On Friday, Evercore ISI reiterated its In Line rating and a $20.00 price target for Wendy's (NASDAQ:WEN), following a review of the company's third-quarter earnings and subsequent discussions. The firm has slightly increased its 2024 estimated earnings per share (EPS) for Wendy's, from $0.98 to $1.01, marking a 4% year-over-year growth and slightly above the consensus estimate of $0.99.
The optimism stems in part from the company's recent marketing initiatives, including a collaboration with the popular animated series SpongeBob, which is credited with accelerating same-store sales (SSS) growth quarter-to-date. The analyst has adjusted the forecast for fourth-quarter U.S. SSS growth from 2% to 4%, exceeding the consensus estimate of 3%. This revision includes an estimated 10% SSS growth for October.
Wendy's is also strategically allowing franchisees to close around 140 underperforming restaurants with an average annual unit volume (AUV) of $1.1 million in the fourth quarter. This move is expected to generate nearly $10 million in one-time fees from operators during the quarter.
The analyst notes that Wendy's new management is prioritizing marketing, innovation, and profitability for U.S. franchisees. The market is anticipating further details on the company's strategy and growth targets, which are expected to be unveiled at the upcoming Investor Day on March 5.
In other recent news, Wendy's reported third-quarter earnings per share in line with Wall Street estimates at $0.25, as per the company's recent earnings call. The fast-food chain saw a 1.8% increase in global systemwide sales and a 0.2% rise in same-restaurant sales, with digital sales surging nearly 40% due to the Wendy's app, which now boasts 45 million reward members.
Despite these gains, Wendy's faced challenges with flat adjusted EBITDA margins and a decrease in adjusted earnings per share due to increased investments and higher expenses.
BTIG maintained a Neutral rating on Wendy's shares, highlighting the company's balanced risk/reward scenario. The firm acknowledged the company's improved sales figures for October but pointed out that the planned closures of numerous units by the end of the year could hinder growth prospects. Stifel, another financial services firm, reduced its price target for Wendy's to $18 from $19, maintaining a hold rating on the stock.
Wendy's announced around 140 unit closures by year-end, which are expected to result in a net unit development that is essentially flat for the year. This development delays the projected acceleration of unit growth that Wendy's has previously anticipated. Despite the anticipated closures, Wendy's revised its full-year guidance, forecasting approximately 3% system-wide sales growth.
These are the recent developments in the company.
InvestingPro Insights
Wendy's financial performance aligns with Evercore ISI's optimistic outlook. According to InvestingPro data, Wendy's has a market capitalization of $3.88 billion and a P/E ratio of 21.61, indicating investor confidence in the company's earnings potential. The company's revenue growth of 1.72% over the last twelve months supports the analyst's positive view on same-store sales improvements.
InvestingPro Tips highlight Wendy's commitment to shareholder returns, noting that the company "has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years" and "pays a significant dividend to shareholders." With a current dividend yield of 5.23%, Wendy's offers an attractive income proposition for investors. This aligns with the company's focus on profitability and strategic moves to close underperforming restaurants.
Additionally, InvestingPro Tips reveal that Wendy's "liquid assets exceed short term obligations," suggesting financial stability as the company implements its new marketing and innovation strategies. For investors seeking more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 6 additional tips for Wendy's, providing deeper insights into the company's financial health and market position.
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