Yum Brands - YUM STOCK NEWS

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has launched a festive promotion featuring the Finger Lickin' Chicken Mitten Bucket Hugger, a unique knitted accessory designed to keep hands warm while carrying KFC's fried chicken. Customers can receive the mitten by ordering a qualifying bucket meal through KFC’s website or app from November 9 to November 11, 2021. The promotion is limited to online orders, and those interested must claim their mitten by November 13, 2021. Alongside this, KFC will introduce its 2021 holiday bucket design, featuring a 'Winter Chickenland' theme, available in restaurants by the end of November.

KFC Corporation has appointed Nick Chavez as the new Chief Marketing Officer of KFC U.S., effective November 29, 2021. Chavez, with over 11 years at Nintendo of America, brings extensive marketing experience, having led the sales and marketing for the Nintendo Switch and over 200 game titles. His role will focus on innovative marketing strategies to advance KFC's growth. President Kevin Hochman emphasized Chavez's proven leadership and expertise in e-commerce. Chavez expressed his excitement to contribute to KFC's legacy and drive brand growth.

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) reported strong Q3 2021 results with an 8% increase in worldwide system sales and 5% same-store sales growth. The company's GAAP EPS reached $1.75, a 90% year-over-year increase, while EPS excluding special items was $1.22, up 21%. Notably, a record 760 net-new units were added globally. CEO David Gibbs highlighted resilience amidst the Delta variant and advancements in digital capabilities through the acquisition of Dragontail. Business segments showed significant growth, particularly KFC with an 11% sales increase.

Pizza Hut is celebrating Halloween by offering a large one-topping Original Stuffed Crust pizza for just $12.99 at participating locations nationwide, starting October 26, 2021. Customers can also enjoy a 30-day free trial of Shudder, the horror streaming service, accessible to the first 200,000 sign-ups using promo code STUFFEDCRUST. This collaboration features a special 'Originals Takeover' on Shudder TV on October 27, showcasing horror classics and exclusive content. The aims are to enhance customer experience during one of Pizza Hut's busiest times of the year.

Pizza Hut has launched its first-ever #ForYouPizza Challenge on TikTok, inviting fans to create and share personalized $10 Tastemaker pizza recipes. The challenge runs from October 12 to 14, 2021, with one winner having their recipe featured on PizzaHut.com and receiving a $2,500 gift card. Additionally, 20 other participants can win $520 each in pizza gift cards, totaling $10,400 in prizes. The campaign aims to engage a new generation of customers, leveraging the popularity of TikTok star Oneya D'Amelio, known as @angryreactions.

Pizza Hut has promoted David Graves to President of Pizza Hut U.S., effective January 1, 2022. Graves, previously General Manager, succeeds Kevin Hochman, who will resume leadership of KFC U.S. Under Graves, Pizza Hut aims to enhance same-store sales and franchise performance. Company CEO David Gibbs expressed confidence in Graves' ability to drive success as Pizza Hut revitalizes its brand.

Pizza Hut and its franchisees are aiming to hire 40,000 new permanent team members by the end of 2021, focusing primarily on cook and driver roles to meet increased demand for contactless delivery and pickups. To promote its brand and culture, Pizza Hut will host a free virtual conference on Sept. 29, featuring industry speakers and opportunities for career advancement. Employees benefit from educational programs and clear career paths. Despite labor market challenges, Pizza Hut emphasizes its growth and commitment to delivering quality pizza.

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) has announced the promotion of Sabir Sami to KFC Division CEO, effective January 1, 2022. Sami, a 12-year veteran and currently COO of KFC Asia, will succeed retiring CEO Tony Lowings. Additionally, Dyke Shipp is promoted to KFC Division President, reporting to Sami. This leadership change aims to enhance brand strategy for KFC, which operates over 25,000 restaurants worldwide and generated over $26 billion in system sales as of 2020.

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) has successfully completed its acquisition of Dragontail Systems Limited for approximately A$93.5 million at A$0.235 per share. This all-cash deal enhances Yum!'s global order management and delivery capabilities through Dragontail's AI-based technology that optimizes food preparation, delivery routing, and consumer tracking. The acquisition, expected to have an immaterial impact on 2021 results, marks Yum!'s third tech acquisition this year, underscoring its commitment to digital strategy and franchisee support.