Wendy’s Shares Fall after Guidance Cut

Wendy’s (NASDAQ:WEN) shares fell in early trading Friday after the fast-food restaurant chain slashed its forecast for the full year.For 2025, Wendy’s now expects adjusted earnings of 82 cents to 89 cents per share, down from its prior guidance of 92 cents to 98 cents per share and below the 94 cents that analysts polled by FactSet were anticipating.The company also now expects its global systemwide sales to fall between 3% and 5% for the year, while its previous guidance had called for flat to a 2% decline.“In the U.S., we have work to do to improve the overall performance of the business,” said Wendy’s interim CEO Ken Cook in a statement.For the second quarter, Wendy’s earnings and revenue topped estimates, however, posting adjusted earnings of 29 cents per share on revenue of $560.9 million compared to the 25 cents per share and $558 million in revenue that analysts were looking for, per FactSet."In the U.S., we have work to do to improve the overall performance of the business.” Cook continued, “We will continue to strengthen relationships with franchisees, improve the effectiveness of our marketing programs, and elevate the customer experience across the system. I'm confident that increasing our focus in these areas positions the Company for stronger long-term performance."WEN shares opened Friday lower 0.5 cents to $9.96.