Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM)

Over the past six months, Yum! Brands' stock has increased by 10.51%. As of June 27, 2025, the share price was $148.41, a 14.43% increase from July 1, 2024. Key events include the Q1 2025 earnings report with 8% Core Operating Profit growth, a leadership transition with CEO David Gibbs retiring and CFO Chris Turner assuming the role, a partnership with NVIDIA to develop AI technologies, Taco Bell's "R.I.N.G. The Bell" plan, the launch of Byte by Yum!, and the termination of franchise agreements in Turkey due to failure to meet standards.

Demand for Yum! Brands' products is influenced by consumer preferences, economic conditions, and local market dynamics. The quick-service restaurant industry generally experiences fluctuations, as seen with lower margins for KFC U.K. stores in Q1 2025 due to seasonality and maintenance. The company adapts to consumer trends and focuses on menu innovation. Digital sales, representing 36% of total system sales in 2022, help mitigate traditional seasonality impacts. Strategic expansion and adapting to local markets are also key.

Yum! Brands, Inc. is a global fast-food corporation operating and franchising quick-service and fast-casual restaurants. Formed in 1997 as a spin-off from PepsiCo, its major products include chicken, Mexican-style food, pizza, and chargrilled burgers. The company's notable brands are KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and The Habit Burger Grill. KFC is the largest brand, accounting for over half of Yum! Brands' restaurants. Taco Bell is a global leader in Mexican-inspired food, KFC in chicken, and Pizza Hut in pizza.

Yum! Brands has a vast global presence with nearly 61,000 restaurants in over 155 countries and territories, primarily through independent franchisees and licensees. In 2024, Yum! Brands and its franchisees opened more than 4,500 new restaurants. The company's expansion strategy emphasizes increasing its global footprint, particularly in international markets.

Yum! Brands has maintained a strong brand reputation, receiving recognitions for corporate responsibility and leadership, including being named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America and TIME's "Best Companies for Future Leaders." Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut were ranked in the top 25 of Entrepreneur's Top Global Franchises Ranking for 2025, with Taco Bell securing the No. 1 spot. Taco Bell has been a strong performer due to its focus on value, innovation, and digital adoption. KFC has shown solid international performance but faced weaker results in the U.S. Pizza Hut has faced challenges, experiencing comparable sales declines in the U.S. market.

Yum! Brands is primarily owned by institutional shareholders (82.34%), with 8.96% owned by Yum! Brands insiders and 8.70% by retail investors. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock Inc., and JPMorgan Chase & Co. The largest individual shareholder is Keith A. Meister, who owns 21.04 million shares, representing 7.57% of the company.