[Form 4] YUM BRANDS INC Insider Trading Activity
YUM Brands insider trades by KFC Division CEO Scott Mezvinsky show a mix of option exercise, plan-based purchases, and open-market sales on 10/01/2025. The reporting shows acquisition of 409 shares via a Stock Appreciation Right exercise at an effective price of $49.66 under a 10b5-1 plan, a separate purchase of 409 shares at $49.66, and two sales dispositions: 134 shares and 275 shares sold at $152 and $152.59 respectively. After these transactions the report lists 2,164 shares directly owned and 1,487 shares indirectly held in a 401(k). The derivative table indicates 409 underlying shares from an SAR exercisable through 02/05/2026. The filing notes the trades were made pursuant to a 10b5-1 trading plan.
- Trades executed under a 10b5-1 plan, which reduces concerns about opportunistic insider timing
- Exercise and sale prices disclosed, showing transparency (SAR/exercise at $49.66; sales at $152 and $152.59)
- Complete reporting of direct and indirect holdings, including 401(k) holdings of 1,487 shares
- Insider sold shares the same day as acquisitions, which may prompt investor questions despite 10b5-1 protection
- No explanation beyond 10b5-1 reference for the rationale or whether sales covered tax obligations
Insights
TL;DR: Insider executed option/SAR-related acquisition and partial sales on the same day, yielding modest net change in direct holdings.
The activity shows simultaneous exercise/acquisition and sales which often reflect routine tax/liquidity management rather than a directional bet on the company. The exercised SAR and acquisition at $49.66 contrast with sales at roughly $152, implying the officer realized significant spread on disposals funded or enabled by the lower-cost award. The total direct holdings after transactions are modest relative to institutional stakes, suggesting limited market-impact materiality.
TL;DR: Transactions conducted under a 10b5-1 plan indicate pre-arranged trades reducing regulatory risk but still require clear disclosure.
The disclosure that trades were pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan reduces concerns about selective trading on undisclosed information. The mix of derivative exercise and open-market sales is typical for executives managing compensation and tax obligations. Indirect holdings in a 401(k) are properly reported, and the Form 4 appears to include necessary schedule details.