Yum! Brands upgraded to Overweight from Neutral at JPMorgan

JPMorgan analyst John Ivankoe upgraded Yum! Brands (YUM) to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $162, down from $170. The firm cites the company’s “sustained” 4% unit growth, “strong” free cash flow generation, and pulled back valuation for the upgrade. Yum’s new CEO is likely to continue the company’s technology focus to drive franchisee returns, the analyst tells investors in a research note. JPMorgan expects “high returning” Taco Bell to grow 4% globally and 3% in the U.S.