Yum Brands Stock Price, News & Analysis

Yum! Brands highlights the growth and community engagement of its franchisee, Tasty Hut LLC, which operates over 220 Pizza Hut locations across 11 states. The franchise began in 1959, and today, Pizza Hut operates more than 18,000 restaurants in over 100 countries. Tasty Hut focuses on delivering great customer experiences through its 'Hut Family Values' and aims to expand by remodeling and opening new locations. Recent initiatives include leveraging new technologies, community support initiatives like Ukraine fundraisers, and a commitment to enhancing guest experiences, all while maintaining operational excellence.

KFC Foundation has partnered with Western Governors University (WGU) to provide 100% paid tuition for KFC restaurant employees seeking degrees. The initiative covers over 60 programs across various fields, including Business and Healthcare. This non-competitive program allows employees to enroll anytime and starts from day one of employment. Additionally, the KFC Foundation offers up to $20,000 in educational grants. This partnership aims to enhance career growth and support KFC employees, helping them balance work and education while fostering community development.

Yum! Brands reported its fourth-quarter and full-year results for 2022, revealing a GAAP EPS of $1.29 (up 17%) and a full-year GAAP EPS of $4.57 (down 12%). Excluding special items, fourth-quarter EPS was $1.31 (up 29%) and full-year EPS was $4.51 (up 1%). The company achieved a record 4,560 gross new unit openings and system sales growth of 8% for Q4, driven by Taco Bell and KFC. However, profit margins suffered from foreign currency translations, with $42 million lost in Q4. As a result of exiting Russia, overall performance metrics were negatively adjusted. The quarterly dividend increased to $0.605, reflecting ongoing shareholder value.

Taco Bell Canada announces the return of its popular Mexican Pizza, available for a limited time starting February 6. Fans can get early access from February 3 at select locations through the Taco Bell Canada App. The Mexican Pizza features seasoned beef or refried beans between crispy tortilla shells, topped with sauce, tomatoes, and a three-cheese blend. It will be sold a-la-carte or as part of a combo meal. The promotion runs until April 2 or until supplies last. Rohit Sharma, Senior Marketing Manager, emphasized their commitment to customer feedback in bringing back this fan-favorite item.

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has announced the nationwide launch of its new KFC Wraps starting on February 6. Customers can enjoy a promotional deal of two wraps for just $5. This follows a successful test in Atlanta in 2022, where KFC received over 42,000 mentions on social media from fans craving wraps. The menu features two options: the Classic Chicken Wrap and the Spicy Slaw Chicken Wrap. KFC is also engaging with customers by surprising some with gifts like a tortilla wrap blanket and gift cards. These wraps are available at participating locations for a limited time, with a combo option priced at $7.99.

On January 18, 2023, Pizza Hut and YouTube star Airrack broke the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the World's Largest Pizza in Los Angeles, measuring nearly 14,000 square feet. This event celebrated the return of The Big New Yorker pizza, a fan favorite since the 1990s, set to be available at participating restaurants on February 1, 2023. The record-setting pizza used approximately 13,653 pounds of dough and over 8,800 pounds of cheese, with all servings donated to local charities. The initiative highlights Pizza Hut's commitment to customer engagement and community support while reviving a beloved menu item.