fee of approximately 4% for handling and configuration of systems sold through us.  The Data Recycling System software is designed to accommodate buying and consigning of used merchandise.  This system provides franchisees with an important management tool that reduces errors, increases efficiencies and enhances inventory control.  We provide both computer software and hardware support for the system through our Computer Support Center located at our Company headquarters.

Winmark Business Solutions

We established Winmark Business Solutions to provide business support services to franchisees and other small businesses.  We provide a web site that:

·                   aggregates the purchasing power of small businesses, including our franchisees, which allows us to more effectively negotiate arrangements for products and services critical to most small businesses;

·                   provides an easy point of contact between vendors and small businesses;

·                   provides small business owners information and tools that will help them be successful at every stage of their small business;

·                   provides equipment leasing options for small businesses; and

·                   provides advertising and promotional opportunities for small businesses.

6




We have established preferred provider relationships with high quality vendors that provide small businesses a host of critical services.  Included in the array of services available through the web site are accounting, tax and payroll services, copying and printing services, purchase of office supplies, credit card processing, loss prevention, business insurance, computer/POS equipment, and more.  A small business becomes a member of Winmark Business Solutions by registration, which is free.

Other Support Services

We assist each new franchisee with retail store site location by providing demographic data and general site selection information.  A third party vendor provides design layouts and opening materials including pricing materials, stationary, signage, fixtures, slat wall and carpeting.  Additional communication with retail brand franchisees is made through weekly news updates, emails, broadcast faxes, extranet and semi-annual or annual conferences which generally include trade shows.

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 business brands are generally the same.  The Franchise Agreement signed by Wirth Business Credit™ franchisees is described in the Equipment Leasing Operation subsection of this Business Section.

Each franchisee must execute our franchise agreement and pay an initial franchise fee.  At December 30, 2006, the franchise fee for all brands was $20,000 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 $20,000CAD for a store in Canada, provided an acceptable territory is available and the franchisee meets minimum standards.  Beginning in 2007, the franchise fees for our initial retail store and additional retail store in Canada will be based upon the exchange rate applied to the United States fee on the last business day of the preceding fiscal year.  The franchise fee in 2007 for an initial retail store will be $23,300CAD, and an additional retail store $17,500CAD.   Typically, the franchisee’s initial store is open for business within 270 days 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.  A renewal fee equal to $5,000 is payable to us as part of any franchise renewal.  As an incentive, we generally refund the renewal fee if a franchisee modernizes its store to meet our standards.  Under current franchise agreements, franchisees of the respective brands are required to pay us weekly continuing fees (royalties) equal to the following percentage of gross sales: Play It Again Sports® - 5%, Once Upon A Child® - 5%, Plato’s Closet® - 4% and Music Go Round® - 3%.  Upon completion of the initial 10-year term, Play It Again Sports® and Once Upon A Child® royalties are adjusted to 4%.  Play It Again Sports® franchisees opening their second or additional store pay us a 4% royalty for that store.

7




Each franchisee is required to pay us an annual marketing fee of $500 ($1,000 for each new Plato’s Closet® franchisee).  Each Play It Again Sports® and Once Upon A Child® franchisee is required to spend 5% of its gross sales for advertising and promoting its franchised store.  We have the option to increase the minimum advertising expenditure requirement for these franchises to 6% of the franchisee’s gross sales, of which up to 2% would be paid to us as an advertising fee for deposit in an advertising fund.  This fund, if initiated, would be managed by us and would be used for advertising and promotion of the franchise system.  Music Go Round® franchisees are required to spend at least 3% of gross sales for approved advertising.  We have the option to increase the minimum advertising expenditure requirement for these franchises to a total of 4% of the franchisee’s gross sales, of which up to 1.5% would be paid to us as an advertising fee for deposit into an advertising fund.  Plato’s Closet® franchisees are required to spend at least 4% of gross sales for approved advertising.  In 2007, the advertising percentage for Plato’s Closet® franchise agreements will increase to require new franchisees to spend at least 5% of gross sales for approved advertising.   We have an option to increase the minimum advertising expenditure requirement for these franchises up to at total of 6% of franchisee’s gross sales, of which up to 2% would be paid to us as an advertising fee for deposit into an advertising fund.

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.  We will pursue enforcement of our noncompetition clause vigorously; however, these noncompetition clauses are not enforceable in certain states or in all circumstances.

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.  This noncompetition clause may not be enforceable in certain states or in all circumstances.  We may choose not to renew the franchise relationship only when permitted by the franchise agreement and applicable state law.

In 2006, 9 Play It Again Sports® franchise agreements expired.  Of those franchise relationships, 9 were “renewed” with the signing of a new 10-year franchise agreement.  In 2007, 2008 and 2009, 19, 10 and 16 Play It Again Sports® franchise agreements will expire, respectively.

In 2006, 16 Once Upon A Child® franchise agreements expired.  Of those franchise relationships, 16 were “renewed” with the signing of a new 10-year franchise agreement.  In 2007, 2008 and 2009, 12, 8 and 19 Once Upon A Child® franchise agreements will expire, respectively.

In 2006, 9 Music Go Round® franchise agreements expired. Of those franchise agreements, 9 were “renewed” with the signing of a new 10-year franchise agreement.  In 2007, 2008 and 2009, 7, 7, and 5 Music Go Round® franchise agreements will expire, respectively.

None of our Plato’s Closet® franchise agreements will expire in 2007 or 2008.  In 2009, 7 Plato’s Closet® franchise agreements will expire.

8




None of our Wirth Business Credit™ franchise agreements will expire in 2007, 2008 or 2009.

We believe that renewing a significant number of these franchise relationships is important to the success of the Company.

Retail Franchising Competition

Retailing, including the sale of sporting goods, children’s and teenage apparel, 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 some competition to our franchisees for the sale of used merchandise.  Also, our franchisees increasingly compete with online used and new goods retailers such as eBay, Harmony Central and many others. We are aware of, and compete with, one franchisor of stores which sells new and used sporting equipment, two franchisors of stores which sell used and new children’s clothing, toys and accessories and one franchisor of teen apparel stores.

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 Stores and various specialty children’s retail stores such as Gap Kids. We compete with one other franchisor in the specialty children’s retail market.

Our Plato’s Closet® franchise stores compete with specialty apparel stores primarily such as Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Old Navy, Banana Republic and The Limited.  We compete with one other franchisor in the teenage clothing retail market.

Our Music Go Round® franchise stores compete with large musical instrument retailers such as Guitar Center and Sam Ash Music.  We do not believe we compete with any other franchisor directly in the used and new musical instrument 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 are engaged in the business of providing non-cancelable leases for high-technology and business-essential equipment to both larger organizations and smaller, growing companies.  We started our equipment leasing operations in April of 2004, and we are currently in the early stages of this portion of our business.

9




We operate our middle-market leasing operation through Winmark Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.  We operate our small-ticket financing operation through Wirth Business Credit, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (formerly known as Winmark Business Solutions, Inc.).  We incorporated both of the corporations on April 2, 2004.  To differentiate ourselves from our competitors in the leasing industry, we offer innovative lease and financing products and concentrate on building long-term, relationship-based associations with our customers and business alliances.

Winmark Capital Corporation

Winmark Capital Corporation focuses on middle-market transactions that generally have terms from two to five years and are with large organizations.  We target businesses with revenue of $25,000,000 or more.  Such transactions are generally larger than $250,000 and, cover high-technology equipment, including computers, telecommunications equipment, point-of-sale systems and other business-essential equipment.  The leases are flexible in structure to accommodate equipment additions and upgrades to meet customers’ changing needs.  These leases are retained in our portfolio.

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 inappropriate for their needs or as increased data processing capacity is required, creating a secondary market in used equipment.

Generally, high-technology equipment, such as data processing equipment, does not suffer from material physical deterioration if properly maintained.  Our leased equipment is kept under continual maintenance obtained directly from the manufacturer or, in some cases, other service organizations.  The economic life and residual value of data processing equipment is subject to, among other things, the development of technological improvements and changes in sale and lease 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 large organizations through our middle-market operations and small organizations through our small-ticket operations.  Our enterprise-wide capabilities allow us to service the needs of a large company and its many small business affiliates.

·                   Asset Ownership.  We typically retain ownership of our leases and the underlying equipment.

Leasing and Sales Activities

Our middle-market lease products are marketed nationally through our principal office in Golden Valley, Minnesota and our satellite offices in Boulder, Colorado, Charlotte, North Carolina and Santa Barbara, California.

10




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.  Our sales representatives attend trade shows and directly market to customers and prospects by telephone canvassing.  We may also advertise in magazines or other periodicals in targeted industries.

We generally lease high-technology and other business-essential equipment for terms ranging from two to five years.  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 typically 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 be either re-leased to another customer or sold into the secondary-user marketplace.

Additionally, we may lease operating system and application software to our customers, but typically only with a hardware lease.

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 $250,000, have terms of between two and five years and cover business essential assets, including computers, printing equipment, security systems, telecommunications equipment, car wash equipment, production equipment and other assets.  Small-ticket financing products are marketed under the trade name Wirth Business Credit™ directly through our employed sales representatives or through our network of Wirth Business Credit franchisees.

Industry

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.  The small-ticket finance industry is very competitive, however, small business owners do not generally receive the same level of customer service as larger businesses do.  Small business owners desire products that are convenient, easy to understand, competitive and come from a trusted source.

11




Business Strategy

Key elements of our small-ticket business strategy include:

·                   Local Presence.  Through a network of franchisees, Wirth Business Credit™  maintains a local presence in its markets.

·                   Relationship Focus.  We maintain a focused, long-term, customer-service approach to our business.  In our small-ticket segment, we establish relationships with companies that control or have influence over multiple smaller businesses such as franchisors, equipment vendors and associations.

·                   Customer Service.   We understand that small business owners desire a convenient, flexible financing solution.  We provide fast credit decisions, flexible terms and an easy to understand process .

Leasing and Sales Activities

We originate financing transactions through sales persons employed by Wirth Business Credit, Inc. and through our Wirth Business Credit™ franchisees.  We focus our sales efforts on establishing relationships with organizations with influence over many small businesses such as vendors, franchisors and trade associations.

As described below, we franchise the right to operate small businesses under the name Wirth Business Credit™.  Our franchisees in our Wirth Business Credit™ franchise system are dedicated to originating equipment lease and financing transactions.  Our franchisees build business relationships at the local level and also have the support and infrastructure of a national leasing company.

We generally finance business-essential assets for terms ranging from two to five years.  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.

Wirth Business Credit™ Franchise System

We franchise the right to operate a small business equipment leasing and finance franchise under the brand Wirth Business Credit™.  Franchisees in the Wirth Business Credit™ franchise system market and sell small business equipment leasing and financing services offered by us.

Attracting Franchisees

Our franchise marketing program for Wirth Business Credit™ seeks to attract prospective franchisees with a desire to operate their own sales and marketing business who:

·                   have a sufficient net worth;

·                   have prior sales or small business experience; and

·                   intend to be integrally involved in the operation of the franchise.

Franchise Support

As a franchisor of Wirth Business Credit™, our lease originations volume depends heavily on our ability to support competitive and successful Wirth Business Credit™ franchisees.  We emphasize the following areas of franchise support and assistance in our Wirth Business Credit™ franchise system:

·                   Training;

·                   Marketing; and

·                   Ongoing Support.

12




Training

Each franchisee must attend our training program prior to operation.  Soon after signing the franchise agreement, a Wirth Business Credit™ franchisee is required to participate in our training program.  We begin with pre-training.  At pre-training, we cover, among other topics, sales basics, owning your own business and valuation.  Our franchisees next come to our headquarters for a week-long training session.  This week-long training session covers the basics of leasing, market orientation, lead generation, selling to vendors, owning your own business, business planning, credit basics, marketing, computer and software training and the nature of our franchise relationship.

After the initial week of training, we continue to support our Wirth Business Credit™ franchisees.  We provide sales support to our franchisees through our national sales staff in Minneapolis.  Franchisees have the ability to interact with our national sales staff at any time. Our national sales team provides the opportunity to each franchisee to work together on monthly sales planning and analysis.  In addition, we deliver new tools and programs to our franchisees periodically.

Our national sales staff generates national account relationships that provide leads and transactions for our franchisees.  We have established and seek to establish relationships with vendors, franchisors and other organizations that have a national scope of operations.  These national accounts benefit our franchisees and us through increased lease volume.  If a national account generates a transaction in the Market Area of a franchisee, then the franchisee is paid for that transaction as if the franchisee originated it.

We have an annual conference for our franchise system.  At the conference, our franchisees have the opportunity to learn from each other and from us new information about how to operate more effectively.  They also have the opportunity to learn from each other what sales and marketing approaches are working in their marketplace.

Marketing

We encourage our franchisees to implement a marketing program that includes one or more of the following: direct mail, direct email, advertising in approved industry and business publications, joining networking groups, telemarketing and radio.  Franchisees are required to spend 4% of their compensation on developing new customers in their local Market Area.  In addition, franchisees are required to pay us an annual marketing fee of $500.  Franchisees may be required to participate in regional cooperative advertising groups.

Ongoing Support

Franchisees’ primary contact with us is through an operations manager.  The role of the operations manager is to support our franchisees by expediting the lease transaction process.  An operations manager ensures credit applications are complete, interfaces with the credit department, manages vendor relations and documents transactions a Wirth Business Credit™ franchisee submits.  In addition, we provide any changes to the franchise system to our franchisees as they are available.  We provide all updates to our Operations Manual to franchisees.  We continue to develop marketing materials to assist franchisees in the generation of financing transactions.

Computer and Software

We require our franchisees to use our Tri-Link Lease Management computer system.  This computer system allows our franchisees to submit and track leasing transactions.  It also allows us to manage the lease transaction process.

13




The Franchise Agreement

We enter into 10-year franchise agreements with our franchisees.  The following is a summary of certain key provisions of our current standard franchise agreement.

Each franchisee must execute our franchise agreement and pay an initial franchise fee.  The Initial Franchise Fee for our standard Market Area is $30,000.  However, we are currently offering a reduced Initial Franchise Fee to prospective franchisees.  This program, which we call the “Pioneer Program,” reduces the Initial Franchise Fee to $20,000.  In addition, $15,000 of the $20,000 fee is eligible for reimbursement from us if a franchisee spends amounts on qualified marketing expenditures within 12 months of signing the Franchise Agreement, effectively reducing the Initial Franchise Fee to $5,000.  This amount may increase depending on the size of the Market Area.

Our franchisees pay no continuing fees in the form of royalty payments like the retail brand franchisees.  Instead, a Wirth Business Credit™  franchisee’s compensation depends on the mark-up a franchisee adds to a transaction.  Franchisees are paid monthly.

Our franchisees can only fund their transactions through us.  During the term of a franchise agreement, franchisees agree not to operate any competitive business directly or indirectly.  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 18 months within a reasonable geographic area.  We will pursue enforcement of our non-competition clause vigorously; however, these non-competition clauses are not enforceable in certain states or all circumstances.

At the end of the term of each 10-year term of each Wirth Business Credit™ 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 non-competition clause.

We compete with various other franchise opportunities for franchisees.  The small-ticket leasing industry is very competitive.  Our franchisees compete directly with many financial institutions, many of which have greater financial resources than us.  We are not aware of any other companies offering similar franchising opportunities in the small-ticket financing industry.

Financing

Our ability to arrange financing is important to our middle-market leasing and our small-ticket financing businesses.

Winmark Capital Corporation will 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 be generally 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 will be 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.  For leases discounted on a non-recourse basis, the financial institution will have no recourse against us unless we are in default of the terms of the agreement under which the lease and the leased equipment will be assigned to the institution as collateral.  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.

14




To date, we have funded the vast majority of our leases internally using our available cash.  Leases are funded internally for a variety of reasons, including:

·                   we may have a sufficient amount of cash on hand;

·                   lease amounts are too small to be attractive to financial institutions;

·                   the credit strength of the customer is acceptable only for recourse funding; or

·                   when we intend to discount a lease but the discounting process has not been completed.

We will rely on recourse bank facilities to fund both our middle-market and small-ticket portfolios We currently have a $20 million line of credit with LaSalle Bank, N.A. with the ability to increase the line of credit to $25 million if certain conditions are met.  We may also use the proceeds from our offering of $50 million in principal of unsecured subordinated debt of varying interest rates and maturity dates filed on Form S-1 effective June 14, 2006, to fund both our middle-market and small-ticket portfolios.  As of December 30, 2006, we have $15.38 million outstanding in unsecured subordinated notes.

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; corporate credit cards; 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 use to price our leases, which might force us to lower our yields or 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 three 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.  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.

15




Trademarks and Service Marks

Play It Again Sports®, Once Upon A Child®, Plato’s Closet®, Music Go Round®, Winmark®, Winmark Business Solutions®, Winmark Capital® and LeaseManager®, among others, are our registered service marks.  A trademark application for Wirth Business Credit™ has been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  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 Play It Again Sports® and Music Go Round® franchise brands have experienced higher than average sales volumes during the holiday shopping season.  Our Once Upon A Child® and Plato’s Closet® franchise brands have experienced higher than average sales volumes during the spring months and, along with our Music Go Round® brand, also during the back to school 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 may vary significantly.

Employees

As of December 30, 2006, we employed 104 full-time employees, of which 14 were salespersons, 58 were support personnel and 32 were administrative.

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 has the option to “renew” the franchise relationship by signing a new 10-year franchise agreement.  In 2006, of the 9 franchisees that had their Play It Again Sports® franchise agreement expire, 9 signed new 10-year franchise agreements.  In 2007, 2008 and 2009, 19, 10 and 16 Play It Again Sports® franchise agreements will expire, respectively.  In 2006, of the 16 franchisees that had their Once Upon A Child® franchise agreement expire, 16 signed new 10-year franchise agreements. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, 12, 8 and 19 Once Upon A Child® franchise agreements will expire, respectively.  In 2006, of the 9 franchisees that had Music Go Round® franchise agreement expire, 9 signed new 10-year franchise agreements.  In 2007, 2008 and 2009, 7, 7 and 5 Music Go Round® franchise agreements will expire, respectively.  In 2006, none of our Plato’s Closet® franchise agreements expired.  None of our Plato’s Closet® franchise agreements will expire in 2007 or 2008 and 7 Plato’s Closet® franchise agreements will expire in 2009.  We believe that renewing a significant number of these franchise relationships is extremely important to our continued success.  If a significant number of franchise relationships are not renewed our financial performance would be materially and adversely affected.

16




We have suffered declines in the number of Play It Again Sports ® franchises.

The number of our Play It Again Sports® franchises has continued to decline.  In 1999, Play It Again Sports® closed 58 stores and opened 12 stores, a net loss of 46 stores.  In 2000, Play It Again Sports® closed 64 stores and opened 15 stores, a net loss of 49 stores.  In 2001, Play It Again Sports® closed 59 stores and opened 10 stores, a net loss of 49 stores.  In 2002, Play It Again Sports® closed 35 stores and opened 7 stores, a net loss of 28 stores.  In 2003, Play It Again Sports® closed 37 stores and opened 10 stores, a net loss of 27 stores.  In 2004, Play It Again Sports® closed 27 stores and opened 12 stores, a net loss of 15 stores.  In 2005, Play It Again Sports® closed 26 stores and opened 10 stores, a net loss of 16 stores.  In 2006, Play It Again Sports® closed 22 stores and opened 14 stores, a net loss of 8 stores.  It is extremely important to our future success that the net loss of Play It Again Sports® stores be slowed and ultimately reversed.  We believe that a certain number of stores will close each year.  Our objective is to minimize store closings by continuing our investment in franchisee support services such as franchisee training, Winmark Business Solutions and the Winmark computer support center, by investing capital to improve Winmark’s proprietary point-of-sale software system and continuing to train our field operations personnel to better serve franchisee needs.  There can be no assurance that we will be successful in reducing or reversing the decline in Play It Again Sports® franchises.  If we are not successful, it would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

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.  We believe that many larger and smaller markets will continue to provide significant opportunities for sales of franchises and that we can sustain approximately our current annual level of openings.  However, there can be no assurance that we will sustain this level of franchise openings.

We are dependent upon our chief executive officer.

Our success depends greatly on the efforts and abilities of our key executive 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 would 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 sold 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.  At December 30, 2006, we had 55 franchise agreements expected to open in 2007.

We 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, obtaining 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.  There can be no assurance that we 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 affect our results of operation and financial condition.

17




We operate in extremely competitive industries.

Retailing, including the sale of sporting goods, childrens and teenage apparel 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.  To date, our franchisees have not faced a high degree of competition in the sale of used merchandise, but do so in connection with the sale of new merchandise.  However, 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 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.  There can be no assurances that we will be able to successfully compete with these larger competitors.

We are in the early stages of our equipment leasing operations and there can be no assurance that

we will be successful.

We began our equipment leasing operations in April of 2004.  We began franchising Wirth Business Credit™  in 2006.   As a result, there can be no assurance that any of our planned future leasing activities will be successful.  An inability to successfully launch and operate our equipment leasing business will have a material negative affect on our financial results.

We are subject to credit risk from nonpayment or slow payments in our lease portfolio.

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 smaller customers, there is typically only limited publicly available financial and other information about their businesses and they often do not have audited financial statements.  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.

We must control our selling, general and administrative expense to be successful.

Our ability to control the amount, and rate of growth in, selling, general and administrative expenses and the impact of unusual items resulting from our ongoing evaluation of our business strategies, asset valuations and organizational structures is important to our financial success.  We expect to incur significant additional expenses in connection with the launch of Wirth Business Credit™ and Winmark Capital Corporation.  In the near term, our leasing income will not exceed our expenses.  We cannot assure any investor that we will be able to control such items of expense.

18




We have made minority investments outside of our franchise and leasing businesses and have

suffered losses in these investments.

We currently have investments in three private companies.

We have purchased $7.5 million of the common stock of Tomsten, Inc., a privately held corporation, (d/b/a Archiver’s) or 18.3% of the total outstanding common stock.  Archiver’s is a retail concept created to help people preserve and enjoy their photographs.  Archiver’s stores feature a wide variety of photo-safe products, including photo albums, scrapbooks and scrapbook supplies, frames, rubber stamps, and photo storage and organization products.

We have purchased $2 million of preferred stock in Commercial Credit Group, Inc. (“CCG”), an equipment leasing company specializing in construction, transportation and waste management equipment.  In February of 2006, the Company entered into a Redemption Agreement and an Investment Agreement with CCG.  As a result the Company’s investment in CCG was redeemed for $2.0 million plus a transaction fee of $360,000.  In addition, the Company purchased from CCG $2.0 million of newly issued 14.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2011.

On October 13, 2004, we made a commitment to lend $2 million to BridgeFunds Limited at an annual rate of 12% pursuant to several senior subordinated promissory notes.  Each note has a maturity of five years.  BridgeFunds Limited advances funds to claimants involved in civil litigation to cover litigation expenses.  We have funded our $2 million commitment.  In addition, we own a warrant to purchase 13.8% of the equity of BridgeFunds on a fully diluted basis.  BridgeFunds Limited’s success depends upon its ability to continue to raise capital.  There can be no assurance that BridgeFunds Limited will be able to raise capital to fund its operations.

Each of our minority investments is either in a relatively new or unproven business.  Any of these businesses may not succeed and ultimately be forced to cease operations.  Also, there is not a market for the equity of Tomsten, Inc. and our ability to receive our investment back and realize a cash return on our investment in these companies will depend on: the development of a market for such companies’ equity; or the sale of such companies.  BridgeFunds and Commercial Credit Group may not have the ability to pay interest on amounts owed to us or to repay principal amounts owed to us.  In addition, there is no market for the equity of BridgeFunds Limited, and, as a result, our warrant to purchase 13.8% of the stock of BridgeFunds Limited may be of no value.

We do not have the ability (whether by vote, contract or otherwise) to control the actions of any of these companies.  The loss of our entire investment in any one or all of our minority investments would have a material negative impact on our financial results.

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 three 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.

19




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.  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.

Risk of regulation as an Investment Company

As of December 30, 2006, the value of the Company’s investment securities as a percentage of total assets was below 40%.  As of December 31, 2005, however, the value of the Company’s investment securities stated as a percentage of total assets exceeded 40%.  Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), a company may be deemed to be an “investment company” if the value of its investment securities stated as a percentage of total assets exceeds 40%.  The Company believes that it is not an investment company subject to regulation under the 1940 Act.   There is a risk, however, that because the Company’s investment securities have in the past constituted more than 40% of the Company’s total assets, the Company could be subject to regulation by the Securities Exchange Commission as an investment company.   There is also a risk that if in the future the Company’s investment securities exceed 40% of total assets, the Company could be subject to regulation by the Securities Exchange Commission as an investment company.  In either instance, the Commission could take enforcement action in connection with any alleged failure to register as an investment company. Any of these actions would have a material adverse affect on the Company.

ITEM 1B: UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2: PROPERTIES

We lease our headquarters facility in Golden Valley, Minnesota.  Effective February 1, 2005, we amended our existing lease to add 3,281 square feet bringing our total square feet leased to 34,184. Our base rent under the amended lease remains the same, $218,980 per year.  Finally, we have an option at anytime during the remaining term of the lease to rent the entire remaining balance of the building.  We are obligated to pay the common area maintenance and other additional rent relating to the entire 34,184 square feet.  In 2006, we paid an annual base rent of $218,980 plus common area maintenance charges of approximately $271,600.  The lease, as amended, expires in August 2009.  Our facilities are sufficient to meet our current needs and our immediate future needs.

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: SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006.

20




PART II

ITEM 5:                                                     MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED
SHAREHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information, Holders, Dividends

Effective December 2, 2003, the trading of our common stock moved from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, now known as the Nasdaq Capital Market, to the Nasdaq National Market, now known as the Nasdaq Global Market, under the symbol “WINA”.  The table below sets forth the high and low bid prices of our common stock as reported by Nasdaq for the periods indicated:

FY 2006:

 

First

 

Second

 

Third

 

Fourth

 

FY 2005:

 

First

 

Second

 

Third

 

Fourth

 

High

 

24.09

 

27.48

 

27.13

 

24.27

 

High

 

27.00

 

23.15

 

22.56

 

22.42

 

Low

 

20.00

 

21.30

 

21.46

 

18.09

 

Low

 

18.50

 

19.06

 

15.95

 

18.67

 

 

The above quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.  At March 16, 2007, there were 5,467,445 shares of common stock outstanding held by approximately 710 beneficial shareholders and 135 shareholders of record.  We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

 

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid 
Per Share

 

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased as
 Part of a Publicly
 Announced Plan(1)

 

Maximum Number
of Shares that may
yet be Purchased 
Under the Plan(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1, 2006 to February 4, 2006

 

15,000

 

$

21.500

 

15,000

 

504,458

 

February 5, 2006 to March 4, 2006

 

10,000

 

23.000

 

10,000

 

494,458

 

March 5, 2006 to April 1, 2006

 

10,000

 

23.250

 

10,000

 

484,458

 

April 2, 2006 to May 6, 2006

 

20,000

 

23.250

 

20,000

 

464,458

 

May 7, 2006 to June 3, 2006

 

420,000

 

23.550

 

420,000

 

44,458

 

June 4, 2006 to July 1, 2006

 

44,000

 

23.550

 

44,000

 

458

 

July 2, 2006 to August 5, 2006

 

 

 

 

458

 

August 6, 2006 to September 2, 2006

 

 

 

 

500,458

 

September 3, 2006 to September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

500,458

 

October 1, 2006 to November 4, 2006

 

 

 

 

500,458

 

November 5, 2006 to December 2, 2006

 

5,000

 

19.74

 

5,000

 

495,458

 

December 3, 2006 to December 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

495,458

 

Total

 

524,000

 

 

 

524,000

 

495,458

 


(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 4,000,000 shares, of which 495,458 may still be repurchased.

(2)           On August 15, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized a 500,000 share repurchase.

21




Winmark Corporation

Comparison of Cumulative Total Return Since

December 28, 2001

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 financial statements and related notes discussed in Item 8 and 15, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discussed in Item 7.

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

(in thousands except per share data)

 

 

 

December 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005(1)

 

December 25,
2004

 

December 27,
2003

 

December 28,
2002

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royalties

 

$

19,212

 

$

17,875

 

$

16,889

 

$

16,333

 

$

16,448

 

Merchandise sales

 

4,469

 

6,655

 

8,734

 

13,428

 

15,466

 

Leasing income

 

1,853

 

437

 

65

 

 

 

Franchise fees

 

1,246

 

1,052

 

984

 

860

 

769

 

Other

 

591

 

581

 

530

 

622

 

742

 

Total revenue

 

27,371

 

26,600

 

27,202

 

31,243

 

33,425

 

Cost of merchandise sold

 

4,283

 

5,506

 

7,228

 

10,692

 

12,355

 

Leasing expense

 

227

 

7

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

17,499

 

16,593

 

13,349

 

14,156

 

14,746

 

Income from operations

 

5,362

 

4,494

 

6,625

 

6,395

 

6,324

 

Gain (loss) from equity investments

 

250

 

(1,169

)

(195

)

(136

)

 

Gain on sale of marketable securities

 

 

27

 

174

 

102

 

31

 

Interest expense

 

(729

)

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

867

 

303

 

267

 

182

 

13

 

Income before income taxes

 

5,750

 

3,655

 

6,871

 

6,543

 

6,368

 

Provision for income taxes

 

2,329

 

1,555

 

2,789

 

2,530

 

2,539

 

Net income

 

$

3,421

 

$

2,100

 

$

4,082

 

$

4,013

 

$

3,829

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share—diluted

 

$

.57

 

$

.33

 

$

.63

 

$

.63

 

$

.63

 

Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

 

6,007

 

6,358

 

6,500

 

6,321

 

6,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital

 

$

2,297

 

$

4,776

 

$

8,215

 

$

6,634

 

$

7,123

 

Total assets

 

37,606

 

26,549

 

24,772

 

19,159

 

16,185

 

Total debt

 

15,978

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

15,755

 

22,287

 

21,558

 

15,405

 

11,901

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Financial Ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on average assets

 

10.7

%

8.2

%

18.6

%

22.7

%

26.8

%

Return on average equity

 

18.0

%

9.6

%

22.1

%

29.4

%

41.3

%


(1)              Included in Loss from equity investments is a $937,600 impairment charge for the write off of the Company’s investment in eFrame, LLC in 2005.  (See Note 3 — “Other Long-Term Investments”)

22




ITEM 7:                                                     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

Overview

As of December 30, 2006, we had 836 franchises operating under the following brands:  Play it Again Sports®, Once Upon a Child®, Plato’s Closet®, Music Go Round® and Wirth Business Credit™.  Management tracks closely the following criteria to evaluate current business operations and future prospects: royalties, franchise fees, leasing activity, selling, general and administrative expenses, franchise openings and closings and franchise renewals.

Our most profitable sources of franchising revenue are royalties earned from our franchise partners and franchise fees for new openings and transfers.

During 2006, our royalties increased $1,337,100 or 7.5% compared to 2005.  Franchise fees increased $193,200 or 18.4% compared to last year and primarily reflect consistent new openings in established brands and the addition of the new Wirth Business Credit™ franchise system.  During 2006, revenue generated from the Company’s leasing activities was $1,852,700 compared to $437,100 in the same period last year.  (See Note 13 — “Segment Reporting.”)  The Company’s leasing portfolio was $18.3 million at December 30, 2006.  (Investment in direct finance leases plus long-term investment in leasing operations.)

Management 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 30, 2006:

 

 

 

TOTAL
12/31/05

 

OPENED

 

CLOSED

 

TOTAL
12/30/06

 

AVAILABLE
FOR
RENEWAL

 

COMPLETED
RENEWALS

 

%
RENEWED

 

Play It Again Sports®
Franchises - US and Canada

 

396

 

14

 

(22

)

388

 

9

 

9

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once Upon A Child®
Franchises - US and Canada

 

206

 

12

 

(4

)

214

 

16

 

16

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plato’s Closet®
Franchises - US

 

159

 

24

 

(2

)

181

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music Go Round®
Franchises - US

 

42

 

0

 

(1

)

41

 

9

 

9

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Franchised Stores

 

803

 

50

 

(29

)

824

 

34

 

34

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wirth Business Credit™
Franchises - US

 

0

 

12

 

0

 

12

 

 

 

N/A

 

Total

 

803

 

62

 

(29

)

836

 

34

 

34

 

100

%

 

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 2006, the Company renewed 100% of franchise agreements up for renewal.  This percentage of renewal has ranged between 92% and 100% during the last three years.

23




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 2006, selling, general and administrative expense increased due to salaries and infrastructure costs in connection with our leasing activities, partially offset by decreases due to our 2005 sale of all Company-owned stores and the elimination of the related costs.

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

$

17,498,600

 

$

16,593,100

 

$

13,348,800

 

 

Our ability to grow our profits 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 of Wirth Business Credit, Inc. and Winmark Capital Corporation 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 the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations expressed as a percentage of total revenue and the percentage change in the dollar amounts from the prior period:

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

Fiscal 2006

 

Fiscal 2005

 

 

 

December 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

December 25,
2004

 

over (under) 
2005

 

over (under) 
2004

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royalties

 

70.2

%

67.2

%

62.1

%

7.5

%

5.8

%

Merchandise sales

 

16.3

 

25.0

 

32.1

 

(32.8

)

(23.8

)

Leasing income

 

6.8

 

1.6

 

0.2

 

323.9

 

559.0

 

Franchise fees

 

4.6

 

4.0

 

3.6

 

18.4

 

7.0

 

Other

 

2.1

 

2.2

 

2.0

 

1.7

 

9.5

 

Total revenue

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

2.9

 

(2.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of merchandise sold

 

(15.7

)

(20.7

)

(26.6

)

(22.2

)

(23.8

)

Lease expense

 

(0.8

)

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

(63.9

)

(62.4

)

(49.1

)

5.5

 

24.3

 

Income from operations

 

19.6

 

16.9

 

24.3

 

19.3

 

(32.2

)

Gain (loss) from equity investments

 

0.9

 

(4.4

)

(0.7

)

121.4

 

(500.1

)

Gain on sale of marketable securities

 

 

0.1

 

0.6

 

(100.0

)

(84.5

)

Interest expense

 

(2.7

)

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

3.2

 

1.1

 

1.0

 

186.1

 

13.6

 

Income before income taxes

 

21.0

 

13.7

 

25.2

 

57.3

 

(46.8

)

Provision for income taxes

 

(8.5

)

(5.8

)

(10.2

)

49.7

 

(44.2

)

Net income

 

12.5

%

7.9

%

15.0

%

62.9

%

(48.6

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24




Revenue

Royalties and Franchise Fees

Revenues for the year ended December 30, 2006 totaled $27.4 million compared to $26.6 million for the comparable period in 2005.

Royalties increased to $19.2 million for 2006 from $17.9 million for the same period in 2005, a 7.5% increase. The increase was due to higher royalties at Plato’s Closet® ($788,000), Once Upon A Child® ($407,000) and Play It Again Sports® ($173,000).  The increase in Plato’s Closet® royalties is primarily due to having 22 additional Plato’s Closet® franchise stores in 2006 compared to the same period last year and higher franchisee retail sales.  The increase in royalties for the other brands is due to higher retail sales in 2006 compared to 2005.  In 2005, royalties increased $985,700 compared to 2004.  This increase is due to increased franchise sales and by having 159 franchised Plato’s Closet® stores open at December 31, 2005 compared to 128 at December 25, 2004.

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.  Franchisees are required to pay an initial franchise fee of $20,000 for each initial franchise ($26,500CAD in Canada) and $15,000 for each additional franchise ($20,000CAD in Canada).  The franchise fees for Wirth Business Credit™ are described in the Equipment Leasing subsection of this Business Section.  Franchise fees increased to $1,245,700 for 2006 compared to $1,052,500 for 2005.  Sixty-two franchises were opened in 2006 compared to 52 franchises opened during 2005.  Franchise fees in 2005 increased $68,800 from 2004 as a result of opening 52 franchises in 2005 compared to 46 in 2004.

Merchandise Sales

Merchandise sales include the sale of product to franchisees either through the Play It Again Sports® buying group, or through our Computer Support Center (“Direct Franchisee Sales”) and retail sales at the Company-owned stores.   For the previous three years ended, merchandise sales were as follows:

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Direct Franchisee Sales

 

$

4,469,300

 

$

4,778,100

 

$

6,229,900

 

Retail Sales

 

 

1,876,500

 

2,503,700

 

 

 

$

4,469,300

 

$

6,654,600

 

$

8,733,600

 

 

Direct Franchisee Sales revenues decreased $308,800, or 6.5%, for the year ended December 30, 2006 compared to the same period last year.  This is a result of management’s strategic decision to have more franchisees purchase merchandise directly from vendors and having 8 fewer Play It Again Sports ®  stores open than one year ago; partially offset by the adding of two large name brand vendors in the third quarter of 2006 that required billing though our Play It Again Sports ®  buying group.  Retail store sales decreased $1,876,500, or 100%, as a result of selling all Company-owned stores in 2005.

Direct Franchisee Sales revenue decreased $1.45 million, or 23.3%, in 2005 compared to 2004 as a result of management’s strategic decision to have more Play It Again Sports® franchisees purchase merchandise directly from vendors and having approximately 15 fewer Play It Again Sports® stores in 2005 compared to 2004.  Retail store sales decreased $627,200, or 25.1%, in 2005 compared to 2004 due to selling three Company-owned stores in 2005.

 

25




Leasing Income

Leasing income increased to $1,852,700 in 2006 compared to $437,100 for the same period in 2005.  The increase is due to a larger lease portfolio in 2006 compared to 2005.

Leasing income increased to $437,100 in 2005 compared to $65,300 in 2004.  The increase is due to increased lease originations in 2005 compared to 2004.

Other Revenues

Other revenues increased to $590,700 in 2006 compared to $580,600 in 2005.  Other revenues increased to $580,600 in 2005 compared to $530,000 in 2004.  The increase in both years is primarily due to additional software license fees.

Cost of Merchandise Sold

Cost of merchandise sold decreased $1,222,500 or 22.2% in 2006 compared to the same period last year.  The decrease was primarily due to selling all Company-owned stores in 2005 and a decrease in Direct Franchisee Sales discussed in the revenue section.

Cost of merchandise sold decreased $1,722,600, or 23.8%, in fiscal 2005 compared to 2004.  The decrease is directly proportional to the corresponding decrease in direct franchisee sales discussed in the revenue section.

Cost of merchandise sold includes in-bound freight and the cost of merchandise sold to franchisees either through the Play It Again Sports® buying group, or through our Computer Support Center (“Direct Franchisee Sales”) and at Company-owned retail stores.  Occupancy costs of $0, $289,700 and  $395,400 for our former Company-owned retail stores are included in selling, general and administrative expenses for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  The cost of merchandise sold as a percentage of Direct Franchisee Sales, and the cost of merchandise sold as a percentage of Company-owned retail revenue for 2006, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Direct Franchisee Sales

 

95.8

%

95.9

%

95.8

%

Retail Stores

 

 

49.3

%

50.4

%

 

The 1.1 percentage point decrease in 2005 cost of merchandise sold at the Company-owned stores is primarily due to selling one Company-owned Music Go Round® store in 2004.  Since Music Go Round® stores have a higher cost of goods sold than other brands of Company-owned stores, the mix of sales by brand and related cost of goods sold has improved.  The elimination of retail cost of merchandise sold in 2006 is due to selling all Company-owned stores in 2005.

Leasing Expense

Leasing expense increased to $227,100 in 2006 compared to $6,800 in 2005.  The increase is due to increased borrowing of funds to fund the lease portfolio.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The $905,500, or 5.5%, increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 is primarily due to increases in salaries ($749,000), advertising production ($213,000), development advertising ($251,000), outside services ($246,000), provision for credit losses ($141,000) and compensation expense associated with stock options ($157,000), partially offset by selling the remaining Company-owned stores and the elimination of the $822,000 of related costs.

26




The $3,244,300, or 24.3%, increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004 is primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits ($1,444,100), advertising ($190,000), legal fees ($205,200), provision for credit losses ($89,900), professional services ($151,900) and compensation expense associated with stock options ($671,700).  The increase in compensation expense associated with stock options includes a $419,400 charge for turning in “immature” shares as part of a stock option exercise.

Gain (Loss) from Equity Investments

During 2006, the Company sold its investment in eFrame, LLC (“eFrame”) resulting in a gain of $250,000.  For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company recorded (losses) gains of ($1,190,900) and $22,000 from our investments in eFrame and Commercial Credit Group, Inc. (“CCG”), respectively.  During 2005, the Company wrote off its remaining investment in eFrame and recorded a $937,600 impairment charge which is included in the 2005 loss.  This compares to losses of ($172,800) and ($22,000) from eFrame and CCG for the year ended December 25, 2004.  This represents our pro rata share of losses for the period.  See the section in this Form 10-K entitled “Risk Factors”.

Sale of Corporate Headquarters

On July 10, 2000, the Company sold its corporate headquarters facility to Koch Trucking, Inc. for $3.5 million in cash. The Company entered into a four-year lease for a portion of the facility pursuant to which the Company paid annual base rent of $218,980.  The sale resulted in a $731,000 gain, which was recognized over the initial 48-month lease term.  In 2004, $90,100 of deferred gain was recognized and is included in interest and other income.

Gain on Sale of Marketable Securities

During 2005, the Company had a gain on the sale of investments of $27,000 compared to $173,800 in 2004.  This decrease is due to lower level of gains realized in 2005 compared to 2004.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased to $728,700 in 2006 compared to $0 in 2005.  The increase is due to borrowings on the line of credit and renewable subordinated notes.

Interest and Other Income

During 2006, the Company had interest and other income of $867,300 compared to $303,100 of interest and other income in 2005.  The increase is primarily due to interest received on the increased amount of the BridgeFunds Limited promissory notes and the $360,000 transaction fee recognized on the Commercial Credit Group redemption and investment agreement.  (See Note 3.)  Also included in interest and other income is $24,400 of foreign currency exchange losses in 2006 compared to losses of $8,500 in 2005.

Included in interest and other income is interest income of $311,500 in 2005 compared to $177,000 in 2004.  This increase is primarily due to interest received on the BridgeFunds Limited promissory notes.  Also included in interest and other income is $8,500 of foreign currency exchange losses in 2005 and $89,800 of gains in 2004, respectively.

27




Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was calculated at an effective rate of 40.5%, 42.5% and 40.6% for 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.  The higher effective tax rate in 2005 compared to 2006 and 2004 reflects a higher amount of non-deductible expenses in conjunction with lower pre-tax income.

Segment Comparison of the Year Ended December 30, 2006 to

Year Ended December 31, 2005

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, which commenced operations in 2004, 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 Company.  The Company’s internal management reporting is the basis for the information disclosed for its business segments.  The following tables summarize financial information by segment and provide a reconciliation of segment contribution to operating income:

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

December 30, 
2006

 

December 31,
 2005

 

December 25, 
2004

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchising

 

$

25,517,800

 

$

26,162,700

 

$

27,136,600

 

Leasing

 

1,852,700

 

437,100

 

65,300

 

Total revenue

 

$

27,370,500

 

$

26,599,800

 

$

27,201,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation to operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchising segment contribution

 

$

12,106,700

 

$

11,482,600

 

$

10,563,200

 

Leasing segment contribution

 

(2,106,400

)

(1,809,200

)

(600,100

)

Other contribution

 

(4,638,800

)

(5,179,300

)

(3,338,400

)

 Total operating income

 

$

5,361,500

 

$

4,494,100

 

$

6,624,700

 

 

Franchising segment operating income

The franchising segment’s 2006 operating income increased by $624,100 or 5.4% to $12.1 million from $11.5 million in 2005.  The increase in segment contribution was primarily due to higher royalty income of $1,337,100 or 7.5%.  The increase in royalties was primarily due to higher Plato’s Closet ® ($788,000), Once Upon A Child ® ($407,000) and Play It Again Sports ®  ($173,000) royalties.  The increase in Plato’s Closet ®  royalties is primarily due to having 22 additional Plato’s Closet ® franchise stores open in 2006 compared to the same period last year and higher franchisee retail sales in these brands.  The increase in royalties for the other brands is due to higher retail sales in 2006 compared to 2005.

The franchising segment’s 2005 operating income increased by $919,400, or 8.7%, to $11.5 million from $10.6 million for 2004.  The increase in segment contribution was primarily due to higher royalty income of $985,700 or 5.8%.  The increase was due to higher Plato’s Closet® ($703,900), Once Upon A Child® ($269,300), Play It Again Sports® ($10,800) and Music Go Round® ($1,700) royalties.  The increase in Plato’s Closet® royalties is primarily due to having 31 additional Plato’s Closet® franchise stores in 2005 compared to 2004.  The increase in royalties for the other brands is due to higher retail sales in 2005 compared to 2004.

28




Leasing segment operating income (loss)

The leasing segment’s 2006 operating loss increased $297,200 or 16.4% to ($2,106,400) compared to a loss of ($1,809,200) during 2005.  This loss was primarily due to $3,959,100 of direct costs associated with starting up the leasing segment partially offset by a $1,415,600 increase in leasing income.  We had leasing segment direct costs of $2,239,600 during 2005.

The leasing segment’s 2005 operating loss increased $1,209,100, or 201.5%, to ($1,809,200) compared to a loss of ($600,100) during 2004.  This increase was primarily due to $2,239,600 of direct costs associated with starting up the leasing segment partially offset by a $371,800 increase in leasing income.  The Company had leasing segment direct costs of $665,500 during 2004.

Other contribution loss

Other contribution loss improved $540,500 or 10.4% to a loss of ($4,638,800) during 2006 compared to a loss of ($5,179,300) in 2005.  The improvement is primarily due to lower salaries ($807,000), partially offset by higher outside services ($104,000) and increased compensation expenses associated with stock options ($157,000).  Please see our disclosure of segment reporting in Note 13 for explanation of what is included in other contribution loss.

Other contribution loss increased $1,840,900, or 55.1%, to a loss of ($5,179,300) during 2005 compared to a loss of ($3,338,400) during 2004.  The increase is primarily due to higher salaries and benefits ($578,800), depreciation ($53,100), rent ($49,500) and increased compensation expenses associated with stock options ($671,700).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity have historically been cash flow from operations and credit agreement borrowings.  The components of the income statement that affect our liquidity include the non-cash items for depreciation and compensation expense related to stock options.  The most significant component of the balance sheet that affects liquidity is long-term investments.  Long-term investments includes $11.5 million of illiquid investments in three private companies: Tomsten, Inc., Commercial Credit Group, Inc. and BridgeFunds Limited.

The Company ended 2006 with $1.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of 1.25 to 1.0 compared to $2.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and a current ratio of 2.28 to 1.0 at the end of 2005.

Operating activities provided cash of $5.1 million during 2006 compared to $5.1 million for the same period last year.  Components of the cash provided by operating assets and liabilities include a $593,800 increase in accrued liabilities due to advertising accruals for Wirth Business Credit™ franchisees, accrued bonuses and accrued interest.  Advance and security deposits provided cash of $842,800 due to increased lease originations. Accounts payable provided cash of $451,700 due to an increase in buying group activity.  Components of cash utilized by operating assets and liabilities include a $222,900 increase in accounts receivable primarily due to an increase in buying group activity.  Prepaid expenses utilized $649,400 mainly due to higher prepaid commissions for lease sales staff.

29




Operating activities provided cash of $5.1 million for 2005 compared to $4.8 million for 2004.  For 2005, components of the cash provided by operating assets and liabilities include an increase in deferred revenue of $335,000 primarily due to increased deposits on future store openings.  Inventories provided cash of $352,600 due to selling Company-owned stores.  Components of cash utilized by operating assets and liabilities include a $499,500 increase in prepaid expenses primarily due to prepaid commissions for leasing sales staff and $248,000 increase in income tax receivable due to increased tax deposits.

Investing activities used $12.2 million of cash during 2006 compared to $5.6 million during the same period of 2005.  The increase is primarily due to the purchase of equipment for lease contracts and an additional $500,000 investment in BridgeFunds Limited, partially offset by collections on lease receivables and proceeds on sales of long-term investments.

Investing activities used $5.6 million of cash during 2005 compared to $4.4 million in 2004, primarily due to the purchase of equipment for lease contracts and property and equipment in 2005 along with the purchase of investments and marketable securities, including the Company’s additional $1.0 million equity investment in BridgeFunds Limited and $500,000 additional investment in Commercial Credit Group, Inc., partially offset by proceeds on the sale of marketable securities, principal collections on lease receivables and proceeds from discounted lease rentals.

Financing activities provided $5.2 million of cash during 2006 due to $16.0 million provided by net proceeds from borrowings, and $782,100 and $752,000 received from the exercise of stock options and related tax benefit received on exercised stock options, respectively, partially offset by $12.3 million used to repurchase 524,000 shares of our common stock.

Financing activities used $2.6 million of cash during 2005 due to the repurchase of Company common stock, partially offset by amounts received on the exercise of stock options.

The Company had future operating lease commitments for our corporate headquarters and has remained a guarantor on Company-owned retail stores that have been sold or closed at December 30, 2006.  See Note 6 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

Our contractual cash obligations and commitments at December 30, 2006 are summarized in the following table:

 

 

 


Total

 


2007

 


2008

 


2009

 


2010

 

After
2010

 

On balance sheet obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease guarantee reserves

 

$

275,000

 

$

275,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Renewable subordinated notes

 

$

15,378,200

 

$

3,239,600

 

$

1,444,100

 

$

3,880,500

 

$

1,162,500

 

$

5,651,500

 

Off balance sheet obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

$

630,400

 

$

258,000

 

$

226,400

 

$

146,000

 

$

 

$

 

 

As of December 30, 2006, the Company had no other material outstanding commitments.

On March 31, 2006, we entered into a Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to our $15,000,000 line of credit with LaSalle Bank National Association (as amended, the “Credit Facility”).  The Credit Facility allows us various interest rate options, including fixed rate, LIBOR plus 2% and the bank’s base rate plus 200 basis points.  The Second Amendment, among other things, extends the term of the Credit Facility to March 31, 2010, and allows us to increase our obligations under the Credit Facility over time up to $25,000,000 provided that certain conditions are met.  As a result of the Second Amendment, certain financial covenants in the Credit Facility have changed, including (i) minimum tangible net worth; (ii) minimum interest coverage ratio; and (iii) maximum senior leverage ratio.

30




On May 19, 2006, we entered into a Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment “) to our Credit Facility. The Third Amendment, among other things, affirms the Lender’s consent to the repurchase of Rush River’s 420,000 shares of Winmark common stock (“Repurchase”).  The Third Amendment also amends the definition of tangible net worth in the Credit Facility to add into the Company’s tangible net worth the amount paid by us for the Repurchase, $9.891 million, until December 31, 2006.

On June 6, 2006, pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company increased its availability under the Credit Facility from $15 million to $20 million.

The Credit Facility has a borrowing base that is equal to two times the Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) of the franchising and corporate segments plus 90% of the amount of eligible leased assets.  The line of credit will be used for growing our leasing business, stock repurchases and general corporate purposes.  The Credit Facility is secured by a lien against substantially all of our assets.

On April 19, 2006, we announced the filing of a “shelf registration” on Form S-1 registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the sale of up to $50 million of renewable subordinated unsecured notes with maturities from three months to ten years.  In June 2006, the Form S-1 registration became effective.  We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering to pay down our credit facility, expand our leasing portfolio, to make acquisitions, to repurchase common stock and for other general corporate purposes.  As of December 30, 2006, $15.59 million of the renewable subordinated notes have been sold.

We believe that cash generated from future operations and cash on hand will be adequate to meet our current obligations and operating needs.  We believe that the combination of our cash on hand, the cash generated from our franchising business, cash generated from discounting sources, our bank line of credit as well as our renewable subordinated unsecured notes, will be adequate to fund our planned operations, including leasing activity, for 2007.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare the consolidated financial statements of Winmark Corporation and Subsidiaries in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  As such, we are required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe 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 following critical accounting policies that we believe are most important to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:

Revenue Recognition — Royalty Revenue and Franchise Fees

The Company collects royalties from each 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 performances of franchisees versus our estimates, our royalty revenue would be impacted.  During 2006, we collected $228,600 more than our estimate at December 31, 2005.  As of December 30, 2006, our royalty receivable was $1,137,500.

The Company collects franchise fees when franchise agreements are signed and recognizes the 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 our balance sheet.  As of December 30, 2006, our deferred franchise fees were $1,016,000.

31




Stock-Based Compensation

We currently use 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.

We evaluate the assumptions used to value awards on an annual basis.  If factors change and we employ different assumptions for estimating stock-based compensation expense in future periods or if we decide to use a different valuation model, the future periods may differ significantly from what we recorded in the current period and could materially affect operating income, net income and earnings per share.

Impairment of Long-term Investments

On an annual basis, the Company evaluates its long-term investments for impairment.  The impairment, if any, is measured by the difference between the assets’ carrying amount and their fair value, 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.  Judgments made by management related to the fair value of its’ long-term investments are affected by factors such as the ongoing financial performance of the Investees, additional capital raises by the Investees as well as general changes in the economy.  During 2005, the Company recorded a $937,600 impairment charge in relation to our investment in eFrame, LLC.  (See Note 3.)

Income recognition

Leasing income 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.  When a lease is 90 days or more delinquent, the lease is classified as being on non-accrual and the Company stops recognizing leasing income on that date.

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 our existing lease portfolio as of the reporting dates.  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, our results could be different.  The Company policy is to charge-off against the allowance the estimated unrecoverable portion of accounts once they reach 121 days delinquent.

32




Outlook

Forward Looking Statements

The statements contained in the letter from the CEO and the President, 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, our statements relating to growth opportunities, prospects for Wirth Business Credit and Winmark Capital Corporation, contribution of the leasing business to financial results, anticipated operations of our leasing businesses, our ability to open new franchises, our ability to manage costs in the future, the number of franchises we believe will open, our future cash requirements, allowance for credit losses and our belief that we will have adequate capital and reserves to meet our current and contingent obligations and operating needs 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 variations from results contemplated by such forward looking statements 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.  We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason.

ITEM 7A:              QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company incurs financial markets risk in the form of interest rate risk.  The Company currently has available a $20.0 million line of credit with LaSalle Bank National Association.  We had $600,000 of debt outstanding at December 30, 2006, under our revolving line of credit.  The interest rate applicable to this agreement is based on either the bank’s base rate plus 200 basis points or LIBOR.  Our earnings would be affected by changes in these short-term interest rates.  Risk can be quantified by measuring the financial impact of a near-term adverse increase in short-term interest rates.   At our current level of borrowings, a one percent increase in our applicable rate would reduce annual pretax earnings by $6,000.  We had no interest rate derivatives in place at December 30, 2006, to mitigate this risk.

Approximately $115,700 of our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2005 were invested in money market mutual funds, which are subject to the effects of market fluctuations in interest rates.

Although we conduct business in foreign countries, international operations are not material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Additionally, foreign currency transaction gains and losses were not material to our results of operations for the year ended December 30, 2006.  Accordingly, we are not currently subject to material foreign currency exchange rate risks from the effects that exchange rate movements of foreign currencies would have on our future costs or on future cash flows we would receive from our foreign activity.  To date, we have 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.

33




ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Winmark Corporation and Subsidiaries

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

Page 35

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

 

Page 36

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income

 

Page 37

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Page 38

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Page 39

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Page 60

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Page 61

 

34




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

December 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,037,800

 

$

2,947,700

 

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $66,900 and $188,700

 

2,203,500

 

1,836,300

 

Investment in direct finance leases

 

5,777,400

 

1,478,200

 

Income tax receivable

 

812,700

 

620,500

 

Inventories

 

68,700

 

67,000

 

Prepaid expenses

 

1,435,100

 

785,700

 

Deferred income taxes

 

191,500

 

776,800

 

Total current assets

 

11,526,700

 

8,512,200

 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN LEASING OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in direct finance leases

 

10,437,600

 

3,118,500

 

Equipment installed on leases not yet commenced

 

2,036,400

 

2,373,900

 

Total long-term investment in leasing operations

 

12,474,000

 

5,492,400

 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

11,500,000

 

11,000,000

 

LONG-TERM NOTES RECEIVABLE, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,100 and $9,100

 

73,800

 

94,300

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

 

 

 

 

 

Furniture and equipment

 

2,010,500

 

5,973,700

 

Building and building improvements

 

468,100

 

407,200

 

Less — accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(1,905,100

)

(5,932,300

)

Property and equipment, net

 

573,500

 

448,600

 

OTHER ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

625,800

 

625,800

 

Deferred income taxes

 

832,300

 

375,400

 

Total other assets

 

1,458,100

 

1,001,200

 

 

 

$

37,606,100

 

$

26,548,700

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Line of credit

 

$

600,000

 

$

 

Current renewable subordinated notes
(including $1,015,100 due to related parties)

 

3,239,600

 

 

Accounts payable

 

1,608,100

 

1,156,400

 

Accrued liabilities

 

2,029,700

 

1,435,900

 

Current discounted lease rentals

 

157,300

 

147,600

 

Rents received in advance

 

479,300

 

167,600

 

Current deferred revenue

 

1,116,100

 

829,100

 

Total current liabilities

 

9,230,100

 

3,736,600

 

LONG-TERM RENEWABLE SUBORDINATED NOTES (including $11,275,000 to related parties)

 

12,138,600

 

 

LONG-TERM DISCOUNTED LEASE RENTALS

 

41,000

 

185,600

 

LONG-TERM DEFERRED REVENUE

 

441,400

 

339,600

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, no par, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 5,657,042 and 6,049,037 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

 

550,000

 

3,840,500

 

Retained earnings

 

15,205,000

 

18,446,400

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

15,755,000

 

22,286,900

 

 

 

$

37,606,100

 

$

26,548,700

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

35




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

December 25, 2004

 

REVENUE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royalties

 

$19,212,100

 

$17,875,000

 

$16,889,300

 

Merchandise sales

 

4,469,300

 

6,654,600

 

8,733,600

 

Leasing income

 

1,852,700

 

437,100

 

65,300

 

Franchise fees

 

1,245,700

 

1,052,500

 

983,700

 

Other

 

590,700

 

580,600

 

530,000

 

Total revenue

 

27,370,500

 

26,599,800

 

27,201,900

 

COST OF MERCHANDISE SOLD

 

4,283,300

 

5,505,800

 

7,228,400

 

LEASING EXPENSE

 

227,100

 

6,800

 

 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 

17,498,600

 

16,593,100

 

13,348,800

 

Income from operations

 

5,361,500

 

4,494,100

 

6,624,700

 

GAIN (LOSS) FROM EQUITY INVESTMENTS

 

250,000

 

(1,168,900

)

(194,800

)

GAIN ON SALE OF MARKETABLE SECURITIES

 

 

27,000

 

173,800

 

INTEREST EXPENSE

 

(728,700

)

 

 

INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME

 

867,300

 

303,100

 

266,800

 

Income before income taxes

 

5,750,100

 

3,655,300

 

6,870,500

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

(2,328,800

)

(1,555,300

)

(2,788,500

)

NET INCOME

 

$3,421,300

 

$2,100,000

 

$4,082,000

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE — BASIC

 

$.59

 

$.35

 

$.70

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE — DILUTED

 

$.57

 

$.33

 

$.63

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING — BASIC

 

5,791,503

 

6,018,197

 

5,872,084

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING — DILUTED

 

6,006,969

 

6,358,167

 

6,499,935

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

36




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income

Fiscal years ended December 25, 2004, December 31, 2005 and December 30, 2006

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Retained

 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Earnings

 

 Income (Loss)

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, December 27, 2003

 

5,671,596

 

$

2,996,300

 

$

12,264,400

 

$

144,500

 

$

15,405,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(249

)

(5,000

)

 

 

(5,000

)

Stock options exercised and related tax benefits

 

284,490

 

1,729,400

 

 

 

1,729,400

 

Compensation expense relating to stock options

 

 

378,900

 

 

 

378,900

 

Issuance of common stock through the employee stock purchase plan

 

8,710

 

86,700

 

 

 

86,700

 

Other comprehensive (loss)

 

 

 

 

(118,900

)

(118,900

)

Net income

 

 

 

4,082,000

 

 

4,082,000

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

3,963,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, December 25, 2004

 

5,964,547

 

$

5,186,300

 

$

16,346,400

 

$

25,600

 

$

21,558,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(210,565

)

(3,961,400

)

 

 

(3,961,400

)

Stock options exercised and related tax benefits

 

295,055

 

1,565,000

 

 

 

1,565,000

 

Compensation expense relating to stock options

 

 

1,050,600

 

 

 

1,050,600

 

Other comprehensive (loss)

 

 

 

 

(25,600

)

(25,600

)

Net income

 

 

 

2,100,000

 

 

2,100,000

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

2,074,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, December 31, 2005

 

6,049,037

 

$

3,840,500

 

$

18,446,400

 

$

 

$

22,286,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(524,000

)

(5,613,200

)

(6,662,700

)

 

(12,275,900

)

Stock options exercised and related tax benefits

 

132,005

 

1,534,100

 

 

 

1,534,100

 

Compensation expense relating to stock options

 

 

788,600

 

 

 

788,600

 

Net income

 

 

 

3,421,300

 

 

3,421,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, December 30, 2006

 

5,657,042

 

$

550,000

 

$

15,205,000

 

$

 

$

15,755,000

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

37




 

WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

December 25, 2004

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

3,421,300

 

$

2,100,000

 

$

4,082,000

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

202,700

 

178,200

 

119,500

 

Amortization

 

 

 

2,100

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(123,800

)

 

 

Provision for credit losses

 

330,600

 

89,900

 

13,300

 

Gain on sales of investments

 

(610,000

)

 

 

Compensation expense related to stock options

 

788,600

 

1,050,600

 

378,900

 

Gain on sale of marketable securities

 

 

(27,000

)

(173,800

)

Loss from equity investments

 

 

1,168,900

 

194,800

 

Deferred initial direct costs, net of amortization

 

(257,800

)

(56,600

)

 

Loss from disposal of property and equipment

 

1,400

 

 

 

Deferred gain on sale of building

 

 

 

(90,100

)

Tax benefit on exercised options

 

 

515,900

 

336,600

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

(222,900

)

143,600

 

329,500

 

Income tax receivable

 

(192,200

)

(248,000

)

(350,300

)

Inventories

 

(1,700

)

352,600

 

109,000

 

Prepaid expenses

 

(649,400

)

(499,500

)

1,300

 

Deferred income taxes

 

128,400

 

(463,200

)

146,900

 

Accounts payable

 

451,700

 

92,600

 

(427,600

)

Accrued liabilities

 

593,800

 

136,600

 

(174,200

)

Additions to advance and security deposits

 

842,800

 

250,200

 

62,700

 

Deferred revenue

 

388,800

 

335,000

 

222,800

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

5,092,300

 

5,119,800

 

4,783,400

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds on sale of marketable securities

 

 

1,945,200

 

1,210,200

 

Purchase of marketable securities

 

 

(311,500

)

(117,200

)

Proceeds from sale of long-term investments

 

610,000

 

 

 

Purchase of long-term investments

 

(500,000

)

(1,500,000

)

(3,500,000

)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

 

43,900

 

14,400

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(329,000

)

(377,100

)

(225,300

)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

 

47,100

 

(54,100

)

Purchase of equipment for lease contracts

 

(15,993,800

)

(6,181,600

)

(1,828,100

)

Principal collections on lease receivables

 

3,974,200

 

757,500

 

72,400

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

(12,238,600

)

(5,576,500

)

(4,427,700

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings on line of credit

 

18,400,000

 

 

 

Payments on line of credit

 

(17,800,000

)

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of subordinated notes

 

15,438,200

 

 

 

Payments on subordinated notes

 

(60,000

)

 

 

Repurchases of common stock

 

(12,275,900

)

(3,961,400

)

(5,000

)

Proceeds from exercises of options and warrants

 

782,100

 

1,049,100

 

1,479,500

 

Proceeds from discounted lease rentals

 

 

333,200

 

 

Excess tax benefits on exercised options

 

752,000

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

 

5,236,400

 

(2,579,100

)

1,474,500

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(1,909,900

)

(3,035,800

)

1,830,200

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year

 

2,947,700

 

5,983,500

 

4,153,300

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year

 

$

1,037,800

 

$

2,947,700

 

$

5,983,500

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

782,200

 

$

 

$

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

1,498,200

 

$

1,624,100

 

$

1,935,100

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

38




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

1.                                       Organization and Business:

Winmark Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) offers licenses to operate franchises using the service marks “Play It Again Sports®,” “Once Upon A Child®,” “Plato’s Closet®”,  “Music Go Round®” and Wirth Business Credit™ .”  In addition, the Company sells inventory to its Play It Again Sports® franchisees through its “Buying Group”.  The Company also operates both small-ticket and middle market equipment leasing businesses.  The Company has a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Saturday in December.  Fiscal year 2005 was a 53-week year and 2006 and 2004 were 52-week fiscal years.

Following is a summary of our franchising and corporate store activity for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006:

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

TOTAL
12/31/05

 


OPENED

 


CLOSED

 

TOTAL
12/30/06

 

Play It Again Sports®
Franchises - US and Canada

 

396

 

14

 

(22

)

388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once Upon A Child®
Franchises - US and Canada

 

206

 

12

 

(4

)

214

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plato’s Closet®
Franchises - US

 

159

 

24

 

(2

)

181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music Go Round®
Franchises - US

 

42

 

0

 

(1

)

41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Franchised Stores

 

803

 

50

 

(29

)

824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wirth Business Credit™
Franchises - US

 

0

 

12

 

0

 

12

 

Total

 

803

 

62

 

(29

)

836

 

 

2.                                       Significant Accounting Policies:

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Wirth Business Credit, Inc., Winmark Capital Corporation and Grow Biz Games, Inc., as well as its investment in and share of net earnings or losses for its investment in eFrame, LLC which are recorded on an equity basis.  All material inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.  Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.  As of December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the Company had approximately $74,600 and $142,500 of cash located in Canadian Banks.

39




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

Accounts Receivable

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable.  The allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $74,000 and $197,800 at December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.  The Company believes all accounts receivable in excess of the allowance are fully collectible.  If accounts receivable in excess of the provided allowance are determined uncollectible, they are charged to expense in the year the determination is made.  Accounts receivable are written off when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivable are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.  Accounts receivable balances written off have not exceeded allowances provided.

Long-term Investments

Long-term investments consist of investments in Tomsten, Inc., BridgeFunds Limited, eFrame, LLC and Commercial Credit Group, Inc. (See Note 3.)

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.

Income recognition

Leasing income 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.  When a lease is 90 days or more delinquent, the lease is classified as being on non-accrual and the Company stops recognizing leasing income on that date.

Initial direct costs

The Company defers initial direct costs incurred to originate its leases in accordance with SFAS No. 91, Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases.   The initial direct costs deferred are part of the investment in leasing operations and are amortized to leasing income using the effective interest method.

Lease residual values

Residual values reflect the estimated amounts to be received at lease termination from lease extensions, sales or other dispositions of leased equipment.  The lease residual values are based on the Company’s best estimate.

40




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

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 the existing lease portfolio as of the reporting dates.  A provision is charged against earnings to maintain the allowance for credit losses at the appropriate level.  The Company policy is to charge-off against the allowance the estimated unrecoverable portion of accounts once they reach 121 days delinquent.

Rents received in advance

Rents received in advance represent advance payments from customers that will be applied to future payments.  For example, if the Company is holding one advance payment, it will be applied to the customer’s last payment.  If the Company is holding two advance payments, they will be applied to the customer’s last two payments.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

The Company reviews long-lived assets annually to determine if the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable.  If such assets are considered impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Goodwill

On an annual basis, the Company considers whether there has been a permanent impairment in the value of its goodwill.  Goodwill is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

The changes in goodwill are as follows:

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

607,500

 

$

654,600

 

Additions (See Note 12)

 

 

35,100

 

Impairment charge (See Note 15)

 

 

(82,200

)

Balance at end of year

 

$

607,500

 

$

607,500

 

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, because of their short-term nature, approximates fair value.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company reports comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income” (“SFAS No. 130”).  SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting in the financial statements all changes in equity during a period.  For the Company, comprehensive income (loss) consists of unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, from investments classified as “available-for-sale.”  In 2006 and 2005, we recognized tax benefits directly to shareholders equity of $0 and $25,600, respectively, relating to mark to market adjustment on our investments.

41




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

Inventories

The Company values its inventories at the lower of cost, as determined by the average weighted cost method, or market.  Inventory consists of computer hardware and related accessories and store sign packages.

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 years for computer and peripheral equipment, five 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.

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.

Advertising

Advertising costs are charged to operating expenses as incurred.  Advertising costs were $810,100, $636,900 and $483,200 for fiscal years 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

In 2002, the Company adopted the fair value method recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (Statement No. 123) using the prospective method as provided by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure.”  Compensation expense of $788,600, $631,200 and $378,900 relating to the vested portion of the fair value of stock options granted subsequent to adoption of the fair value method has been expensed to “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  In addition, the year ended December 31, 2005 compensation expense includes a $419,400 charge for tendering “immature” shares as part of a stock option exercise.

42




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 123, Share-Based Payment (revised 2004) requires the cost of all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on the grant date fair value of those awards.  In accordance with Statement No. 123R, this cost is recognized over the period for which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. For awards outstanding as of January 1, 2006, Statement No. 123R requires the Company to recognize compensation expense for the unvested portion of outstanding share-based payments based on the fair value of the award on the grant date.  It also requires that the benefits associated with tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation expense be reported as a financing cash flow rather than as an operating cash flow.  The Company adopted Statement No. 123R, effective January 1, 2006, utilizing the modified prospective method, and, therefore, did not restate the prior-period results.  The Company uses the straight-line method of expensing graded vesting awards.

The impact of adopting Statement No. 123R did not increase compensation expense over the amount the Company would have recorded under Statement No. 123 during the year ended December 30, 2006 given that we had adopted Statement No. 123 in 2002.

For the options granted prior to fiscal 2002, the Company accounts for the stock option plans under Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25.  Had compensation cost for these plans been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensations” (SFAS 123), the Company’s pro forma net income and net income per common share would have changed to the following pro forma amounts:

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

December 31,
2005

 

December 25,
2004

 

Net income (loss) as reported

 

$

2,100,000

 

$

4,082,000

 

Add: stock-based employee compensation expenses included in reported net income, net of related tax effects.

 

603,500

 

237,200

 

Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method of all awards, net of related tax effects.

 

(510,100

)

(427,500

)

Pro forma net income

 

$

2,193,400

 

$

3,891,700

 

Net income (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic — as reported

 

$

.35

 

$

.70

 

Basic — pro forma

 

$

.36

 

$

.66

 

Diluted — as reported

 

$

.33

 

$

.63

 

Diluted — pro forma

 

$

.34

 

$

.60

 

 

43




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

Year
Granted

 

Option
Fair Value

 

Risk Free
Interest Rate

 

Expected
Life (Years)

 

Expected
Volatility

 

Dividend
Yield

2006

 

$6.56 / $10.25

 

4.58%

 

5 / 7

 

26.3% / 41.0%

 

none

2005

 

6.81 / 10.66

 

4.44 / 4.47

 

5 / 7

 

28.1 / 43.5

 

none

2004

 

11.33 / 13.81 / 11.65

 

3.97 / 3.87 / 3.54

 

5 / 7 / 5

 

48.8 / 46.1 / 46.1

 

none

 

The Company did not modify any outstanding options to minimize the impact of 123R.  The Company is using the same valuation model and assumptions under 123R that it used before and the adoption of 123R has not affected our option granting practices.

Revenue Recognition

The Company collects royalties from each franchise based on 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 $1,053,300 and $783,800 at December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, 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 $504,100 and $384,900 at December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.  Merchandise sales through the buying group are recognized when the product has been invoiced by the vendor.  Revenue from sales at our Company-owned stores were recognized at the time of the merchandise sale.

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 in non-recourse financing, 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 to financial institutions, 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 in accordance with SFAS No. 128 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 exercise of stock options and warrants using the treasury stock method.  The weighted average diluted outstanding shares is computed by adding the weighted average basic shares outstanding with the dilutive effect of 215,466, 339,970 and 627,851 stock options and warrants for the years ended December 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 25, 2004, respectively.

44




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

Options totaling 91,729, 18,332 and 671 shares for the year ended December 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 25, 2004, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the calculation of Earnings Per Share — Diluted because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, including the options in the denominator would be anti-dilutive.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 .  FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive financial statement model of how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take in its income tax returns.  FIN 48 requires that only income tax benefits that meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold be recognized or continue to be recognized on the effective date.  Initial derecognition of amounts would be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.  FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.  The Company has determined that the adoption of FIN 48 will not have a material impact on the financial statements.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements , which provides interpretive guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment.  SAB No. 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006.  The adoption of SAB No. 108 did not have an impact on our financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”), which establishes a framework for reporting fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements.  FAS 157 is effective for our 2008 fiscal year.  We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our financial statements.

In February 2007, FASB issued FAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“FAS 159”).  FAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  FAS 159 is effective for fiscal years after November 15, 2007.  We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting FAS 159 on our financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the December 31, 2005 and December 25, 2004 financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the December 30, 2006 presentation.  These reclassifications had no effect on net income or shareholders’ equity as previously reported.

45




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

3.                                       Investments

Short and Long-term Marketable Securities

The Company had no marketable securities at December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005.  The Company’s realized gains and losses recognized on sales of available-for-sale marketable securities are as follows:

Year-ended

 

Realized Gains

 

Realized Losses

 

Net Realized Gains (Losses)

 

December 30, 2006

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

December 31, 2005

 

61,700

 

(34,700

)

27,000

 

December 25, 2004

 

189,200

 

(15,400

)

173,800

 

 

Other Long-term Investments

The Company’s other long-term investments consist of:

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

Tomsten

 

$

7,500,000

 

$

7,500,000

 

Commercial Credit Group, Inc.

 

2,000,000

 

2,000,000

 

BridgeFunds Limited

 

2,000,000

 

1,500,000

 

 

 

$

11,500,000

 

$

11,000,000

 

 

On an annual basis the Company considers whether there has been a permanent impairment in the value of our other long-term investments.  The fair value of the cost method investments are not estimated if there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse affect on the fair value of the investment and an estimate of the fair value is not practicable.

The Company has an investment in Tomsten, Inc. (“Tomsten”), the parent company of “Archiver’s” retail chain.  Archiver’s is a retail concept created to help people preserve and enjoy their photographs.  The Company has invested a total of $7.5 million in the purchase of common stock of Tomsten.  The Company’s investment currently represents 18.3% of the outstanding common stock of Tomsten and is accounted for by the cost method.  The Company has entered into a voting agreement with Tomsten appointing officers of Tomsten as the Company’s proxy with the right to vote the Tomsten shares held by the Company consistent with the two largest shareholders of Tomsten (or in case of their disagreement, consistent with a majority of the remaining shareholders) as long as the Company owns such shares.  No officers or directors of the Company serve as officers or directors of Tomsten.

On July 1, 2003, the Company made a $1 million equity investment in eFrame, LLC (“eFrame”).  On November 21, 2003, the Company made an additional $500,000 equity investment in eFrame.  Based in Omaha, Nebraska, eFrame provides out-sourced information technology services to customers to lower their costs and increase their operating efficiencies.  The investment represents 27.2% of the outstanding units of membership interests in eFrame.  The investment was recorded using the equity method of accounting, whereby the Company’s share of income or loss is included in the accompanying consolidated statement of earnings and increase or decrease the carrying value of the investment.  During 2005, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $937,600 for its remaining investment in eFrame, LLC.  During 2006, the Company sold its investment in eFrame resulting in a gain of $250,000.

46




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

On October 8, 2004, the Company agreed to make a $2.0 million preferred stock investment in Commercial Credit Group, Inc. (“CCG”), a newly formed equipment leasing company specializing in construction, transportation and waste management equipment.  At closing, the Company paid $1.5 million for approximately 21.5% of the outstanding equity of CCG.  The Company made the remaining $500,000 investment on May 20, 2005.  In August 2005, CCG raised an additional $3.0 million of preferred stock.  Subsequent to the most recent financing, the Company owned approximately 17.7% of the outstanding equity of CCG.  This investment is accounted for by the cost method.

On February 15, 2006, the Company entered into two separate transactions with CCG whereby CCG (i) redeemed its 20,000 shares of Series A-1 preferred stock at face value of $100 per share held by the Company and, (ii) issued $2,000,000 of five-year senior subordinated notes that carry an interest rate of 14.75%, which is compounded quarterly.  In connection with the redemption, a $360,000 transaction fee was received by the Company.  The Company recorded the $360,000 fee as additional consideration for the redemption for its preferred stock which, when combined with the $2,000,000 redemption proceeds, resulted in a gain of $360,000 on the transaction.  The gain is included in interest and other income for the year ended December 30, 2006.

On October 13, 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.  BridgeFunds Limited advances funds to claimants involved in civil litigation to cover litigation expenses.  The proceeds of the loans are used to fund these advances.  On October 13, 2004, February 9, 2005, May 24, 2005 and May 15, 2006, Winmark Corporation funded $500,000, $500,000, $500,000 and $500,000, respectively, of such $2.0 million commitment.  In addition, Winmark Corporation has received a warrant to purchase approximately 257,000 shares of BridgeFunds which currently represents 13.8% of the equity of BridgeFunds on a fully diluted basis.  BridgeFunds is currently in the process of raising capital which, if successful, will reduce Winmark’s fully diluted ownership.

4.             Investment in Leasing Operations:

Investment in leasing operations consists of the following:

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

Minimum lease payments receivable

 

$

19,945,500

 

$

5,742,000

 

Estimated residual value of equipment

 

802,000

 

69,900

 

Unearned lease income net of initial direct costs deferred

 

(3,422,400

)

(967,000

)

Security deposits

 

(676,400

)

(145,000

)

Allowance for credit losses

 

(433,700

)

(103,200

)

Total investment in leasing operations

 

16,215,000

 

4,596,700

 

Less: current investment in direct finance leases

 

(5,777,400

)

(1,478,200

)

Long-term investment in direct financing leases

 

10,437,600

 

3,118,500

 

Equipment installed on leases not yet commenced

 

2,036,400

 

2,373,900

 

Total long-term investment in leasing operations

 

$

12,474,000

 

$

5,492,400

 

 

47




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

The Company had $10,100 and $0 write-offs of lease receivables in 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Minimum lease payments receivable under lease contracts and the amortization of unearned lease income, net of initial direct costs and fees deferred is as follows as of December 30, 2006:

Fiscal Year

 

Minimum Lease
Payments Receivable

 

Income
Amortization

 

2007

 

$

7,803,200

 

$

1,869,600

 

2008

 

6,720,100

 

1,035,200

 

2009

 

3,783,400

 

376,000

 

2010

 

1,166,500

 

122,000

 

2011

 

472,300

 

19,600

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

 

 

$

19,945,500

 

$

3,422,400

 

 

5.             Receivables:

The Company’s current receivables consisted of the following:

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

Trade

 

$

907,600

 

$

632,700

 

Royalty

 

1,137,500

 

1,132,800

 

Notes Receivable

 

93,200

 

154,900

 

Other

 

139,000

 

10,200

 

 

 

2,277,300

 

1,930,600

 

Less: long-term notes receivable

 

(73,800

)

(94,300

)

Current Receivables

 

$

2,203,500

 

$

1,836,300

 

 

The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts and note receivables is as follows:

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

December 25, 2004

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

197,800

 

$

210,200

 

$

351,900

 

Provisions charged to expense

 

(111,400

)

(4,900

)

(138,400

)

Deductions for amounts written-off

 

(12,400

)

(7,500

)

(3,300

)

Balance at end of year

 

$

74,000

 

$

197,800

 

$

210,200

 

 

As part of its normal operating procedures, the Company requires Standby Letters of Credit as collateral for a portion of its trade receivables.

Included in December 30, 2006 accounts receivable above are two notes receivable from the sale of Company-owned retail stores bearing interest at 10.0%, payable in monthly principal and interest installments and maturing in 2010.

48




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

Included in December 31, 2005 accounts receivable above are four notes receivable from the sale of Company-owned retail stores bearing interest at 7.0%, 8.0% and two at 10.0%, payable in monthly principal and interest installments and maturing 2006, 2007 and two in 2010.

6.             Acquisitions and Dispositions:

Disposition of Corporate Headquarters

On July 10, 2000, the Company sold its corporate headquarters facility to Koch Trucking, Inc. for $3.5 million in cash.  Net proceeds from the sale were used to pay down then existing bank debt.  The Company entered into a lease through August 2009 for a portion of the facility pursuant to which the Company paid annual base rent of $218,980.  The sale resulted in a $731,000 gain which was recognized over the initial 48-month lease term.  In 2004, the remaining $90,100 of deferred gain was recognized.

Disposition of It’s About Games

In 1999, the Company made the decision to dispose of the It’s About Games brand.  Accordingly, a restructuring charge and charge for asset impairment of $11,345,500 was recorded.  In 1999, the Company completed the sale of the assets of the Company’s It’s About Games brand.

As of December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the Company had an accrual related to this disposal of $170,000 for lease guarantees on various store sites (See Note 9).  No guarantees expired in 2006 or 2005.

7.             Shareholders’ Equity:

Repurchase of Common Stock

Under the board of directors’ authorization, the Company has the ability to repurchase up to 4,000,000 shares of its common stock, of which all but 495,458 shares have been repurchased.  Repurchases may be made from time to time at prevailing prices, subject to certain restrictions on volume, pricing and timing.  Since inception of stock repurchase activities in November 1995 through December 30, 2006, the Company has repurchased 3,504,542 shares of its stock at an average price of $13.74 per share.  In 2006, the Company repurchased 524,000 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $12,275,900 or $23.43 per share.  In 2005, the Company repurchased 210,565 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $3,961,400 or $18.81 per share.

Dilutive Securities

As of December 30, 2006, the Company had options and warrants outstanding to purchase a total of 758,000 shares of its common stock with an average exercise price of $14.65 per share.  Of these, 495,150 were exercisable as of December 30, 2006.

49




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

Stock Option Plan

The Company had authorized up to 1,530,000 shares of common stock be reserved for granting either nonqualified or incentive stock options to officers and key employees under the Company’s 1992 Stock Option Plan (the 1992 Plan).  The 1992 Plan expired on April 21, 2002.  The Company has 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 amended 2001 Stock Option Plan (the 2001 Plan).  Grants can be made by the Board of Directors or a Board-designated committee 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 Board of Directors or a Board-designated committee.  Options may be exercisable in whole or in installments, as determined by the Board of Directors or a Board-designated committee.

The Company also sponsors a Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors (the “Non-employee Directors’ Plan”) and has reserved a total of 200,000 shares for issuance to directors of the Company who are not employees. Each option granted under the Non-employee Directors Plan vests and becomes exercisable in five equal increments, beginning one year after the date of grant.

Stock options granted, exercised and outstanding under the 1992 Plan, 2001 Plan and Non-employee Directors Plan as of December 30, 2006 were as follows:

 

 

Number of Shares

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(years)

 

Remaining
Intrinsic Value

 

Outstanding at December 27, 2003

 

1,013,990

 

$

6.98

 

3.89

 

 

 

Granted

 

95,000

 

25.83

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(286,490

)

5.03

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(7,500

)

8.44

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 25, 2004

 

815,000

 

10.10

 

4.69

 

 

 

Granted

 

122,000

 

20.46

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(327,500

)

5.25

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(27,500

)

18.88

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

 

582,000

 

14.56

 

7.79

 

 

 

Granted

 

110,000

 

20.32

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(134,000

)

6.18

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 30, 2006

 

558,000

 

$

17.75

 

7.43

 

$

1,361,100

 

Exercisable at December 30, 2006

 

295,150

 

$

14.68

 

6.33

 

$

1,626,100

 

 

50




WINMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

Options outstanding as of December 30, 2006 are exercisable as follows:

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

Range of
Exercise Price

 

Number
Outstanding

 

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

Number
Exercisable

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

$7.20 — $10.52

 

176,000

 

5.48

 

$

10.13

 

176,000

 

$

10.13

 

18.25 — 20.32

 

175,000

 

8.60

 

19.55

 

48,750

 

18.25

 

20.46 — 26.05

 

207,000

 

8.10

 

22.71

 

70,400

 

23.59

 

 

 

558,000

 

7.43

 

$

17.75

 

295,150

 

$

14.68

 

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $2,297,200, $4,713,500 and $5,853,700, respectively.  The total fair value of shares vested during 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $1,694,500 $2,073,800 and $1,888,900, respectively.

All unexercised options at December 30, 2006 have an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of the grant.

As of December 30, 2006, the Company had $2,434,700 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of approximately 3.2 years.

Other Options

On March 22, 2000, Sheldon Fleck, a former consultant to the Company, was granted a warrant to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6 per share.  This option will expire on March 22, 2008 if unexercised.  Such warrant remains unexercised.

8.             Long-term Debt:

On March 31, 2006, the Company entered into a Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to its $15,000,000 line of credit with LaSalle Bank National Association (as amended, the “Credit Facility”).  The Credit Facility allows the Company various interest rate options, including fixed rate, LIBOR plus 2% and the bank’s base rate plus 200 basis points.  The Second Amendment, among other things, extends the term of the Credit Facility until March 31, 2010, and allows the Company to increase its obligations under the Credit Facility over time to up to $25,000,000 provided that certain conditions are met.  As a result of the Second Amendment, certain financial covenants in the Credit Facility have changed, including (i) minimum tangible net worth; (ii) minimum interest coverage ratio; and (iii) maximum senior leverage ratio.

On May 19, 2006, the Company entered into a Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the Credit Facility. The Third Amendment, among other things, affirms the Lender’s consent to the repurchase of Rush River’s 420,000 shares of Winmark common stock (“Repurchase”).  The Third Amendment also amends the definition of minimum tangible net worth in the Credit Facility to add into the Company’s minimum tangible net worth the amount paid by Winmark for the Repurchase, $9.891 million, until December 31, 2006.

On June 6, 2006, pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company increased its availability under the Credit Facility from $15 million to $20 million.

51




The Credit Facility has a borrowing base that is equal to two times the Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) of the Company’s franchising and corporate overhead plus 90% of the amount of eligible leased assets.  The line of credit will be used for growing the Company’s leasing business, stock repurchases and general corporate purposes.  The Credit Facility is secured by a lien against substantially all of the Company’s assets.

As of December 30, 2006, the Company had $600,000 amount outstanding on its Credit Facility bearing interest at 8.25%.

Renewable Unsecured Subordinated Notes

In May 2006, the Company filed a public offering of up to $50 million of Renewable Unsecured Subordinated Notes that was declared effective in June 2006.  Through December 30, 2006, the Company has $15,378,200 outstanding in renewable unsecured subordinated notes.  The table below presents the Company’s outstanding notes payable as of December 30, 2006:

 

Original Term

 

Principal
Amount

 

Weighted Average
Interest Rate

 

Renewable unsecured subordinated notes

 

3 months

 

$

26,300

 

5.71

%

 

 

6 months

 

2,065,000

 

6.60

%

 

 

1 year

 

1,148,300

 

7.33

%

 

 

2 years

 

1,444,100

 

8.32

%

 

 

3 years

 

3,880,500

 

9.33

%

 

 

4 years

 

1,162,500

 

9.84

%

 

 

5 years

 

5,543,000

 

10.10

%

 

 

10 years

 

108,500

 

10.32

%

Total

 

 

 

$

15,378,200

 

9.04

%

 

The Company made interest payments of $565,700 on the renewable unsecured subordinated notes during 2006.  The weighted average term of the outstanding renewable unsecured subordinated notes is 39 months.

The Company incurred costs related to the issuance of the Renewable Unsecured Subordinated Notes in the amount of $231,800.  The costs can be broken into three distinct categories (i) Offering Costs (ii) On Going Costs (iii) Annual Costs.  These costs have been capitalized and will be amortized as a component of interest expense.  The offering and on going costs associated with the debt offering are being amortized over the weighted-average term of the debt.  In connection with the debt offering, the Company will incur certain annual costs.  These costs will be amortized over a 12-month period.

52




9.             Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities at December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 are as follows:

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

Accrued salaries, wages, commissions and bonuses

 

$

959,600

 

$

662,100

 

Accrued advertising

 

196,000

 

 

Accrued vacation

 

167,700

 

201,000

 

Accrued restructuring liability

 

170,000

 

170,000

 

Accrued lease reserves

 

105,000

 

130,000

 

Accrued interest

 

73,500

 

 

Other

 

357,900

 

272,800

 

 

 

$

2,029,700

 

$

1,435,900

 

 

10.                                Discounted Lease Rentals

The Company utilized certain lease rentals receivable and underlying equipment as collateral to borrow from a financial institution at 6.945% at December 30, 2006 on a non-recourse basis.  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 the Company.  As of December 30, 2006, annual maturities of discounted lease rentals are as follows:

Year Ending December

 

Amount

 

2007

 

$

157,300

 

2008

 

41,000

 

Total

 

$

198,300

 

 

11.          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:

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

December 25, 2004

 

Federal income tax expense at statutory rate (34%)

 

$

1,955,000

 

$

1,242,800

 

$

2,336,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

235,000

 

161,200

 

266,400

 

Nondeductible items, including stock option expenses

 

136,900

 

154,700

 

130,400

 

Other, net

 

1,900

 

(3,400

)

55,700

 

Actual income tax expense

 

$

2,328,800

 

$

1,555,300

 

$

2,788,500

 

 

53




Components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

December 25, 2004

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

1,769,000

 

$

1,571,300

 

$

1,969,800

 

State

 

336,900

 

318,200

 

392,200

 

Foreign

 

94,600

 

129,000

 

279,600

 

Current provision

 

2,200,500

 

2,018,500

 

2,641,600

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

109,200

 

(389,300

)

135,400

 

State

 

19,100

 

(73,900

)

11,500

 

Deferred provision

 

128,300

 

(463,200

)

146,900

 

Total provision for income taxes

 

$

2,328,800

 

$

1,555,300

 

$

2,788,500

 

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred income tax assets are presented below:

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable and lease reserves

 

$

191,400

 

$

162,500

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

52,700

 

 

Accrued restructuring charge

 

64,100

 

64,100

 

Non-qualified stock option expense

 

454,600

 

281,900

 

Deferred franchise and software license fees

 

204,100

 

159,500

 

Trademarks

 

119,400

 

122,700

 

Impairment of long-term investment

 

72,200

 

353,500

 

Lease deposits

 

255,000

 

 

Other

 

89,700

 

125,300

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

1,503,200

 

1,269,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Lease revenue and initial direct costs

 

(479,400

)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(117,300

)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(479,400

)

(117,300

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net deferred tax assets

 

$

1,023,800

 

$

1,152,200

 

 

During the years ended December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, $752,000 and $515,900, respectively, was directly credited to stockholders’ equity to account for tax benefits related to employee 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.

54




12.          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 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $237,200, $204,100 and $215,300, respectively.

Operating Leases

The Company rents its corporate headquarters in a leased facility with a lease that expires in 2009.  This lease requires the Company to pay maintenance, insurance, taxes and other expenses in addition to minimum annual rent.  Prior to selling the remaining Company-owned stores in 2005, the Company also conducted its retail operations in leased facilities.  Total rent expense under these operating leases was $471,300 in 2006, $721,400 in 2005 and $757,500 in 2004.  As of December 30, 2006, minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases are as follows:

Year Ending December

 

Amount

 

2007

 

$

258,000

 

2008

 

226,400

 

2009

 

146,000

 

 

In addition to the operating leases obligations disclosed above, the Company has remained a guarantor on Company-owned retail stores that have been either sold or closed.  At December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, $105,000 and $130,000, respectively, is included in accrued liabilities relating to these guarantees.  These leases have various expiration dates through 2008.  The Company believes it has adequate accruals for any future liability.

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 financial position or results of operations of the Company.

Earn-out Agreement

In January 1999, the Company announced the acquisition of certain assets and franchising rights of Plato’s Closet, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio for total consideration of $400,000 plus a percentage of future royalties for a period of seven years as follows:

Periods Covered

 

Percentage

 

January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2002

 

4

%

January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003

 

3

%

January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2004

 

2

%

January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005

 

1

%

 

55




Total amount accrued under this agreement in 2005 was $35,100 and is included in goodwill in the accompanying 2006 and 2005 consolidated balance sheets.

13.          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 Company manages and evaluates its businesses.   The Company’s internal management reporting is the basis for the information disclosed for its business segments.  Segment contribution less other expenses is equal to operating income.  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, long-term investments, 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:

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

December 25, 2004

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchising

 

$

25,517,800

 

$

26,162,700

 

$

27,136,600

 

Leasing

 

1,852,700

 

437,100

 

65,300

 

Total revenue

 

$

27,370,500

 

$

26,599,800

 

$

27,201,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation to operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchising segment contribution

 

$

12,106,700

 

$

11,482,600

 

$

10,563,200

 

Leasing segment contribution

 

(2,106,400

)

(1,809,200

)

(600,100

)

Other contribution (1)

 

(4,638,800

)

(5,179,300

)

(3,338,400

)

Total operating income

 

$

5,361,500

 

$

4,494,100

 

$

6,624,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchising

 

$

 

$

18,800

 

$

29,400

 

Leasing

 

42,500

 

2,800

 

1,300

 

Unallocated

 

160,200

 

156,600

 

90,900

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

$

202,700

 

$

178,200

 

$

121,600

 

 

 

As of

 

 

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

Identifiable assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Franchising

 

$

4,543,900

 

$

3,932,500

 

Leasing

 

19,861,300

 

9,041,700

 

Unallocated

 

13,200,900

 

13,574,500

 

Total

 

$

37,606,100

 

$

26,548,700

 


Note:

(1)           Other contribution represents unallocated shared-service costs such as corporate executive management, occupancy, management information services, account services, telephone expense and human resources.

56




14. Related Party Transactions:

On May 16, 2006, in connection with the Company’s existing stock repurchase plan, Winmark repurchased 420,000 shares of common stock from Rush River Group, LLC (“Rush River”) for aggregate consideration of $9.891 million, or $23.55 per share, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement.  The purchase price was based upon a 5% discount to the 30-day average closing price of Winmark’s common stock as reported on Nasdaq, set on May 11, 2006.  The 420,000 shares represent 100% of the shares of Winmark common stock held by Rush River, an entity owned and controlled by Winmark’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John L. Morgan, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kirk A. MacKenzie, and Jack A. Norqual.  The repurchase from Rush River was approved by Winmark’s Audit Committee and the independent directors of the Board of Directors.

On June 6, 2006, in connection with the Company’s existing stock repurchase plan, the Company repurchased 44,000 shares of common stock from K. Jeffrey Dahlberg for aggregate consideration of $1.0362 million, or $23.55 per share.

On June 29, 2006, John L. Morgan, purchased approximately $1.5 million in unsecured subordinated notes of various maturities ($250,000 of two year maturity, $500,000 of three year maturity, $500,000 of four year maturity, and $250,000 of five year maturity notes, all on a monthly interest payment schedule at the rates described in the Interest Rate Supplement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16, 2006 (“Interest Rate Supplement”)) offered by Winmark pursuant to a prospectus and related documents declared effective on June 14, 2006 (“Prospectus”).  In connection with his investment, Mr. Morgan agreed that his notes would be voted consistent with the majority of the remaining noteholders in an event of default.

On July 14, 2006, Rush River subscribed for and purchased approximately $10 million in unsecured subordinated notes of various maturities ($2 million of six month maturity, $1 million of one year maturity, $1 million of two year maturity, $2 million of three year maturity and $4 million of five year maturity notes) all on a monthly interest payment schedule at the rates described in the Interest Rate Supplement offered by Winmark pursuant to the Prospectus.  In connection with their investment, Rush River agreed that their notes would be voted consistent with the majority of the remaining noteholders in an event of default.

In addition, Kirk A. MacKenzie, subscribed for and purchased $500,000 of three year maturity unsecured subordinated notes, on a monthly interest payment schedule at the rates described in the Interest Rate Supplement, offered by Winmark pursuant to the Prospectus.  In connection with his investment, Mr. MacKenzie agreed that his notes would be voted consistent with the majority of the remaining noteholders in an event of default.

The Company used the proceeds of these sales to pay down its revolving Line of Credit.

57




15.                                Sale of Company-owned Stores

During 2005, the Company sold its remaining three Company-owned store in three separate transactions.  As part of one of the sale transactions, the Company received  $134,600 cash for the buy-out of an existing lease.  In addition, the Company has agreed to guarantee the buyers future lease obligation on two of the transactions.  The fair value of this guarantee has been recorded.  A summary of these transactions follows:

(Loss) on sale of store assets

 

$

(22,200

)

Operating lease buy-out proceeds

 

134,600

 

Lease guarantee reserves

 

(26,900

)

Total

 

$

85,500

 

 

As a result of the sale, the Company also wrote off the remaining goodwill relating to one of the stores, resulting in an impairment charge of $82,200.  The net impact of the above transactions, including the goodwill write-off, is included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2005.

16.          Subsequent Events

On February 12, 2007, in connection with Winmark Corporation’s (“Company”) existing stock repurchase plan, the Company agreed to repurchase 50,000 shares of common stock from K. Jeffrey Dahlberg for aggregate consideration of $900,000, or $18.00 per share.

On February 27, 2007, John L. Morgan, chief executive officer and chairman of Winmark Corporation, subscribed for and purchased $500,000 of Two Year maturity unsecured subordinated notes on a monthly interest payment schedule as described in the Interest Rate Supplement filed on Form 424B2 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16, 2006 (“Interest Rate Supplement”) offered by Winmark pursuant to a prospectus and related documents declared effective on June 14, 2006 (“Prospectus”).

On February 28, 2007, in connection with Winmark’s existing stock repurchase plan, Winmark agreed to repurchase approximately 160,000 shares of common stock from Stephen M. Briggs, formerly Winmark’s Chief Operating Officer and President, for aggregate consideration of $2,859,200, or $17.87 per share.

58




17.          Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited):

The Company’s unaudited quarterly results for the years ended December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:

 

 

First
Quarter

 

Second
Quarter

 

Third
Quarter

 

Fourth
Quarter

 

Total

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Revenue

 

$

6,973,300

 

$

6,273,300

 

$

7,239,600

 

$

6,884,300

 

$

27,370,500

 

Income from Operations

 

1,409,000

 

1,065,900

 

1,566,900

 

1,319,700

 

5,361,500

 

Net Income

 

1,113,300

 

650,400

 

838,200

 

819,400

 

3,421,300

 

Net Income
Per Common Share — Basic

 

$

.18

 

$

.11

 

$

.15

 

$

.15

 

$

.59

 

Net Income
Per Common Share — Diluted

 

$

.18

 

$

.11

 

$

.14

 

$

.14

 

$

.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Revenue

 

$

7,144,700

 

$

6,363,800

 

$

6,289,700

 

$

6,801,600

 

$

26,599,800

 

Income from Operations

 

1,179,300

 

976,500

 

1,498,500

 

839,800

 

4,494,100

 

Net Income (loss)

 

699,900

 

542,600

 

926,100

 

(68,600

)

2,100,000

 

Net Income (loss)
Per Common Share — Basic

 

$

.12

 

$

.09

 

$

.15

 

$

(.01

)

$

.35

 

Net Income (loss)
Per Common Share — Diluted

 

$

.11

 

$

.08

 

$

.14

 

$

(.01

)

$

.33

 

 

The total of basic and diluted earnings (loss) 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 (loss) per common share are calculated independently for each quarter.

 

59




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Winmark Corporation and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Winmark Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 30, 2006, and the related consolidated state­ments of earnings, changes in shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended.  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 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 the financial statements are free of mate­rial misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of Decem­ber 30, 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2006, the Company changed its method of accounting for share-based payments to adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

March 12, 2007

60




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Winmark Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Winmark Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2005.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 31, 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 16, 2006

ITEM 9:                                                     CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A:              CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)).  Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the applicable rule and forms.  During the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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:              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.

61




PART III

ITEM 10:                                              DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The sections entitled “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Audit Committee,” “Majority of Independent Directors; Committee 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 May 2, 2007 are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11:               EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The sections entitled “Executive Compensation,” “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 May 2, 2007 are incorporated herein by reference.

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 May 2, 2007 are incorporated herein by reference.

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 May 2, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14:                                              PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The section entitled “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” appearing in our proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 2, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

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 34.

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.

 

62




SIGNATURES

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

WINMARK CORPORATION

By: /s/ JOHN L. MORGAN

 

Date: March 20, 2007

John L. Morgan

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

KNOWN TO ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints John L. Morgan and Brett D. Heffes 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.

In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

SIGNATURE

 

TITLE

 

DATE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ JOHN L. MORGAN

 

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

 

March 20, 2007

John L. Morgan

 

(principal executive officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ BRETT D. HEFFES

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

March 20, 2007

Brett D. Heffes

 

(principal financial officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ GARY STOFFERAHN

 

Principal Accounting Officer

 

March 20, 2007

Gary Stofferahn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ KIRK A. MACKENZIE

 

Vice Chairman and Director

 

March 20, 2007

Kirk A. MacKenzie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ WILLIAM D. DUNLAP, JR.

 

Director

 

March 20, 2007

William D. Dunlap, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ JENELE C. GRASSLE

 

Director

 

March 20, 2007

Jenele C. Grassle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ PAUL C. REYELTS

 

Director

 

March 20, 2007

Paul C. Reyelts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ MARK L. WILSON

 

Director

 

March 20, 2007

Mark L. Wilson

 

 

 

 

 

63




EXHIBIT INDEX

WINMARK CORPORATION

FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 2006

Exhibit Number

 

Description

3.1

 

Articles of Incorporation, as amended (Exhibit 3.1)(1)

3.2*

 

By-laws, as amended and restated to date

4.1

 

Indenture between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association dated June 15, 2006 (Exhibit 4.1) (2)

4.2

 

Form of Note (Exhibit 4.2) (2)

4.3

 

Form of Note Confirmation (Exhibit 4.3) (2)

4.4

 

Form of Subscription Agreement (Exhibit 4.4) (2)

4.5

 

Paying Agent Agreement between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Winmark Corporation dated June 15, 2006 (Exhibit 4.5) (2)

4.6

 

Current Interest Rates for Renewable Unsecured Subordinated Notes(3)

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 10.1)(4)(19)

10.4

 

Employment Agreement with John L. Morgan, dated March 22, 2000 (Exhibit 10.1)(4)(5)

10.5

 

Common Stock Warrant with Sheldon Fleck, dated March 22, 2000 (Exhibit 10.3)(5)

10.6

 

Lease with Stan Koch & Sons Trucking, Inc. for Corporate Headquarters dated July 10, 2000 (Exhibit 10.4)(6)

10.7

 

First Amendment to Employment Agreement with John L. Morgan dated February 18, 2001 (Exhibit 10.26) (4)(7)

10.8

 

2001 Stock Option Plan, including forms of stock option agreements (Exhibit10.27)(4)(7)

10.9

 

Amendment to Lease with Stan Koch & Sons Trucking for corporate headquarters dated June 25, 2003 (Exhibit 10.17)(8)

10.10

 

Amendment No. 2 to Lease with Stan Koch & Sons Trucking for corporate headquarters dated November 29, 2004 (Exhibit 10.19)(9)

10.11

 

Second Amendment to Employment Agreement with John L. Morgan dated March 23, 2006 (Exhibit 10.1)(4)(10)

10.12

 

Third Amendment to Employment Agreement with John L. Morgan dated December 15, 2006 (Exhibit 10.1)(4)(11)

10.13*

 

Amendment No. 1 to the 2001 Stock Option Plan(4)

10.14

 

Credit Agreement among Winmark Corporation, the Subsidiaries of the Company and LaSalle Bank National Association dated September 30, 2004 (Exhibit 10.1)(12)

10.15

 

Amendment to Credit Agreement among Winmark Corporation, the Subsidiaries of the Company and LaSalle Bank National Association dated August 25, 2005 (Exhibit 99.2)(13)

10.16

 

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement among Winmark Corporation, the Subsidiaries of the Company and LaSalle Bank National Association dated March 31, 2006 (Exhibit 10.2)(14)

10.17

 

Third Amendment to Credit Agreement among Winmark Corporation, the Subsidiaries of the Company and LaSalle Bank National Association dated May 19, 2006 (Exhibit 10.2)(15)

10.18

 

Separation Agreement with Stephen M. Briggs dated October 25, 2006 (Exhibit 10.1)(4)(16)

10.19

 

Stock Purchase Agreement between Winmark Corporation and Rush River Group, LLC dated May 16, 2006 (Exhibit 10.1)(15)

10.20

 

Securities Purchase Agreement with BridgeFunds Limited dated October 13, 2004 (Exhibit 10.3)(12)




 

10.21

 

Amendment No. 1 to Securities Purchase Agreement with BridgeFunds Limited dated April 4, 2006 (Exhibit 10.1)(14)

10.22

 

Subscription Agreements for Notes between Winmark Corporation and each of John L. Morgan, Kirk A. MacKenzie and Rush River Group, LLC —see Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3 for Forms of Subscriptions and Notes(18)

16.1

 

Letter from KPMG LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding change to certifying accountant (Exhibit 16.1)(17)

21.1

 

Subsidiaries: Grow Biz Games, Inc., a Minnesota corporation; Wirth Business Credit, Inc., a Minnesota corporation and Winmark Capital Corporation, a Minnesota corporation

23.1*

 

Consent of Grant Thornton; Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

23.2*

 

Consent of KPMG 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 and Treasurer 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 and Treasurer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


*              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 references to the specified exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, effective June 16, 2006 (Reg. No. 333-133393).

(3)                                   Incorporated by reference to the Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) dated June 16, 2006 (Reg. No. 333-133393), as may be amended by subsequent Prospectus filings.

(4)                                   Indicates management contracts, compensation plans or arrangements required to be filed as exhibits.

(5)                                   Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 25, 2000.

(6)                                   Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 24, 2000.

(7)                                   Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000.

(8)                                   Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2003.

(9)                                   Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004.

(10)                             Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.

(11)                             Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2006.

(12)                             Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 25, 2004.

2




(13)                             Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 29, 2005.

(14)                             Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2006.

(15)                             Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 19, 2006.

(16)                             Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 25, 2006.

(17)                             Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 11, 2006.

(18)                             Incorporated by reference to the Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2006 and July 19, 2006.

(19)                             Incorporated by reference to the specified exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 26, 2005.

 

3



EXHIBIT 3.2

BYLAWS OF WINMARK CORPORATION

ARTICLE I .

OFFICES, CORPORATE SEAL

1.1           Registered and Other Offices .  The registered office of the corporation in Minnesota shall be that set forth in the Articles of Incorporation or in the most recent amendment of the Articles of Incorporation or statement of the Board of Directors filed with the Secretary of State of Minnesota changing the registered office in the manner prescribed by law.  The corporation may have such other offices, within or without the State of Minnesota, as the Board of Directors shall, from time to time, determine.

1.2           Corporate Seal .  If so directed by the Board of Directors, the corporation may use a corporate seal.  The failure to use such seal, however, shall not affect the validity of any documents executed on behalf of the corporation.  The seal need only include the word “seal”, but it may also include, at the discretion of the Board, such additional wording as is permitted by law.

ARTICLE II .

MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

2.1           Time and Place of Meetings .  Regular or special meetings of the shareholders, if any, shall be held on the date and at the time and place fixed by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board, except that a special meeting called by, or at the demand of a shareholder or shareholders, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 302A.431, Subd. 2, shall be held in the county where the principal executive office is located.

2.2           Regular Meetings .  At any regular meeting of the shareholders there shall be an election of qualified successors for directors who serve for an indefinite term or whose terms have expired or are due to expire within six months after the date of the meeting.  Any business appropriate for action by the shareholders may be transacted at a regular meeting.  No meeting shall be considered a regular meeting unless specifically designated as such in the notice of meeting or unless all shareholders are present in person or by proxy and none of them objects to such designation.  Regular meetings may be held no more frequently than once per year.

2.3           Special Meetings .  Special meetings of the shareholders may be called for any purpose or purposes at any time by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, two or more directors or a shareholder or shareholders holding ten percent (10%) or more of the voting shares of the Corporation.  The business transacted at a special meeting shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice of the meeting.  Any business transacted at a special meeting that is not included in those stated purposes is voidable by or on behalf of the Corporation, unless all of the shareholders have properly waived notice of the meeting.




2.4           Demand by Shareholders .  Regular or special meetings may be demanded by a shareholder or shareholders as follows:

a.             Regular Meetings .  If a regular meeting of shareholders has not been held during the immediately preceding 15 months, a shareholder or shareholders holding three percent or more of all voting shares may demand a regular meeting of shareholders by written notice of demand given to the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation.  Within 30 days after receipt of the demand by one of those officers, the Board of Directors shall cause a regular meeting of shareholders to be called and held on notice no later than 90 days after receipt of the demand, all at the expense of the Corporation.  If the Board of Directors fails to cause a regular meeting to be called and held as required by this subdivision, the shareholder or shareholders making the demand may call the regular meeting by giving notice as required by these Bylaws, all at the expense of the Corporation.

b.             Special Meetings .  A shareholder or shareholders holding ten percent or more of the voting shares may demand a special meeting of shareholders by written notice of demand given to the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and containing the purposes of the meeting.  Within 30 days after receipt of the demand by one of those officers, the Board of Directors shall cause a special meeting of shareholders to be called and held on notice no later than 90 days after receipt of the demand, all at the expense of the Corporation.  If the Board of Directors fails to cause a special meeting to be called and held as required by this subdivision, the shareholder or shareholders making the demand may call the meeting by giving notice as required by these Bylaws, all at the expense of the Corporation.

2.5           Notice of Meetings .  There shall be mailed to each shareholder entitled to vote, at his address as shown by the books of the Corporation, a notice setting out the place, date and hour of the regular meeting or any special meeting.  The notice shall be mailed at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting; provided, that notice of a meeting at which an agreement of merger or consolidation is to be considered shall be mailed to all shareholders of record, whether or not entitled to vote, at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the meeting.  Notice of any special meeting shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting, and the business transacted at all special meetings shall be confined to the purposes stated in the notice, unless all of the shareholders are present in person or by proxy and none of them objects to consideration of a particular item of business.

2.6           Waiver of Notice and Authorization Without a Meeting .  A shareholder may waive notice of any meeting of shareholders.  The waiver of notice by a shareholder entitled to notice is effective whether given before, at or after the meeting and whether given in writing, orally or by attendance.  Attendance by a shareholder at a meeting is a waiver of notice of that meeting, except where the shareholder objects at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened, or objects before a vote on an item of business because the item may not lawfully be considered at that meeting and does not participate in the consideration of the item at that meeting.  Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the shareholders may be taken without a meeting as authorized by law.




2.7           Quorum and Adjourned Meetings .  The holders of fifty-one percent (51%) of all shares outstanding and entitled to vote, represented either in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any regular or special meeting of the shareholders.  If a quorum is present when a duly called or held meeting is convened, the shareholders present may continue to transact business until adjournment, even though the withdrawal of a number of shareholders originally present leaves less than a proportion or number otherwise required for a quorum.  In case a quorum is not present at any meeting, those shareholders present shall have the power to adjourn the meeting, by majority vote, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until the requisite number of voting shares shall be represented.  At such adjourned meetings at which the required amount of voting shares shall be represented, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting.

2.8           Voting .  At each meeting of the shareholders, every shareholder having the right to vote shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy duly appointed by an instrument in writing subscribed by such shareholder.  Unless otherwise provided by these Articles of Incorporation or a resolution of the Board of Directors filed with the Secretary of State, each shareholder shall have one (1) vote for each share having voting power standing in his name on the books of the Corporation.  Upon the demand of any shareholder, the vote for Directors or the vote upon any question before the meeting shall be by written ballot.  All elections shall be determined and all questions decided by a majority vote of the number of shares entitled to vote and represented at any meeting at which there is a quorum except in such cases as shall otherwise be required by statute, the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

2.9           Proxy .  Shareholders of this Corporation may vote by proxy at any shareholders’ meeting.  All proxies shall be in writing signed by the shareholder or by his duly authorized attorney in fact.  Such proxies shall be filed with the Secretary of the Corporation before or at the time of the meeting.  No proxy shall be valid after eleven (11) months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

2.10         Record Date .  The Board of Directors may fix a time, not exceeding sixty (60) days preceding the ate of any meeting of shareholders, as a record date for the determination of the shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting, notwithstanding any transfer of any shares on the books of the Corporation after any record date so fixed.  The Board of Directors may close the books of the Corporation against transfer of shares during the whole or any part of such period.  In the absence of action by the Board, only shareholders of record fifty-five (55) days prior to a meeting may vote at such meeting.

2.11         Shareholder List .  The officer or agent having charge of the share transfer books for the shares of the Corporation shall, at least ten (10) days before each meeting of shareholders, make a complete list of the shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting, or any adjournment thereof, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address of and the number of shares held by each, which list, for a period of five (5) days prior to such meeting, shall be kept on file at the registered office of the Corporation and shall be subject to inspection by any shareholder at any time during usual business hours.  Such list shall also be produced and kept open at the meeting and shall be open to the inspection of any shareholder during the time of the meeting.  The original share transfer books of the Corporation shall be prima facie evidence of the shareholders entitled to examine such list or transfer books or to vote at any meeting of the shareholders.  Failure to comply with the requirements of this section shall not affect the validity of any action taken at any meeting of the shareholders.




2.12         Voting by Certain Shareholders .  Shares standing in the name of another corporation may be voted by its Chief Executive Officer, or by proxy appointed by him, unless some other person, by resolution of its Board of Directors, shall be appointed to vote such shares, in which case such person shall be entitled to vote said shares by producing a certified copy of such resolution.

Shares of this Corporation held by an administrator, executor, guardian, conservator, receiver, or assignee for creditors may be voted by him, either in person or by proxy, without a transfer of such shares into his name, provided that there is filed with the Secretary before or at the time of the meeting proper evidence of his incumbency and the number of shares held.  Shares standing in the name of a fiduciary may be voted by him, either in person or by proxy.

A shareholder whose shares are pledged shall be entitled to vote such shares until the shares have been transferred into the name of the pledgee, and thereafter the pledgee shall be entitled to vote the shares so transferred.

Shares of the Corporation owned by the Corporation or held by it in a fiduciary capacity shall not be voted, directly or indirectly, at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to vote at any given time.

2.13         Organization .  The Chairman of the Board, and in his absence, the Chief Executive Officer, an din their absence any shareholder chosen by the shareholders present, shall call the meetings of the shareholders to order and shall act as Chairman of such meetings and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall act as Secretary of all meetings of the shareholders, but in the absence of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer shall so act, and in their absence, the presiding officer may appoint any person to act as Secretary of the meeting.

2.14         Order of Business .  The order of business at the regular meeting and, to the extent appropriate, at all other meetings of the shareholders shall, unless modified by the presiding officer, be:

a.                                        Call of roll.

b.                                       Proof of due notice of meeting or waiver of notice.

c.                                        Determination of existence of quorum.

d.                                       Reading and disposal of any unapproved minutes.

e.                                        Annual reports of officers and committees.

f.                                          Election of directors.

g.                                       Unfinished business.

h.                                       New business.

i.                                           Adjournment.

ARTICLE III .

DIRECTORS

3.1           General Powers .  Except as authorized by the shareholders pursuant to a shareholder control agreement or unanimous affirmative vote, the property, affairs and business of the Corporation shall be managed by and shall be under the direction of the Board of Directors.




3.2           Number, Term and Qualifications .  Until the first meeting of shareholders, the Directors shall be the persons named in the Articles of Incorporation or, if the Directors are not named in the Articles of Incorporation, then as elected by the Incorporator.  The number of directors shall be determined (but at not less than the minimum required by law) by the shareholders at each regular meeting; provided, that between regular meetings the authorized number of directors may be increased by the shareholders or by the Board of Directors or decreased by the shareholders.  Directors need not be shareholders.  Each director shall be elected at each regular meeting of shareholders and shall hold office until the regular meeting of shareholders next held after his election, or until his resignation or removal as provided herein.

3.3           Vacancies .  Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall be filled by the remaining members of the Board, though less than a quorum; provided that newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the authorized number of Directors shall be filled by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the directors serving at the time of such increase.  Persons so elected shall be directors until their successors are elected by the shareholders, who may make such election at their next regular meeting or at any special meeting duly called for that purpose.

3.4           Removal .  A director may be removed at any time, with or without cause, if (a) the director was named by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy, (b) the shareholders have not elected directors in the interval between the time of the appointment to fill a vacancy and the time of the removal, and (c) the majority of the remaining directors present affirmatively vote to remove the director.  Any one or all of the directors may be removed at anytime, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of the requisite voting shares of the classes or series the director represents sufficient to elect him, except as provided by law.

3.5           Quorum .  A majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business except that when a vacancy or vacancies exist, a majority of the remaining Directors shall constitute a quorum.

3.6           First Meeting .  As soon as practicable after the first meeting of the shareholders, the Board of Directors shall meet for the purpose of completing the organization of the Corporation, electing or appointing officers of the Corporation, and transaction of other business, at the place where the shareholders’ meeting is held or at the place where regular meetings of the Board of Directors are held.  No notice of such meeting need be given.  The first meeting may be held at any other time and place specified in a notice given, as hereinafter provided, for special meetings or in a waiver of notice signed by all the Directors.  Board meetings may be held through the medium of electronic communications as provided by law.

3.7           Board Meetings; Place and Notice .  Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held from time to time at any place within or without the State of Minnesota as may be designated by the Board of Directors.  In the absence of designation by the Board of Directors, board meetings shall be held at the principal offices of the Corporation.  Any director may call a board meeting by giving at least 24 hours notice to all directors of the date and time of the meeting.  The notice need not state the purpose of the meeting.  Notice may be either oral or in writing and may be given by mail, telephone, telegram, or in person.  If the date, time and place of a board meeting have been announced at a previous meeting of the Board of Directors, no notice shall be required.  Notice of an adjourned meeting need not be given other than by announcement at the meeting at which adjournment is taken.




3.8           Waiver of Notice .  A director may waive notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors.  A waiver of notice by a director entitled to notice is effective whether given before, at or after the meeting, and whether given in writing, orally or by attendance.  Attendance by a director at a meeting is a waiver of notice of that meeting, except where the director objects at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened and does participate thereafter in the meeting.

3.9           Compensation .  Directors shall receive such compensation as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors.  Directors shall be reimbursed for all travel and other expenses that they incur in attending meetings of the Board of Directors.  Nothing herein shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and from receiving proper compensation therefore.

3.10         Committees .  The Board of Directors may, by a majority vote, establish one or more committees, which, to the extent determined by the resolution, shall have and exercise the authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business of the Corporation.  Any such committee shall be subject at all times to the control and direction of the Board of Directors.  Committee members need not be directors.  To the extent permitted by law, a committee may take action by written action in lieu of meeting.

3.11         Presumption of Assent .  A director of the Corporation who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his written dissent to such action with the Secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or unless such dissent is sent by registered mail to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation within five (5) days after the adjournment of the meeting.  Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director who voted in favor of such action.

3.12         Absent Directors .  A Director may give advance written consent or opposition to a proposal to be acted on at a board meeting.  If the Director is not present at the meeting, written consent or opposition to a proposal does not constitute presence for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum, but written consent or opposition shall be counted as a vote in favor of or against the proposal and shall be entered in the minutes or other record of action at the meeting, if the proposal acted on at the meeting is substantially the same or has substantially the same effect as the proposal to which the director has consented or objected.

3.13         Act of the Board .  The Board of Directors shall take action by the affirmative vote of a majority of Directors present at a duly held meeting, except where the affirmative vote of a larger proportion or number is required by the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation or by law.  If the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation require a larger proportion or number than is required by law for a particular action, the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation shall control.




3.14         Action Without Meeting .  An action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken by written action signed by all of the directors unless the action need not be approved by the shareholders and the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation so provide, in which case, the action may be taken by written action signed by the number of directors that would be required to take the same action at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which all directors were present.  The written action is effective when signed by the required number of Directors, unless a different effective time is provided in written action.  When written action is permitted to be taken by less than all Directors, all directors shall be notified immediately of its text and effective date.  Failure to provide the notice does not invalidate the written action.  A Director who does not sign or consent to the written action has no liability for the action or actions taken thereby.

3.15         Organization .  The Board of Directors shall elect one of its members as Chairman of the Board.  The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors.  The Chairman of the Board and in his absence the Chief Executive Officer and in his absence the Chief Financial Officer and in their absence any director chosen by the directors present, shall call the meeting of the Board of Directors to order and shall act as Chairman of such meeting, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall act as Secretary at all meetings of the Board of Directors, but in the absence of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer shall so act, and in their absence, the presiding Chairman shall appoint any director or other person to act as Secretary of the meeting.

3.16         Order of Business .  The order of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors shall, to the extent appropriate and unless modified by the presiding Chairman, be:

a.                                        Call of roll.

b.                                       Proof of due notice of meeting or waiver of notice, or unanimous presence and declaration by Chief Financial Officer.

c.                                        Determination of existence of quorum.

d.                                       Reading and disposal of any unapproved minutes.

e.                                        Reports of officers and committees.

f.                                          Election of officers.

g.                                       Unfinished business.

h.                                       New business.

i.                                           Adjournment.

3.17       Chairman of the Board .  The Chairman of the Board will be responsible for developing long range strategic and financial planning for the Company, planning and developing new business and franchise concepts, establishing business goals with the President of the Company, overseeing the financial and operating performance of the Company, developing and maintaining business relations with the financial community, and performing such other duties as the Board of Directors may delegate from time to time.




ARTICLE IV .

OFFICERS

4.1           Number and Designation .  The Board of Directors shall elect a Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and such other officers and agents as it may from time to time determine.  Any number of the offices or functions of those offices may be held or exercised by one person.  If specific persons have not been elected as President or Secretary, the Chief Executive Officer may execute instruments or documents in those capacities.  If a specific person has not been elected to the office of Treasurer, the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation may sign instruments or documents in that capacity.

4.2           Election, Term of Office and Qualifications .  The Board of Directors shall elect the officers provided for in Section 4.1 and such officers shall hold office until their successors are elected or appointed; provided, however, that any officer may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors.  Such removal shall be without prejudice, however, to any contractual rights of such officer.

4.3           Resignations .  Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors or of the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer.  The resignation shall take effect at the time specified in the notice and, unless otherwise specified therein, acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.  Such resignation shall be without prejudice, however, to any contractual rights of the Corporation.

4.4           Vacancies in Offices .  A vacancy in any office of the Corporation by reason of death, resignation, removal or otherwise, shall be filled by the Board of Directors for the unexpired term of such office.

4.5           Chief Executive Officer .  The Chief Executive Officer shall be responsible for the active management of the business of the Corporation.  In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, he shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders and Board of Directors.  He shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect.  He shall sign and deliver in the name of the Corporation any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments pertaining to the business of the Corporation, except in cases in which the authority to sign and deliver is required by law to be exercised by another person or it is expressly delegated by the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.  The Chief Executive Officer shall maintain records of and, whenever necessary, certify all proceedings of the Board of Directors and shareholders.  He shall be ex-officio a member of all standing committees and shall perform all duties usually incident to the office of Chief Executive Officer and such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.  The Chief Executive Officer may be referred to as the President.

4.6           Vice President .  If one or more specific persons are elected by the Board of this office, each Vice President shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as may be specified in these Bylaws or prescribed by the Board of Directors.  In the event of absence or disability of the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice Presidents shall succeed to his powers and duties in the order in which they are elected, except if the Board of Directors appoints an Executive Vice President then he shall succeed to the President’s powers and duties.




4.7           Secretary .  The person acting as Secretary will: (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation, if any; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each shareholder which will be furnished to the Secretary by such shareholder; (e) sign certificates for shares of the Corporation, the issuance of which will have been authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors; (f) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (g) in general perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the President or by the Board of Directors.

4.8           Chief Financial Officer .  The Chief Financial Officer shall keep accurate financial records of the Corporation and shall deposit all monies, drafts and checks in the name of and to the credit of the Corporation in such banks and depositories as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.  He shall have the power to endorse for deposit the funds of the Corporation as authorized by the Board of Directors.  He shall disburse corporate funds and issue checks and drafts in the name of the Corporation, as authorized by the Board of Directors, making proper vouchers therefore.  He shall render to the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, whenever requested, an account of all of his transactions as Chief Financial Officer and statements of the financial condition of the Corporation.  The Chief Financial Officer shall perform the duties usually incident to this office and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.  He may be referred to as the Treasurer.

4.9           Other Officers .  The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers, agents, and employees as the Board may deem advisable.  Each officer, agent or employee so appointed shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and shall perform such duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

4.10         Delegation of Authority .  An officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may delegate some or all of the duties and powers of an office to other persons, provided that such delegation is in writing.  An officer who delegates the duties or powers of an office remains subject to the standard of conduct for an officer with respect to the discharge of all duties and powers so delegated.




ARTICLE V.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

5.1           Right to Indemnification .  Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved, as a nonparty witness or otherwise, in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, including a proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Minnesota Business Corporation Act, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), by common law or by administrative or judicial interpretation, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, expert witness fees, bonds, prospective or retroactive insurance premiums or costs, out of pocket expenses related to a proceeding, judgments, fines, including, without limitation, excise taxes or penalties assessed against such person with respect to any employee benefit plan or amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, including any interest payable thereon) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith.  Such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however, that except as provided in Section 2 hereof, the Corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.  The right to indemnification conferred in this Article 5.1 shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that payment of such expenses in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding shall be made only upon (a) delivery to the Corporation of a written affirmation, by the person seeking such payment in advance, of a good faith belief that the criteria for the indemnification set forth in the Minnesota Business Corporation Act have been satisfied, (b) a determination that the facts then known to those making the determination would not preclude indemnification under the Minnesota Business Corporation Act or these Bylaws, and (c) delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such person, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article 5.1 or otherwise.  Such written undertaking to repay shall be a general obligation of the person making it, shall not be secured and shall be accepted without reference to financial ability to make the repayment.  The Corporation may, by action of its Board of Directors, provide indemnification to the other classes of employees and agents of the Corporation with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.




5.2           Right of Claimant to Bring Suit .  If a claim under Article 5.1 of this Article is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, whether or not the claimant is successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim.  It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the Minnesota Business Corporation Act for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation.  Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, Committee for the Board of Directors, special legal counsel, or its shareholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because claimant met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the Minnesota Business Corporation Act, nor an act or determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, Committee of the Board of Directors, special legal counsel, or its shareholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable  standard of conduct.

5.3           Nonexclusivity of Rights .  The right to indemnification and payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in thia Article shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, common law or administrative or judicial interpretation, provision of the Articles of Incorporation, provision of the Bylaws, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

5.4           Insurance .  The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Minnesota Business Corporation Act.

5.5           Indemnification Agreements .  The Corporation may enter into Agreements with its directors further providing the terms and conditions of their indemnification.

5.6           Amendments Limited .  Any amendment to this Article V shall only apply prospectively and shall in no way affect the Corporation’s obligations to indemnify and make advances pursuant to the Minnesota Business Corporation Act, and this Article V and any contract of the Corporation for actions or events which occurred before such amendment.




ARTICLE VI.

SHARES AND THEIR TRANSFER

6.1           Certificates for Shares .  The shares of the corporation may be either certificates shares or uncertificated shares or a combination thereof.  A resolution approved by a majority of the directors on the Board of Directors may provide that some or all of any or all classes and series of the shares of the corporation will be uncertificated shares.  Every owner of shares of the Corporation shall be entitled to a certificate, in such form as prescribed by law and adopted by the Board of Directors, certifying the number of shares of the Corporation owned by the shareholder.  The certificates for such shares shall be numbered (separately for each class) in the order in which they shall be issued and shall be signed in the name of the Corporation by the Chief Executive Officer and by the Chief Financial Officer or by any other officers of the Corporation authorized by the Board of Directors.  Signatures of the officers upon a certificate may be facsimiles if authorized by a transfer agent or registered by a registrar other than the Corporation.  Certificates on which a facsimile signature of a former officer appears may be issued with the same effect as if he were such officer on the date of issue.

6.2           Shareholders Records .  As used in these Bylaws, the term “shareholder” shall mean the person, firm, corporation or other entity in whose names outstanding shares of the Corporation are currently registered on the books of the Corporation.  A record shall be kept of the name of the person, firm, corporation or other entity owning the shares, the dates thereof and, in the case of cancellation, the dates of cancellation.  Every certificate surrendered to the Corporation for exchange or transfer shall be cancelled and no new certificate or certificates shall be issued in exchange for any existing certificate until such existing certificate shall have been so cancelled, except as provided for in Section 6.4 of this Article VI.

6.3           Transfer of Shares .  Transfer of shares on the books of the Corporation may be authorized only by the shareholder named in the certificate, his legal representative or his duly authorized attorney-in-fact, and, in the case of certificated shares, upon surrender for cancellation of the certificate or certificates for such shares.  The shareholder in whose name shares stand on the books of the Corporation shall be deemed and the owner thereof for all purposes as regard the Corporation; provided, that when any transfer of shares shall be made as collateral and not absolutely, such fact, if known to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or to the transfer agent, shall be so expressed in the entry of transfer.

6.4           Lost Certificate .  Any shareholder claiming a certificate for shares to be lost, destroyed or stolen shall make an affidavit or affirmation of that fact in such form as the Board of Directors may require, and shall, if the Board of Directors so require, give the Corporation a bond of indemnity in a form and with one or more sureties satisfactory to the Board of Directors of at least double the value, as determined by the Board of Directors, of the shares represented by such certificate in order to indemnify the Corporation against any such claim that may be made against it on account of the reissue of such certificate.  Whereupon, a new certificate may be issued in the same tenor and for the same number of shares as the one alleged to have been lost, destroyed or stolen.




6.5           Inspection of the Shareholder’s Records by Shareholders .  Shareholders shall be permitted to inspect the shareholder’s records of the Corporation for a proper purpose at all reasonable times.

6.6           Consideration .  Shares of the Corporation may be issued from time to time for such consideration of money, labor or property estimated at market value as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

6.7           Securities Regulations .  The Board of Directors shall have the power and authority to make all such further rules and regulations not inconsistent with the federal and state securities laws and rules and regulations or the statues of the State of Minnesota as they may deem expedient, concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates representing shares of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VII.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

7.1           Dividends .  Subject to the provisions of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation and of these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may authorize and the Corporation may make a cash or other property dividend distribution only if the Corporation will be able to pay its debts in the ordinary course of business after making the distribution and if, in its opinion, the condition of the affairs of the Corporation shall render it advisable.

7.2           Repurchase of Shares and Reserves .  Subject to the provisions of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws and Minnesota Statute §§302A.551 and .553, the Board of Directors in its discretion may acquire its own shares, or any of its bonds, debentures, notes, script or other securities or evidences of indebtedness, or from time to time may set aside such sums as it in its absolute discretion may think proper as a reserve fund to meet contingencies, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing the profits in the business of the Corporation, or for any other purpose it may think conducive to the best interests of the Corporation.

7.3           Fiscal Year .  The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be established by the Board of Directors; however, if the Board of Directors fails to establish a fiscal year, then the fiscal year shall be December 31 of each year.

7.4           Audit of Books and Accounts .  The financial records of the Corporation shall be audited at such times as may be ordered by the Board of Directors.

7.5           Shareholder Control Agreements .  If there is any conflict or inconsistency with these Bylaws or any amendment thereto and any shareholder control agreement, whenever adopted, then such shareholder control agreement shall control.




ARTICLE VIII.

CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

8.1           Contracts .  The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and such authorization may be general or confined to specific instances.

8.2           Loans .  No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by or under the authority of a resolution of the Board of Directors.  Such authorization may be general or confined to specific instances.

8.3           Checks, Drafts, etc .  All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation, shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by or under the authority of a resolution of the Board of Directors.

8.4           Deposits .  All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories designated by resolution of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IX.

CALLS AND PAYMENT OF SUBSCRIPTIONS

9.1           Calls .  The Board of Directors may call the subscriptions for shares of this Corporation in such proportion and at such times as they shall deem proper by giving not less than twenty (20) days notice by registered mail or personal service to each shareholder of the time and place where payment may be made, the terms of payment and the amount due from the shareholder so notified.

9.2           Payment .  When any unpaid portions of subscriptions for shares of the Corporation are called and declared due by resolution of the Board of Directors, the same shall be payable within twenty (20) days after the shareholder receives notice of the demand for payment.  The Board of Directors shall have the right to cancel all subscriptions not paid within the twenty (20) day notice period.

ARTICLE X.

WAIVER OF NOTICE

10.1         Waiver of Notice .  Whenever any notice whatsoever is required to be given by these Bylaws, the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation or any laws of the State of Minnesota, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or person entitled to such notice, whether before, at or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the actual required notice.




ARTICLE XI.

AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS

11.1         Amendments .  These Bylaws may be altered, amended, added to or repealed by the affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the Board of Directors, subject to the power of the shareholders to change or repeal such Bylaws and subject to any other limitations provided by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 302A.

The undersigned hereby certifies that these Amended and Restated Bylaws were duly adopted by the Shareholders of the Corporation on the 2 nd  day of June, 1993.

 

/s/ Ronald G. Olson

 

Ronald G. Olson

 

Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary

 

 



EXHIBIT 10.13

FIRST AMENDMENT

TO THE

2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN

 

INTRODUCTION

WHEREAS, at the May 3, 2006 Annual Shareholders Meeting, Winmark Corporation’s shareholders approved an Amendment to the 2001 Stock Option Plan increasing the total number of shares available for options under the plan from 500,000 to 750,000.

AMENDMENT

1.             Section 6 of the 2001 Stock Option is amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“The Stock to be optioned under this Plan shall consist of authorized but unissued shares of Option Stock.  Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand (750,000) shares of Option Stock shall be reserved and available for options under the Plan; provided, however that the total number of shares of Option Stock reserved for options under this Plan shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 12 of the Plan.  In the event that any outstanding option under the Plan for any reason expires or its terminated prior to the exercise thereof, the shares of Option Stock allocable to the unexercised portion of such option shall continue to be reserved for options under the Plan and may be optioned hereunder.”

 



 EXHIBIT 23.1

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We have issued our report dated March 12, 2007, accompanying the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report of Winmark Corporation on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006.  We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration Statements of Winmark Corporation on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-85972, 33-85956, 33-79176, 33-71772, 333-3236, 333-3066, 333-3068, 333-81392, 333-120489, and 333-138798) and on Form S-1 (File No. 333-1333393).

/s/ Grant Thornton

Minneapolis, Minnesota

March 12, 2007

 



EXHIBIT 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors

Winmark Corporation:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement File Numbers 33-85972, 33-85956, 33-79176, 33-71772, 333-3236, 333-3066, 333-3068, 333-81392 and 333-120489 on Form S-8 of Winmark Corporation of our report dated February 16, 2006, with respect to the consolidated balance sheet of Winmark Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2005, which report appears in the December 30, 2006 annual report on Form 10-K of Winmark Corporation.

/s/ KPMG

Minneapolis, Minnesota

March 15, 2007



EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, John L. Morgan, certify that:

1.                I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Winmark Corporation;

2.                Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.                Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.                The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) for the registrant and we have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.                The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 20, 2007

 

/s/ John L. Morgan

 

 

John L. Morgan
Chief Executive Officer

 

 



EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Brett D. Heffes, certify that:

1.                I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of  Winmark Corporation;

2.                Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.                Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.                The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) for the registrant and we have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.                The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 20, 2007

 

Signature:

 

/s/ Brett D. Heffes

 

 

 

 

Brett D. Heffes

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 



EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Winmark Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, John L. Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)           The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Winmark Corporation and will be retained by Winmark Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

Date: March 20, 2007

 

/s/ John L. Morgan

 

 

John L. Morgan
Chief Executive Officer

 



EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Winmark Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report “), I, Brett D. Heffes, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)           The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Winmark Corporation and will be retained by Winmark Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

Date: March 20, 2007

 

Signature:

/s/ Brett D. Heffes

 

 

 

Brett D. Heffes Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer