Is YUM a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 38.5/100. It is ranked #2,310 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 25/100, Value 44/100, Momentum 44/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for YUM?

YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 38.5 ranks it #2,310 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is YUM in?

YUM BRANDS INC operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector (Restaurants, Hotels, Motels industry) with a market cap of $42.49 billion. It is classified as a large-cap stock.

Does YUM pay a dividend?

Yes, YUM pays a dividend with a current yield of 1.84%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $18.40 in annual dividend income.

What is YUM's P/E ratio?

YUM has a trailing P/E ratio of 27.80x. The Consumer Discretionary sector average is 24.5x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is YUM?

YUM's quality factor score is 25/100. Gross margin: 69.6%. ROE: -25.0% vs sector average 6.2%. High margins suggest pricing power and competitive moats.

How is YUM valued compared to peers?

YUM's value factor score is 44/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 27.8x, EV/EBITDA 16.4x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is YUM's debt level?

YUM's debt-to-equity ratio is -154%. Sector average: 89%. Low leverage suggests conservative financial management.

YUM has a beta of 0.32, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 92/100.

Does YUM have high short interest?

YUM's short interest factor score is 19/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

YUM Stock Analysis: Reduce (Score 38.5/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
YUM	+0.60%	+3.63%	+1.61%	+6.93%	+11.18%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLY	+0.13%	+4.38%	-1.35%	-5.46%	-39.92%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	+0.67%	+0.03%	+1.27%	+7.29%	-18.35%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+0.47%	-0.75%	+2.96%	+12.39%	+51.10%	-	-	-

Metric	YUM	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	27.8x	+14%
EV/EBITDA	16.4x	+234%
Price / Book	-7.0x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CASY CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC	57	50	68	67	42.2x	16.9%	24.0%	3.8%	0.3%	123.0x	$27.2B	VS
TGT TARGET CORP	53	50	70	56	16.2x	20.7%	28.4%	3.4%	-0.7%	89.0x	$54.5B	VS
APEI AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION INC	53	49	58	72	78.3x	4.6%	52.8%	2.1%	6.8%	32.0x	$1.1B	VS
LINC LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP	52	50	48	75	116.7x	5.6%	59.2%	2.3%	37.4%	147.0x	$1.3B	VS
FIVE FIVE BELOW, INC	52	50	56	73	105.5x	5.4%	32.5%	3.1%	26.5%	125.0x	$13.0B	VS
IMKTA INGLES MARKETS INC	51	50	51	62	17.4x	6.2%	23.9%	1.9%	0.4%	57.0x	$1.7B	VS
PRDO PERDOCEO EDUCATION Corp	51	50	70	57	14.2x	16.7%	100.0%	20.4%	27.1%	28.0x	$2.4B	VS
MCRI MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC	51	50	66	47	16.7x	19.7%	24.5%	19.4%	11.5%	33.0x	$1.7B	VS
FCFS FirstCash Holdings, Inc.	49	50	29	66	34.7x	10.8%	50.2%	8.0%	26.6%	98.0x	$8.4B	VS
ESCA ESCALADE INC	48	50	65	51	15.2x	9.0%	26.1%	6.2%	8.4%	11.0x	$249M	VS
YUM YUM BRANDS INC	39	25	44	44	27.8x	-25.0%	69.6%	18.7%	37.7%	-154.0x	$42.5B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.5%	0.4%
Operating Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.4%	0.3%	0.4%
EBITDA Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.4%	0.4%	0.3%	0.5%
Net Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.0%	0.3%
FCF Margin %	-1.9%	-	-	-	-	-	20.3%	20.0%	16.6%	12.1%	25.9%
ROE %	-0.3%	-0.2%	-19.4%	-20.3%	-14.9%	-18.8%	-11.5%	-15.6%	-19.5%	-44.8%	-28.8%
ROA %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%	0.4%	0.5%	0.3%
ROIC %	0.6%	0.6%	-	-	-	-	56.4%	42.4%	63.5%	112.3%	36.8%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.7%

0.5%

0.4%

Operating Margin %

0.3%

0.4%

0.3%

0.4%

EBITDA Margin %

0.3%

0.4%

0.3%

0.5%

Net Margin %

0.2%

0.3%

0.0%

0.3%

FCF Margin %

-1.9%

20.3%

20.0%

16.6%

12.1%

25.9%

ROE %

-0.3%

-0.2%

-19.4%

-20.3%

-14.9%

-18.8%

-11.5%

-15.6%

-19.5%

-44.8%

-28.8%

ROA %

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

0.4%

0.5%

0.3%

ROIC %

0.6%

56.4%

42.4%

63.5%

112.3%

36.8%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$8.2B	$8.2B	$7.5B	$7.1B	$6.8B	$6.6B	$5.7B	$5.6B	$5.7B	$5.9B	$6.4B	$6.4B
	—	$2.5B	$2.1B	$1.8B	$1.7B	$1.7B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$4.0B	$5.7B	$5.4B	$5.3B	$5.1B	$4.9B	$4.0B	$4.4B	$4.1B	$2.7B	$2.7B	$6.4B
Gross Margin	69.6%	69.8%	71.9%	74.9%	74.5%	73.8%	70.8%	74.7%	71.3%	49.7%	41.9%	100.0%
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$146M	$112M	$137M	$253M	$620M	$644M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$3.2B	$3.0B	$3.0B	$2.9B	$2.7B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$1.8B	$2.6B	$2.4B	$2.3B	$2.2B	$2.1B	$1.5B	$1.9B	$2.3B	$3.8B	$1.6B	$4.9B
EBIT	$1.8B	$2.6B	$2.4B	$2.3B	$2.2B	$2.1B	$1.5B	$1.9B	$2.3B	$3.8B	$1.6B	$4.9B
EBITDA	$2.6B	$2.6B	$2.4B	$2.3B	$2.2B	$2.1B	$1.6B	$2.0B	$2.4B	$1.9B	$3.4B	$5.5B
Operating Margin	31.5%	31.3%	31.8%	32.8%	32.0%	32.5%	26.6%	34.5%	40.4%	28.5%	44.5%	76.8%
EBITDA Margin	32.2%	33.9%	31.8%	32.8%	32.0%	32.5%	28.9%	36.4%	42.5%	32.0%	53.7%	86.2%
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$543M	$486M	$452M	$890M	$307M	$275M
	—	$2.1B	$1.9B	$1.8B	$1.7B	$1.7B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$518M	$414M	$221M	$337M	$99M	$116M	$79M	$297M	$0	$324M	$0
	$1.6B	$1.6B	$1.5B	$1.6B	$1.3B	$1.6B	$904M	$1.3B	$1.5B	$2.8B	$1.6B	$5.0B
Net Margin	18.7%	19.0%	19.7%	22.6%	19.4%	23.9%	16.0%	23.1%	27.1%	4.3%	34.4%	77.5%
	$1.91	$5.59	$5.28	$5.68	$4.63	$5.30	$2.99	$4.23	$4.80	$7.72	$4.11	$5.90
Diluted EPS	$1.91	$5.55	$5.22	$5.59	$4.57	$5.21	$2.99	$4.23	$4.80	$7.72	$4.11	$5.90
Weighted Avg Basic	—	279M	282M	281M	286M	297M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	281M	285M	285M	290M	302M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$8.2B

$7.5B

$7.1B

$6.8B

$6.6B

$5.7B

$5.6B

$5.7B

$5.9B

$6.4B

—

$2.5B

$2.1B

$1.8B

$1.7B

—

$4.0B

$5.7B

$5.4B

$5.3B

$5.1B

$4.9B

$4.0B

$4.4B

$4.1B

$2.7B

$6.4B

Gross Margin

69.6%

69.8%

71.9%

74.9%

74.5%

73.8%

70.8%

74.7%

71.3%

49.7%

41.9%

100.0%

—

$146M

$112M

$137M

$253M

$620M

$644M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$3.2B

$3.0B

$2.9B

$2.7B

—

$1.8B

$2.6B

$2.4B

$2.3B

$2.2B

$2.1B

$1.5B

$1.9B

$2.3B

$3.8B

$1.6B

$4.9B

EBIT

$1.8B

$2.6B

$2.4B

$2.3B

$2.2B

$2.1B

$1.5B

$1.9B

$2.3B

$3.8B

$1.6B

$4.9B

EBITDA

$2.6B

$2.4B

$2.3B

$2.2B

$2.1B

$1.6B

$2.0B

$2.4B

$1.9B

$3.4B

$5.5B

Operating Margin

31.5%

31.3%

31.8%

32.8%

32.0%

32.5%

26.6%

34.5%

40.4%

28.5%

44.5%

76.8%

EBITDA Margin

32.2%

33.9%

31.8%

32.8%

32.0%

32.5%

28.9%

36.4%

42.5%

32.0%

53.7%

86.2%

—

$543M

$486M

$452M

$890M

$307M

$275M

—

$2.1B

$1.9B

$1.8B

$1.7B

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$518M

$414M

$221M

$337M

$99M

$116M

$79M

$297M

$324M

$1.6B

$1.5B

$1.6B

$1.3B

$1.6B

$904M

$1.3B

$1.5B

$2.8B

$1.6B

$5.0B

Net Margin

18.7%

19.0%

19.7%

22.6%

19.4%

23.9%

16.0%

23.1%

27.1%

4.3%

34.4%

77.5%

$1.91

$5.59

$5.28

$5.68

$4.63

$5.30

$2.99

$4.23

$4.80

$7.72

$4.11

$5.90

Diluted EPS

$1.91

$5.55

$5.22

$5.59

$4.57

$5.21

$2.99

$4.23

$4.80

$7.72

$4.11

$5.90

Weighted Avg Basic

—

279M

282M

281M

286M

297M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

281M

285M

290M

302M

—

YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does YUM BRANDS INC Do?

YUM! Brands, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. It operates through four segments: the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division. The company operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products. As of December 31, 2021, it had 26,934 KFC units; 18,381 Pizza Hut units; 7,791 Taco Bell units; and 318 The Habit Burger Grill units in approximately 157 countries and territories. The company was formerly known as TRICON Global Restaurants, Inc. and changed its name to YUM! Brands, Inc. in May 2002. YUM! Brands, Inc. was incorporated in 1997 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) is classified as a large-cap stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically within the Restaurants, Hotels, Motels industry. The company is led by CEO David W. Gibbs and employs approximately 36,000 people, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. With a market capitalization of $42.5B, YUM is one of the prominent companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, YUM BRANDS INC receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 38.5/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.YUM ranks #2,310 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, YUM BRANDS INC ranks #228 of 442 stocks, placing it in the lower half of its Consumer Discretionary peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

YUM Stock Price and 52-Week Range

YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) currently trades at $161.76. The stock gained $0.97 (0.6%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for YUM is $169.39, which means the stock is currently trading -4.5% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $137.33, putting the stock 17.8% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 1.5M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.

Is YUM Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) carries a value factor score of 44/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 27.80x, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 24.47x — a premium of 14%. The price-to-sales ratio is 5.28x, compared to 0.27x for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. On an enterprise value basis, YUM trades at 16.40x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.91x for the sector.

Overall, YUM's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

YUM BRANDS INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) earns a quality factor score of 25/100, signaling below-average profitability metrics relative to the broader market. The return on equity (ROE) is -25.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 6.2%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 19.0% versus the sector average of 2.5%.

On a margin basis, YUM BRANDS INC reports gross margins of 69.6%, compared to 36.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 31.5% (sector: 3.8%). Net profit margin stands at 18.7%, versus 2.1% for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. Revenue growth is running at 37.7% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.3% for the sector. Profitability is below benchmark levels, which may reflect industry headwinds, elevated reinvestment, or structural challenges.

YUM Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

YUM BRANDS INC has a debt-to-equity ratio of -154.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 89.0%. The low leverage indicates a conservative balance sheet with significant financial flexibility. The current ratio is 1.35x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $11.55B. Cash and equivalents stand at $709M.

YUM has a beta of 0.32, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for YUM BRANDS INC is 92/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

YUM BRANDS INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, YUM BRANDS INC reported revenue of $8.21B and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.91. Net income for the quarter was $1.56B. Gross margin was 69.6%. Operating income came in at $1.84B.

In Q4 2025, YUM BRANDS INC reported revenue of $2.52B. Net income for the quarter was $535M. Gross margin was 66.3%.

In FY 2025, YUM BRANDS INC reported revenue of $8.21B and earnings per share (EPS) of $5.59. Net income for the quarter was $1.56B. Gross margin was 69.8%. Operating income came in at $2.57B.

In Q3 2025, YUM BRANDS INC reported revenue of $1.98B and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.42. Net income for the quarter was $397M. Gross margin was 70.3%. Operating income came in at $666M.

Over the past 8 quarters, YUM BRANDS INC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $7.91B to $8.21B. Investors analyzing YUM stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

YUM Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) currently pays a dividend yield of 1.8%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in YUM stock would generate approximately $$184.00 in annual dividend income. With a net margin of 18.7%, the dividend appears well-covered by earnings, suggesting sustainable payouts going forward.

YUM Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) has a momentum factor score of 44/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 23/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 19/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

YUM vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) ranks #228 out of 442 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places YUM in the lower half of all Consumer Discretionary stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC (MCRI) with a score of 50.5/100, CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC (CASY) with a score of 57.3/100, INGLES MARKETS INC (IMKTA) with a score of 51.0/100, FIVE BELOW, INC (FIVE) with a score of 51.6/100, and TARGET CORP (TGT) with a score of 52.6/100.

Comparing YUM against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full YUM vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how YUM BRANDS INC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

YUM Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy YUM? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for YUM BRANDS INC suggests caution. The quality score of 25/100 flags below-average profitability. Low volatility (stability score 92/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 38.5/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on YUM stock.

Related Resources for YUM Investors

Explore more research and tools: YUM vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Discretionary stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare YUM head-to-head with peers: YUM vs MCRI, YUM vs CASY, YUM vs IMKTA.

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YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does YUM BRANDS INC Do?

YUM BRANDS INC (YUM) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

YUM Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is YUM Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

YUM BRANDS INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

YUM Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

YUM BRANDS INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

YUM Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

YUM Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

YUM vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

YUM Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy YUM? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for YUM Investors

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