Citigroup Issues Pessimistic Forecast for Wendy’s (NASDAQ:WEN) Stock Price

Wendy’s (NASDAQ:WEN) had its price objective decreased by research analysts at Citigroup from $8.00 to $7.25 in a research note issued to investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a “neutral” rating on the restaurant operator’s stock. Citigroup’s target price points to a potential upside of 1.54% from the company’s previous close.

A number of other research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. UBS Group lowered their target price on shares of Wendy’s from $8.50 to $7.50 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Wendy’s from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Saturday, February 21st. Stifel Nicolaus set a $8.00 target price on shares of Wendy’s in a research note on Monday, February 16th. TD Cowen lowered their target price on shares of Wendy’s from $9.00 to $6.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, February 13th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Wendy’s from $8.50 to $8.00 and set a “sector perform” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Hold rating and five have assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Wendy’s has a consensus rating of “Reduce” and a consensus price target of $8.81.

Wendy’s Stock Up 3.0%

Wendy’s stock opened at $7.14 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.40, a P/E/G ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 0.40. The firm’s fifty day simple moving average is $7.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $7.98. The company has a current ratio of 1.76, a quick ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 28.77. Wendy’s has a 1-year low of $6.63 and a 1-year high of $13.06.

Wendy’s (NASDAQ:WEN) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 13th. The restaurant operator reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.14 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $439.60 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $537.11 million. Wendy’s had a net margin of 7.58% and a return on equity of 145.93%. Wendy’s’s revenue for the quarter was down 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.25 EPS. Wendy’s has set its FY 2026 guidance at 0.560-0.600 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Wendy’s will post 0.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Wendy’s

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its position in Wendy’s by 19,693.8% in the 3rd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 3,167 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 3,151 shares during the last quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB grew its position in Wendy’s by 205.0% in the 3rd quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 3,257 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 2,189 shares during the last quarter. Hilton Head Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Wendy’s in the 4th quarter worth $30,000. Fifth Third Bancorp grew its position in Wendy’s by 161.0% in the 4th quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 3,829 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 2,362 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Gen Wealth Partners Inc acquired a new stake in Wendy’s in the 4th quarter worth $33,000. 85.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Key Stories Impacting Wendy’s

Here are the key news stories impacting Wendy’s this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Wendy’s reached a milestone of 100 stores in the Philippines, signaling steady international/franchise expansion that can drive unit growth and recurring franchise fees outside the U.S. Wendy’s Hits 100 Philippine Stores As Shares Trade Below Fair Value
• Positive Sentiment: Wendy’s is rolling out a Spring 2026 menu with seven new items, led by a promoted Cookie Dough Frosty Fusion and app‑early access (April 23); the marketing push and limited-time items could boost traffic, AUVs and digital engagement in the near term. Wendy’s Delivers on Fan Cravings with a Lineup of Innovative Spring Menu Items
• Positive Sentiment: Mainstream coverage and early reviews of the new Frosty flavor and menu additions are broadly favorable—media mentions increase awareness and could help short-term sales momentum. Wendy’s Announces New Spring Menu Lineup
• Neutral Sentiment: Some consumer reviews call the Cookie Dough Frosty “good but not FOMO,” suggesting the item may drive modest rather than disruptive incremental sales. Monitor actual comp figures once the item is nationwide. Wendy’s New Cookie Dough Frosty Fusion Is Good, But Not FOMO
• Negative Sentiment: Citigroup cut its price target on WEN from $8.00 to $7.25 and moved to a “neutral” rating, reducing analyst upside and providing a near-term headwind for sentiment. Citigroup Lowers Wendy’s Price Target
• Negative Sentiment: Data show high-volume purchases of Wendy’s put options, which can indicate bearish positioning or hedging activity by traders and may amplify downward pressure if selling intensifies. Traders Purchase High Volume of Wendy’s Put Options

Wendy’s Company Profile

The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) operates as a global quick-service restaurant chain, best known for its square-shaped beef patties, fresh ingredient sourcing and signature Frosty dessert. The company’s menu features a variety of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, breakfast sandwiches, sides and beverages, designed to appeal to a broad customer base seeking both classic and contemporary fast-food options. Wendy’s has placed particular emphasis on product innovation, introducing limited-time offerings and revamped core menu items to maintain customer interest and respond to evolving dining trends.

Founded in 1969 by entrepreneur Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, Wendy’s expanded rapidly through both company-owned and franchised outlets.