Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM) Stock Analysis

Why this analysis is different

• A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
• An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
• Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.

Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM) Consumer Business Overview

Yum! Brands, Inc. is a global leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, franchising and operating KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill. With a significant international presence and a focus on digital innovation, Yum! Brands caters to diverse consumer tastes across approximately 157 countries and territories.

What Is the Investment Thesis for YUM?

Yum! Brands presents a compelling investment case due to its established global presence and strong brand portfolio. With a market capitalization of $40.2B and a P/E ratio of 24.9, the company demonstrates financial stability. A profit margin of 20.5% and a gross margin of 45.7% indicate efficient operations. Growth catalysts include continued international expansion, particularly in emerging markets, and ongoing digital transformation initiatives. The company's dividend yield of 1.90% offers an additional incentive for investors. However, potential risks include fluctuating consumer preferences and intense competition within the quick-service restaurant industry. Yum! Brands' beta of 0.66 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

YUM Key Highlights

Market Cap of $40.2B reflects substantial investor confidence in Yum! Brands' market position.

• P/E ratio of 24.9 indicates a premium valuation, reflecting expectations of future earnings growth.
• Profit Margin of 20.5% showcases effective cost management and pricing strategies.
• Gross Margin of 45.7% demonstrates strong brand value and efficient supply chain management.
• Dividend Yield of 1.90% provides a steady income stream for investors.

Who Are YUM's Competitors?

YUM is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance

What Are YUM's Key Strengths?

Strong brand portfolio with iconic brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell.

• Extensive global presence with a large number of restaurants in diverse markets.
• Capital-light franchise model allows for rapid expansion and reduced capital expenditure.
• Efficient supply chain management ensures consistent product quality and cost control.

What Are YUM's Weaknesses?

Dependence on franchise operators can lead to inconsistencies in service and quality.

• Exposure to fluctuating consumer preferences and health trends.
• Intense competition within the quick-service restaurant industry.
• Vulnerability to economic downturns and changes in consumer spending patterns.

What Could Drive YUM Stock Higher?

Continued expansion in emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Africa.

• Digital transformation initiatives to enhance customer experience and streamline operations.
• Menu innovation and adaptation to changing consumer preferences.
• Strategic partnerships and collaborations to expand market reach.

What Are the Key Risks for YUM?

Negative return on equity (-30.3%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.

• Inconsistent delivery — missed Wall Street EPS estimates in 3 of the last 8 reported quarters.
• Insider selling — insiders were net sellers of roughly $2.5M recently.
• Rising labor costs and minimum wage requirements.
• Increasing raw material costs and supply chain disruptions.
• Changing consumer preferences and health trends.
• Intense competition from other quick-service restaurant chains and alternative dining options.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for YUM?

• Expansion in Emerging Markets: Yum! Brands has significant growth potential in emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Africa. These regions offer favorable demographics and increasing disposable incomes. By tailoring menus to local tastes and leveraging its established infrastructure, Yum! Brands can capture a larger share of these rapidly growing markets. The company's focus on franchising facilitates rapid expansion with reduced capital expenditure. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Digital Transformation: Investing in digital technologies, such as mobile ordering, delivery platforms, and loyalty programs, can enhance customer experience and drive sales growth. The company can leverage data analytics to personalize marketing efforts and optimize operations. The global digital transformation market is expected to grow substantially, presenting a significant opportunity for Yum! Brands. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Menu Innovation: Introducing new menu items and adapting to changing consumer preferences can attract new customers and retain existing ones. Yum! Brands can focus on healthier options, plant-based alternatives, and innovative flavor combinations. The company's ability to quickly adapt to market trends is a key competitive advantage. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Brand Repositioning: Repositioning existing brands to appeal to new demographics can unlock additional growth opportunities. Yum! Brands can focus on enhancing brand image, improving customer service, and creating unique dining experiences. The company's diverse brand portfolio allows for targeted marketing campaigns and customized offerings. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Strategic Acquisitions: Acquiring complementary businesses can expand Yum! Brands' market reach and diversify its revenue streams. The company can target smaller restaurant chains with strong regional presence or innovative concepts. Strategic acquisitions can provide access to new customer segments and enhance Yum! Brands' competitive position. Timeline: Ongoing.

What Are YUM's Competitive Advantages?

• Brand Recognition: Strong brand recognition for KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell.
• Global Scale: Extensive global presence with a large number of restaurants.
• Franchise Model: Capital-light franchise model allows for rapid expansion.
• Supply Chain: Efficient supply chain management ensures consistent product quality and cost control.

What Does YUM Do?

Yum! Brands, Inc. was established in 1997, formerly known as TRICON Global Restaurants, Inc., and rebranded in May 2002. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest quick-service restaurant companies. Yum! Brands operates through four key divisions: KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill. Each brand offers a distinct menu, specializing in chicken, pizza, Mexican-style food, and chargrilled burgers, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, Yum! Brands had a substantial global footprint, with 26,934 KFC units, 18,381 Pizza Hut units, 7,791 Taco Bell units, and 318 The Habit Burger Grill units across approximately 157 countries and territories. The company's strategy focuses on franchising, allowing for rapid expansion with reduced capital expenditure. Yum! Brands also emphasizes digital innovation, aiming to enhance customer experience and streamline operations through technology.

What Products and Services Does YUM Offer?

• Develops and operates quick-service restaurants globally.
• Franchises its restaurant brands to independent operators.
• Operates through four divisions: KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill.
• Specializes in chicken, pizza, Mexican-style food, and chargrilled burgers.
• Manages a global supply chain to ensure consistent product quality.
• Invests in digital technologies to enhance customer experience and streamline operations.
• Adapts menus to local tastes and preferences in different markets.

How Does YUM Make Money?

• Franchising: Generates revenue through franchise fees and royalties based on sales.
• Company-Operated Restaurants: Earns revenue from direct sales in company-owned restaurants.
• Supply Chain Management: Derives income from managing the supply chain for its restaurants.
• Brand Licensing: Collects fees for licensing its brand names and trademarks.

What Industry Does YUM Operate In?

Yum! Brands operates in the competitive quick-service restaurant industry, characterized by evolving consumer preferences and intense rivalry. The global fast-food market is projected to reach significant growth in the coming years, driven by urbanization and changing lifestyles. Key competitors include CMG: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., and other major restaurant chains. Yum! Brands differentiates itself through its diverse brand portfolio and extensive international presence. The company's focus on digital innovation and menu diversification positions it to capitalize on emerging market trends.

Who Are YUM's Key Customers?

• General Consumers: Caters to a broad range of consumers seeking quick and affordable meals.
• Families: Offers family-friendly dining options and value meals.
• Young Adults: Targets young adults with innovative menu items and digital marketing campaigns.
• International Markets: Serves diverse customer segments in approximately 157 countries and territories.

Over the past six months, Yum! Brands, Inc. insiders filed 15 SEC Form 4 transactions — 12 sales and 3 purchases. On net that is roughly 16K shares disposed (about $2.5M), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.

Quarterly Financial Performance: Yum! Brands, Inc.

Revenue for Yum! Brands, Inc. came in at $2.17B during Q2 2026, a 5.3% improvement versus the preceding quarter. The company recorded net income of $853.0M, with diluted EPS of $3.08. Quarter-over-quarter revenue has been mixed, typical for a large-cap company operating in Consumer Cyclical. Across the four most recent quarters, YUM averaged $1.99 in diluted EPS.

YUM Valuation & Market Position

With a $40.2B market cap, Yum! Brands, Inc. sits in the large-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, YUM's quantitative score of 81/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 71/100.

Return on equity for Yum! Brands, Inc. stands at -30.3%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 25.5%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. YUM trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 24.92, below the Consumer Cyclical sector average of ~34x. Its free cash flow yield is 4.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.59 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is 5.3%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.

Yum! Brands, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 6/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of 2.22 places it in the grey zone, a middle ground that warrants monitoring.

Yum! Brands, Inc. has missed Wall Street's EPS estimate in 3 of its last 8 reported quarters — a mixed record worth weighing. Reported results have landed about 1.6% above estimates on average.

Wall Street analysts project Yum! Brands, Inc. revenue of about $9.05B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $6.65. The estimate reflects 13 contributing analysts.

Company Profile

Yum! Brands, Inc. operates in the Restaurants industry within the Consumer Cyclical sector. It is headquartered in Louisville, US. The company is led by CEO Christopher Lee Turner. YUM has traded publicly since 1997.

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What Investors Ask About Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM) — Consumer Cyclical

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

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