Wendy's (NASDAQ:WEN) Stock

WENDY'S CO/THE

Wendy's

The Wendy's Company is the second-largest burger quick-service restaurant, or QSR, chain in the United States by systemwide sales, with $12.6 billion in 2024, narrowly edging Burger King ($11.5 billion) and clocking in well behind wide-moat McDonald's ($51.1 billion). After divestitures of Tim Hortons (2006) and Arby's (2011), the firm manages just the burger banner, generating sales across a footprint that spanned more than 7,200 total stores in 30 countries as of year-end 2024. Wendy's generates revenue from the sale of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and fries throughout its company-owned footprint, through franchise royalty and marketing fund payments remitted by its franchisees, which account for roughly 94% of stores, and through franchise flipping and advisory fees.

The Wendy's Co

WEN Token - United States Dollar

SUMMUS SOLUTIONS NV by Summus Solutions N.V.

BMO Capital analyst Andrew Strelzik maintains Wendy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) with a Market Perform and lowers the price target from $17 to $15.

News

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform on Wendy's, Lowers Price Target to $15

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Compass Point analyst Joe Flynn downgraded the rating for MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>) from Neutral to Sell and lowered the price target from $25 to $9.5. MARA Holdings shares closed at $13.09 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MARA/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Leerink Partners analyst David Risinger downgraded Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform and cut the price target from $550 to $503. Vertex Pharmaceuticals shares closed at $500.19 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VRTX/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Citigroup analyst Jenny Ping downgraded the rating for National Grid plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NGG#NYSE">NGG</a>) from Buy to Neutral. National Grid shares closed at $71.84 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NGG/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>JWedbush analyst Michael Pachter downgraded Turtle Beach Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TBCH#NASDAQ">TBCH</a>) from Outperform to Neutral and lowered the price target from $21 to $9. Turtle Beach shares closed at $10.76 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/tbch/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying VRTX stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="623" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/06071502/image-52-1024x623.png" alt="" class="wp-image-903019" style="width:603px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/06071502/image-52-1024x623.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/06071502/image-52-300x182.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/06071502/image-52-768x467.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/06071502/image-52.png 1095w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Downgrades

Pre-Market Outlook

Markets

Trading Ideas

MARA

RDDT

TBCH

VRTX

This Vertex Pharmaceuticals Analyst Is No Longer Bullish; Here Are Top 4 Downgrades For Tuesday

Wendy&#8217;s Co (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) shares were rising in early trading on Monday, despite the company announcing on Friday <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45197309/these-analysts-cut-their-forecasts-on-wendys-after-q1-results">downbeat first-quarter sales</a>.
The announcement came amid an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings">exciting earnings season</a>. Here are some key analyst takeaways.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Truist Securities On Wendy&#8217;s</h1>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/589dc33d43eaaa000122c591/jake-bartlett">Analyst Jake Bartlett</a> maintained a Buy rating, while reducing the price target from $17 to $16.
Wendy&#8217;s reported first-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $124.5 million, beating consensus of $122.1 million, Bartlett said in a note. He added, however, that U.S. same-store sales declined by 2.8%, worse than consensus of down 1.6%, while restaurant-level margins (RLM) of 14.3% also missed Street expectations of 14.5%.
US same-store sales decelerated sharply from the fourth quarter's 4.1% "due to adverse weather in January and February and a sharp macro pull-back in demand in March," the analyst wrote. Although management lowered their full-year systemwide sales growth guidance to -2% to flat, their prior projection of +2% to +3%, the company's "solid marketing plan" could partially offset macro headwinds, the analyst further stated.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">RBC Capital Markets On Wendy&#8217;s</h1>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/6645dc02eba8c50001257ef4/logan-reich">Analyst </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/6645dc02eba8c50001257ef4/logan-reich">Logan Reich</a> reiterated a Sector Perform rating with a price target of $14.
Wendy&#8217;s reported mixed results for the first quarter, with U.S. same-store sales being impacted by consumer softness, which seems to have continued into April, Reich said. While weather impacted sales during the first two months of the year, same-store sales "inflected to positive territory exiting February following the Thin Mint Frosty launch on 2/21," he added.
The deterioration in consumer sentiment and spending prompted management to lower their full-year guidance, the analyst stated. The guidance for company-owned margins were lowered by 100 basis points to 15%, "which could be partially attributed to tariffs in addition to softer top-line," he further wrote.
Check out <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">other analyst stock ratings</a>.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Stephens On Wendy&#8217;s</h1>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/6495598a08348c00019c0ae9/jim-salera">Analyst Jim Salera</a> reaffirmed an Equal-weight rating and price target of $14.
Wendy&#8217;s total revenue of $523.5 million came in short of the consensus of $526.5 million, Salera said. The company's global same-store sales declined by 2.1%, worse than consensus of down 1%, he added.
The guidance reduction implies "softer same-store sales given the weaker-than-expected macro backdrop," the analyst wrote. Management lowered their 2025 earnings guidance to 92 cents-98 cents per share, from its prior projection of 98 cents-$1.02 per share, he further stated.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">KeyBanc Capital Markets On Wendy&#8217;s</h1>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/58e64302b85e9300014c97e6/eric-gonzalez">Analyst Eric Gonzalez</a> maintained a Sector Weight rating on the stock.
Wendy's same-store sales growth fell short of expectations, "as weather and declining consumer sentiment weighed on domestic trends, Gonzalez said. The trends are expected to remain in the low-to-middle single-digit range in the current quarter, he added.
"As such, the Company lowered its full-year outlook for system sales, EBITDA, and EPS, which assumes the current industry malaise persists," the analyst wrote. Wendy's is planning menu innovation, brand collaborations and other initiatives that could boost momentum in the second half of the year, he further stated.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Oppenheimer On Wendy&#8217;s</h1>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/590b5cc4290fa700017b6a59/christopher-glynn">Analyst Brian Bittner</a> reiterated a Perform rating on the stock.
Wendy&#8217;s trimmed its 2025 EBITDA outlook to $530-$545 million, bringing it lower than Street expectations of $546 million, Bittner said. "This reflects a softer macro backdrop management has incorporated into its outlook for the remainder of the year," he wrote.
Although same-store sales turned positive in late February and early March, trends turned negative thereafter due to the uncertain macro, the analyst stated. Management&#8217;s new guidance reflects that the macro backdrop could remain soft for the rest of 2025, he added.
WEN Price Action: Shares of Wendy&#8217;s had risen by 1.79% to $12.78 at the time of publication on Monday.
Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/45045012/sabre-divests-hospitality-arm-tpg-plans-debt-reductioncore-platform-focus"> </a> • <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/45045012/sabre-divests-hospitality-arm-tpg-plans-debt-reductioncore-platform-focus">Restaurant Sector Q1 Volatility From Weather, Inflation — Analyst Lowers Price Targets</a>

Photo: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Reiteration

Restaurants

Wendy's Mixes Weak Sales With A Side Of Resilience: Fast-Food Restaurant Has 'Solid Marketing,' Menu Innovation Plans, Says Analyst

Loop Capital analyst Alton Stump maintains Wendy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $26 to $21.

Loop Capital Maintains Buy on Wendy's, Lowers Price Target to $21

Barclays analyst Jeffrey Bernstein maintains Wendy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $14 to $13.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on Wendy's, Lowers Price Target to $13

Truist Securities analyst Jake Bartlett maintains Wendy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $17 to $16.

Truist Securities Maintains Buy on Wendy's, Lowers Price Target to $16

WIIM

Wendy's shares are trading higher after JPMorgan upgraded the stock to Overweight despite cutting its price target to $15.

Wendy's Co (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) reported downbeat sales for the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WEN/earnings">first quarter on Friday</a>.
The company posted a first-quarter 2025 sales decline of 2.1% year-on-year to $523.47 million, missing the analyst consensus estimate of $525.41 million. Adjusted EPS of 20 cents was in-line with the consensus estimate.
&#8220;We continued to deliver for our customers during the first quarter. In the U.S. we held both traffic and dollar share in a challenging consumer environment, and in our International business we grew systemwide sales by 8.9%,&#8221; said President and CEO Kirk Tanner.
Wendy&#8217;s lowered FY25 adjusted EPS outlook from 98 cents-$1.02 to 92 cents-98 cents. WEN sees FY25 global systemwide sales growth of (-2.0%) – flat. The company expects FY25 adjusted EBITDA of $530 million – $545 million.
Wendy&#8217;s shares gained 0.4% to trade at $299.95 on Monday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Wendy&#8217;s following earnings announcement.
<ul>
<li>Morgan Stanley analyst John Glass maintained Wendy&#8217;s with an Underweight rating and lowered the price target from $14 to $13.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst John Ivankoe upgraded Wendy&#8217;s from Neutral to Overweight but lowered the price target from $17 to $15.</li>
<li>Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Jim Salera reiterated Wendy&#8217;s with an Equal-Weight rating and maintained a $14 price target.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying WEN stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
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Earnings

These Analysts Cut Their Forecasts On Wendy's After Q1 Results

Morgan Stanley analyst John Glass maintains Wendy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) with a Underweight and lowers the price target from $14 to $13.

Morgan Stanley Maintains Underweight on Wendy's, Lowers Price Target to $13

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>BMO Capital cut Block, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XYZ#NYSE">XYZ</a>) price target from $80 to $58. BMO Capital analyst Rufus Hone downgraded the stock from Outperform to Market Perform. Block shares closed at $46.53 on Friday. See how other analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XYZ/analyst-ratings">view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Susquehanna raised the price target for eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EBAY#NASDAQ">EBAY</a>) from $65 to $70. Susquehanna analyst Shyam Patil maintained a Neutral rating. eBay shares closed at $68.60 on Friday. See how other analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/EBAY/analyst-ratings">view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo raised Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IR#NYSE">IR</a>) price target from $80 to $86. Wells Fargo analyst Joseph O&#8217;Dea maintained an Overweight rating. Ingersoll Rand shares closed at $76.73 on Friday. See how other <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/IR/analyst-ratings">analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods slashed the price target for WesBanco, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WSBC#NASDAQ">WSBC</a>) from $43 to $40. Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst Catherine Mealor maintained an Outperform rating. WesBanco shares closed at $30.42 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WSBC/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>BMO Capital raised the price target for McDonald&#8217;s Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) from $340 to $345. BMO Capital analyst Andrew Strelzik reiterated an Outperform rating. McDonald&#8217;s shares closed at $311.96 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MCD/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Cantor Fitzgerald cut Onto Innovation Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONTO#NYSE">ONTO</a>) price target from $250 to $135. Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Matthew Prisco downgraded the stock from Overweight to Neutral. Onto Innovation shares settled at $127.10 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ONTO/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>JP Morgan cut The Wendy&#8217;s Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) price target from $17 to $15. JP Morgan analyst John Ivankoe upgraded the stock from Neutral to Overweight. Wendy&#8217;s shares closed at $12.55 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WEN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Jefferies cut Parsons Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSN#NYSE">PSN</a>) price target from $75 to $65. Jefferies analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu downgraded the stock from Buy to Hold. Parsons shares closed at $62.81 on Friday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PSN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Canaccord Genuity raised the price target for Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WOR#NYSE">WOR</a>) from $54 to $67. Canaccord Genuity analyst Brian McNamara upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy. Worthington shares settled at $51.99 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/wor/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Rosenblatt cut Datadog, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>) price target from $160 to $150. Rosenblatt analyst Blair Abernethy maintained a Buy rating. Datadog shares closed at $105.00 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ddog/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
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DDOG

EBAY

ONTO

WSBC

McDonald's To Rally More Than 10%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Monday

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Morgan Stanley analyst Vikram Purohit upgraded the rating for Ascendis Pharma A/S (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASND#NASDAQ">ASND</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raised the price target from $180 to $250. Ascendis Pharma shares closed at $172.06 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ASND/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Canaccord Genuity analyst Brian McNamara upgraded Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WOR#NYSE">WOR</a>) from Hold to Buy and boosted the price target from $54 to $67. Worthington Enterprises shares closed at $51.99 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WOR/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>HSBC analyst Stephen Bersey upgraded Twilio Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TWLO#NYSE">TWLO</a>) from Reduce to Hold and raised the price target from $77 to $99. Twilio shares closed at $100.11 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TWLO/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst John Ivankoe upgraded the rating for The Wendy&#8217;s Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) from Neutral to Overweight but lowered the price target from $17 to $15. Wendy&#8217;s shares closed at $12.55 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WEN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Seaport Global analyst Aaron Kessler upgraded Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>) from Neutral to Buy and announced a $165 price target. Reddit shares closed at $113.83 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RDDT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying TWLO stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
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Upgrades

ASND

TWLO

This Twilio Analyst Is No Longer Bearish; Here Are Top 5 Upgrades For Monday

GPUS: 190% &#x7C; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45189955">Hyperscale Data Announces Prelim. Q1 Revenue Surpassing $25M; Sees FY25 Revenue $115M-$125M</a>
&nbsp;
TEVA: 7% &#x7C; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45190906">Teva Pharmaceuticals shares are trading higher after the company announced FDA Approval for SELARSDI Injection as an interchangeable with the reference biologic Stelara</a>
&nbsp;
WEN: 2% &#x7C; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45189966">Stephens &amp; Co. Reiterates Equal-Weight on Wendy's, Maintains $14 Price Target</a>

Movers

GPUS

TEVA

Market-Moving News for May 5th

JP Morgan analyst John Ivankoe upgrades Wendy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) from Neutral to Overweight and lowers the price target from $17 to $15.

JP Morgan Upgrades Wendy's to Overweight, Lowers Price Target to $15

Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Jim Salera reiterates Wendy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) with a Equal-Weight and maintains $14 price target.

Stephens & Co. Reiterates Equal-Weight on Wendy's, Maintains $14 Price Target

TD Securities analyst Andrew Charles maintains Wendy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) with a Hold and lowers the price target from $14 to $13.

TD Securities Maintains Hold on Wendy's, Lowers Price Target to $13

22 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on Wendy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
Summarizing their recent assessments, the table below illustrates the evolving sentiments in the past 30 days and compares them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts' evaluations of 12-month price targets offer additional insights, showcasing an average target of $15.7, with a high estimate of $19.00 and a low estimate of $14.00. Experiencing a 4.33% decline, the current average is now lower than the previous average price target of $16.41. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1746194412_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis</h2>
The perception of Wendy's by financial experts is analyzed through recent analyst actions. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$14.00</td>
<td>$14.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dennis Geiger</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$14.00</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeffrey Bernstein</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$14.00</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Bartlett</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$19.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris O'Cull</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$14.00</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Tower</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$16.50</td>
<td>$15.50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dennis Geiger</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeffrey Bernstein</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Setyan</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Charles</td>
<td>TD Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Logan Reich</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Ivankoe</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris O'Cull</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Bartlett</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$19.00</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeffrey Bernstein</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Setyan</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
<td>$15.50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christine Cho</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sell</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Wendy's. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Wendy's compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Wendy's's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Wendy's's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WEN/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Wendy's analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Unveiling the Story Behind Wendy's</h2>
The Wendy's Company is the second-largest burger quick-service restaurant, or QSR, chain in the United States by systemwide sales, with $12.6 billion in 2024, narrowly edging Burger King ($11.5 billion) and clocking in well behind wide-moat McDonald's ($51.1 billion). After divestitures of Tim Hortons (2006) and Arby's (2011), the firm manages just the burger banner, generating sales across a footprint that spanned more than 7,200 total stores in 30 countries as of year-end 2024. Wendy's generates revenue from the sale of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and fries throughout its company-owned footprint, through franchise royalty and marketing fund payments remitted by its franchisees, which account for roughly 94% of stores, and through franchise flipping and advisory fees.
<h3>Key Indicators: Wendy's's Financial Health</h3>
Market Capitalization Perspectives: The company's market capitalization falls below industry averages, signaling a relatively smaller size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as perceived growth potential or operational scale.
Revenue Growth: Over the 3M period, Wendy's showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 6.22% as of 31 December, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Discretionary sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Wendy's's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 8.27% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 18.3%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Wendy's's ROA is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.94%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: Wendy's's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 15.78. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.
<h2>The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know</h2>
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Assessing Wendy's: Insights From 22 Financial Analysts

Wendy&#8217;s Co (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/05/n45162133/the-wendys-company-reports-first-quarter-2025-results">reported a first-quarter</a> 2025 sales decline of 2.1% year-on-year to $523.47 million, missing the analyst consensus estimate of $525.41 million.
The decrease in total revenues resulted primarily from lower company-operated restaurant sales, lower advertising funds revenue and lower franchise royalty revenue.
Adjusted revenues decreased 1.6% to $423.1 million. Systemwide sales in the U.S. declined 2.6%, and International Jumped 8.9%. Global same-restaurant sales decreased 2.1%. U.S. company-operated restaurant margin was 14.8% versus 15.3% a year ago.
Operating income for the quarter rose 2.4% Y/Y to $83.1 million. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 2.6% Y/Y to $124.5 million. Adjusted EPS of 20 cents was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings">inline with the consensus</a> estimate. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45135213/mcdonalds-q1-revenue-decline-34-as-war-in-the-middle-east-bites-stock-dips">Middle-East Tensions And Consumer Uncertainty Bites McDonald&#8217;s Q1 Revenue</a>
At the end of March, the fast food franchise held $335.2 million in cash and equivalents. Operating cash flow for the quarter totaled $85.4 million, with a free cash flow of $68 million.
As of April 25, approximately $60 million remains available under the company&#8217;s existing share repurchase authorization that expires in February 2027.
The company declared its regular quarterly cash dividend to 14 cents per share, payable on June 16, to shareholders of record as of June 2, 2025.
"We continued to deliver for our customers during the first quarter. In the U.S. we held both traffic and dollar share in a challenging consumer environment, and in our International business we grew systemwide sales by 8.9%," said President and CEO&nbsp;Kirk Tanner.
Outlook: Wendy's lowered FY25 adjusted EPS outlook from 98 cents-$1.02 to 92 cents-98 cents.
WEN sees FY25 global systemwide sales growth of (-2.0%) – flat. The company expects FY25 adjusted EBITDA of $530 million –&nbsp;$545 million.
Price Action: Wendy&#8217;s shares traded higher by 0.24% at $12.46 at last check Friday.
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Image: Shutterstock

General

Wendy's Sizzles Abroad, But US Sales Leave Investors Cold

Wendy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) lowers FY2025 Adj EPS guidance from $0.98-$1.02 to $0.92-$0.98 vs $1.00 analyst estimate..

Guidance

Wendy's Lowers FY2025 Adj EPS Guidance from $0.98-$1.02 to $0.92-$0.98 vs $1.00 Est

Wendy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEN#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.20 per share which met the analyst consensus estimate. This is a 13.04 percent decrease over earnings of $0.23 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $523.47 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $525.41 million by 0.37 percent. This is a 2.11 percent decrease over sales of $534.75 million the same period last year.

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