Bernstein SocGen lowers Wendy’s stock price target on weak consumer spending

Published 11/08/2025, 15:24
Bernstein SocGen lowers Wendy’s stock price target on weak consumer spending

Investing.com - Bernstein SocGen Group lowered its price target on Wendy’s (NASDAQ:WEN) to $12.00 from $15.00 on Monday, while maintaining a Market Perform rating on the stock. The stock currently trades at $10.34, near its 52-week low of $9.74, with InvestingPro analysis suggesting slight undervaluation at current levels.

The fast-food chain reported disappointing second-quarter same-store sales growth of -2.9%, with the research firm noting that guidance indicates sequentially worsening sales performance ahead.

Wendy’s management reduced its global system-wide sales growth guidance to -3% to -5%, down from previous expectations of -2% to flat, and adjusted its EBITDA forecast to $505 to $525 million.

The company is experiencing significant traffic compression from low-income consumers, with same-store sales trends worsening in July to -5%/-6%, according to Bernstein SocGen’s analysis.

International markets remain a bright spot for Wendy’s, with system-wide sales growth of 8.7% and same-store sales growth of 1.8%, suggesting potential for further geographic expansion despite domestic challenges.

In other recent news, Wendy’s reported mixed second-quarter results, with global same-store sales and unit growth falling short of expectations, although adjusted EBITDA and earnings per share surpassed consensus estimates. The company has reduced its fiscal year 2025 global systemwide sales guidance for the second consecutive quarter, citing ongoing traffic softness expected through the end of the year. Analysts have responded with various adjustments to Wendy’s stock price targets. Stephens lowered its target to $11, maintaining an Equal Weight rating, while Truist Securities decreased its target to $13, holding a Buy rating. JPMorgan also cut its target to $13, citing a weaker outlook but kept an Overweight rating. BMO Capital reduced its target to $12, noting weak comparable store sales despite an earnings per share beat. Evercore ISI lowered its target to $12, highlighting concerns about systemwide cash flow and balance sheet issues. These developments reflect the challenges Wendy’s faces amid fluctuating sales and financial metrics.

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