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Research Alert: Yum: Eps Beat On Taco Bell Strength And Kfc Expansion

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-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

YUM posted Q1 adjusted EPS of $1.50 (+15% Y/Y), beating the $1.39 consensus, while revenue reached $2.06B (+15% Y/Y), above the $2.04B consensus, on 3% global same-store sales and 4.6% net new store growth. Consolidated operating profit of $638M (+11%) beat the $622M consensus despite 110 bps margin contraction, as revenue growth offset cost pressures. We were impressed by strong same-store sales and unit growth pace; the highly franchised model (98% of stores) providing continued cost protection and capital efficiency. Management reiterated confidence in the long-term growth algorithm targeting 5% unit growth, 7% system sales growth ex-FX, and at least 8% core operating profit growth. Taco Bell delivered outstanding 8% same-store sales growth, outpacing broader QSR trends; KFC demonstrated strong global expansion with 7% unit growth and 70 bps margin expansion. Pizza Hut showed stabilization with flat same-store sales, but margins compressed 690 bps, reflecting ongoing category challenges.

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