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Yum Brands Inc (YUM) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Growth in Taco Bell and KFC ...

In This Article:

  • Core Operating Profit: Up 8%, driven by Taco Bell US and KFC International.

  • Taco Bell US Same-Store Sales: Increased by 9%.

  • Taco Bell US Operating Profit: Increased by 16%.

  • KFC International Same-Store Sales: Growth with low single-digit traffic increase.

  • KFC International Store Openings: 524 gross openings across 50+ countries.

  • KFC Division System Sales: Grew by 5%, with 6% unit growth and 2% same-store sales growth.

  • Pizza Hut System Sales: Declined by 3% in Q1.

  • Habit Burger & Grill System Sales: Growth was flat for the quarter.

  • Digital Sales: Increased by 12% year over year.

  • First Quarter System Sales Growth: 5%, driven by 3% same-store sales growth and 3% unit growth.

  • Ex-special EPS: $1.30.

  • Reported EPS: $0.90, including an unfavorable tax impact.

  • Net Capital Expenditures: $56 million.

  • Share Repurchase: Approximately 1.56 million shares for $228 million.

  • Net Leverage Ratio: Ended the quarter at 3.9 times.

  • New Store Openings: 751 new stores in Q1 across 68 countries.

Release Date: April 30, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Yum Brands Inc (NYSE:YUM) reported an 8% increase in core operating profit, driven by strong performances from Taco Bell US and KFC International.

  • Taco Bell US achieved a 9% increase in same-store sales, with significant expansion in consumer penetration and digital momentum.

  • KFC International posted strong same-store sales growth and brand perception gains, with 524 gross openings across over 50 countries.

  • The company's AI-powered digital platform, Byte by Yum!, is enhancing operational efficiency and consumer engagement, contributing to digital sales growth.

  • Yum Brands Inc (NYSE:YUM) announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA to accelerate AI technology development, positioning the company at the forefront of restaurant innovation.

Negative Points

  • Pizza Hut experienced a 3% decline in system sales, primarily due to disappointing same-store sales performance in the US.

  • The company faced strategic closures in Turkey and within Pizza Hut, impacting overall unit development.

  • Yum Brands Inc (NYSE:YUM) reported a $24 million special expense related to its resource optimization program and brand headquarters consolidation.

  • The macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, with geopolitical challenges potentially impacting international operations.

  • Despite strong performances from Taco Bell and KFC, the company faces intense competition and a challenging consumer environment in the US.