News

Wendy's premium burgers pack a positive punch in Q1 sales

May 8, 2019

The freckle-faced little redhead is smiling bigger than ever at Wendy's this morning where this year's first-quarter financial results show the company performed above Wall Street expectations for both profit and revenue for the period ending on March 31.

This morning, Wendy's told investors that — excluding certain one-time items — they would earn 14 cents per share, which is higher than Wall Street estimates of 11 cents a share. Wendy's executives credited a combination of higher royalty fees and introduction of premium burgers that come with an array of upscale additions like avocado and asiago cheese for much of its early-year success. 

Other key highlights of the first quarter include: 

• 7.4% increase in total revenue to $408.6 million.
• 15% growth in company-operated restaurant profit margin versus 13.9% last year's quarter. 
• 1.3% increase in North America same-store sales.
• Net income up to 14 cents a share or $31.9 million, versus 8 cents a share or $20.2 million last year's quarter. 

President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Penegor said. "We are executing on our plan to accelerate same-restaurant sales in North America and drive global restaurant expansion, fueled by a healthy restaurant economic model," Wendy's President and CEO Todd Penegor said in the financial results statement issued Wednesday morning. "Our relentless focus on bringing every element of The Wendy's Way to life by providing food our customers love, friendly service, value, and an inviting atmosphere will continue to drive growth in the future."