12:20 PM EDT, 04/30/2026 (MT Newswires) -- CFRA, an independent research provider, has provided MT Newswires with the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

We raise our price target by $3 to $180, representing an unchanged 26x multiple on our 2026 EPS view and a premium to shares' 25x five-year average forward multiple. We raise our 2026 EPS estimate to $6.91 from $6.80 and 2027's to $7.73 from $7.60. After Q1 results that beat estimates, we reiterate our Strong Buy opinion. YUM saw strong system sales growth (+6%) driven by KFC ( YUM ) (+2% comps) and Taco Bell (+8% comps), highlighting its "Raise The Bar" strategy focused on winning the future consumer through menu innovation, strong value perception, and consumer insights. Unit economics remain strong with KFC ( YUM ) margins expanding 70 basis points to 43.6%, reflecting operational efficiency and favorable cost dynamics. Taco Bell margins of 35.2% remain industry-leading despite investments in growth. Strong unit economics, combined with 8.2% net unit growth (402 net new stores in Q1), support long-term guidance of 7% system sales growth and 8% core operating profit growth.