Wendy’s sales slide as domestic weakness drags on global results

The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) reported a sharp decline in fourth-quarter global sales, as persistent headwinds in the U.S. fast-food market overshadowed continued momentum in its international business.

The Dublin, Ohio-based burger chain saw global systemwide sales drop 8.3% to $3.4 billion for the quarter ended Dec. 28, 2025.

For the full year, systemwide sales fell 3.5% to $14 billion.

The results underscore the widening divergence between Wendy’s domestic and overseas operations; while U.S. traffic remains under pressure from a promotion-heavy environment and stretched consumer spending, international systemwide sales grew 6.2% in the quarter and 8.1% for the year.

The company reported fourth-quarter net income of $26.5 million, or $0.14 per diluted share.

On an adjusted basis, earnings per share stood at $0.16.

Full-year adjusted EBITDA reached $522.4 million, landing within the company’s previously revised guidance range as management aggressivey manages costs under its "Project Fresh" turnaround plan.

Despite the top-line contraction, Wendy’s continued to expand its physical footprint, adding 157 net new restaurants globally in 2025—a 2.2% increase in total unit count.

The growth was led by the international segment, which added 121 net units during the year.