Profit pressure builds at Wendy’s (NASDAQ: WEN) as U.S. traffic falls
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
10-Q
The Wendy’s Company reported softer results for the first quarter of 2026. Revenue rose to $540.6 million from $523.5 million, helped by acquired franchise restaurants, higher franchise fees and more advertising revenue. However, global same-restaurant sales fell 6.8%, with U.S. same-restaurant sales down 7.8%, as traffic declined despite higher average check.
Operating profit dropped to $64.9 million from $83.1 million, and income before income taxes fell 37.8% to $34.2 million. Net income declined to $22.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared with $39.2 million, or $0.19 per share, a year earlier. Company-operated restaurant margin contracted to 10.8%, mainly from higher labor and commodity costs and lower traffic.
Global systemwide sales were $3.22 billion, down 5.5% on a constant currency basis, while international systemwide sales grew 6.0% on the same basis. Digital sales increased to about 23.6% of global systemwide sales, and the system ended the quarter with 7,251 restaurants, a net decrease of 146 units.
Positive
- China growth agreement: The company entered a franchise agreement to build up to 1,000 restaurants in China over 10 years, creating a large new international growth path alongside current international systemwide sales of $518.0 million in the quarter, up 6.0% on a constant-currency basis.
Negative
- Sharp profit and traffic deterioration: Global same-restaurant sales declined 6.8% (U.S. down 7.8%), Company-operated restaurant margin fell to 10.8% from 14.3%, and income before income taxes dropped 37.8% to $34.2 million, materially pressuring earnings.
Insights
Wendy’s posted higher revenue but meaningfully weaker traffic, margins and profit.
Wendy’s grew quarterly revenue to $540.6M, but global same-restaurant sales declined 6.8%, with U.S. same-restaurant sales down 7.8%. Lower traffic, combined with higher labor and commodity costs, compressed Company-operated restaurant margin to 10.8% from 14.3%.
Income before income taxes dropped to $34.2M from $54.9M, while net income fell to $22.7M, or $0.12 per diluted share. Global systemwide sales slipped 5.5% on a constant-currency basis to $3.22B, driven mainly by U.S. weakness, even as international systemwide sales grew 6.0%.
Management highlighted progress in digital, with digital sales reaching 23.6% of global systemwide sales versus 20.3% a year earlier. The company also announced a franchise agreement to build up to 1,000 restaurants in China over the next 10 years, which could be significant over time, though near-term results remain pressured by U.S. traffic and margin headwinds.
Key Figures
Revenue: $540.6M
Income before income taxes: $34.2M
Net income: $22.7M
+5 more
8 metrics
Revenue
$540.6M
Total revenues, Q1 2026 vs $523.5M in Q1 2025
Income before income taxes
$34.2M
Q1 2026, down from $54.9M in Q1 2025
Net income
$22.7M
Q1 2026 net income vs $39.2M a year earlier
Diluted EPS
$0.12
Q1 2026 diluted net income per share vs $0.19 in Q1 2025
Global same-restaurant sales change
-6.8%
Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025 constant-currency comparison
Global systemwide sales
$3.22B
Q1 2026, down 5.5% on a constant-currency basis
Company-operated restaurant margin
10.8%
Global margin Q1 2026 vs 14.3% in Q1 2025
Digital sales mix
23.6%
Share of global systemwide sales in Q1 2026 vs 20.3% prior year
Key Terms
systemwide sales, same-restaurant sales, segment adjusted EBITDA, highly inflationary economy, +1 more
5 terms
systemwide sales financial
"Global systemwide sales were $3.22 billion in the first quarter of 2026 compared with $3.39 billion in the first quarter of 2025"
Systemwide sales are the combined revenue generated by all locations and channels that operate under a brand, including both company-owned outlets and franchised or independently operated sites. For investors, this is like looking at a chain’s entire footprint to see whether the business is expanding or shrinking overall, offering a clearer picture of demand and growth potential than revenue from just the corporate-owned portion alone.
same-restaurant sales financial
"Global same-restaurant sales decreased 6.8%, U.S. same-restaurant sales decreased 7.8% and international same-restaurant sales decreased 0.4%"
Same-restaurant sales measure how revenue from locations open for a full prior period compares to revenue from those same locations in the current period, isolating performance at existing stores rather than growth from new ones. Investors care because it reveals whether a business is selling more to the same customers or improving pricing and efficiency—like checking whether a bakery is selling more loaves at the same shops rather than just opening more bakeries—and helps judge organic growth and management execution.
segment adjusted EBITDA financial
"The Company measures segment profit using segment adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”)."
Segment adjusted EBITDA is a measure of how much profit a specific part of a company generates from its everyday operations, before counting interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and one‑off items. Investors use it like checking the fuel efficiency of one car in a fleet: it helps compare which business lines truly earn money, evaluate trend performance, and decide where to invest or cut costs without distortions from financing or accounting choices.
highly inflationary economy financial
"Same-restaurant sales and systemwide sales exclude sales from Argentina due to that country’s highly inflationary economy."
Organizational Redesign Plan financial
"In February 2023, the Board of Directors approved a plan to redesign the Company’s organizational structure (the “Organizational Redesign Plan”)."
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||||||
For the quarterly period ended March 29, 2026
or
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||||||
For the transition period from ______________ to _______________
Commission file number: 1-2207
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
(614 ) 764-3100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | |||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | |||||||||
| Emerging growth company | |||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
There were 190,480,640 shares of The Wendy’s Company common stock outstanding as of May 1, 2026.
THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
| Page | |||||
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |||||
Item 1. Financial Statements | 4 | ||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 29, 2026 and December 28, 2025 | 4 | ||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025 | 5 | ||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025 | 6 | ||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025 | 7 | ||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025 | 8 | ||||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 9 | ||||
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 25 | ||||
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 37 | ||||
Item 4. Controls and Procedures | 37 | ||||
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION | 38 | ||||
Item 1. Legal Proceedings | 40 | ||||
Item 1A. Risk Factors | 40 | ||||
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 40 | ||||
Item 6. Exhibits | 41 | ||||
Signatures | 42 | ||||
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands Except Par Value)
| March 29, 2026 | December 28, 2025 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Restricted cash | |||||||||||
| Accounts and notes receivable, net | |||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |||||||||||
| Advertising funds restricted assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Properties | |||||||||||
| Finance lease assets | |||||||||||
| Operating lease assets | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Other intangible assets | |||||||||||
| Investments | |||||||||||
| Net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Current portion of finance lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | |||||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Advertising funds restricted liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Long-term finance lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Deferred franchise fees | |||||||||||
| Other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
Common stock, $ | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Retained earnings | |||||||||||
Common stock held in treasury, at cost; | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalty revenue and fees | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rental income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising funds revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise support and other costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rental expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising funds expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of cloud computing arrangements shown separately below) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of cloud computing arrangements | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| System optimization (gains) losses, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reorganization and realignment costs | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment of long-lived assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating income, net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment loss, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands)
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In Thousands)
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Earnings | Common Stock Held in Treasury | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 28, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued upon vesting of restricted shares | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 29, 2026 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 29, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued upon exercises of stock options | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued upon vesting of restricted shares | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 30, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| 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) | |||||||||||
| Amortization of cloud computing arrangements | |||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | |||||||||||
| Impairment of long-lived assets | |||||||||||
| Deferred income tax | |||||||||||
| Non-cash rental expense, net | |||||||||||
| Change in operating lease liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net (recognition) receipt of deferred vendor incentives | ( | ||||||||||
| System optimization (gains) losses, net | ( | ||||||||||
| Distributions received from joint ventures, net of equity in earnings | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt-related activities, net | |||||||||||
| Cloud computing arrangements expenditures | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other, net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Franchise development fund | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Dispositions | |||||||||||
| Notes receivable, net | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Repayments of long-term debt | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Repayments of finance lease liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ||||||||||
| Dividends | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from stock option exercises | |||||||||||
| Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operations before effect of exchange rate changes on cash | ( | ||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | ( | ||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
(1) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) of The Wendy’s Company (“The Wendy’s Company” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, the Financial Statements contain all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary to present fairly our financial position as of March 29, 2026, the results of our operations for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025 and cash flows for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025. The results of operations for the three months ended March 29, 2026 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full 2026 fiscal year. The Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for The Wendy’s Company and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2025 (the “Form 10-K”).
The principal 100% owned subsidiary of the Company is Wendy’s International, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Wendy’s”). The Company manages and internally reports its business in the following segments: (1) Wendy’s U.S., (2) Wendy’s International and (3) Global Real Estate & Development. See Note 17 for further information.
We report on a fiscal year consisting of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Sunday closest to or on December 31. All three-month periods presented herein contain 13 weeks. All references to years, quarters and months relate to fiscal periods rather than calendar periods.
Our significant interim accounting policies include the recognition of advertising funds expense in proportion to advertising funds revenue.
(2) Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following tables disaggregate revenue by segment and source:
| Wendy’s U.S. | Wendy’s International | Global Real Estate & Development | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 29, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales at Company-operated restaurants | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalty revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fees | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rental income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising funds revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 30, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales at Company-operated restaurants | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalty revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fees | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rental income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising funds revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
Contract Balances
The following table provides information about receivables and contract liabilities (deferred franchise fees) from contracts with customers:
| March 29, 2026 (a) | December 28, 2025 (a) | ||||||||||
Receivables, which are included in “Accounts and notes receivable, net” (b) | $ | $ | |||||||||
Receivables, which are included in “Advertising funds restricted assets” | |||||||||||
| Deferred franchise fees (c) | |||||||||||
_______________
(a)Excludes funds collected from the sale of gift cards, which are primarily reimbursed to franchisees upon redemption at franchised restaurants and do not ultimately result in the recognition of revenue in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(b)Includes receivables related to “Sales” and “Franchise royalty revenue and fees.”
(c)Deferred franchise fees are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Deferred franchise fees” and totaled $9,759 and $84,426 , respectively, as of March 29, 2026, and $10,540 and $87,956 , respectively, as of December 28, 2025.
Significant changes in deferred franchise fees are as follows:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||
| Deferred franchise fees at beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
Revenue recognized during the period | ( | ( | |||||||||
| New deferrals due to cash received and other | |||||||||||
| Deferred franchise fees at end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
Anticipated Future Recognition of Deferred Franchise Fees
The following table reflects the estimated franchise fees to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied at the end of the period:
| Estimate for fiscal year: | |||||
| 2026 (a) | $ | ||||
| 2027 | |||||
| 2028 | |||||
| 2029 | |||||
| 2030 | |||||
| Thereafter | |||||
| $ | |||||
_______________
(a)Represents franchise fees expected to be recognized for the remainder of 2026, which includes development-related franchise fees expected to be recognized over a duration of one year or less.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
(3) Leases
Nature of Leases
The Company operates restaurants that are located on sites owned by us and sites leased by us from third parties. In addition, the Company owns sites and leases sites from third parties, which it leases and/or subleases to franchisees. The Company also leases restaurant, office and transportation equipment. As of March 29, 2026, the nature of restaurants operated by the Company and its franchisees was as follows:
| March 29, 2026 | |||||
| Company-operated restaurants: | |||||
| Owned land and building | |||||
| Owned building and held long-term land leases | |||||
| Leased land and building | |||||
| Total Company-operated restaurants | |||||
| Franchisee-operated restaurants: | |||||
| Company-owned properties leased to franchisees | |||||
| Company-leased properties subleased to franchisees | |||||
| Other franchisee-operated restaurants | |||||
| Total franchisee-operated restaurants | |||||
| Total Company-operated and franchisee-operated restaurants | |||||
Company as Lessee
The components of lease cost are as follows:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease cost: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of finance lease assets | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest on finance lease liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Variable lease cost (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term lease cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating lease cost (b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total lease cost | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
(a)Includes expenses for executory costs of $10,539 and $10,394 for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively, for which the Company is reimbursed by sublessees.
(b)Includes $30,040 and $30,652 for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively, recorded to “Franchise rental expense” for leased properties that are subsequently leased to franchisees. Also includes $6,887 and $6,941 for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively, recorded to “Cost of sales” for leases for Company-operated restaurants.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
Company as Lessor
The components of lease income are as follows:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales-type and direct-financing leases: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling profit | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Variable lease income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rental income (b) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
(a)Included in “Interest expense, net.”
(b)Includes sublease income of $42,200 and $42,784 recognized during the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively. Sublease income includes lessees’ variable payments to the Company for executory costs of $10,411 and $10,197 for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively.
(4) Investments
Equity Method Investment
Wendy’s has a 50 % share in a partnership in a Canadian restaurant real estate joint venture (“TimWen”) with a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc., a quick-service restaurant company that owns the Tim Hortons® brand (Tim Hortons is a registered trademark of Tim Hortons USA Inc.). The Company has significant influence over this investee. Such investment is accounted for using the equity method, under which our results of operations include our share of the income of the investee in “Other operating income, net.”
Presented below is activity related to our investment in TimWen included in our condensed consolidated financial statements:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Equity in earnings for the period | |||||||||||
| Amortization of purchase price adjustments (a) | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Distributions received | ( | ( | |||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment included in “Other comprehensive (loss) income” | ( | ||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
_______________
(a)Purchase price adjustments that impacted the carrying value of the Company’s investment in TimWen are being amortized over the average original aggregate life of 21
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
Other Investments in Equity Securities
(5) Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
| March 29, 2026 | December 28, 2025 | ||||||||||
| Class A-2 Notes: | |||||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Unamortized debt issuance costs | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Less amounts payable within one year | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total long-term debt | $ | $ | |||||||||
Other Long-Term Debt
(6) Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Valuation techniques under the accounting guidance related to fair value measurements are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These inputs are classified into the following hierarchy:
•Level 1 Inputs - Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
•Level 2 Inputs - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
•Level 3 Inputs - Pricing inputs are unobservable for the assets or liabilities and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the assets or liabilities. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:
| March 29, 2026 | December 28, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Fair Value Measurements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents | $ | $ | $ | $ | Level 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities (b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series 2025-1 Class A-2-I Notes | Level 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series 2022-1 Class A-2-I Notes | Level 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series 2022-1 Class A-2-II Notes | Level 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series 2021-1 Class A-2-I Notes | Level 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series 2021-1 Class A-2-II Notes | Level 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series 2019-1 Class A-2-II Notes | Level 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series 2018-1 Class A-2-II Notes | Level 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
(a)The fair value of our other investments in equity securities is based on our review of information provided by the investment manager, which is based on observable price changes in orderly transactions for a similar investment of the same issuer.
(b)The fair values were based on quoted market prices in markets that are not considered active markets.
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of those items. The carrying amounts of accounts and notes receivable, net (both current and non-current) approximate fair value due to the effect of the related allowance for doubtful accounts. Our cash equivalents are the only financial assets measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities remeasured to fair value on a non-recurring basis resulted in impairment that we have recorded to “Impairment of long-lived assets” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Total impairment losses may reflect the impact of remeasuring long-lived assets held and used (including land, buildings, leasehold improvements, favorable lease assets and right-of-use assets) to fair value as a result of (1) the deterioration in operating performance of certain Company-operated restaurants and (2) the Company’s decision to lease and/or sublease the land and/or buildings to franchisees in connection with the sale or anticipated sale of restaurants, including any subsequent lease modifications. The fair values of long-lived assets held and used presented in the tables below represent the remaining carrying value and were estimated based on either discounted cash flows of future anticipated lease and sublease income or discounted cash flows of future anticipated Company-operated restaurant performance. Total impairment losses may also include the impact of remeasuring long-lived assets held for sale. The fair values of long-lived assets held for sale presented in the tables below represent the remaining carrying value and were estimated based on current market values. See Note 12 for further information on impairment of our long-lived assets.
| Fair Value Measurements | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Held and used | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Held for sale | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Measurements | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 28, 2025 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Held and used | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Held for sale | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
(7) Income Taxes
The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025 was 33.5 % and 28.6 %, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate varied from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21 % for the three months ended March 29, 2026 primarily due to state income taxes, share-based compensation and the tax effects of our foreign operations.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
(8) Net Income Per Share
The calculation of basic and diluted net income per share was as follows:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average basic shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average diluted shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Basic net income per share for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025 was computed by dividing net income amounts by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net income per share was computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of basic shares outstanding plus the potential common share effect of dilutive stock options and restricted shares. We excluded potential common shares of 11,926 and 8,288 for the three months ended March 29, 2026, and March 30, 2025, respectively, from our diluted net income per share calculation as they would have had anti-dilutive effects.
(9) Stockholders’ Equity
Dividends
During the first quarter of 2026 and 2025, the Company paid dividends per share of $.14 and $.25 , respectively.
Repurchases of Common Stock
In January 2023, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $500,000 of our common stock through February 28, 2027, when and if market conditions warrant and to the extent legally permissible (the “January 2023 Authorization”). During the three months ended March 29, 2026, no shares were repurchased under the January 2023 Authorization. As of March 29, 2026, the Company had $35,000 of availability remaining under the January 2023 Authorization.
During the three months ended March 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 8,182 shares under the January 2023 Authorization with an aggregate purchase price of $124,070 , of which $1,401 was accrued as of March 30, 2025, and excluding excise tax of $1,214 and commissions of $115 .
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table provides a rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is entirely comprised of foreign currency translation:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
Foreign currency translation | ( | ||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
(10) System Optimization (Gains) Losses, Net
The Company optimizes the Wendy’s system by facilitating Franchise Flips, evaluating strategic acquisitions of franchised restaurants and strategic dispositions of Company-operated restaurants to existing and new franchisees and, at times, closing certain underperforming restaurants, to further strengthen the franchisee base, support franchisee economics and drive new restaurant development. During the three months ended March 29, 2026, the Company facilitated 41 Franchise Flips. During the three months ended March 30, 2025, the Company did not facilitate any Franchise Flips. Additionally, during the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, the Company completed the sale of three and two Company-operated restaurants to franchisees, respectively.
Gains and losses recognized on dispositions are recorded to “System optimization (gains) losses, net” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Costs related to acquisitions and dispositions under our system optimization initiative are recorded to “Reorganization and realignment costs.” All other costs incurred related to facilitating Franchise Flips are recorded to “Franchise support and other costs.”
The following is a summary of the disposition activity recorded as a result of our system optimization initiative:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of restaurants sold to franchisees | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of restaurants (a) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets sold (b) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on sales of restaurants, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sales of other assets, net (c) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| System optimization gains (losses), net | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
(a)During the three months ended March 29, 2026, the Company received net cash proceeds of $1,804 related to the sale of three Company-operated restaurants as part of the Company’s strategic build to suit development fund. These proceeds are included within operating activities in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
(b)Net assets sold consisted primarily of equipment.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
Assets Held for Sale
As of March 29, 2026 and December 28, 2025, the Company had assets held for sale of $21,783 and $3,696 , respectively, primarily consisting of surplus properties. Assets held for sale are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets.”
(11) Reorganization and Realignment Costs
The following is a summary of the initiatives included in “Reorganization and realignment costs:”
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Organizational Redesign Plan | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other reorganization and realignment plans | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reorganization and realignment costs | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
Organizational Redesign
In February 2023, the Board of Directors approved a plan to redesign the Company’s organizational structure to better support the execution of the Company’s long-term growth strategy by maximizing organizational efficiency and streamlining decision making (the “Organizational Redesign Plan”). Additionally, in January 2024, the Board of Directors announced the appointment of a new President and Chief Executive Officer and the departure of the Company’s previous President and Chief Executive Officer. During the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, the Company recognized costs totaling $(201 ) and $(950 ), respectively, which primarily included reversals of severance accruals. The Company does not expect to incur any material additional costs under the Organizational Redesign plan.
The following is a summary of the costs recorded as a result of the Organizational Redesign Plan:
| Three Months Ended | Total Incurred Since Inception | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Severance and related employee costs (a) | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recruitment and relocation costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party and other costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation (b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total organizational redesign | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
(a)The three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025 include reversals of severance accruals as a result of changes in estimates.
(b)Total incurred since inception primarily represents the accelerated recognition of share-based compensation resulting from the termination of employees under the Organizational Redesign Plan.
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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
As of March 29, 2026, the accruals for the Organizational Redesign Plan are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.” The tables below present a rollforward of our accruals for the Organizational Redesign Plan.
Balance December 28, 2025 | Charges | Payments | Balance March 29, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Severance and related employee costs | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Recruitment and relocation costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party and other costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance December 29, 2024 | Charges | Payments | Balance March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Severance and related employee costs | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Recruitment and relocation costs | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party and other costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Reorganization and Realignment Plans
Costs incurred under the Company’s other reorganization and realignment plans were not material during the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025. The Company does not expect to incur any material additional costs under these plans.
(12) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company records impairment charges as a result of (1) the deterioration in operating performance of certain Company-operated restaurants, (2) the Company’s decision to lease and/or sublease properties to franchisees in connection with the sale or anticipated sale of Company-operated restaurants, including any subsequent lease modifications and (3) classifying surplus properties as held for sale.
The following is a summary of impairment losses recorded, which represent the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the affected assets and are included in “Impairment of long-lived assets:”
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated restaurants | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurants leased or subleased to franchisees | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Surplus properties | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
(13) Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table includes supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||
| Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures included in accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Finance leases | |||||||||||
The following table includes a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
| March 29, 2026 | December 28, 2025 | ||||||||||
| Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Restricted cash | |||||||||||
| Restricted cash, included in Advertising funds restricted assets | |||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | $ | |||||||||
(14) Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies
Except as described below, the Company did not have any significant changes in guarantees and other commitments and contingencies during the current fiscal period since those reported in the Form 10-K. Refer to the Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company’s additional commitments and obligations.
Lease Guarantees
Wendy’s has guaranteed the performance of certain leases and other obligations, primarily from former Company-operated restaurant locations now operated by franchisees, amounting to $94,720 as of March 29, 2026. These leases extend through 2045. We have had no judgments against us as guarantor of these leases as of March 29, 2026. In the event of default by a franchise owner where Wendy’s is called upon to perform under its guarantee, Wendy’s has the ability to pursue repayment from the franchise owner. The liability recorded for our probable exposure associated with these lease guarantees was not material as of March 29, 2026.
Letters of Credit
As of March 29, 2026, the Company had outstanding letters of credit with various parties totaling $28,960 . Substantially all of the outstanding letters of credit include amounts outstanding against the 2021-1 Variable Funding Senior Secured Notes, Class A-1. We do not expect any material loss to result from these letters of credit.
(15) Transactions with Related Parties
Except as described below, the Company did not have any significant changes in or transactions with its related parties during the current fiscal period since those reported in the Form 10-K.
TimWen Lease and Management Fee Payments
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Wendy’s leases restaurant facilities from TimWen, which are then subleased to franchisees for the operation of Wendy’s/Tim Hortons combo units in Canada. Wendy’s paid TimWen $4,763 and $4,798 under these lease agreements during the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively, which has been recorded to “Franchise rental expense.” In addition, TimWen paid Wendy’s a management fee under the TimWen joint venture agreement
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
of $59 and $56 during the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively, which is included as a reduction to “General and administrative.”
Transactions with Yellow Cab
Certain family members and/or affiliates of Mr. Nelson Peltz, our former Chairman and Chairman Emeritus, Mr. Peter May, our Senior Vice Chairman, and Mr. Matthew Peltz, our former Vice Chairman, hold minority ownership interests in Yellow Cab Holdings, LLC (“Yellow Cab”), a Wendy’s franchisee that, as of March 29, 2026 owned and operated 87 Wendy’s restaurants, and/or certain of the operating companies managed by Yellow Cab. In addition, Mr. Bradley Peltz, a director of the Company, is a Managing Director of, and holds a minority ownership interest in, Yellow Cab. During the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, the Company recognized $3,827 and $3,664 , respectively, in royalty, advertising fund, lease and other income from Yellow Cab and related entities. In all transactions involving Yellow Cab, the Company’s standard franchisee recruiting and approval processes were followed, no modifications were made to the Company’s standard franchise agreements or related documents, and all deal terms and transaction documents were negotiated and executed on an arm’s-length basis, consistent with the Company’s comparable franchise transactions and relationships. As of March 29, 2026 and December 28, 2025, $1,336 and $1,045 , respectively, was due from Yellow Cab for such income, which is included in “Accounts and notes receivable, net” and “Advertising funds restricted assets.”
Transactions with AMC
Ms. Kristin Dolan, a director of the Company, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC”). During the three months ended March 30, 2025, the Company purchased approximately $300 of advertising time from a subsidiary of AMC. During the three months ended March 29, 2026, no advertising time was purchased from a subsidiary of AMC. The Company’s advertising spend with AMC was made in the ordinary course of business and approved on an arm’s-length basis, consistent with the Company’s comparable advertising decisions. There were no
(16) Legal and Environmental Matters
The Company is involved in litigation and claims incidental to our business. We provide accruals for such litigation and claims when we determine it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the loss is reasonably estimable. The Company believes it has adequate accruals for all of its legal and environmental matters. We cannot estimate the aggregate possible range of loss for our existing litigation and claims due to various reasons, including, but not limited to, many proceedings being in preliminary stages, with various motions either yet to be submitted or pending, discovery yet to occur and significant factual matters unresolved. In addition, most cases seek an indeterminate amount of damages and many involve multiple parties. Predicting the outcomes of settlement discussions or judicial or arbitral decisions is thus inherently difficult and future developments could cause these actions or claims, individually or in aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of a particular reporting period.
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
(17) Segment Information
Wendy’s U.S. revenue, significant segment expenses and segment adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) are as follows:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wendy’s U.S. revenue | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Wendy’s U.S. expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise support and other costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising fund expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other segment items (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wendy’s U.S. adjusted EBITDA | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
(a)Other segment items for the three months ended March 29, 2026 primarily include professional fees. Other segment items for the three months ended March 30, 2025 primarily include lease buyout activity and professional fees.
Wendy’s International revenue, significant segment expenses and segment adjusted EBITDA are as follows:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wendy’s International revenue | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Wendy’s International expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising fund expense (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other segment items (b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wendy’s International adjusted EBITDA | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
(a)Includes advertising fund expense of $159 for the three months ended March 30, 2025 related to the Company’s funding of incremental advertising. There was no funding of incremental advertising during the three months ended March 29, 2026. In addition, includes other international-related advertising deficit of $3 and $1,153 for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively.
(b)Other segment items primarily include franchise support and other costs.
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
Global Real Estate & Development revenue, significant segment expenses and segment adjusted EBITDA are as follows:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Global Real Estate & Development revenue | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Global Real Estate & Development expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rental expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other segment items (a) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Global Real Estate & Development adjusted EBITDA | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
(a)Other segment items primarily include equity in earnings from our TimWen joint venture, gains on sales-type leases and franchise support and other costs. Equity in earnings from our TimWen joint venture was $2,363 and $2,252 for the three months ended March 29, 2026 and March 30, 2025, respectively.
The following table reconciles profit by segment to the Company’s consolidated income before income taxes:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wendy’s U.S. | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Wendy’s International | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Global Real Estate & Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment adjusted EBITDA | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unallocated franchise support and other costs | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising funds (deficit) surplus | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unallocated general and administrative (a) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of cloud computing arrangements shown separately below) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of cloud computing arrangements | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| System optimization gains (losses), net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reorganization and realignment costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment of long-lived assets | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Unallocated other operating (expense) income, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment loss, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
_______________
(a)Includes corporate overhead costs, such as employee compensation and related benefits.
23
Table of Contents
THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
(18) New Accounting Standards
Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets
In July 2025, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amendment to provide a practical expedient related to the estimation of expected credit losses for current accounts receivable and current contract assets for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of 2026 and has elected the practical expedient to assume that the current conditions as of the balance sheet date will remain unchanged for the remaining life of the receivables when estimating expected credit losses. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Introduction
This “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of The Wendy’s Company (“The Wendy’s Company” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere within this report and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2025 (the “Form 10-K”). There have been no material changes as of March 29, 2026 to the application of our critical accounting policies as described in Item 7 of the Form 10-K. Certain statements we make under this Item 2 constitute “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Projections” in “Part II. Other Information” of this report. You should consider our forward-looking statements in light of the risks discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in “Part II. Other Information” of this report and our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report, the Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
The Wendy’s Company is the parent company of its 100% owned subsidiary holding company, Wendy’s Restaurants, LLC (“Wendy’s Restaurants”). Wendy’s Restaurants is the parent company of Wendy’s International, LLC (formerly known as Wendy’s International, Inc). Wendy’s International, LLC is the indirect parent company of (1) Quality Is Our Recipe, LLC (“Quality”), which is the owner and franchisor of the Wendy’s restaurant system in the United States (the “U.S.”) and all international jurisdictions except for Canada, and (2) Wendy’s Restaurants of Canada Inc., which is the owner and franchisor of the Wendy’s restaurant system in Canada. As used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, the term “Company” refers to The Wendy’s Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, and “Wendy’s” refers to Quality when the context relates to the ownership or franchising of the Wendy’s restaurant system and to Wendy’s International, LLC when the context refers to the Wendy’s brand.
Wendy’s is primarily engaged in the business of operating, developing and franchising a system of distinctive quick-service restaurants serving high quality food. Wendy’s opened its first restaurant in Columbus, Ohio in 1969. Today, Wendy’s is the second largest quick-service restaurant company in the hamburger sandwich segment in the U.S. based on traffic and dollar share, and the third largest globally with 7,251 restaurants in the U.S. and 38 foreign countries and U.S. territories as of March 29, 2026.
Each Wendy’s restaurant offers an extensive menu specializing in hamburger sandwiches and featuring chicken sandwiches, which are prepared to order with the customer’s choice of toppings and condiments. Wendy’s menu also includes chicken tenders and nuggets, chili, french fries, baked potatoes, salads, soft drinks, Frosty® desserts and kids’ meals. In addition, Wendy’s restaurants sell a variety of promotional products on a limited time basis. Wendy’s also offers breakfast in the U.S. and Canada. Wendy’s breakfast menu features a variety of breakfast sandwiches such as the Breakfast Baconator® and sides such as seasoned potatoes.
The Company is comprised of the following segments: (1) Wendy’s U.S., (2) Wendy’s International and (3) Global Real Estate & Development. Wendy’s U.S. includes the operation and franchising of Wendy’s restaurants in the U.S. and derives its revenues from sales at Company-operated restaurants and royalties, fees and advertising fund collections from franchised restaurants. Wendy’s International includes the operation and franchising of Wendy’s restaurants in countries and territories other than the U.S. and derives its revenues from sales at Company-operated restaurants and royalties, fees and advertising fund collections from franchised restaurants. Global Real Estate & Development includes real estate activity for owned sites and sites leased from third parties, which are leased and/or subleased to franchisees, and also includes our share of the income of our TimWen real estate joint venture. In addition, Global Real Estate & Development earns fees from facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers (“Franchise Flips”) and providing other development-related services to franchisees. In this “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the Company reports on the segment profit for each of the three segments described above. The Company measures segment profit using segment adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). Segment adjusted EBITDA excludes certain unallocated general and administrative expenses and other items that vary from period to period without correlation to the Company’s core operating performance. See “Results of Operations” below and Note 17 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 herein for segment financial information.
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The Company’s fiscal reporting periods consist of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. All three-month periods presented herein contain 13 weeks. All references to years, quarters and months relate to fiscal periods rather than calendar periods.
Executive Overview
Our Business
As of March 29, 2026, the Wendy’s restaurant system was comprised of 7,251 restaurants, with 5,805 Wendy’s restaurants in operation in the U.S. Of the U.S. restaurants, 420 were operated by the Company and 5,385 were operated by a total of 205 franchisees. In addition, at March 29, 2026, there were 1,446 Wendy’s restaurants in operation in 38 foreign countries and U.S. territories. Of the international restaurants, 1,435 were operated by a total of 116 franchisees and 11 were operated by the Company in the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”).
The revenues from our restaurant business are derived from two principal sources: (1) sales at Company-operated restaurants and (2) franchise-related revenues, including royalties, national advertising funds contributions, rents and franchise fees received from Wendy’s franchised restaurants.
Wendy’s operating results are impacted by a number of external factors, including commodity costs, labor costs, intense price competition, unemployment and consumer spending levels, general economic and market trends and weather.
During 2025, the Company announced Project Fresh, a comprehensive plan to drive profitable growth and long-term value across our U.S. system. The four strategic pillars of Project Fresh include (1) brand revitalization, (2) operational excellence, (3) system optimization and (4) capital allocation. These pillars are designed to drive profitable average unit volume growth and increase traffic in the U.S. by improving marketing effectiveness, menu offerings and the customer experience, and to enhance franchisee economics. Internationally, the Company’s strategic priorities also include sustaining strong net unit growth and driving profitable average unit volume growth.
On May 8, 2026, the Company announced its entry into a franchise agreement to build up to 1,000 Wendy’s restaurants across China over the next 10 years with a large restaurant operator with decades of experience in China.
Key Business Measures
We track our results of operations and manage our business using the following key business measures:
•Same-Restaurant Sales – We report same-restaurant sales commencing after new restaurants have been open for 15 continuous months and as soon as reimaged restaurants reopen. Restaurants temporarily closed for more than one week are excluded from same-restaurant sales. This methodology is consistent with the metric used by our management for internal reporting and analysis. The table summarizing same-restaurant sales below in “Results of Operations” provides the same-restaurant sales percent changes.
•Company-Operated Restaurant Margin – We define Company-operated restaurant margin as sales from Company-operated restaurants less cost of sales divided by sales from 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 Company-operated 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.
Company-operated restaurant margin is influenced by factors such as menu prices, the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing initiatives, featured products, product mix, fluctuations in food and labor costs, restaurant openings, remodels and closures and the level of our fixed and semi-variable costs.
•Systemwide Sales – Systemwide sales includes sales by both Company-operated restaurants and franchised restaurants. Franchised restaurants’ sales are reported by our franchisees and represent their revenues from sales at franchised Wendy’s restaurants. The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements do not include sales by
26
franchised restaurants to their customers. The Company’s royalty and advertising funds revenues are computed as percentages of sales made by Wendy’s franchisees. As a result, sales by Wendy’s franchisees have a direct effect on the Company’s royalty and advertising funds revenues and profitability.
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.
Same-restaurant sales and systemwide sales exclude sales from Argentina due to that country’s highly inflationary economy. The Company considers economies that have had cumulative inflation in excess of 100% over a three-year period as highly inflationary.
The Company believes its presentation of same-restaurant sales, Company-operated restaurant margin and systemwide sales provide a meaningful perspective of the underlying operating performance of the Company’s current business and enables investors to better understand and evaluate the Company’s historical and prospective operating performance. The Company believes that these metrics are important supplemental measures of operating performance because they highlight trends in the Company’s business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on our condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company believes investors, analysts and other interested parties use these metrics in evaluating issuers and that the presentation of these measures facilitates a comparative assessment of the Company’s operating performance. With respect to same-restaurant sales and systemwide sales, the Company also believes that the data is useful in assessing consumer demand for the Company’s products and the overall success of the Wendy’s brand.
First Quarter Highlights
•Global systemwide sales were $3.22 billion in the first quarter of 2026 compared with $3.39 billion in the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of 5.5% on a constant currency basis;
•International systemwide sales were $518.0 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared with $473.2 million in the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 6.0% on a constant currency basis;
•Revenues increased 3.3% to $540.6 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared with $523.5 million in the first quarter of 2025;
•Global same-restaurant sales decreased 6.8%, U.S. same-restaurant sales decreased 7.8% and international same-restaurant sales decreased 0.4% compared with the first quarter of 2025;
•Global Company-operated restaurant margin was 10.8% in the first quarter of 2026, a decrease of 350 basis points compared with the first quarter of 2025;
•Income before income taxes decreased 37.8% to $34.2 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared with $54.9 million in the first quarter of 2025;
•Digital sales increased to approximately 23.6% of global systemwide sales in the first quarter of 2026 compared with approximately 20.3% in the first quarter of 2025; and
•Systemwide restaurant count decreased by 146 net restaurants in the first quarter of 2026.
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Results of Operations
The tables included throughout this Results of Operations section set forth in millions the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations for the first quarter of 2026 and 2025.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 225.5 | $ | 219.5 | $ | 6.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalty revenue and fees | 147.9 | 145.1 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rental income | 58.9 | 58.5 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising funds revenue | 108.3 | 100.4 | 7.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 540.6 | 523.5 | 17.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | 201.0 | 188.2 | 12.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise support and other costs | 22.0 | 16.6 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rental expense | 30.2 | 30.7 | (0.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising funds expense | 108.6 | 101.5 | 7.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 72.8 | 68.2 | 4.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of cloud computing arrangements shown separately below) | 40.6 | 36.5 | 4.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of cloud computing arrangements | 4.8 | 4.2 | 0.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System optimization (gains) losses, net | (1.6) | 0.1 | (1.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reorganization and realignment costs | (0.2) | (0.7) | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment of long-lived assets | 2.6 | 1.4 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating income, net | (5.1) | (6.3) | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 475.7 | 440.4 | 35.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 64.9 | 83.1 | (18.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (34.1) | (31.5) | (2.6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment loss, net | — | (1.7) | 1.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 3.4 | 5.0 | (1.6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 34.2 | 54.9 | (20.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | (11.5) | (15.7) | 4.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 22.7 | $ | 39.2 | $ | (16.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | % of Total Revenues | 2025 | % of Total Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 225.5 | 41.7 | % | $ | 219.5 | 41.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise royalty revenue and fees: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalty revenue | 116.2 | 21.5 | % | 121.7 | 23.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fees | 31.7 | 5.9 | % | 23.4 | 4.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total franchise royalty revenue and fees | 147.9 | 27.4 | % | 145.1 | 27.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise rental income | 58.9 | 10.9 | % | 58.5 | 11.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advertising funds revenue | 108.3 | 20.0 | % | 100.4 | 19.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 540.6 | 100.0 | % | $ | 523.5 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | % of Sales | 2025 | % of Sales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and paper | $ | 70.6 | 31.3 | % | $ | 67.7 | 30.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant labor | 75.5 | 33.5 | % | 70.8 | 32.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Occupancy, advertising and other operating costs | 54.9 | 24.4 | % | 49.7 | 22.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of sales | $ | 201.0 | 89.2 | % | $ | 188.2 | 85.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | % of Sales | 2025 | % of Sales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated restaurant margin: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. | $ | 25.0 | 11.4 | % | $ | 31.5 | 14.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Global | 24.5 | 10.8 | % | 31.3 | 14.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The table below presents certain of the Company’s key business measures, which are defined and further discussed in the “Executive Overview” section included herein.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Key business measures: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. same-restaurant sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated | (4.7) | % | (1.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Franchised | (8.1) | % | (2.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Systemwide | (7.8) | % | (2.8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| International same-restaurant sales (a) | (0.4) | % | 2.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Global same-restaurant sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated | (4.8) | % | (1.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Franchised (a) | (7.0) | % | (2.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Systemwide (a) | (6.8) | % | (2.1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Systemwide sales (b): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Company-operated | $ | 219.3 | $ | 212.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. franchised | 2,483.6 | 2,703.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. systemwide | 2,702.9 | 2,916.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| International Company-operated | 6.2 | 6.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| International franchised (a) | 511.8 | 466.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| International systemwide (a) | 518.0 | 473.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Global systemwide (a) | $ | 3,220.9 | $ | 3,389.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
_______________
(a)Excludes Argentina due to the impact of that country’s highly inflationary economy.
(b)During the first quarter of 2026 and 2025, global systemwide sales decreased 5.5% and 1.1%, respectively, U.S. systemwide sales decreased 7.3% and 2.6%, respectively, and international systemwide sales increased 6.0% and 8.9%, respectively, on a constant currency basis.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Company-operated | U.S. Franchised | International Company-operated | International Franchised | Systemwide | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant count: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant count at December 28, 2025 | 423 | 5,546 | 11 | 1,417 | 7,397 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opened | 3 | 20 | — | 27 | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Closed | (3) | (184) | — | (9) | (196) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (sold to) purchased by franchisees | (3) | 3 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant count at March 29, 2026 | 420 | 5,385 | 11 | 1,435 | 7,251 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sales | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 225.5 | $ | 219.5 | $ | 6.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in sales during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to (1) the Company’s acquisition of franchise-operated restaurants during the third quarter of 2025 of $13.6 million and (2) net new restaurant development of $3.1 million. These impacts were partially offset by (1) a 4.8% decrease in global Company-operated same-restaurant sales of $9.4 million and (2) the sale of Company-operated restaurants to franchisees of $2.1 million. Company-operated same-restaurant sales during the first quarter of 2026 decreased due to a decrease in traffic, partially offset by higher average check.
| Franchise Royalty Revenue and Fees | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalty revenue | $ | 116.2 | $ | 121.7 | $ | (5.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fees | 31.7 | 23.4 | 8.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 147.9 | $ | 145.1 | $ | 2.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise royalty revenue during the first quarter of 2026 decreased primarily due to a 7.0% decrease in global franchise same-restaurant sales of $8.1 million, partially offset by net new restaurant development of $0.7 million. Franchise same-restaurant sales during the first quarter of 2026 decreased due to a decrease in traffic, partially offset by higher average check.
The increase in franchise fees during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to the impact of system optimization related to hours of operation flexibility and restaurant closures.
| Franchise Rental Income | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rental income | $ | 58.9 | $ | 58.5 | $ | 0.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in franchise rental income during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to entering into new leases.
| Advertising Funds Revenue | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising funds revenue | $ | 108.3 | $ | 100.4 | $ | 7.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in advertising funds revenue during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to local and regional advertising funds being reallocated to U.S. national advertising of approximately $15.0 million, partially offset by a decrease in franchise same-restaurant sales of $7.1 million.
| Cost of Sales, as a Percent of Sales | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and paper | 31.3 | % | 30.8 | % | 0.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant labor | 33.5 | % | 32.3 | % | 1.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy, advertising and other operating costs | 24.4 | % | 22.6 | % | 1.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 89.2 | % | 85.7 | % | 3.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in cost of sales, as a percent of sales, during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to (1) a decrease in traffic, (2) higher commodity costs and (3) an increase in restaurant labor rates. These changes were partially offset by (1) higher average check and (2) labor efficiencies.
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| Franchise Support and Other Costs | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise support and other costs | $ | 22.0 | $ | 16.6 | $ | 5.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in franchise support and other costs during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to an increase in the provision for doubtful accounts.
| Franchise Rental Expense | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rental expense | $ | 30.2 | $ | 30.7 | $ | (0.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The decrease in franchise rental expense during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to the impact of amending certain existing leases.
| Advertising Funds Expense | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising funds expense | $ | 108.6 | $ | 101.5 | $ | 7.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
On an interim basis, advertising funds expense is recognized in proportion to advertising funds revenue. The increase in advertising funds expense during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to the same factors as described above for “Advertising Funds Revenue.”
| General and Administrative | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | $ | 40.4 | $ | 38.5 | $ | 1.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Professional fees | 15.6 | 14.1 | 1.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | 16.8 | 15.6 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 72.8 | $ | 68.2 | $ | 4.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in general and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to (1) higher employee compensation and benefits and (2) an increase in professional fees.
| Depreciation and Amortization (exclusive of amortization of cloud computing arrangements shown separately below) | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurants | $ | 20.9 | $ | 17.7 | $ | 3.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease assets | 5.8 | 5.1 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Technology support, corporate and other | 13.9 | 13.7 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 40.6 | $ | 36.5 | $ | 4.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in depreciation and amortization during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to (1) depreciation and amortization on restaurant assets acquired from a franchisee during the third quarter of 2025, (2) asset additions for new and remodeled restaurants and (3) restaurant-related asset disposals.
| Amortization of Cloud Computing Arrangements | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of cloud computing arrangements | $ | 4.8 | $ | 4.2 | $ | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in amortization of cloud computing arrangements during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to amortization of assets associated with the Company’s digital investments.
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| System Optimization (Gains) Losses, Net | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||
| System optimization (gains) losses, net | $ | (1.6) | $ | 0.1 | $ | (1.7) | |||||||||||
System optimization (gains) losses, net during the first quarter of 2026 were primarily comprised of gains on the sale of surplus and other properties. See Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 herein for further discussion.
| Reorganization and Realignment Costs | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Organizational Redesign Plan | $ | (0.2) | $ | (1.0) | $ | 0.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other reorganization and realignment plans | — | 0.3 | (0.3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | (0.2) | $ | (0.7) | $ | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
During the first quarter of 2026 and 2025, the Company recognized costs under the Organizational Redesign Plan of $(0.2) million and $(1.0) million, respectively, which primarily included reversals of severance accruals resulting from changes in estimates. See Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 herein for further information on the Organizational Redesign Plan.
| Impairment of Long-Lived Assets | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment of long-lived assets | $ | 2.6 | $ | 1.4 | $ | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in impairment of long-lived assets during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to losses from the remeasurement to fair value of assets leased and/or subleased to franchisees in connection with the closure of franchise-operated restaurants.
| Other Operating Income, Net | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Claim settlement | $ | — | $ | 4.0 | $ | (4.0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains on sales-type leases | 1.9 | — | 1.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | 3.2 | 2.3 | 0.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 5.1 | $ | 6.3 | $ | (1.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The decrease in other operating income, net during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to the settlement of a claim in the first quarter of 2025. This decrease was partially offset by gains on new and modified sales-type leases.
| Interest Expense, Net | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | 34.1 | $ | 31.5 | $ | 2.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in interest expense, net during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to the impact of completing the refinancing of a portion of the Company’s securitized financing facility in the fourth quarter of 2025.
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| Investment Loss, Net | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment loss, net | $ | — | $ | 1.7 | $ | (1.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
During the first quarter of 2025, the Company recorded a loss of $1.7 million due to impairment charges for the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of an investment in equity securities.
| Other Income, Net | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | $ | 3.4 | $ | 5.0 | $ | (1.6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The decrease in other income, net during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to a decrease in interest income, reflecting lower balances of cash equivalents and lower interest rates.
| Provision for Income Taxes | First Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 34.2 | $ | 54.9 | $ | (20.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | (11.5) | (15.7) | 4.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effective tax rate on income | 33.5 | % | 28.6 | % | 4.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The effective tax rates for the first quarter of 2026 and 2025 were impacted by variations in income before income taxes, adjusted for recurring items such as non-deductible expenses and state income taxes, as well as non-recurring discrete items. The increase in the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to lower income before income taxes and the tax effects of share-based compensation.
Segment Information
See Note 17 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 herein for further information regarding the Company’s segments.
Wendy’s U.S.
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 219.3 | $ | 212.7 | $ | 6.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalty revenue | 97.3 | 104.4 | (7.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fees | 28.3 | 20.7 | 7.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising fund revenue | 99.3 | 91.8 | 7.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 444.2 | $ | 429.6 | $ | 14.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | 109.9 | $ | 121.0 | $ | (11.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in Wendy’s U.S. revenues during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to (1) the Company’s acquisition of 35 franchise-operated restaurants in the third quarter of 2025, (2) an increase in franchise fees, (3) higher advertising fund revenue and (4) net new restaurant development. These impacts were partially offset by a decrease in same-restaurant sales. Same-restaurant sales decreased during the first quarter of 2026 primarily due to a decrease in traffic, partially offset by higher average check.
The decrease in Wendy’s U.S. segment profit during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to (1) higher cost of sales, as a percent of sales for Company-operated restaurants, driven by the same factors as described above for “Cost of Sales, as a Percent of Sales,” and (2) higher franchise support and other costs. These changes were partially offset by higher revenues.
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Wendy’s International
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 6.2 | $ | 6.8 | $ | (0.6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalty revenue | 18.9 | 17.3 | 1.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fees | 2.8 | 2.0 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising fund revenue | 9.1 | 8.6 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 37.0 | $ | 34.7 | $ | 2.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | 10.6 | $ | 9.4 | $ | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in Wendy’s International revenues during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to net new restaurant development.
The increase in Wendy’s International segment profit during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to higher revenues, partially offset by higher general and administrative expenses.
Global Real Estate & Development
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fees | $ | 0.6 | $ | 0.6 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rental income | 58.9 | 58.5 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 59.5 | $ | 59.1 | $ | 0.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | 28.1 | $ | 24.7 | $ | 3.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in Global Real Estate & Development revenues during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to an increase in franchise rental income, driven by the same factors as described above for “Franchise Rental Income.”
The increase in Global Real Estate & Development segment profit during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to (1) gains on new and modified sales-type leases, (2) the impact of amending certain existing leases and (3) entering into new leases.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 29, 2026, cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $362.0 million. In addition, the Company maintains a revolving financing facility, which allows for the drawing of up to $300.0 million. Based on current levels of operations, the Company expects that available cash and cash flows from operations will provide sufficient liquidity to meet operating cash requirements for the next 12 months.
We currently believe we have the ability to pursue additional sources of liquidity if needed or desired to fund operating cash requirements or for other purposes. However, there can be no assurance that additional liquidity will be readily available or available on terms acceptable to us.
Stock Repurchases
In January 2023, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $500.0 million of our common stock through February 28, 2027, when and if market conditions warrant and to the extent legally permissible (the “January 2023 Authorization”). During the three months ended March 29, 2026, no shares were repurchased under the January 2023 Authorization. As of March 29, 2026, the Company had $35.0 million of availability remaining under the January 2023 Authorization.
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Dividends
On March 16, 2026, the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend per share of $.14, aggregating $26.6 million. On May 8, 2026, the Company announced a dividend of $.14 per share to be paid on June 15, 2026 to stockholders of record as of June 1, 2026. If the Company pays regular quarterly cash dividends for the remainder of 2026 at the same rate declared in the second quarter of 2026, the Company’s total cash requirement for dividends for the remainder of 2026 will be approximately $80.0 million based on the number of shares of its common stock outstanding at May 1, 2026. The Company currently intends to continue to declare and pay quarterly cash dividends; however, there can be no assurance that any additional quarterly dividends will be declared or paid or of the amount or timing of such dividends, if any.
Long-Term Debt, Including Current Portion
Wendy’s U.S. advertising fund has a revolving line of credit of $15.0 million, which was established to support the Company’s advertising fund operations. During the three months ended March 29, 2026, the Company borrowed and repaid $11.5 million under the revolving line of credit, then subsequently borrowed and repaid $3.6 million under the revolving line of credit. As a result, as of March 29, 2026, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving line of credit.
Except as described above, there were no material changes to the Company’s debt obligations since December 28, 2025. The Company was in compliance with its debt covenants as of March 29, 2026. See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 herein for further information related to our long-term debt obligations.
Cash Flows from Operating, Investing and Financing Activities
The table below summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the first three months of 2026 and 2025:
| First Quarter | |||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 59.4 | $ | 85.4 | $ | (26.0) | |||||||||||
| Investing activities | (13.7) | (21.5) | 7.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Financing activities | (40.5) | (179.3) | 138.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (0.8) | 0.8 | (1.6) | ||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 4.4 | $ | (114.6) | $ | 119.0 | |||||||||||
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities consists primarily of net income, adjusted for non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization, deferred income tax and share-based compensation, and the net change in operating assets and liabilities. Cash provided by operating activities was $59.4 million and $85.4 million in the first three months of 2026 and 2025, respectively. The change was primarily due to (1) the timing of receipt of vendor incentives, (2) the timing of the collection of royalty receivables and (3) lower net income, adjusted for non-cash expenses. These changes were partially offset by the timing of payments for marketing expenses of the national advertising funds.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities was $13.7 million and $21.5 million in the first three months of 2026 and 2025, respectively. The change was primarily due to (1) a decrease in capital expenditures of $5.8 million and (2) an increase in proceeds from dispositions of $2.7 million.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $40.5 million and $179.3 million in the first three months of 2026 and 2025, respectively. The change was primarily due to (1) a decrease in repurchases of the Company’s common stock of $122.8 million and (2) a decrease in dividends of $22.8 million. These changes were partially offset by an increase in repayments of long-term debt of $6.7 million, reflecting the impact of repayments on the Company’s U.S. advertising fund revolving line of credit.
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General Inflation, Commodities and Changing Prices
Inflationary pressures on labor and commodity price increases directly impacted our consolidated results of operations during the three months ended March 29, 2026, and we anticipate continued labor and commodity inflation throughout the remainder of 2026. We attempt to manage any inflationary costs and commodity price increases through selective menu price increases, product mix and focused execution of operational excellence. Delays in implementing such menu price increases and competitive pressures may limit our ability to recover such cost increases in the future. Inherent volatility experienced in certain commodity markets, such as those for beef, chicken, eggs, pork, dairy and grains, could have a significant effect on our results of operations and may have an adverse effect on us in the future. The extent of any impact will depend on our ability to manage such volatility through selective menu price increases, product mix and focused execution of operational excellence.
Seasonality
Wendy’s restaurant operations are moderately seasonal. Wendy’s average restaurant sales are normally higher during the summer months than during the winter months. Because our business is moderately seasonal, results for a particular quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for any other quarter or for the full fiscal year.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
As of March 29, 2026 there were no material changes from the information contained in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2025.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The management of the Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of March 29, 2026. Based on such evaluations, the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 29, 2026, the disclosure controls and procedures of the Company were effective at a reasonable assurance level in (1) recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and (2) ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the internal control over financial reporting of the Company during the first quarter of 2026 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any control system, including the potential for human error and the possible circumvention or overriding of controls and procedures. Additionally, judgments in decision-making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. An effective control system can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control objectives of the system are adequately met. Accordingly, the management of the Company, including its Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the control system can prevent or detect all error or fraud. Finally, projections of any evaluation or assessment of effectiveness of a control system to future periods are subject to the risks that, over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in an entity’s operating environment or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Projections
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may contain or incorporate by reference 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 our 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 of our forward-looking statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. Our actual results, performance and achievements may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Many important factors could affect our future results and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by our forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
•the impact of competition or poor customer experiences at Wendy’s restaurants;
•adverse economic conditions or volatility or disruptions, including in regions with a high concentration of Wendy’s restaurants;
•changes in discretionary consumer spending and consumer tastes and preferences;
•conditions beyond our control, such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, hostilities, social unrest, health epidemics or pandemics or other catastrophic events;
•impacts to our corporate reputation or the value and perception of our brand;
•the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs and new product development;
•our ability to manage the impact of social or digital media;
•our ability to protect our intellectual property;
•food safety events or health concerns involving our products;
•our ability to successfully implement important strategic initiatives, including our Project Fresh plan, effectively managing or maintaining growth and market share across our dayparts or executing strategic transactions;
•our ability to grow our business through new restaurant development;
•our ability to effectively manage the acquisition and disposition of restaurants and other restaurant activity;
•risks associated with leasing and owning significant amounts of real estate, including environmental matters;
•risks associated with our international operations, including our ability to execute our international growth strategy;
•changes in commodity and other operating costs;
•shortages or interruptions in the supply or distribution of our products and other risks associated with our independent supply chain purchasing co-op;
•the impact of increased labor costs or labor shortages;
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•the continued succession and retention of key personnel and the effectiveness of our leadership and organizational structure;
•risks associated with our digital commerce strategy, platforms and technologies, including our ability to adapt to changes in industry trends and consumer preferences;
•our and our franchisees’ dependence on computer systems and information technology, including risks associated with the failure or interruption of our systems or technology or the occurrence of cybersecurity incidents or deficiencies;
•risks associated with our securitized financing facility and other debt agreements, including compliance with operational and financial covenants, restrictions on our ability to raise additional capital, the impact of our overall debt levels and our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service obligations and operate our business;
•risks associated with our capital allocation policy, including the amount and timing of equity and debt repurchases and dividend payments;
•risks associated with complaints and litigation, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and a focus on corporate responsibility issues;
•risks associated with the availability and cost of insurance, the recognition of impairment or other charges, changes in tax rates or tax laws and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
•Trian Fund Management, L.P. and certain of its affiliates filed a Schedule 13D/A with the SEC on February 18, 2026 indicating, among other things, that they intend to explore and evaluate the possibility of participating, alone or with third parties, in certain potential transactions with respect to us to enhance stockholder value; there can be no assurance that (i) any such potential transactions will occur or result in additional value for our stockholders or (ii) that the exploration of potential transactions will not have an adverse impact on our business; and
•other risks and uncertainties affecting us and our subsidiaries referred to in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2026 (see especially “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”) and in our other current and periodic filings with the SEC.
In addition to the factors described above, there are risks associated with our predominantly franchised business model that could impact our results, performance and achievements. Such risks include our ability to identify, attract and retain experienced and qualified franchisees, our 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. Our 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 us or any person acting on our 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 we currently deem immaterial may become material, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by federal securities laws, although we may do so from time to time. We do not endorse any projections regarding future performance that may be made by third parties.
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Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
The Company is involved in litigation and claims incidental to our business. We provide accruals for such litigation and claims when we determine it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the loss is reasonably estimable. The Company believes it has adequate accruals for all of its legal and environmental matters. We cannot estimate the aggregate possible range of loss for our existing litigation and claims due to various reasons, including, but not limited to, many proceedings being in preliminary stages, with various motions either yet to be submitted or pending, discovery yet to occur, and significant factual matters unresolved. In addition, most cases seek an indeterminate amount of damages and many involve multiple parties. Predicting the outcomes of settlement discussions or judicial or arbitral decisions is thus inherently difficult and future developments could cause these actions or claims, individually or in aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of a particular reporting period.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In addition to the information contained in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors disclosed in our Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. Except as described elsewhere in this report, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
The following table provides information with respect to repurchases of shares of our common stock by us and our “affiliated purchasers” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act) during the first quarter of 2026:
Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans (2) | ||||||||||
| December 29, 2025 through February 1, 2026 | 888 | $8.33 | — | $35,000,024 | ||||||||||
| February 2, 2026 through March 1, 2026 | 46,259 | $7.59 | — | $35,000,024 | ||||||||||
| March 2, 2026 through March 29, 2026 | 8,400 | $7.64 | — | $35,000,024 | ||||||||||
| Total | 55,547 | $7.61 | — | $35,000,024 | ||||||||||
(1)Represents shares of common stock reacquired by the Company from holders of share-based awards to satisfy certain requirements associated with the vesting or exercise of the respective award. The shares were valued at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the vesting or exercise date of such awards, as set forth in the applicable plan document.
(2)In January 2023, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $500.0 million of our common stock through February 28, 2027, when and if market conditions warrant and to the extent legally permissible.
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Item 6. Exhibits.
| EXHIBIT NO. | DESCRIPTION | ||||
| 10.1 | Form of Long-Term Performance Unit Award Agreement for 2026 under The Wendy’s Company 2020 Omnibus Award Plan.* ** | ||||
| 31.1 | Certification of the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of The Wendy’s Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* | ||||
| 32.1 | Certification of the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* | ||||
| 101 | The following financial information from The Wendy’s Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2026 formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. | ||||
| 104 | The cover page from The Wendy’s Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2026, formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101. | ||||
_______________
| * | Filed herewith. | ||||
| ** | Identifies a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. | ||||
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
THE WENDY’S COMPANY (Registrant) | |||||
| Date: May 8, 2026 | By: /s/ Kenneth Cook | ||||
| Kenneth Cook | |||||
| Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer | |||||
| (On behalf of the registrant) | |||||
| Date: May 8, 2026 | By: /s/ Suzanne M. Thuerk | ||||
| Suzanne M. Thuerk | |||||
| Chief Accounting Officer | |||||
| (Principal Accounting Officer) | |||||
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FAQ
How did Wendy’s (WEN) perform financially in Q1 2026?
Wendy’s grew revenue to $540.6 million in Q1 2026 from $523.5 million a year earlier. However, income before income taxes fell to $34.2 million and net income declined to $22.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, reflecting weaker margins and traffic.
What happened to Wendy’s same-restaurant sales in Q1 2026?
Global same-restaurant sales at Wendy’s declined 6.8% in Q1 2026. U.S. same-restaurant sales fell 7.8%, while international same-restaurant sales decreased 0.4%. Management attributed the decline mainly to lower traffic, partially offset by higher average check.
How did Wendy’s restaurant margins change in Q1 2026?
Global Company-operated restaurant margin at Wendy’s was 10.8% in Q1 2026, down from 14.3% a year earlier. Margin pressure came from higher food and paper costs, increased restaurant labor rates and lower traffic, only partly offset by pricing and labor efficiencies.
What were Wendy’s systemwide sales and unit counts in Q1 2026?
Global systemwide sales were $3.22 billion in Q1 2026, down 5.5% on a constant-currency basis. U.S. systemwide sales were $2.70 billion, while international systemwide sales reached $518.0 million. The system ended the quarter with 7,251 restaurants, a net decrease of 146.
How important are digital sales to Wendy’s business now?
Digital channels generated approximately 23.6% of Wendy’s global systemwide sales in Q1 2026, up from about 20.3% a year earlier. This growth indicates rising customer adoption of mobile ordering and delivery, providing a larger revenue contribution from digital platforms.
What is Wendy’s new growth plan for China mentioned in the 10-Q?
Wendy’s announced a franchise agreement to build up to 1,000 restaurants in China over the next 10 years with an experienced local operator. This long-term development plan significantly expands the brand’s international pipeline, complementing existing operations in 38 foreign countries and U.S. territories.