The earnings call presented a balanced view of the company's performance. While there were significant achievements in global sales growth, digital expansion, and innovative collaborations, challenges such as the closure of underperforming restaurants and a reduced dividend were also highlighted. The sentiment reflects a cautious optimism with a focus on strategic growth and operational improvements.

Company Guidance

During The Wendy's Company fiscal 2024 fourth-quarter earnings call, the company reported several key performance metrics and provided guidance for 2025. In Q4 2024, global system-wide sales increased by over 5%, with same-restaurant sales growing by over 4%. The U.S. market saw traffic and dollar growth surpassing the QSR burger category, largely driven by a successful collaboration with Paramount for SpongeBob's 25th anniversary, which at its peak, led to a 20% increase in same-restaurant sales. Internationally, system-wide sales grew 11% on a constant currency basis, driven by strong net unit growth, while digital mix increased by 130 basis points to 19% globally. For 2025, Wendy's plans to drive global system-wide sales growth of 2% to 3% and aims for net unit growth of 2% to 3%, marking its highest rate in over 15 years. The company also reported that adjusted EBITDA grew by 8.6% to $137.5 million in Q4 2024. Wendy's plans to increase investments in technology and unit development, supported by a revised capital allocation strategy, which includes a new target dividend payout ratio of 50% to 60% of adjusted earnings and up to $200 million in share repurchases for 2025.

Strong Global Sales Growth

Global system-wide sales increased over 5% in Q4 2024, with same-restaurant sales growing over 4%. Internationally, there was an 11% system-wide sales growth on a constant currency basis.

Digital and Loyalty Program Expansion

Global digital sales grew nearly 40% year-over-year, with loyalty member growth up 25% from a year ago and over 46 million reward members enrolled.

Innovative Menu and Collaborations

Introduction of limited-time offerings like the Salted Caramel Frosty and Mushroom Bacon Cheeseburger, and successful collaborations such as the SpongeBob's 25th anniversary, which drove a 20% lift in same-restaurant sales.

Operational and Technological Advancements

Implementation of digital menu boards at over 300 locations, deployment of voice-enabled AI order taking at nearly 100 locations, and an 80-basis point improvement in restaurant margin.

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Wendy's (WEN) Earnings, Revenues Date & History

The upcoming earnings date is based on a company’s previous reporting, and may be updated when the actual date is announced

Daily Earnings Calendar >

WEN Earnings History

Report Date	Fiscal Quarter	Forecast / EPS	Last Year's EPS	EPS YoY Change	Slides	Play Transcript
May 07, 2025	2025 (Q1)	0.20 / -	0.23	―	―	―
Feb 13, 2025	2024 (Q4)	0.24 / 0.25	0.21	19.05% (+0.04)	―
Oct 31, 2024	2024 (Q3)	0.25 / 0.25	0.27	-7.41% (-0.02)	―
Aug 01, 2024	2024 (Q2)	0.28 / 0.27	0.24	12.50% (+0.03)
May 02, 2024	2024 (Q1)	0.21 / 0.23	0.21	9.52% (+0.02)
Feb 15, 2024	2023 (Q4)	0.23 / 0.21	0.22	-4.55% (-0.01)
Nov 02, 2023	2023 (Q3)	0.25 / 0.27	0.24	12.50% (+0.03)
Aug 09, 2023	2023 (Q2)	0.27 / 0.24	0.24	0.00% (0.00)
May 10, 2023	2023 (Q1)	0.20 / 0.21	0.17	23.53% (+0.04)
Mar 01, 2023	2022 (Q4)	0.20 / 0.22	0.16	37.50% (+0.06)

The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.

Beat

Missed

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WEN Earnings-Related Price Changes

Report Date	Price 1 Day Before	Price 1 Day After	Percentage Change
Feb 13, 2025	$14.22	$14.76	+3.80%
Oct 31, 2024	$20.03	$18.85	-5.89%
Aug 01, 2024	$16.45	$16.48	+0.18%
May 02, 2024	$18.79	$19.08	+1.54%

Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.

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