Pradik (for Jeff Bernstein)'s questions to Wendy's Co (WEN) leadership • Q4 2024
Question
An analyst from AllianceBernstein inquired about the embedded same-restaurant sales (SRS) growth expectations within the full-year 2025 guidance and asked for color on sales trends in the first quarter to date.
Answer
CFO Ken Cook stated that Wendy's expects positive global same-restaurant sales growth for the full year 2025, marking the 15th consecutive year. However, he noted that Q1 2025 is expected to be the trough for the year with SRS down year-over-year, citing industry-wide traffic headwinds and significant weather events. Cook anticipates the growth rate will improve as the year progresses, driven by better industry traffic and company-specific programming.