The Wendy's Company on Tuesday reported a first-quarter profit that missed Wall Street expectations and cut its forecast for the year as the hamburger chain struggled in its revival efforts amid higher costs for fresh beef and weaker-than-expected sales.
The Dublin, Ohio-based fast-food company noted that it is in a "transition year," with a new management team focused on modernising restaurants and introducing menu items that will lay the groundwork for future growth.
Wendy's said it now expects adjusted earnings from continuing operations in a range of US$320 million to US$335 million, down from its previous forecast of US$335 million to US$345 million.
For the period ended April 1, Wendy's reported net income of US$12.4 million, or 3 cents per share, versus a net loss of US$1.4 million, or breakeven results, a year ago.
Excluding the sale of its investment in skin care company Jurlique International and other one-time items, the company said it earned 1 cent per share. That was lower than the 3 cents per share analysts were expecting, according to FactSet.
Wendy's said margins at its company-run restaurants slipped as a result of higher costs for ingredients, particularly for fresh beef.
In hindsight, Chief Financial Officer Steve Hare said the 'W' cheeseburger promotion was priced at too steep a discount at US$2.99, especially since the sandwich has more beef (4.5 ounces) than the Dave's Hot 'N Juicy (4 ounces).
When the price of the 'W' cheeseburger was raised, Hare said that consumers responded by trading down to cheaper items. He said the company won't promote the 'W' cheeseburger in the future as a result.
CEO Emil Brolick, who was hired in September, also noted that the push to remodel restaurants - to incorporate fireplaces, booth seating and WiFi - should better position the company to compete in a rapidly changing restaurant landscape. But he acknowledged the company also needs to look at other aspects of the restaurant experience to stay relevant.
"We understand that it's not as simple as a pretty new restaurant," Brolick said.
Updated menu
An updated menu has clearly been front and centre for Wendy's as well. Late last year, the company rolled out a Dave Hot 'N Juicy burger as well as its natural cut fries. In April, it introduced a Spicy Guacamole Chicken Club sandwich and chili cheese fries. And this summer, the company plans to expand its test breakfast menu to a key Northeastern market.
Still, Brolick noted that changing consumer perceptions takes time. He also noted that the company had to make adjustments in the past quarter, after realising its messaging didn't resonate as strongly as the ad campaigns of unnamed rivals.
"Relative to our competition, our marketing messages were not as impactful as needed," CFO Hare also conceded.
For the quarter, the company said revenue rose two per cent to US$593.2 million from US$582.5 million. That also fell short of Wall Street's estimate for revenue of US$608.1 million.
Revenue at company-run restaurants in North America open at least 15 months and renovated restaurants reopened at least three months rose 0.8 per cent in the quarter. The figure increased 0.7 per cent for franchise restaurants.
Wendy's said its outlook for 2012 excludes items such as anticipated debt extinguishment costs, and relocation costs and other expenses from the consolidation of the Atlanta restaurant support centre with the Dublin restaurant support centre.
Wendy's had 6,581 restaurants at quarter's end. Its shares fell 9 cents, or four per cent, at US$4.68 in late morning trading. They have traded in a range of US$4.29 to US$5.62 over the past year.
- AP