-- 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.