The Wendy's Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a quick-service restaurant company in the United States and internationally. It operates through Wendy's U.S., Wendy's International, and Global Real Estate & Development segments. The company is involved in operating, developing, and franchising a system of quick-service restaurants specializing in hamburger sandwiches. It owns and leases real estate properties. The company was formerly known as Wendy's/Arby's Group, Inc. and changed its name to The Wendy's Company in July 2011. The Wendy's Company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.

Wendy’s combines strong operating profitability with very high leverage and weak balance-sheet strength, so the picture for an investor is mixed. A P/E ratio of 8.75 is noticeably below the industry median, which looks supportive for valuation and suggests moderate cheapness on earnings. At the same time, a P/B of 13.02 is extremely above the industry level, signaling that the market is already valuing the equity highly despite a very thin equity base. P/FCF of 6.87 and P/S of 0.72 look relatively restrained, which partially offsets the expensive P/B and suggests a reasonable valuation on cash flow and revenue. EBITDA margin and operating margin are above industry benchmarks, but their annual trend is rather declining, so the business quality remains good, though it is not improving. ROE looks very high, but given the extremely low equity base, this figure should not be interpreted as sustainably strong return on capital. ROA and ROI are below the median and worsening over the years, indicating limited efficiency in using assets and invested capital. Liquidity currently looks better: quick ratio and current ratio are above the industry and have recovered after a weaker period, which reduces short-term risk. The main limiting factor is debt/equity of around 29 and the high amount of long-term debt, which significantly increase financial risk and restrict room for aggressive revaluation. Revenue and profit remain positive, but the yearly trend shows instability, while net margin and EPS have weakened compared with earlier periods. Dividend yield has declined, reducing the stock’s appeal for income investors and providing little strong support. Overall, the fundamentals justify a cautious approach: the company does not look operationally weak, but the balance sheet and deterioration in several indicators do not allow for expectations of a meaningful expansion in valuation multiples. For a target assessment, this is more of a moderately negative backdrop with limited upside potential and elevated sensitivity to leverage and earnings dynamics.

Wendy's Company (The)

Сильный индекс, значительно вырос. Быки укрепили уверенность в своих позициях.

Strong index, significantly up. Bulls have strengthened their confidence in their positions.

Сильный индекс, незначительно вырос. Рынок не поддерживает быков.

Strong index, slightly up. The market does not support the bulls.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Отток средств из лонгов увеличился и находится на высоком уровне.

Strong index, significantly down. The outflow of funds from longs has increased and is at a high level.

Strong operating margin and low P/E support the valuation, but high debt, weak ROA/ROI, and declining dividend yield limit the upside.

McDonald’s Corporation MCD is seeing its international markets provide a relatively steady source of growth despite softer consumer demand across several regions. International Operated Markets (“IOM”) reported 1.5% comparable sales growth in the second quarter of 2026, with Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom leading the performance. After slightly negative comparable sales in April, McDonald’s saw IOM results improve in May and June, moving closer to normalized levels.
Value offerings and menu innovation remain important in maintaining demand. McDonald’s benefited from Every Day Affordable Price menus and meal deals across several IOM markets, while chicken-focused products helped Australia and Germany gain chicken share. In Germany, the company launched a specialty beverage platform in May, adding another avenue for sales growth.
International Developmental Licensed Markets (“IDL”) delivered 1.9% comparable sales growth. McDonald’s Japan business was a key contributor, recording its 10th consecutive quarter of positive comparable guest-count growth. The market’s loyalty platform, launched less than a year ago, has nearly 20 million 90-day active users, with higher visit frequency supporting demand.
The international performance is taking place against a softer consumer environment. QSR traffic across several large markets remained flat to negative, while McDonald’s operations in China tempered IDL growth as the macro and consumer environment remained challenging. France also fell short of McDonald’s expectations, although renewed meal deals and value offerings are being used to improve consumer response.
Management expects comparable sales growth in both IOM and IDL to accelerate sequentially in the third quarter. The outlook provides McDonald’s with a potential source of additional growth, even as consumer conditions remain uneven across international markets.
McDonald’s Competitive Landscape
As international markets remain an important part of growth strategies, Starbucks Corporation SBUX and The Wendy’s Company WEN provide useful comparisons for McDonald’s.
Starbucks delivered a stronger international performance in the third-quarter fiscal 2026. International company-operated comparable sales increased 5.7%, supported by continued strength in Japan and the United Kingdom. The broader international business also recorded its sixth consecutive quarter of positive system-wide comparable sales across 90 markets. Starbucks is placing greater emphasis on international expansion, with new coffeehouse prototypes developed and tested globally to support faster unit growth. Management expects international markets to remain a meaningful contributor to unit growth through fiscal 2027.
Wendy’s international business presents a more uneven picture. International systemwide sales increased 3.4% in the second-quarter fiscal 2026, supported by new restaurant development. However, international same-restaurant sales declined 2.3%, mainly due to a challenging consumer and competitive environment in Canada. Excluding Canada, international sales increased 8.6%, with positive same-restaurant sales. Wendy’s also opened 27 international restaurants during the quarter, indicating that new unit development remains an important source of international growth.
MCD’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
McDonald’s shares have lost 21.3% in the past six months, underperforming the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry, the broader Retail and Wholesale sector and the S&P 500 index.
On a forward 12-month basis, MCD trades at a P/E of 19.45, down from the industry’s 22.64.
MCD P/E (F12M)
MCD’s earnings estimates for 2026 have moved up over the past 30 days, while estimates for 2027 have been revised downward. Despite these mixed revisions, the latest estimates project year-over-year earnings growth of 5.5% in 2026 and 7.9% in 2027, pointing to continued momentum over the next two years.
MCD currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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Can MCD's International Markets Drive Growth Amid Consumer Pressure?

What happened
Shares of The Wendy's Company (NASDAQ: WEN) fell on Wednesday, following the release of the fast-food chain's first-quarter earnings results. As of 3 p.m. ET, Wendy's stock price was down more than 10%.
So what
Wendy's revenue rose 6.2% year over year to $488.6 million. The gains were driven in part by the restaurant-company's acquisition of 93 previously franchised locations in Florida.
Wendy's same-store sales grew by 2.4% globally, including a 1.1% increase in the U.S. This muted comp growth, however, wasn't enough to offset higher commodity and labor costs. These costs, combined with expenses related to Wendy's expansion in the United Kingdom, drove a 5.4 percentage-point decline in its company-operated restaurant margin to 11.6%.
Wendy's operating profit, in turn, fell 9.9% to $74.9 million. Adjusted earnings per share, meanwhile, declined by 15% to $0.17.
Now what
CEO Officer Todd Penegor said Wendy's remains on track to achieve its target store-count growth rate of 5% to 6% in 2022. Management also reiterated other aspects of its full-year guidance, including:
Global systemwide sales growth of 6% to 8%
Adjusted earnings per share of $0.82 to $0.86
Free cash flow of $215 million to $225 million
Wendy's robust cash generation is allowing it to return capital to shareholders via dividends and stock buybacks. In April, Wendy's board of directors boosted its share-repurchase authorization by $150 million to a total of $250 million.
Wendy's shares are now yielding more than 3% and the company is ramping up its share repurchases. As a result, its sizable capital-return program could help to stabilize its stock price after today's decline.
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Why Wendy's Stock Dropped Today

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) closed up by +0.72% on Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up by +0.20%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up by +1.43%. E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) rose +0.68%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) rose +1.40%.
Stock indices settled higher on Thursday, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials, and the Nasdaq 100 posting 1-week highs. A blowout outlook from Nvidia bolstered confidence in the artificial intelligence trade and powered technology stocks higher on Thursday. Nvidia rallied more than +8%, leading chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks higher after issuing a revenue growth forecast for fiscal 2028 far above expectations. Also, a $31 billion joint venture between Sandisk and Kioxia Holdings to ratchet up flash memory production added to the bullish tone in technology stocks. In addition, cybersecurity stocks rallied on Thursday after better-than-expected earnings from Okta and CrowdStrike Holdings, and software stocks rose after Salesforce forecasted revenue above consensus.
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Signs of strength in the US labor market are positive for economic growth and stocks after weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell -4,000 to 203,000, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of an increase to 208,000.
Hawkish Fed comments on Thursday were bearish for stocks and bonds. Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid said current Fed policy is not restraining the economy while inflation continues to run above its 2% target. He added that the interest rate setting "might be accommodative on the short end" and that "we've got work to do." Also, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said now is the time to act to contain inflation, and "I think it's appropriate for the Fed to put some restraint there to help bring inflation back down to target."
Oct WTI crude oil prices (CLV26) rallied more than +1% on Thursday after a Wall Street Journal report said the US has no interest in returning to the terms of the deal it signed with Iran in June, casting doubt on oil flows from the Middle East returning to normal anytime soon. Crude prices also rose on a Bloomberg report that said Russia was planning to escalate the war in Ukraine, which could disrupt Russian crude output and lower global oil supplies.
The outlook for strong Q2 earnings is a bullish factor for stocks. The S&P 500 is tracking for earnings growth of almost 32% in Q2, well above projections of +23%, and nearly four times the average earnings growth rate outside of the Covid period since Q4 of 2013, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. AI spending is expected to account for most of earnings, with AI infrastructure stocks set to contribute nearly 60% of the S&P 500's earnings-per-share growth in Q2. So far, earnings results have been positive, with 86% of the 478 S&P 500 companies that have reported Q2 earnings beating estimates, according to Bloomberg data.
The markets are discounting a 33% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on September 15-16.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Thursday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed down -0.71%. China's Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +1.13%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average fell from a 1-week high and closed down -0.20%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) closed down by -2.5 ticks on Thursday. The 10-year T-note yield rose +1.0 bp to 4.670%. Strength in stocks on Thursday curbed safe-haven demand for government debt and weighed on T-note prices. Also, an unexpected decline in weekly US jobless claims was bearish for T-notes. In addition, hawkish Fed comments on Thursday from Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack undercut T-notes when they said interest rates aren’t restraining the economy. Finally, the +1% rally in WTI crude oil on Thursday raised inflation expectations and weighed on T-notes.
Losses in T-notes were limited as short covering emerged ahead of Fed Chair Warsh’s speech at the Fed’s annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Friday. Also, decent demand for the Treasury’s $44 billion of 7-year T-notes was supportive for T-notes, as the auction had a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.50, above the 10-auction average of 2.48.
European government bond yields were mixed on Thursday. The 10-year German bund yield rose +1.9 bp to 3.253%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell -0.1 bp to 5.030%.
Eurozone July M3 money supply rose +3.4% y/y, weaker than expectations of +3.5% y/y.
The German Sep GfK consumer confidence index rose +2.8 to a 6-month high of -26.6, stronger than expectations of -29.5.
Markets are discounting a 97% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on September 10.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks rallied on Thursday after Nvidia reported Q2 revenue of $96.22 billion, well above the consensus of $92.38 billion, and projected fiscal 2028 revenue to grow about 70%. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) closed up more than +1%. Nvidia (NVDA) closed up more than +8%, and Intel (INTC) and Broadcom (AVGO) closed up more than +3%. Also, ARM Holdings (ARM), Lam Research (LRCX), Microchip Technology (MCHP), and Texas Instruments (TXN) closed up more than +1%.
Software stocks moved sharply higher on Thursday, led by a +22% surge in Salesforce (CRM), which led gainers in the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrials after it forecast Q3 revenue of $11.42 billion to $11.50 billion, with the midpoint above the consensus of $11.42 billion. Also, ServiceNow (NOW) closed up more than +10%, and Atlassian Corp (TEAM) closed up more than +9%. In addition, Datadog (DDOG) and Autodesk (ADSK) closed up more than +6%, and Adobe Systems (ADBE) closed up more than +5%. Finally, Palantir Technologies (PLTR) closed up more than +4%, International Business Machines (IBM) closed up more than 3%, and Oracle (ORCL) and Workday (WDAY) closed up more than +1%.
Cybersecurity stocks soared on Thursday, following stellar earnings results from Okta and Crowdstrike Holdings. Okta (OKTA) closed up more than +28% after boosting its 2027 revenue forecast to $3.22 billion to $3.23 billion from a previous forecast of $3.19 billion to $3.21 billion, above the consensus of $3.20 billion. Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD) closed up more than +20% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after raising its 2027 adjusted operating income forecast to $1.50 billion-$1.51 billion from a previous forecast of $1.45 billion-$1.48 billion, better than the consensus of $1.47 billion. Also, Palo Alto Networks (PANW) closed up more than +12%, and SentinelOne (S) closed up more than +10%. In addition, Fortinet (FTNT) and Zscaler (ZS) closed up more than +9%, and Cloudflare (NET) closed up more than +8%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks moved higher on Thursday after Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) rose more than +1%. Strategy (MSTR) closed up more than +11%, and MARA Holdings (MARA) closed up more than +5%. Also, Coinbase Global (COIN) and Circle Internet Group (CRCL) closed up more than +4%, and Riot Platforms (RIOT) and Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) closed up more than +1%.
Veeva Systems (VEEV) closed up more than +15% after reporting Q2 adjusted EPS of $2.35, above the consensus of $2.22, and raising its 2027 adjusted EPS forecast to $9.21 from a previous forecast of $9.05, stronger than the consensus of $9.06.
Nutanix (NTNX) closed up more than +6% after reporting Q4 revenue of $757.1 million, better than the consensus of $738.1 million.
Dollar General (DG) closed up more than +2% after reporting Q2 net sales of $11.29 billion, stronger than the consensus of $11.19 billion, and raising its 2027 comparable sales forecast to up +2.5% to +2.9% from a previous forecast of +2.2% to +2.7%, higher than the consensus of +2.42%.
Wendy’s (WEN) closed down more than -13% after Reuters reported that Trian Fund Management has no plans to make a bid at this time to take the company private.
Hormel Foods (HRL) closed down more than -10% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q3 net sales of $2.96 billion, below the consensus of $3.03 billion, and cutting its full-year net sales forecast to $12.1 billion to $12.2 billion from a previous forecast of $12.2 billion to $12.5 billion, weaker than the consensus of $12.24 billion.
Dollar Tree (DLTR) closed down more than -4% after forecasting Q3 net sales of $5.0 billion to $5.1 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $5.06 billion.
HP Inc. (HPQ) closed down more than -3% after forecasting Q4 adjusted EPS of 69 cents to 79 cents, the midpoint above the consensus of 67 cents, but without an 8-cent-per-share boost from tariff refunds, the outlook would be below consensus.
Earnings Reports (8/28/2026)
Domo Inc (DOMO), Hub Group Inc (HUBG), Liberty Live Holdings Inc (LLYVA), SR Bancorp Inc (SRBK).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

Stock Indices Settle Higher as Nvidia Earnings Spur a Tech Stock Rally

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) is up by +0.59% today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is up by +0.33%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up by +1.03%. E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) are up +0.55%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) are up +1.02%.
Stock indices are moving higher today, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 posting 1-week highs. A blowout outlook from Nvidia is bolstering confidence in the artificial intelligence trade and powering technology stocks higher today. Nvidia is up more than +6%, leading chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks higher after issuing a revenue growth forecast for fiscal 2028 far above expectations. Also, a $31 billion joint venture between Sandisk and Kioxia Holdings to ratchet up flash memory production added to the bullish tone in technology stocks. In addition, cybersecurity stocks are stronger today after better-than-expected earnings from Okta and CrowdStrike Holdings, and software stocks are climbing after Salesforce forecasted revenue above consensus.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Signs of strength in the US labor market are positive for economic growth and stocks after weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell -4,000 to 203,000, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of an increase to 208,000.
Hawkish Fed comments today are bearish for stocks and bonds. Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid said current Fed policy is not restraining the economy while inflation continues to run above its 2% target. He added that the interest rate setting "might be accommodative on the short end" and that "we've got work to do." Also, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said now is the time to act to contain inflation, and "I think it's appropriate for the Fed to put some restraint there to help bring inflation back down to target."
Oct WTI crude oil prices (CLV26) are moving higher today on a Bloomberg report that said Russia was planning to escalate the war in Ukraine, which could disrupt Russian crude output and lower global oil supplies. Crude prices fell to a 2-week low on Wednesday after Iran’s military said it reached a revenue-sharing agreement with Oman on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Crude prices have fallen more than -8% this week on signs of easing tensions in the Middle East and a partial resumption of crude supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, The New York Times reported the US State Department is preparing to send US diplomats back to embassies in the Middle East that were evacuated before and during the war with Iran, suggesting that the Trump administration does not anticipate a return to all-out hostilities with Iran.
The outlook for strong Q2 earnings is a bullish factor for stocks. The S&P 500 is tracking for earnings growth of almost 32% in Q2, well above projections of +23%, and nearly four times the average earnings growth rate outside of the Covid period since Q4 of 2013, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. AI spending is expected to account for most of earnings, with AI infrastructure stocks set to contribute nearly 60% of the S&P 500's earnings-per-share growth in Q2. So far, earnings results have been positive, with 86% of the 478 S&P 500 companies that have reported Q2 earnings beating estimates, according to Bloomberg data.
The markets are discounting a 35% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on September 15-16.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.71%. China's Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +1.13%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average fell from a 1-week high and closed down -0.20%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) are up +2 ticks today. The 10-year T-note yield is down -0.6 bp to 4.654%. T-notes recovered from early losses and are slightly higher today. Short covering in T-notes has emerged ahead of Fed Chair Warsh’s speech at the Fed’s annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Friday.
T-notes initially moved lower today amid strength in stocks, which is curbing safe-haven demand for government debt securities. Supply pressures are negative for T-notes as the Treasury will auction $44 billion of 7-year T-notes later today. In addition, an unexpected decline in weekly US jobless claims is bearish for T-notes. Finally, hawkish Fed comments today from Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack undercut T-notes when they said now is the time to act to contain inflation.
European government bond yields are mixed today. The 10-year German bund yield is up +1.1 bp to 3.245%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -1.0 bp to 5.021%.
Eurozone July M3 money supply rose +3.4% y/y, weaker than expectations of +3.5% y/y.
The German Sep GfK consumer confidence index rose +2.8 to a 6-month high of -26.6, stronger than expectations of -29.5.
Markets are discounting a 97% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on September 10.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks are rallying today after Nvidia reported Q2 revenue of $96.22 billion, well above the consensus of $92.38 billion, and projected fiscal 2028 revenue to grow about 70%. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) is up more than +1%. Nvidia (NVDA) is up more than +7%, and Intel (INTC) and Broadcom (AVGO) are up more than +3%. Also, ARM Holdings (ARM), Lam Research (LRCX), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), Microchip Technology (MCHP), and Texas Instruments (TXN) are up more than +1%.
Software stocks are moving higher today, led by a +20% surge in Salesforce (CRM) to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrials after it forecasted Q3 revenue of $11.42 billion to $11.50 billion, with the midpoint above the consensus of $11.42 billion. Also, ServiceNow (NOW) is up more than +8%, and Datadog (DDOG) and Atlassian Corp (TEAM) are up more than +6%. In addition, Adobe Systems (ADBE) and Autodesk (ADSK) are up more than +5%, and Palantir Technologies (PLTR), Workday (WDAY), and International Business Machines (IBM) are up more than 31%.
Cybersecurity stocks are stronger today, following stellar earnings results from Okta and Crowdstrike Holdings. Okta (OKTA) is up more than +21% after boosting its 2027 revenue forecast to $3.22 billion to $3.23 billion from a previous forecast of $3.19 billion to $3.21 billion, above the consensus of $3.20 billion. Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD) is up more than +17% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after raising its 2027 adjusted operating income forecast to $1.50 billion-$1.51 billion from a previous forecast of $1.45 billion-$1.48 billion, better than the consensus of $1.47 billion. Also, Palo Alto Networks (PANW) is up more than +10%, and Zscaler (ZS) is up more than +9%. In addition, SentinelOne (S) is up more than +7%, and Cloudflare (NET) and Fortinet (FTNT) are up more than +5%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are sharply higher today, with Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) up more than +2%. Strategy (MSTR) is up more than +10%, and MARA Holdings (MARA) is up more than +9%. Also, Coinbase Global (COIN), Riot Platforms (RIOT), Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY), and Circle Internet Group (CRCL) are up more than +5%.
Veeva Systems (VEEV) is up more than +17% after reporting Q2 adjusted EPS of $2.35, above the consensus of $2.22, and raising its 2027 adjusted EPS forecast to $9.21 from a previous forecast of $9.05, stronger than the consensus of $9.06.
Nutanix (NTNX) is up more than +6% after reporting Q4 revenue of $757.1 million, better than the consensus of $738.1 million.
Dollar General (DG) is up more than +5% after reporting Q2 net sales of $11.29 billion, stronger than the consensus of $11.19 billion, and raising its 2027 comparable sales forecast to up +2.5% to +2.9% from a previous forecast of +2.2% to +2.7%, higher than the consensus of +2.42%.
Wendy’s (WEN) is down more than -13% after Reuters reported that Trian Fund Management has no plans to make a bid at this time to take the company private.
Hormel Foods (HRL) is down more than -8% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q3 net sales of $2.96 billion, below the consensus of $3.03 billion, and cutting its full-year net sales forecast to $12.1 billion to $12.2 billion from a previous forecast of $12.2 billion to $12.5 billion, weaker than the consensus of $12.24 billion.
HP Inc. (HPQ) is down more than -4% after forecasting Q4 adjusted EPS of 69 cents to 79 cents, the midpoint above the consensus of 67 cents, but without an 8-cent-per-share boost from tariff refunds, the outlook would be below consensus.
Dollar Tree (DLTR) is down more than -2% after forecasting Q3 net sales of $5.0 billion to $5.1 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $5.06 billion.
Earnings Reports (8/27/2026)
Affirm Holdings Inc (AFRM), Autodesk Inc (ADSK), Best Buy Co Inc (BBY), Burlington Stores Inc (BURL), Dollar General Corp (DG), Dollar Tree Inc (DLTR), Elastic NV (ESTC), Forgent Power Solutions Inc (FPS), Gap Inc/The (GAP), Hormel Foods Corp (HRL), IREN Ltd (IREN), Marvell Technology Inc (MRVL), Rubrik Inc (RBRK), SentinelOne Inc (S), Ulta Beauty Inc (ULTA), Workday Inc (WDAY).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

Stocks Supported by Strong Tech Earnings

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) is up by +0.39% today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is up by +0.08%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up by +0.84%. E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) are up +0.30%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) are up +0.71%.
Stock indices are moving higher today, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100postign 1-week highs. Stellar earnings from Nvidia are powering technology stocks higher today. Nvidia is up more than +6%, leading chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks higher after issuing a revenue growth forecast for fiscal 2028 far above expectations. Also, a $31 billion joint venture between Sandisk and Kioxia Holdings to ratchet up flash memory production added to the bullish tone in technology stocks. In addition, cybersecurity stocks are stronger today after better-than-expected earnings from Okta and CrowdStrike Holdings, and software stocks are climbing after Salesforce forecast Q3 revenue above consensus.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Signs of strength in the US labor market are positive for economic growth and stocks after weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell -4,000 to 203,000, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of an increase to 208,000.
Comments today from Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid were hawkish and bearish for stocks and bonds when he said current Fed policy is not restraining the economy at a time when inflation continues to run above its 2% target. He added that the interest rate setting "might be accommodative on the short end" and that "we've got work to do."
Oct WTI crude oil prices (CLV26) are moving higher today on a Bloomberg report that said Russia was planning to escalate the war in Ukraine, which could disrupt Russian crude output and lower global oil supplies. Crude prices fell to a 2-week low on Wednesday after Iran’s military said it reached a revenue-sharing agreement with Oman on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Crude prices have fallen more than -8% this week on signs of easing tensions in the Middle East and a partial resumption of crude supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, The New York Times reported the US State Department is preparing to send US diplomats back to embassies in the Middle East that were evacuated before and during the war with Iran, suggesting that the Trump administration does not anticipate a return to all-out hostilities with Iran.
The outlook for strong Q2 earnings is a bullish factor for stocks. The S&P 500 is tracking for earnings growth of almost 32% in Q2, well above projections of +23%, and nearly four times the average earnings growth rate outside of the Covid period since Q4 of 2013, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. AI spending is expected to account for most of earnings, with AI infrastructure stocks set to contribute nearly 60% of the S&P 500's earnings-per-share growth in Q2. So far, earnings results have been positive, with 86% of the 478 S&P 500 companies that have reported Q2 earnings beating estimates, according to Bloomberg data.
The markets are discounting a 35% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on September 15-16.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.23%. China's Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +1.13%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average fell from a 1-week high and closed down -0.20%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) are unchanged today. The 10-year T-note yield is unchanged at 4.660%. T-notes are little changed today amid strength in stocks, which is curbing safe-haven demand for government debt securities. Supply pressures are negative for T-notes as the Treasury will auction $44 billion of 7-year T-notes later today. In addition, an unexpected decline in weekly US jobless claims is bearish for T-notes. Finally, hawkish comments today from Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid undercut T-notes when he said current Fed policy isn’t in restrictive territory.
European government bond yields are mixed today. The 10-year German bund yield is up +1.7 bp to 3.251%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -0.1 bp to 5.030%.
Eurozone July M3 money supply rose +3.4% y/y, weaker than expectations of +3.5% y/y.
The German Sep GfK consumer confidence index rose +2.8 to a 6-month high of -26.6, stronger than expectations of -29.5.
Markets are discounting a 97% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on September 10.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks are rallying today after Nvidia reported Q2 revenue of $96.22 billion, well above the consensus of $92.38 billion, and projected fiscal 2028 revenue to grow about 70%. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) is up %. Nvidia (NVDA) is up more than +7% and ARM Holdings (ARM) is up more than +5%. Also, Intel (INTC) and Broadcom (AVGO) are up more than +2%, and Lam Research (LRCX), Sandisk (SNDK), and Marvel Technology (MRVL) are up more than +1%.
Software stocks are moving higher today, led by a +18% jump in Salesforce (CRM) to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after it forecasted Q3 revenue of $11.42 billion to $11.50 billion, with the midpoint above the consensus of $11.42 billion. Also, Datadog (DDOG) and ServiceNow (NOW) are up more than +7%, and Atlassian Corp (TEAM) is up more than +5%. In addition, Adobe Systems (ADBE), Autodesk (ADSK), Palantir Technologies (PLTR), and Workday (WDAY) are up more than +3%, and Oracle (ORCL) is up more than +1%.
Cybersecurity stocks are stronger today, following stellar earnings results from Okta and Crowdstrike Holdings. Okta (OKTA) is up more than +23% after boosting its 2027 revenue forecast to $3.22 billion to $3.23 billion from a previous forecast of $3.19 billion to $3.21 billion, above the consensus of $3.20 billion. Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD) is up more than +14% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after raising its 2027 adjusted operating income forecast to $1.50 billion-$1.51 billion from a previous forecast of $1.45 billion-$1.48 billion, better than the consensus of $1.47 billion. Also, Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Zscaler (ZS) are up more than +9%, and SentinelOne (S) is up more than +7%. In addition, Cloudflare (NET) and Fortinet (FTNT) are up more than +4%.
Veeva Systems (VEEV) is up more than +17% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q2 adjusted EPS of $2.35, above the consensus of $2.22, and raising its 2027 adjusted EPS forecast to $9.21 from a previous forecast of $9.05, stronger than the consensus of $9.06.
Nutanix (NTNX) is up more than +6% after reporting Q4 revenue of $757.1 million, better than the consensus of $738.1 million.
Dollar General (DG) is up more than +4% after reporting Q2 net sales of $11.29 billion, stronger than the consensus of $11.19 billion, and raising its 2027 comparable sales forecast to up +2.5% to +2.9% from a previous forecast of +2.2% to +2.7%, higher than the consensus of +2.42%.
Wendy’s (WEN) is down more than -12% after Reuters reported that Trian Fund Management has no plans to make a bid at this time to take the company private.
Hormel Foods (HRL) is down more than -7% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q3 net sales of $2.96 billion, below the consensus of $3.03 billion, and cutting its full-year net sales forecast to $12.1 billion to $12.2 billion from a previous forecast of $12.2 billion to $12.5 billion, weaker than the consensus of $12.24 billion.
HP Inc. (HPQ) is down more than -5% after forecasting Q4 adjusted EPS of 69 cents to 79 cents, the midpoint above the consensus of 67 cents, but without an 8-cent-per-share boost from tariff refunds, the outlook would be below consensus.
Dollar Tree (DLTR) is down more than -2% after forecasting Q3 net sales of $5.0 billion to $5.1 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $5.06 billion.
Earnings Reports (8/27/2026)
Affirm Holdings Inc (AFRM), Autodesk Inc (ADSK), Best Buy Co Inc (BBY), Burlington Stores Inc (BURL), Dollar General Corp (DG), Dollar Tree Inc (DLTR), Elastic NV (ESTC), Forgent Power Solutions Inc (FPS), Gap Inc/The (GAP), Hormel Foods Corp (HRL), IREN Ltd (IREN), Marvell Technology Inc (MRVL), Rubrik Inc (RBRK), SentinelOne Inc (S), Ulta Beauty Inc (ULTA), Workday Inc (WDAY).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart

Stocks Rally as Nvidia Earnings Boost AI Optimism

The Wendy's Company WEN is confronting a sharp traffic problem as new leadership begins a broad turnaround aimed at restoring customer demand. In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, U.S. traffic declined 12.5%, contributing to a 7% decrease in U.S. same-restaurant sales. A 5.6% increase in average check provided a partial offset, while U.S. same-restaurant sales improved sequentially by 80 basis points from the first quarter. Still, the magnitude of the traffic decline highlights the challenge facing the restaurant chain as it works to reconnect with consumers.
Management sees the traffic weakness as more than consumer pressure, citing erosion in food-quality differentiation, a weaker value proposition, inconsistent execution and ineffective traffic-driving marketing. Wendy’s five-point reset targets these issues through menu and value improvements, sharper branding, stronger operations, better digital engagement and improved restaurant economics. The menu overhaul will span ingredients, items, categories and pricing architecture.
Better execution and digital engagement could support recovery. U.S. customer satisfaction improved, while company-operated restaurants outperformed the broader U.S. system in same-restaurant sales by 280 basis points. Wendy’s also invested $8.3 million in technology, including app enhancements and targeted marketing. However, July traffic remained in line with fiscal second-quarter trends, and management expects continued traffic pressure through the second half of fiscal 2026 while it develops the broader turnaround plan.
Wendy’s five-point reset directly targets several factors contributing to its traffic weakness, particularly value, food quality, marketing and execution. If these initiatives improve customer perception and frequency, demand could gradually recover. However, with traffic trends still weak, measurable improvement in visits and same-restaurant sales will be the clearest test of whether the turnaround is gaining traction.
How WEN Stacks Up Against Key QSR Rivals
Starbucks Corporation SBUX provides a relevant turnaround benchmark for Wendy’s because it is using stronger store execution, menu innovation and loyalty engagement to rebuild transactions. Under its Back to Starbucks strategy, Green Apron Service has improved staffing, operating routines and service consistency, while marketing and beverage innovation are creating more reasons for customers to visit across dayparts. These efforts helped drive U.S. comparable sales growth of 7.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, including a 4.2% increase in transactions, while Starbucks Rewards reached 35.8 million 90-day active U.S. members.
Yum! Brands, Inc. YUM offers another useful comparison through Taco Bell, which continues to combine value, innovation, cultural relevance and digital engagement to drive traffic and market-share gains. Taco Bell delivered 7% same-store sales growth in the second quarter of 2026, outperforming the broader QSR industry for the ninth consecutive quarter. Digital sales mix reached 47%, up 5 percentage points year over year, with more than half of that growth coming from first-party loyalty channels. Its restaurant-level margin also expanded 170 basis points to 26.2%, demonstrating how stronger demand can translate into improved restaurant economics.
Against this backdrop, Wendy’s faces a demanding traffic recovery. Starbucks is already translating improved execution and loyalty engagement into transaction growth, while Taco Bell is using value, innovation and digital capabilities to sustain QSR outperformance.
WEN’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Shares of Wendy’s have gained 12.5% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry, the broader Retail and Wholesale sector and the S&P 500 index.
WEN Three-Month Price Performance
From a valuation standpoint, WEN trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 0.75, below the industry’s average of 3.12.
WEN’s P/S Ratio (Forward 12-Month) vs. Industry
WEN’s earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 have trended downward in the past 30 days. The revised estimates for 2026 imply year-over-year growth of 2.1%, while 2027 estimates imply a year-over-year decline of 39.8%.
EPS Trend of WEN Stock
WEN’s Zacks Rank
WEN stock currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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Wendy's Traffic Falls 12.5%: Can Its 5-Point Reset Revive Demand?

Key Points
This filing reports the disposal of 14,267 shares for a total transaction value of roughly $124,000.
The disposition reduced direct common stock holdings by 27% as of the transaction date.
The activity was non-discretionary, involving shares withheld to satisfy tax liabilities upon the vesting of restricted stock units.
John Min, the chain's chief legal officer, disposed of 14,267 shares of The Wendy's Company (NASDAQ:WEN) on August 12 at $8.66 per share, according to a recent SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summary
Transaction value
$123,552
Shares sold (directly held)
14,267
Post-transaction shares (directly held)
39,059
Post-transaction value
$338,250.94
Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average sale price ($8.66); post-transaction value based on the August 12 market close ($8.66).
Key questions
What initiated this disposal of equity?
The transaction was a non-discretionary event tied to the vesting of restricted stock units granted in August 2025, where a portion of the shares was automatically withheld to cover required tax payments.
What is the executive's remaining equity interest?
Min maintains a direct stake of 39,059 common shares and holds nearly 100,000 derivative securities as of the latest filing date.
Does the timing align with any specific stock performance?
The automatic tax withholding occurred on the anniversary of the award grant during a period where shares were priced at $8.66, reflecting a 14% decline over the preceding 12-month period as of August 12.
Company Overview
Share Price (as of market close 2026-08-13)
$8.65
Market Capitalization
$1.60 billion
Revenue (TTM)
$2.20 billion
Net Income (TTM)
$126.10 million
Company Snapshot
The Wendy's Company operates a quick-service restaurant system offering hamburger and chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and nuggets, chili, french fries, baked potatoes, salads, and Frosty desserts, generating revenue through company-operated locations and franchise royalties across the United States and international markets.
The company operates through a franchise-centric business model, generating revenue from royalties, franchise fees, and rent from franchisees, while maintaining company-operated restaurants that serve as brand ambassadors and contribute directly to consolidated revenues.
The Wendy's Company serves value-conscious consumers seeking quick-service dining options, targeting families, young professionals, and budget-focused customers in both domestic and international markets through its network of franchised and company-operated locations.
The Wendy's Company is a major quick-service restaurant operator with a market capitalization of $1.60 billion and TTM revenues of $2.20 billion, positioning it as a significant player in the casual dining segment. The company's asset-light franchise model provides recurring revenue streams while maintaining operational flexibility and capital efficiency. Wendy's competitive positioning is anchored by its differentiated menu offerings, brand recognition, and established franchise infrastructure across multiple geographies.
What this transaction means for investors
Whether Wendy's is a buy right now depends almost entirely on a deal that hasn't been offered yet, and Min, as the company's top lawyer, sits close to how that would unfold. His filing is only a tax withholding on vested stock, but the interesting backdrop is that a formal take-private bid from Nelson Peltz's Trian, if it comes, would land on the desks of Wendy's independent directors and the legal team that advises them.
The investment case splits cleanly in two. On the numbers alone, this is a struggling chain, with U.S. same-store sales down 7% last quarter, a withdrawn forecast, and a dividend cut in half, so on fundamentals, it is hard to love. The other case is the buyout, since Peltz already controls more than 24% of the company and has called the stock undervalued, which is why shares jumped from their summer lows on the first report of a possible bid.
For a prospective buyer of the stock, the question is really which of those two stories you are underwriting: a slow turnaround you must wait out, or a deal that could reprice the shares in weeks.
Should you buy stock in Wendy's right now?
Before you buy stock in Wendy's, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Wendy's wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $421,943!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,382,819!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 983% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 216% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

A Wendy's Insider's Shares Vested as Peltz Weighs a Buyout. Is the Stock a Buy?

Key Points
The non-discretionary transaction involved 7,487 shares representing a value of $64,800.
The activity consisted entirely of shares withheld for tax obligations following the vesting of restricted stock units.
The transaction was a routine liquidity event and does not reflect a discretionary market sale by the insider.
Matthew P. Spessard, chief information officer of The Wendy's Company (NASDAQ:WEN), disposed of 7,487 shares on August 12, according to an SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summary
Transaction value
$64,837.42
Shares sold
7,487
Post-transaction shares (directly held)
31,505
Post-transaction value
$272,833.30
Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average sale price ($8.66); post-transaction value based on the August 12 market close ($8.66).
Key questions
What was the nature of this transaction?
The disposal of 7,487 shares was a non-discretionary event executed to satisfy tax withholding obligations triggered by the vesting of restricted stock units on August 12.
How does this affect the insider's overall equity position?
Spessard retains direct ownership of 31,505 shares of common stock and also holds 51,934 derivative securities, including vested and unvested awards.
What was the source of the shares disposed of in this filing?
The shares originated from the vesting of the first installment of restricted stock units granted on August 12, 2025, which included accrued dividend equivalent units.
Company Overview
Share Price (as of market close 2026-08-13)
$8.65
Market Capitalization
$1.6 billion
Revenue (TTM)
$2.2 billion
Net Income (TTM)
$126.1 million
Company Snapshot
The Wendy's Company operates a global quick-service restaurant system offering hamburger and chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and nuggets, chili, french fries, baked potatoes, salads, and Frosty desserts, generating revenue through both company-operated and franchised restaurant locations.
The company operates through a franchise-centric business model, generating revenue from company-operated restaurants and franchise fees, royalties, and rent payments from franchisees across its Wendy's U.S., Wendy's International, and Global Real Estate & Development segments.
The company serves quick-service restaurant consumers in the United States and internationally, targeting value-conscious customers seeking quality fast-casual dining options with emphasis on fresh ingredients and customizable menu offerings.
The Wendy's Company operates one of the largest quick-service restaurant systems globally with approximately 14,900 employees and a market capitalization of $1.6 billion. The company's strategic focus on franchise expansion and real estate optimization enables capital-efficient growth while maintaining operational control through its diversified segment structure. Wendy's competitive positioning centers on its differentiated menu offerings, particularly its fresh beef hamburgers and premium chicken products, which distinguish it within the competitive quick-service restaurant landscape.
What this transaction means for investors
Two opposite forces are acting on Wendy's stock at once, and a routine bit of tax withholding by its technology chief sits well outside both. On one side, the shares have jumped from their June lows, partly on word that billionaire investor Nelson Peltz's Trian is lining up backers for a possible buyout. On the other, the business itself keeps weakening, which is the very reason a buyer sees an opening.
Spessard's corner of that business, digital, is one the company is counting on to help dig out. Wendy's just reported its sixth consecutive quarter of falling same-store sales, with U.S. comparable sales off 7%, and pulled its full-year guidance while cutting its dividend in half to pay for the fixes ahead. CEO Bob Wright, who took the permanent job in May, named a stronger digital experience among the handful of priorities meant to rebuild customer frequency, and Spessard seeminly owns that effort.
Ultimately, the shares are being pulled between a potential deal price and a turnaround that has barely started, and until Peltz either makes a formal offer or walks, that tension is what sets where the stock trades.
Should you buy stock in Wendy's right now?
Before you buy stock in Wendy's, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Wendy's wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $421,943!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,382,819!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 983% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 216% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

What a Wendy's Insider Filing Signals While a Buyout Looms

Key Points
The disposition of 8,562 shares at $8.66 per share resulted in a transaction value of about $74,100 on August 12.
The transaction reduced the insider's direct equity holdings by 12%.
This was a non-discretionary sale, executed to cover tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of restricted stock units.
Lindsay J. Radkoski, CMO, U.S. of The Wendy's Company (NASDAQ:WEN), reported the disposition of 8,562 shares of common stock on August 12, according to a recent SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summary
Transaction value
$74,146.92
Shares sold
8,562
Post-transaction shares (directly held)
61,207
Post-transaction value
$530,052.62
Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average sale price ($8.66); post-transaction value based on the August 12 market close ($8.66).
Key questions
What was the nature of this transaction?
The disposition was non-discretionary and occurred because shares were withheld by the company to satisfy tax obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock units. This transaction does not reflect a change in the insider's investment thesis regarding the company's prospects.
What is the insider's remaining equity exposure following this move?
Radkoski maintains direct ownership of 61,207 shares of common stock and continues to hold 98,115 derivative securities, including vested and unvested awards. Total beneficial ownership is reported at 61,207 shares.
What is the vesting schedule for the underlying equity awards?
The shares originated from restricted stock units granted on August 12, 2025, which are scheduled to vest in equal installments over two- and three-year periods on the anniversaries of the grant date. The first installment vested on August 12, leading to this withholding event.
Company Overview
Share Price (as of market close 2026-08-13)
$8.65
Market Capitalization
$1.60 billion
Revenue (TTM)
$2.20 billion
Net Income (TTM)
$126.10 million
Company Snapshot
The Wendy's Company operates a quick-service restaurant system offering hamburger and chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and nuggets, chili, french fries, baked potatoes, salads, and Frosty desserts, generating revenue through company-operated locations and franchise royalties across the United States and international markets.
The company operates through a franchise-centric business model, generating revenue from royalties, franchise fees, and rent from franchisees, while maintaining company-operated restaurants that serve as brand ambassadors and contribute directly to consolidated revenues.
The Wendy's Company serves value-conscious consumers seeking quick-service dining options, targeting families, young professionals, and budget-focused customers in both domestic and international markets through its network of franchised and company-operated locations.
The Wendy's Company is a major quick-service restaurant operator with a market capitalization of $1.60 billion and TTM revenues of $2.20 billion, positioning it as a significant player in the casual dining segment. The company's asset-light franchise model provides recurring revenue streams while maintaining operational flexibility and capital efficiency. Wendy's competitive positioning is anchored by its differentiated menu offerings, brand recognition, and established franchise infrastructure across multiple geographies.
What this transaction means for investors
Radkoski runs U.S. marketing at Wendy's, which puts her in the middle of exactly what the company wants to leverage in a turnaround. Her filing is a small tax withholding on vesting stock, but it lands in a stretch where the shares have swung hard, up sharply from June lows on retail-fueled volume, as well as reports that Nelson Peltz's Trian is preparing a bid to take Wendy's private.
Marketing sits at the center of that struggle. Wendy's posted its sixth straight quarter of same-store sales declines, with U.S. comps down 7%, and new CEO Bob Wright was blunt about why. "Today we are clearly not performing at our potential," he said, pointing to weak traffic and a slipped value proposition, and he named demand-driving marketing as one of five fixes the turnaround depends on. The company also pulled its full-year forecast and halved its dividend to fund that work. So, ultimately here, the stock is caught between a possible buyout that could set the price and a turnaround that has to prove itself, and the marketing Radkoski oversees is one of the levers that determines which of those forces wins out.
Should you buy stock in Wendy's right now?
Before you buy stock in Wendy's, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Wendy's wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $421,943!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,382,819!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 983% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 216% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Wendy's Comps Fell 7% as Buyout Talk Lifts the Stock. Here's How to Read an Insider Filing

Key Points
The transaction involved 18,826 shares with a total value of $163,000 at $8.66 per share.
The non-discretionary disposition reduced the insider's direct equity position by 13%.
The shares were withheld to satisfy tax obligations following the vesting of restricted stock units granted in August 2025.
E.J. Wunsch, president of international, disposed of 18,826 shares of The Wendy's Company (NASDAQ:WEN) on August 12, according to an SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summary
Transaction value
$163,000
Shares sold (direct)
18,826
Post-transaction shares (directly held)
131,764
Post-transaction value
$1.14 million
Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average sale price ($8.66); post-transaction value based on the August 12 market close ($8.66).
Key questions
What prompted this disposition of shares?
The transaction was non-discretionary and occurred as shares were withheld to cover tax liabilities resulting from the first vesting installments of restricted stock units granted to the insider in August 2025.
What is the current equity position of the insider?
Wunsch maintains 131,764 shares held directly and also holds 187,311 derivative securities, including unvested units scheduled to vest on the second and third anniversaries of the grant date.
How significant is the insider's remaining interest in the company?
Following this transaction, the insider retains a direct ownership stake representing approximately 0.069% of the company's total shares outstanding.
What is the current scale of the company's operations?
The Wendy's Company maintains a restaurant system with 14,900 employees and reported trailing twelve-month net income of $126.1 million as of the August 14 disclosure.
Company Overview
Share Price (as of market close 2026-08-13)
$8.65
Market Capitalization
$1.60 billion
Revenue (TTM)
$2.20 billion
Net Income (TTM)
$126.10 million
Company Snapshot
The Wendy's Company operates a quick-service restaurant system offering hamburger and chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and nuggets, chili, french fries, baked potatoes, salads, and Frosty desserts, generating revenue through company-operated locations and franchise royalties across the United States and international markets.
The company operates through a franchise-centric business model, generating revenue from royalties, franchise fees, and rent from franchisees, while maintaining company-operated restaurants that serve as brand ambassadors and contribute directly to consolidated revenues.
The Wendy's Company serves value-conscious consumers seeking quick-service dining options, targeting families, young professionals, and budget-focused customers in both domestic and international markets through its network of franchised and company-operated locations.
The Wendy's Company is a major quick-service restaurant operator with a market capitalization of $1.60 billion and TTM revenues of $2.20 billion, positioning it as a significant player in the casual dining segment. The company's asset-light franchise model provides recurring revenue streams while maintaining operational flexibility and capital efficiency. Wendy's competitive positioning is anchored by its differentiated menu offerings, brand recognition, and established franchise infrastructure across multiple geographies.
What this transaction means for investors
The context around this small tax withholding is what makes it worth a look. Wendy's stock has been on a tear lately, up sharply from its June lows, amid Reddit trader chatter and especially after reports that Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management is assembling a group to take the company private. So Wunsch had shares withheld for taxes at $8.66, into a stock moving on buyout speculation rather than its own results, which are the reason Peltz sees an opening.
Earlier this month, Wendy's reported its sixth straight quarter of same-store sales declines, with U.S. comparable sales down 7% last quarter, and it pulled its full-year forecast and halved its dividend. New CEO Bob Wright, who ran a similar going-private process at Potbelly, is leading a turnaround built around value, marketing, and digital. Peltz already controls more than 24% of the company between his personal and Trian stakes, so a bid would carry real weight. For a shareholder, the stock is now trading on whether that bid materializes and at what price, since a struggling burger chain with declining sales is worth less on its own numbers than a buyout might likely pay. That said, longer-term the performance will really hinge on a turnaround.
Should you buy stock in Wendy's right now?
Before you buy stock in Wendy's, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Wendy's wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $421,943!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,382,819!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 983% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 216% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.