03:37 PM EST, 03/06/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Wendy's (WEN) projected an acceleration in annual sales growth on a long-term horizon from its 2025 growth target, and said it expects to add roughly 1,000 restaurants by 2028.

Systemwide sales are projected to rise 5% to 6% annually over the long term and reach between $17.5 billion and $18 billion in 2028, according to a presentation prepared for its annual investor day that was held Thursday.

That compares with a 2025 sales growth guidance of 2% to 3% that Wendy's affirmed on Thursday. In February, Wendy's reported systemwide sales climbed 3.1% in 2024 to $14.49 billion.

Net restaurant units are expected to climb 3% to 4% annually over the long term and reach between 8,100 and 8,300 in 2028. That compares with a restaurant count of 7,240 at the end of 2024, which was flat from 2023.

"We are investing in building new restaurants around the globe and deploying technology that will enhance the customer experience and increase restaurant profitability," Chief Financial Officer Ken Cook said in a statement.

The company reiterated its current-year non-GAAP earnings per share guidance of $0.98 to $1.02. Analysts on average are modeling for adjusted EPS of $1.01 this year, according to a FactSet survey.

Over the long term, Wendy's expects adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to rise 7% to 8% annually and reach $650 million to $700 million by 2028. Adjusted EBITDA increased just 1.4% in 2024 to $543.6 million.

Management continues to expect adjusted EBITDA will range between $550 million and $560 million in 2025.

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