Latest news with #Yum!Brands
Chicago Tribune
15 hours ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: Artificial intelligence meets fried chicken at Wingstop
At a moment when artificial intelligence is progressing at a rapid rate and the job market is tightening, one fast-food chain offers a glimpse into how everyday businesses are adopting AI to improve efficiency — and reduce their workforce. By the end of this year, Wingstop expects its 2,000-plus stores across the U.S. to be using its new AI-powered 'Smart Kitchen' technology. AI is poised to take over sophisticated business functions, including the training of other AIs, so to speak. That has alarming implications for human occupations as diverse as coding and customer service, trading and sales. Wingstop is hardly alone in charging ahead with leveraging AI in its daily operations. All of the biggest names in fast food are exploring AI solutions for their businesses. Yum! Brands, the corporation that owns Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC, announced this spring that AI would take fast-food orders at 500 of their major chains. All the fanfare about AI merits caution and skepticism. Goldman Sachs projects that by 2045, advances in generative AI and robotics could fully automate up to 50% of jobs. Investors are banking on AI to eliminate millions of hours in inefficient busywork, and companies are making huge investments in the power-hogging data centers and advanced microchips that make AI go. But practical evidence of AI transforming everyday tasks is limited, which is where fried chicken comes in. Wingstop hardly springs to mind when thinking of high-tech operations. It has a simple takeout menu prepared in a row of deep fryers, with no ovens or grills required. Still, the restaurant chain's stock surged last month when it reported its Smart Kitchen rollout. Today, in more than 1,000 of its restaurants, Wingstop's new digital operating system streamlines ordering and evaluates scads of data to predict how much food will be needed and when. Everything from the weather forecast to the timing of sporting events and closing bells at local schools reportedly is being considered. Wingstop restaurants can be refitted with the Smart Kitchen technology overnight, and it's so simple to use that workers can figure it out in as little as a single shift, the company told Wall Street investors during a July 30 conference call. It takes about a month for a restaurant to fully acclimate to the system, and about four months for customers to come to terms with the 'benefits' of more accurate orders, calmer environments and, above all, speedier service. On a good day, unaided human workers at Wingstop typically require between 18 and 22 minutes to complete an order, the company reports. With Smart Kitchens, an order takes about 10 minutes to fulfill. That not only means less waiting time for customers in the store, but also that third-party delivery services are more likely to be able go get wings to a customer's doorstep in 30 minutes or less. Users of apps such as DoorDash or Uber Eats often screen for dining options that can be delivered within 30 minutes, so Wingstop was getting overlooked in favor of competing options with quicker service. With Smart Kitchens, faster service times make it possible to dramatically boost delivery, which in turn boosts profits. It's a 'game changer,' Chief Executive Officer Michael Skipworth told investors. That's AI in action at a very simple business, and AI promises to be even more transformative when things get complicated. We've previously voiced concerns about AI-powered transactions maximizing profits through 'personalized' prices for airline fares or groceries. AI-driven pricing applied to individuals is a potentially unfair practice that needs to be closely monitored. The idea of AI taking over as therapists, screenwriters and, yes, journalists, sounds like bad news to us as well. This page is committed to human-authored content only, and to enforcing copyrights against AI training bots that raid newspaper archives, scooping up and regurgitating human labor (when they are not 'hallucinating'). On the other hand, we do recognize the potential for AI to unleash life-altering changes in industries such as health care and, maybe, the rapid provision of chicken wings. We'll see how it handles applying the Atomic Rub.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Are Wall Street Analysts Predicting Yum! Brands Stock Will Climb or Sink?
Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM) develops, operates, franchises, and licenses quick service restaurants. Valued at $39.2 billion by market cap, the company prepares, packages, and sells a menu of food items. Shares of this fast-food company have underperformed the broader market over the past year. YUM has gained 4.8% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 20.6%. In 2025, YUM's stock rose 5.9%, compared to the SPX's 9.6% rise on a YTD basis. More News from Barchart Warren Buffett Warns Investing At 'Too-High Purchase Price' Even for 'an Excellent Company' Can Undo a Decade of Smart Investing BitMine Immersion Now Holds 1.15 Million Ethereum Tokens. Should You Buy BMNR Stock Here? Why Archer Aviation's (ACHR) Post-Earnings Tailspin Looks Like a Favorably Mispriced Opportunity Stop Missing Market Moves: Get the FREE Barchart Brief – your midday dose of stock movers, trending sectors, and actionable trade ideas, delivered right to your inbox. Sign Up Now! Narrowing the focus, YUM's underperformance is also apparent compared to the AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF (EATZ). The exchange-traded fund has gained about 16.6% over the past year. However, YUM's gains on a YTD basis outshine the ETF's 1.5% returns over the same time frame. On Aug. 5, YUM shares closed down more than 5% after reporting its Q2 results. Its adjusted EPS of $1.44 did not meet Wall Street expectations of $1.45. The company's revenue was $1.9 billion, matching Wall Street forecasts. For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect YUM's EPS to grow 9.3% to $5.99 on a diluted basis. The company's earnings surprise history is mixed. It beat the consensus estimate in two of the last four quarters while missing the forecast on two other occasions. Among the 27 analysts covering YUM stock, the consensus is a 'Moderate Buy.' That's based on nine 'Strong Buy' ratings, and 18 'Holds.' This configuration is more bullish than two months ago, with eight analysts suggesting a 'Strong Buy.' On Aug. 6, Gregory Francfort from Guggenheim reiterated a 'Buy' rating on YUM with a price target of $167, implying a potential upside of 17.5% from current levels. The mean price target of $160.65 represents a 13.1% premium to YUM's current price levels. The Street-high price target of $185 suggests an ambitious upside potential of 30.2%. On the date of publication, Neha Panjwani did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on
Business Insider
06-08-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Citi Keeps Their Hold Rating on Yum! Brands (YUM)
Citi analyst Jon Tower maintained a Hold rating on Yum! Brands today and set a price target of $156.00. The company's shares closed today at $139.50. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. According to TipRanks, Tower is a 5-star analyst with an average return of 12.2% and a 58.88% success rate. Tower covers the Consumer Cyclical sector, focusing on stocks such as Starbucks, Chipotle, and Cracker Barrel. In addition to Citi, Yum! Brands also received a Hold from TR | OpenAI – 4o's Ella Servetta in a report issued today. However, on the same day, Barclays maintained a Buy rating on Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM).
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Asia-Pacific Fast Food Market Forecast and Company Analysis Report 2025-2033 Featuring McDonald's, Yum!, Domino's, Wendy's, Jack in the Box, Starbucks, Papa John's, KFC, Corteva Agriscience
The Asia-Pacific fast food market, valued at USD 270.22 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 465.12 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.22%. Key drivers include urbanization, a growing youth population, and demand for affordable dining. Increasing digital participation and international chain expansion in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea fuel growth. The market faces challenges such as growing health consciousness and supply chain disruptions. Trends highlight a rise in seafood, chicken, and pizza/pasta segments. Notable players include McDonald's, Yum! Brands, and Domino's. Asia-Pacific Fast Food Market Dublin, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia-Pacific Fast Food Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033" report has been added to Asia-Pacific fast food market was valued at USD 270.22 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 465.12 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.22% during the period from 2025 to 2033. Urbanization, an increasing young population, and rising demand for convenient and affordable dining are fueling market growth, as well as the fast growth of international and local fast food chains. In Asia-Pacific, fast food has gained immense popularity because of the changing lifestyles of consumers, rising urbanization, and exposure to Western cuisine. Younger generations, especially, are attracted to fast food because it is affordable, convenient, and offers a wide variety of tastes. Secondly, the increasing rate of working professionals as well as dual-income families has increased the demand for quick meal India, Japan, and South Korea are among those countries where both international and indigenous fast food chains are expanding rapidly. Furthermore, online food delivery apps have made fast food readily accessible than ever before. Several brands are localizing menus in order to tap into regional appetites, in addition to extending their appeal further. The fast food market within the Asia-Pacific region is ever-growing as shoppers look for speed, convenience, and great flavors when dining Drivers in the Asia-Pacific Fast Food Market Acceleration of Urbanization and Lifestyle TransitionUrbanization in Asia-Pacific nations has triggered time-starved lifestyles, primarily among the emerging workforce. As cities expand and more people work longer hours or commute farther, demand for quick and accessible meals has grown sharply. Fast food restaurants, both global and local, are meeting this need by offering affordable, on-the-go options. Urban consumers are increasingly seeking convenience over traditional meal preparation. Moreover, dual-income households have surged, boosting the preference for dine-out or home-delivered fast food. With city populations expected to keep rising, particularly in nations such as India, China, and Indonesia, the quick service industry is slated for further expansion. Urbanization is one of the region's dominant megatrends. At present, 54% of the world's urban population, or more than 2.2 billion individuals, live in Asia. By the year 2050, urban population in this region will rise by 50%, bringing another 1.2 billion more people. Cities in Asia and the Pacific are at the forefront of economic possibilities and are diligently striving to ensure a more sustainable and Domestic Chain ExpansionInternational fast food chains like McDonald's, Domino's, KFC, and Subway are going full throttle across Asia-Pacific by opening stores in tier 1, 2, and even tier 3 cities. Native brands are innovating too and providing regional tastes that are specifically designed to consumer tastes, such as rice-based bowls, seafood specialties, and vegetarian dishes. Franchising models, strategic alliances, and cost-effective supply chains have helped facilitate fast-paced outlet expansion. This increased physical presence, and aggressive promotion, makes fast food more available and desirable. Plus, the introduction of online order apps has extended visibility for small chains and has enabled them to reach customers beyond the physical space of a restaurant. June 2024, Dachser's logistics ingenuity and capacity expansion plans for the Asia-Pacific region match moves by global logistics players. With economic growth anticipated, Roman Mueller, Managing Director of Air & Sea Logistics Asia-Pacific, spearheads the adoption and facilitation of Youth Population and Digital ParticipationAsia-Pacific hosts one of the world's most populous youth populations, especially in nations such as India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In 2023, The world contains 1.8 billion youths, the most populous generation of youth ever. Youth from the Asia-Pacific Region account for 60 percent of the globe's youth at 750 million young individuals from the ages 15 to 24 years old. The cosmopolitan, techno-savvy generation is closely aligned with Western culture, internet trends, and cell phone accessibility. Fast foods are cashing in on that by introducing cell phone app campaigns, short-order menus, and influencer promotional campaigns. The ease of ordering online, supported by focused digital advertising and social media activity, has promoted higher trial and repeat consumption among Gen Z and millennials. As youth drive contemporary eating habits and welcome international flavors, fast food keeps expanding its cultural stronghold in the Fast Food Market Challenges Growing Health Consciousness and Demand for Healthy AlternativesAs the awareness of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases increases, consumers in Asia-Pacific are increasingly shifting towards healthier diets. Governments and health agencies are advocating nutritional literacy and pushing for lower consumption of high-fat, high-sugar foods - putting fast food in the spotlight. The image of fast food as unhealthy is deterring some consumers, particularly middle-aged consumers and parents. This change is compelling brands to rework menus, cut portion sizes, and add healthier alternatives such as salads, grilled foods, and low-calorie items. But taste, price, and health balance continues to be a challenge for most fast food chains that want to keep customers while enhancing nutritional Chain Disruptions and Increasing Operating CostsThe fast food sector depends significantly on effective logistics and availability of a consistent supply of ingredients such as poultry, dairy, wheat, and seafood. Disruptions created by geopolitical tensions, fuel price fluctuations, and climate change are now impacting raw material prices and availability. Inflation in some Asia-Pacific economies has also raised input and labor costs. These are constricting profit margins, particularly for smaller or local chains. Fast food companies are now having to invest in supply chain resilience, local sourcing, and cost-reduction initiatives, which can be costly and complicated - particularly in markets with different infrastructure and regulatory Fast Food Full-Service Restaurants MarketFull-service restaurants in Asia-Pacific fast food are increasing their following, particularly among customers looking for a mix of convenience and eat-in features. They have a wide range of menu offerings, table seating, and a less hurried environment than quick-service models. Full-service brands such as Pizza Hut and family-oriented Asian chains are increasing their market presence in city centers and shopping malls. Japanese, South Korean, and Chinese consumers appreciate dining out as a social experience and thus full-service models are favorite among families and groups. Moreover, increasing middle-class incomes and urbanization are the primary drivers of this segment's Fast Food Quick-Service Restaurants MarketQuick-service restaurants (QSR) form the backbone of the Asia-Pacific fast food market as they are sustained by the demand for affordable, quick, and convenient food among consumers. Players such as McDonald's, Burger King, and homegrown operators such as Lotteria are growing fast across major urban markets in economies such as China, India, and Indonesia. QSRs also provide various meal options, such as burgers and fries, rice bowls, and wraps, that fit regional tastes. Growing use of mobile apps for ordering, collaborations with food-delivery platforms like Grab and Zomato, and the emergence of cloud kitchens are also helping QSRs boost market penetration and expansion. Key Players Analysis: Overviews, Key Persons, Recent Developments, Revenue McDonald's Corporation Yum! Brands, Inc Domino's Pizza Inc Wendy's International Inc Jack in the Box Inc Starbucks Corp Papa John's International Inc Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Corteva Agriscience Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $270.22 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $465.12 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.2% Regions Covered Asia Pacific Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction2. Research & Methodology2.1 Data Source2.1.1 Primary Sources2.1.2 Secondary Sources2.2 Research Approach2.2.1 Top-Down Approach2.2.2 Bottom-Up Approach2.3 Forecast Projection Methodology3. Executive Summary4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.2 Challenges5. Asia-Pacific Fast Food Market5.1 Historical Market Trends5.2 Market Forecast6. Market Share Analysis6.1 By Product6.2 By End User6.3 By Countries7. Product7.1 Pizza/Pasta7.2 Burgers/Sandwiches7.3 Chicken7.4 Asian/Latin American7.5 Seafood7.6 Others8. End User8.1 Full-Service Restaurants8.2 Quick-Service Restaurants8.3 Catering8.4 Others9. Countries9.1 China9.2 Japan9.3 India9.4 South Korea9.5 Thailand9.6 Malaysia9.7 Indonesia9.8 Australia9.9 New Zealand9.10 Rest of Asia-Pacific10. Porter's Five Forces Analysis10.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers10.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers10.3 Degree of Rivalry10.4 Threat of New Entrants10.5 Threat of Substitutes11. SWOT Analysis11.1 Strength11.2 Weakness11.3 Opportunity11.4 Threat12. Key Players Analysis For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Asia-Pacific Fast Food Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Economist
17-07-2025
- Business
- Economist
Why is AI so slow to spread? Economics can explain
Talk to executives and before long they will rhapsodise about all the wonderful ways in which their business is using artificial intelligence. Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase recently said that his bank has 450 use cases for the technology. 'AI will become the new operating system of restaurants,' according to Yum! Brands, which runs KFC and Taco Bell. AI will 'play an important role in improving the traveller experience', says the owner of In the first quarter of this year executives from 44% of S&P 500 companies discussed AI on earnings calls.
