Core Insights - Wendy's has launched Project Fresh, a strategic plan aimed at revitalizing the brand, driving growth, enhancing profitability, and increasing shareholder value [1][2]. Group 1: Project Fresh Overview - Project Fresh is designed to strengthen Wendy's brand and operational performance through a unified approach called "One Wendy's" [2][5]. - The plan focuses on four core pillars: brand revitalization, system optimization, operational excellence, and capital reallocation to foster profitable growth [2][4]. Group 2: Key Actions and Strategies - Brand revitalization will leverage Wendy's heritage of quality and innovation, utilizing data-driven customer segmentation to enhance marketing effectiveness [5]. - System optimization aims to prioritize Average Unit Volume (AUV) growth in the U.S. by optimizing labor and operating hours, and collaborating closely with franchisees [5]. - Operational excellence will involve increased investments in customer experience, technology, and training to improve restaurant efficiency [5]. - Capital allocation will be optimized, including a reduction of approximately $20 million in capital for the Build to Suit program in 2025, allowing for more investment in technology and marketing [5]. Group 3: Leadership and Future Plans - The Board of Directors is actively engaged in the CEO selection process, targeting completion by the end of the year to ensure strong leadership for the next growth phase [3]. - Further details on Project Fresh initiatives will be provided during the third quarter results announcement on November 7, 2025 [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the second quarter, the company reported revenues of $70.9 million, a decline of approximately 25% compared to the previous year, aligning with internal forecasts [9][22] - The net loss from continuing operations for the second quarter was -$0.5 million, or -$0.02 per diluted share, compared to net income of $2.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share in the prior year [22] - Gross margin was $35.4 million, or 49.9% of net revenues, slightly up from 49.8% in the prior year [23][24] - SG&A expenses totaled $36.3 million, or 51.2% of net revenues, compared to $43.6 million, or 46.4% of net revenues a year ago [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct segment revenues for the second quarter were $60.5 million, a 16.2% decrease from $72.2 million in the prior year [23] - Indirect segment revenues totaled $10.3 million, a 52.5% decrease from $21.8 million in the prior year, primarily due to a decline in key account orders and liquidation sales [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced sequential improvement in comparable store sales across its store fleet and online channels during the second quarter [9] - Inventory decreased by 13.2% to $96.7 million compared to $111.4 million at the end of the second quarter last year [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is implementing a comprehensive strategy to revitalize its market position, focusing on brand strength, product innovation, and targeted marketing [4][5] - Five key strategic initiatives have been identified: sharpening brand focus, developing a cohesive omnichannel strategy, updating the outlet strategy, improving the operating model, and reimagining organizational structure [10][16][20][21] - The company is focusing on enhancing customer experience in its outlet stores and aligning promotional strategies across channels to reduce confusion and improve margins [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenging operating environment but expresses confidence in the current trends and improvements being made [21][26] - The company is not providing guidance due to the dynamic consumer environment but is focused on enhancing operational discipline [26] Other Important Information - The company is in the process of searching for a new CEO and is meeting with promising candidates [8] - The estimated annualized impact of tariffs is $11 million, with efforts underway to mitigate these impacts [26] Q&A Session Summary - The Q&A session was not detailed in the provided content, and no specific questions or answers were recorded. The session concluded without further inquiries from participants [27]