Welcome to our dedicated page for Yum! Brands news (Ticker: YUM), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Yum! Brands stock.
Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) is the world's largest restaurant company, boasting a portfolio that includes renowned brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill. With over 39,000 restaurants in more than 130 countries and territories, Yum! Brands serves millions of customers globally and employs over 1 million associates.
Founded as a division of PepsiCo and formerly known as Tricon, Yum! Brands generates significant revenue primarily through franchise royalties and marketing contributions. This business model has proved successful, with the company achieving $64 billion in systemwide sales in 2023. Yum! Brands is 98% franchised, with Yum China, its largest franchisee, spun out in 2016. Despite this separation, Yum China continues to pay 3% royalties to Yum! Brands.
Yum! Brands is an industry leader in the fast-food sector, with KFC specializing in chicken, Pizza Hut in pizza, Taco Bell in Mexican-style food, and The Habit Burger Grill in burgers. The company is second in global sales, trailing only McDonald's but surpassing Restaurant Brands International and Starbucks. As of year-end 2023, KFC operated 29,900 units, Pizza Hut 19,866 units, Taco Bell 8,564 units, and The Habit Burger Grill 381 units.
Known for its unique corporate culture, Yum! Brands emphasizes fun, recognition, and career development. The company invests heavily in its workforce to maximize their career potential, creating a diverse and inclusive environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.
Yum! Brands is also at the forefront of technological innovation in the fast-food industry. Led by Joe Park, the Chief Digital and Technology Officer, the company is leveraging artificial intelligence to transform its operations across all brands. By 2024, about 45% of Yum!'s sales were digital, highlighting a significant shift from traditional sales channels.
On the product front, Yum! Brands continuously innovates to meet consumer demands. For example, Pizza Hut recently introduced the Cheeseburger Melt, a unique fusion of pizza and burger elements, while KFC launched new Saucy Nuggets flavors for a limited time. Taco Bell, through its Live Más Scholarship program, is also investing in the future success of young people by awarding $10 million in scholarships in 2024.
Yum! Brands is not just about food; it's about community engagement and social responsibility. The company is involved in numerous initiatives, such as KFC’s Add Hope program in South Africa, which supports children's education and well-being.
Overall, Yum! Brands, Inc. stands out for its extensive global reach, innovative approach to technology and food, and commitment to a positive workplace culture and community impact.
Pizza Hut has promoted
Pizza Hut and its franchisees are aiming to hire 40,000 new permanent team members by the end of 2021, focusing primarily on cook and driver roles to meet increased demand for contactless delivery and pickups. To promote its brand and culture, Pizza Hut will host a free virtual conference on Sept. 29, featuring industry speakers and opportunities for career advancement. Employees benefit from educational programs and clear career paths. Despite labor market challenges, Pizza Hut emphasizes its growth and commitment to delivering quality pizza.
Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) has announced the promotion of Sabir Sami to KFC Division CEO, effective January 1, 2022. Sami, a 12-year veteran and currently COO of KFC Asia, will succeed retiring CEO Tony Lowings. Additionally, Dyke Shipp is promoted to KFC Division President, reporting to Sami. This leadership change aims to enhance brand strategy for KFC, which operates over 25,000 restaurants worldwide and generated over $26 billion in system sales as of 2020.
Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) has successfully completed its acquisition of Dragontail Systems Limited for approximately A$93.5 million at A$0.235 per share. This all-cash deal enhances Yum!'s global order management and delivery capabilities through Dragontail's AI-based technology that optimizes food preparation, delivery routing, and consumer tracking. The acquisition, expected to have an immaterial impact on 2021 results, marks Yum!'s third tech acquisition this year, underscoring its commitment to digital strategy and franchisee support.
Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, announced that CEO David Gibbs will speak at the J.P. Morgan Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant & Leisure Management Access Forum on September 13, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. ET. The event will be accessible via a live webcast on the Yum! Brands investor relations website. Yum! Brands operates over 51,000 restaurants globally, including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, and has been recognized for its gender equality and sustainability efforts.
Yum! Brands has appointed Aaron Powell as CEO of its Pizza Hut Division, effective September 20. Powell, a veteran in consumer packaged goods, previously served as President at Kimberly-Clark for the Asia-Pacific region. His extensive experience in business-to-business operations and consumer markets positions him to strengthen Pizza Hut's growth and franchise performance. The leadership change aims to enhance best practices and sustain the brand's momentum both in the U.S. and internationally, as stated by CEO David Gibbs.
Pizza Hut announces the return of its popular Detroit-Style pizza starting August 25, 2021, with early access for Hut Rewards members from August 24. This fan-favorite, characterized by its caramelized crust and customizable topping options, sold out in its initial launch due to high demand, achieving the best quarterly sales for Pizza Hut in a decade. Customers can choose from three classic recipes or create their own with up to five toppings. The pizza is available for delivery, carryout, and new digital order pick-up.
Under Armour announced the appointment of David Gibbs to its Board of Directors, effective September 1, 2021. Currently CEO of Yum! Brands, Gibbs brings extensive experience in global brand management and consumer focus, which Under Armour aims to leverage for growth. Executive Chairman Kevin Plank expressed enthusiasm about Gibbs' potential contributions to the company's ongoing transformation and growth strategy. Gibbs joins Under Armour after a successful tenure at Yum!, where he played a crucial role in its financial and operational strategies.
Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, set for distribution on September 10, 2021. Shareholders of record as of August 27, 2021 will receive this dividend. The company, based in Louisville, Kentucky, operates over 51,000 restaurants across more than 150 countries, featuring brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. Yum! was recognized in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and has been previously included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America.
Yum! Brands announced a significant issuance of $2.25 billion in senior secured notes through its Taco Bell subsidiary. This includes $900 million of 1.946% notes, $600 million of 2.294% notes, and $750 million of 2.542% notes, with maturities extending to August 2051. Proceeds will repay earlier notes and fund corporate expenses, possibly including capital returns to shareholders. The offering is targeted at qualified institutional investors, adhering to the Securities Act, and is set to close on August 19, 2021.