11:24 AM EST, 11/05/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Yum! Brands' ( YUM ) potential sale of Pizza Hut would be accretive to shareholder value, Oppenheimer said in a Tuesday research report.

The sale could drive pro forma unit growth to over 6%, eliminate a segment that has been a profit headwind and an overhang to the company valuation, as well as create more exposure to the Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell units, according to the note.

Taco Bell's same-store sales growth in Q3 and continued momentum in Q4 could push consensus estimates higher. Yum! Brands' ( YUM ) plan to acquire 128 franchised units in Q4 is expected to contribute 100 basis points to 2026 earnings before interest and taxes growth, analysts wrote.

KFC ( YUM ) maintains a solid unit growth as digital benefits continue to accrue across the enterprise. It also showcased sustained international same-store sale trends in recent quarters, the brokerage stated.

The company's Q3 earnings beat was driven by KFC ( YUM ), partially offset by lower profits at Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. The brokerage had a 2025 and 2026 EPS guidance of $6.13 and $6.78, respectively, but it sees further upside to the 2026 estimate.

Oppenheimer said it reiterated its outperform rating on the stock and a price target of $185 per share.

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