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 ...

Core Points - Wendy's is launching a "Bow-Go" season with 12 days of BOGO (Buy One Get One) holiday deals exclusively available through the Wendy's app from December 11 to December 22, 2024, offering over $50 in savings on popular menu items [1][2] - The deals include iconic items such as the Breakfast Baconator and Dave's Single, as well as new offerings like Saucy Nuggs, encouraging customers to engage with the app for daily surprises [1][3] - Wendy's aims to provide value during the holiday season, recognizing the financial stress many face, and is promoting digital deals to enhance customer experience [3] Company Information - Wendy's was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, and is known for its made-to-order square hamburgers and fresh ingredients [4] - The company operates over 7,000 restaurants worldwide and is committed to social responsibility, particularly through the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption [4]

Core Points - Wendy's is reintroducing the $3 Frosty Key Tags starting December 9, 2024, allowing customers to receive a free Jr. Frosty with purchase throughout 2025 [1][2] - Proceeds from the sale of each Frosty Key Tag will benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, which aims to find permanent homes for children in foster care [2][3] Group 1: Product Details - The Frosty Key Tags will be available for purchase from December 9, 2024, to February 16, 2025, at participating U.S. Wendy's locations [2] - Customers can redeem their free Jr. Frosty using either a physical keychain or a digital version in the Wendy's app from December 9, 2024, to December 31, 2025 [2][3] Group 2: Social Impact - The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has successfully helped over 14,800 children find families in the U.S. and Canada [4] - Each purchase of a Frosty Key Tag contributes 90% of the proceeds to the Foundation, supporting its mission to assist children in foster care [7] Group 3: Company Background - Wendy's was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas and is known for its quality food offerings, including made-to-order square hamburgers and the Frosty dessert [6] - The company operates over 7,000 restaurants worldwide and is committed to making a positive impact through initiatives like the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program [6]

Core Points - Wendy's is offering a $3.99 Spicy Chicken Sandwich deal exclusively through its app, available daily until December 29, 2024, aimed at enhancing holiday gatherings with flavorful options [1][2][3] Group 1: Offer Details - The $3.99 Spicy Chicken Sandwich is available exclusively in the Wendy's app, allowing fans to order easily for mobile pickup or in-store [2][3] - The sandwich features a juicy chicken breast marinated and breaded with a unique blend of peppers and spices, topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayo [1][3] Group 2: Company Background - Wendy's was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, and is known for its made-to-order square hamburgers and fresh ingredients [4] - The company employs hundreds of thousands of people across over 7,000 restaurants worldwide, with a vision of becoming the most thriving and beloved restaurant brand [4]

Group 1 - Wendy's introduces a new seasonal Frosty flavor, Salted Caramel Frosty, starting November 12, 2024, to celebrate 55 years of the Frosty brand [1][2] - The Salted Caramel Frosty features a rich, salty caramel flavor and will be available for a limited time [1][4] - Wendy's is also launching two new fall menu items: the Mushroom Bacon Cheeseburger and a revamped Taco Salad, available alongside the Salted Caramel Frosty [3][4] Group 2 - The Mushroom Bacon Cheeseburger includes roasted mushrooms, crispy bacon, Muenster cheese, and creamy garlic spread on fresh beef [3][4] - The Taco Salad will feature a new creamy, zesty salsa dressing, fire-roasted corn, crispy tortilla strips, and Wendy's famous Chili [3][4] - Wendy's aims to provide comfort and joy through its fall menu items, appealing to customer cravings as temperatures drop [4]

Core Viewpoint - Wendy's is closing 140 underperforming locations by the end of 2024 to enhance its restaurant footprint and overall system health while planning to replace many of these with new, more profitable locations [1][2]. Group 1: Closure and Replacement Strategy - The closures are part of a broader initiative to strengthen the brand and operations, with the company focusing on outdated locations that do not meet sales expectations [1][2]. - Wendy's aims to offset the closures with new restaurant openings, expecting net unit growth to remain flat compared to the previous year, but projecting a significant growth rate of 3% to 4% in 2025 [2][3]. Group 2: Performance and Growth - Over the last two years, Wendy's has opened more than 500 new restaurants and is on track for 250 to 300 openings globally for the full year [3][4]. - The company's revenue for the latest quarter was $566.7 million, reflecting a 2.9% increase from the previous year, surpassing analysts' expectations [4].

Group 1 - Wendy's will close 140 "outdated" stores this year, ahead of the previously expected 100 closures, which will leave its growth count flat for 2024 [2][3] - The closures are part of a strategy to replace underperforming locations with new restaurants in better areas, aiming for improved sales and profitability [4] - The company has opened over 500 locations in the last two years, indicating a focus on expansion despite the closures [3] Group 2 - Wendy's is nearing completion of a redesign that includes new technology and drive-thru improvements, with nearly 90% of restaurants updated [5] - The redesign is expected to enhance employee efficiency, simplify delivery orders, and improve customer satisfaction, leading to higher sales and profitability [5] - The new design is reported to cost nearly 10% less to build and is more economical for franchisees to operate, featuring efficient lighting and redesigned kitchens [5]