HighGravityData
Companies / Wendy's / Filing

Wendy's — Feb 13, 2025 release

Fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter results · 8-K Item 2.02 · Exhibit 99.1 · 0001193125-25-025580
Open on SEC.gov ↗
Showing in the filing
Cash returned to shareholders (dividends and share repurchases)
“up to $325 million”
Period
FY2025
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.