Yum Brands Stock Price, News & Analysis

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) announces the launch of the #KentuckyFriedGivingChallenge, a grant program providing $500,000 in cash grants to nonprofits addressing hunger in the U.S. The program encourages TikTok creators to submit videos showcasing their charitable work. 11 finalists will each receive $40,000, with the grand prize nonprofit winning an additional $60,000. Applications are open from Feb. 23 to March 4, 2022. KFC aims to leverage TikTok's platform to amplify philanthropic efforts in local communities, continuing its tradition of supporting those in need.

Yum! Brands reported strong results for Q4 and full-year 2021, with Q4 GAAP EPS at $1.11 (+3%) and full-year EPS at $5.21 (+77%). Full-year EPS excluding Special Items was $4.46 (+23%). The company opened a record 4,180 gross units in 2021 and achieved $22 billion in digital sales. System sales grew 13% for the year, with KFC leading at 16% growth. Despite overall positive metrics, Q4 EPS excluding Special Items declined by 12%. Yum! will host a conference call on February 9, 2022, to discuss its financial performance.

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.57 per share, payable on March 11, 2022 to shareholders of record by February 18, 2022. Operating over 52,000 restaurants across 150 countries, Yum! Brands is a leader in the chicken, pizza, and Mexican food sectors with brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. The company is recognized for its corporate responsibility, being included in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and the 2020 Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

Yum! Brands, in collaboration with the University of Louisville and Howard University, has launched the Yum! Franchise Accelerator, an innovative MBA elective program for underrepresented people of color and women. Through a five-month fellowship, ten MBA students will gain in-depth franchise training, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities. The program aims to create future franchisees for Yum!'s brands like KFC and Taco Bell. This initiative is part of Yum!'s $100 million commitment to equity and inclusion, enhancing entrepreneurship pathways.

KFC has launched its largest sandwich, the KFC Chicken Sandwich Snuggler, a nearly three-foot stuffed plushie, available exclusively on PillowPets.com for $99.99. This limited-edition item, inspired by KFC's popular chicken sandwich, aims to provide a fun and cuddly experience. The launch comes with two new meal deals available through KFC's app and website, featuring multiple chicken sandwiches and sides. The snuggler is a unique holiday gift for fans, but it does not have the taste of the actual KFC Chicken Sandwich.

Pizza Hut launches the BOOK IT! Bundle, available until December 31, 2022, where each purchase donates $1.00 to First Book, promoting literacy. The bundle includes 2 large pizzas and breadsticks, with a free retro BOOK IT! t-shirt offered to the first 20,000 online buyers until January 18, 2022. This initiative supports the iconic BOOK IT! program, benefiting children's literacy. Pizza Hut has committed to educational equity, impacting over 65 million students since its inception.

Kentucky Fried Chicken and Beyond Meat are launching the highly-anticipated plant-based Beyond Fried Chicken nationwide on January 10, 2022. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the fast-food sector, as KFC was the first major QSR to introduce plant-based chicken, starting with tests in August 2019. Customers can enjoy this new offering with various dipping sauces, available in combo meals or à la carte, starting at $6.99. The product is designed to provide the iconic KFC flavor in a plant-based format. Orders can be placed via KFC's app for quick pick-up.

NIMBUS has announced a significant partnership between KFC and Grammy-nominated rapper Jack Harlow, aimed at attracting a younger and more diverse audience. This year-long collaboration enhances menu innovation and offers unique experiences for fans, starting with a food truck event in Louisville on December 13. The partnership focuses on cultural representation and storytelling, emphasizing KFC's commitment to engaging with key demographics. The creative framework was developed by NIMBUS in collaboration with Latinx production company Famous After Death, highlighting inclusivity in marketing efforts.