Earnings Releases·Nov 3, 2026, 8:07 AM ET

Yum! Brands — Third Quarter 2026 Earnings Summary

GAAP EPS surged 319% year-over-year to $5.92 for the quarter and 188% to $10.51 year-to-date, driven by a $1.7 billion pre-tax gain from Pizza Hut divestitures; Core Operating Profit grew 1% for the quarter and 6% year-to-date.
The company completed the sale of Pizza Hut to Yum China and LongRange Capital, reducing long-term debt to $9.459 billion while returning $1.8 billion to shareholders via $1.2 billion in share repurchases and $616 million in dividends.
Segment performance showed KFC leading with 7% global unit growth and 6% system sales growth, while Taco Bell reported a 4% decline in same-store sales for the quarter despite U.S. outpacing industry growth since late September; Habit Burger & Grill posted a $1 million GAAP operating loss.
Management reaffirmed long-term targets of 5% unit growth, 7% system sales growth, and at least 8% Core Operating Profit growth, citing confidence in future earnings and the "next chapter of growth" following the divestiture.