Wendy's stock surged 5.09% during Friday's intraday session, marking a significant rebound after earlier declines.
The fast-food chain's fourth-quarter results showed adjusted earnings per share of $0.16, beating analyst estimates of $0.14, while revenue of $543 million also exceeded expectations. Adjusted EBITDA of $113.3 million slightly topped forecasts. These positive surprises helped counter concerns over the company's weaker-than-expected 2026 profit outlook and declining same-restaurant sales.
Investors appeared to reassess the stock's value following the initial negative reaction, focusing on operational improvements under the company's "Project Fresh" turnaround plan and international sales growth of 6.2% in the quarter.