The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) is included among the 10 Best Beaten Down Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now, with a share price decline of nearly 45% since the start of 2025.
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On October 10, Bernstein SocGen Group reiterated its Market Perform rating and $12.00 price target on The Wendy’s Company after the company introduced its new strategic initiative, Project Fresh.
Project Fresh is centered on revitalizing the brand, improving system efficiency, enhancing operations, and optimizing capital allocation. The initiative represents a shift in focus from aggressive unit expansion to boosting average unit volumes and strengthening franchise profitability.
According to Bernstein analyst Danilo Gargiulo, The Wendy’s Company board is still in the process of selecting a new CEO, with the appointment expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. Bernstein noted that the goals outlined in Project Fresh are consistent with their expectations, adding that renewed emphasis on brand equity and franchisee profitability should help ensure long-term sustainability.
However, the firm expects the initiative to lead to reduced near-term projections for same-store sales and unit growth. The plan could also allow franchisees to opt out of breakfast offerings, increase investments in training, equipment, and technology, and scale back short-term promotions that drive sales but hurt margins.
Although The Wendy’s Company cut its dividend by 44% in May, which concerned income-focused investors, it has continued to pay regular dividends since 2003. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.31%, as of October 16.
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