Wendy's — Feb 13, 2025 release
Fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter results · 8-K Item 2.02 · Exhibit 99.1 · 0001193125-25-025580
Showing in the filing
Target dividend payout ratio
“50% to 60% of adjusted earnings”
Period
No period stated
Measure
Declared action
Source
Prose
All guidance in this release · 10
Target dividend payout ratio
“50% to 60% of adjusted earnings”
Share repurchases for FY2025
“up to $200 million”
Regular quarterly cash dividend
“$0.25 per share”
Quarterly dividend for Q2 FY2025
“$0.14 per share”
Cash returned to shareholders (dividends and… for FY2025
“up to $325 million”
Global systemwide sales growth for FY2025
“2.0 to 3.0 percent”
Adjusted earnings per share for FY2025
“$0.98 to $1.02”
Adjusted EBITDA for FY2025
“$550 to $560 million”
Capital expenditures for FY2025
“$100 to $110 million”
Free cash flow for FY2025
“$275 to $285 million”
Exhibit 99.1 · full document
Exhibit 99.1
THE WENDY’S COMPANY REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR 2024 RESULTS,
PROVIDES 2025 OUTLOOK, AND UPDATES ITS CAPITAL ALLOCATION POLICY
•
Wendy’s systemwide sales grew 5.4% in the fourth quarter, reaching $3.7 billion,* including
same-restaurant sales growth of 4.3%. For the full year systemwide sales grew 3.1%, reaching $14.5 billion, including same-restaurant sales growth of 1.5%.
•
Total revenues for the fourth quarter were $574.3 million and adjusted revenues were
$459.3 million, an increase of 6.4%.* Total revenues for the full year were $2.2 billion and adjusted revenues were $1.8 billion, an increase of 2.0%.
•
Net income for the fourth quarter was $47.5 million and adjusted EBITDA was $137.5 million, an increase
of 8.6%.* Net income for the full year was $194.4 million and adjusted EBITDA was $543.6 million, an increase of 1.4%.
•
Reported diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter and full year was $0.23 and $0.95, respectively.
Adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter was $0.25, an increase of 19.0%. Adjusted earnings per share for the full year was $1.00, an increase of 3.1%.*
•
For the full year 2024, the Company achieved its 14 th
consecutive year of same-restaurant sales growth.
•
The Company updated its capital allocation policy and announced a new target dividend payout ratio of 50% to 60%
of adjusted earnings and plans to repurchase up to $200 million of its shares in 2025. Dublin, Ohio (February 13, 2025) - The
Wendy’s Company (Nasdaq: WEN) today reported unaudited results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 29, 2024. “I am proud
of our fourth quarter performance, delivering a strong quarter while outpacing the category. This resulted in our 14th consecutive year of global same-restaurant sales growth,” said Kirk Tanner, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“We are well positioned to accelerate growth, and we have a clear roadmap for Wendy’s future. I am excited about the opportunities ahead of us as we
strengthen our system across the globe. Our new capital allocation policy will enable us to pursue these opportunities and maximize long-term shareholder value.”
*See “Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the reconciliation tables that accompany this
release for a discussion and reconciliation of certain non-GAAP financial measures included in this release.
1
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Summary
See “Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the reconciliation tables that accompany this
release for a discussion and reconciliation of certain non-GAAP financial measures included in this release.
Operational Highlights
Fourth Quarter
Full Year
2023
2024
2023
2024
Systemwide Sales Growth (1)
U.S.
2.3%
4.5%
5.1%
2.2%
International (2)
9.7%
11.3%
14.1%
9.0%
Global
3.2%
5.4%
6.1%
3.1%
Same-Restaurant Sales
Growth (1)
U.S.
0.9%
4.1%
3.7%
1.4%
International (2)
4.3%
4.9%
8.1%
2.8%
Global
1.3%
4.3%
4.3%
1.5%
Systemwide Sales (In US$
Millions) (3)
U.S.
$3,043
$3,179
$12,285
$12,554
International (2)
$455
$495
$1,802
$1,933
Global
$3,498
$3,674
$14,088
$14,487
Restaurant Openings
U.S. - Total / Net
31 / 20
36 / (78)
97 / 36
101 / (97)
International - Total / Net
65 / 54
77 / 26
151 109
175 / 97
Global - Total / Net
96 / 74
113 / (52)
248 / 145
276 / 0
Quarter End Restaurant Count
U.S.
6,030
5,933
International
1,210
1,307
Global
7,240
7,240
Global Reimaging Completion Percentage
86%
92%
(1) Systemwide sales growth and same-restaurant sales growth are calculated
on a constant currency basis and include sales by both Company-operated and franchise restaurants. (2)
Excludes Argentina. (3) Systemwide sales include sales at both Company-operated and franchise
restaurants.
2
Financial Highlights
Fourth Quarter
Full Year
2023
2024
B / (W)
2023
2024
B / (W)
($ In Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Total Revenues
$540.7
$574.3
6.2%
$2,181.6
$2,246.5
3.0%
Adjusted Revenues (1)
$431.7
$459.3
6.4%
$1,752.6
$1,788.4
2.0%
U.S. Company-Operated Restaurant Margin
13.5%
16.5%
3.0%
15.3%
16.0%
0.7%
General and Administrative Expense
$65.7
$67.2
(2.3)%
$250.0
$255.2
(2.1)%
Operating Profit
$86.6
$96.0
10.9%
$382.0
$371.4
(2.8)%
Reported Effective Tax Rate
30.2%
32.6%
(2.4)%
26.8%
28.7%
(1.9)%
Net Income
$46.9
$47.5
1.3%
$204.4
$194.4
(4.9)%
Adjusted EBITDA
$126.6
$137.5
8.6%
$535.9
$543.6
1.4%
Reported Diluted Earnings Per Share
$0.23
$0.23
— %
$0.97
$0.95
(2.1)%
Adjusted Earnings Per Share
$0.21
$0.25
19.0%
$0.97
$1.00
3.1%
Cash Flows from Operations
$345.4
$355.3
2.9%
Capital Expenditures
$(85.0)
$(94.4)
(11.0)%
Free Cash Flow (2)
$274.3
$279.0
1.7%
(1) Total revenues
less advertising funds revenue. (2) Cash flows
from operations minus capital expenditures and the impact of our advertising funds.
Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights
Total Revenues The increase in revenues
was driven by increases in franchise fees, Company-operated restaurant sales, advertising funds revenue, and franchise royalty revenue. U.S.
Company-Operated Restaurant Margin The increase in U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin was primarily due to a higher average
check, customer count growth, and labor efficiencies. General and Administrative Expense
The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily driven by an increase in incentive compensation and an increase in employee
compensation and benefits, partially offset by lower professional fees. Operating Profit
The increase in operating profit was primarily due to an increase in net franchise fees, U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin, and franchise
royalty revenue. These items were partially offset by the Company’s incremental investment in breakfast advertising and an increase in impairment of long-lived assets due to closing certain Company-operated restaurants.
Net Income The increase in net income
was primarily due to the increase in operating profit, partially offset by lapping a gain on the early extinguishment of debt in the prior year and an increase in the effective tax rate.
Adjusted EBITDA The increase in adjusted
EBITDA resulted primarily from an increase in net franchisee fees, U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin, and franchise royalty revenue. These items were partially offset by the Company’s incremental investment in breakfast advertising and
higher general and administrative expense.
3
Adjusted Earnings Per Share
The increase in adjusted earnings per share was driven by the same factors as described above for the increase in adjusted EBITDA.
Full Year Financial Highlights Total Revenues
The increase in revenues resulted primarily from an increase in advertising funds revenue, an increase in franchise fees, and an
increase in franchise royalty revenue. U.S. Company-Operated Restaurant Margin
The increase in U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin was driven by a higher average check and labor efficiencies, partially offset by labor
rate inflation and customer count declines. General and Administrative Expense
The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily due to an increase in employee compensation and benefits, partially offset by
lower professional fees and a decrease in incentive compensation. Operating Profit
The decrease in operating profit was primarily driven by the Company’s incremental investment in breakfast advertising, an increase in
impairment from long-lived assets, higher depreciation and amortization, and higher general and administrative expense. These were partially offset by higher franchise royalty revenue, U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin, and net franchise fees.
Net Income The decrease in net
income resulted primarily from the decrease in operating profit. Adjusted EBITDA
The increase in adjusted EBITDA resulted primarily from an increase in franchise royalty revenue, U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin, and
net franchise fees. These items were partially offset by an increase in the Company’s incremental investment in breakfast advertising and higher general and administrative expense.
Adjusted Earnings Per Share The increase
in adjusted earnings per share was driven by the same factors as described above for the increase in adjusted EBITDA and fewer shares outstanding as a result of the Company’s share repurchase program. These were partially offset by higher
depreciation and higher cloud computing amortization. Free Cash Flow
The increase in free cash flow resulted primarily from a decrease in cash paid for cloud computing arrangements, partially offset by an
increase in capital expenditures. Company Declares Quarterly Dividend
The Company announced today the declaration of its regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share. The dividend is payable on March 17, 2025, to
shareholders of record as of March 3, 2025. The number of common shares outstanding as of February 6, 2025 was approximately 203.4 million.
Share Repurchases The Company repurchased
0.9 million shares for $15.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, the Company has repurchased 0.5 million shares for $6.9 million through February 6. As of February 6, approximately
$228.1 million remains available under the Company’s existing share repurchase authorization that expires in February 2027.
4
Company Updates Dividend Policy and Increases Planned Share Repurchases
The Company is updating its capital allocation policy to accelerate growth investments, which it believes will enhance long-term shareholder value. It also
enables the Company to take advantage of an opportunity to repurchase shares in 2025 at what the Company believes is an attractive share price. The
Company’s new target dividend payout ratio is 50% to 60% of adjusted earnings. As a result, beginning in the second quarter of 2025 the Company expects to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share. The Company plans to repurchase up to
$200 million of its shares in 2025, with a majority of the shares expected to be acquired over the next few months. The Company expects to return up
to $325 million of cash to shareholders in 2025 though dividends and share repurchases. 2025 Outlook
This release includes forward-looking projections for certain non-GAAP financial measures, including systemwide
sales, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow. The Company excludes certain expenses and benefits from adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow, such as the impact from our advertising funds, including
the net change in the restricted operating assets and liabilities and any excess or deficit of advertising fund revenues over advertising fund expenses, impairment of long-lived assets, reorganization and realignment costs, system optimization
gains, net, amortization of cloud computing arrangements, gain on early extinguishment of debt, net, and the timing and resolution of certain tax matters. Due to the uncertainty and variability of the nature and amount of those expenses and
benefits, the Company is unable without unreasonable effort to provide projections of net income, earnings per share or net cash provided by operating activities, or a reconciliation of those projected measures.
During 2025 the Company Expects:
•
Global systemwide sales growth: 2.0 to 3.0 percent
•
Adjusted earnings per share: $0.98 to $1.02
•
Adjusted EBITDA: $550 to $560 million
•
Capital expenditures: $100 to $110 million
•
Free cash flow: $275 to $285 million
Conference Call and Webcast Scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Today, February 13
The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, February 13 at 8:30 a.m. ET, with a simultaneous webcast from the Company’s Investor Relations
website at www.irwendys.com . The related presentation materials will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website. The live conference call will be available by telephone at (844)
200-6205 for domestic callers and (929) 526-1599 for international callers, both using event ID 920332. An archived webcast and presentation materials will be available
on the Company’s Investor Relations website. Company to Host Investor Day on March 6, 2025
The Company will host an Investor Day in Dublin, Ohio on Thursday, March 6, 2025, where it plans to provide an overview of its strategic vision and issue
its long-term financial outlook. The management presentations will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET, followed by a question and answer session, which is expected to conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m. ET. Due to limited capacity, attendance will be by
invitation only. The event will be accessible to all interested parties via live webcast from the Company’s Investor Relations website at www.irwendys.com . An archived replay of the webcast, including the related presentation materials,
will also be available at www.irwendys.com
5
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains certain statements that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 (the “Reform Act”). Generally, forward-looking statements include the words “may,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimate,”
“goal,” “upcoming,” “outlook,” “guidance” or the negation thereof, or similar expressions. In addition, all statements that address future operating, financial or business performance, strategies or
initiatives, future efficiencies or savings, anticipated costs or charges, future capitalization, anticipated impacts of recent or pending investments or transactions and statements expressing general views about future results or brand health are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s expectations at the time such statements are made, speak only as of the dates they are made and are susceptible to a number
of risks, uncertainties and other factors. For all such forward-looking statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. The Company’s actual results, performance and
achievements may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Company’s forward-looking statements.
Many important factors could affect the Company’s future results and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the
Company’s forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) the impact of competition or poor customer experiences at Wendy’s restaurants; (2) adverse economic conditions or disruptions,
including in regions with a high concentration of Wendy’s restaurants; (3) changes in discretionary consumer spending and consumer tastes and preferences; (4) impacts to the Company’s corporate reputation or the value and
perception of the Company’s brand; (5) the effectiveness of the Company’s marketing and advertising programs and new product development; (6) the Company’s ability to manage the impact of social or digital media;
(7) the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property; (8) food safety events or health concerns involving the Company’s products; (9) our ability to deliver accelerated global sales growth and achieve or maintain
market share across our dayparts; (10) the Company’s ability to achieve its growth strategy through new restaurant development; (11) the Company’s ability to effectively manage the acquisition and disposition of restaurants or
successfully implement other strategic initiatives; (12) risks associated with leasing and owning significant amounts of real estate, including environmental matters; (13) risks associated with the Company’s international operations,
including the ability to execute its international growth strategy; (14) changes in commodity and other operating costs; (15) shortages or interruptions in the supply or distribution of the Company’s products and other risks
associated with the Company’s independent supply chain purchasing co-op; (16) the impact of increased labor costs or labor shortages; (17) the continued succession and retention of key personnel
and the effectiveness of the Company’s leadership and organizational structure; (18) risks associated with the Company’s digital commerce strategy, platforms and technologies, including its ability to adapt to changes in industry
trends and consumer preferences; (19) the Company’s dependence on computer systems and information technology, including risks associated with the failure or interruption of its systems or technology or the occurrence of cyber incidents or
deficiencies; (20) risks associated with the Company’s securitized financing facility and other debt agreements, including compliance with operational and financial covenants, restrictions on its ability to raise additional capital, the
impact of its overall debt levels and the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its debt service obligations and operate its business; (21) risks associated with the Company’s capital allocation policy, including
the amount and timing of equity and debt repurchases and dividend payments; (22) risks associated with complaints and litigation, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and an increased focus on environmental, social and governance
issues; (23) risks associated with the availability and cost of insurance, changes in accounting standards, the recognition of impairment or other charges, changes in tax rates or tax laws and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
(24) conditions beyond the Company’s control, such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, hostilities, social unrest, health epidemics or pandemics or other catastrophic events; and (25) other risks and uncertainties cited
in the Company’s releases, public statements and/or filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those identified in the “Risk Factors” sections of the Company’s Forms
10-K and 10-Q.
6
In addition to the factors described above, there are risks associated with the Company’s predominantly
franchised business model that could impact its results, performance and achievements. Such risks include the Company’s ability to identify, attract and retain experienced and qualified franchisees, the Company’s ability to effectively
manage the transfer of restaurants between and among franchisees, the business and financial health of franchisees, the ability of franchisees to meet their royalty, advertising, development, reimaging and other commitments, participation by
franchisees in brand strategies and the fact that franchisees are independent third parties that own, operate and are responsible for overseeing the operations of their restaurants. The Company’s predominantly franchised business model may also
impact the ability of the Wendy’s system to effectively respond and adapt to market changes. All future written and oral forward-looking statements
attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to above. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and factors that the Company
currently deems immaterial may become material, and it is impossible for the Company to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. The
Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this release as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by federal securities laws, although the Company may do so from
time to time. The Company does not endorse any projections regarding future performance that may be made by third parties. There can be no assurance that
any additional regular quarterly cash dividends will be declared or paid after the date hereof, or of the amount or timing of such dividends, if any. Future dividend payments, if any, are subject to applicable law, will be made at the discretion of
the Board of Directors and will be based on factors such as the Company’s earnings, financial condition and cash requirements and other factors.
Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to the financial measures presented in this release in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), the
Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures in this release, including adjusted revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow and systemwide sales.
The Company uses adjusted revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and systemwide sales as internal measures of business operating performance
and as performance measures for benchmarking against the Company’s peers and competitors. Adjusted EBITDA and systemwide sales are also used by the Company in establishing performance goals for purposes of executive compensation. The Company
believes its presentation of adjusted revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and systemwide sales provides a meaningful perspective of the underlying operating performance of our current business and enables investors to better
understand and evaluate our historical and prospective operating performance. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures are important supplemental measures of operating performance because they
eliminate items that vary from period to period without correlation to our core operating performance and highlight trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on GAAP financial measures. Due to the nature and/or
size of the items being excluded, such items do not reflect future gains, losses, expenses or benefits and are not indicative of our future operating performance. The Company believes investors, analysts and other interested parties use adjusted
revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and systemwide sales in evaluating issuers, and the presentation of these measures facilitates a comparative assessment of the Company’s operating performance in addition to the
Company’s performance based on GAAP results.
7
This release also includes disclosure regarding the Company’s free cash flow. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that is used by the Company as an internal measure of liquidity. Free cash flow is also used by the Company in establishing performance goals for purposes of executive compensation. The
Company defines free cash flow as cash flows from operations minus (i) capital expenditures and (ii) the net change in the restricted operating assets and liabilities of the advertising funds and any excess/deficit of advertising funds
revenue over advertising funds expense included in net income, as reported under GAAP. The impact of our advertising funds is excluded because the funds are used solely for advertising and are not available for the Company’s working capital
needs. The Company may also make additional adjustments for certain non-recurring or unusual items to the extent identified in the reconciliation tables that accompany this release. The Company believes free
cash flow is an important liquidity measure for investors and other interested persons because it communicates how much cash flow is available for working capital needs or to be used for repurchasing shares, paying dividends, repaying or refinancing
debt, financing possible acquisitions or investments or other uses of cash. Adjusted revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share, free cash
flow and systemwide sales are not recognized terms under GAAP, and the Company’s presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures does not replace the presentation of the Company’s financial results
in accordance with GAAP. Because all companies do not calculate adjusted revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow and systemwide sales (and similarly titled financial measures) in the same way, those measures as used by
other companies may not be consistent with the way the Company calculates such measures. The non-GAAP financial measures included in this release should not be construed as substitutes for or better indicators
of the Company’s performance than the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. See the reconciliation tables that accompany this release for additional information regarding certain of the
non-GAAP financial measures included herein. Key Business Measures
The Company tracks its results of operations and manages its business using certain key business measures, including same-restaurant sales, systemwide sales
and Company-operated restaurant margin, which are measures commonly used in the quick-service restaurant industry that are important to understanding Company performance.
Same-restaurant sales and systemwide sales each include sales by both Company-operated and franchise restaurants. The Company reports same-restaurant sales
for new restaurants after they have been open for 15 continuous months and for reimaged restaurants as soon as they reopen. Restaurants temporarily closed for more than one fiscal week are excluded from same-restaurant sales.
Franchise restaurant sales are reported by our franchisees and represent their revenues from sales at franchised Wendy’s restaurants. Sales by franchise
restaurants are not recorded as Company revenues and are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, the Company’s royalty revenues are computed as percentages of sales made by Wendy’s franchisees and, as
a result, sales by franchisees have a direct effect on the Company’s royalty revenues and profitability. Same-restaurant sales and systemwide sales
exclude sales from Argentina due to the highly inflationary economy of that country. The Company calculates same-restaurant sales and systemwide sales
growth on a constant currency basis. Constant currency results exclude the impact of foreign currency translation and are derived by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. The Company believes excluding the impact of
foreign currency translation provides better year over year comparability.
8
U.S. Company-operated restaurant margin is defined as sales from U.S. Company-operated restaurants less cost
of sales divided by sales from U.S. Company-operated restaurants. Cost of sales includes food and paper, restaurant labor and occupancy, advertising and other operating costs. Cost of sales excludes certain costs that support restaurant operations
that are not allocated to individual restaurants, which are included in “General and administrative.” Cost of sales also excludes depreciation and amortization expense and impairment of long-lived assets. Therefore, as restaurant margin as
presented excludes certain costs as described above, its usefulness may be limited and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies in our industry.
About Wendy’s The Wendy’s Company (Nasdaq:
WEN) and Wendy’s ® franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide. Founded in 1969, Wendy’s is committed to the promise of Fresh
Famous Food, Made Right, For You, delivered to customers through its craveable menu including made-to-order square hamburgers using fresh beef*, and fan favorites like
the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and nuggets, Baconator ® , and the Frosty ® dessert. Wendy’s supports the Dave Thomas Foundation for
Adoption ® , established by its founder, which seeks to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in North America’s foster care system. Learn more about
Wendy’s at www.wendys.com. For details on franchising, visit www.wendys.com/franchising. Connect with Wendy’s on X, Instagram and Facebook.
*Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S. and Alaska, as well as Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the UK, and other select international markets.
Investor Contact : Aaron Broholm
Head of Investor Relations (614)
764-3345; aaron.broholm@wendys.com Media Contact :
Heidi Schauer Vice President – Communications, Public
Affairs & Customer Care (614) 764-3368; heidi.schauer@wendys.com
9
The Wendy’s Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three and Twelve Month Periods Ended December 31, 2023 and December 29, 2024
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
2023
2024
2023
2024
Revenues:
Sales
$
226,725
$
232,824
$
930,083
$
925,905
Franchise royalty revenue
127,793
133,789
512,159
528,388
Franchise fees
20,468
34,175
80,172
97,614
Franchise rental income
56,761
58,555
230,168
236,493
Advertising funds revenue
108,904
114,930
428,996
458,092
540,651
574,273
2,181,578
2,246,492
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales
197,425
195,574
794,493
783,211
Franchise support and other costs
15,390
20,677
57,243
67,688
Franchise rental expense
30,470
31,041
125,371
127,446
Advertising funds expense
108,829
120,213
428,003
478,136
General and administrative
65,658
67,161
249,964
255,208
Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of cloud computing arrangements shown
separately below)
34,531
33,228
135,789
143,234
Amortization of cloud computing arrangements
5,086
4,064
12,778
14,701
System optimization gains, net
(761
)
(646
)
(880
)
(1,219
)
Reorganization and realignment costs
1,100
49
9,200
8,528
Impairment of long-lived assets
888
6,840
1,401
9,713
Other operating (income) loss, net
(4,594
)
51
(13,768
)
(11,513
)
454,022
478,252
1,799,594
1,875,133
Operating profit
86,629
96,021
381,984
371,359
Interest expense, net
(30,263
)
(31,081
)
(124,061
)
(123,881
)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt, net
3,868
—
2,283
—
Investment income (loss), net
31
—
(10,358
)
11
Other income, net
7,024
5,542
29,570
24,924
Income before income taxes
67,289
70,482
279,418
272,413
Provision for income taxes
(20,351
)
(22,985
)
(74,978
)
(78,056
)
Net income
$
46,938
$
47,497
$
204,440
$
194,357
Net income per share:
Basic
$
.23
$
.23
$
.98
$
.95
Diluted
.23
.23
.97
.95
Number of shares used to calculate basic income per share
205,938
203,848
209,486
204,351
Number of shares used to calculate diluted income per share
207,578
205,045
211,534
205,614
10
The Wendy’s Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2023 and December 29, 2024
(In Thousands Except Par Value)
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2023
December 29, 2024
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
516,037
$
450,512
Restricted cash
35,848
34,481
Accounts and notes receivable, net
121,683
99,926
Inventories
6,690
6,529
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
39,640
45,563
Advertising funds restricted assets
117,755
99,129
Total current assets
837,653
736,140
Properties
891,080
907,787
Finance lease assets
228,936
244,954
Operating lease assets
705,615
679,777
Goodwill
773,727
771,468
Other intangible assets
1,219,129
1,192,264
Investments
34,445
29,006
Net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases
313,664
288,048
Other assets
178,577
185,399
Total assets
$
5,182,826
$
5,034,843
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt
$
29,250
$
78,163
Current portion of finance lease liabilities
20,250
22,509
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
49,353
50,068
Accounts payable
27,370
28,455
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
135,149
118,224
Advertising funds restricted liabilities
120,558
100,212
Total current liabilities
381,930
397,631
Long-term debt
2,732,814
2,662,130
Long-term finance lease liabilities
568,767
575,363
Long-term operating lease liabilities
739,340
704,333
Deferred income taxes
270,353
263,420
Deferred franchise fees
90,132
88,387
Other liabilities
89,711
84,227
Total liabilities
4,873,047
4,775,491
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.10 par value; 1,500,000 shares authorized; 470,424 shares issued; 205,397 and
203,834 shares outstanding, respectively
47,042
47,042
Additional paid-in capital
2,960,035
2,982,102
Retained earnings
409,863
399,700
Common stock held in treasury, at cost; 265,027 and 266,590 shares, respectively
(3,048,786
)
(3,094,739
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(58,375
)
(74,753
)
Total stockholders’ equity
309,779
259,352
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
5,182,826
$
5,034,843
11
The Wendy’s Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Twelve Month Periods Ended December 31, 2023 and December 29, 2024
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
Twelve Months Ended
2023
2024
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
204,440
$
194,357
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)
135,789
143,234
Amortization of cloud computing arrangements
12,778
14,701
Share-based compensation
23,747
23,019
Impairment of long-lived assets
1,401
9,713
Deferred income tax
(807
)
(5,529
)
Non-cash rental expense, net
40,655
41,904
Change in operating lease liabilities
(47,212
)
(48,911
)
Net receipt (recognition) of deferred vendor incentives
1,034
(586
)
System optimization gains, net
(880
)
(1,219
)
Gain on sale of investments, net
(31
)
—
Distributions received from TimWen joint venture
12,901
14,408
Equity in earnings in joint ventures, net
(10,819
)
(11,607
)
Long-term debt-related activities, net
5,320
7,479
Cloud computing arrangements expenditures
(32,902
)
(18,815
)
Other, net
22,883
14,542
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable
430
(5,158
)
Inventories
439
138
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(672
)
(1,795
)
Advertising funds restricted assets and liabilities
(18,210
)
(20,733
)
Accounts payable
(8,826
)
1,026
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
3,958
5,139
Net cash provided by operating activities
345,416
355,307
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
(85,021
)
(94,388
)
Franchise development fund
(7,951
)
(41,246
)
Dispositions
2,115
4,946
Proceeds from sale of investments
31
—
Notes receivable, net
4,280
1,383
Net cash used in investing activities
(86,546
)
(129,305
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt
(94,702
)
(29,250
)
Repayments of finance lease liabilities
(21,588
)
(20,404
)
Repurchases of common stock
(189,554
)
(77,375
)
Dividends
(209,253
)
(204,443
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
14,667
32,859
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation
(3,873
)
(4,485
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(504,303
)
(303,098
)
Net cash used in operations before effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(245,433
)
(77,096
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
2,448
(8,112
)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(242,985
)
(85,208
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
831,801
588,816
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
588,816
$
503,608
12
The Wendy’s Company and Subsidiaries
Reconciliations of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Revenues to Adjusted Revenues
Three and Twelve Month Periods Ended December 31, 2023 and December 29, 2024
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
2023
2024
2023
2024
Net income
$
46,938
$
47,497
$
204,440
$
194,357
Provision for income taxes
20,351
22,985
74,978
78,056
Income before income taxes
67,289
70,482
279,418
272,413
Other income, net
(7,024
)
(5,542
)
(29,570
)
(24,924
)
Investment (income) loss, net
(31
)
—
10,358
(11
)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt, net
(3,868
)
—
(2,283
)
—
Interest expense, net
30,263
31,081
124,061
123,881
Operating profit
86,629
96,021
381,984
371,359
Plus (less):
Advertising funds revenue
(108,904
)
(114,930
)
(428,996
)
(458,092
)
Advertising funds expense (a)
108,069
112,880
424,652
455,390
Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of cloud computing arrangements shown
separately below)
34,531
33,228
135,789
143,234
Amortization of cloud computing arrangements
5,086
4,064
12,778
14,701
System optimization gains, net
(761
)
(646
)
(880
)
(1,219
)
Reorganization and realignment costs
1,100
49
9,200
8,528
Impairment of long-lived assets
888
6,840
1,401
9,713
Adjusted EBITDA
$
126,638
$
137,506
$
535,928
$
543,614
Revenues
$
540,651
$
574,273
$
2,181,578
$
2,246,492
Less:
Advertising funds revenue
(108,904
)
(114,930
)
(428,996
)
(458,092
)
Adjusted revenues
$
431,747
$
459,343
$
1,752,582
$
1,788,400
(a)
Excludes advertising funds expense of $599 and $2,401 for the three and twelve months ended December 31,
2023, respectively, and $7,146 and $21,919 for the three and twelve months ended and December 29, 2024, respectively, related to the Company’s funding of incremental advertising. In addition, excludes other international-related
advertising deficit of $161 and $950 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, and $187 and $827 for the three and twelve months ended December 29, 2024, respectively.
13
The Wendy’s Company and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Net Income and Diluted Earnings Per Share to
Adjusted Income and Adjusted Earnings Per Share
Three and Twelve Month Periods Ended December 31, 2023 and December 29, 2024
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
2023
2024
2023
2024
Net income
$
46,938
$
47,497
$
204,440
$
194,357
Plus (less):
Advertising funds revenue
(108,904
)
(114,930
)
(428,996
)
(458,092
)
Advertising funds expense (a)
108,069
112,880
424,652
455,390
System optimization gains, net
(761
)
(646
)
(880
)
(1,219
)
Reorganization and realignment costs
1,100
49
9,200
8,528
Impairment of long-lived assets
888
6,840
1,401
9,713
Gain on early extinguishment of debt, net
(3,868
)
—
(2,283
)
—
Total adjustments
(3,476
)
4,193
3,094
14,320
Income tax impact on adjustments (b)
849
(1,176
)
(1,423
)
(3,429
)
Total adjustments, net of income taxes
(2,627
)
3,017
1,671
10,891
Adjusted income
$
44,311
$
50,514
$
206,111
$
205,248
Diluted earnings per share
$
.23
$
.23
$
.97
$
.95
Total adjustments per share, net of income taxes
(.02
)
.02
—
.05
Adjusted earnings per share
$
.21
$
.25
$
.97
$
1.00
(a)
Excludes advertising funds expense of $599 and $2,401 for the three and twelve months ended December 31,
2023, respectively, and $7,146 and $21,919 for the three and twelve months ended December 29, 2024, respectively, related to the Company’s funding of incremental advertising. In addition, excludes other international-related advertising
deficit of $161 and $950 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, and $187 and $827 for the three and twelve months ended December 29, 2024, respectively.
(b)
Adjustments relate to the tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments, which
were determined based on the nature of the underlying non-GAAP adjustments and their relevant jurisdictional tax rates.
14
The Wendy’s Company and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow
Twelve Month Periods Ended December 31, 2023 and December 29, 2024
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
Twelve Months Ended
2023
2024
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
345,416
$
355,307
Plus (less):
Capital expenditures
(85,021
)
(94,388
)
Advertising funds impact (a)
13,866
18,031
Free cash flow
$
274,261
$
278,950
(a)
Advertising funds impact for 2023 and 2024 includes the net change in the restricted operating assets and
liabilities of the funds of $(18,210) and $(20,733), respectively, and the advertising funds surplus included in Net Income of $4,344 and $2,702, respectively. Advertising funds impact for 2023 and 2024 excludes the Company’s incremental
funding of advertising of $2,401 and $21,919, respectively.
15
the item shown at left
other guidance in this release
Text is the filed exhibit, verbatim.