Winmark Q1 results show 8.4% royalty growth
Winmark Corporation reported solid first-quarter 2026 results driven by franchise royalties, despite lower total revenue and net income versus last year.
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Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Winmark Corporation reported solid first-quarter 2026 results driven by franchise royalties, despite lower total revenue and net income versus last year. Revenue was $20,849,700 compared to $21,919,700 a year earlier, as the company no longer earns leasing income following the completed run-off of its equipment leasing portfolio.
Royalties rose 8.4% to $19,262,800 on higher franchise retail sales and a slightly larger store base of 1,383 locations. Net income was $9,254,700 versus $9,956,400, with diluted EPS of $2.50 compared to $2.71. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 5.8% to $7,869,600, mainly from higher compensation-related costs. Winmark generated $11,877,300 of operating cash flow, paid a $0.96 per share dividend totaling $3,429,000, maintained $19,928,300 in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, and ended the quarter with $30,000,000 outstanding on its CIBC term loan and $30,000,000 of Prudential notes while remaining in compliance with all covenants.
Insights
Royalties and margins remain strong, while headline revenue and net income dip modestly.
Winmark’s Q1 2026 revenue slipped to $20,849,700 from $21,919,700, entirely due to the absence of leasing income after that business was wound down. Core franchising revenue improved, with royalties up 8.4% to $19,262,800 on higher franchise retail sales and slightly more stores.
Operating income remained very strong at $12,361,600, or 59.3% of revenue, though down from $13,596,600 a year earlier. Net income eased to $9,254,700 with diluted EPS of $2.50, but the effective tax rate fell to 22.0% helped by stock-option tax benefits.
Cash generation stayed robust: operating cash flow was $11,877,300, supporting a quarterly dividend of $0.96 per share and leaving $19,928,300 in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. Debt includes a $30,000,000 term loan and $30,000,000 of fixed-rate notes, with all covenants met. Franchise system health looks solid, with 1,383 stores and a 100% renewal rate on 23 expiring agreements.
Key Figures
Key Terms
deferred revenue financial
reacquired franchise rights financial
Line of Credit financial
Note Agreement financial
North American Ad Fund financial
Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement regulatory
Earnings Snapshot
FAQ
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AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.