Cautiously Optimistic Analyst Sentiment on Yum! Brands (YUM) Amid Leadership Changes

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) is one of the best restaurant stocks to buy now.

As of January 6, 2026, roughly 41% of analysts are positive on Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) with a median price target of $164.00. The median price target translates into an upside potential of 9.10%. The cautiously optimistic analyst sentiment surrounds the stock amid expectations that strategic actions under the company’s new leadership may unlock incremental shareholder value despite short-term uneven growth across brands.

Among the most recent analyst activity, Oppenheimer analyst Brian Bittner downgraded the stock to Perform from Outperform this week, according to The Fly. The analyst cited the valuation as fair, given the stock’s strong performance in 2025, leading to the downgrade.

Separately, a key decision by the new leadership was made in November. According to the company’s press release, a formal review of strategic options for Pizza Hut will be initiated. The decision aims to help Pizza Hut, Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM)’s most challenged global brand, to reach its full potential and maximize value for shareholders. Management admitted that parts of the turnaround may be “better executed outside of Yum! Brands.” The seriousness of the review is evident through the appointment of Goldman Sachs and Barclays, two of the biggest investment banks, as financial advisors. Management emphasized that no timeline for the completion of the review has been set.

Following the announcement, the analyst commentary has reflected a more constructive, yet balanced, view. Stifel revisited Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) on December 9, reiterating its “Hold” rating with a $160.00 price target. The firm believes that the Pizza Hut divestment could ease a key underperformance risk and improve growth visibility. Though this would come at the cost of lower absolute earnings, the firm noted. Meanwhile, Piper Sandler, which holds a “Neutral” stance and a $158 price target, cautions that much of the valuation upside from a potential divestment may already be incorporated in the current valuation.

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), a global fast-food leader, operates KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and The Habit Burger Grill. The vast franchise network spans more than 155 countries worldwide.

While we acknowledge the potential of YUM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 7 Best Rising Tech Stocks to Buy Now and 12 Best Multibagger Stocks to Buy Heading into 2026.

Disclosure: None.