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THE WENDY'S COMPANY REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2024 RESULTS

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Wendy's (WEN) reported Q3 2024 results showing mixed performance. Global systemwide sales grew 1.8% to $3.636 billion, with same-restaurant sales increasing 0.2%. Total revenues rose 2.9% to $566.7 million. However, operating profit declined 6.8% to $94.7 million, and net income decreased 13.4% to $50.2 million. The company maintained its U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin at 15.6%. During Q3, Wendy's opened 64 new restaurants globally and continued its share repurchase program, buying back 1.5 million shares for $25.2 million. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share.

Wendy's (WEN) ha riportato i risultati del terzo trimestre del 2024 mostrando una performance mista. Le vendite globali a livello di sistema sono cresciute dell'1,8% raggiungendo $3,636 miliardi, con un aumento delle vendite negli stessi ristoranti dello 0,2%. I ricavi totali sono aumentati del 2,9% arrivando a $566,7 milioni. Tuttavia, l'utile operativo è diminuito del 6,8% a $94,7 milioni, e il reddito netto è calato del 13,4% a $50,2 milioni. L'azienda ha mantenuto il margine dei ristoranti operati negli Stati Uniti al 15,6%. Durante il terzo trimestre, Wendy's ha aperto 64 nuovi ristoranti a livello globale e ha continuato il suo programma di riacquisto di azioni, riacquistando 1,5 milioni di azioni per $25,2 milioni. L'azienda ha dichiarato un dividendo trimestrale di $0,25 per azione.

Wendy's (WEN) reportó resultados del tercer trimestre de 2024 mostrando un rendimiento mixto. Las ventas globales en todo el sistema crecieron un 1.8% alcanzando $3.636 millones, con un aumento del 0.2% en las ventas de restaurantes comparables. Los ingresos totales aumentaron un 2.9% hasta $566.7 millones. Sin embargo, el beneficio operativo disminuyó un 6.8% a $94.7 millones, y el ingreso neto cayó un 13.4% a $50.2 millones. La empresa mantuvo su margen de restaurantes operados en EE. UU. en 15.6%. Durante el tercer trimestre, Wendy's abrió 64 nuevos restaurantes a nivel global y continuó con su programa de recompra de acciones, recomprando 1.5 millones de acciones por $25.2 millones. La compañía declaró un dividendo trimestral de $0.25 por acción.

Wendy's (WEN)는 2024년 3분기 실적을 발표하며 혼재된 성과를 보였습니다. 전 세계 시스템 매출은 1.8% 증가하여 36억 3,600만 달러에 달했으며, 같은 매장 매출은 0.2% 증가했습니다. 총 수익은 2.9% 증가하여 5억 6,670만 달러에 달했습니다. 그러나 운영 이익은 6.8% 감소하여 9,470만 달러에 달했으며, 순이익은 13.4% 감소하여 5,020만 달러에 달했습니다. 회사는 미국 자회사 운영 레스토랑의 마진을 15.6%로 유지했습니다. 3분기 동안 Wendy's는 전 세계적으로 64개의 새로운 레스토랑을 열었으며, 150만 주를 2,520만 달러에 매입하며 자사주 매입 프로그램을 계속 진행했습니다. 회사는 주당 0.25 달러의 분기 배당금을 선언했습니다.

Wendy's (WEN) a publié les résultats du troisième trimestre 2024 montrant une performance mitigée. Les ventes mondiales dans l'ensemble du système ont augmenté de 1,8 % pour atteindre 3,636 milliards de dollars, avec une augmentation de 0,2 % des ventes dans les mêmes restaurants. Les revenus totaux ont augmenté de 2,9 % pour atteindre 566,7 millions de dollars. Cependant, le bénéfice d'exploitation a diminué de 6,8 % à 94,7 millions de dollars, et le revenu net a chuté de 13,4 % à 50,2 millions de dollars. L'entreprise a maintenu sa marge des restaurants opérationnels aux États-Unis à 15,6 %. Au cours du troisième trimestre, Wendy's a ouvert 64 nouveaux restaurants dans le monde et a poursuivi son programme de rachat d'actions, rachetant 1,5 million d'actions pour 25,2 millions de dollars. La société a déclaré un dividende trimestriel de 0,25 $ par action.

Wendy's (WEN) hat die Ergebnisse des dritten Quartals 2024 veröffentlicht, die eine gemischte Leistung zeigen. Die globalen Systemumsätze stiegen um 1,8% auf 3,636 Milliarden Dollar, während die Same-Restaurant-Umsätze um 0,2% zunahmen. Die Gesamterlöse stiegen um 2,9% auf 566,7 Millionen Dollar. Allerdings sank der Betriebsgewinn um 6,8% auf 94,7 Millionen Dollar, und der Nettogewinn verringerte sich um 13,4% auf 50,2 Millionen Dollar. Das Unternehmen hielt seine Rentabilität der in den USA betriebenen Restaurants bei 15,6%. Im dritten Quartal eröffnete Wendy's weltweit 64 neue Restaurants und setzte sein Aktienrückkaufprogramm fort, indem es 1,5 Millionen Aktien für 25,2 Millionen Dollar zurückkaufte. Das Unternehmen gab eine vierteljährliche Dividende von 0,25 Dollar pro Aktie bekannt.

Positive
  • Global systemwide sales increased 1.8% to $3.636 billion
  • Total revenues grew 2.9% to $566.7 million
  • Maintained U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin at 15.6%
  • Free cash flow improved 3.4% to $234.1 million year-to-date
Negative
  • Operating profit decreased 6.8% to $94.7 million
  • Net income declined 13.4% to $50.2 million
  • Adjusted EBITDA fell 2.9% to $135.2 million
  • U.S. same-restaurant sales growth slowed to 0.2% from 2.2% in prior year
  • General and administrative expenses increased 5.9% to $62.8 million

Insights

Wendy's Q3 2024 results reveal concerning trends with significant deceleration in growth. Global same-restaurant sales grew just 0.2%, a sharp decline from 2.8% in Q3 2023. Operating profit decreased by 6.8% to $94.7 million, while net income fell 13.4% to $50.2 million.

Key metrics show operational challenges:

  • U.S. same-store sales nearly flat at 0.2%
  • International growth slowed dramatically to 0.7% from 7.8%
  • Net restaurant count growth weakening with U.S. showing net closures
The company's share repurchase program and stable $0.25 quarterly dividend provide some shareholder support, but declining profitability metrics and slowing growth raise concerns about long-term performance.

The QSR sector faces significant headwinds as reflected in Wendy's performance. While maintaining market share in the burger category, the company's growth strategy through digital platforms and daypart expansion hasn't delivered substantial results. The 89% global reimaging completion suggests room for store-level improvements to drive growth.

Concerning indicators include:

  • Declining customer counts in company-operated restaurants
  • Slowing international expansion momentum
  • Heavy reliance on price increases rather than traffic growth
The competitive landscape appears to be intensifying, with value offerings becoming increasingly critical for maintaining market position.

DUBLIN, Ohio, Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) today reported unaudited results for the third quarter ended September 29, 2024.

"Wendy's restaurants continued to deliver sales growth during the third quarter, maintaining overall traffic and dollar share in the QSR burger category," said Kirk Tanner, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We continued to strengthen the relationship with our customers through our digital and loyalty platforms while driving growth for the breakfast and late-night dayparts. We expect to build on this progress into the close of this year with exciting new programming to showcase our craveable core, impactful innovation, and relevant value offerings."

Third Quarter 2024 Summary
See "Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the reconciliation tables that accompany this release for a discussion and reconciliation of certain non-GAAP financial measures included in this release.

Operational Highlights

Third Quarter


Year-to-Date


2023


2024


2023


2024









Systemwide Sales Growth(1)








U.S.

3.6 %


0.9 %


6.0 %


1.4 %

International(2)

13.6 %


7.7 %


15.6 %


8.3 %

Global

4.8 %


1.8 %


7.2 %


2.3 %









Same-Restaurant Sales Growth(1)








U.S.

2.2 %


0.2 %


4.7 %


0.5 %

International(2)

7.8 %


0.7 %


9.4 %


2.1 %

Global

2.8 %


0.2 %


5.2 %


0.7 %









Systemwide Sales (In US$ Millions)(3)








U.S.

$3,113


$3,141


$9,242


$9,375

International(2)

$467


$495


$1,347


$1,439

Global

$3,580


$3,636


$10,589


$10,813









Restaurant Openings








U.S. - Total / Net

27 / 17


22 / (2)


66 / 16


65 / (19)

International - Total / Net

45 / 34


42 / 33


86 / 55


98 / 71

Global - Total / Net

72 / 51


64 / 31


152 / 71


163 / 52









Quarter End Restaurant Count








U.S.





6,010


6,011

International





1,156


1,281

Global





7,166


7,292









Global Reimaging Completion Percentage





83 %


89 %









(1) Systemwide sales growth and same-restaurant sales growth are calculated on a constant currency basis and include sales by both Company-operated and franchise restaurants.

(2) Excludes Argentina.

(3) Systemwide sales include sales at both Company-operated and franchise restaurants.

 

Financial Highlights

Third Quarter


Year-to-Date


2023


2024


B / (W)


2023


2024


B / (W)













($ In Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)


(Unaudited)













Total Revenues

$   550.6


$   566.7


2.9 %


$ 1,640.9


$ 1,672.2


1.9 %

Adjusted Revenues(1)

$   441.6


$   443.6


0.5 %


$ 1,320.8


$ 1,329.1


0.6 %

U.S. Company-Operated Restaurant Margin

15.6 %


15.6 %


— %


15.9 %


15.8 %


(0.1) %

General and Administrative Expense

$     59.3


$     62.8


(5.9) %


$   184.3


$   188.0


(2.0) %

Operating Profit

$   101.6


$     94.7


(6.8) %


$   295.4


$   275.3


(6.8) %

Reported Effective Tax Rate

25.5 %


27.9 %


(2.4) %


25.8 %


27.3 %


(1.5) %

Net Income

$     58.0


$     50.2


(13.4) %


$   157.5


$   146.9


(6.7) %

Adjusted EBITDA

$   139.2


$   135.2


(2.9) %


$   409.3


$   406.1


(0.8) %

Reported Diluted Earnings Per Share

$     0.28


$     0.25


(10.7) %


$     0.74


$     0.71


(4.1) %

Adjusted Earnings Per Share

$     0.27


$     0.25


(7.4) %


$     0.76


$     0.75


(1.3) %

Cash Flows from Operations







$   269.5


$   286.7


6.4 %

Capital Expenditures







$   (55.7)


$   (52.4)


6.0 %

Free Cash Flow(2)







$   226.4


$   234.1


3.4 %













(1) Total revenues less advertising funds revenue.

(2) Cash flows from operations minus capital expenditures and the impact of our advertising funds.

Third Quarter Financial Highlights

Total Revenues

The increase in revenues resulted primarily from an increase in advertising funds revenue, an increase in franchise royalty revenue, and an increase in franchise fees. These were partially offset by lower Company-operated restaurant sales.

U.S. Company-Operated Restaurant Margin

U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin remained flat to the prior year. The impact of a higher average check and labor efficiencies was offset by labor rate inflation and customer count declines.

General and Administrative Expense

The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily driven by an increase in employee compensation and benefits and an increase in professional fees. These were partially offset by a decrease in incentive compensation accruals.

Operating Profit

The decrease in operating profit resulted primarily from an increase in the Company's incremental investment in breakfast advertising, higher general and administrative expense, and higher depreciation. These were partially offset by higher franchise royalty revenue, higher other operating income, and higher franchise net rental income.

Net Income

The decrease in net income resulted primarily from a decrease in operating profit and a higher effective tax rate.

Adjusted EBITDA

The decrease in adjusted EBITDA resulted primarily from the Company's incremental investment in breakfast advertising and higher general administrative expense, partially offset by an increase in franchise royalty revenue, higher other operating income, and higher franchise net rental income.

Adjusted Earnings Per Share

The decrease in adjusted earnings per share was driven by a decrease in adjusted EBITDA, an increase in depreciation and a higher effective tax rate. These were partially offset by fewer shares outstanding as a result of the Company's share repurchase program.

Year to Date Free Cash Flow

The increase in free cash flow resulted primarily from a decrease in cash paid for cloud computing arrangements and a decrease in capital expenditures. These were partially offset by the Company's incremental investment in breakfast advertising.

Company Declares Quarterly Dividend
The Company announced today the declaration of its regular quarterly cash dividend of 25 cents per share. The dividend is payable on December 16, 2024, to shareholders of record as of December 2, 2024. The number of common shares outstanding as of October 24, 2024 was approximately 203.8 million.

Share Repurchases
The Company repurchased 1.5 million shares for $25.2 million in the third quarter of 2024. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company has repurchased 0.2 million shares for $2.7 million through October 24. As of October 24, approximately $247.7 million remains available under the Company's existing share repurchase authorization that expires in February 2027.

2024 Outlook       
This release includes forward-looking projections for certain non-GAAP financial measures, including systemwide sales, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow. The Company excludes certain expenses and benefits from adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow, such as the impact from our advertising funds, including the net change in the restricted operating assets and liabilities and any excess or deficit of advertising fund revenues over advertising fund expenses, impairment of long-lived assets, reorganization and realignment costs, system optimization gains, net, amortization of cloud computing arrangements, gain on early extinguishment of debt, net, and the timing and resolution of certain tax matters. Due to the uncertainty and variability of the nature and amount of those expenses and benefits, the Company is unable without unreasonable effort to provide projections of net income, earnings per share or net cash provided by operating activities, or a reconciliation of those projected measures.

During 2024 the Company Now Expects:

  • Global systemwide sales growth: ~3 percent
  • Adjusted earnings per share: $0.99 to $1.01

In Addition, the Company Continues to Expect:

  • Adjusted EBITDA: $535 to $545 million
  • Cash flows from operations: $365 to $385 million
  • Capital expenditures: $90 to $100 million
  • Free cash flow: $275 to $285 million

Conference Call and Webcast Scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Today, October 31
The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, October 31 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 are now available on the Company's Investor Relations website. The live conference call will be available by telephone at (844) 200-6205 for domestic callers and (929) 526-1599 for international callers, both using event ID 838590. An archived webcast and presentation materials will be available on the Company's Investor Relations website.

Company to Host Investor Day on March 5, 2025
The Company announced it will host an Investor Day on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Due to limited capacity, attendance will be by invitation only. Additional details will be provided at a later date. The event will be accessible to all interested parties via live webcast from the Company's Investor Relations website at www.irwendys.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains certain statements that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act").  Generally, forward-looking statements include the words "may," "believes," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimate," "goal," "upcoming," "outlook," "guidance" or the negation thereof, or similar expressions.  In addition, all statements that address future operating, financial or business performance, strategies or initiatives, future efficiencies or savings, anticipated costs or charges, future capitalization, anticipated impacts of recent or pending investments or transactions and statements expressing general views about future results or brand health are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act.  Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's expectations at the time such statements are made, speak only as of the dates they are made and are susceptible to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. For all such forward-looking statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. The Company's actual results, performance and achievements may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Company's forward-looking statements.

Many important factors could affect the Company's future results and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the Company's forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) the impact of competition or poor customer experiences at Wendy's restaurants; (2) adverse economic conditions or disruptions, including in regions with a high concentration of Wendy's restaurants; (3) changes in discretionary consumer spending and consumer tastes and preferences; (4) the disruption to the Company's business from COVID-19 and its impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition and prospects; (5) impacts to the Company's corporate reputation or the value and perception of the Company's brand; (6) the effectiveness of the Company's marketing and advertising programs and new product development; (7) the Company's ability to manage the impact of social media; (8) the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property; (9) food safety events or health concerns involving the Company's products; (10) our ability to deliver accelerated global sales growth and achieve or maintain market share across our dayparts; (11) the Company's ability to achieve its growth strategy through new restaurant development and its Image Activation program; (12) the Company's ability to effectively manage the acquisition and disposition of restaurants or successfully implement other strategic initiatives; (13) risks associated with leasing and owning significant amounts of real estate, including environmental matters; (14) risks associated with the Company's international operations, including the ability to execute its international growth strategy; (15) changes in commodity and other operating costs; (16) shortages or interruptions in the supply or distribution of the Company's products and other risks associated with the Company's independent supply chain purchasing co-op; (17) the impact of increased labor costs or labor shortages; (18) the continued succession and retention of key personnel and the effectiveness of the Company's leadership and organizational structure; (19) risks associated with the Company's digital commerce strategy, platforms and technologies, including its ability to adapt to changes in industry trends and consumer preferences; (20) the Company's dependence on computer systems and information technology, including risks associated with the failure or interruption of its systems or technology or the occurrence of cyber incidents or deficiencies; (21) risks associated with the Company's securitized financing facility and other debt agreements, including compliance with operational and financial covenants, restrictions on its ability to raise additional capital, the impact of its overall debt levels and the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its debt service obligations and operate its business; (22) risks associated with the Company's capital allocation policy, including the amount and timing of equity and debt repurchases and dividend payments; (23) risks associated with complaints and litigation, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and an increased focus on environmental, social and governance issues; (24) risks associated with the availability and cost of insurance, changes in accounting standards, the recognition of impairment or other charges, changes in tax rates or tax laws and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (25) conditions beyond the Company's control, such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, hostilities, social unrest, health epidemics or pandemics or other catastrophic events; and (26) other risks and uncertainties cited in the Company's releases, public statements and/or filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those identified in the "Risk Factors" sections of the Company's Forms 10-K and 10-Q.

In addition to the factors described above, there are risks associated with the Company's predominantly franchised business model that could impact its results, performance and achievements. Such risks include the Company's ability to identify, attract and retain experienced and qualified franchisees, the Company's ability to effectively manage the transfer of restaurants between and among franchisees, the business and financial health of franchisees, the ability of franchisees to meet their royalty, advertising, development, reimaging and other commitments, participation by franchisees in brand strategies and the fact that franchisees are independent third parties that own, operate and are responsible for overseeing the operations of their restaurants.  The Company's predominantly franchised business model may also impact the ability of the Wendy's system to effectively respond and adapt to market changes.

All future written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to above. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and factors that the Company currently deems immaterial may become material, and it is impossible for the Company to predict these events or how they may affect the Company.

The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this release as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by federal securities laws, although the Company may do so from time to time. The Company does not endorse any projections regarding future performance that may be made by third parties.

There can be no assurance that any additional regular quarterly cash dividends will be declared or paid after the date hereof, or of the amount or timing of such dividends, if any. Future dividend payments, if any, are subject to applicable law, will be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be based on factors such as the Company's earnings, financial condition and cash requirements and other factors.

Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to the financial measures presented in this release in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), the Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures in this release, including adjusted revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow and systemwide sales.

The Company uses adjusted revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and systemwide sales as internal measures of business operating performance and as performance measures for benchmarking against the Company's peers and competitors. Adjusted EBITDA and systemwide sales are also used by the Company in establishing performance goals for purposes of executive compensation. The Company believes its presentation of adjusted revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and systemwide sales provides a meaningful perspective of the underlying operating performance of our current business and enables investors to better understand and evaluate our historical and prospective operating performance. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures are important supplemental measures of operating performance because they eliminate items that vary from period to period without correlation to our core operating performance and highlight trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on GAAP financial measures. Due to the nature and/or size of the items being excluded, such items do not reflect future gains, losses, expenses or benefits and are not indicative of our future operating performance. The Company believes investors, analysts and other interested parties use adjusted revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and systemwide sales in evaluating issuers, and the presentation of these measures facilitates a comparative assessment of the Company's operating performance in addition to the Company's performance based on GAAP results.

This release also includes disclosure regarding the Company's free cash flow. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that is used by the Company as an internal measure of liquidity.  Free cash flow is also used by the Company in establishing performance goals for purposes of executive compensation. The Company defines free cash flow as cash flows from operations minus (i) capital expenditures and (ii) the net change in the restricted operating assets and liabilities of the advertising funds and any excess/deficit of advertising funds revenue over advertising funds expense included in net income, as reported under GAAP.  The impact of our advertising funds is excluded because the funds are used solely for advertising and are not available for the Company's working capital needs. The Company may also make additional adjustments for certain non-recurring or unusual items to the extent identified in the reconciliation tables that accompany this release. The Company believes free cash flow is an important liquidity measure for investors and other interested persons because it communicates how much cash flow is available for working capital needs or to be used for repurchasing shares, paying dividends, repaying or refinancing debt, financing possible acquisitions or investments or other uses of cash.

Adjusted revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow and systemwide sales are not recognized terms under GAAP, and the Company's presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures does not replace the presentation of the Company's financial results in accordance with GAAP. Because all companies do not calculate adjusted revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow and systemwide sales (and similarly titled financial measures) in the same way, those measures as used by other companies may not be consistent with the way the Company calculates such measures. The non-GAAP financial measures included in this release should not be construed as substitutes for or better indicators of the Company's performance than the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.  See the reconciliation tables that accompany this release for additional information regarding certain of the non-GAAP financial measures included herein.

Key Business Measures
The Company tracks its results of operations and manages its business using certain key business measures, including same-restaurant sales, systemwide sales and Company-operated restaurant margin, which are measures commonly used in the quick-service restaurant industry that are important to understanding Company performance.

Same-restaurant sales and systemwide sales each include sales by both Company-operated and franchise restaurants. The Company reports same-restaurant sales for new restaurants after they have been open for 15 continuous months and for reimaged restaurants as soon as they reopen. Restaurants temporarily closed for more than one fiscal week are excluded from same-restaurant sales.

Franchise restaurant sales are reported by our franchisees and represent their revenues from sales at franchised Wendy's restaurants. Sales by franchise restaurants are not recorded as Company revenues and are not included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. However, the Company's royalty revenues are computed as percentages of sales made by Wendy's franchisees and, as a result, sales by franchisees have a direct effect on the Company's royalty revenues and profitability.

Same-restaurant sales and systemwide sales exclude sales from Argentina due to the highly inflationary economy of that country.

The Company calculates same-restaurant sales and systemwide sales growth on a constant currency basis. Constant currency results exclude the impact of foreign currency translation and are derived by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. The Company believes excluding the impact of foreign currency translation provides better year over year comparability.

U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin is defined as sales from U.S. Company-operated restaurants less cost of sales divided by sales from U.S. Company-operated restaurants. Cost of sales includes food and paper, restaurant labor and occupancy, advertising and other operating costs. Cost of sales excludes certain costs that support restaurant operations that are not allocated to individual restaurants, which are included in "General and administrative." Cost of sales also excludes depreciation and amortization expense and impairment of long-lived assets. Therefore, as restaurant margin as presented excludes certain costs as described above, its usefulness may be limited and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies in our industry.

About Wendy's
Wendy's® was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Dave built his business on the premise, "Quality is our Recipe®," which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's system. Wendy's is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef*, freshly-prepared salads, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty® dessert. The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) is committed to doing the right thing and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is most visible through the Company's support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® and its signature Wendy's Wonderful Kids® program, which seeks to find a loving, forever home for every child waiting to be adopted from the North American foster care system. Today, Wendy's and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across over 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world's most thriving and beloved restaurant brand. For details on franchising, connect with us at www.wendys.com/franchising. Visit www.wendys.com and www.squaredealblog.com for more information and connect with us on X and Instagram using @wendys, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wendys.

*Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and Canada.

Investor Contact:
Aaron Broholm
Head of Investor Relations
(614) 764-3345; aaron.broholm@wendys.com

Media Contact:
Heidi Schauer
Vice President – Communications, Public Affairs & Customer Care
(614) 764-3368; heidi.schauer@wendys.com

 

The Wendy's Company and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Three and Nine Month Periods Ended October 1, 2023 and September 29, 2024

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 


Three Months Ended


Nine Months Ended


2023


2024


2023


2024

Revenues:








Sales

$            234,721


$            230,403


$            703,358


$            693,081

Franchise royalty revenue

130,088


132,601


384,366


394,599

Franchise fees

19,257


21,267


59,704


63,439

Franchise rental income

57,567


59,314


173,407


177,938

Advertising funds revenue

108,922


123,154


320,092


343,162


550,555


566,739


1,640,927


1,672,219

Costs and expenses:








Cost of sales

199,522


195,638


597,068


587,637

Franchise support and other costs

14,806


16,047


41,853


47,011

Franchise rental expense

31,876


32,237


94,901


96,405

Advertising funds expense

107,895


129,732


319,174


357,923

General and administrative

59,288


62,794


184,306


188,047

Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of cloud computing 
     arrangements shown separately below)

34,288


36,996


101,258


110,006

Amortization of cloud computing arrangements

3,844


3,576


7,692


10,637

System optimization gains, net

(120)


(420)


(119)


(573)

Reorganization and realignment costs

611


354


8,100


8,479

Impairment of long-lived assets

59


178


513


2,873

Other operating income, net

(3,117)


(5,068)


(9,174)


(11,564)


448,952


472,064


1,345,572


1,396,881

Operating profit

101,603


94,675


295,355


275,338

Interest expense, net

(30,957)


(31,270)


(93,798)


(92,800)

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

(319)



(1,585)


Investment (loss) income, net



(10,389)


11

Other income, net

7,637


6,246


22,546


19,382

Income before income taxes

77,964


69,651


212,129


201,931

Provision for income taxes

(19,915)


(19,427)


(54,627)


(55,071)

Net income

$              58,049


$              50,224


$            157,502


$            146,860









Net income per share:








Basic

$                     .28


$                     .25


$                     .75


$                     .72

Diluted

.28


.25


.74


.71









Number of shares used to calculate basic income per share

208,834


203,264


210,668


204,518









Number of shares used to calculate diluted income per share

210,602


204,254


212,853


205,803

 

The Wendy's Company and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31, 2023 and September 29, 2024

(In Thousands Except Par Value)

(Unaudited)

 


December 31,
2023


September 29,
2024

ASSETS




Current assets:




Cash and cash equivalents

$            516,037


$            482,224

Restricted cash

35,848


35,180

Accounts and notes receivable, net

121,683


111,413

Inventories

6,690


6,251

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

39,640


32,816

Advertising funds restricted assets

117,755


115,329

Total current assets

837,653


783,213

Properties

891,080


894,200

Finance lease assets

228,936


235,780

Operating lease assets

705,615


686,286

Goodwill

773,727


773,187

Other intangible assets

1,219,129


1,199,413

Investments

34,445


31,758

Net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases

313,664


285,711

Other assets

178,577


183,675

Total assets

$         5,182,826


$         5,073,223





LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY




Current liabilities:




Current portion of long-term debt

$              29,250


$              29,250

Current portion of finance lease liabilities

20,250


21,952

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

49,353


50,578

Accounts payable

27,370


29,047

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

135,149


128,734

Advertising funds restricted liabilities

120,558


113,511

Total current liabilities

381,930


373,072

Long-term debt

2,732,814


2,716,486

Long-term finance lease liabilities

568,767


567,242

Long-term operating lease liabilities

739,340


712,570

Deferred income taxes

270,353


270,089

Deferred franchise fees

90,132


89,300

Other liabilities

89,711


84,611

Total liabilities

4,873,047


4,813,370

Commitments and contingencies




Stockholders' equity:




Common stock, $0.10 par value; 1,500,000 shares authorized; 470,424 shares

    issued; 205,397 and 203,089 shares outstanding, respectively

47,042


47,042

Additional paid-in capital

2,960,035


2,967,927

Retained earnings

409,863


403,259

Common stock held in treasury, at cost; 265,027 and 267,335 shares, respectively

(3,048,786)


(3,097,785)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(58,375)


(60,590)

Total stockholders' equity

309,779


259,853

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$         5,182,826


$         5,073,223

 

The Wendy's Company and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Month Periods Ended October 1, 2023 and September 29, 2024

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 


Nine Months Ended


2023


2024

Cash flows from operating activities:




Net income

$            157,502


$            146,860

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:




Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of

cloud computing arrangements shown separately below)

101,258


110,006

Amortization of cloud computing arrangements

7,692


10,637

Share-based compensation

16,769


18,491

Impairment of long-lived assets

513


2,873

Deferred income tax

(502)


(465)

Non-cash rental expense, net

30,724


31,973

Change in operating lease liabilities

(35,319)


(36,461)

Net receipt of deferred vendor incentives

4,007


1,449

System optimization (gains), net

(119)


(573)

Distributions received from joint ventures, net of equity in earnings

1,349


2,055

Long-term debt-related activities, net

7,310


5,609

Cloud computing arrangements expenditures

(25,154)


(10,583)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other, net

3,495


4,810

Net cash provided by operating activities

269,525


286,681

Cash flows from investing activities:




Capital expenditures

(55,689)


(52,361)

Franchise development fund

(1,947)


(21,040)

Dispositions

280


3,222

Notes receivable, net

1,825


1,383

Net cash used in investing activities

(55,531)


(68,796)

Cash flows from financing activities:




Repayments of long-term debt

(61,280)


(21,937)

Repayments of finance lease liabilities

(16,947)


(15,421)

Repurchases of common stock

(142,413)


(60,056)

Dividends

(157,871)


(153,411)

Proceeds from stock option exercises

9,113


4,651

Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

(3,827)


(4,395)

Net cash used in financing activities

(373,225)


(250,569)

Net cash used in operations before effect of exchange rate

changes on cash

(159,231)


(32,684)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

307


(1,603)

Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(158,924)


(34,287)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

831,801


588,816

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$            672,877


$            554,529

 

The Wendy's Company and Subsidiaries

Reconciliations of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Revenues to Adjusted Revenues

Three and Nine Month Periods Ended October 1, 2023 and September 29, 2024

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 


Three Months Ended


Nine Months Ended


2023


2024


2023


2024









Net income

$              58,049


$              50,224


$            157,502


$            146,860

Provision for income taxes

19,915


19,427


54,627


55,071

Income before income taxes

77,964


69,651


212,129


201,931

Other income, net

(7,637)


(6,246)


(22,546)


(19,382)

Investment loss (income), net



10,389


(11)

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

319



1,585


Interest expense, net

30,957


31,270


93,798


92,800

Operating profit

101,603


94,675


295,355


275,338

Plus (less):








Advertising funds revenue

(108,922)


(123,154)


(320,092)


(343,162)

Advertising funds expense (a)

107,834


122,963


316,583


342,510

Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of cloud computing
     arrangements shown separately below)

34,288


36,996


101,258


110,006

Amortization of cloud computing arrangements

3,844


3,576


7,692


10,637

System optimization gains, net

(120)


(420)


(119)


(573)

Reorganization and realignment costs

611


354


8,100


8,479

Impairment of long-lived assets

59


178


513


2,873

Adjusted EBITDA

$            139,197


$            135,168


$            409,290


$            406,108









Revenues

$            550,555


$            566,739


$        1,640,927


$         1,672,219

Less:








Advertising funds revenue

(108,922)


(123,154)


(320,092)


(343,162)

Adjusted revenues

$            441,633


$            443,585


$        1,320,835


$         1,329,057



(a)   

Excludes advertising funds expense of $596 and $1,802 for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023, respectively, and $6,599 and $14,773 for the three and nine months ended and September 29, 2024, respectively, related to the Company's funding of incremental advertising. In addition, excludes other international-related advertising surplus (deficit) of $535 and $(789) for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023, respectively, and $(170) and $(640) for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, respectively.

 

The Wendy's Company and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Net Income and Diluted Earnings Per Share to

Adjusted Income and Adjusted Earnings Per Share

Three and Nine Month Periods Ended October 1, 2023 and September 29, 2024

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 


Three Months Ended


Nine Months Ended


2023


2024


2023


2024









Net income

$              58,049


$              50,224


$            157,502


$            146,860

Plus (less):








Advertising funds revenue

(108,922)


(123,154)


(320,092)


(343,162)

Advertising funds expense (a)

107,834


122,963


316,583


342,510

System optimization gains, net

(120)


(420)


(119)


(573)

Reorganization and realignment costs

611


354


8,100


8,479

Impairment of long-lived assets

59


178


513


2,873

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

319



1,585


Total adjustments

(219)


(79)


6,570


10,127

Income tax impact on adjustments (b)

(187)


(5)


(2,272)


(2,253)

Total adjustments, net of income taxes

(406)


(84)


4,298


7,874

Adjusted income

$              57,643


$              50,140


$            161,800


$            154,734









Diluted earnings per share

$                     .28


$                     .25


$                     .74


$                     .71

Total adjustments per share, net of income taxes

(.01)



.02


.04

Adjusted earnings per share

$                     .27


$                     .25


$                     .76


$                     .75

 

(a)   

Excludes advertising funds expense of $596 and $1,802 for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023, respectively, and $6,599 and $14,773 for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, respectively, related to the Company's funding of incremental advertising. In addition, excludes other international-related advertising surplus (deficit) of $535 and $(789) for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023, respectively, and $(170) and $(640) for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, respectively.



(b) 

Adjustments relate to the tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments, which were determined based on the nature of the underlying non-GAAP adjustments and their relevant jurisdictional tax rates.

 

The Wendy's Company and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow

Nine Month Periods Ended October 1, 2023 and September 29, 2024

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 


Nine Months Ended


2023


2024

Net cash provided by operating activities

$            269,525


$            286,681

Plus (less):




Capital expenditures

(55,689)


(52,361)

Advertising funds impact (a)

12,613


(244)

Free cash flow

$            226,449


$            234,076



(a)   

Represents the net change in the restricted operating assets and liabilities of our advertising funds, which is included in "Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other, net," and the excess of advertising funds expense over advertising funds revenue, which is included in "Net income."

 

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SOURCE The Wendy’s Company

FAQ

What was Wendy's (WEN) revenue growth in Q3 2024?

Wendy's total revenues grew 2.9% to $566.7 million in Q3 2024.

How many new restaurants did Wendy's (WEN) open in Q3 2024?

Wendy's opened 64 new restaurants globally in Q3 2024, with a net addition of 31 locations.

What was Wendy's (WEN) quarterly dividend for Q3 2024?

Wendy's declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on December 16, 2024.

How much did Wendy's (WEN) spend on share repurchases in Q3 2024?

Wendy's repurchased 1.5 million shares for $25.2 million in Q3 2024.

The Wendy's Company

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