Welcome to our dedicated page for Wendys Co news (Ticker: WEN), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Wendys Co stock.
The Wendy’s Company (Nasdaq: WEN) stands as the world's third largest quick-service hamburger chain, boasting a system of over 7,157 franchise and company-owned restaurants across 30 countries as of 2023. With annual systemwide sales reaching $12.3 billion, Wendy’s not only leads in innovation but also in customer loyalty, consistently outperforming competitors like Burger King.
Founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, Wendy’s is renowned for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef*, freshly-prepared salads, and signature items like chili, baked potatoes, and the Frosty® dessert. The company has a strong focus on quality, encapsulated in its motto, “Quality is our Recipe®.”
Wendy’s revenue streams are diversified, coming from the sale of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and fries across its company-owned footprint, and through franchise royalty and marketing fund payments. Franchisees, who account for 94% of the total stores, also contribute through advisory fees and franchise flipping.
Recent milestones include the opening of a new restaurant inside the University of Kansas Memorial Union, underscoring Wendy’s commitment to community and strategic partnerships. Financially, Wendy’s demonstrated strong performance in 2023, marking its 13th consecutive year of global same-restaurant sales growth. The company accelerated digital sales and expanded its U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin to pre-COVID levels, despite inflationary challenges.
Looking ahead, Wendy’s aims to further accelerate global growth, enhance restaurant margins significantly, and drive long-term shareholder value. Recent initiatives include investments to boost global expansion and digital sales, as well as new product launches like the Cinnabon® Pull-Apart and Saucy Nuggs, which are set to attract more customers.
Wendy’s is also deeply committed to social responsibility, prominently supporting the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® and its Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® program. These efforts aim to find a loving, forever home for every child waiting to be adopted from the North American foster care system.
For more details on Wendy’s and its offerings, visit www.wendys.com.
*Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and Canada.
Wendy's (WEN) announces the launch of a new Thin Mints Frosty, created in partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), available nationwide from February 21, 2025. The -time offering combines the Classic Chocolate or Vanilla Frosty with a minty cookie crumble sauce inspired by Girl Scout Thin Mints cookies.
As part of this collaboration, more than 4,200 Wendy's restaurants will serve as national boothing partners for Girl Scout troops during cookie season. Additionally, starting February 24, Wendy's will introduce the Thin Mints Frosty Adventure mobile game, offering daily food prizes and a chance to win up to $10,000 through a sweepstakes.
Wendy's (WEN) reported Q4 2024 results with systemwide sales growth of 5.4% to $3.7 billion and full-year growth of 3.1% to $14.5 billion. Q4 same-restaurant sales increased 4.3%, while full-year saw 1.5% growth, marking the 14th consecutive year of same-restaurant sales growth.
Q4 net income reached $47.5 million with adjusted EBITDA of $137.5 million (up 8.6%). Full-year net income was $194.4 million with adjusted EBITDA of $543.6 million (up 1.4%). Q4 adjusted earnings per share increased 19% to $0.25, while full-year adjusted EPS grew 3.1% to $1.00.
The company updated its capital allocation policy, targeting a dividend payout ratio of 50-60% of adjusted earnings and plans to repurchase up to $200 million in shares during 2025. For 2025, Wendy's expects global systemwide sales growth of 2-3% and adjusted EPS of $0.98-$1.02.
Wendy's (WEN) has announced two upcoming investor events. The company will release its Q4 and full year 2024 results along with its 2025 financial outlook before market opens on February 13, 2025, followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET. The call will be accessible via webcast and telephone, with domestic callers using (844) 200-6205 and international callers using (929) 526-1599 (event ID 920332).
Additionally, Wendy's will host an investor day at its Dublin, Ohio headquarters on March 6, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 11:30 a.m. ET. During this event, the company will present its strategic vision and long-term financial outlook. While in-person attendance is by invitation only, a live webcast will be available to all interested parties. Presentation materials and archived replays for both events will be accessible on the company's investor relations website.
Wendy's launches '12 Days of Bow-GO' promotion offering daily BOGO deals through its mobile app from December 11-22, 2024. The promotion features over $50 in savings on popular menu items, including buy-one-get-one FREE offers on the Breakfast Baconator, Dave's Single, and Saucy Nuggs. Additionally, customers can enjoy free delivery during breakfast hours throughout December when ordering through the Wendy's app. The deals are available at participating locations nationwide and can be accessed by downloading the Wendy's app or creating an account at wendys.com.
Wendy's is bringing back its popular Frosty Key Tags promotion from December 9, 2024, through February 16, 2025. For $3, customers can purchase a key tag that offers a free Jr. Frosty with any purchase throughout 2025. The promotion is available at participating U.S. locations, and customers can use either a physical keychain or digital version through the Wendy's app.
Proceeds from the key tag sales will benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, which has helped find permanent homes for more than 14,800 children across the U.S. and Canada. The key tags can be purchased at local Wendy's restaurants or through the mobile app, with bulk orders available through the Foundation.
The Wendy's Company has appointed Ken Cook as Chief Financial Officer, effective December 2, 2024, replacing Gunther Plosch who served since 2016. Cook joins from UPS, where he was Head of Financial Planning and Analysis, bringing 20 years of finance experience including roles as CFO of UPS's U.S. Domestic segment and South Asia operations. The appointment aligns with Wendy's focus on driving operational performance and improving restaurant profitability. The company will release Q4 and full year 2024 results on February 13, 2025, followed by an Investor Day on March 5, 2025.
Wendy's announces a -time offer for its Spicy Chicken Sandwich at $3.99, available exclusively through the Wendy's mobile app until December 29, 2024. The promotion features their signature sandwich, introduced in 1995, made with chicken breast marinated in spicy seasonings and topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
The offer is accessible nationwide through the Wendy's app, where customers can either place mobile orders or generate a barcode for in-store purchases. This promotional pricing aims to provide an affordable meal option during the holiday season.
Wendy's introduces new Salted Caramel Frosty nationwide, celebrating the iconic dessert's 55th anniversary. The -time flavor debuts alongside two new fall menu items: the Mushroom Bacon Cheeseburger featuring roasted mushrooms, bacon, Muenster cheese, and garlic spread on fresh beef, and a revamped Taco Salad with new creamy zesty salsa dressing, fire-roasted corn, and tortilla strips. The Salted Caramel Frosty will temporarily replace the Vanilla Frosty, joining Chocolate on the menu at participating locations.
Wendy's (WEN) reported Q3 2024 results showing mixed performance. Global systemwide sales grew 1.8% to $3.636 billion, with same-restaurant sales increasing 0.2%. Total revenues rose 2.9% to $566.7 million. However, operating profit declined 6.8% to $94.7 million, and net income decreased 13.4% to $50.2 million. The company maintained its U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin at 15.6%. During Q3, Wendy's opened 64 new restaurants globally and continued its share repurchase program, buying back 1.5 million shares for $25.2 million. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share.
Wendy's franchisee Legacy Restaurant Group (LRG) has partnered with University of Kansas Men's Basketball Coach Bill Self for a Halloween fundraising initiative. Coach Self will match every $1 Boo! Books purchase up to $30,000 to benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The promotion runs from October 23 through November 3, 2024, at participating Kansas City and Lawrence Wendy's locations. Each Boo! Book includes coupons for five free Jr. Frosty treats and a bonus $1.99 Kids' Meal coupon valid through December 31, 2024.