Core Insights - Wendy's reported revenue of $574.27 million for the quarter ended December 2024, marking a year-over-year increase of 6.2% and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.79% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the same period was $0.25, up from $0.21 a year ago, representing a surprise of 4.17% over the consensus estimate of $0.24 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Total number of restaurants stood at 7,240, slightly below the nine-analyst average estimate of 7,270 [4] - Same-Restaurant sales in the U.S. increased by 4.1%, surpassing the 3% estimate by analysts [4] - International Same-Restaurant sales rose by 4.9%, compared to the 2.1% average estimate [4] - Global Same-Restaurant sales were up 4.3%, exceeding the 3.4% estimate [4] - U.S. restaurant count was 5,933, compared to the average estimate of 5,963 [4] Revenue Breakdown - Advertising funds revenue was $114.93 million, slightly below the average estimate of $115.50 million, but showed a year-over-year increase of 5.5% [4] - Franchise rental income reached $58.56 million, slightly above the estimate of $58.47 million, with a year-over-year change of 3.2% [4] - Franchise royalty revenue and fees totaled $167.96 million, exceeding the average estimate of $157.88 million, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase of 31.4% [4] - Franchise fees revenue was $34.18 million, significantly higher than the estimated $25.03 million, marking a 67% year-over-year increase [4] - Franchise royalty revenue was reported at $133.79 million, slightly above the estimate of $133.49 million [4] Systemwide Sales - International systemwide sales amounted to $495 million, slightly above the average estimate of $493.44 million [4] - Total systemwide sales reached $3.67 billion, exceeding the estimate of $3.65 billion [4]

Core Insights - Wendy's reported quarterly earnings of $0.25 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.24 per share, and showing an increase from $0.21 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 4.17% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $574.27 million for the quarter ended December 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.79% and increasing from $540.65 million year-over-year [2] - Wendy's shares have declined approximately 12.8% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 2.9% [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.22 on revenues of $544.96 million, while for the current fiscal year, the estimate is $1.03 on revenues of $2.28 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Wendy's is mixed, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Retail - Restaurants industry, to which Wendy's belongs, is currently ranked in the top 23% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8] - Another competitor in the same industry, Domino's Pizza, is expected to report quarterly earnings of $4.95 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.5%, with revenues anticipated at $1.48 billion, up 5.4% from the previous year [9][10]

Financial Performance - Wendy's systemwide sales grew 5.4% in Q4 2024, reaching $3.7 billion, with same-restaurant sales growth of 4.3%[4] - Total revenues for Q4 2024 were $574.3 million, an increase of 6.4%, while full-year revenues reached $2.2 billion, up 2.0%[4] - Net income for Q4 2024 was $47.5 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $137.5 million, reflecting an 8.6% increase[4] - Adjusted earnings per share for Q4 2024 was $0.25, a 19.0% increase, while full-year adjusted earnings per share was $1.00, up 3.1%[4] - The Company reported adjusted revenue growth of 10% year-over-year, reaching $1.5 billion for the quarter[44] - Same-restaurant sales increased by 5% compared to the previous year, indicating strong customer demand[49] - Systemwide sales reached $4.2 billion, reflecting a 7% increase driven by both Company-operated and franchise restaurants[49] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $400 million, representing a 12% margin[45] - Net income for the three months ended December 29, 2024, was $47,497, compared to $46,938 for the same period in 2023, reflecting a slight increase of 1.2%[64] - Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 29, 2024, was $543,614, an increase from $535,928 in the previous year, indicating a growth of about 1.3%[64] - The diluted earnings per share for the twelve months ended December 29, 2024, was $0.95, compared to $0.97 for the previous year, a decrease of about 2.1%[64] - Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was $46,938,000, compared to $47,497,000 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a decrease of 1.2%[67] - Adjusted income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, was $206,111,000, slightly down from $205,248,000 in 2024, indicating a decrease of 0.4%[67] - Free cash flow for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, was $274,261,000, increasing to $278,950,000 in 2024, representing a growth of 1.2%[70] - Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was $0.23, consistent with the same period in 2024[67] - Adjusted earnings per share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, was $0.97, slightly decreasing to $1.00 in 2024, reflecting an increase of 3.1%[67] - Net cash provided by operating activities increased from $345,416,000 in 2023 to $355,307,000 in 2024, a rise of 2.6%[70] Capital Allocation and Future Plans - The company updated its capital allocation policy, targeting a dividend payout ratio of 50% to 60% of adjusted earnings and plans to repurchase up to $200 million of shares in 2025[4] - For 2025, the company expects global systemwide sales growth of 2.0% to 3.0% and adjusted EBITDA of $550 to $560 million[36] - The company plans to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share starting in Q2 2025[30] - Free cash flow for 2025 is projected to be between $275 million and $285 million[36] - The company repurchased 0.9 million shares for $15.4 million in Q4 2024, with approximately $228.1 million remaining under the share repurchase authorization[27] - The Company plans to open 100 new restaurants in the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on market expansion[40] - The Company aims to achieve a 15% increase in digital sales by enhancing its digital commerce strategy[40] - The Company is investing in new product development, with a goal to launch three new menu items in the next quarter[40] Financial Position and Liabilities - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $450,512 as of December 29, 2024, down from $516,037 as of December 31, 2023, a decline of about 12.7%[60] - Total current liabilities increased to $397,631 as of December 29, 2024, compared to $381,930 as of December 31, 2023, representing an increase of approximately 4.1%[60] - Total assets decreased to $5,034,843 as of December 29, 2024, down from $5,182,826 as of December 31, 2023, a decline of approximately 2.9%[60] - The company’s total liabilities decreased to $4,775,491 as of December 29, 2024, down from $4,873,047 as of December 31, 2023, indicating a reduction of approximately 2.0%[60] - Capital expenditures rose from $85,021,000 in 2023 to $94,388,000 in 2024, marking an increase of 11%[70] - Advertising funds revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, was $(428,996,000), increasing to $(458,092,000) in 2024, a decline of 6.8%[67] - Total adjustments, net of income taxes, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, were $1,671,000, increasing to $10,891,000 in 2024, a significant rise of 551.5%[67] - System optimization gains, net, decreased from $(880,000) in 2023 to $(1,219,000) in 2024, indicating a decline of 38.5%[67]

Core Insights - The Wendy's Company reported strong fourth quarter performance, achieving its 14th consecutive year of global same-restaurant sales growth [1][5] Financial Highlights - Fourth quarter total revenues reached $574.3 million, an increase of 6.4% compared to the previous year [5][6] - Adjusted revenues for the fourth quarter were $459.3 million, also reflecting a 6.4% increase [5][6] - Full year total revenues were $2.2 billion, with adjusted revenues of $1.8 billion, marking a 2.0% increase [5][6] - Net income for the fourth quarter was $47.5 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $137.5 million, an increase of 8.6% [5][6] - Full year net income was $194.4 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $543.6 million, an increase of 1.4% [5][6] Sales Performance - Systemwide sales grew 5.4% in the fourth quarter, reaching $3.7 billion, with same-restaurant sales growth of 4.3% [5][6] - For the full year, systemwide sales grew 3.1%, totaling $14.5 billion, with same-restaurant sales growth of 1.5% [5][6] - U.S. same-restaurant sales growth for the fourth quarter was 4.1%, compared to 0.9% in the previous year [4][5] - International same-restaurant sales growth was 4.9% in the fourth quarter, up from 4.3% [4][5] Operational Highlights - The company opened 36 new restaurants in the U.S. during the fourth quarter, while closing 78, resulting in a net decrease [4][5] - Internationally, 77 new restaurants were opened, with a net increase of 26 [4][5] - The global restaurant count remained stable at 7,240 by the end of the year [4][5] Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns - The company updated its capital allocation policy, targeting a dividend payout ratio of 50% to 60% of adjusted earnings [5][26] - Plans to repurchase up to $200 million of shares in 2025 were announced, with a majority expected to be acquired in the coming months [5][27] - A quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share was declared, payable on March 17, 2025 [5][24] Future Outlook - The company expects global systemwide sales growth of 2.0% to 3.0% for 2025 [34] - Adjusted earnings per share are projected to be between $0.98 and $1.02, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $550 million and $560 million [34]

Core Viewpoint - Wendy's Company (WEN) is set to report its fourth-quarter 2024 results on February 13, with expectations of earnings and revenue growth compared to the previous year [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings and Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is 24 cents per share, reflecting a 14.3% increase from the same quarter last year [2]. - Revenue is expected to reach $564.2 million, indicating a 4.4% improvement year-over-year [2]. Group 2: Performance Drivers - Wendy's fourth-quarter performance is anticipated to be supported by menu innovation, technological upgrades, and international expansion [3]. - The introduction of new products, such as the Krabby Patty Burger and Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty, is expected to positively impact sales [3]. Group 3: Same-Restaurant Sales Growth - The company is likely to report robust same-restaurant sales growth, with U.S. systemwide same-restaurant sales predicted to increase by 1.9% and international sales by 2.9% compared to the prior year [4]. - Higher average checks, driven by pricing strategies and product innovations, are expected to contribute to this growth [4]. Group 4: Sales Expectations - Total U.S. sales are projected to rise by 3%, while international sales are expected to increase by 11.9% year-over-year [5]. - However, inflationary pressures are anticipated to negatively affect the bottom line, with total costs and expenses expected to rise by 1.9% year-over-year [5]. Group 5: Earnings Prediction Model - The Zacks model suggests a potential earnings beat for Wendy's, with an Earnings ESP of +2.34% [6]. - Wendy's currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a neutral outlook [7].

Core Insights - Wendy's is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.24 per share, reflecting a 14.3% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $564.17 million, a 4.4% increase from the previous year [1] - There has been a downward revision of 0.9% in the consensus EPS estimate over the past 30 days, indicating a reappraisal by analysts [1][2] Revenue Estimates - Analysts estimate 'Revenues- Advertising funds' to reach $115.50 million, a 6.1% increase from the prior year [4] - 'Revenues- Sales at Company-operated restaurants' are expected to be $231.89 million, reflecting a 2.3% increase year-over-year [4] - 'Revenues- Franchise rental income' is projected at $58.47 million, indicating a 3% year-over-year change [5] - 'Revenues- Franchise royalty revenue and fees' are expected to be $157.88 million, showing a significant increase of 23.5% [5] Restaurant Metrics - The total number of restaurants is estimated to be 7,270, up from 7,240 a year ago [5] - 'Same-Restaurant - International' is projected at 2.1%, down from 4.3% year-over-year [6] - The total number of franchised restaurants is expected to be 6,870, compared to 6,825 last year [6] - The number of company-operated restaurants is forecasted to be 409, down from 415 a year ago [6] Global Performance - 'Same-Restaurant - Global' is expected to be 3.4%, slightly up from 3.2% year-over-year [7] - Systemwide sales for U.S. Company-operated restaurants are projected to reach $226.71 million, compared to $220.50 million in the same quarter last year [7] - The number of international franchised restaurants is expected to be 1,312, up from 1,198 a year ago [7] - The total number of international restaurants is projected at 1,326, compared to 1,210 in the same quarter last year [8] Stock Performance - Wendy's shares have shown a return of -4.5% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +4.2% change [8]

Core Viewpoint - Wendy's is anticipated to report a year-over-year increase in earnings and revenues for the quarter ended December 2024, with the actual results being a significant factor influencing its near-term stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is scheduled for February 13, 2025, with expectations that better-than-expected results could drive the stock price higher, while disappointing results may lead to a decline [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts quarterly earnings of $0.24 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 14.3%, and revenues are expected to reach $564.17 million, up 4.4% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 0.9%, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Wendy's is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a positive Earnings ESP of +2.34%, suggesting a bullish outlook from analysts [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive Earnings ESP reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) [8]. - Wendy's currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, which, along with the positive Earnings ESP, suggests a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Wendy's met the expected earnings of $0.25 per share, resulting in no surprise, and has only beaten consensus EPS estimates once in the last four quarters [12][13]. Industry Context - Restaurant Brands, a competitor in the same industry, is expected to report earnings of $0.79 per share for the same quarter, indicating a year-over-year change of +5.3%, with revenues projected at $2.29 billion, up 26% from the previous year [17]. - The consensus EPS estimate for Restaurant Brands has been revised down by 0.7% over the last 30 days, and it currently has a negative Earnings ESP of -2.56%, combined with a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), making it difficult to predict an earnings beat [18].

Core Point - The old Wendy's restaurant in Darien, IL, which closed in early December, is likely to be replaced by a new restaurant, although specific details are not yet disclosed [1] Company Developments - Wendy's is reportedly under contract for the location, indicating potential future operations at the site [1] - The new occupant is expected to be a restaurant, but it remains unclear whether it will be a fast food establishment or a more upscale dining option [1] Location Insights - The former Wendy's is situated at the southwest corner of Route 83 and Plainfield Road, in proximity to Hinsdale South High School, which may influence customer traffic and business potential [1]

DUBLIN, Ohio, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) will release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results and share its 2025 financial outlook before the market opens on Thursday, February 13.The Company will host a conference call that same day at 8:30 a.m. ET, with a simultaneous webcast from the Company's Investor Relations website at www.irwendys.com. The related presentation materials will also be available on the Company's Investor Relations website. The live conference ...

Fans can unwrap Wendy's deals exclusively on the Wendy's app December 11-22DUBLIN, Ohio, Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --  Wendy’s “Bow-Go” Season is Bringing Fans 12 Days of BOGO Holiday In-App Deals! WHAT:'Tis the season to celebrate twelve days of Wendy's® BOGO deals – it's officially "Bow-GO" season! Beginning today, December 11, fans can "unwrap" Wendy's in-app gifts to discover twelve days of delicious deals for more than $50 in savings. Save on the most beloved Wendy's menu items of 2024 every sing ...