Latest news with #Yum!Brands'
Business Wire
10 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Yum! Brands Appoints Chris Turner as Chief Executive Officer Effective October 1, 2025
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously elected Chris Turner, 50, as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025. Turner, who currently serves as Chief Financial & Franchise Officer for Yum! Brands, will succeed current Chief Executive Officer David Gibbs, who, in March 2025, informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire in the next year after 37 years with the Company and a successful tenure as CEO. 'I'm deeply honored to step into the role of CEO at Yum! Brands and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this global company with such iconic brands,' said Turner. 'I want to sincerely thank David Gibbs for his exceptional leadership and partnership. I'm excited to build on all that we've accomplished together alongside our talented teams and in partnership with our franchisees around the world, as we innovate, grow our brands and continue delivering exceptional experiences for our consumers.' Turner has served as Yum! Brands' Chief Financial Officer since 2019 and expanded his role to include Chief Franchise Officer in 2024, with responsibilities for finance, corporate strategy, supply chain, franchise standards and support. In recent years, he has been instrumental in driving bold actions that leverage Yum!'s scale, such as accelerating the Company's digital and technology transformation through initiatives like the establishment of Byte by Yum!, an AI-driven restaurant technology platform; launching a centralized, global Supply Chain Center of Excellence; and the creation of Saucy by KFC, a bold new restaurant concept. He has worked closely with Gibbs and the entire Yum! Brands leadership team to drive growth through unit development, deliver strong shareholder returns and foster a people-first culture of collaboration. 'It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Yum! Brands and work with such passionate, talented people across our global system throughout my almost 37 years with the Company,' said Gibbs. 'I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together and am confident that the best is yet to come. During my time partnering with Chris, he's demonstrated deep knowledge of our business, strong values and a clear commitment to our growth. I can't think of a better person to guide Yum! into its next chapter, and I look forward to supporting a smooth and successful transition.' Gibbs has served as Yum! Brands' CEO since January 2020. As CEO, Gibbs was instrumental in architecting and leading the Company's digital transformation and tripled the pace of Yum! Brands' annual net new unit development, leading to nearly 61,000 restaurant units worldwide. Gibbs also successfully navigated the Company through the COVID-19 pandemic and an increasingly complex operating environment, making Yum! a top performer in the restaurant industry. During Gibbs' tenure, digital sales surpassed $30 billion in 2024, with over 50% of sales through digital channels. Gibbs remains CEO until September 30, 2025, and will serve as an adviser to the Company until the end of 2026 to ensure a seamless transition. 'On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to David Gibbs for his outstanding visionary leadership, and the lasting impact he's made on Yum! Brands,' said Brian Cornell, Non-Executive Chairman of the Yum! Brands Board of Directors. 'David led the Company during unprecedented times all while strengthening, transforming and growing the business, with Chris as a key partner. During his tenure, Yum! delivered strong performance and advanced its growth strategy that has helped attract and retain the best talent in the industry. We are thrilled to appoint Chris as the next CEO — a proven leader with a deep understanding of the business, strategic expertise, financial acumen and unique perspectives that will help accelerate our growth. The Board is confident that Chris is the right leader to take Yum! Brands forward and accelerate the Company's momentum.' As Yum! Brands CEO, Turner will focus on executing Yum!'s mission of growing the most loved, trusted and connected restaurant brands globally. He will be responsible for driving the Company's Good Growth strategy, which includes ongoing digital initiatives, scaling bold innovation to power the Company's iconic brands and delivering long-term results. Turner's career has spanned leadership roles for major global brands like PepsiCo and its sub-brands. Prior to joining Yum! Brands, Turner led PepsiCo's retail and e-commerce business with Walmart in the U.S. and more than 25 countries, and across PepsiCo's brands in the beverage, snack and nutrition categories. He also spent more than 13 years with McKinsey & Co., where he served as Partner in the firm's Dallas office and led the Service Operations practice in North America, the Restaurant Service Line, the Retail Operations team and recruiting for all Southern U.S offices. About Yum! Brands Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of nearly 61,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company's concepts – KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill. The Company's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the chicken, Mexican-inspired food and pizza categories, respectively. Habit Burger & Grill is a fast casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. In 2024, Yum! was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies, USA Today's America's Climate Leaders and 3BL's list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens. In 2025, the Company was recognized among TIME magazine's list of Best Companies for Future Leaders. In addition, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut led Entrepreneur's Top Global Franchises 2024 list and were ranked in the first 25 of Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500, with Taco Bell securing the No. 1 spot in North America for the fifth consecutive year.
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Taco Bell drops more Crispy Chicken menu items in surprise launch
Taco Bell is on an innovation kick, developing many delicious new menu items and launching one after the other. This strategic business move has worked for the brand, as its same-store sales increased by 11% in 2025 compared to the year prior, boosting its growth immensely. Fortunately for fans, it's not over yet, because it has dropped even more unique creations. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter In March, Taco Bell revealed 30 new menu items it would introduce in 2025, along with many exciting partnerships. Related: Taco Bell reveals 30 new menu items launching in 2025 However, this fast-food chain is full of surprises, and either inadvertently or intentionally, it left out a few new additions to keep consumers on their toes. No fast-food chain is complete without fries on its menu, but Yum! Brands' (YUM) Taco Bell somehow got away with this for decades. It might have taken a few years, but perfection takes time, and Taco Bell used it to its advantage. It introduced the Nacho Fries in 2018 as a limited-time menu item, and people went wild. This might be because these fries are unlike any other. Like most fries, they are hot and crispy, but Taco Bell made them its own by adding Mexican spices. Related: Taco Bell takes its Mexican menu somewhere unexpected Eventually, the fries were discontinued and would make surprise drops seasonally. However, Taco Bell has brought them back, and this time, they are extra loaded. The new Loaded Steak & Jalapeño Topped Fries feature Taco Bell's beloved Nacho Fries topped with nacho cheese sauce, grilled marinated steak, creamy jalapeño sauce, and pickled jalapeños. This new menu item is available for a limited time at all participating Taco Bell locations nationwide, as seen on the chain's website. To continue with the chicken trend and please its chicken-loving fans, Taco Bell recently reintroduced its Crispy Chicken nuggets and is now dropping two more Crispy Chicken items. The Crispy Chicken Taco is filled with Crispy Chicken, purple cabbage, crisp lettuce, pico de gallo, and shredded cheddar cheese, all folded inside a warm tortilla. This menu item comes with a choice of spicy Ranchero or creamy Avocado Ranch sauce. More Retail News: Starbucks faces huge new rivalMcDonald's menu adds experimental new items fans will loveNew Oreo collab slays with 'Only Murders' star The Crispy Chicken Burrito is filled with Crispy Chicken, purple cabbage, crisp lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla. This burrito also comes with a choice of spicy Ranchero or creamy Avocado Ranch sauce. Unfortunately, these two Crispy Chicken drops are test items available for a limited time only at select locations in Charlotte, North Carolina, as reported by @markie_devo on Instagram. Although these menu additions will only be offered to a select few, Taco Bell has mentioned its intentions to make the Crispy Chicken a permanent part of the menu by 2026. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
YUM Q1 Earnings Call: Digital Investments and Global Expansion Drive Mixed Results
Fast-food company Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) fell short of the market's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, but sales rose 11.8% year on year to $1.79 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.30 per share was 1.4% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy YUM? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $1.79 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.83 billion (11.8% year-on-year growth, 2.6% miss) Adjusted EPS: $1.30 vs analyst estimates of $1.28 (1.4% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $620 million vs analyst estimates of $636.1 million (34.7% margin, 2.5% miss) Operating Margin: 30.7%, down from 32.5% in the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow Margin: 18.6%, down from 19.6% in the same quarter last year Locations: 60,886 at quarter end, up from 59,129 in the same quarter last year Same-Store Sales rose 3% year on year (-3% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $40.83 billion Yum! Brands' first quarter results showed sales growth driven by strong performances from Taco Bell U.S. and KFC International, while Pizza Hut and Habit Burger faced more muted trends. Management attributed this momentum to increased digital engagement—particularly through the Byte by Yum! digital platform—and successful marketing campaigns that broadened customer appeal. CEO David Gibbs highlighted, 'Taco Bell saw a significant expansion in consumer penetration, reflecting our efforts to elevate our positioning and broaden our relevance.' Looking ahead, management emphasized ongoing investments in artificial intelligence and technology partnerships, such as the new collaboration with NVIDIA, as key pillars for future growth. Gibbs added that these digital initiatives, combined with continued menu innovation and international expansion, are expected to support operating profit targets despite economic uncertainty and a competitive environment. The company is also preparing for a leadership transition, with Gibbs set to retire next year, stressing that 'the business is in a position of strength' for a smooth handover. Yum! Brands' management discussed the factors behind the company's first quarter performance and outlined key strategic initiatives shaping the business. Deviation from Wall Street's expectations was primarily due to revenue falling short amid ongoing investments and selective softness in some brands. Taco Bell's Value and Innovation: Taco Bell U.S. achieved notable same-store sales growth driven by value menu offerings and new product launches, including the Luxe Box lineup and specialty beverages like those at the Live Mas Cafe test. KFC International's Expansion: KFC International continued its footprint growth, opening 554 new locations, and posted traffic gains in core markets such as China and Korea, fueled by menu innovation and value-focused promotions. Digital Transformation: The Byte by Yum! digital platform expanded across brands, increasing digital sales and engagement. Management cited upcoming AI-driven personalization and operational tools as core to restaurant efficiency and customer experience. Leadership Changes: Meg Farren was appointed President of Taco Bell North America, and Catherine Tan-Gillespie became President of KFC U.S., both expected to drive operational improvements and brand growth. NVIDIA Partnership: A partnership with NVIDIA aims to accelerate AI capabilities in drive-thru automation, computer vision, and analytics, supporting Yum! Brands' goal of making AI integral to restaurant operations. Management's outlook for the remainder of the year centers on leveraging technology, expanding global presence, and maintaining value-driven menus to support profit growth amid unpredictable consumer and geopolitical conditions. Digital and AI Integration: Ongoing investment in digital platforms and AI, including the Byte by Yum! platform and NVIDIA partnership, is expected to drive operational efficiencies and customer engagement. Unit Development and Franchise Strength: Continued global store expansion, especially in KFC and Taco Bell, supported by well-capitalized franchisees, is seen as a key revenue driver even if economic conditions worsen. Brand Diversification: Efforts to improve performance at Pizza Hut and Habit Burger, alongside the strong contributions from Taco Bell and KFC, are intended to provide more balanced growth and reduce risk from reliance on a few brands. Brian Bittner (Oppenheimer): Asked about the sustainability of KFC International trends amid geopolitical concerns; management replied that growth was broad-based, and no significant anti-American sentiment was observed. David Tarantino (Baird): Pressed on the confidence behind back-half weighted profit growth; CFO Chris Turner noted planned cost reductions and margin recovery at Pizza Hut would support the outlook. Dennis Geiger (UBS): Queried about confidence in store development targets despite macro headwinds; management pointed to franchisee strength and robust Q1 gross openings as supporting factors. David Palmer (Evercore ISI): Inquired about the potential for Byte by Yum! to become an external revenue source and expansion of the Saucy concept; management said current focus is internal, with future external opportunities possible, and that Saucy expansion will be methodical. John Ivankoe (JPMorgan): Asked about the uniqueness of the NVIDIA partnership; CEO Gibbs emphasized the proprietary scale of Yum!'s tech stack and the broad scope of AI initiatives under development. In the coming quarters, key areas to monitor include (1) the pace of Byte by Yum! digital platform adoption across brands and geographies, (2) execution of new store openings and franchisee investments, and (3) margin performance as AI-enabled tools are deployed and menu innovations are rolled out. Progress in revitalizing Pizza Hut and Habit Burger, as well as results from the NVIDIA AI partnership, will also be tracked to gauge their contributions to Yum! Brands' profitability and global reach. Yum! Brands currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 23.8×. In the wake of earnings, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our free research report. Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 175% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like Comfort Systems (+751% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) CEO Retirement Plans Announced As Digital Sales Surpass US$30 Billion
Yum! Brands is experiencing a significant transition as CEO David Gibbs announces his retirement. Despite broader market challenges, with major indexes like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reflecting substantial declines over the past month, Yum! Brands' stock price rose 16% last quarter. This increase coincides with strong performance in its digital initiatives under Gibbs' tenure and recent positive developments such as the launch of AI solutions, a new product line, and a dividend increase. While the market faced volatility, YUM maintained an upward trajectory, indicating that these strategic moves positively influenced investor sentiment. We've identified 4 possible red flags with Yum! Brands (at least 2 which are a bit concerning) and understanding the impact should be part of your investment process. The end of cancer? These 21 emerging AI stocks are developing tech that will allow early idenification of life changing disesaes like cancer and Alzheimer's. Over the past five years, Yum! Brands has delivered a robust total shareholder return of 142.54%. This impressive performance reflects initiatives such as the integration of digital technologies and the introduction of Byte by Yum!, which have been critical in enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiencies. The company has consistently focused on concept innovation, as seen with initiatives like Saucy by KFC and Live Más Cafe. Additionally, the expansion of digital sales, which grew significantly in 2024, has been another vital factor contributing to Yum! Brands' long-term success. Despite challenges like geopolitical disruptions impacting KFC's same-store sales, Yum! Brands outperformed the US Hospitality industry, which returned 1.3% over the past year. Shareholder returns were also supported by share buybacks, with nearly 3 million shares repurchased since mid-2024, indicating confidence in the company's growth trajectory. These factors, alongside strategic leadership transitions, underscore the company's sustained upward momentum amid fluctuating market conditions. Jump into the full analysis health report here for a deeper understanding of Yum! Brands. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:YUM. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) Unveils Instagram-Worthy Pizza Charcuterie with US$25 Offer at Pizza Hut
Yum! Brands recently introduced the innovative "Pizza Charcuterie" through its Pizza Hut chain in collaboration with Robert Gronkowski, positioning itself for heightened customer engagement and social buzz. This launch, alongside a 6% quarterly dividend increase and robust Q4 earnings growth, likely propelled a 13% share price increase over the last quarter despite the decline in net income. Additionally, Yum! Brands' significant share repurchase and the introduction of the "Byte by Yum!" AI platform to enhance operations further underline the company's strategic initiatives to boost shareholder value. The broader market's mixed performance, including an encouraging CPI report that lifted tech stocks, might have also supported favorable conditions, even amid economic uncertainty. Overall, the company's proactive approach in product innovation, dividend policy, and tech enhancements seem to have aligned with positive market sentiment, leading to a strong quarterly performance for its stock. Discover the key vulnerabilities in Yum! Brands' business with our detailed risk assessment. Interested In Other Possibilities? Find companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value. Yum! Brands' shares have delivered a significant 162.67% total return over the last five years, an indication of strong shareholder engagement during the period. Key events contributing to this include a major dividend increase of 11% in early 2024 followed by another 6% raise in 2025, reflecting a commitment to return value to shareholders. The introduction of the 'Byte by Yum!' AI platform in February 2025 exemplifies their emphasis on leveraging technology for better operations. Additionally, robust earnings reports in late 2024 highlighted a substantial US$326 million increase in revenue over the previous year, notwithstanding a decline in net income. Share buybacks also played a crucial role, with a US$114.09 million tranche completed in early 2025, indicating the company's confidence in its stock value. These initiatives aligned with exceeded market expectations in the past year, as Yum! surpassed both the US market and Hospitality industry, reinforcing investor confidence in its long-term prospects. Have a stake in Yum! Brands? Integrate your holdings into Simply Wall St's portfolio for notifications and detailed stock reports. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:YUM. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
