Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac shares tumble after conservatorship comments
On Monday, Oppenheimer reaffirmed its positive stance on Yum! Brands stock (NYSE:YUM), maintaining an Outperform rating and a $185.00 price target. The firm’s analysts highlighted Yum! Brands’ ability to outperform the market, citing a 10% gain versus the S&P 500’s 6% decline year-to-date. The company, which is behind popular fast-food chains such as Taco Bell and KFC, is praised for its diversified global growth model, which analysts believe offers stability in a volatile market environment.
The research firm’s analysis suggests that Yum! Brands is well-positioned to achieve, and potentially exceed, its management’s targeted EBIT growth of over 8%. This confidence is partly due to Taco Bell’s strong same-store sales (SSS) momentum and anticipated improvements in KFC International’s performance. These two brands are significant contributors to Yum! Brands’ profitability, accounting for over 80% of its earnings. InvestingPro analysis shows the company maintains strong financial health with a 47.48% gross profit margin and has consistently raised dividends for 7 consecutive years, demonstrating operational excellence. Get access to 12+ additional InvestingPro Tips and comprehensive analysis with a subscription.
As the company approaches its first-quarter earnings report for 2025, set to be released on April 30, Oppenheimer expects Yum! Brands to deliver quarter results that align with forecasts. This projection stands in contrast to other restaurants that are seen as having riskier near-term projections.
The firm’s analysts have reiterated their $185 price target for Yum! Brands stock, signaling their belief in the company’s continued growth potential. The upcoming earnings report is anticipated to further demonstrate Yum! Brands’ resilience and ability to navigate the challenges of the current market landscape.
In other recent news, Yum! Brands has been highlighted in several key developments. Piper Sandler increased the company’s stock price target to $150, noting significant improvements in international same-store sales and emphasizing the importance of global unit growth trends. Meanwhile, TD Cowen maintained a Hold rating with a $164 target, citing the company’s asset-light business model and Taco Bell’s earnings contributions as strengths, but noting these factors are already reflected in the stock’s valuation. In a separate announcement, Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs plans to retire in the first quarter of 2026, prompting the board to initiate a succession planning process. Under Gibbs’ leadership, the company achieved over $30 billion in digital sales and significantly expanded its global presence. Additionally, a Bernstein report flagged Yum! Brands as vulnerable to deglobalization risks due to its substantial international exposure. This report also highlighted potential cost increases from tariffs and labor market challenges. As Yum! Brands navigates these developments, investors are keeping a close watch on its strategic moves and market performance.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.