Overview
- Executives said 298 to 358 underperforming U.S. locations will shut by mid‑2026, with 28 already closed in the fourth quarter of 2025 and decisions made store by store with franchisees.
- Fourth‑quarter same‑restaurant sales fell about 10.1% globally and 11.3% in the U.S., as management cited traffic losses and past reliance on short‑term promotions; revenue declined 5.5% to $543 million.
- Wendy’s guided 2026 adjusted EPS to $0.56–$0.60 and forecast a $15 million to $20 million drag on adjusted EBITDA from the closure program, with global systemwide sales roughly flat for the year.
- The turnaround centers on everyday value via “Biggie Deals” at $4, $6 and $8, new menu items including a chicken sandwich, digital and operational tweaks, and flexibility on breakfast hours where performance lags.
- International remains a bright spot, with systemwide sales up about 8.1% and comps up 1.3%; shares swung during Friday trading and remain near multi‑year lows after sharp declines over the past year.