Wendy's December sales strongest since 2004

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Preliminary same-store sales at Wendy's grew 6.1 percent at its U.S. stores in December, and 3.1 percent for the fourth quarter overall, the company said Friday.

In 2005, Wendy's had posted a sales decline of 2.9 percent in the fourth quarter.

At Wendy's franchises, there was a 2.7 percent gain this year, compared to a loss of 1.9 percent last year.

December's strong gain was in contrast to a 4.0 percent decline in that month last year.

"We closed the year with same-store sales of 6.1 percent in December, which is our strongest month in two and a half years," said Chief Executive Officer and President Kerrii Anderson in a statement.

"We have made tremendous progress in improving our sales performance in the past three quarters, after a difficult first quarter. We are proud that we achieved positive same-store sales for the full year in 2006."

Wendy's (up $0.15 to $33.81, Charts) shares rose 0.5 percent in early trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

_________________

Warm winter chills holiday sales