Wendy's (WEN) new management team, led by Arby's CEO, have outlined what we think is a viable, albeit multi-year turnaround plan that includes improving margins, reinvigorating the brand, revitalizing comps, and expanding internationally.

However, Wendy's turnaround efforts come at a difficult time for the industry, which faces rising input costs and a deepening recession. Arby's, which serves pricier food, is being particularly hard hit, with comps falling 8.7% in 1Q09.

While we think there is a lot of low-hanging fruit for initial margin improvement, management's $100 million annual incremental store-level operating profit target will in our opinion take at least two years and necessitate executing on many levels. Zacks Investment Research

Wendy's Adapts with Value Offerings, Arby's Lags Lean TimesThe sinking economy necessitates that restaurants adapt to survive. First quarter financial results at Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. (WEN) indicate Wendy's is adapting well to the lean times, attracting cash-squeezed consumers with a "Value Trio" of 99-cent sandwiches, while Arby's $5.95 bundling value packages is driving them to cheaper fare at McDonald's (MCD), Taco Bell -- a Yum Brands Inc. (YUM) concept, and Jack in the Box Inc. (JACK).Wendy's/Arby's Group, formed in September through the merger of Arby's parent, Triarc, and Wendy's, reported that 1Q09 system-wide same-store sales at its Wendy's fast-food hamburger chain rose 1.0%, but fell 8.7% at the pricier Arby's roast beef take-out chain. Wendy's comps would have been stronger, but 300 of its units stopped serving breakfast.Excluding one-time charges, 1Q09 EPS was $0.01, missing our estimate of $0.04 ...