Balanced Outlook on Yum! Brands: Hold Rating Amid Mixed Brand Performance

Analyst Andrew Charles of TD Cowen maintained a Hold rating on Yum! Brands (YUM – Research Report), retaining the price target of $158.00.

Andrew Charles has given his Hold rating due to a combination of factors that reflect both positive and negative aspects of Yum! Brands’ performance. While Taco Bell has shown strong performance, particularly with its innovative approach and digital sales growth, Pizza Hut has not performed as well, and KFC’s results were more in line with expectations.
The analyst has adjusted the earnings per share estimates slightly upwards for 2025 and 2026, indicating some optimism about future growth. However, the mixed performance across different brands within the company suggests a cautious outlook, justifying the Hold rating. This balanced view considers the potential for growth in certain areas while acknowledging the challenges faced by others.

In another report released on April 22, Wells Fargo also maintained a Hold rating on the stock with a $160.00 price target.