Wendys Co vs Yum China Holdings Inc — how do they compare? Wendys Co trades at $8.67 (market cap $1.44B), while Yum China Holdings Inc trades at $47.89 (market cap $16.28B). The key difference: Yum China Holdings Inc is far larger — about 11.3× Wendys Co's market cap, and Wendys Co pays the higher dividend (3.71%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| WEN | YUMC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $1.44B | $16.28B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $10.68 | $57.95 |
52-Week Low | $6.17 | $40.18 |
Enterprise Value | $5.17B | $17.19B |
Dividend Yield | 3.71% | 2.44% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Wendy's (WEN) stock is trading at $8.57, up 17.4% in 24 hours, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $0.18, beating expectations, but faces challenges including a 50% dividend cut, withdrawn 2026 outlook, and declining U.S. same-store sales as Burger King overtakes it as the second-largest U.S. burger chain. Financial metrics show a P/E of 11.44 and ROE of 108.04%, but net income margin has fallen to 5.72% for 2026.
The outlook is cautious; while valuation appears reasonable and recent earnings beats are positive, significant operational headwinds, high debt, and intense competition pose risks. Analyst sentiment is mixed with a majority Hold rating, reflecting uncertainty around the new CEO's turnaround plan. Investment opportunity hinges on successful execution of strategic initiatives to restore growth and profitability.
YUMC trades at $47.92, down 0.56% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company demonstrates consistent fundamental strength with Q2 2026 earnings beating estimates, revenue growth of 13% year-over-year, and a net income margin of 7.84%. Recent completion of the Pizza Hut China acquisition for $1.2 billion positions the company for strategic growth and cost synergies.
The outlook remains positive with strong analyst support (73.68% buy ratings) and a 26.21% upside potential. Key risks include Chinese macroeconomic headwinds and integration challenges from the Pizza Hut acquisition. Earnings momentum and valuation metrics suggest continued growth potential for investors.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
The Wendy's Company is the second-largest burger quick-service restaurant, or QSR, chain in the United States by systemwide sales, with $11.1 billion in 2021, narrowly edging Burger King ($10.3 billion) and clocking in well behind wide-moat McDonald's ($45.7 billion). After divestitures of Tim Hortons (2006) and Arby's (2011), the firm manages just the burger banner, generating sales across a footprint that spans almost 7,000 total units in 30 countries. Wendy's generates revenue from the sale of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and fries throughout its company-owned footprint, through franchise royalty and marketing fund payments remitted by its franchisees, which account for 94% of stores, and through franchise flipping and advisory fees.
Read more on WEN →With almost 10,600 units and USD 9.5 billion in systemwide sales in 2020, Yum China is the largest restaurant chain in China. It generates revenue through its own restaurants and franchise fees. Key concepts include KFC (7,166 units) and Pizza Hut (2,355), but the company's portfolio also includes other brands such as Little Sheep, East Dawning, Taco Bell, Huang Ji Huang, COFFii & Joy, and Lavazza (collectively representing about 985 units). Yum China is a trademark licensee of Yum Brands, paying 3% of total systemwide sales to the company it separated from in October 2016.
Read more on YUMC →