The Wendy’s Co (WEN)

Return on total capital

Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) US$ in thousands 396,294 403,479 365,824 292,415 255,194
Long-term debt US$ in thousands
Total stockholders’ equity US$ in thousands 259,352 309,779 465,720 436,405 549,596
Return on total capital 152.80% 130.25% 78.55% 67.01% 46.43%

December 31, 2024 calculation

Return on total capital = EBIT ÷ (Long-term debt + Total stockholders’ equity)
= $396,294K ÷ ($—K + $259,352K)
= 152.80%

The return on total capital for The Wendy's Co has shown a consistent and impressive growth trend over the years. Starting at 46.43% as of December 31, 2020, the return has steadily increased to 67.01% in 2021, further to 78.55% in 2022, significant growth to 130.25% in 2023, and reaching a high of 152.80% by December 31, 2024. This exceptional increase indicates that the company has been effectively utilizing its capital to generate profits and create value for its stakeholders. The upward trajectory of the return on total capital reflects a strong operational performance and efficient capital allocation by The Wendy's Co, which can be considered a positive indicator of financial health and sustainable growth prospects for the company.


Peer comparison

Dec 31, 2024

Company name
Symbol
Return on total capital
The Wendy’s Co
WEN
152.80%
Shake Shack Inc
SHAK
3.47%
Starbucks Corporation
SBUX
80.49%