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22 stories mentioning YUM

Every FINWIRES story that references YUM, newest first.

Wire

Chipotle Mexican Grill Narrative Not Likely to Change Quickly, Morgan Stanley Says

Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) narrative is not likely to change quickly and its sales drivers are less impactful, Morgan Stanley said in a note Wednesday."The stock has lagged, but we don't see the narrative changing;lower multiple vs history seems appropriate," the note said.Morgan Stanley downgraded Chipotle to equal-weight from overweight and cut its price target to $37 from $49.The note said the overweight rating was based on structural tailwinds, new sales drivers after a slow 2025, leading unit growth, margin recovery, and tech benefits."Most of these have underwhelmed vs our expectations," it said.The report said the downgrade is also reflecting the dominant investor view that CMG likely faces a future of more modest comps and margin expansion."CMG remains on-trend - it is not a structural loser, andsomething we'd look to recommend again, but this does seem like a new phase of its lifecycle," the note said.Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley upgraded Yum! Brands (YUM) to overweight from equal-weight and lifted its price target to $185 from $180.The report said Yum! has the best growth profile among major franchised quick service restaurant companies and solid brands are undervalued.Price: $28.70, Change: $-0.57, Percent Change: -1.93%

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Research

Morgan Stanley Upgrades Yum! Brands to Overweight From Equalweight, Adjusts PT to $185 From $180

Yum! Brands (YUM) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $174.84, according to analysts polled by FactSet.(covers equity, commodity and economic research from major banks and research firms in North America, Asia and Europe. Research providers may contact us here: https://www..com/contact-us)

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Wire

Yum! Brands' COO Tracy Skeans Plans to Retire

Yum! Brands (YUM) said Tuesday that Tracy Skeans, its chief operating officer and chief people and culture officer, plans to retire after more than 25 years with the company.Skeans will remain in her current role through late this year, after which she will move into an advisory position, the company said.Yum! said her responsibilities will transition to the company's next Chief People & Culture Officer and Chief Scale Officer, and the firm is working to fill both roles.Price: $147.54, Change: $+0.03, Percent Change: +0.02%

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Insider Trading

Yum Brands Insider Sold Shares Worth $464,040, According to a Recent SEC Filing

Sean Tresvant, Taco Bell CEO and Yum Brands Chief Consumer Officer, on May 26, 2026, sold 3,000 shares in Yum Brands (YUM) for $464,040. Following the Form 4 filing with the SEC, Tresvant has control over a total of 3,140 common shares of the company, with 3,140 shares held directly.SEC Filing:https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1041061/000104106126000130/xslF345X05/form4.xmlPrice: $155.08, Change: $-0.08, Percent Change: -0.05%

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Insider Trading

Yum Brands Insider Sold Shares Worth $914,252, According to a Recent SEC Filing

Aaron Powell, CEO, Pizza Hut, on May 19, 2026, sold 6,001 shares in Yum Brands (YUM) for $914,252. Following the Form 4 filing with the SEC, Powell has control over a total of 18,004 common shares of the company, with 18,004 shares held directly.SEC Filing:https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1041061/000104106126000126/xslF345X05/form4.xmlPrice: $152.28, Change: $-0.03, Percent Change: -0.02%

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Investors Remain Cautious Amid 'Still-Sluggish' Restaurant Industry Demand, UBS Says
US Markets

Investors Remain Cautious Amid 'Still-Sluggish' Restaurant Industry Demand, UBS Says

The US restaurant industry largely continues to face a "still-sluggish" demand, with the macro backdrop posing risks and offering limited visibility into the outlook, UBS Securities said Monday.Industry growth improved last month sequentially amid stronger fast casual trends, though restaurants' share of wallet and "share of stomach" both dropped "modestly," UBS analysts, including Dennis Geiger, said in a note to clients."Our meetings and investor discussions last week continued to highlight more cautious sector sentiment, reflecting broadly still-sluggish industry demand and macro conditions creating risk and limited visibility into outlook," Geiger wrote.Investor concerns are even greater toward quick-service restaurants, or QSRs, which generate a substantial portion of their revenue from low-income consumers and face more significant macro risks, according to the note."While many investors highlighted potential opportunities from valuation pressures across much of the sector and a potentially oversold group, conviction appears limited," Geiger said.In the QSR segment, sales and traffic improved in April compared to the month prior, UBS said, citing industry data."Our latest QSR franchisee discussions continue to highlight performance bifurcation among brands, with gas prices and broader macro challenges negatively impacting visits/spend for many brands," Geiger said. However, certain brands such as Taco Bell of Yum Brands (YUM) and Burger King of Restaurant Brands International (QSR) "appear to maintain significant momentum."Consumer confidence improved across all income groups this month, UBS said, citing its latest survey. "Encouragingly, consumers reported a greater willingness to spend overall, including on dining out," Geiger said."We anticipate underlying restaurant demand and share of wallet trends should be largely consistent through (2026) driven by fiscal stimulus benefits, value efforts, menu innovation, and other initiatives, with potential risks from elevated gas prices and other factors that could pressure consumer sentiment," Geiger said.Price: $152.22, Change: $+2.25, Percent Change: +1.50%

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Insider Trading

Yum Brands Insider Sold Shares Worth $279,224, According to a Recent SEC Filing

Tracy L Skeans, COO and Chief People Officer, on May 15, 2026, sold 1,837 shares in Yum Brands (YUM) for $279,224. Following the Form 4 filing with the SEC, Skeans has control over a total of 3,497 common shares of the company, with 3,497 shares held directly.SEC Filing:https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1041061/000104106126000121/xslF345X05/form4.xmlPrice: $151.50, Change: $+0.87, Percent Change: +0.58%

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US Markets

Shake Shack Stock Plunges as Inclement Weather Hurts First-Quarter Performance

Shake Shack (SHAK) shares plummeted Thursday after the fast food chain operator's first-quarter results fell short of Wall Street's estimates amid weather-related headwinds.The company broke even in terms of non-GAAP earnings per share, compared with $0.14 adjusted EPS a year earlier and the FactSet-polled consensus that called for $0.12 in EPS. Revenue grew 14% to $366.7 million, while same-store sales rose 4.6%.Analysts expected revenue of $372.4 million and 4.7% in comparable sales growth in the quarter ended April 1.Inclement weather weighed down comparable sales by 240 basis points and impacted adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in the first quarter, Chief Executive Rob Lynch said in a statement.The company's shares plunged about 30% intraday Thursday.Restaurant level margins slightly missed the company's own expectations amid higher operating expenses and "some mix impact" of marketing initiatives," the company said in a shareholder letter.For 2026, Shake Shack maintained its revenue guidance of $1.6 billion to $1.7 billion, continuing to expect same-store sales to grow by a low single-digit percentage. Analysts in a FactSet poll are projecting sales of $1.66 billion and same-store sales growth of 3%."Our sales momentum is building in (the second quarter) and that we are reiterating our 2026 guidance for same Shack sales restaurant level margins and our long-term financial targets," Lynch said on an earnings conference call, according to a FactSet transcript.Shake Shack appointed Michelle Hook as its chief financial officer, effective May 11. Hook previously served as CFO of Portillo's (PTLO).Katherine Fogertey stepped down as Shake Shack CFO in March.Fast-food giant McDonald's (MCD) logged first-quarter results above the Street's views on Thursday, a day after Burger King parent Restaurant Brands International (QSR) posted stronger-than-expected financials.Last week, Yum Brands (YUM) reported first-quarter comparable sales growth at KFC and Taco Bell.Price: $69.55, Change: $-26.97, Percent Change: -27.94%

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Wire

Yum! Brands Sees Improving Visibility as Taco Bell Strength Continues, Morgan Stanley Says

Yum! Brands (YUM) is seeing improving visibility as Taco Bell stays strong, KFC remains steady, store openings improve and Pizza Hut explores strategic options, with estimates moving slightly higher, Morgan Stanley said in a note Friday.Taco Bell remains the main driver, with same-store sales up 8%, showing continued demand despite tough comparisons from a year earlier, and could get more support from beverage growth, especially if the company expands Live Mas Cafe drinks to more locations, the investment firm said.Morgan Stanley said KFC is still broadly on track, helped by international momentum and new beverage efforts through the Kwench platform; however, Pizza Hut remains weak in the US, but flat same-store sales were seen as better than expected, while its strategic review is expected to finish by year-end.Unit growth is moving closer to the company's long-term target, supported by KFC openings and fewer Pizza Hut closures than expected, according to the note.Morgan Stanley maintained its equal-weight rating on the stock and raised its price target to $180 from $176, reflecting slightly higher estimates, while noting some margin pressures and macroeconomic uncertainty.Price: $159.44, Change: $-0.22, Percent Change: -0.13%

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Research

Research Alert: CFRA Reiterates Strong Buy Opinion On Shares Of Yum! Brands, Inc.

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:We raise our price target by $3 to $180, representing an unchanged 26x multiple on our 2026 EPS view and a premium to shares' 25x five-year average forward multiple. We raise our 2026 EPS estimate to $6.91 from $6.80 and 2027's to $7.73 from $7.60. After Q1 results that beat estimates, we reiterate our Strong Buy opinion. YUM saw strong system sales growth (+6%) driven by KFC (+2% comps) and Taco Bell (+8% comps), highlighting its "Raise The Bar" strategy focused on winning the future consumer through menu innovation, strong value perception, and consumer insights. Unit economics remain strong with KFC margins expanding 70 basis points to 43.6%, reflecting operational efficiency and favorable cost dynamics. Taco Bell margins of 35.2% remain industry-leading despite investments in growth. Strong unit economics, combined with 8.2% net unit growth (402 net new stores in Q1), support long-term guidance of 7% system sales growth and 8% core operating profit growth.

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Wire

TD Cowen Adjusts Yum! Brands Price Target to $186 From $180

Yum! Brands (YUM) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $175, according to analysts polled by FactSet.Price: $159.31, Change: $-0.53, Percent Change: -0.33%

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Wire

Citigroup Adjusts Yum! Brands Price Target to $175 From $174

Yum! Brands (YUM) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $175, according to analysts polled by FactSet.Price: $159.22, Change: $-0.63, Percent Change: -0.39%

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Wire

Bernstein Adjusts Yum! Brands Price Target to $170 From $160

Yum! Brands (YUM) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $175, according to analysts polled by FactSet.(covers equity, commodity and economic research from major banks and research firms in North America, Asia and Europe. Research providers may contact us here: https://www..com/contact-us)Price: $158.37, Change: $-1.54, Percent Change: -0.96%

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Wire

Goldman Sachs Adjusts Yum! Brands Price Target to $190 From $180

Yum! Brands (YUM) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $175, according to analysts polled by FactSet.(covers equity, commodity and economic research from major banks and research firms in North America, Asia and Europe. Research providers may contact us here: https://www..com/contact-us)Price: $159.95, Change: $+0.03, Percent Change: +0.02%

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Wire

Wells Fargo Adjusts Price Target on Yum! Brands to $165 From $160, Maintains Equalweight Rating

Yum! Brands (YUM) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $173.26, according to analysts polled by FactSet.(covers equity, commodity and economic research from major banks and research firms in North America, Asia and Europe. Research providers may contact us here: https://www..com/contact-us)Price: $160.16, Change: $+3.69, Percent Change: +2.36%

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US Markets

Wingstop Trims 2026 Same-Store Sales View After First-Quarter Revenue Miss

Wingstop (WING) reduced its 2026 domestic same-store sales outlook as the restaurant chain reported weaker-than expected first quarter revenue.Revenue increased 7.4% to $183.7 million from a year earlier, trailing the consensus on FactSet of $187.8 million. Non-GAAP earnings rose to $1.18 per share from $0.99, topping Wall Street's estimate of $1.03.Domestic same-store sales in the three months ended March 28 fell 8.7% as transaction volumes declined amid continued pressure on consumer spending.RBC Capital Markets predicted last week that Wingstop's first-quarter same-store sales would decline by 6.8%, compared to the Street's view for a 5.2% drop, prompting a cut in full-year guidance amid a tough macro environment.Wingstop's shares fell 0.5% in Wednesday trading, paring earlier losses. The stock has slumped 28% this year."Our focus in the first quarter centered upon enhancing unit economics for our brand partners and advancing our strategies that we believe will position us to return to same-store sales growth," CEO Michael Skipworth said in a statement.The company revised its full-year domestic same-store sales guidance to a low-single-digit decline from the prior outlook of flat to low-single-digit growth, citing economic uncertainty."We believe 2026 is going to be a transformational year for Wingstop and remain extremely confident in the long-term opportunity in front of us," Skipworth said.Royalty revenue and franchise fees rose to $87.5 million in the first quarter from $78.8 million a year earlier. Advertising fees and company-owned restaurant sales also increased.On Wednesday, Yum Brands (YUM) logged first-quarter results above Wall Street's estimates. On Monday, Domino's Pizza (DPZ) reported weaker-than-expected first-quarter results.Price: $172.09, Change: $-0.91, Percent Change: -0.53%

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Research

Research Alert: Yum: Eps Beat On Taco Bell Strength And Kfc Expansion

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:YUM posted Q1 adjusted EPS of $1.50 (+15% Y/Y), beating the $1.39 consensus, while revenue reached $2.06B (+15% Y/Y), above the $2.04B consensus, on 3% global same-store sales and 4.6% net new store growth. Consolidated operating profit of $638M (+11%) beat the $622M consensus despite 110 bps margin contraction, as revenue growth offset cost pressures. We were impressed by strong same-store sales and unit growth pace; the highly franchised model (98% of stores) providing continued cost protection and capital efficiency. Management reiterated confidence in the long-term growth algorithm targeting 5% unit growth, 7% system sales growth ex-FX, and at least 8% core operating profit growth. Taco Bell delivered outstanding 8% same-store sales growth, outpacing broader QSR trends; KFC demonstrated strong global expansion with 7% unit growth and 70 bps margin expansion. Pizza Hut showed stabilization with flat same-store sales, but margins compressed 690 bps, reflecting ongoing category challenges.

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US Markets

Yum Brands First-Quarter Results Top Street Views

Yum Brands (YUM) reported first-quarter results above Wall Street's estimates on Wednesday, buoyed by comparable sales growth at KFC and Taco Bell.The fast-food restaurant operator's adjusted earnings rose to $1.50 a share for the March quarter from $1.30 the year before, ahead of the FactSet-polled consensus of $1.38. Overall revenue climbed 15% to $2.06 billion, surpassing the Street's view for $2.04 billion.The stock was up 1.6% in the most recent premarket activity.Worldwide same-store sales grew 3%, exceeding the average analyst estimate for growth of 2.6%. Same-store sales inclined 2% and 8% at KFC and Taco Bell, respectively, while Pizza Hut was even. Habit Burger & Grill comparable sales increased 5%."Taco Bell delivered an outstanding 8% same-store sales growth, meaningfully ahead of the QSR industry, building off a very strong (first-quarter) same-store sales growth rate in 2025," Chief Executive Chris Turner said in a statement. "KFC delivered impressive unit growth and resilient same-store growth, with many KFC markets growing system sales double-digits."US same-store sales declined 4% at Pizza Hut, while Taco Bell gained 8%.The company opened 1,030 gross new units, representing a 5% annual increase, including 648 KFC locations and 346 Pizza Hut branches.Domino's Pizza (DPZ) reported weaker-than-expected first-quarter results earlier in the week, with CEO Russell Weiner saying consumer uncertainty and inflation weighed on demand late in the period.

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Wire

BofA Adjusts Price Target on Yum! Brands to $183 From $178

Yum! Brands (YUM) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $173.04, according to analysts polled by FactSet.(covers equity, commodity and economic research from major banks and research firms in North America, Asia and Europe. Research providers may contact us here: https://www..com/contact-us)Price: $159.16, Change: $-1.57, Percent Change: -0.98%

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Wire

Yum! Brands Backed by Taco Bell, KFC Momentum, UBS Says

Yum! Brands (YUM) is positioned for continued growth as Taco Bell and KFC maintain solid momentum, with guidance likely to hold even amid pressure from adverse weather, fuel costs, geopolitical conflicts and softer consumer spending, UBS Securities said Wednesday in a report.Taco Bell will likely be the main growth driver in Q1, helped by value offerings, new menu items, marketing and digital demand, the report said. The chain also stands to benefit from a large product pipeline and expanding beverage platform, with the Live Mas Cafe initiative seen as another multiyear sales driver, UBS said.KFC is also expected to post solid trends, supported by strength in the UK and Asia, and the US business appears to be improving while facing a competitive market, the report said.Store count growth should remain solid, led by new Taco Bell openings and KFC's development pipeline in India and China, though potential Pizza Hut closures may counter some of the expansion, the report said.Yum's core brands are expected to support faster earnings growth over time, while investors looking for updates on the Pizza Hut review and the Byte platform, the report said.UBS kept its buy rating on Yum stock with a $180 price target.Q1 results are due April 29.Price: $159.41, Change: $-0.94, Percent Change: -0.58%

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