Wendy's Co - FORM 10-Q - August 9, 2017

Attached files

file	filename
EX-32.1 - CEO & CFO 906 CERTIFICATIONS - Wendy's Co	twc_ex321xq2-17.htm
EX-31.2 - CFO 302 CERTIFICATION - Wendy's Co	twc_ex312xq2-17.htm
EX-31.1 - CEO 302 CERTIFICATION - Wendy's Co	twc_ex311xq2-17.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



(X)		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended July 2, 2017



( )		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______________ to _______________

Commission file number: 1-2207

THE WENDY’S COMPANY

(Exact name of registrants as specified in its charter)



Delaware		38-0471180
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Dave Thomas Blvd., Dublin, Ohio		43017
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(614) 764-3100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [x] Accelerated filer [ ]

Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [ ]

Emerging growth company [ ]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [ ] No [x]

There were 243,456,241 shares of The Wendy’s Company common stock outstanding as of August 3, 2017.

THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q



	Page
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements	3
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 2, 2017 and January 1, 2017	3
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016	4
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016	5
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016	6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	25
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	36
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	36

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION	38
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	40
Item 1A. Risk Factors	40
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	41
Item 6. Exhibits	42
Signatures	43

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)



	July 2, 2017			January 1, 2017
ASSETS	(Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	204,543		$	198,240
Restricted cash	39,144			57,612
Accounts and notes receivable, net	106,649			98,825
Inventories	2,922			2,851
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	27,438			19,244
Advertising funds restricted assets	60,227			75,760
Total current assets	440,923			452,532
Properties	1,254,750			1,192,339
Goodwill	742,407			741,410
Other intangible assets	1,338,645			1,322,531
Investments	56,999			56,981
Net investment in direct financing leases	213,069			123,604
Other assets	61,870			49,917
Total assets	$	4,108,663		$	3,939,314

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	$	28,988		$	24,652
Accounts payable	23,963			27,635
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	116,352			102,034
Advertising funds restricted liabilities	60,227			75,760
Total current liabilities	229,530			230,081
Long-term debt	2,699,760			2,487,630
Deferred income taxes	415,479			446,513
Other liabilities	276,845			247,354
Total liabilities	3,621,614			3,411,578
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.10 par value; 1,500,000 shares authorized; 470,424 shares issued; 244,313 and 246,574 shares outstanding, respectively	47,042			47,042
Additional paid-in capital	2,882,494			2,878,589
Accumulated deficit	(302,939		)	(290,857		)
Common stock held in treasury, at cost; 226,111 and 223,850 shares, respectively	(2,085,301		)	(2,043,797		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(54,247		)	(63,241		)
Total stockholders’ equity	487,049			527,736
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,108,663		$	3,939,314

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)



	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016			July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016
	(Unaudited)
Revenues:
Sales	$	160,859		$	259,235		$	309,071		$	518,567
Franchise royalty revenue and fees	112,548			88,952			207,238			177,847
Franchise rental income	46,935			34,531			89,852			65,091
	320,342			382,718			606,161			761,505
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	129,360			202,554			252,767			417,290
Franchise rental expense	21,897			17,493			40,765			32,150
General and administrative	51,280			61,124			103,730			125,770
Depreciation and amortization	31,309			30,749			60,474			63,094
System optimization losses (gains), net	41,050			(1,924		)	39,643			(10,350		)
Reorganization and realignment costs	17,699			2,487			17,880			5,737
Impairment of long-lived assets	253			5,525			763			12,630
Other operating expense (income), net	1,700			(938		)	3,625			(14,293		)
	294,548			317,070			519,647			632,028
Operating profit	25,794			65,648			86,514			129,477
Interest expense	(28,935		)	(28,643		)	(57,910		)	(56,752		)
Other income, net	2,844			276			3,233			538
(Loss) income before income taxes	(297		)	37,281			31,837			73,263
Provision for income taxes	(1,548		)	(10,801		)	(11,341		)	(21,420		)
Net (loss) income	$	(1,845	)	$	26,480		$	20,496		$	51,843

Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share	$	(.01	)	$	.10		$	.08		$	.19

Dividends per share	$	.07		$	.06		$	.14		$	.12

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In Thousands)



	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016			July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
	(Unaudited)

Net (loss) income	$	(1,845	)	$	26,480		$	20,496	$	51,843
Other comprehensive income, net:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	6,065			1,580			8,010		14,256
Change in unrecognized pension loss, net of income tax (provision) benefit of $(60) for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and $34 for the three and six months ended July 3, 2016	—			(56		)	96		(56		)
Effect of cash flow hedges, net of income tax provision of $281 and $559 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively	443			443			888		888
Other comprehensive income, net	6,508			1,967			8,994		15,088
Comprehensive income	$	4,663		$	28,447		$	29,490	$	66,931

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)



	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016
	(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	20,496		$	51,843
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	60,474			64,694
Share-based compensation	11,372			9,925
Impairment of long-lived assets	763			12,630
Deferred income tax	(2,496		)	(10,353		)
Non-cash rental income, net	(5,286		)	(2,561		)
Net receipt of deferred vendor incentives	7,077			8,230
System optimization losses (gains), net	39,643			(10,350		)
Gain on sale of investments, net	(2,553		)	—
Distributions received from TimWen joint venture	5,524			5,786
Equity in earnings in joint ventures, net	(3,786		)	(4,275		)
Accretion of long-term debt	617			608
Amortization of deferred financing costs	3,974			3,769
Reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	1,447			1,447
Other, net	3,552			1,731
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	44			135
Accounts and notes receivable, net	(9,557		)	(26,956		)
Inventories	(71		)	148
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(2,116		)	(4,638		)
Accounts payable	(4,484		)	(1,884		)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(4,051		)	5,867
Net cash provided by operating activities	120,583			105,796
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(32,117		)	(68,495		)
Acquisitions	(86,788		)	(2,209		)
Dispositions	77,980			45,078
Proceeds from sale of investments	3,282			—
Payments for investments	(375		)	(113		)
Notes receivable, net	(2,225		)	(3,439		)
Changes in restricted cash	18,711			7,040
Other, net	—			(17		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(21,532		)	(22,155		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(13,646		)	(12,651		)
Deferred financing costs	(740		)	(867		)
Repurchases of common stock	(50,527		)	(108,057		)
Dividends	(34,447		)	(32,152		)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	6,385			6,696
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation	(2,956		)	(3,064		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(95,931		)	(150,095		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operations before effect of exchange rate changes on cash	3,120			(66,454		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	3,183			5,418
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,303			(61,036		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	198,240			327,216
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	204,543		$	266,180

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—CONTINUED

(In Thousands)



	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
	(Unaudited)
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for:
Interest	$	62,090	$	57,501
Income taxes, net of refunds	12,886		39,745

Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	$	8,965	$	17,228
Capitalized lease obligations	238,201		91,579

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

(1) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) of The Wendy’s Company (“The Wendy’s Company” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, the Financial Statements contain all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary to present fairly our financial position as of July 2, 2017 and the results of our operations for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 and cash flows for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016. The results of operations for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full 2017 fiscal year. These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for The Wendy’s Company and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017 (the “Form 10-K”).

The principal subsidiary of the Company is Wendy’s International, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Wendy’s”). The Company manages and internally reports its business geographically. The operation and franchising of Wendy’s^®restaurants in North America (defined as the United States of America (“U.S.”) and Canada) comprises virtually all of our current operations and represents a single reportable segment. The revenues and operating results of Wendy’s restaurants outside of North America are not material.

We report on a fiscal year consisting of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Sunday closest to or on December 31. All three- and six-month periods presented herein contain 13 weeks and 26 weeks, respectively. All references to years and quarters relate to fiscal periods rather than calendar periods.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year presentation to conform to the current year presentation.

(2) System Optimization Losses (Gains), Net

In July 2013, the Company announced a system optimization initiative, as part of its brand transformation, which includes a shift from Company-operated restaurants to franchised restaurants over time, through acquisitions and dispositions, as well as facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers. In February 2015, the Company announced plans to reduce its ongoing Company-operated restaurant ownership to approximately 5% of the total system, which the Company completed as of January 1, 2017. Wendy’s will continue to optimize its system by facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers, as well as evaluating strategic acquisitions of franchised restaurants and strategic dispositions of Company-operated restaurants to existing and new franchisees, to further strengthen the franchisee base, drive new restaurant development and accelerate Image Activation adoption.

During the six months ended July 2, 2017, the Company recorded post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants and completed the sale of other assets, resulting in net gains totaling $3,506. In addition, the Company facilitated the transfer of 270 restaurants between franchisees during the six months ended July 2, 2017 (excluding the DavCo and NPC transactions discussed below).

DavCo and NPC Transactions

As part of our system optimization initiative, the Company acquired 140 Wendy’s restaurants on May 31, 2017 from DavCo Restaurants, LLC (“DavCo”) for total net cash consideration of $86,788, which were immediately sold to NPC International, Inc. (“NPC”), an existing franchisee of the Company, for cash proceeds of $70,688 (the “DavCo and NPC transactions”). As part of the transaction, NPC has agreed to remodel 90 acquired restaurants in the Image Activation format by the end of 2021 and build 15 new Wendy’s restaurants by the end of 2022. Prior to closing the DavCo transaction, seven DavCo restaurants were closed. The acquisition of Wendy’s restaurants from DavCo was not contingent on executing the sale agreement with NPC; as such, the Company accounted for the transactions as an acquisition and subsequent disposition of a business. The total consideration paid to DavCo was allocated to net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. As part of the transactions, the Company retained leases for purposes of subleasing such properties to NPC.

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

The following is a summary of the activity recorded as a result of the DavCo and NPC transactions:



	Three Months Ended
	July 2, 2017
Acquisition (a)
Total consideration paid	$	86,788
Identifiable assets and liabilities assumed:
Net assets held for sale	70,688
Capital lease assets	49,360
Deferred taxes	27,493
Capital lease obligations	(97,046		)
Net unfavorable leases (b)	(22,211		)
Other liabilities (c)	(6,999		)
Total identifiable net assets	21,285
Goodwill (d)	$	65,503

Disposition
Proceeds	$	70,688
Net assets sold	(70,688		)
Goodwill (d)	(65,503		)
Net favorable leases (e)	24,034
Other (f)	(1,680		)
Loss on DavCo and NPC transactions	$	(43,149	)

_______________


(a)	The fair values of the identifiable intangible assets and taxes related to the acquisition are provisional amounts as of July 2, 2017, pending final valuations and purchase accounting adjustments. The Company utilized management estimates and consultation with an independent third-party valuation firm to assist in the valuation process.


(b)	Includes favorable lease assets of $1,228 and unfavorable lease liabilities of $23,439.


(c)	Includes a supplemental purchase price estimated at $6,344 to be paid to DavCo for the resolution of certain lease-related matters, which is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.”


(d)	Includes tax deductible goodwill of $21,871.


(e)	The Company recorded favorable lease assets of $30,068 and unfavorable lease liabilities of $6,034 as a result of subleasing land, buildings and leasehold improvements to NPC.


(f)	Includes cash payments for selling and other costs associated with the transaction.

Gains and losses recognized on dispositions are recorded to “System optimization losses (gains), net” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Costs related to our system optimization initiative were historically recorded to “Reorganization and realignment costs.” Costs incurred during 2017 in connection with the DavCo and NPC transactions continue to be recorded to “Reorganization and realignment costs.” All other costs incurred during 2017 related to facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers are recorded to “Other operating expense (income), net.” See Note 4 for further information.

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

The following is a summary of the disposition activity recorded as a result of our system optimization initiative:



	Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016		July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016
Number of restaurants sold to franchisees	—			—		—			55

Proceeds from sales of restaurants	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	39,615
Net assets sold (a)	—			—		—			(17,055		)
Goodwill related to sales of restaurants	—			—		—			(6,376		)
Net unfavorable leases (b)	—			—		—			(4,906		)
Other	—			—		—			(795		)
	—			—		—			10,483
Post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants (c)	27			545		927			(1,590		)
Gain on sales of restaurants, net	27			545		927			8,893

Gain on sales of other assets, net (d)	2,072			1,379		2,579			1,457
Loss on DavCo and NPC transactions	(43,149		)	—		(43,149		)	—
System optimization (losses) gains, net	$	(41,050	)	$	1,924	$	(39,643	)	$	10,350

_______________


(a)	Net assets sold consisted primarily of equipment.


(b)	During the six months ended July 3, 2016, the Company recorded favorable lease assets of $183 and unfavorable lease liabilities of $5,089 as a result of leasing and/or subleasing land, buildings and/or leasehold improvements to franchisees in connection with sales of restaurants.


(c)	The three and six months ended July 2, 2017 includes cash proceeds of $300 related to post-closing reconciliations with franchisees. The six months ended July 2, 2017 also includes the recognition of a deferred gain of $312 as a result of the resolution of certain contingencies related to the extension of lease terms for a Canadian restaurant.

(d)

During the three and six months ended July 2, 2017, the Company received cash proceeds of $5,342 and $6,992, respectively, primarily from the sale of surplus properties. The six months ended July 2, 2017 also includes the recognition of a deferred gain of $375 related to the sale of a share in an aircraft. During the three and six months ended July 3, 2016, the Company received cash proceeds of $3,893 and $5,463, respectively, primarily from the sale of surplus properties.

As of July 2, 2017 and January 1, 2017, the Company had assets held for sale of $3,174 and $4,800, respectively, primarily consisting of surplus properties. Assets held for sale are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets.”

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

(3) Acquisitions

The table below presents the allocation of the total purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for acquisitions of franchised restaurants:



	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
Restaurants acquired from franchisees	—		2

Total consideration paid, net of cash received	$	—	$	2,209
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Properties	—		2,218
Deferred taxes and other assets	—		9
Other liabilities	—		(18		)
Total identifiable net assets	—		2,209
Goodwill	$	—	$	—

On May 31, 2017, the Company also entered into the DavCo and NPC transactions. See Note 2 for further information.

(4) Reorganization and Realignment Costs

The following is a summary of the initiatives included in “Reorganization and realignment costs:”



	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016		July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
System optimization initiative	$	454	$	2,081	$	635	$	4,804
G&A realignment - November 2014 plan	—		406		—		933
G&A realignment - May 2017 plan	17,245		—		17,245		—
Reorganization and realignment costs	$	17,699	$	2,487	$	17,880	$	5,737

System Optimization Initiative

The Company has recognized costs related to its system optimization initiative, which includes a shift from Company-operated restaurants to franchised restaurants over time, through acquisitions and dispositions, as well as facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers. The Company does not expect to incur additional costs during the remainder of 2017 in connection with the DavCo and NPC transactions. All other costs incurred during 2017 related to facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers are recorded to “Other operating expense (income), net.”

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

The following is a summary of the costs recorded as a result of our system optimization initiative:



	Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended				Total Incurred Since Inception
	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016			July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016		Total Incurred Since Inception
Severance and related employee costs	$	—	$	18		$	3	$	18	$	18,237
Professional fees	432		1,445			562		3,146		17,172
Other (a)	22		(37		)	70		40		5,813
	454		1,426			635		3,204		41,222
Accelerated depreciation and amortization (b)	—		655			—		1,600		25,398
Share-based compensation (c)	—		—			—		—		5,013
Total system optimization initiative	$	454	$	2,081		$	635	$	4,804	$	71,633

_______________


(a)	The three and six months ended July 3, 2016 include a reversal of an accrual of $50 as a result of a change in estimate.


(b)	Primarily includes accelerated amortization of previously acquired franchise rights related to Company-operated restaurants in territories that have been sold in connection with our system optimization initiative.


(c)	Represents incremental share-based compensation resulting from the modification of stock options and performance-based awards in connection with the termination of employees under our system optimization initiative.

The tables below present a rollforward of our accrual for our system optimization initiative, which is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.”



	Balance January 1, 2017		Charges		Payments			Balance July 2, 2017
Severance and related employee costs	$	—	$	3	$	(3	)	$	—
Professional fees	101		562		(655		)	8
Other	—		70		(70		)	—
	$	101	$	635	$	(728	)	$	8



	Balance January 3, 2016		Charges		Payments			Balance July 3, 2016
Severance and related employee costs	$	77	$	18	$	(35	)	$	60
Professional fees	708		3,146		(3,497		)	357
Other	90		40		(130		)	—
	$	875	$	3,204	$	(3,662	)	$	417

General and Administrative (“G&A”) Realignment

November 2014 Plan

In November 2014, the Company initiated a plan to reduce its G&A expenses. The plan included a realignment and reinvestment of resources to focus primarily on accelerated restaurant development and consumer-facing restaurant technology to drive long-term growth. The Company achieved the majority of the expense reductions through the realignment of its U.S. field operations and savings at its Restaurant Support Center in Dublin, Ohio, which was substantially completed by the end of the second quarter of 2015. The Company recognized costs totaling $406 and $933 during the three and six months ended July 3, 2016, respectively, and $23,960 in aggregate since inception. The Company did not incur any expenses during the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and does not expect to incur additional costs related to the plan.

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

May 2017 Plan

In May 2017, the Company initiated a new plan to further reduce its G&A expenses. The Company expects to incur total costs aggregating approximately $28,000 to $33,000 related to the plan. The Company recognized costs totaling $17,245 during the three months ended July 2, 2017, which primarily included severance and related employee costs and share-based compensation. The Company expects to incur additional costs aggregating approximately $11,000 to $16,000, comprised of (1) severance and related employee costs of approximately $4,000, (2) recruitment and relocation costs of approximately $4,000, (3) third-party and other costs of approximately $2,000 and (4) share-based compensation of approximately $4,000. The Company expects costs to be recognized during the remainder of 2017 and continue into 2019, with approximately two-thirds to be recognized during 2017.

The following is a summary of the activity recorded as a result of the May 2017 plan:



	Three Months Ended
	July 2, 2017
Severance and related employee costs	$	13,226
Recruitment and relocation costs	—
Third-party and other costs	325
	13,551
Share-based compensation (a)	3,694
Total G&A realignment - May 2017 plan	$	17,245

_______________


(a)	Primarily represents incremental share-based compensation resulting from the modification of stock options in connection with the termination of employees under our May 2017 plan.

As of July 2, 2017, the accruals for our May 2017 plan are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities” and totaled $7,376 and $5,422, respectively. The table below presents a rollforward of our accruals for the May 2017 plan.



	Balance January 1, 2017		Charges		Payments			Balance July 2, 2017
Severance and related employee costs	$	—	$	13,226	$	(507	)	$	12,719
Recruitment and relocation costs	—		—		—			—
Third-party and other costs	—		325		(246		)	79
	$	—	$	13,551	$	(753	)	$	12,798

(5) Investments

Equity Investments

Wendy’s has a 50% share in a partnership in a Canadian restaurant real estate joint venture (“TimWen”) with a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc., a quick-service restaurant company that owns the Tim Hortons^® brand. (Tim Hortons^™is a registered trademark of Tim Hortons USA Inc.) In addition, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wendy’s has a 20% share in a joint venture for the operation of Wendy’s restaurants in Brazil (the “Brazil JV”). The Company has significant influence over these investees. Such investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, under which our results of operations include our share of the income (loss) of the investees in “Other operating expense (income), net.”

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

Presented below is activity related to our investment in TimWen and the Brazil JV included in our condensed consolidated financial statements:



	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	54,545		$	55,541

Investment	375			113

Equity in earnings for the period	4,915			5,410
Amortization of purchase price adjustments (a)	(1,129		)	(1,135		)
	3,786			4,275
Distributions received	(5,524		)	(5,786		)
Foreign currency translation adjustment included in “Other comprehensive income, net”	2,110			3,952
Balance at end of period	$	55,292		$	58,095

_______________


(a)	Purchase price adjustments that impacted the carrying value of the Company’s investment in TimWen are being amortized over the average original aggregate life of 21 years.

(6) Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Valuation techniques under the accounting guidance related to fair value measurements are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These inputs are classified into the following hierarchy:


•	Level 1 Inputs - Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.


•	Level 2 Inputs - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.


•	Level 3 Inputs - Pricing inputs are unobservable for the assets or liabilities and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the assets or liabilities. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

Financial Instruments

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:



	July 2, 2017				January 1, 2017
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements
Financial assets
Cash equivalents	$	6,345	$	6,345	$	5,335	$	5,335	Level 1
Non-current cost method investments (a)	1,707		348,322		2,436		326,283		Level 3

Financial liabilities
Series 2015-1 Class A-2-I Notes (b)	859,688		862,181		864,063		857,349		Level 2
Series 2015-1 Class A-2-II Notes (b)	884,250		895,215		888,750		880,005		Level 2
Series 2015-1 Class A-2-III Notes (b)	491,250		496,457		493,750		474,543		Level 2
7% debentures, due in 2025 (b)	88,893		105,250		88,277		99,750		Level 2
Guarantees of franchisee loan obligations (c)	229		229		280		280		Level 3

_______________

(a)

The fair value of our indirect investment in Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Arby’s”) is based on applying a multiple to Arby’s adjusted earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization per its current unaudited financial information. The carrying value of our indirect investment in Arby’s was reduced to zero during 2013 in connection with the receipt of a dividend. The fair values of our remaining investments are not significant and are based on our review of information provided by the investment managers or investees which was based on (1) valuations performed by the investment managers or investees, (2) quoted market or broker/dealer prices for similar investments and (3) quoted market or broker/dealer prices adjusted by the investment managers for legal or contractual restrictions, risk of nonperformance or lack of marketability, depending upon the underlying investments.


(b)	The fair values were based on quoted market prices in markets that are not considered active markets.

(c)

Wendy’s has provided loan guarantees to various lenders on behalf of franchisees entering into debt arrangements for new restaurant development and equipment financing. In addition, during 2012, Wendy’s provided a guarantee to a lender for a franchisee in connection with the refinancing of the franchisee’s debt. We have accrued a liability for the fair value of these guarantees, the calculation of which was based upon a weighted average risk percentage established at inception and adjusted for a history of defaults.

The carrying amounts of cash, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximated fair value due to the short-term nature of those items. The carrying amounts of accounts and notes receivable, net (both current and non-current) approximated fair value due to the effect of the related allowance for doubtful accounts. Our cash and cash equivalents and guarantees are the only financial assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.

Derivative Instruments

The Company’s primary objective for entering into interest rate swap agreements was to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates, as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt.

Our derivative instruments for 2015 included seven forward-starting interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to change the floating rate interest payments for $350,000 and $100,000 in borrowings associated with the Term A and Term B Loans, respectively, under the Company’s prior credit agreement, to fixed rate interest payments beginning June 30, 2015 and maturing on December 31, 2017. In May 2015, the Company terminated these interest rate swaps and paid $7,275, which was recorded against the derivative liability. The unrealized loss on the cash flow hedges at termination of $7,275 is being reclassified on a straight-line basis from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to “Interest expense” beginning June 30, 2015 (the original effective date of the interest rate swaps) through December 31, 2017 (the original maturity date of the interest rate swaps).

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

Reclassifications of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to “Interest expense” were $724 and $1,447 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities remeasured to fair value on a non-recurring basis resulted in impairment that we have recorded to “Impairment of long-lived assets” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Total impairment losses may reflect the impact of remeasuring long-lived assets held and used (including land, buildings, leasehold improvements and favorable lease assets) to fair value as a result of (1) the Company’s decision to lease and/or sublease the land and/or buildings to franchisees in connection with the sale or anticipated sale of restaurants and (2) declines in operating performance at Company-operated restaurants. The fair value of long-lived assets held and used presented in the tables below represents the remaining carrying value and was estimated based on either discounted cash flows of future anticipated lease and sublease income or current market values.

Total impairment losses may also include the impact of remeasuring long-lived assets held for sale, which primarily include surplus properties. The fair value of long-lived assets held for sale presented in the tables below represents the remaining carrying value and was estimated based on current market values. See Note 7 for further information on impairment of our long-lived assets.



			Fair Value Measurements
	July 2, 2017		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Held and used	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Held for sale	1,083		—		—		1,083
Total	$	1,083	$	—	$	—	$	1,083



			Fair Value Measurements
	January 1, 2017		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Held and used	$	5,462	$	—	$	—	$	5,462
Held for sale	1,552		—		—		1,552
Total	$	7,014	$	—	$	—	$	7,014

Total impairment losses for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 included remeasuring long-lived assets held and used of $201 and $218, respectively, and remeasuring long-lived assets held for sale of $52 and $545, respectively. Total impairment losses for the three and six months ended July 3, 2016 included remeasuring long-lived assets held and used of $5,525 and $12,526, respectively. Total impairment losses for the six months ended July 3, 2016 also included remeasuring long-lived assets held for sale of $104.

In addition, the Company measured assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value as part of the DavCo and NPC transactions during the three months ended July 2, 2017. See Note 2 for further information.

(7) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

During the three and six months ended July 2, 2017, the Company recorded impairment charges on long-lived assets as a result of (1) closing Company-operated restaurants and classifying such surplus properties as held for sale and (2) the deterioration in operating performance of certain Company-operated restaurants and charges for capital improvements in previously impaired restaurants that did not subsequently recover.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

During the three and six months ended July 3, 2016, the Company recorded impairment charges on long-lived assets as a result of (1) the Company’s decision to lease and/or sublease properties to franchisees in connection with the sale or anticipated sale of Company-operated restaurants and (2) the deterioration in operating performance of certain Company-operated restaurants and charges for capital improvements in previously impaired restaurants that did not subsequently recover. During the six months ended July 3, 2016, the Company also recorded impairment charges on long-lived assets as a result of closing Company-operated restaurants and classifying such surplus properties as held for sale.

The Company may recognize additional impairment charges resulting from leasing or subleasing additional properties to franchisees in connection with sales of Company-operated restaurants to franchisees.

The following is a summary of impairment losses recorded, which represent the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the affected assets and are included in “Impairment of long-lived assets.”



	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016		July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
Restaurants leased or subleased to franchisees	$	—	$	5,490	$	—	$	12,491
Surplus properties	52		—		545		104
Company-operated restaurants	201		35		218		35
	$	253	$	5,525	$	763	$	12,630

(8) Income Taxes

For the three months ended July 2, 2017, the Company had a loss before income taxes of $297 and a provision for income taxes of $1,548; as such, our effective tax rate for the three months ended July 2, 2017 is not meaningful. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended July 3, 2016 was 29.0%. The Company’s effective tax rate varies from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to the effect of (1) the system optimization initiative provision of $2,166 and benefit of $5,239 in the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, reflecting goodwill adjustments, changes to valuation allowances on state net operating loss carryforwards and state deferred taxes (including corrections to prior years identified and recorded in the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, which resulted in a benefit of $2,248 and $4,235, respectively), (2) the adoption of an amendment issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), which requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based payments be recognized in net income, (3) state income taxes net of federal benefits, including non-recurring changes to state deferred taxes and (4) the rate differential between foreign and domestic taxes.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 was 35.6% and 29.2%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate varies from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to the effect of (1) the adoption of an amendment issued by the FASB, which requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based payments be recognized in net income, which resulted in a benefit of $3,306 during the six months ended July 2, 2017, (2) the system optimization initiative, reflecting goodwill adjustments, changes to valuation allowances on state net operating loss carryforwards and state deferred taxes (including corrections to prior years identified and recorded in the first six months of 2017 and 2016, which resulted in a benefit of $2,248 and $7,113, respectively), (3) state income taxes net of federal benefits, including non-recurring changes to state deferred taxes and (4) the rate differential between foreign and domestic taxes.

In the second quarter of 2017, the Company increased its unrecognized tax benefits by $8,151 for certain amended state returns. During the next twelve months, we believe that it is reasonably possible the Company will reduce its unrecognized tax benefits by up to $7,002, primarily due to expected settlements with taxing authorities.

The current portion of refundable income taxes was $18,526 and $18,111 as of July 2, 2017 and January 1, 2017, respectively, and is included in “Accounts and notes receivable, net” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Long-term refundable income taxes are included in “Other assets” and amounted to $956 and $239 as of July 2, 2017 and January 1, 2017, respectively.

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

(9) Net (Loss) Income Per Share

Basic net (loss) income per share was computed by dividing net (loss) income amounts by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

The weighted average number of shares used to calculate basic and diluted net (loss) income per share were as follows:



	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017	July 3, 2016	July 2, 2017	July 3, 2016
Common stock:
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	245,261	265,915	245,933	268,065
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares	—	4,350	7,963	4,442
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	245,261	270,265	253,896	272,507

Diluted net (loss) income per share for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 was computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of basic shares outstanding plus the potential common share effect of dilutive stock options and restricted shares. Diluted net loss per share for the three months ended July 2, 2017 was the same as basic net loss per share since the Company reported a net loss and, therefore, the effect of all potentially dilutive securities would have been anti-dilutive. For the six months ended July 2, 2017, we excluded 119 of potential common shares from our diluted net income per share calculation as they would have had anti-dilutive effects. For the three and six months ended July 3, 2016, we excluded 259 and 1,992, respectively, of potential common shares from our diluted net income per share calculation as they would have had anti-dilutive effects.

(10) Stockholders’ Equity

Stockholders’ Equity

The following is a summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity:



	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	527,736		$	752,914
Comprehensive income	29,490			66,931
Cash dividends	(34,447		)	(32,152		)
Repurchases of common stock	(52,501		)	(109,348		)
Share-based compensation	11,372			9,925
Exercises of stock options	6,161			6,238
Vesting of restricted shares	(2,732		)	(2,841		)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (a)	1,880			—
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	—			1,402
Other	90			95
Balance at end of period	$	487,049		$	693,164

_______________

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)


(a)	During the six months ended July 2, 2017, the Company recognized a tax benefit as a reduction to the Company’s deferred tax liability with an equal offsetting increase to “Accumulated deficit.” The adjustment was recognized as a result of adoption of an amendment to the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions. See Note 15 for further information.

Repurchases of Common Stock

In February 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $150,000 of our common stock through March 4, 2018, when and if market conditions warrant and to the extent legally permissible. During the six months ended July 2, 2017, the Company repurchased 3,611 shares with an aggregate purchase price of $52,448, of which $1,974 was accrued at July 2, 2017 and excluding commissions of $53. As of July 2, 2017, the Company had $97,552 of availability remaining under its February 2017 authorization. Subsequent to July 2, 2017 through August 3, 2017, the Company repurchased 917 shares with an aggregate purchase price of $14,337, excluding commissions of $13.

On June 1, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $1,400,000 of our common stock through January 1, 2017, when and if market conditions warranted and to the extent legally permissible. During the six months ended July 3, 2016, the Company repurchased 10,767 shares with an aggregate purchase price of $109,187, of which $2,991 was accrued at July 3, 2016 and excluding commissions of $161.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table provides a rollforward of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax as applicable:



	Foreign Currency Translation			Cash Flow Hedges (a)			Pension			Total
Balance at January 1, 2017	$	(60,299	)	$	(1,797	)	$	(1,145	)	$	(63,241	)
Current-period other comprehensive income	8,010			888			96			8,994
Balance at July 2, 2017	$	(52,289	)	$	(909	)	$	(1,049	)	$	(54,247	)

Balance at January 3, 2016	$	(66,163	)	$	(3,571	)	$	(1,089	)	$	(70,823	)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	14,256			888			(56		)	15,088
Balance at July 3, 2016	$	(51,907	)	$	(2,683	)	$	(1,145	)	$	(55,735	)

_______________

(a)

Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) includes the reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to our condensed consolidated statements of operations of $443 and $888 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively. The reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges consists of $724 and $1,447 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively, recorded to “Interest expense,” net of the related income tax benefit of $281 and $559 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively, recorded to “Provision for income taxes.” See Note 6 for further information.

(11) Leases

At July 2, 2017, Wendy’s and its franchisees operated 6,564 Wendy’s restaurants. Of the 331 Company-operated Wendy’s restaurants, Wendy’s owned the land and building for 147 restaurants, owned the building and held long-term land leases for 133 restaurants and held leases covering land and building for 51 restaurants. Wendy’s also owned 521 and leased 1,273 properties that were either leased or subleased principally to franchisees.

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

Rental expense for operating leases consists of the following components:



	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016		July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
Rental expense:
Minimum rentals	$	22,786	$	20,513	$	42,704	$	40,003
Contingent rentals	4,722		4,749		9,010		8,531
Total rental expense (a)	$	27,508	$	25,262	$	51,714	$	48,534

_______________


(a)	Amounts exclude sublease income of $30,849 and $57,412 recognized during the three and six months ended July 2, 2017, respectively, and $23,541 and $43,273 recognized during the three and six months ended July 3, 2016, respectively.

Rental income for operating leases and subleases consists of the following components:



	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016		July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
Rental income:
Minimum rentals	$	41,560	$	29,709	$	80,165	$	55,507
Contingent rentals	5,375		4,822		9,687		9,584
Total rental income	$	46,935	$	34,531	$	89,852	$	65,091

The following table illustrates the Company’s future minimum rental payments and rental receipts for non-cancelable leases and subleases, including rental receipts for direct financing leases as of July 2, 2017. Rental receipts below are presented separately for owned properties and for leased properties based on the classification of the underlying lease.



	Rental Payments					Rental Receipts
Fiscal Year	Capital Leases			Operating Leases		Capital Leases		Operating Leases		Owned Properties
2017 (a)	$	22,290		$	47,844	$	30,774	$	37,348	$	26,845
2018	43,323			92,786		60,714		74,613		53,849
2019	42,615			92,484		61,228		74,626		54,820
2020	43,549			91,565		62,318		74,253		55,440
2021	45,140			91,166		64,106		73,948		57,051
Thereafter	745,523			1,176,424		1,039,315		965,140		1,007,246
Total minimum payments	$	942,440		$	1,592,269	$	1,318,455	$	1,299,928	$	1,255,251
Less interest	(506,980		)
Present value of minimum capital lease payments (b)	$	435,460

_______________


(a)	Represents future minimum rental payments and rental receipts for non-cancelable leases and subleases for the remainder of our 2017 fiscal year.


(b)	The present value of minimum capital lease payments of $6,238 and $429,222 are included in “Current portion of long-term debt” and “Long-term debt,” respectively.

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THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

Properties owned by the Company and leased to franchisees and other third parties under operating leases include:



	July 2, 2017			January 1, 2017
Land	$	271,775		$	271,160
Buildings and improvements	312,397			312,067
Restaurant equipment	1,491			1,507
	585,663			584,734
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(118,669		)	(110,166		)
	$	466,994		$	474,568

Our net investment in direct financing leases is as follows:



	July 2, 2017			January 1, 2017
Future minimum rental receipts	$	634,085		$	401,452
Unearned interest income	(420,761		)	(277,747		)
Net investment in direct financing leases	213,324			123,705
Net current investment in direct financing leases (a)	(255		)	(101		)
Net non-current investment in direct financing leases (b)	$	213,069		$	123,604

_______________


(a)	Included in “Accounts and notes receivable, net.”


(b)	Included in “Net investment in direct financing leases.”

(12) Transactions with Related Parties

Except as described below, the Company did not have any significant changes in or transactions with its related parties during the current fiscal period since those reported in the Form 10-K.

TimWen Lease and Management Fee Payments

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Wendy’s leases restaurant facilities from TimWen for the operation of Wendy’s/Tim Hortons combo units in Canada. During the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, Wendy’s paid TimWen $5,915 and $5,727, respectively, under these lease agreements. In addition, TimWen paid Wendy’s a management fee under the TimWen joint venture agreement of $103 and $104 during the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively, which has been included as a reduction to “General and administrative.”

(13) Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies

The Company did not have any significant changes in guarantees and other commitments and contingencies during the current fiscal period since those reported in the Form 10-K. Refer to the Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company’s additional commitments and obligations.

Franchisee Image Activation Incentive Programs

In order to promote Image Activation new restaurant development, Wendy’s has an incentive program for franchisees that provides for reductions in royalty and national advertising payments for up to the first two years of operation for qualifying new restaurants opened by December 31, 2020, with the value of the incentives declining in the later years of the program. Wendy’s also has incentive programs for 2017 available to franchisees that commence Image Activation restaurant remodels by December 15, 2017. The remodel incentive programs provide for reductions in royalty payments for one year after the completion of construction.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

Lease Guarantees

Wendy’s has guaranteed the performance of certain leases and other obligations, primarily from former Company-operated restaurant locations now operated by franchisees, amounting to $58,826 as of July 2, 2017. These leases extend through 2056. We have not received any notice of default related to these leases as of July 2, 2017. In the event of default by a franchise owner, Wendy’s generally retains the right to acquire possession of the related restaurant locations.

Wendy’s is contingently liable for certain other leases which have been assigned to unrelated third parties who have indemnified Wendy’s against future liabilities amounting to $652 as of July 2, 2017. These leases expire on various dates through 2021.

Letters of Credit

As of July 2, 2017, the Company had outstanding letters of credit with various parties totaling $37,496, of which $5,665 were cash collateralized. The outstanding letters of credit include amounts outstanding against the securitized financing facility. The related cash collateral is classified as “Restricted cash” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We do not expect any material loss to result from these letters of credit.

(14) Legal and Environmental Matters

We are involved in litigation and claims incidental to our current and prior businesses. We provide accruals for such litigation and claims when payment is probable and reasonably estimable. As of July 2, 2017, the Company had accruals for all of its legal and environmental matters aggregating $2,478. We cannot estimate the aggregate possible range of loss due to most proceedings, including those described below, being in preliminary stages, with various motions either yet to be submitted or pending, discovery yet to occur and significant factual matters unresolved. In addition, most cases seek an indeterminate amount of damages and many involve multiple parties. Predicting the outcomes of settlement discussions or judicial or arbitral decisions is thus inherently difficult. Based on currently available information, including legal defenses available to us, and given the aforementioned accruals and our insurance coverage, we do not believe that the outcome of these legal and environmental matters will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The Company has been named as a defendant in putative class action lawsuits alleging, among other things, that the Company failed to safeguard customer credit card information and failed to provide notice that credit card information had been compromised. Jonathan Torres and other consumers filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (the “Torres case”). The operative complaint seeks to certify a nationwide class of consumers, or in the alternative, statewide classes of consumers for Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Tennessee, as well as statewide classes of consumers under those states’ consumer protection and unfair trade practices laws. Certain financial institutions have also filed class actions lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (the “FI cases”), which seek to certify a nationwide class financial institutions that issued payment cards that were allegedly impacted. In the Torres case and the FI cases, the plaintiffs seek monetary damages, injunctive and equitable relief, attorneys’ fees and other costs. The Company’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint in the Torres case was denied in part and granted in part with leave to amend; the plaintiffs then filed the operative complaint referenced above. The Company’s motion to dismiss in the FI case was denied. The Company filed its answer in the Torres case in April 2017 and filed its answer in the FI case in May 2017.

Certain of the Company’s present and former directors have been named in two putative shareholder derivative complaints arising out of the credit card incidents above. The first case, brought by James Graham in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (the “Graham case”), asserts claims of breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment and gross mismanagement, and additionally names one non-director executive officer of the Company. The second case, brought by Thomas Caracci in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (the “Caracci case”), asserts claims of breach of fiduciary duty and violations of Section 14(a) and Rule 14a-9 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Collectively, the plaintiffs seek a judgment on behalf of the Company for all damages incurred or that will be incurred as a result of the alleged wrongful acts or omissions, a judgment ordering disgorgement of all profits, benefits, and other compensation obtained by the named individual defendants, a judgment directing the Company to reform its governance and internal procedures, attorneys’ fees and other costs. The Graham and Caracci cases have been consolidated and the Company expects that a consolidated complaint will be filed.

Table of Contents

THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

The cases described above were previously described in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2017.

(15) New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards

In May 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements. The new guidance will provide relief to entities that make non-substantive changes to their share-based payment arrangements. The Company does not expect the amendment, which requires prospective adoption and is effective commencing with our 2018 fiscal year, to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on the presentation of net periodic benefit costs that requires entities to disaggregate the current service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement. The Company does not expect the amendment, which requires retrospective adoption and is effective commencing with our 2018 fiscal year, to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on leases, which outlines principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases applicable to both lessors and lessees. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by finance and operating leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. The amendment requires the recognition and measurement of leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and plan to reflect adoption when effective in the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year. As shown in Note 11, there are $1,592,269 in future minimum rental payments for operating leases that are not currently on our balance sheet; therefore, we expect this will have a material impact on our balance sheet and related disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance for revenue recognition. The new guidance outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosure to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The new guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, and is effective commencing with our 2018 fiscal year. The guidance allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. We are continuing to evaluate which transition method to use. This guidance will not impact our recognition of revenue from Company-operated restaurant sales or our recognition of continuing royalty revenues from franchisees, which are based on a percentage of franchise sales. Under current guidance, we recognize initial fees from franchisees when we have performed all material obligations and services, which generally occurs when the franchised restaurant opens. Additionally, under current guidance, our advertising fund contributions from franchisees and the related advertising expenditures are reported on a net basis in our consolidated balance sheet as “Advertising funds restricted assets” and “Advertising funds restricted liabilities.” Under the new guidance, we anticipate recognizing the initial fees from franchisees over the life of the related franchise agreements and we expect to consolidate the operations and cash flow results of our national advertising funds, both of which will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Standards Adopted

In March 2016, the FASB issued an amendment related to equity method accounting, which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively apply the equity method to an investment that subsequently qualifies for such accounting as a result of an increase in level of ownership interest or degree of influence. The Company adopted this amendment, prospectively, during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued an amendment that clarifies the steps for assessing triggering events of embedded contingent put and call options within debt instruments. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued an amendment that modifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory withholding requirements, as well as

Table of Contents

THE WENDY’S COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

statement of cash flows presentation. The transition requirement is generally modified retrospective, with the exception of recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies that requires prospective adoption. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of 2017. The cash flows used in financing activities related to the excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements, which amounted to $1,774 during the six months ended July 3, 2016, was reclassified retrospectively to cash flows provided by operating activities. Additionally, during the six months ended July 3, 2016, $3,064 was paid to taxing authorities for withheld shares on share-based compensation arrangement activities, which was reclassified retrospectively from cash flows provided by operating activities to cash flows used in financing activities. Upon adopting the amendment in the first quarter of 2017, the Company recognized $1,880 in unrecognized tax benefits for deductions in excess of cumulative compensation costs relating to the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock. This tax benefit was recognized as a reduction to the Company’s deferred tax liability with an equal offsetting increase to “Accumulated deficit.” The Company will continue to estimate forfeitures each period.

In July 2015, the FASB issued an amendment that requires entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, rather than the lower of cost or market, with market value represented by replacement cost, net realizable value or net realizable value less a normal profit margin. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Introduction

This “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of The Wendy’s Company (“The Wendy’s Company” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere within this report and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017 (the “Form 10-K”). There have been no material changes as of July 2, 2017 to the application of our critical accounting policies as described in Item 7 of the Form 10-K. Certain statements we make under this Item 2 constitute “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Projections” in “Part II - Other Information” preceding Item 1 of Part II of this report. You should consider our forward-looking statements in light of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report, the Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Wendy’s Company is the parent company of its 100% owned subsidiary holding company, Wendy’s Restaurants, LLC (“Wendy’s Restaurants”). The principal 100% owned subsidiary of Wendy’s Restaurants is Wendy’s International, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Wendy’s”). Wendy’s franchises and operates Wendy’s^® quick-service restaurants throughout North America (defined as the United States of America (“U.S.”) and Canada). Wendy’s also has franchised restaurants in 29 foreign countries and U.S. territories.

Wendy’s restaurants offer an extensive menu specializing in hamburger sandwiches and featuring fillet of chicken breast sandwiches, chicken nuggets, chili, french fries, baked potatoes, freshly prepared salads, soft drinks, Frosty^® desserts and kids’ meals. In addition, the restaurants sell a variety of promotional products on a limited basis.

The Company manages and internally reports its business geographically. The operation and franchising of Wendy’s restaurants in North America comprises virtually all of our current operations and represents a single reportable segment. The revenues and operating results of Wendy’s restaurants outside of North America are not material. The results of operations discussed below may not necessarily be indicative of future results.

The Company reports on a fiscal year consisting of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Sunday closest to or on December 31. All three- and six-month periods presented herein contain 13 weeks and 26 weeks, respectively. All references to years and quarters relate to fiscal periods rather than calendar periods.

Executive Overview

Our Business

As of July 2, 2017, the Wendy’s restaurant system was comprised of 6,564 restaurants, of which 331 were owned and operated by the Company. All of our Company-operated restaurants are located in the U.S.

Wendy’s operating results are impacted by a number of external factors, including unemployment, general economic trends, intense price competition, commodity costs, labor costs and weather.

Wendy’s long-term growth opportunities will be driven by a combination of brand relevance and economic relevance. Key components of growth include (1) systemwide same-restaurant sales growth through continuing core menu improvement, product innovation and customer count growth, (2) investing in our Image Activation program, which includes innovative exterior and interior restaurant designs for our new and reimaged restaurants and focused execution of operational excellence, (3) growth in new restaurants, including global growth, (4) increased restaurant utilization in various dayparts and brand access utilizing mobile technology, (5) building shareholder value through financial management strategies and (6) our system optimization initiative.

Wendy’s revenues for the first six months of 2017 include (1) $309.1 million of sales at Company-operated restaurants, (2) $207.2 million of franchise royalty revenue and fees and (3) $89.9 million of franchise rental income. Substantially all of our Wendy’s royalty agreements provide for royalties of 4.0% of franchisees’ revenues.

Key Business Measures

We track our results of operations and manage our business using the following key business measures, which include non-GAAP financial measures:

•

Same-Restaurant Sales - We report same-restaurant sales commencing after new restaurants have been open for 15 continuous months and as soon as reimaged restaurants reopen. This methodology is consistent with the metric used by our management for internal reporting and analysis. The table summarizing same-restaurant sales below in “Results of Operations” provides the same-restaurant sales percent changes. Same-restaurant sales exclude the impact of currency translation.

•

Restaurant Margin - We define restaurant margin as sales from Company-operated restaurants less cost of sales divided by sales from Company-operated restaurants. Cost of sales includes food and paper, restaurant labor and occupancy, advertising and other operating costs. Restaurant margin is influenced by factors such as restaurant openings, remodels and closures, price increases, the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing initiatives, featured products, product mix, the level of our fixed and semi-variable costs and fluctuations in food and labor costs.

•

Systemwide Sales - Systemwide sales is a non-GAAP financial measure, which includes sales by both Company-operated restaurants and franchised restaurants. Franchised restaurants’ sales are reported by our franchisees and represent their revenues from sales at franchised Wendy’s restaurants. The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include sales by franchised restaurants to their customers. The Company believes systemwide sales data is useful in assessing consumer demand for the Company’s products, the overall success of the Wendy’s brand and, ultimately, the performance of the Company. The Company’s royalty revenues are computed as percentages of sales made by Wendy’s franchisees. As a result, sales by Wendy’s franchisees have a direct effect on the Company’s royalty revenues and therefore on the Company’s profitability.

The Company reviews same-restaurant sales and systemwide sales on a constant currency basis. Constant currency results exclude the impact of foreign currency translation and are derived by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. The Company believes excluding the impact of foreign currency translation provides better year over year comparability.

System Optimization Initiative

During the first six months of 2017, the Company recorded post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants and completed the sale of other assets, resulting in net gains totaling $3.5 million. Gains and losses recognized on dispositions are recorded to “System optimization losses (gains), net” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. In addition, the Company facilitated the transfer of 270 restaurants between franchisees during the first six months of 2017 (excluding the DavCo and NPC transactions discussed below).

DavCo and NPC Transactions

As part of our system optimization initiative, the Company acquired 140 Wendy’s restaurants on May 31, 2017 from DavCo Restaurants, LLC (“DavCo”) for total net cash consideration of $86.8 million, which were immediately sold to NPC International, Inc. (“NPC”), an existing franchisee of the Company, for cash proceeds of $70.7 million (the “DavCo and NPC transactions”). As part of the transaction, NPC has agreed to remodel 90 acquired restaurants in the Image Activation format by the end of 2021 and build 15 new Wendy’s restaurants by the end of 2022. Prior to closing the DavCo transaction, seven DavCo restaurants were closed. The acquisition of Wendy’s restaurants from DavCo was not contingent on executing the sale agreement with NPC; as such, the Company accounted for the transactions as an acquisition and subsequent disposition of a business. The total consideration paid to DavCo was allocated to net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. As part of the transactions, the Company retained leases for purposes of subleasing such properties to NPC. As a result of the transactions, the Company recognized a loss of $43.1 million during the second quarter of 2017.

Costs related to our system optimization initiative were historically recorded to “Reorganization and realignment costs.” Costs incurred during 2017 in connection with the DavCo and NPC transactions continue to be recorded to “Reorganization and realignment costs.” All other costs incurred during 2017 related to facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers are recorded to “Other operating expense (income), net.” During the first six months of 2017, the Company recognized reorganization and realignment costs totaling $0.7 million, which primarily included professional fees. The Company does not expect to incur additional costs during the remainder of 2017 in connection with the DavCo and NPC transactions.

General and Administrative (“G&A”) Realignment

November 2014 Plan

In November 2014, the Company initiated a plan to reduce its G&A expenses. The plan included a realignment and reinvestment of resources to focus primarily on accelerated restaurant development and consumer-facing restaurant technology to drive long-term growth. The Company achieved the majority of the expense reductions through the realignment of its U.S. field operations and savings at its Restaurant Support Center in Dublin, Ohio, which was substantially completed by the end of the second quarter of 2015. Costs related to the plan are recorded to “Reorganization and realignment costs.” The Company recognized costs totaling $0.9 million during the first six months of 2016 and $24.0 million in aggregate since inception. The Company did not incur any expenses during the first six months of 2017 and does not expect to incur additional costs related to the plan.

May 2017 Plan

In May 2017, the Company initiated a new plan to further reduce its G&A expenses. The Company expects that approximately three-quarters of the total G&A expense reduction of approximately $35.0 million will be realized by the end of 2018, with the remainder of the savings being realized in 2019. The Company expects to incur total costs aggregating approximately $28.0 million to $33.0 million, of which $23.0 million to $27.0 million will be cash expenditures, related to such savings. The cash expenditures are expected to continue into 2019, with approximately half of the total cash expenditures occurring in 2018. Costs related to the plan are recorded to “Reorganization and realignment costs.” The Company recognized costs totaling $17.2 million during the second quarter of 2017, which primarily included severance and related employee costs and share-based compensation. The Company expects to incur additional costs aggregating approximately $11.0 million to $16.0 million, comprised of (1) severance and related employee costs of approximately $4.0 million, (2) recruitment and relocation costs of approximately $4.0 million, (3) third-party and other costs of approximately $2.0 million and (4) share-based compensation of approximately $4.0 million. The Company expects costs to be recognized during the remainder of 2017 and continue into 2019, with approximately two-thirds to be recognized during 2017.

Related Party Transactions

TimWen Lease and Management Fees

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Wendy’s leases restaurant facilities from TimWen for the operation of Wendy’s/Tim Hortons combo units in Canada. During the first six months of 2017 and 2016, Wendy’s paid TimWen $5.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively, under these lease agreements. In addition, TimWen paid Wendy’s a management fee under the TimWen joint venture agreement of $0.1 million during both the first six months of 2017 and 2016, which has been included as a reduction to “General and administrative.”

Cybersecurity Incident

The Company first reported unusual payment card activity affecting some franchise-owned restaurants in February 2016 and that malware had been discovered on certain systems. Subsequently, on June 9, 2016, the Company reported that an additional malware variant had been identified and disabled. On July 7, 2016, the Company, on behalf of affected franchise locations, provided information about specific restaurant locations that may have been impacted by these attacks, all of which are located in the United States, along with support for customers who may have been affected by the malware variants. See “Item 1 - Financial Statements,” Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Results of Operations

The tables included throughout Results of Operations set forth in millions the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations for the second quarter and the first six months of 2017 and 2016.



	Second Quarter									Six Months
	2017			2016			Change			2017			2016			Change
Revenues:
Sales	$	160.9		$	259.2		$	(98.3	)	$	309.1		$	518.6		$	(209.5	)
Franchise royalty revenue and fees	112.5			89.0			23.5			207.2			177.8			29.4
Franchise rental income	46.9			34.5			12.4			89.9			65.1			24.8
	320.3			382.7			(62.4		)	606.2			761.5			(155.3		)
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	129.4			202.6			(73.2		)	252.8			417.3			(164.5		)
Franchise rental expense	21.9			17.5			4.4			40.8			32.2			8.6
General and administrative	51.3			61.1			(9.8		)	103.7			125.8			(22.1		)
Depreciation and amortization	31.3			30.7			0.6			60.5			63.1			(2.6		)
System optimization losses (gains), net	41.0			(1.9		)	42.9			39.6			(10.4		)	50.0
Reorganization and realignment costs	17.7			2.5			15.2			17.9			5.7			12.2
Impairment of long-lived assets	0.2			5.5			(5.3		)	0.8			12.6			(11.8		)
Other operating expense (income), net	1.7			(0.9		)	2.6			3.6			(14.3		)	17.9
	294.5			317.1			(22.6		)	519.7			632.0			(112.3		)
Operating profit	25.8			65.6			(39.8		)	86.5			129.5			(43.0		)
Interest expense	(28.9		)	(28.6		)	(0.3		)	(57.9		)	(56.7		)	(1.2		)
Other income, net	2.8			0.3			2.5			3.2			0.5			2.7
(Loss) income before income taxes	(0.3		)	37.3			(37.6		)	31.8			73.3			(41.5		)
Provision for income taxes	(1.5		)	(10.8		)	9.3			(11.3		)	(21.5		)	10.2
Net (loss) income	$	(1.8	)	$	26.5		$	(28.3	)	$	20.5		$	51.8		$	(31.3	)



	Second Quarter								Six Months
	2017		% of Total Revenues		2016		% of Total Revenues		2017		% of Total Revenues		2016		% of Total Revenues
Revenues:
Sales	$	160.9	50.2	%	$	259.2	67.7	%	$	309.1	51.0	%	$	518.6	68.1	%
Franchise royalty revenue and fees:
Royalty revenue	94.1		29.4	%	86.3		22.6	%	181.3		29.9	%	167.0		21.9	%
Franchise fees	18.4		5.7	%	2.7		0.7	%	25.9		4.3	%	10.8		1.4	%
Total franchise royalty revenue and fees	112.5		35.1	%	89.0		23.3	%	207.2		34.2	%	177.8		23.3	%
Franchise rental income	46.9		14.7	%	34.5		9.0	%	89.9		14.8	%	65.1		8.6	%
Total revenues	$	320.3	100.0	%	$	382.7	100.0	%	$	606.2	100.0	%	$	761.5	100.0	%

	Second Quarter								Six Months
	2017		% of Sales		2016		% of Sales		2017		% of Sales		2016		% of Sales
Cost of sales:
Food and paper	$	50.3	31.2	%	$	78.4	30.2	%	$	95.3	30.8	%	$	157.6	30.4	%
Restaurant labor	45.8		28.5	%	70.8		27.3	%	90.2		29.2	%	146.8		28.3	%
Occupancy, advertising and other operating costs	33.3		20.7	%	53.4		20.6	%	67.3		21.8	%	112.9		21.8	%
Total cost of sales	$	129.4	80.4	%	$	202.6	78.1	%	$	252.8	81.8	%	$	417.3	80.5	%



	Second Quarter								Six Months
	2017		% of Sales		2016		% of Sales		2017		% of Sales		2016		% of Sales
Restaurant margin	$	31.5	19.6	%	$	56.6	21.9	%	$	56.3	18.2	%	$	101.3	19.5	%



	Second Quarter				Six Months
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Key business measures:
North America same-restaurant sales:
Company-operated	1.7	%	1.2	%	1.3	%	3.0	%
Franchised	3.3	%	0.3	%	2.5	%	1.8	%
Systemwide	3.2	%	0.4	%	2.4	%	1.9	%

Total same-restaurant sales:
Company-operated	1.7	%	1.2	%	1.3	%	3.0	%
Franchised (a)	3.3	%	0.2	%	2.6	%	1.7	%
Systemwide (a)	3.2	%	0.3	%	2.5	%	1.8	%

________________

(a) Includes international franchised same-restaurant sales (excluding Venezuela due to the impact of Venezuela’s highly inflationary economy).



	Second Quarter				Six Months
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Key business measures (continued):
Systemwide sales: (a)
Company-operated	$	160.9	$	259.2	$	309.1	$	518.6
North America franchised	2,360.3		2,167.3		4,549.8		4,183.6
International franchised (b)	118.8		103.5		231.2		202.7
Global systemwide sales	$	2,640.0	$	2,530.0	$	5,090.1	$	4,904.9

________________

(a)

During the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, North America systemwide sales increased 4.1% and 1.8%, respectively, international franchised sales increased 16.4% and 2.5%, respectively, and global systemwide sales increased 4.6% and 1.8%, respectively, on a constant currency basis. During the first six months of 2017 and 2016, North America systemwide sales increased 3.4% and 3.5%, respectively, international franchised sales increased 15.2% and 1.7%, respectively, and global systemwide sales increased 3.9% and 3.4%, respectively, on a constant currency basis.


(b)	Excludes Venezuela due to the impact of Venezuela’s highly inflationary economy.



	Second Quarter
	Company-operated		Franchised		Systemwide
Restaurant count:
Restaurant count at April 2, 2017	331		6,220		6,551
Opened	2		33		35
Closed	(2	)	(20	)	(22	)
Restaurant count at July 2, 2017	331		6,233		6,564

	Six Months
	Company-operated		Franchised		Systemwide

Restaurant count at January 1, 2017	330		6,207		6,537
Opened	3		65		68
Closed	(2	)	(39	)	(41	)
Restaurant count at July 2, 2017	331		6,233		6,564



Sales	Change
	Second Quarter			Six Months
Sales	$	(98.3	)	$	(209.5	)

The decrease in sales for both the second quarter and the first six months of 2017 was due to the impact of Wendy’s Company-operated restaurants sold under our system optimization initiative, which resulted in a reduction in sales of $106.9 million and $221.8 million during the second quarter and the first six months of 2017, respectively. Company-operated same-restaurant sales benefited from an increase in our average per customer check amount, which was partially offset by a decrease in customer count. Our per customer check amount increased primarily due to benefits from changes in product mix. Sales also benefited from higher sales growth at our new and remodeled Image Activation restaurants.



Franchise Royalty Revenue and Fees	Change
	Second Quarter		Six Months
Royalty revenue	$	7.8	$	14.3
Franchise fees	15.7		15.1
	$	23.5	$	29.4

The increase in franchise royalty revenue and fees during the second quarter and the first six months of 2017 was due to sales of Company-operated restaurants to franchisees and facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers under our system optimization initiative. During the second quarter and the first six months of 2017, royalty revenue also benefited from a 3.3% and 2.6% increase in franchise same-restaurant sales, respectively.



Franchise Rental Income	Change
	Second Quarter		Six Months
Franchise rental income	$	12.4	$	24.8

The increase in franchise rental income during the second quarter and the first six months of 2017 was primarily due to leasing and/or subleasing properties to franchisees in connection with the sale of Company-operated restaurants and facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers.



Cost of Sales, as a Percent of Sales	Change
	Second Quarter		Six Months
Food and paper	1.0	%	0.4	%
Restaurant labor	1.2	%	0.9	%
Occupancy, advertising and other operating costs	0.1	%	—	%
	2.3	%	1.3	%

The increase in cost of sales, as a percent of sales, during the second quarter and the first six months of 2017 was primarily due to increased restaurant labor rates, as well as an increase in commodity costs, reflecting higher chicken costs. Cost of sales, as a percent of sales, benefited from the increase in same-restaurant sales and higher sales at our new and remodeled Image Activation restaurants.



Franchise Rental Expense	Change
	Second Quarter		Six Months
Franchise rental expense	$	4.4	$	8.6

The increase in franchise rental expense during the second quarter and the first six months of 2017 was primarily due to subleasing properties to franchisees that were previously Company-operated restaurants and as such, had been previously recorded in cost of sales. Rental expense also increased as a result of entering into new leases in connection with facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers for purposes of subleasing such properties to the franchisee.



General and Administrative	Change
	Second Quarter			Six Months
Professional services	$	(1.2	)	$	(6.2	)
Employee compensation and related expenses	(3.0		)	(5.5		)
Incentive compensation	(1.1		)	(3.1		)
Severance	(2.4		)	(2.8		)
Share-based compensation	(0.7		)	(2.2		)
Legal reserves	(0.4		)	(1.6		)
Other, net	(1.0		)	(0.7		)
	$	(9.8	)	$	(22.1	)

The decrease in general and administrative expenses during the second quarter of 2017 was primarily due to decreases in (1) employee compensation and related expenses primarily as a result of changes in staffing driven by our system optimization initiative, (2) severance expense, (3) professional services due to legal and other costs associated with the cybersecurity incident recognized during the second quarter of 2016 (see “Item 1 - Financial Statements,” Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information) and (4) incentive compensation accruals due to a decrease in operating performance as compared to plan in 2017 versus 2016.

The decrease in general and administrative expenses during the first six months of 2017 was primarily due to decreases in (1) professional services due to legal and other costs associated with the cybersecurity incident recognized during the first six months of 2016 (see “Item 1 - Financial Statements,” Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information), (2) employee compensation and related expenses primarily as a result of changes in staffing driven by our system optimization initiative, (3) incentive compensation accruals due to a decrease in operating performance as compared to plan in 2017 versus 2016, (4) severance expense, (5) share-based compensation primarily as a result of awards granted and timing of expense recognition and (6) legal reserves.



Depreciation and Amortization	Change
	Second Quarter			Six Months
Restaurants	$	(0.6	)	$	(4.6	)
Corporate and other	1.2			2.0
	$	0.6		$	(2.6	)

The decrease in restaurant depreciation and amortization during the second quarter and the first six months of 2017 was primarily due to a decrease in depreciation on assets sold under our system optimization initiative of $1.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively. Corporate and other depreciation expense increased due to an increase in depreciation and amortization for technology investments.



System Optimization Losses (Gains), Net	Second Quarter					Six Months
	2017		2016			2017		2016
System optimization losses (gains), net	$	41.0	$	(1.9	)	$	39.6	$	(10.4	)

The change in system optimization losses (gains), net was due to the DavCo and NPC transactions during the second quarter of 2017, which resulted in a loss of $43.1 million. During the first six months of 2016, 55 Company-operated restaurants were sold to franchisees. No restaurants were sold during the second quarter of 2016.



Reorganization and Realignment Costs	Second Quarter				Six Months
	2017		2016		2017		2016
System optimization initiative	$	0.5	$	2.1	$	0.7	$	4.8
G&A realignment - November 2014 plan	—		0.4		—		0.9
G&A realignment - May 2017 plan	17.2		—		17.2		—
	$	17.7	$	2.5	$	17.9	$	5.7

During the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized costs associated with its system optimization initiative totaling $0.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively. In the second quarter of 2017, costs primarily included professional fees. In the second quarter of 2016, costs primarily included professional fees of $1.4 million and accelerated amortization of previously acquired franchise rights of $0.7 million.

During the first six months of 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized costs associated with its system optimization initiative totaling $0.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively. In the first six months of 2017, costs primarily included professional fees. In the first six months of 2016, costs primarily included professional fees of $3.1 million and accelerated amortization of previously acquired franchise rights of $1.6 million.

In November 2014, the Company initiated the realignment of its U.S. field operations and Restaurant Support Center in Dublin, Ohio to reduce its G&A expenses. During the second quarter and first six months of 2016, the Company recognized costs associated with this plan totaling $0.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively, which primarily included recruitment and relocation costs. The Company did not incur any expenses during the first six months of 2017 and does not expect to incur additional costs related to the plan.

In May 2017, the Company initiated a new plan to further reduce its G&A expenses. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company recognized costs associated with this plan totaling $17.2 million, which primarily included severance and related employee costs of $13.2 million and share-based compensation of $3.7 million.



Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Change
	Second Quarter			Six Months
Impairment of long-lived assets	$	(5.3	)	$	(11.8	)

Impairment of long-lived assets decreased during the second quarter and the first six months of 2017 primarily due to lower impairment charges resulting from the remeasurement of properties to fair value upon determination that the assets will be leased and/or subleased to franchisees in connection with the sale of Company-operated restaurants.



Other Operating Expense (Income), Net	Second Quarter						Six Months
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Lease buyout	$	(0.2	)	$	—		$	(0.2	)	$	(11.6	)
Equity in earnings in joint ventures, net	(1.9		)	(2.4		)	(3.8		)	(4.3		)
Other, net	3.8			1.5			7.6			1.6
	$	1.7		$	(0.9	)	$	3.6		$	(14.3	)

The change in other operating expense (income), net during the second quarter of 2017 was primarily due to costs incurred to provide information technology services to our franchisees, as well as costs related to facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers.

The change in other operating expense (income), net during the first six months of 2017 was primarily due to a gain recognized on a lease buyout during the first quarter of 2016. In addition, the first six months of 2017 include costs incurred to provide information technology services to our franchisees, as well as costs related to facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers.



Interest Expense	Change
	Second Quarter		Six Months
Interest expense	$	0.3	$	1.2

Interest expense increased during the second quarter and the first six months of 2017 primarily due to an increase in capital lease obligations resulting from facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers and subleasing such properties to the franchisee.



Provision for Income Taxes	Second Quarter						Six Months
	2017			2016			2017			2016
(Loss) income before income taxes	$	(0.3	)	$	37.3		$	31.8		$	73.3
Provision for income taxes	1.5			10.8			11.3			21.5
Effective tax rate on (loss) income	NM			29.0		%	35.6		%	29.2		%

________________

(NM) Not meaningful.

Our effective tax rates in the second quarter of 2017 and 2016 were impacted by variations in income before income taxes, adjusted for recurring items such as non-deductible expenses and state income taxes, as well as non-recurring discrete items. Discrete items, which may occur in any given year but are not consistent from year to year include the following: (1) our system optimization initiative (including corrections to prior years identified and recorded in the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, which resulted in a benefit of $2.2 million and $4.2 million, respectively), (2) the adoption of an amendment issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), which requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based payments be recognized in net income (see “Item 1 - Financial Statements,” Note 15 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information) (3) state income taxes net of federal benefits, including non-recurring changes to state deferred taxes and (4) the rate differential between foreign and domestic taxes.

Our effective tax rates in the first six months of 2017 and 2016 were impacted by variations in income before income taxes, adjusted for recurring items such as non-deductible expenses and state income taxes, as well as non-recurring discrete items. Discrete items, which may occur in any given year but are not consistent from year to year include the following: (1) the adoption of an amendment issued by the FASB, which requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based payments be recognized in net income, which resulted in a benefit of $3.3 million in the first six months of 2017 (see “Item 1 - Financial Statements,” Note 15 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information), (2) our system optimization initiative (including corrections to prior years identified and recorded in the first six months of 2017 and 2016, which resulted in a benefit of $2.2 million and $7.1 million, respectively), (3) state income taxes net of federal benefits, including non-recurring changes to state deferred taxes and (4) the rate differential between foreign and domestic taxes.

The impact of our system optimization initiative on the provision for income taxes included the effects of changes to our state deferred taxes and valuation allowances on state net operating losses caused by the shifting relative taxable presence in the various states as our system optimization initiative is executed, and the disposition of non-deductible goodwill. These items, which are non-recurring, increased the provision for income taxes by $2.2 million and decreased the provision by $5.2 million during the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, and increased the provision for income taxes by $2.1 million and decreased the provision by $3.7 million during the first six months of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Deferred income taxes are not recorded for temporary differences related to our investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries that we consider permanently invested outside of the U.S. At July 2, 2017, our cash balances held outside of the U.S. totaled $104.1 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The tables included throughout Liquidity and Capital Resources present dollars in millions.

Cash Flows

Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operations and borrowings under our securitized

financing facility. Principal uses of cash are operating expenses, capital expenditures, repurchases of common stock and dividends to shareholders.

Our anticipated consolidated sources of cash and cash requirements for the remainder of 2017, exclusive of operating cash flow requirements, consist principally of:


•	capital expenditures of approximately $52.9 million, resulting in total anticipated cash capital expenditures for the year of approximately $85.0 million.


•	cash dividends aggregating up to approximately $34.1 million as discussed below in “Dividends;” and


•	potential stock repurchases of up to $97.6 million, of which $14.3 million was repurchased subsequent to July 2, 2017 through August 3, 2017 as discussed below in “Stock Repurchases.”

Based on current levels of operations, the Company expects that available cash and cash flows from operations will provide sufficient liquidity to meet operating cash requirements for the next 12 months.

The table below summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the first six months of 2017 and 2016:



	Six Months
	2017			2016			Change
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	120.6		$	105.8		$	14.8
Investing activities	(21.5		)	(22.1		)	0.6
Financing activities	(96.0		)	(150.1		)	54.1
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	3.2			5.4			(2.2		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	6.3		$	(61.0	)	$	67.3

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $120.6 and $105.8 in the first six months of 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cash provided by operating activities consists primarily of net income, adjusted for non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization, deferred income tax and share-based compensation, and the net change in operating assets and liabilities.

Cash provided by operating activities increased $14.8 million during the first six months of 2017 as compared to the first six months of 2016, due to (1) an increase of $7.7 million in net income adjusted for non-cash expenses and (2) a favorable change in operating assets and liabilities of $7.1 million. The favorable change in operating assets and liabilities resulted primarily from a decrease in income tax payments, net of refunds and a decrease in payments for incentive compensation for the 2016 fiscal year, partially offset by the timing of receipt of rental payments from franchisees.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities decreased $0.6 million during the first six months of 2017 as compared to the first six months of 2016, due to (1) a decrease of $36.4 million in capital expenditures and (2) a decrease of $11.7 million in restricted cash for the reinvestment in capital assets under our securitized financing facility. These favorable changes were offset by (1) a decrease in proceeds from dispositions of Company-operated restaurants and other assets of $37.8 million and (2) net cash used in the DavCo and NPC transactions of $16.1 million.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities decreased $54.1 million during the first six months of 2017 as compared to the first six months of 2016, primarily due to a decrease in repurchases of common stock of $57.5 million.

Dividends

On March 15, 2017 and June 15, 2017, The Wendy’s Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.07 per share on its common stock, aggregating $34.4 million. On August 3, 2017, The Wendy’s Company declared a dividend of $0.07 per share to be paid on September 15, 2017 to shareholders of record as of September 1, 2017. If The Wendy’s Company pays regular quarterly dividends for the remainder of 2017 at the same rate as declared in the second quarter of 2017, the total cash requirement for dividends will be approximately $34.1 million based on the estimated number of shares of common stock outstanding at August 3, 2017. The Wendy’s Company currently intends to continue to declare and pay quarterly cash dividends; however, there can be no assurance that any quarterly dividends will be declared or paid in the future or of the amount or timing of such dividends, if any.

Stock Repurchases

In February 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $150.0 million of our common stock through March 4, 2018, when and if market conditions warrant and to the extent legally permissible. During the six months ended July 2, 2017, the Company repurchased 3.6 million shares with an aggregate purchase price of $52.4 million, of which $2.0 million was accrued at July 2, 2017 and excluding commissions of $0.1 million. As of July 2, 2017, the Company had $97.6 million of availability remaining under its February 2017 authorization. Subsequent to July 2, 2017 through August 3, 2017, the Company repurchased 0.9 million shares with an aggregate purchase price of $14.3 million, excluding commissions.

On June 1, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $1,400.0 million of our common stock through January 1, 2017, when and if market conditions warranted and to the extent legally permissible. During the six months ended July 3, 2016, the Company repurchased 10.8 million shares with an aggregate purchase price of $109.2 million, of which $3.0 million was accrued at July 3, 2016 and excluding commissions of $0.2 million.

General Inflation, Commodities and Changing Prices

We believe that general inflation did not have a significant effect on our condensed consolidated results of operations during the reporting periods. We manage any inflationary costs and commodity price increases primarily through selective menu price increases. Delays in implementing such menu price increases and competitive pressures may limit our ability to recover such cost increases in the future. Inherent volatility experienced in certain commodity markets, such as those for beef, chicken, corn, pork and cheese could have an unfavorable effect on our results of operations in the future. The extent of any impact will depend on our ability and timing to increase food prices.

Seasonality

Our restaurant operations are moderately impacted by seasonality; Wendy’s restaurant revenues are normally higher during the summer months than during the winter months. Because our business is moderately seasonal, results for any future quarter will not necessarily be indicative of the results that may be achieved for any other quarter or for the full fiscal year.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

As of July 2, 2017 there were no material changes from the information contained in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The management of the Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of July 2, 2017. Based on such evaluations, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of July 2, 2017, the disclosure

controls and procedures of the Company were effective at a reasonable assurance level in (1) recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and (2) ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the internal control over financial reporting of the Company during the second quarter of 2017 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any control system, including the potential for human error and the possible circumvention or overriding of controls and procedures. Additionally, judgments in decision-making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. An effective control system can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control objectives of the system are adequately met. Accordingly, the management of the Company, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the control system can prevent or detect all errors or fraud. Finally, projections of any evaluation or assessment of effectiveness of a control system to future periods are subject to the risks that, over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in an entity’s operating environment or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Projections

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may contain or incorporate by reference certain statements that are not historical facts, including, most importantly, information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company. Those statements, as well as statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” or the negation thereof, or similar expressions, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”). All statements that address future operating, financial or business performance; strategies, initiatives or expectations; future synergies, efficiencies or overhead savings; anticipated costs or charges; future capitalization; and anticipated financial impacts of recent or pending transactions are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. The forward-looking statements are based on our expectations at the time such statements are made, speak only as of the dates they are made and are susceptible to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Our actual results, performance and achievements may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. For all of our forward-looking statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. Many important factors could affect our future results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Such factors, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately, and many of which are beyond our control, include, but are not limited to, the following:


•	competition, including pricing pressures, couponing, aggressive marketing and the potential impact of competitors’ new unit openings on sales of Wendy’s restaurants;


•	consumers’ perceptions of the relative quality, variety, affordability and value of the food products we offer;


•	food safety events, including instances of food-borne illness (such as salmonella or E. coli) involving Wendy’s or its supply chain;


•	consumer concerns over nutritional aspects of beef, poultry, french fries or other products we sell, concerns regarding the ingredients in our products and/or cooking processes used in our restaurants, or concerns regarding the effects of disease outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics impacting the Company’s customers or food supplies;


•	the effects of negative publicity that can occur from increased use of social media;


•	success of operating and marketing initiatives, including advertising and promotional efforts and new product and concept development by us and our competitors;


•	the impact of general economic conditions and increases in unemployment rates on consumer spending, particularly in geographic regions that contain a high concentration of Wendy’s restaurants;


•	changes in consumer tastes and preferences, and in discretionary consumer spending;


•	changes in spending patterns and demographic trends, such as the extent to which consumers eat meals away from home;

•

certain factors affecting our franchisees, including the business and financial viability of franchisees, the timely payment of such franchisees’ obligations due to us or to national or local advertising organizations, and the ability of our franchisees to open new restaurants and remodel existing restaurants in accordance with their development and franchise commitments, including their ability to finance restaurant development and remodels;


•	increased labor costs due to competition or increased minimum wage or employee benefit costs;


•	changes in commodity costs (including beef, chicken and corn), labor, supplies, fuel, utilities, distribution and other operating costs;


•	availability, location and terms of sites for restaurant development by us and our franchisees;


•	development costs, including real estate and construction costs;


•	delays in opening new restaurants or completing reimages of existing restaurants, including risks associated with the Image Activation program;


•	the timing and impact of acquisitions and dispositions of restaurants;


•	anticipated or unanticipated restaurant closures by us and our franchisees;


•	our ability to identify, attract and retain potential franchisees with sufficient experience and financial resources to develop and operate Wendy’s restaurants successfully;


•	availability of qualified restaurant personnel to us and to our franchisees, and the ability to retain such personnel;


•	our ability, if necessary, to secure alternative distribution of supplies of food, equipment and other products to Wendy’s restaurants at competitive rates and in adequate amounts, and the potential financial impact of any interruptions in such distribution;


•	availability and cost of insurance;


•	adverse weather conditions;


•	availability, terms (including changes in interest rates) and deployment of capital;

•

changes in, and our ability to comply with, legal, regulatory or similar requirements, including franchising laws, payment card industry rules, overtime rules, minimum wage rates, wage and hour laws, government-mandated health care benefits, tax legislation, federal ethanol policy and accounting standards (including the amended guidance for revenue recognition that will become effective for the Company’s 2018 fiscal year and the new guidance on leases that will become effective for fiscal 2019);


•	the costs, uncertainties and other effects of legal, environmental and administrative proceedings;


•	the effects of charges for impairment of goodwill or for the impairment of other long-lived assets;


•	the effects of war or terrorist activities;


•	risks associated with failures, interruptions or security breaches of the Company’s computer systems or technology, or the occurrence of cyber incidents or a deficiency in cybersecurity that impacts the Company or its franchisees, including the cybersecurity incident described in Item 1 below;


•	the difficulty in predicting the impact of the sale of Company-operated restaurants to franchisees on ongoing operations, any tax impact from the sale of restaurants and the future impact to the Company’s earnings, restaurant operating margins, cash flow and depreciation;


•	the difficulty in predicting the ultimate costs that will be incurred in connection with the Company’s plan to reduce its general and administrative expense, and the future impact on the Company’s earnings;


•	risks associated with the Company’s securitized financing facility, including the ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet increased debt service obligations, compliance with operational and financial covenants, and restrictions on the Company’s ability to raise additional capital;


•	risks associated with the amount and timing of share repurchases under the $150.0 million share repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors; and

•

other risks and uncertainties affecting us and our subsidiaries referred to in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017 (the “Form 10-K”) (see especially “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”) and in our other current and periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

All future written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by federal securities laws. In addition, it is our policy generally not to endorse any projections regarding future performance that may be made by third parties.

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

We are involved in litigation and claims incidental to our current and prior businesses. We provide accruals for such litigation and claims when payment is probable and reasonably estimable. The Company believes it has adequate accruals for continuing operations for all of its legal and environmental matters. We cannot estimate the aggregate possible range of loss due to most proceedings, including those described below, being in preliminary stages, with various motions either yet to be submitted or pending, discovery yet to occur and significant factual matters unresolved. In addition, most cases seek an indeterminate amount of damages and many involve multiple parties. Predicting the outcomes of settlement discussions or judicial or arbitral decisions is thus inherently difficult. Based on our currently available information, including legal defenses available to us, and given the aforementioned accruals and our insurance coverage, we do not believe that the outcome of these legal and environmental matters will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The cases described above were previously described in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2017.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

In addition to the information contained in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors disclosed in our Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. Except as described elsewhere in this report, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

The following table provides information with respect to repurchases of shares of our common stock by us and our “affiliated purchasers” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act) during the second quarter of 2017:

Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans (2)
April 3, 2017 through May 7, 2017	809,065		$13.97	803,427		$120,982,172
May 8, 2017 through June 4, 2017	589,217		$16.15	554,675		$112,028,027
June 5, 2017 through July 2, 2017	951,049		$15.51	934,666		$97,551,816
Total	2,349,331		$15.14	2,292,768		$97,551,816


(1)	Includes 56,563 shares reacquired by the Company from holders of share-based awards to satisfy certain requirements associated with the vesting or exercise of the respective awards. The shares were valued at the average of the high and low trading prices of our common stock on the vesting or exercise date of such awards.


(2)	In February 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150 million of our common stock through March 4, 2018, when and if market conditions warrant and to the extent legally permissible.

Subsequent to July 2, 2017 through August 3, 2017, the Company repurchased 0.9 million shares with an aggregate purchase price of $14.3 million, excluding commissions.

Item 6. Exhibits.



EXHIBIT NO.	DESCRIPTION

31.1	Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of The Wendy’s Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2	Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of The Wendy’s Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1	Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*

____________________



*	Filed herewith.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



	THE WENDY’S COMPANY (Registrant)
Date: August 9, 2017	By: /s/ Gunther Plosch
	Gunther Plosch
	Chief Financial Officer
	(On behalf of the Company)

Date: August 9, 2017	By: /s/ Scott A. Kriss
	Scott A. Kriss
	Senior Vice President,
	Chief Accounting and Tax Officer
	(Principal Accounting Officer)

Exhibit Index



EXHIBIT NO.	DESCRIPTION

31.1	Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of The Wendy’s Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2	Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of The Wendy’s Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1	Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*

____________________



*	Filed herewith.

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Wendy's Co Reports

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