UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): January 18, 2024
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 1-2207 | 38-0471180 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
One Dave Thomas Boulevard | ||
Dublin, Ohio | 43017 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(614) 764-3100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not applicable
(Former name or address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
☐ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Trading |
Name of each exchange | ||
Common Stock, $0.10 par value | WEN | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02 | Results of Operations and Financial Condition. |
On January 18, 2024, The Wendy’s Company (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing the appointment of a new President and Chief Executive Officer and director, as described in Item 5.02 below. In this press release, the Company reaffirmed its full year 2023 outlook previously provided in the Company’s third quarter earnings release issued on November 2, 2023. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The information contained within this Item 2.02, including the information in Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Item 5.02 | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
Appointment of New President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
On January 18, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) appointed Kirk Tanner as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective February 5, 2024 (the “Effective Date”). The Board also elected Mr. Tanner to serve as a director of the Company, as of the Effective Date. Mr. Tanner will serve as a member of the Board until the Company’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. Mr. Tanner will serve on the Capital and Investment and Executive Committees of the Board. In connection with this appointment, Todd A. Penegor will cease to be the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and will resign from the Board and all Board committees on which he served, as of the Effective Date. In addition, the Board has terminated Mr. Penegor’s employment with the Company, without cause, as of a date to be agreed that is on or after the Effective Date and no later than February 29, 2024. In connection with his termination, Mr. Penegor will be entitled to receive payment of accrued obligations, as well as compensation and benefits consistent with a termination without “cause” as previously described in the “Employment Arrangements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section of the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for its 2023 annual meeting of stockholders filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2023.
Mr. Tanner, age 55, served as Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo Beverages North America of PepsiCo, Inc. from January 2019 until January 2024. Prior to 2019, Mr. Tanner held several leadership roles at PepsiCo, including President and Chief Operating Officer, North America Beverages from 2016 to 2018, Chief Operating Officer, North America Beverages and President, Global Foodservice from 2015 to 2016, as well as roles as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Frito-Lay’s West Business Division, and Vice President of Sales at PepsiCo U.K. and Ireland. Mr. Tanner serves on the advisory board for the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
Mr. Tanner’s appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer and election as a director of the Company were not pursuant to any agreement between Mr. Tanner and any other person. There is no family relationship between Mr. Tanner and any director or executive officer of the Company, and there are no transactions between Mr. Tanner and the Company that are required to be reported under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Employment Letter of Mr. Tanner
On January 18, 2024, Mr. Tanner entered into an employment letter with the Company (the “Employment Letter”) that provides for a base salary of $1 million per year, subject to annual review by the Compensation and Human Capital Committee of the Board, and eligibility for an annual, performance-based bonus under the Company’s annual incentive plan with a target equal to 175% of his annual base salary. The actual performance-based bonus payable to Mr. Tanner will range from zero to 200% of the target, depending on the achievement of performance objectives, which will be consistent with the objectives established under the plan for other executive officers of the Company.
The Employment Letter also provides that Mr. Tanner will be eligible to participate in the Company’s equity-based long-term incentive plans and programs (the “LTIP”). For fiscal year 2024, Mr. Tanner’s long-term incentive award will have a target value of $6 million and will comprise performance share units (60%), restricted stock units (15%), and nonqualified stock options (25%). These awards will be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as apply for awards to other executive officers of the Company. Under the Employment Letter, Mr. Tanner will become eligible for the LTIP’s retirement-based vesting provisions after he completes seven (7) years of service with the Company.
In addition, the Employment Letter provides for a one-time equity award with a grant date fair value (at target) of $9 million (subject to approval by the Performance Compensation Subcommittee of the Board’s Compensation and Human Capital Committee (the “CHC Committee”)). Two-thirds of this award will be in the form of restricted stock units that will vest in substantially equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to Mr. Tanner’s continued employment on the applicable vesting dates, and one-third of this award will be in the form of performance share units that will vest based on the achievement of three (3)-year relative total stockholder return targets.
Mr. Tanner will also be eligible to participate in employee benefit programs generally made available to executive officers of the Company. Mr. Tanner will be subject to customary confidentiality and non-compete provisions. The Employment Letter also provides for relocation assistance in accordance with the Company’s policy and reimbursement for reasonable legal fees.
If Mr. Tanner’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause”, he would be entitled to termination benefits in accordance with the Company’s Executive Severance Pay Policy applicable to executives of the Company joining on or after February 16, 2023, a copy of which is attached hereto. Such benefits are conditioned on Mr. Tanner timely executing, and not revoking, a general release in favor of the Company.
Amended Executive Severance Pay Policy
At its meeting on February 16, 2023, the CHC Committee approved revisions to the Company’s Executive Severance Pay Policy (the “Severance Policy”), to be applied for U.S. officers at the level of Senior Vice President or above who are newly hired or promoted on or after February 16, 2023 (“Covered Executives”). As amended, the Severance Policy provides the following post-termination payments and benefits for Covered Executives whose employment is terminated by the Company without cause (as defined therein): (i) base salary continuation for twelve (12) months (or twenty-four (24) months for the Chief Executive Officer) following termination; (ii) a pro-rated annual cash incentive for the year of termination, payable based on actual performance; (iii) accelerated vesting on a pro rata basis of outstanding stock options; (iv) accelerated vesting on a pro rata basis of outstanding restricted stock units; and (v) pro rata vesting of outstanding performance share units, subject to actual performance attained for the entire performance period. If the Covered Executive’s termination without cause occurs within twelve (12) months following a change in control (as defined in the Severance Policy), (x) the salary continuation described above would be based on the Covered Executive’s base salary plus target annual cash incentive (rather than just base salary), (y) outstanding stock options and restricted stock units would vest in full (rather than pro rata) and such vested options would remain exercisable for up to 12 months (but not beyond the grant expiration date); and (z) performance share unit treatment would be as set forth in the applicable award agreement. A copy of the Severance Policy is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7.01 | Regulation FD Disclosure. |
The information in Item 2.02 above is incorporated by reference into this Item 7.01.
Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) | Exhibits |
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
10.1 | Wendy’s International, LLC Executive Severance Pay Policy, as amended February 16, 2023. | |
99.1 | Press release issued by The Wendy’s Company on January 18, 2024. | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
THE WENDY’S COMPANY | ||||||
Date: January 18, 2024 | By: | /s/ Michael G. Berner | ||||
Michael G. Berner | ||||||
Vice President – Corporate & Securities Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, and Assistant Secretary |
Exhibit 10.1
Executive Severance Pay Policy
As Amended: February 16, 2023
I. Policy
It is the policy of Wendys International, LLC (Wendys) to provide post-termination compensation as described in this Policy to certain executives whose employment has been involuntarily terminated without Cause. References in this Policy to Wendys also include Wendys successors or assigns (by operation of law or otherwise) and Wendys parents, affiliates or subsidiaries.
Although this Policy reflects Wendys general intent, it does not constitute a plan document or binding contract, and Wendys can vary from this Policy at any time and for any lawful reason. Any payments or benefits provided under this Policy are paid in the sole discretion of Wendys. This Policy may be modified, amended or terminated at any time and for any lawful reason, without notice, and at the sole discretion of Wendys.
II. Effect of February 16, 2023 Amendment
This Policy was amended, effective February 16, 2023. Any Wendys U.S. executive in the position of Executive (as defined below) on or before February 15, 2023 will be eligible to receive post-termination compensation as described in the Payment Upon Involuntary Termination Without Cause provisions of the December 14, 2015 version of the Policy, as updated and attached hereto as Appendix A, with this Policy (including the February 16, 2023 amendments) otherwise applying. For all other Executives, this Policy (including the February 16, 2023 amendments) will apply.
III. Eligibility
This Policy applies to Wendys U.S. executives who, at the time of termination hold the position of senior vice president or higher (which includes all U.S. executives who are deemed to be an executive officer of Wendys for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, hereinafter a Section 16 Officer) and who are not subject to an agreement that otherwise provides for severance payments upon termination (each, an Executive and, collectively, the Executives). As used in this Policy, any reference to Executive includes a Wendys U.S. executive who holds the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) if such individual is an Executive as defined in this Policy, unless different treatment is specifically provided in this Policy for a CEO.
An Executive will be eligible for the payments and benefits under this Policy if the Executive is involuntarily terminated without Cause, as defined in The Wendys Company 2020 Omnibus Award Plan (as amended from time to time, the 2020 Plan). Payments and benefits under this Policy are contingent upon the Executives continued, active employment with Wendys (except to the extent that the Executive is on an approved leave of absence in accordance with Wendys policies) until the date designated by Wendys (the Termination Date). If an Executive is terminated for Cause before the Termination Date, the Executive will not be entitled to payments or benefits under this Policy. The payment of any severance and other benefits described herein is also contingent upon the Executives execution and non-revocation of a Wendys form severance agreement, which includes, among other things, a release of claims, non-competition provisions and non-solicitation provisions.
Such documentation must be executed and returned on a date specified by Wendys, which will be no later than 45 days after the Termination Date.
An Executives employment will not be considered terminated for purposes of this Policy if:
| On or before the Termination Date, Wendys offers to place the Executive in a comparable position, considering factors such as position title, base salary, annual and long-term incentive compensation, requirements to relocate and scope of responsibility. The determination of whether a position is comparable will be at Wendys sole discretion; or |
| On or before the Termination Date, the Executive is offered and accepts a position with Wendys, regardless of whether the position is considered comparable, as described above. |
An Executives entitlement to receive payments and benefits under this Policy will terminate effective upon the Executives reemployment, in any capacity, by Wendys.
IV. Payment upon Involuntary Termination without Cause
In the event an Executive is involuntarily terminated without Cause, the Compensation and Human Capital Committee and Performance Compensation Subcommittee of the Board of Directors of The Wendys Company have approved the following:
A. Salary Continuation
Base salary, as of the Executives Termination Date, will be payable in biweekly installments for a period of (i) 12 months for an Executive; or (ii) 24 months for a CEO. However, if the involuntary termination without Cause occurs within 12 months following a Change in Control, as defined in the 2020 Plan, Salary Continuation will instead be calculated as the sum of base salary and target annual cash incentive, as of the Executives Termination Date, and that amount will be payable in biweekly installments for a period of (i) 12 months for an Executive; or (ii) 24 months for a CEO.
B. Annual Cash Incentive
An Annual Cash Incentive for the year of the Executives termination will be paid on a pro rata basis, based on the number of months worked prior to the Executives Termination Date (or such other pro ration methodology set forth in the applicable incentive plan document). These payments will be calculated based upon actual performance for the entire performance period and will be payable to terminated Executives at the same time that such payments are made to active Executives, in each case subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan.
C. Long-Term Incentive
In the event an Executive is involuntarily terminated without Cause, such Executive will be entitled to the following treatment of outstanding equity, unless the terms of the applicable award agreement are more favorable.
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| Stock Options. Accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options on a pro rata basis through the Termination Date. All other unvested stock options outstanding as of the Termination Date will be forfeited. Vested stock options will be exercisable for ninety (90) days following the Termination Date, or until the grant expiration date, whichever is first. |
| Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Accelerated vesting of outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units on a pro rata basis through the Termination Date. All other unvested restricted stock or restricted stock units outstanding as of the Termination Date will be forfeited. |
| Performance Units. Vesting of outstanding performance units on a pro rata basis, based on the number of months worked prior to the Termination Date. Vesting will occur at the conclusion of the applicable performance period(s), based on actual performance for the entire performance period(s). |
However, if the involuntary termination without Cause occurs within 12 months following a Change in Control, an Executive will instead be entitled to the following treatment of outstanding equity, unless the terms of the applicable award agreement are more favorable.
| Stock Options. Accelerated, full vesting of outstanding stock options as of the Termination Date. Vested stock options will be exercisable for one year following the Termination Date, or until the grant expiration date, whichever is first. |
| Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Accelerated, full vesting of outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units as of the Termination Date. |
| Performance Units. Vesting of outstanding performance units will be as set forth in the applicable performance unit award agreement. |
V. Method and Timing of Payment
Except as otherwise stated herein, all Salary Continuation payments will commence as soon as practical following the Executives Termination Date, but in no event will any payments be made prior to the date that the Executives severance agreement becomes effective. All payments will be subject to applicable tax withholding.
If any payments under this Policy are subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, then (i) each such payment will be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A, (ii) any such payments that would otherwise be paid in the first six months following the termination of employment of a specified employee will be delayed and paid in a lump sum upon the six month anniversary of the termination of employment, with the remaining scheduled installments commencing at that time, and (iii) if the date on which the release of claims is signed could determine whether any payments subject to Section 409A are paid in one of two tax years, then such payments will be paid in the later tax year. A specified employee is generally one of the 50 highest-paid officers of Wendys, as determined in accordance with procedures adopted by Wendys.
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For purposes of calculating the applicable Salary Continuation period, references to months shall be calculated based on the closest full week equivalent (e.g., 12 months equals 52 weeks).
For purposes of calculating the proration of any Long-Term Incentive compensation under this Policy, the proration will be based on full calendar months.
VI. Impact on Benefits
Executives whose employment has been terminated without Cause will continue to receive health and welfare benefits as described below to the extent permitted by applicable law and the relevant plan terms.
A. Health Coverage
Following the Termination Date, former Executives may continue to participate in Wendys medical, prescription drug, vision and dental benefits under The Wendys Companys Health Plan at employee premium rates (and Wendys will contribute to the Executives Health Savings Account or credit the Executives Health Reimbursement Account, as applicable) until the earliest of: (i) the day on which the final Salary Continuation payment is received; (ii) the day the Executive becomes covered under any other group health plan; or (iii) the first day the Executive is eligible to participate as an employee under another employers health plan. If the Executive becomes eligible to participate as an employee or enrolls under any other group health plan while receiving Salary Continuation payments, the Executive must notify Wendys Benefits Department.
B. Medical Flexible Spending Accounts
The Executive may continue to participate in medical flexible spending accounts until the earlier of (i) the last day on which the Executive receives a Salary Continuation payment or (ii) December 31 on or after the Executives Termination Date.
C. COBRA
When an Executives medical, dental, prescription, vision, Health Reimbursement Account, and medical flexible spending account coverage end, the Executive may become eligible for COBRA continuation coverage.
D. Other Benefits
Eligibility for all other benefits will end upon the Executives Termination Date. These benefits include, but are not limited to, short term disability benefits, paid leave, workers compensation benefits (other than claims that arose prior to the Termination Date), life insurance, dependent care flexible spending account contributions and company or employee contributions to retirement plans.
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E. Outplacement
Wendys, in its sole discretion, may provide career transition and job outplacement services to Executives affected under this Policy. Specifics of the package applicable to each affected Executive will be provided on or about the Executives Termination Date.
VII. General Provisions
Determinations with respect to payments and benefits provided under this Policy to Section 16 Officers will be made by the Compensation and Human Capital Committee or Performance Compensation Subcommittee of the Board of Directors of The Wendys Company. Wendys Chief People Officer will otherwise be responsible for administering this Policy, and the Compensation and Human Capital Committee and Performance Compensation Subcommittee hereby delegates responsibility for implementation and execution of this Policy to Wendys Chief People Officer.
Payments and benefits provided under this Policy are subject to any clawback or forfeiture policies maintained by Wendys from time to time, as well as any clawback or forfeiture provisions to which Wendys and/or the Executives may be subject under applicable laws, rules, regulations or stock exchange listing standards (whether such policies were in effect as of the date hereof or adopted by Wendys after the date hereof).
In the event it is determined that an Executive is or will be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the total payments made to the Executive pursuant to this Policy or otherwise made by Wendys will be reduced to the maximum amount that could be paid to the Executive without giving rise to any such excise tax, but only if the Executive would receive a greater after-tax amount after reducing such payments. The reduction of payments, if applicable, will first be made from cash payments in reverse chronological order, then from the accelerated vesting of equity awards in order of the highest ratio of parachute payment value to economic value, and then from any remaining payments in reverse chronological order. All determinations under this paragraph will be made by Wendys in its sole discretion and will be final and binding on the Executive.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, upon a Change in Control, this Policy will become a legally binding obligation of Wendys and, for 12 months following the Change in Control, this Policy may not be amended in any way that would have a material adverse effect on an Executives eligibility, level of benefits, or other rights under this Policy.
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Appendix A
December 14, 2015 Provisions
Payment upon Involuntary Termination without Cause
In the event an Executive is involuntarily terminated without Cause, the Compensation and Human Capital Committee and Performance Compensation Subcommittee of the Board of Directors of The Wendys Company have approved the following:
A. Salary Continuation
Base salary, as of the Executives Termination Date, will be payable in biweekly installments for a period of 18 months. However, if the involuntary termination without Cause occurs within 12 months following a Change in Control, as defined in The Wendys Companys 2020 Omnibus Award Plan, Salary Continuation will instead be calculated as the sum of base salary and target annual cash incentive, as of the Executives Termination Date, and that amount will be payable in biweekly installments for a period of 18 months.
B. Annual Cash Incentive
An Annual Cash Incentive for the year of the Executives termination will be paid on a pro rata basis, based on the number of months worked prior to the Executives Termination Date (or such other pro ration methodology set forth in the applicable incentive plan document). These payments will be calculated based upon actual performance for the entire performance period and will be payable to terminated Executives at the same time that such payments are made to active Executives, in each case subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan.
C. Long-Term Incentive
In the event an Executive is involuntarily terminated without Cause, such Executive will be entitled to the following treatment of outstanding equity, unless the terms of the applicable award agreement are more favorable.
| Stock Options. Continued vesting of outstanding stock options during the Salary Continuation period. Any unvested stock options remaining outstanding as of the conclusion of the Salary Continuation period will be forfeited. Vested stock options will be exercisable for one year following the conclusion of the Salary Continuation period, or until the grant expiration date, whichever is first. |
| Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Accelerated vesting, as of the Termination Date, of outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units that would have vested had the Executive continued in active employment through the end of the Salary Continuation Period. All other unvested restricted stock or restricted stock units will be forfeited. |
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| Performance Units. Vesting of outstanding performance units on a pro rata basis, based on the number of months worked prior to the Executives Termination Date. Vesting will occur at the conclusion of the applicable performance period(s), based on actual performance for the entire Performance Period(s). |
However, if the involuntary termination without Cause occurs within 12 months following a Change in Control, an Executive will instead be entitled to the following treatment of outstanding equity, unless the terms of the applicable award agreement are more favorable.
| Stock Options. Accelerated, full vesting of outstanding stock options as of the Termination Date. Vested stock options will be exercisable for one year following the Termination Date, or until the grant expiration date, whichever is first. |
| Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Accelerated, full vesting of outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units as of the Termination Date. |
| Performance Units. Vesting of outstanding performance units will be as set forth in the applicable performance unit award agreement. |
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Exhibit 99.1
WENDYS ANNOUNCES CEO SUCCESSION
Kirk Tanner to Succeed Todd Penegor as President & CEO
Company Reaffirms Previously Provided FY 2023 Outlook
and Plans to Release Q4 2023 Results and 2024 and Long-Term Outlook February 15
DUBLIN, Ohio, Jan. 18, 2024/PRNewswire/ The Wendys Company (Nasdaq: WEN) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Kirk Tanner as Wendys President and CEO, effective February 5, 2024. Mr. Tanner will succeed Todd Penegor, who will depart from the Company and Board in February after serving in senior leadership positions at Wendys for more than a decade. Mr. Tanner has also been elected to serve on the Wendys Board of Directors.
Mr. Tanner most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of North American Beverages at PepsiCo, Inc., and joins Wendys with more than 30 years of experience across beverages, snacks and foodservice. At PepsiCo, he oversaw the $26+ billion business unit, which accounts for approximately 30% of PepsiCos overall business, driving operational performance and revenue growth, the incubation and launch of new products and the entrance into new markets over the course of his tenure. Prior to his most recent role, Mr. Tanner oversaw PepsiCos Global Foodservice division, during which time he expanded the Companys presence in foodservice through strategic partnerships, new product lines and significant deals with major sports leagues and restaurant chains.
We are thrilled to welcome an executive of Kirks caliber to the Wendys team, said Nelson Peltz, Chairman of the Wendys Board. Kirk is a proven operational leader whose customer-centric mindset and broad experience positioning and growing some of the most well-known global brands make him the ideal candidate to lead Wendys into its next phase of growth and expansion.
I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this iconic brand at such a pivotal time in the industry, said Mr. Tanner. I am energized by the future potential and expansion opportunities for the business. I look forward to working with the talented Wendys team and franchisees to drive future growth and success.
Mr. Peltz continued, On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Todd for his tremendous contributions to Wendys over the years. Through his leadership, Wendys has driven strong growth in sales, earnings and new restaurant counts, forging an industry-leading partnership with the franchise community and a robust digital business. We wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter.
I am grateful to the Wendys team for their dedication and am immensely proud of all we have achieved together, said Mr. Penegor. Im confident the Company is in highly capable hands with Kirk at the helm. My Wendys roots run deep, and while the time is right for me to move on as an executive of this great organization, I will forever be a supporter as a loyal customer.
Wendys Reaffirms Previously Provided FY 2023 Outlook
Wendys continues to expect its full year 2023 results to fall within the outlook ranges provided in its third quarter earnings release issued on November 2, 2023. The Company will release its fourth quarter and full year 2023 results and share its 2024 and long-term financial outlook on February 15, 2024.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains certain statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Reform Act). Generally, forward-looking statements include the words may, believes, plans, expects, anticipates, intends, estimate, goal, upcoming, outlook, guidance or the negation thereof, or similar expressions. In addition, all statements that address future operating, financial or business performance, strategies or initiatives, future efficiencies or savings, anticipated costs or charges, future capitalization, anticipated impacts of recent or pending investments or transactions and statements expressing general views about future results or brand health are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. Forward-looking statements are based on the Companys expectations at the time such statements are made, speak only as of the dates they are made and are susceptible to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. For all such forward-looking statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. The Companys actual results, performance and achievements may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Companys forward-looking statements.
Many important factors could affect the Companys future results and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the Companys forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) the impact of competition or poor customer experiences at Wendys restaurants; (2) adverse economic conditions or disruptions, including in regions with a high concentration of Wendys restaurants; (3) changes in discretionary consumer spending and consumer tastes and preferences; (4) the disruption to the Companys business from the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the pandemic on the Companys results of operations, financial condition and prospects; (5) impacts to the Companys corporate reputation or the value and perception of the Companys brand; (6) the effectiveness of the Companys marketing and advertising programs and new product development; (7) the Companys ability to manage the accelerated impact of social media; (8) the Companys ability to protect its intellectual property; (9) food safety events or health concerns involving the Companys products; (10) our ability to deliver accelerated global sales growth and achieve or maintain market share across our dayparts; (11) the Companys ability to achieve its growth strategy through new restaurant development and its Image Activation program; (12) the Companys ability to effectively manage the acquisition and disposition of restaurants or successfully implement other strategic initiatives; (13) risks associated with leasing and owning significant amounts of real estate, including environmental matters; (14) risks associated with the Companys international operations, including the ability to execute its international growth strategy; (15) changes in commodity and other operating costs; (16) shortages or interruptions in the supply or distribution of the Companys products and other risks associated with the Companys independent supply chain purchasing co-op; (17) the impact of increased labor costs or labor shortages; (18) the continued succession and retention of key personnel and the effectiveness of the Companys leadership and organizational structure; (19) risks associated with the Companys digital commerce strategy, platforms and technologies, including its ability to adapt to changes in industry trends and consumer preferences; (20) the Companys dependence on computer systems and information
technology, including risks associated with the failure or interruption of its systems or technology or the occurrence of cyber incidents or deficiencies; (21) risks associated with the Companys securitized financing facility and other debt agreements, including compliance with operational and financial covenants, restrictions on its ability to raise additional capital, the impact of its overall debt levels and the Companys ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its debt service obligations and operate its business; (22) risks associated with the Companys capital allocation policy, including the amount and timing of equity and debt repurchases and dividend payments; (23) risks associated with complaints and litigation, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and an increased focus on environmental, social and governance issues; (24) risks associated with the availability and cost of insurance, changes in accounting standards, the recognition of impairment or other charges, changes in tax rates or tax laws and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (25) conditions beyond the Companys control, such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, hostilities, social unrest, health epidemics or pandemics or other catastrophic events; (26) risks associated with the Companys organizational redesign; and (27) other risks and uncertainties cited in the Companys releases, public statements and/or filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those identified in the Risk Factors sections of the Companys Forms 10-K and 10-Q.
In addition to the factors described above, there are risks associated with the Companys predominantly franchised business model that could impact its results, performance and achievements. Such risks include the Companys ability to identify, attract and retain experienced and qualified franchisees, the Companys ability to effectively manage the transfer of restaurants between and among franchisees, the business and financial health of franchisees, the ability of franchisees to meet their royalty, advertising, development, reimaging and other commitments, participation by franchisees in brand strategies and the fact that franchisees are independent third parties that own, operate and are responsible for overseeing the operations of their restaurants. The Companys predominantly franchised business model may also impact the ability of the Wendys system to effectively respond and adapt to market changes.
All future written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to above. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and factors that the Company currently deems immaterial may become material, and it is impossible for the Company to predict these events or how they may affect the Company.
The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this release as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by federal securities laws, although the Company may do so from time to time. The Company does not endorse any projections regarding future performance that may be made by third parties.
About Wendys
Wendys® was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Dave built his business on the premise, Quality is our Recipe®, which remains the guidepost of the Wendys system. Wendys is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef*, freshly-prepared salads, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty® dessert. The Wendys Company (Nasdaq: WEN) is committed to doing the right thing and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is most visible through the Companys support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® and its signature Wendys Wonderful Kids® program, which seeks to find a loving, forever home for every child waiting to be adopted from the North American foster care system. Today, Wendys and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across over 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the worlds most thriving and beloved restaurant brand. For details on franchising, connect with us at www.wendys.com/franchising.
Visit www.wendys.com and www.squaredealblog.com for more information and connect with us on X and Instagram using @wendys, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wendys.
* Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and Canada.
Media Contact:
Heidi Schauer
Vice President Communications, Public Affairs & Customer Care
(614) 764-3368; heidi.schauer@wendys.com
Investor Contact:
Kelsey Freed
Director - Investor Relations
(614) 764-3345; kelsey.freed@wendys.com