Company Overview - YUM! Brands Inc. is a global leader in multi-branding, offering consumers a variety of choices at one outlet, and operates through four segments: KFC (41% of total 2024 revenues), Pizza Hut (13.4%), Taco Bell (37.9%), and Habit Burger Grill (7.9%) [11] Investment Ratings - YUM is currently rated as a 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B, indicating a solid position but not a strong buy [12] - The company has a Momentum Style Score of B, with shares increasing by 2.1% over the past four weeks [12] Earnings Estimates - For fiscal 2025, seven analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.02 to $6.01 per share [12] - YUM has an average earnings surprise of 0.5%, suggesting a consistent performance relative to expectations [12] Investment Considerations - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, YUM is recommended to be on investors' short lists for potential investment opportunities [13]

Yum! Brands on Tuesday named Chief Financial and Franchise Officer Chris Turner as its next CEO, effective October 1.He will replace David Gibbs, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Gibbs has led Yum since 2020 and will stay on as an advisor through 2026.Turner joined the fast food company in 2019. Before that, he held senior roles at PepsiCo and spent over a decade at McKinsey."I'm deeply honored to step into the role of CEO at Yum! Brands and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead thi ...

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Core Viewpoint - The IRS has assessed $4 billion in taxes, penalties, and interest on Yum! Brands due to a tax-deferred reorganization in 2014, leading the company to sue the IRS to prevent collection of these funds [1][9][11]. Company Overview - Yum! Brands is the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill, having spun off from PepsiCo in 1997, and is one of the largest restaurant chains globally with over 61,000 locations in 155 countries [2][3]. Tax-Related Developments - Yum! Brands announced a relocation of its headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky to Plano, Texas, primarily due to tax considerations, as Texas has a 0% corporate income tax rate compared to Kentucky's 5% [4]. - The company has a history of tax-related issues, including the current dispute with the IRS regarding a 2014 reorganization [4][10]. 2014 Reorganization Details - In 2014, Yum! Brands underwent a corporate reorganization to focus on brand-based divisions rather than geographic ones, aiming to drive growth [5]. - The reorganization involved issuing stock in exchange for stock in previous subsidiaries, which Yum! Brands believed qualified for tax deferral under Internal Revenue Code Section 368(a)(1)(B) [6][8]. IRS Dispute - The IRS claims Yum! Brands owes $2.1 billion in taxes, $418 million in penalties, and over $1.5 billion in interest, totaling over $4 billion, which is significant compared to the company's 2024 pre-tax income of $1.9 billion and income tax payment of $414 million [9][10]. - Yum! Brands has contested the IRS's position, asserting that it met all requirements for tax deferral, but has faced unsuccessful appeals in court [10][11].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an 8% core operating profit growth over the last two years, maintaining this growth in Q1 [12][28] - The long-term growth algorithm aims for 5% unit growth annually, coupled with same-store sales growth translating to 7% system sales growth, targeting at least 8% core operating profit growth [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Taco Bell US significantly outperformed the US QSR industry in Q1, achieving a 9% same-store sales growth [62] - KFC International is the leading unit development engine, opening a new restaurant approximately every three hours [10][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates in over 50 countries with a 98% franchise model, providing resilience in various macroeconomic environments [11][12] - Yum China continues to expand, serving only one-third of the Chinese population, indicating substantial growth potential [43][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming into a pure-play franchisor, emphasizing digital and technology capabilities through initiatives like Byte by Yum [12][21] - The strategic imperative includes leveraging scale across brands for procurement and supply chain efficiencies [58][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth potential of KFC and Taco Bell, highlighting the resilience of the business model amid macroeconomic volatility [11][12] - The management acknowledged the challenges faced in international markets, particularly with Taco Bell in China, but remains optimistic about future growth [38][44] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in technology and digital capabilities, with over 40 AI projects underway [92][106] - The leadership team is seen as a critical factor in maintaining the brand's relevance and innovation [76][82] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is still underappreciated in the stock today? - Management believes the growth potential and the value of Byte technology are underappreciated by investors [24][27] Question: How sustainable is the 5% unit growth beyond 2025? - Management is confident in sustaining the 5% unit growth due to strong franchise capabilities and market opportunities [31][34] Question: How does the algorithm hinge on recovery in China? - While China has been a primary growth driver, there are still significant opportunities for unit growth globally [42][46] Question: How does the company view competition in the market? - The company is focused on outcompeting rivals and believes its franchising capabilities provide a competitive advantage [53][56] Question: What role does digital play in the company's strategy? - Digital initiatives, particularly Byte, are expected to enhance operational efficiency and improve franchisee economics [83][86] Question: How does the company balance investments in technology versus profitability? - Management aims to optimize resources while ensuring long-term growth through strategic investments in technology [96][97]

Company Overview - YUM! Brands Inc. is a global leader in multi-branding, offering consumers a variety of choices at a single outlet. The company operates through four segments: KFC (41% of total 2024 revenues), Pizza Hut (13.4%), Taco Bell (37.9%), and Habit Burger Grill (7.9%) [11]. Investment Ratings - YUM is currently rated as a 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B. This indicates a moderate investment outlook [12]. - The company has a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting a year-over-year earnings growth of 9.7% for the current fiscal year [12]. Earnings Estimates - In the last 60 days, seven analysts have revised their earnings estimates higher for fiscal 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.04 to $6.01 per share [12]. - YUM has an average earnings surprise of 0.5%, suggesting that the company has a history of exceeding earnings expectations [12]. Investment Potential - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, YUM is recommended to be on investors' short lists for potential growth opportunities [13].

Core Viewpoint - Yum China Holdings, Inc. reported disappointing first-quarter 2025 results, with both earnings and revenues falling short of expectations for the fourth consecutive quarter, leading to a 7.2% decline in share price due to weaker-than-expected performance and cautious consumer spending [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were 77 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 78 cents by 1.3%, but reflecting an 8.5% year-over-year increase [2]. - Total revenues reached $2,981 million, falling short of the consensus estimate of $3,111 million, although this represented a 1% year-over-year increase; excluding foreign currency translation, revenues increased by 2% [2]. - Same-store sales matched the previous year's level, with same-store transactions growing by 6% year-over-year [3]. Operating Highlights - Total costs and expenses were $2.58 billion, remaining flat year-over-year, while the expected figure was $2.71 billion [4]. - The restaurant margin improved to 18.6%, up 100 basis points year-over-year, exceeding the estimated margin of 17.8% [4]. - Adjusted operating profit was $399 million, compared to $374 million in the prior year, slightly below the estimate of $403.1 million [4]. - Adjusted net income was $292 million, up from $287 million year-over-year, but below the estimate of $296 million [5]. Balance Sheet and Shareholder Returns - As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $825 million, up from $723 million at the end of 2024; net inventories decreased to $329 million from $405 million [6]. - The company plans to return a total of $3 billion to shareholders between 2025 and 2026, building on the $1.5 billion returned in 2024 [6]. - In Q1 2025, Yum China returned $262 million to shareholders, including $172 million in share repurchases and $90 million in cash dividends, with approximately $1.1 billion remaining for future repurchases [7]. Unit Development and Sales Contribution - Yum China opened 247 net new stores in the first quarter, bringing the total restaurant count to 16,642 [8]. - Delivery services contributed approximately 42% to KFC and Pizza Hut's company sales, while digital orders accounted for about 93% of total company sales [9]. - The company anticipates that the proportion of net new franchised stores will increase, targeting 40-50% for KFC and 20-30% for Pizza Hut in the coming years [9]. 2025 Outlook - Yum China expects to open between 1,600 and 1,800 net new stores in 2025, with capital expenditures projected to be between $700 million and $800 million [10].

Core Insights - Yum Brands reported $1.79 billion in revenue for Q1 2025, an 11.8% year-over-year increase, with EPS of $1.30 compared to $1.15 a year ago [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.84 billion by 2.76%, while the EPS exceeded the consensus estimate of $1.29 by 0.78% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - System same-store sales for Pizza Hut Division decreased by 2% compared to an estimated increase of 1.4% [4] - Taco Bell Division saw a 9% increase in same-store sales, surpassing the estimated 7.4% [4] - KFC Division reported a 2% increase in same-store sales, slightly above the estimated 1.6% [4] - Total restaurants for Taco Bell Division were 8,723, below the average estimate of 8,794 [4] Revenue Breakdown - Company sales for Taco Bell Division were $607 million, below the average estimate of $640.81 million, but represented a year-over-year increase of 28.1% [4] - Franchise contributions for advertising and other services amounted to $395 million, slightly above the average estimate of $394.76 million, with a year-over-year change of 7.6% [4] - Franchise and property revenues totaled $785 million, below the average estimate of $805.21 million, reflecting a 3.7% year-over-year increase [4] - Habit Burger Grill Division company sales were $125 million, below the average estimate of $134.02 million [4] - Taco Bell Division franchise and property revenues reached $234 million, exceeding the estimated $229.75 million, with an 11.4% year-over-year increase [4] - Pizza Hut Division franchise and property revenues were $143 million, below the average estimate of $151.72 million, representing a 3.4% year-over-year decline [4] - KFC Division franchise and property revenues totaled $407 million, slightly below the average estimate of $416.53 million, with a 2.5% year-over-year increase [4] - Taco Bell Division franchise contributions for advertising and other services were $160 million, slightly below the average estimate of $162.24 million, with an 8.1% year-over-year increase [4] Stock Performance - Yum Brands shares have returned -7.1% over the past month, compared to a -0.2% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

YUM! Brands, Inc. (YUM) reported first-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate and revenues missing the same. The top and bottom lines increased on a year-over-year basis.The company’s performance reflects solid contributions from the KFC and Taco Bell divisions. On the digital front, the company reported meaningful progress, with digital sales nearing $9 billion and accounting for 55% of total sales. Franchisee feedback on Yum!’s proprietary digital platform, Byte ...

Yum! Brands reported solid earnings with strong performance in its Taco Bell and KFC segments, overcoming challenges in the Pizza Hut segment.Yum! Brands (YUM 1.19%), the global fast-food powerhouse with brands like KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, shared its first-quarter earnings report on April 30, 2025. The report revealed mixed results, with a Non-GAAP EPS of $1.30, narrowly surpassing the $1.29 expectation. The revenue totaled $1.79 billion, underperforming the anticipated $1.85 billion.Despite revenue ...