Is YUMC a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 50.1/100. It is ranked #1,066 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 68/100, Momentum 48/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for YUMC?

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 50.1 ranks it #1,066 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is YUMC in?

Yum China Holdings, Inc. operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector (Restaurants, Hotels, Motels industry) with a market cap of $17.25 billion. It is classified as a large-cap stock.

Does YUMC pay a dividend?

Yes, YUMC pays a dividend with a current yield of 2.05%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $20.50 in annual dividend income.

What is YUMC's P/E ratio?

YUMC has a trailing P/E ratio of 14.40x. The Consumer Discretionary sector average is 24.5x. This below-average P/E may indicate the stock is undervalued.

How profitable is YUMC?

YUMC's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 21.5%. ROE: 19.2% vs sector average 6.2%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is YUMC valued compared to peers?

YUMC's value factor score is 68/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 14.4x, EV/EBITDA 11.4x. The stock appears attractively valued versus peers.

What is YUMC's debt level?

YUMC's debt-to-equity ratio is 77%. Sector average: 89%. Moderate leverage is normal for established companies.

YUMC has a beta of 0.40, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 77/100.

Does YUMC have high short interest?

YUMC's short interest factor score is 26/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

YUMC Stock Analysis: Hold (Score 50.1/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
YUMC	-0.80%	+1.16%	-6.34%	+4.23%	+11.02%	-	-	-
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	-0.73%	-2.44%	-6.68%	+4.59%	-18.50%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-0.93%	-3.22%	-4.99%	+9.69%	+50.94%	-	-	-

Metric	YUMC	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	14.4x	-41%
EV/EBITDA	11.4x	+133%
Price / Book	2.8x

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
YUMC Yum China Holdings, Inc.	50	50	68	48	14.4x	19.2%	21.5%	9.7%	19.7%	77.0x	$17.2B
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

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.2%	-	0.2%	-	-	-	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%
Net Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	9.5%	-	6.3%	-	-	-	8.4%	8.5%	10.3%	6.0%	6.1%
ROE %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%
ROA %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%
ROIC %	21.2%	16.7%	17.9%	12.3%	7.0%	13.8%	15.0%	35.0%	46.3%	35.4%	33.0%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.2%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

Net Margin %

0.1%

FCF Margin %

9.5%

6.3%

8.4%

8.5%

10.3%

6.0%

6.1%

ROE %

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

ROA %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

ROIC %

21.2%

16.7%

17.9%

12.3%

7.0%

13.8%

15.0%

35.0%

46.3%

35.4%

33.0%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$12.0B	$11.8B	$11.3B	$11.0B	$9.6B	$9.9B	$8.3B	$8.8B	$8.4B	$7.8B	$7.1B	$6.9B
	—	—	$2.3B	—	—	—	$1.3B	$1.4B	$1.3B	$1.3B	$1.1B	$908M
Gross Margin	21.5%	---	20.6%	---	---	---	15.3%	16.0%	15.6%	16.5%	15.5%	13.1%
	—	$8M	—	$6M	$6M	$6M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Depreciation	—	$438M	$476M	$442M	$497M	$465M	$450M	$428M	$445M	$409M	$402M	$425M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$10.5B	—	$9.9B	$8.9B	$8.5B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$1.5B	$1.3B	$1.2B	$1.1B	$629M	$1.4B	$961M	$901M	$941M	$778M	$634M	$488M
EBIT	$1.2B	$1.3B	$1.2B	$1.1B	$629M	$1.4B	$961M	$901M	$941M	$778M	$634M	$488M
EBITDA	$1.5B	$1.7B	$1.6B	$1.5B	$1.1B	$1.9B	$1.4B	$1.3B	$1.4B	$1.2B	$1.1B	$913M
Operating Margin	12.2%	10.9%	10.3%	10.1%	6.6%	14.1%	11.6%	10.3%	11.2%	10.0%	9.0%	7.1%
EBITDA Margin	12.2%	14.6%	14.5%	14.1%	11.8%	18.8%	17.1%	15.1%	16.5%	15.3%	14.9%	13.2%
	—	—	-$129M	—	—	—	-$43M	-$39M	-$36M	-$25M	-$11M	-$8M
	—	$1.4B	—	$1.2B	$687M	$1.4B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$369M	$356M	$329M	$207M	$369M	$295M	$260M	$214M	$379M	$156M	$168M
	$1.2B	$1.0B	$980M	$901M	$478M	$1.0B	$813M	$743M	$736M	$424M	$510M	$328M
Net Margin	9.7%	8.5%	8.7%	8.2%	5.0%	10.4%	9.8%	8.5%	8.8%	5.5%	7.2%	4.8%
	$2.52	$2.52	$2.34	$1.99	$1.05	$2.34	$2.01	$1.89	$1.84	$1.03	$1.35	$0.89
Diluted EPS	$2.52	$2.51	$2.34	$1.97	$1.04	$2.28	$2.01	$1.89	$1.84	$1.03	$1.35	$0.89
Weighted Avg Basic	—	369M	—	416M	421M	422M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	371M	—	420M	425M	434M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$12.0B

$11.8B

$11.3B

$11.0B

$9.6B

$9.9B

$8.3B

$8.8B

$8.4B

$7.8B

$7.1B

$6.9B

—

$2.3B

—

$1.3B

$1.4B

$1.3B

$1.1B

$908M

Gross Margin

21.5%

---

20.6%

---

15.3%

16.0%

15.6%

16.5%

15.5%

13.1%

—

$8M

—

$6M

—

Depreciation

—

$438M

$476M

$442M

$497M

$465M

$450M

$428M

$445M

$409M

$402M

$425M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$10.5B

—

$9.9B

$8.9B

$8.5B

—

$1.5B

$1.3B

$1.2B

$1.1B

$629M

$1.4B

$961M

$901M

$941M

$778M

$634M

$488M

EBIT

$1.2B

$1.3B

$1.2B

$1.1B

$629M

$1.4B

$961M

$901M

$941M

$778M

$634M

$488M

EBITDA

$1.5B

$1.7B

$1.6B

$1.5B

$1.1B

$1.9B

$1.4B

$1.3B

$1.4B

$1.2B

$1.1B

$913M

Operating Margin

12.2%

10.9%

10.3%

10.1%

6.6%

14.1%

11.6%

10.3%

11.2%

10.0%

9.0%

7.1%

EBITDA Margin

12.2%

14.6%

14.5%

14.1%

11.8%

18.8%

17.1%

15.1%

16.5%

15.3%

14.9%

13.2%

—

-$129M

—

-$43M

-$39M

-$36M

-$25M

-$11M

-$8M

—

$1.4B

—

$1.2B

$687M

$1.4B

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$369M

$356M

$329M

$207M

$369M

$295M

$260M

$214M

$379M

$156M

$168M

$1.2B

$1.0B

$980M

$901M

$478M

$1.0B

$813M

$743M

$736M

$424M

$510M

$328M

Net Margin

9.7%

8.5%

8.7%

8.2%

5.0%

10.4%

9.8%

8.5%

8.8%

5.5%

7.2%

4.8%

$2.52

$2.34

$1.99

$1.05

$2.34

$2.01

$1.89

$1.84

$1.03

$1.35

$0.89

Diluted EPS

$2.52

$2.51

$2.34

$1.97

$1.04

$2.28

$2.01

$1.89

$1.84

$1.03

$1.35

$0.89

Weighted Avg Basic

—

369M

—

416M

421M

422M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

371M

—

420M

425M

434M

—

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does Yum China Holdings, Inc. Do?

Yum China Holdings, Inc. owns, operates, and franchises restaurants in China. The company operates through two segments, KFC and Pizza Hut. It operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Little Sheep, Huang Ji Huang, Lavazza, COFFii & JOY, Taco Bell, and East Dawning brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, hot pot cooking, simmer pot, Italian coffee, specialty coffee, Mexican-style food, and Chinese food categories. The company also operates V-Gold Mall, a mobile e-commerce platform, which sells electronics, home and kitchen accessories, and other general merchandise, as well as fried rice, steak, pasta and other ready meals, and coffee capsules. In addition, it operates franchise restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Huang Ji Huang, Taco Bell, Little Sheep, East Dawning, Lavazza, and COFFii & JOY names. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 11,788 restaurants in approximately 1,600 cities. Yum China Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 2016 and is headquartered in Shanghai, China. Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) 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 Joey Wat and employs approximately 450,000 people, headquartered in PLANO, Texas. With a market capitalization of $17.2B, YUMC is one of the prominent companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, Yum China Holdings, Inc. receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 50.1/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.YUMC ranks #1,066 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, Yum China Holdings, Inc. ranks #79 of 442 stocks, placing it in the top quartile 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%).

YUMC Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) currently trades at $49.76. The stock lost $0.40 (0.8%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for YUMC is $58.39, which means the stock is currently trading -14.8% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $41.00, putting the stock 21.4% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 2.0M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.

Is YUMC Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) carries a value factor score of 68/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 14.40x, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 24.47x — a discount of 41%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 2.76x, versus the sector average of 1.99x. The price-to-sales ratio is 1.40x, compared to 0.27x for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. On an enterprise value basis, YUMC trades at 11.43x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.91x for the sector. The EV/EBIT multiple is 14.56x.

Overall, YUMC'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 China Holdings, Inc. Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 19.2%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 6.2%, which is within a healthy range. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 10.8% versus the sector average of 2.5%.

On a margin basis, Yum China Holdings, Inc. reports gross margins of 21.5%, compared to 36.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 12.2% (sector: 3.8%). Net profit margin stands at 9.7%, versus 2.1% for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. Revenue growth is running at 19.7% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.3% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

YUMC Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

Yum China Holdings, Inc. has a debt-to-equity ratio of 77.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 89.0%. Leverage is within a manageable range for the industry, though investors should monitor debt trends over time. The current ratio is 1.05x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $29M. Cash and equivalents stand at $648M.

YUMC has a beta of 0.40, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for Yum China Holdings, Inc. is 77/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

Yum China Holdings, Inc. Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, Yum China Holdings, Inc. reported revenue of $12.04B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.52. Net income for the quarter was $1.17B. Gross margin was 21.5%. Operating income came in at $1.47B.

In FY 2025, Yum China Holdings, Inc. reported revenue of $11.80B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.52. Net income for the quarter was $1.00B. Revenue grew 4.4% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $1.29B.

In Q3 2025, Yum China Holdings, Inc. reported revenue of $3.21B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.76. Net income for the quarter was $305M. Revenue grew 4.4% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $400M.

In Q2 2025, Yum China Holdings, Inc. reported revenue of $2.79B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.58. Net income for the quarter was $233M. Revenue grew 4.0% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $304M.

Over the past 8 quarters, Yum China Holdings, Inc. has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $2.68B to $12.04B. Investors analyzing YUMC stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

YUMC Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) currently pays a dividend yield of 2.1%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in YUMC stock would generate approximately $$205.00 in annual dividend income. The net margin of 9.7% provides reasonable coverage for the dividend, though investors should monitor payout sustainability.

YUMC Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) has a momentum factor score of 48/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 26/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 26/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

YUMC vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) ranks #79 out of 442 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places YUMC in the top quartile 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 YUMC against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full YUMC vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how Yum China Holdings, Inc. stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

YUMC Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy YUMC? — Investment Thesis Summary

Yum China Holdings, Inc. presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. The value score of 68/100 suggests attractive pricing relative to fundamentals. Low volatility (stability score 77/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 50.1/100 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 YUMC stock.

Related Resources for YUMC Investors

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

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Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does Yum China Holdings, Inc. Do?

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

YUMC Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is YUMC Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

Yum China Holdings, Inc. Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

YUMC Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

Yum China Holdings, Inc. Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

YUMC Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

YUMC Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

YUMC vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

YUMC Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy YUMC? — Investment Thesis Summary

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