TD Cowen has upgraded Yum! Brands Inc (YUM) to a Buy rating from Hold, signaling a more favorable outlook on the company's future performance. This upgrade, effective November 16, 2025, comes as Yum! Brands continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the service restaurant industry, which includes well-known chains such as KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and The Habit Burger Grill.
Currently priced at $149.02, Yum! Brands boasts a market capitalization of $41.0 billion, with a P/E ratio of 28.31 and a dividend yield of 190.9%. The company operates approximately 61,000 restaurants in 155 countries and territories, employing 23,000 full-time staff. The upcoming earnings reports are anticipated on April 27, 2026, and August 2, 2026, with estimated EPS of $1.39 and $1.58, respectively.
The recent upgrade from TD Cowen reflects a shift in analyst sentiment, which may indicate improved fundamentals or a positive change in the company’s strategic direction. Analyst ratings, while informative, should be considered alongside a range of factors, including competitive positioning and broader industry trends. As of November 1, 2025, the consensus among analysts is a Buy, with 5 Strong Buy, 9 Buy, and 22 Hold ratings.
This update provides insight into the evolving perceptions of Yum! Brands, especially in light of recent earnings performance, which has shown variability. For instance, in Q3 2025, the company reported an EPS of $1.58, exceeding estimates by 5.2%. However, in previous quarters, results have occasionally missed expectations, highlighting the importance of ongoing performance monitoring.
Analyst views can fluctuate with new information, and different firms may present varying opinions on the same company. Investors should remain aware of these dynamics as they consider their strategies in the restaurant sector.