Yum Brands (YUM) Q1 2026 earnings
CNBC • • business
Key Points:
- Yum Brands reported first-quarter earnings per share of $1.50 adjusted, surpassing analysts' expectations of $1.38, with revenue of $2.06 billion beating the $2.04 billion forecast.
- Net income rose to $432 million, or $1.55 per share, compared to $253 million, or 90 cents per share, a year earlier, driven by a 15% increase in net sales primarily from company-owned restaurants.
- Taco Bell led the growth with an 8% same-store sales increase, outperforming the expected 5.6%, while KFC's same-store sales grew 2% globally but declined 2% in the U.S. due to competitive pressures.
- Pizza Hut's global same-store sales were flat, with a 2% increase internationally but a 4% decline in the U.S.; Yum continues to explore strategic options for the struggling brand amid interest from private equity firms.
- Yum CEO Chris Turner highlighted Taco Bell's strong performance as a key driver of growth, and KFC is adopting innovation and affordability strategies to regain market share.
