DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) - Wendy's International Inc., which is considering options that could include a possible sale, said Thursday a key measure of sales growth at the third largest U.S. hamburger chain slowed in the third quarter.
The company said sale at stores open at least a year -- considered a key indicator of a retailer's strength -- rose 0.2 percent at company-owned restaurants in the quarter ended Sunday compared with 4.1 percent growth a year ago. At franchised restaurants, same-store sales rose 1.3 percent in the quarter, compared with 3.9 percent a year ago.
Year-to-date, same-store sales are up 1.5 percent for the year at company stores and 1.8 percent at franchise stores.
The company noted the increase in the third quarter was its fifth straight quarter of growth.
Wendy's formed a committee in April to determine how best to boost its stock price, including a possible sale.
Wendy's, based in this Columbus suburb, also said it has completed the rollout of breakfast at 750 restaurants, 40 percent of which are franchised locations.
Wendy's shares slipped 37 cents to close at $34.65 Thursday. The shares have traded between $29.56 and $42.22 in the past year.
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