Is WEN a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, Wendy's Co (WEN) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 47.0/100. It is ranked #2,245 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 70/100, Momentum 21/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for WEN?

Wendy's Co (WEN) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 47.0 ranks it #2,245 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is WEN in?

Wendy's Co operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector (Restaurants, Hotels, Motels industry) with a market cap of $1.31 billion. It is classified as a small-cap stock.

Does WEN pay a dividend?

Yes, WEN pays a dividend with a current yield of 8.61%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $86.10 in annual dividend income.

What is WEN's P/E ratio?

WEN has a trailing P/E ratio of 6.95x. The Consumer Discretionary sector average is 24.5x. This below-average P/E may indicate the stock is undervalued.

How profitable is WEN?

WEN's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 64.3%. ROE: 160.9% vs sector average 6.2%. High margins suggest pricing power and competitive moats.

How is WEN valued compared to peers?

WEN's value factor score is 70/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 7.0x, EV/EBITDA 10.9x. The stock appears attractively valued versus peers.

What is WEN's debt level?

WEN's debt-to-equity ratio is 2351%. Sector average: 89%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

WEN has a beta of 0.56, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 62/100.

Does WEN have high short interest?

WEN's short interest factor score is 67/100 (higher = less short selling). Moderate short interest.

WEN Stock Analysis: Top Small-Cap Reduce (Score 47.0/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
WEN	-2.96%	+0.15%	-1.29%	-17.29%	-46.55%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLY	+0.13%	+4.38%	-1.35%	-5.46%	-39.92%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-2.89%	-3.46%	-1.63%	-16.93%	-76.07%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-3.09%	-4.24%	+0.07%	-11.83%	-6.63%	-	-	-

Metric	WEN	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	7.0x	-72%
EV/EBITDA	10.9x	+122%
Price / Book	11.2x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CASY CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC	57	50	68	67	43.1x	16.9%	24.0%	3.8%	0.3%	123.0x	$27.2B	VS
TGT TARGET CORP	53	50	70	56	16.7x	20.7%	28.4%	3.4%	-0.7%	89.0x	$54.5B	VS
APEI AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION INC	53	49	58	72	79.0x	4.6%	52.8%	2.1%	6.8%	32.0x	$1.1B	VS
LINC LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP	52	50	48	75	113.9x	5.6%	59.2%	2.3%	37.4%	147.0x	$1.3B	VS
FIVE FIVE BELOW, INC	52	50	56	73	106.3x	5.4%	32.5%	3.1%	26.5%	125.0x	$13.0B	VS
IMKTA INGLES MARKETS INC	51	50	51	62	17.7x	6.2%	23.9%	1.9%	0.4%	57.0x	$1.7B	VS
PRDO PERDOCEO EDUCATION Corp	51	50	70	57	14.1x	16.7%	100.0%	20.4%	27.1%	28.0x	$2.4B	VS
MCRI MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC	51	50	66	47	16.6x	19.7%	24.5%	19.4%	11.5%	33.0x	$1.7B	VS
FCFS FirstCash Holdings, Inc.	49	50	29	66	35.4x	10.8%	50.2%	8.0%	26.6%	98.0x	$8.4B	VS
ESCA ESCALADE INC	48	50	65	51	15.6x	9.0%	26.1%	6.2%	8.4%	11.0x	$249M	VS
WEN Wendy's Co	47	50	70	21	7.0x	160.9%	64.3%	8.6%	-3.7%	2,351.0x	$1.3B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.6%	0.6%	0.7%	0.6%	0.7%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.5%	0.3%
Operating Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%
Net Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.3%	0.2%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	2.2%	-	-	-	-	12.4%	35.3%	12.6%	9.7%	13.9%	1.2%
ROE %	1.6%	1.4%	0.7%	0.7%	0.5%	0.2%	0.1%	0.3%	0.7%	0.3%	0.2%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%
ROIC %	0.1%	9.4%	9.8%	9.8%	10.3%	8.5%	2.6%	8.3%	6.6%	5.4%	7.6%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.6%

0.7%

0.6%

0.7%

0.6%

0.5%

0.3%

Operating Margin %

0.2%

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

Net Margin %

0.1%

0.3%

0.2%

0.1%

FCF Margin %

2.2%

12.4%

35.3%

12.6%

9.7%

13.9%

1.2%

ROE %

1.6%

1.4%

0.7%

0.5%

0.2%

0.1%

0.3%

0.7%

0.3%

0.2%

ROA %

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

ROIC %

0.1%

9.4%

9.8%

10.3%

8.5%

2.6%

8.3%

6.6%

5.4%

7.6%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2019	2018	2017	2016
	$2.2B	$2.2B	$2.2B	$2.2B	$1.9B	$1.7B	$1.7B	$1.6B	$1.2B	$1.9B
	—	$792M	$783M	$794M	$612M	—	—	—	—	—
	$1.4B	$1.4B	$1.5B	$1.4B	$1.3B	$993M	$944M	$925M	$601M	$638M
Gross Margin	64.3%	63.6%	65.1%	63.6%	67.8%	55.8%	55.2%	58.2%	49.1%	34.1%
	—	—	—	—	—	$132M	$129M	$127M	$126M	$159M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$1.0B	$1.1B	$1.0B	$918M	—	—	—	—	—
	$374M	$343M	$371M	$382M	$367M	$269M	$263M	$250M	$215M	$274M
EBIT	$374M	$343M	$371M	$382M	$367M	$269M	$263M	$250M	$215M	$274M
EBITDA	$374M	$343M	$371M	$382M	$367M	$404M	$408M	$382M	$342M	$434M
Operating Margin	17.0%	15.8%	16.5%	17.5%	19.3%	15.5%	15.4%	15.7%	17.5%	14.7%
EBITDA Margin	17.0%	15.8%	16.5%	17.5%	19.3%	23.3%	23.8%	24.0%	28.0%	23.2%
	—	—	—	$124M	$109M	$118M	$124M	$131M	$118M	$93M
	—	$227M	$272M	$279M	$241M	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$62M	$78M	$75M	$40M	$35M	$35M	$115M	-$93M	$94M
	$189M	$165M	$194M	$204M	$200M	$118M	$137M	$460M	$194M	$161M
Net Margin	8.6%	7.6%	8.6%	9.4%	10.6%	6.8%	8.0%	28.9%	15.9%	8.6%
	$0.85	$0.85	$0.95	$0.98	$0.91	$0.53	$0.60	$1.93	$0.79	$0.50
Diluted EPS	$0.85	$0.85	$0.95	$0.97	$0.89	$0.53	$0.60	$1.93	$0.79	$0.50
Weighted Avg Basic	—	193M	204M	209M	221M	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	194M	206M	212M	224M	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2019

2018

2017

2016

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.7B

$1.6B

$1.2B

$1.9B

—

$792M

$783M

$794M

$612M

—

$1.4B

$1.5B

$1.4B

$1.3B

$993M

$944M

$925M

$601M

$638M

Gross Margin

64.3%

63.6%

65.1%

63.6%

67.8%

55.8%

55.2%

58.2%

49.1%

34.1%

—

$132M

$129M

$127M

$126M

$159M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$1.0B

$1.1B

$1.0B

$918M

—

$374M

$343M

$371M

$382M

$367M

$269M

$263M

$250M

$215M

$274M

EBIT

$374M

$343M

$371M

$382M

$367M

$269M

$263M

$250M

$215M

$274M

EBITDA

$374M

$343M

$371M

$382M

$367M

$404M

$408M

$382M

$342M

$434M

Operating Margin

17.0%

15.8%

16.5%

17.5%

19.3%

15.5%

15.4%

15.7%

17.5%

14.7%

EBITDA Margin

17.0%

15.8%

16.5%

17.5%

19.3%

23.3%

23.8%

24.0%

28.0%

23.2%

—

$124M

$109M

$118M

$124M

$131M

$118M

$93M

—

$227M

$272M

$279M

$241M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$62M

$78M

$75M

$40M

$35M

$115M

-$93M

$94M

$189M

$165M

$194M

$204M

$200M

$118M

$137M

$460M

$194M

$161M

Net Margin

8.6%

7.6%

8.6%

9.4%

10.6%

6.8%

8.0%

28.9%

15.9%

8.6%

$0.85

$0.95

$0.98

$0.91

$0.53

$0.60

$1.93

$0.79

$0.50

Diluted EPS

$0.85

$0.95

$0.97

$0.89

$0.53

$0.60

$1.93

$0.79

$0.50

Weighted Avg Basic

—

193M

204M

209M

221M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

194M

206M

212M

224M

—

Wendy's Co (WEN) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does Wendy's Co Do?

The Wendy's Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a quick-service restaurant company. It operates through three segments: Wendy's U.S., Wendy's International, and Global Real Estate & Development. The company is involved in operating, developing, and franchising a system of quick-service restaurants specializing in hamburger sandwiches. As of January 2, 2022, it operated approximately 403 company-operated restaurants; 5,535 franchised restaurants in the United States; and 1,006 franchised restaurants internationally. The company also owns and leases real estate properties. It owns 485 and leases 1,235 properties, which are leased or subleased to franchisees. 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 Co (WEN) is classified as a small-cap stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically within the Restaurants, Hotels, Motels industry. The company is led by CEO Todd A. Penegor and employs approximately 14,500 people, headquartered in DUBLIN, Ohio. With a market capitalization of $1.3B, WEN is one of the notable companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

Wendy's Co (WEN) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, Wendy's Co receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 47.0/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.WEN ranks #2,245 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, Wendy's Co ranks #219 of 442 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Consumer Discretionary peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

WEN Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Wendy's Co (WEN) currently trades at $6.92. The stock lost $0.18 (2.5%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for WEN is $15.49, which means the stock is currently trading -55.3% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $6.73, putting the stock 2.8% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 7.2M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.

Is WEN Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

Wendy's Co (WEN) carries a value factor score of 70/100 in the Blank Capital model, suggesting the stock trades at a meaningful discount to its fundamental earning power. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 6.95x, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 24.47x — a discount of 72%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 11.18x, versus the sector average of 1.99x. The price-to-sales ratio is 0.60x, compared to 0.27x for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. On an enterprise value basis, WEN trades at 10.89x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.91x for the sector.

Based on these multiples, Wendy's Co appears attractively valued relative to both its sector peers and the broader market. Value-oriented investors may find the current entry point compelling, particularly if the company's fundamental quality metrics also score well.

Wendy's Co Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

Wendy's Co (WEN) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 160.9%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 6.2%, which demonstrates strong shareholder value creation. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 3.8% versus the sector average of 2.5%.

On a margin basis, Wendy's Co reports gross margins of 64.3%, compared to 36.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 17.0% (sector: 3.8%). Net profit margin stands at 8.6%, versus 2.1% for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. Revenue growth is running at -3.7% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.3% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

WEN Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

Wendy's Co has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2351.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 89.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 1.76x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $2.76B. Cash and equivalents stand at $291M.

WEN has a beta of 0.56, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for Wendy's Co is 62/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

Wendy's Co Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, Wendy's Co reported revenue of $2.20B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.85. Net income for the quarter was $189M. Gross margin was 64.3%. Operating income came in at $374M.

In FY 2025, Wendy's Co reported revenue of $2.18B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.85. Net income for the quarter was $165M. Gross margin was 63.6%. Revenue grew -3.1% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $343M.

In Q3 2025, Wendy's Co reported revenue of $550M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.23. Net income for the quarter was $44M. Gross margin was 62.8%. Revenue grew -3.0% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $92M.

In Q2 2025, Wendy's Co reported revenue of $561M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.29. Net income for the quarter was $55M. Gross margin was 65.0%. Revenue grew -1.7% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $104M.

Over the past 8 quarters, Wendy's Co has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $571M to $2.20B. Investors analyzing WEN stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

WEN Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

Wendy's Co (WEN) currently pays a dividend yield of 8.6%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in WEN stock would generate approximately $$861.00 in annual dividend income. The net margin of 8.6% provides reasonable coverage for the dividend, though investors should monitor payout sustainability.

WEN Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

Wendy's Co (WEN) has a momentum factor score of 21/100, signaling weak relative price performance. Stocks with low momentum scores have historically tended to continue underperforming in the near term. The investment factor score is 35/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 67/100 reflects moderate short selling activity.

WEN vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, Wendy's Co (WEN) ranks #219 out of 442 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places WEN in the upper half of all Consumer Discretionary stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC (MCRI) with a score of 50.5/100, CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC (CASY) with a score of 57.3/100, INGLES MARKETS INC (IMKTA) with a score of 51.0/100, FIVE BELOW, INC (FIVE) with a score of 51.6/100, and TARGET CORP (TGT) with a score of 52.6/100.

Comparing WEN against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full WEN vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how Wendy's Co stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

WEN Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for Wendy's Co (WEN) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy WEN? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for Wendy's Co suggests caution. The value score of 70/100 suggests attractive pricing relative to fundamentals. Momentum is weak at 21/100, a headwind for near-term performance. Low volatility (stability score 62/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, Wendy's Co (WEN) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 47.0/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on WEN stock.

Related Resources for WEN Investors

Explore more research and tools: WEN vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Discretionary stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare WEN head-to-head with peers: WEN vs MCRI, WEN vs CASY, WEN vs IMKTA.

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Wendy's Co (WEN) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does Wendy's Co Do?

Wendy's Co (WEN) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

WEN Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is WEN Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

Wendy's Co Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

WEN Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

Wendy's Co Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

WEN Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

WEN Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

WEN vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

WEN Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy WEN? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for WEN Investors

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Institutional Benchmarks

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Intelligence Feed

The Wendy's Company to Report First Quarter 2026 Results on May 8

Chipotlane restaurant, car wash proposed in Milford

Is It Time To Reconsider Wendy’s (WEN) After Its 41% One Year Share Price Decline?

Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts Spotlight On 3 Consumer Stocks Delivering High-Dividend Yields

Traditional Fast Food Stocks Q4 Results: Benchmarking McDonald's (NYSE:MCD)