Jefferies lowered earnings forecasts for Yum! Brands due to weaker-than-expected Taco Bell sales and the sale of Pizza Hut, which removes about 20,000 restaurants and $300 million in operating profit. Taco Bell's same-store sales are now expected to decline 2% in Q3 2026, down from flat growth, with a slower recovery than anticipated. The sale of Pizza Hut is expected to reduce 2027 earnings per share by around 10%, despite increased share buybacks funded partly by the sale proceeds. Jefferies maintains a cautious outlook on Yum!'s long-term growth, noting uncertainties in the U.S. quick-service market and emerging markets, but expects Taco Bell to recover and outperform peers from 2027 onward.
Yum! Brands shares are trading at USD 145.79 on Pluang, down 0.86% as of Oct 15, 2026 02:31 WIB. The stock remains below its 52-week high of USD 168.16, reflecting some investor caution amid the revised earnings outlook and operational changes.
