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Yum! Brands' (YUM) KFC Hits 30,000 Global Restaurants Milestone

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Yum! Brands Inc. (YUM - Free Report) is on a trajectory of remarkable growth as its flagship brand, KFC, reaches a significant milestone with the inauguration of its 30,000th restaurant in Rome, Italy. This achievement underscores KFC's relentless global expansion efforts since its inception in 1952. With an average opening of one restaurant every 3.5 hours worldwide, KFC's presence spans across 149 countries and plans to enter its 150th later this year.

The strategic expansion solidifies KFC's position as the fastest-growing retail brand and propels YUM to new heights. As the parent company, YUM benefits from KFC's unparalleled global footprint, accounting for 50% of its divisional operating profit. The surge in KFC's net-new unit growth, particularly in India and Latin America, underscores its robust financial performance and promising future prospects.

To sustain its growth momentum, KFC remains committed to fostering an inclusive, people-first culture and enhancing customer experiences through digital investments and innovative menus. With a focus on accessibility and sustainability, KFC's expansion aligns with YUM's overarching goals of driving shareholder value and sustainable long-term growth.

Moreover, KFC's partnership with local communities, exemplified by its food donation and upskilling programs in Italy, enhances its brand reputation and strengthens its social impact. With plans to open 25+ new KFCs across Italy, the brand's commitment to local communities underscores its dedication to responsible business practices.

In conclusion, YUM's investment in KFC's global expansion showcases its commitment to delivering shareholder value through strategic growth initiatives and responsible corporate citizenship. As KFC continues to scale and innovate, YUM stands poised for sustained success in the dynamic global restaurant industry.

In the past year, shares of the company have gained 11.1% compared with the industry’s growth of 11.5%.

Zacks Investment Research
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Zacks Rank & Key Picks

YUM currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks from the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector are:

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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EAT’s 2024 sales and earnings per share (EPS) suggests an increase of 4.9% and 30.4%, respectively, from the year-ago levels.

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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for YUMC’s 2024 sales and EPS indicates 8.7% and 9.5% growth, respectively, from the year-ago levels.

Shake Shack Inc. (SHAK - Free Report) currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. It has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 92.6%, on average. The stock has rallied 82.9% in the past year.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SHAK’s 2024 sales and EPS suggests a rise of 14.6% and 91.9%, respectively, from the year-ago levels.

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