Core Insights - Wendy's is closing several hundred U.S. restaurants and shifting focus towards value offerings after a disappointing fourth quarter performance [1][2] Group 1: Sales Performance - Wendy's global same-store sales fell 10% in the fourth quarter, worse than the 8.5% decline expected by analysts [1] - U.S. same-store sales also declined, with Wendy's closing 28 restaurants in the fourth quarter, ending 2025 with 5,969 locations [2] - The company anticipates closing 5% to 6% of its U.S. restaurants, equating to 298 to 358 locations, in the first half of this year [2] Group 2: Strategic Changes - Wendy's plans to close 240 U.S. locations in 2024, citing that many are outdated [3] - The company aims to emphasize value to attract inflation-weary customers, similar to competitors like McDonald's and Taco Bell [3] Group 3: New Initiatives - Wendy's interim CEO Ken Cook acknowledged that the company had focused too much on limited-time promotions rather than everyday value [4] - In January, Wendy's launched a permanent "Biggie Deals" value menu with three price tiers: $4 Biggie Bites, $6 Biggie Bags, and $8 Biggie Bundles [4] - New product offerings, including a new chicken sandwich, are expected to be introduced this year [4] Group 4: Financial Overview - Wendy's revenue decreased by 5.5% in the fourth quarter to $543 million, slightly above the $537 million forecast by analysts [5] - The company is optimistic that its U.S. turnaround plans and international growth will help stabilize sales, projecting flat global systemwide sales for the year [5] - Systemwide sales fell by 3.5% last year, but Wendy's shares rose nearly 5% in mid-day trading following the announcement [5]

Core Insights - Wendy's has launched a new Biggie Deals value menu in 2026, featuring price points of $4, $6, and $8, aimed at providing consumers with more choices and value [2][5] - The new menu builds on Wendy's legacy of offering quality and value, first introduced with the value menu concept in 1989 and the Biggie Bag in 2019 [3][5] Menu Details - The Biggie Deals menu includes: - $4 Biggie Bites: Options include Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, 4pc. Nuggets, or Jr. Fry, with a second choice of 4pc. Nuggets, Jr. Fry, or Small Soft Drink [6] - $6 Biggie Bag: Options include Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, or Double Stack, with Jr. Fry and Small Soft Drink [6] - $8 Biggie Bundle: Choose two from Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, or Double Stack, with Jr. Fry and Small Soft Drink [6] Marketing Strategy - The U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, Lindsay Radkoski, emphasized the importance of customization and value, stating that the new menu allows customers to enjoy iconic items in a way that suits their preferences [4] - The launch is positioned to meet consumer demand for meal options that are both affordable and customizable, reinforcing Wendy's commitment to quality [4][5]