Stephens raises Wendy’s stock price target on turnaround strategy

Stephens has increased its price target on Wendy's shares from $7.00 to $8.00, maintaining an Equal Weight rating. The fast-food company reported strong third-quarter 2026 results, surpassing estimates on key metrics such as U.S. and international comparable sales, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted earnings per share. Wendy's did not update its guidance but noted improvements in trends throughout the quarter and into October.

The company recently introduced Dave's Way, a turnaround strategy focusing on improving food quality, marketing, and customer value, led by CEO Bob Wright. However, traffic at Wendy's locations remains negative, and significant execution risk is associated with the Dave's Way strategy. Stephens believes the new management team is on the right track, despite past turnarounds failing at the company.

While Wendy's saw a 5.7% decline in U.S. comparable sales, which was better than the expected 6.9% decrease, the company's revenue outperformed projections at $547 million compared to the anticipated $533.5 million.