Yum! Brands Q1 EPS $1.50 Beats Estimates; Price Target Rises to $180
Yum! Brands delivered Q1 adjusted EPS of $1.50 and revenue of $2.06 billion, surpassing forecasts, driven by Taco Bell’s 8% same-store-sales gain and record 63% digital system sales. Morgan Stanley lifted its price target to $180 (14% upside) as KFC Division CEO sold 277 shares valued at $44,453.
1. Q1 Financial Results
Yum! Brands reported adjusted earnings of $1.50 per share and total revenue of $2.06 billion in the first quarter, exceeding consensus estimates. Growth was fueled by an 8% rise in Taco Bell same-store sales and a record 63% of system sales coming through digital channels.
2. Analyst Price Target Revision
Morgan Stanley raised its price target for Yum! Brands to $180 from $176, reflecting an implied upside of roughly 14% based on recent share prices. The firm maintained an Equal-Weight rating, citing balanced growth prospects across the company’s major brands.
3. Insider Sale Details
Mezvinsky Scott, CEO of the KFC Division, sold all 277 of his Yum! Brands shares on May 1 for a total of $44,453. This transaction leaves the executive with no remaining holdings in the company despite strong KFC performance.