Wendy’s (NASDAQ:WEN) Releases FY 2026 Earnings Guidance

Wendy’s (NASDAQ:WEN) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Friday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 0.560-0.600 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 0.570. The company issued revenue guidance of -.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have commented on WEN. Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Wendy’s from $8.00 to $7.25 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Wendy’s from $9.00 to $7.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, February 23rd. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Wendy’s from $8.50 to $7.50 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Truist Financial dropped their price target on shares of Wendy’s from $11.00 to $10.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $6.00 price target on shares of Wendy’s in a research note on Thursday, April 30th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have given a Hold rating and five have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Wendy’s has a consensus rating of “Reduce” and a consensus price target of $8.46.

Wendy’s Stock Performance

Shares of WEN opened at $7.30 on Friday. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $7.05 and its 200-day moving average is $7.87. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.59, a P/E/G ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 28.77, a current ratio of 1.76 and a quick ratio of 1.74. Wendy’s has a 12-month low of $6.37 and a 12-month high of $12.52.

Wendy’s (NASDAQ:WEN) last released its earnings results on Friday, May 8th. The restaurant operator reported $0.12 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.10 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $432.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $518.03 million. Wendy’s had a net margin of 7.58% and a return on equity of 145.93%. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.20 earnings per share. Wendy’s has set its FY 2026 guidance at 0.560-0.600 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Wendy’s will post 0.57 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wendy’s Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 1st will be given a $0.14 dividend. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 1st. Wendy’s’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 65.88%.

Wendy’s News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Wendy’s this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Wendy’s reported Q1 adjusted EPS of $0.12, topping expectations, and reaffirmed its FY 2026 guidance, which helped support the stock. The Wendy’s Company Reports First Quarter 2026 Results
• Positive Sentiment: The company also announced a franchise agreement to build up to 1,000 restaurants in China over the next decade, adding a potential long-term growth catalyst. Wendy’s plans to open 1,000 restaurants in China over the next decade
• Positive Sentiment: The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share, reinforcing the stock’s appeal for income-focused investors.
• Neutral Sentiment: Wendy’s revenue came in below Wall Street estimates, even though sales rose year over year, showing the turnaround is still incomplete. Wendy’s earnings report
• Neutral Sentiment: Management said it remains focused on improving performance, while investors continue to monitor inflation in beef and labor costs and the impact on margins. Wendy’s Gears Up for Q1 Earnings: What’s in the Offing for the Stock?
• Negative Sentiment: Comp sales and global systemwide sales fell, which raises concerns that the recovery in Wendy’s core business is still shaky. Wendy’s: No Recovery In Sight As Comp Sales Fall
• Negative Sentiment: Reports that Wendy’s may close hundreds of U.S. restaurants highlight the pressure it faces in a competitive fast-food market. Wendy’s to close 300 US restaurants as rivals gain ground

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. United Services Automobile Association acquired a new stake in Wendy’s in the first quarter valued at approximately $161,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC lifted its stake in Wendy’s by 1.8% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 639,085 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $9,350,000 after acquiring an additional 11,072 shares during the last quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its stake in Wendy’s by 35.0% in the second quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 15,687 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $179,000 after acquiring an additional 4,067 shares during the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC lifted its stake in Wendy’s by 136.9% in the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 27,776 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $318,000 after acquiring an additional 16,053 shares during the last quarter. Finally, M&T Bank Corp lifted its stake in Wendy’s by 8.4% in the second quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 16,987 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $194,000 after acquiring an additional 1,310 shares during the last quarter. 85.96% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wendy’s Company Profile

The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) operates as a global quick-service restaurant chain, best known for its square-shaped beef patties, fresh ingredient sourcing and signature Frosty dessert. The company’s menu features a variety of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, breakfast sandwiches, sides and beverages, designed to appeal to a broad customer base seeking both classic and contemporary fast-food options. Wendy’s has placed particular emphasis on product innovation, introducing limited-time offerings and revamped core menu items to maintain customer interest and respond to evolving dining trends.

Founded in 1969 by entrepreneur Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, Wendy’s expanded rapidly through both company-owned and franchised outlets.