Cautiously Optimistic Analyst Sentiment on Yum! Brands (YUM) Amid Leadership Changes

Core Viewpoint - Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) is considered one of the best restaurant stocks to buy currently, with a cautiously optimistic analyst sentiment surrounding the stock amid leadership changes and strategic actions aimed at unlocking shareholder value [1][2]. Analyst Sentiment - As of January 6, 2026, approximately 41% of analysts hold a positive outlook on Yum! Brands, with a median price target of $164.00, indicating an upside potential of 9.10% [2]. - Oppenheimer analyst Brian Bittner downgraded the stock to Perform from Outperform, citing fair valuation after strong performance in 2025 [3]. - Stifel reiterated a "Hold" rating with a price target of $160.00, suggesting that a potential divestment of Pizza Hut could mitigate underperformance risks and enhance growth visibility, albeit at the cost of lower absolute earnings [5]. Leadership and Strategic Decisions - New leadership initiated a formal review of strategic options for Pizza Hut, Yum! Brands' most challenged brand, to maximize shareholder value. Goldman Sachs and Barclays have been appointed as financial advisors for this review, although no timeline has been set for its completion [4]. Company Overview - Yum! Brands, Inc. operates a vast franchise network that includes KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and The Habit Burger Grill, spanning over 155 countries globally [6].