Assenagon Asset Management S.A. Invests $781,000 in The Wendy’s Company $WEN

Assenagon Asset Management S.A. purchased a new stake in The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 93,735 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock, valued at approximately $781,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of WEN. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in Wendy’s during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Investors Research Corp bought a new stake in Wendy’s in the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Versant Capital Management Inc raised its holdings in Wendy’s by 19,693.8% in the third 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 period. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB raised its holdings in Wendy’s by 205.0% in the third 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 period. Finally, Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC boosted its position in shares of Wendy’s by 35.0% during the second quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 4,017 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 1,041 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 85.96% of the company’s stock.

Wendy’s Stock Performance

Shares of WEN stock opened at $6.90 on Thursday. The Wendy’s Company has a 12 month low of $6.67 and a 12 month high of $14.87. The company’s fifty day simple moving average is $7.50 and its 200-day simple moving average is $8.26. The firm has a market cap of $1.31 billion, a PE ratio of 8.12, a P/E/G ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a quick ratio of 1.74, a current ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 28.77.

Wendy’s (NASDAQ:WEN) last released its 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 during 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%. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was down 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.25 earnings per share. Wendy’s has set its FY 2026 guidance at 0.560-0.600 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that The Wendy’s Company will post 0.99 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wendy’s Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 2nd were issued a $0.14 dividend. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, March 2nd. Wendy’s’s dividend payout ratio is presently 65.88%.

More Wendy’s News

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

• Positive Sentiment: Localized marketing lift: Wendy’s is running a Final Four “Tipoff Tailgate” in Indianapolis and handing out free chicken nuggets, fries and Frosty treats during downtown Final Four events — a short-term brand engagement push that can drive store traffic and sales in a high-visibility event. Wendy’s Final Four Tipoff Tailgate Experience hits Indianapolis streets for March Madness 2026
• Positive Sentiment: Insider and institutional buying: Recent filings show insider purchases (two small open‑market buys) and notable institutional increases by multiple large managers — a bullish signal of confidence from some insiders and allocators. Wendy’s Company Stock Short Interest Rises to 67.53%
• Neutral Sentiment: Menu product refresh: Wendy’s is overhauling its chicken sandwich recipe (spicy and other chicken sandwiches updated). Product improvements can lift LTO/comp sales over time but require successful execution and customer acceptance. Wendy’s is overhauling its chicken sandwich recipe
• Neutral Sentiment: Mixed customer reaction: Coverage shows some fans upset by changes to the spicy chicken sandwich — short-term social media/headline noise that could temper initial sales enthusiasm until quality and demand data arrive. Wendy’s claims elevated an iconic sandwich — but some fans are in uproar
• Negative Sentiment: Heavy short interest: Short interest rose to ~67.5% of the float (mid‑March data), signaling large bearish positioning and possible added volatility/pressure on the stock; could amplify downside on weak catalysts but also raises squeeze risk. Wendy’s Company Stock Short Interest Rises to 67.53%
• Negative Sentiment: Localized operational/PR issue: A reported embezzlement at one Millersville franchise is a negative for local reputation and internal controls, though it appears isolated and unlikely to materially affect companywide results. Wendy’s employee embezzled thousands from Millersville location, police say

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have recently commented on WEN. Mizuho dropped their price target on Wendy’s from $8.00 to $7.00 and set an “underperform” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 9th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Wendy’s from $11.00 to $9.00 and set a “market perform” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Argus raised Wendy’s to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Weiss Ratings restated a “sell (d+)” rating on shares of Wendy’s in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price objective on shares of Wendy’s from $11.00 to $10.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, fifteen have given a Hold rating and five have issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $9.00.

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.