UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
| ☒ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES | ||||||||||
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended | December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||
| OR | |||||||||||
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||||||||
For the transition period from ____________ to _________________
Commission file number 1-13163
YUM! BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| North Carolina | 13-3951308 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |||||||||||||||||||
| incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1441 Gardiner Lane, | Louisville, | Kentucky | 40213 | |||||||||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: | (502) | 874-8300 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | |||||||||||
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | |||||||||
| Common Stock, no par value | YUM | New York Stock Exchange | |||||||||
| Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: | |||||||||||
| None | |||||||||||
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large Accelerated Filer | ☒ | Accelerated Filer | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Non-accelerated Filer | ☐ | Smaller Reporting Company | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Emerging Growth Company | ☐ | |||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the voting stock (which consists solely of shares of Common Stock) held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2025, computed by reference to the closing price of the registrant’s Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on such date was approximately $41 billion. All executive officers and directors of the registrant have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be “affiliates” of the registrant. The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock as of February 17, 2026, was 276,430,130 shares.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the definitive proxy statement furnished to shareholders of the registrant in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 14, 2026, are incorporated by reference into Part III.
Forward-Looking Statements
In this Form 10-K, as well as in other written reports and oral statements, we present “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend all forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and we are including this statement for purposes of complying with those safe harbor provisions.
Forward-looking statements can be generally identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as “expect,” “expectation,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “could,” “intend,” “belief,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “predict,” “likely,” “seek,” “project,” “model,” “ongoing,” “will,” “should,” “forecast,” “outlook” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on and reflect our current expectations, estimates, assumptions and/or projections, our perception of historical trends and current conditions, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances. Forward-looking statements are neither predictions nor guarantees of future events, circumstances or performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. There can be no assurance that our expectations, estimates, assumptions and/or projections will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from our expectations, estimates, assumptions, projections and/or forward-looking statements include (i) the risks and uncertainties described in the Risk Factors included in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K and (ii) the factors described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are only made as of the date of this Form 10-K and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
2
PART I
| Item 1. | Business. | ||||
Yum! Brands, Inc. (referred to herein as “YUM”, the “Registrant” or the “Company”), was incorporated under the laws of the state of North Carolina in 1997. The principal executive offices of YUM are located at 1441 Gardiner Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40213, and the telephone number at that location is (502) 874-8300. Our website address is https://www.yum.com.
YUM, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to in this Form 10-K annual report (“Form 10-K”) as the Company. The terms “we,” “us” and “our” are also used in the Form 10-K to refer to the Company. Throughout this Form 10-K, the terms “restaurants,” “stores” and “units” are used interchangeably. While YUM does not directly own or operate any restaurants, throughout this document we may refer to restaurants that are owned or operated by our subsidiaries as being Company-owned.
Overview of Business
YUM has over 63,000 restaurants in 155 countries and territories primarily operating under the four concepts of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill (the “Concepts”). The Company’s KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the chicken, Mexican-inspired food and pizza categories, respectively. Habit Burger & Grill is a fast-casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. At December 31, 2025, 97% of our Concepts’ units are operated by independent franchisees or licensees under the terms of franchise or license agreements. The terms franchise or franchisee within this Form 10-K are meant to describe third parties that operate units under either franchise or license agreements.
In 2025, we began a review of strategic options for the Pizza Hut brand. The objective of the review is to create value for YUM, Pizza Hut and its franchise partners by determining the optimal approach to best capitalize on Pizza Hut's structural advantages — strong brand equity, experienced franchise partners and meaningful scale — in the highly fragmented pizza market. We currently intend to complete this strategic options review in 2026, and there can be no assurance this review will result in any specific outcome or transaction.
The following is a brief description of each Concept and a summary of our Concepts’ operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025:
| Number of Units | % of Units International | Number of Countries and Territories | % Franchised | System Sales(a) (in Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | 33,897 | 90 | % | 149 | 99 | % | $ | 36,434 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taco Bell Division | 9,030 | 14 | % | 38 | 93 | % | 18,361 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pizza Hut Division | 19,974 | 68 | % | 108 | 99 | % | 12,794 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Habit Burger & Grill Division | 384 | — | % | 2 | 22 | % | 706 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| YUM | 63,285 | 72 | % | 155 | 97 | % | $ | 68,295 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) Constitutes sales of all restaurants, both Company-owned and franchised. See further discussion of this performance metric within Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
KFC
KFC was founded in Corbin, Kentucky, by Colonel Harland D. Sanders, an early developer of the quick service food business and a pioneer of the restaurant franchise concept. The Colonel perfected his secret blend of 11 herbs and spices for Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1939 and signed up his first franchisee in 1952. KFC restaurants across the world offer fried and non-fried chicken products such as sandwiches, chicken strips, chicken-on-the-bone and other chicken products marketed under a variety of names.
Taco Bell
The first Taco Bell restaurant was opened in 1962 by Glen Bell in Downey, California, and in 1964, the first Taco Bell franchise was sold. Taco Bell specializes in Mexican-style food products, including various types of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, nachos and other related items.
3
Pizza Hut
The first Pizza Hut restaurant was opened in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, and within a year, the first franchise unit was opened. Today, Pizza Hut specializes in the sale of ready-to-eat pizza products and operates in the delivery, carryout and casual dining segments around the world.
Habit Burger & Grill
The first Habit Burger & Grill restaurant opened in 1969 in Santa Barbara, California. The Habit Burger & Grill restaurant concept is built around a distinctive and diverse menu that includes chargrilled burgers and sandwiches made-to-order over an open flame and topped with fresh ingredients.
Business Strategy
Through our Recipe for Good Growth we strive to grow iconic restaurant brands around the world that are loved by our customers, trusted everywhere we operate and connected through teamwork, technology and our global scale. These three ideas - being loved, trusted and connected - guide how we operate across our global system and engage with our customers, teams and communities:
Loved: We grow by delighting customers with craveable food and distinctive experiences.
Trusted: We operate responsibly with consistency and efficiency in our restaurants, across our system and in our communities. This includes a commitment to our priorities for social responsibility, risk management and sustainable stewardship of resources.
Connected: We use our teamwork, technology and global scale to serve every customer, everywhere, anytime.
As we enter into 2026, we intend to drive the next chapter of growth for YUM by Raising the B.A.R. through three clear priorities that reflect bold aspirations and a commitment to industry-leading performance:
•Battle for the future consumer by staying relentlessly focused on their needs and wants.
•Accelerate restaurant unit economics for our franchisees and maximize performance of every restaurant, serving as a catalyst for new unit development and keeping our franchise system healthy.
•Reach the full potential of Byte by Yum! by effectively operating, innovating and expanding our connected platform built by restaurant operators for restaurant operators to unlock its full potential for our franchise partners and our business.
Key to our success fueling brand performance and franchise success is our unrivaled culture and talent and leading with smart, heart and courage.
Information about Operating Segments
As of December 31, 2025, YUM consists of four operating segments:
•The KFC Division which includes our worldwide operations of the KFC concept
•The Taco Bell Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Taco Bell concept
•The Pizza Hut Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Pizza Hut concept
•The Habit Burger & Grill Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Habit Burger & Grill concept
Franchise Agreements
The franchise programs of the Company are designed to promote consistency and quality, and the Company is selective in granting franchises. The Company is focused on partnering with franchisees who have the commitment, capability and capitalization to grow our Concepts. Franchisees can range in size from individuals owning just one restaurant to large publicly-traded companies. The Company has franchise relationships that are particularly important to our business, such as our relationship with Yum China (defined below) and our relationships with certain other large franchisees.
4
The Company currently has approximately 1,500 franchisees with whom we have franchise contracts. The Company utilizes both store-level franchise and master franchise programs to grow our businesses. Of our over 61,000 franchised units at December 31, 2025, approximately 40% operate under our master franchise programs, including over 17,000 units in mainland China. The remainder of our franchise units operate under store-level franchise agreements. Under both types of franchise programs, franchisees supply capital by purchasing or leasing the land, building, equipment, signs, seating, inventories and supplies and, over the longer term, by reinvesting in the business. In certain historical refranchising transactions the Company may have retained ownership of land and building and continues to lease them to the franchisee. Store-level franchise agreements typically require payment to the Company of certain upfront fees such as initial fees paid upon opening of a store, fees paid to renew the term of the franchise agreement and fees paid in the event the franchise agreement is transferred to another franchisee. Franchisees also pay monthly continuing fees based on a percentage of their restaurants’ sales (typically between 4% to 6%) and are required to spend a certain amount to advertise and promote the brand. Under master franchise arrangements, the Company enters into agreements that allow master franchisees to operate restaurants as well as sub-franchise restaurants within certain geographic territories. Master franchisees are typically responsible for overseeing development within their territories and performing certain other administrative duties with regard to the oversight of sub-franchisees. In exchange, master franchisees retain a certain percentage of fees payable by the sub-franchisees under their franchise agreements and often pay lower fees for the restaurants they operate.
On October 31, 2016, we completed the spin-off of our China business into an independent, publicly-traded company under the name of Yum China Holdings, Inc. (“Yum China”). As our largest master franchisee, Yum China, pays the Company a continuing fee of 3% on system sales of our Concepts in mainland China. The use by Yum China of certain of our material trademarks and service marks is governed by a master license agreement between subsidiaries of YUM and Yum China.
The Company seeks to maintain strong and open relationships with our franchisees and their representatives. To this end, the Company invests a significant amount of time working with the franchisee community and their representative organizations on key aspects of the business, including products, technology, equipment, operational improvements and standards.
Restaurant Operations
Through its Concepts, YUM develops, operates and franchises a worldwide system of both traditional and non-traditional Quick Service Restaurants (“QSR”). Traditional units can feature dine-in, carryout, drive-thru and delivery services. Non-traditional units include express units that have a more limited menu, usually generate lower sales volumes and operate in non-traditional locations like malls, airports, gasoline service stations, train stations, subways, convenience stores, stadiums, amusement parks and colleges, where a full-scale traditional outlet would not be practical or efficient.
Most restaurants in each Concept offer consumers the ability to dine in, carryout and/or have the Concepts’ food delivered either by store-level personnel or third-party delivery services such as aggregators. In addition, Taco Bell, KFC and Habit Burger & Grill offer a drive-thru option in many stores. Pizza Hut offers a drive-thru option on a much more limited basis.
Restaurant management structure varies by Concept, unit size and franchise organization. Generally, each restaurant is led by a restaurant general manager (“RGM”), together with one or more assistant managers, depending on the operating complexity and sales volume of the restaurant. Each Concept issues manuals, which may then be customized to meet local regulations and customs. These manuals set forth standards and requirements for restaurant operations, including food safety and quality, food handling and product preparation procedures, equipment maintenance, facility standards and accounting control procedures. Each franchise organization and their respective restaurant management teams are responsible for the day-to-day operation of their units, including all matters related to employment of restaurant staff, and for ensuring compliance with operating standards.
Digital and technology are at the core of our Recipe for Good Growth. In recent years the Company has focused on building and acquiring a distinctive set of solutions with next-generation capabilities tailored for our brands, scaling these common digital and technology platforms across the globe and integrating our digital and technology teams into a unified global team. In 2025, we introduced our Byte by Yum! platform, a comprehensive collection of proprietary software as a service and artificial intelligence (“AI”) driven products that enables easy operations for team members and improved experiences for customers, while consolidating essential systems into a cohesive, easy-to-manage platform. The Byte by Yum! platform includes online and mobile app ordering, point of sale, kitchen and delivery optimization, menu management, inventory and labor management and team member tools. The implementation of Byte by Yum! is also designed to enable a faster and more impactful adoption of AI by YUM and its brands, and offers franchisees leading technology capabilities with advantaged economics made possible by the scale of YUM all with a goal of unlocking new insights and driving profitable sales growth.
5
Digital sales include transactions where consumers at system restaurants utilize ordering interaction that is primarily facilitated by automated technology. In 2025, our system restaurants generated digital sales approaching both $40 billion and 60% of overall system sales.
The Company and its Concepts own numerous registered trademarks. The Company believes that many of these marks, including our Kentucky Fried Chicken®, KFC®, Taco Bell®, Pizza Hut® and The Habit® marks, have significant value and material importance to our business. The Company’s policy is to pursue registration of important marks whenever feasible and to challenge any infringement of our marks vigorously. The use of certain of these marks by franchisees has been authorized in our franchise agreements. Under current law and with proper use, the Company’s rights in our marks can generally last indefinitely. The Company also has certain patents on restaurant equipment and technology which, while valuable, are not currently considered material to our business.
Supply and Distribution
The Company and franchisees of the Concepts are substantial purchasers of a number of food and paper products, equipment and other restaurant supplies. The principal items purchased include chicken, cheese, beef and pork products, paper and packaging materials. Prices paid for these supplies fluctuate. When prices increase, the Concepts may attempt to pass on such increases to their customers, although there is no assurance that this can be done in practice. The Company does not typically experience significant continuous shortages of supplies, and alternative sources for most of these supplies are generally available.
In the U.S., the Company, along with the representatives of the Company’s KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut franchisee groups, are members of Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC (“RSCS”), a third party which is responsible for purchasing certain restaurant products and equipment. Additionally, Habit Burger & Grill entered into a purchasing agreement with RSCS effective July 31, 2020. The core mission of RSCS is to provide the lowest possible sustainable store-delivered prices for restaurant products and equipment. This arrangement combines the purchasing power of the Company-owned and franchisee restaurants, which the Company believes leverages the system’s scale to drive cost savings and effectiveness in the purchasing function. The Company also believes that RSCS fosters closer alignment of interests and a stronger relationship with our franchisee community.
Most food products, paper and packaging supplies, and equipment used in restaurant operations are distributed to individual restaurant units by third-party distribution companies. In the U.S., McLane Foodservice, Inc. is the distributor for the majority of items used in Company-owned restaurants and for a substantial number of franchisee restaurants. Outside the U.S., we and our Concepts’ franchisees primarily use aligned and leveraged sourcing and distribution systems involving global, regional and local suppliers and distributors. The Company partners with our international franchisees to manage third-party suppliers and distributors, subject to our internal standards and approvals. All suppliers and distributors are expected to provide products and/or services that comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in the state and/or country in which they operate as well as comply with our internal standards.
Advertising and Promotional Programs
Company-owned and franchise restaurants are required to spend a percentage of their respective restaurants’ sales on advertising programs with the goal of increasing sales and enhancing the reputation of the Concepts. Advertising may be conducted nationally, regionally and locally. When multiple franchisees operate in the same country or region, the national and regional advertising spending is typically conducted by a cooperative to which the franchisees and Company-owned restaurants, if any, contribute funds as a percentage of restaurants’ sales. The contributions are primarily used to pay for expenses relating to purchasing media for advertising, market research, commercial production, talent payments and other support functions for the respective Concepts. We have the right to control the advertising activities of certain advertising cooperatives, typically in markets where we have Company-owned restaurants, through our majority voting rights.
Working Capital
Information about the Company’s working capital is included in MD&A in Part II, Item 7 and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Part II, Item 8.
Seasonal Operations
The Company does not consider its operations to be seasonal to any material degree.
6
Competition
The retail food industry, in which our Concepts compete, is made up of supermarkets, supercenters, warehouse stores, convenience stores, coffee shops, snack bars, delicatessens and restaurants (including those in the QSR segment), and is intensely competitive with respect to price and quality of food products, new product development, digital engagement, advertising levels and promotional initiatives, customer service reputation, restaurant location and attractiveness and maintenance of properties. Competition has also increased from and been enabled by delivery aggregators and other food delivery services in recent years, particularly in urbanized areas. Our Concepts also face competition as a result of convergence in grocery, convenience, deli and restaurant services, including the offering by the grocery industry of convenient meals, including pizzas and entrees with side dishes. The retail food industry is often affected by: changes in consumer tastes; national, regional or local economic conditions; currency fluctuations; demographic trends; traffic patterns; the type, number and location of competing food retailers and products; and disposable purchasing power. Within the retail food industry, each of our Concepts competes with international, national and regional chains as well as locally-owned establishments, not only for customers, but also for management and hourly personnel, suitable real estate sites and qualified franchisees. Given the various types and vast number of competitors, our Concepts do not constitute a significant portion of the retail food industry in terms of number of system units or system sales, either on a worldwide or individual country basis.
Environmental Matters
The Company is not aware of any federal, state or local environmental laws or regulations that will materially affect our earnings or competitive position, or result in material capital expenditures. However, the Company cannot predict the effect on our operations due to possible future environmental legislation or regulations. During 2025, there were no material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities and no such material expenditures are anticipated.
Government Regulation
U.S. Operations. The Company and its U.S. operations, as well as our franchisees, are subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting our business, including laws and regulations concerning information security, privacy, labor and employment, health, marketing, food labeling, competition, public accommodation, sanitation and safety. Each of our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ restaurants in the U.S. must comply with licensing requirements and regulations promulgated by a number of governmental authorities, which include health, sanitation, safety, fire and zoning agencies in the state and/or municipality in which the restaurant is located. In addition, each Concept must comply with various state and federal laws that regulate the franchisor/franchisee relationship. To date, the Company has not been materially adversely affected by such licensing requirements and regulations or by any difficulty, delay or failure to obtain required licenses or approvals.
International Operations. Our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ restaurants outside the U.S. are subject to national and local laws and regulations which have similarities to those affecting U.S. restaurants but may differ among jurisdictions. Like restaurants in the U.S., restaurants outside the U.S. are subject to certain regulations and tariffs on imported commodities and equipment, laws regulating foreign investment and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.
See Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K for a discussion of risks relating to federal, state, local and international regulation of our business.
Human Capital Management
As of December 31, 2025, the Company and its subsidiaries employed approximately 49,000 persons (collectively referred to throughout this filing as “our employees” or “YUM employees”), including approximately 28,000 employees in the U.S. and approximately 21,000 employees outside the U.S. Approximately 90% of our employees work in restaurants while the remainder work in our restaurant-support centers. In the U.S., approximately 90% of our Company-owned restaurant employees are part-time of which approximately 50% have been employed by the Company for less than a year. Some of our International employees are subject to labor council relationships whose terms vary due to the multitude of countries in which the Company operates.
In addition to the persons employed by the Company and its subsidiaries, our approximately 61,000 franchise restaurants around the world are responsible for the employment of over an estimated 1 million people who work in and support those restaurants. Each year YUM and our franchisees around the world create thousands of part-time, entry-level restaurant opportunities to grow careers at our KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill brands. As evidence of the opportunities these positions create, approximately 80% of the Company-owned restaurant general managers (“RGMs”) located in the U.S. have been promoted from other positions in our brands’ restaurants.
7
Human capital management considerations are integral to our Recipe for Good Growth strategy, the drivers of which include leveraging our unrivaled culture and talent to fuel brand performance and franchise success, as well as recruiting and equipping the best restaurant operators in the world to deliver great customer experiences. Our investment in people includes creating a culture of engagement that attracts, retains and grows the best people and creates high performance in our restaurants. We are continuing to build a culture of opportunity and belonging among our employees, franchisees, suppliers and partners that makes room for all people and voices at our tables that reflects the customers and communities we serve, which we believe provides us with a competitive advantage with respect to the performance of our business. Our commitments and progress towards these areas of focus are reflected below.
•Continually building upon ongoing inclusion efforts to help ensure our workplaces are environments where all people can be successful.
•Consistent with our Code of Conduct, making employment-related decisions based on an individual's abilities and merit, not personal characteristics that are unrelated to the job.
•Measuring YUM employee engagement regularly. For example, every other year we conduct a global employee engagement survey of all employees working in our restaurant support centers. The most recent survey conducted was in 2025 and reflected an above-average engagement level among our employees relative to benchmarked companies.
•Providing YUM employees with training and development that builds world-class leaders and drives business results.
•Enabling a culture that fuels results and cross-brand collaboration on operational execution, people capability and customer experience initiatives throughout our system.
•Assessing progress towards lowering turnover and increasing retention rates, particularly at the restaurant-employee level.
Available Information
The Company makes available, through the Investor Relations section of its internet website at https://www.yum.com, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) at https://www.sec.gov.
Our Corporate Governance Principles and our Code of Conduct are also located within the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website. The references to the Company’s website address in this Form 10-K do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website and should not be considered part of this Form 10-K. These documents, as well as our SEC filings, are available in print free of charge to any shareholder who requests a copy from our Investor Relations Department.
8
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors. | ||||
You should carefully review the risks described below as they identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements, expectations and historical trends. Any of the following risk factors, either by itself or together with other risk factors, could materially adversely affect our business, growth prospects, results of operations, cash flows and/or financial condition.
Risks Related to Food Safety and Catastrophic Events
Food safety and food- or beverage-borne illness concerns may have an adverse effect on our business and/or our growth prospects.
Food or beverage-borne illnesses (that can be caused by food-borne pathogens such as E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Cyclospora and Trichinosis) and food safety issues (such as food tampering and contamination including with respect to allergens or adulteration) have occurred and may occur within our system from time to time. In addition, the health and environmental risks of certain ubiquitous substances (including per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)) commonly found in packaging have been the subject of increased regulatory scrutiny and lawsuits against us and other restaurant companies. Any report linking our or our Concepts’ franchisees’ restaurants, our suppliers or distributors or otherwise involving the types of products used at our restaurants, or linking our competitors, suppliers, distributors or the retail food industry generally, to instances of food- or beverage-borne illness or food safety issues or substances having perceived health or environmental risks could result in adverse publicity and otherwise adversely affect us and lead to consumer complaints, litigation and/or governmental investigations. There is also a risk that we or our Concepts’ franchisees’ restaurants, suppliers or distributors underreport food safety incidents or system failures, which could hinder response and tracking of such risks. Moreover, our Concepts’ restaurants' reliance on third-party food suppliers and distributors and increasing reliance on food delivery aggregators may increase the risk that food- or beverage-borne illness incidents and food safety issues could be caused by factors outside of our control. If a customer is believed to have become ill from food or beverage-borne illnesses or as a result of food safety issues, remediation efforts could include temporary closure of restaurants, which could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our reputation, business and/or our growth prospects. The occurrence of food-borne pathogens in restaurant products or food safety issues could also adversely affect the price and availability of affected ingredients, which could result in disruptions in our supply chain and/or lower margins for us and our Concepts’ franchisees.
Our business may be adversely affected by adverse public health conditions or the occurrence of other catastrophic or unforeseen events.
Our business and/or growth prospects could be adversely impacted by various catastrophic or other unforeseen events (which may be beyond our control), including health epidemics or pandemics, natural disasters, geopolitical events, military conflict, terrorism, political, financial or social instability, boycotts, social or civil unrest, workplace violence, or other events that lead to avoidance of public places or restrictions on public gatherings, particularly if located in regions where we have significant operations. We could also be adversely affected if government authorities impose mandatory or voluntary closures, impose restrictions on operations of restaurants, or restrict the import or export of products, or if suppliers issue mass recalls of products, in connection with any such events.
In addition, our operations could be disrupted if any employees at our or our Concepts’ franchisees’ restaurants had or were suspected of having avian flu or swine flu, or other highly communicable illnesses, since this may require us, or our Concepts’ franchisees, to quarantine employees and close facilities, including restaurants. Prior outbreaks of avian flu have resulted in confirmed human cases and it is possible that outbreaks could reach pandemic levels. Public concern over avian flu may cause fear about the consumption of chicken, eggs and other poultry products derived from poultry, which could adversely affect us given that poultry is widely offered at our Concepts’ restaurants. Avian flu outbreaks could also adversely affect the price and availability of poultry, which could negatively impact our business.
9
Risks Related to our Business Strategy and Reliance upon Franchisees
Our operating results and growth strategies are closely tied to the success of our Concepts’ franchisees.
The vast majority (97%) of our restaurants are operated by our Concepts’ franchisees. Our long-term growth depends on maintaining the pace of our new unit growth rate largely through our Concepts’ franchisees. We also rely on master franchisees, who have rights to license to sub-franchisees the right to develop and operate restaurants, to achieve our expectations for new unit development. If our Concepts’ franchisees and master franchisees do not meet our expectations for new unit development, we may not achieve our desired growth.
We have limited control over how our Concepts’ franchisees’ businesses are run, and their inability to operate successfully could adversely affect our operating results through decreased royalties, advertising funds contributions, and fees paid to us for other discrete services we may provide to our Concepts’ franchisees Our control is further limited where we utilize master franchise arrangements, which require us to rely on our master franchisees to enforce sub-franchisee compliance with our operating standards.
If our Concepts’ franchisees fail to adequately capitalize their businesses or incur too much debt, if their operating expenses or commodity prices increase or if economic or sales trends deteriorate such that franchisees are unable to operate profitably or repay existing debt, it could result in their financial distress, including insolvency or bankruptcy, or the inability to meet development targets or obligations. If any significant franchisee of our Concepts individually or in the aggregate becomes financially distressed, as has occurred from time to time, our operating results could be adversely impacted, and we could experience reduced new unit development.
In addition, we are secondarily liable on certain Concepts’ franchisees’ restaurant lease agreements, including lease agreements that we have guaranteed or assigned to franchisees, and our operating results and/or growth prospects could be impacted by any rent obligations to the extent such franchisees default on these lease agreements.
Our results may also be impacted by whether our Concepts’ franchisees implement marketing programs or other major initiatives, such as restaurant remodels or equipment or technology upgrades, which may require financial investment by such franchisees. Our Concepts may be unable to successfully implement strategies that we believe are necessary for growth if our Concepts’ franchisees do not participate, which may harm our growth prospects and financial results. Additionally, the failure of our Concepts’ franchisees to focus on key elements of restaurant operations, such as compliance with our operating standards addressing quality, service and cleanliness (even if such failures do not breach the franchise documents), may be attributed by guests to our Concepts’ brand and could negatively impact our reputation, business and/or our growth prospects.
Franchisee noncompliance with our franchise agreements and/or or brand standards including by failing to meet health and safety standards, to engage in quality control or maintain product consistency or to comply with cybersecurity requirements, as well as through participation in improper business practices. Moreover, franchisee noncompliance with our franchise agreements and/or brand standards may lead to us to terminate franchise agreements and close related stores, which may have an impact on our results. For example, on January 8, 2025, we terminated franchise agreements with the owner and operator of KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants in Turkey after failure to meet our brand standards.
We have franchise relationships that are particularly important to our business due to their scale and/or growth prospects such as our relationship with Yum China, our largest franchisee. We are a party to a Master License Agreements (“MLA”) with Yum China, pursuant to which Yum China is the exclusive licensee of the KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut Concepts and their related marks and other intellectual property rights for restaurant services in mainland China. Any failure to realize the expected benefits of key franchise relationships, including with Yum China, may adversely impact our business and growth prospects.
Our growth strategy depends upon our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ ability to successfully open new restaurants and to operate these restaurants profitably.
Our growth strategy depends on our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ ability to increase the number of restaurants around the world. The successful development of new units depends in large part on the ability of our Concepts’ franchisees to open new restaurants and to operate these restaurants profitably. Effectively managing growth can be challenging, particularly as we expand into new markets, and we cannot guarantee that we, or our Concepts’ franchisees, including Yum China, will be able to achieve our expansion goals or that new restaurants will be operated profitably, consistent with results of existing restaurants or with our or our Concepts’ franchisees’ expectations. Other risks that could impact our ability to open new restaurants include: (i) economic conditions and trade policy or economic policies or sanctions, (ii) our ability to attract new franchisees, (iii) new restaurant construction and development costs, (iv) our Concepts’ franchisees’ ability to meet new restaurant permitting,
10
construction, development and team member training timelines, and (v) consumer sentiment related to our Concepts, and (vi) supply chain challenges, including our ability to secure sufficient supply to support new restaurants.
Expansion could also be affected by our Concepts’ franchisees’ willingness to invest capital or ability to obtain financing to construct and open new restaurants. If it becomes more difficult or more expensive for our Concepts’ franchisees to obtain financing to develop new restaurants, or if the perceived return on invested capital is not sufficiently attractive, our expected growth and future financial results could be adversely impacted. In addition, new restaurants could impact the sales of our Concepts’ existing restaurants nearby, and the risks of such sales cannibalization may become more significant in the future as we increase our presence in existing markets.
We may not realize the anticipated benefits from past or potential future acquisitions, investments or other strategic transactions, or our portfolio business model.
From time to time we have completed, and we may evaluate and continue to complete, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, minority investments and other strategic transactions.
Past and potential future strategic transactions may involve various inherent risks, including, without limitation:
(i)expenses, delays or difficulties in integrating acquired companies, joint ventures, strategic partnerships or investments into our organization, including the failure to realize strategic alignment or expected synergies and/or the inability to retain key personnel;
(ii)diversion of management’s attention from other initiatives and/or day-to-day operations to effectively execute our growth strategy;
(iii)inability to generate sufficient revenue, profit, and cash flow from acquired companies, joint ventures, strategic partnerships or investments; and
(iv)the possibility that we have acquired substantial contingent or unanticipated liabilities in connection with acquisitions or other strategic transactions.
Past and potential future strategic transactions may not ultimately create value for us and may harm our reputation and adversely affect our business, growth prospects and financial results. In addition, our investments, including minority investments in certain franchisees, are potentially subject to changes in value, including through impairment, which have caused and could continue to cause, fluctuations in our results of operations.
We have initiated a process to explore strategic options for the Pizza Hut brand, and there can be no assurance that this process will result in any transaction or outcome, that we will be able to realize the anticipated benefits of any transaction, if completed, or other outcome, or that this process will not adversely impact our business.
We have initiated a process to explore strategic options for our Pizza Hut brand to maximize long-term value creation. Our ability to successfully engage in any transactions with regard to our Pizza Hut brand is subject to prevailing general, market and industry-specific economic conditions and certain regulatory, financial, business and other factors beyond our control. There is no assurance that this process will result in any transaction or outcome, or if any transaction is completed, the timing or terms of any such transaction.
We expect to incur significant expenses in connection with this process, and there are risks inherent with this process, including the potential diversion of management’s attention, interference with our ability to retain or attract key personnel and business partners, disruption of Pizza Hut or other businesses and exposure to litigation. It may also be disruptive to our business operations and long-term planning, which may cause concern to our current or potential investors, employees, strategic partners, vendors and other stakeholders and may have a material impact on our operating results or result in increased volatility in our stock price. Further, there can be no assurance that we will be able to realize the anticipated benefits of any transaction, if completed, or other outcome. We are taking steps to mitigate any impact to Pizza Hut's near-term results as a result of this review. In addition, we have aligned with stakeholders in the U.S. on a marketing program, modernization of certain technology and franchise agreements and a YUM contribution to marketing support. However, if we are unable to mitigate these and other risks related to this process, our business may be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Operating a Global Business
We have significant exposure to the Chinese market through our largest franchisee, Yum China, which subjects us to risks that could negatively affect our business and/or our growth prospects.
11
A meaningful portion of our total business, particularly with respect to our KFC Concept, is conducted in mainland China through our largest franchisee, Yum China. We are contractually entitled to receive a 3% sales-based license fee on all Yum China system sales related to our KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut Concepts. Yum China’s business is exposed to risks in mainland China, which include, among others, potential political, trade, financial and social instability, changes in economic conditions (including consumer spending, unemployment levels and ongoing wage and commodity inflation), consumer preferences, the regulatory environment (including uncertainties with respect to the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws, rules and regulations), heightened data and cybersecurity risks associated with the conduct of business in China, and food safety related matters (including compliance with food safety regulations and our ability to ensure product quality and safety). Any significant or prolonged deterioration in U.S.–China relations, including as a result of changes in U.S.–China foreign policy, trade regimes or trade disputes, or geopolitical developments, could adversely affect our Concepts in mainland China. Additionally, Chinese law regulates Yum China’s business conducted in mainland China, and as such our license fee from the Yum China business is subject to numerous uncertainties based on Chinese laws, regulations and policies, which may change from time to time. If Yum China’s business is harmed or development of our Concepts’ restaurants is slowed in mainland China due to any of these factors, it could negatively impact the license fee paid by Yum China to us, which would negatively impact our financial results.
Our relationship with Yum China is governed primarily by the MLA, as amended from time to time, which may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the insolvency or bankruptcy of Yum China. In addition, if we are unable to enforce our intellectual property or contract rights in mainland China, if Yum China is unable or unwilling to satisfy its obligations under the MLA, or if the MLA is otherwise terminated, it could result in an interruption in the operation of our brands that have been exclusively licensed to Yum China for use in mainland China. Disputes over the proper interpretation of the MLA have arisen in the past and may arise from time to time in the future. Such interruption or disputes could cause a delay in, or loss of, the license fee paid to us, which would negatively impact our financial results.
Our global operations subject us to risks that could negatively affect our business.
A significant portion of our Concepts’ restaurants are operated outside of the U.S., and we intend to continue expansion of our global operations. As a result, our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ business and/or growth prospects are increasingly exposed to risks inherent in global operations. These risks, which can vary substantially by country, include political, financial or social instability or conditions, corruption, anti-American sentiment and perception of our Concepts as American brands, social and ethnic unrest, natural disasters, military conflicts and terrorism, as well as exposure to the macroeconomic environment in such markets, the regulatory environment (including related to the enforceability of legal requirements and contract and intellectual property rights), and income and non-income based tax rates and laws. Additional risks include the impact of trade disputes and tariffs, restrictive actions of foreign or U.S. governmental authorities affecting trade or foreign investment, import restrictions and controls, sanctions, foreign exchange control regimes (including restrictions on currency conversion), health guidelines and safety protocols, labor costs and conditions, compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and other similar laws prohibiting bribery of government officials and other corrupt practices, and the laws and policies that govern foreign investment in countries where our Concepts’ restaurants are operated. For example, we have been subject to a regulatory enforcement action in India alleging violation of foreign exchange laws for failure to satisfy conditions of certain operating approvals, such as minimum investment and store build requirements as well as limitations on the remittance of fees outside of the country (see Note 20).
As a result of our global operations, we have significant exposure to geopolitical events and instability. We have been adversely affected in the past, and may in the future be adversely affected, by events such as increasing anti-American sentiment and instability and conflicts in the Middle East. Such conflicts have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect our business and operations as result of, among other things, the economic consequences and disruptions from such conflicts, increased energy and supply prices, weaker consumer sentiment for Western brands, consumer reaction to perceived acts or failures to act by us or our Concepts including maintaining operations in countries or regions that are linked to such conflicts, and economic sanctions restricting cross-border commerce.
In addition, we and our Concepts’ franchisees do business in jurisdictions that may be subject to trade or economic sanction regimes, which sanctions could be expanded. Any failure to comply with such sanctions or other similar legal requirements could result in the imposition of damages or penalties, the suspension of business licenses, or a cessation of operations at our Concepts’ restaurants, as well as damage to our and our Concepts’ brand images and reputations.
12
Foreign currency risks and foreign exchange controls could adversely affect our financial results.
Our results of operations, growth prospects and the value of our assets are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which have had, and may continue to have adverse effects on our reported earnings. More specifically, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar, relative to other currencies, such as the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”), Australian Dollar, the British Pound and the Euro, as well as currencies in certain other markets have historically affected and may continue to affect our reported earnings. Any significant fluctuation in the value of currencies of countries in which we or our Concepts’ franchisees operate, particularly the RMB in China, could materially impact the U.S. dollar value of royalty payments made to us, which could result in lower revenues, could lead to increased costs and lower profitability to us or our Concepts’ franchisees and/or could cause us or our Concepts’ franchisees to increase prices to customers, which could negatively impact sales in these markets and harm our financial results. In addition, the governments in certain countries where our Concepts operate, including China, restrict the conversion of local currency into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of the country. Currency control restrictions on the conversion of other currencies to U.S. dollars or restrictions imposed by countries on cash remittances could cause royalty payments to us to be delayed, remitted only partially or not at all, which could cause us to incur bad debt expense and impact our liquidity.
Risks Related to Technology, Data Privacy and Intellectual Property
Any cybersecurity incident, including the failure to protect the integrity or availability of IT systems or the security of Confidential Information, or the introduction of malware or ransomware, could materially affect our business, financial results and/or our growth prospects and result in substantial costs, litigation, reputational harm and a loss of consumer confidence.
Our business relies heavily on computer systems, hardware, software, technology infrastructure and online websites, platforms and networks (collectively, “IT Systems”) to support both internal and external, including franchisee-related, operations. We own and manage some of these IT Systems but also rely on third parties for a range of IT Systems and related products and services. In addition, we and other parties (such as vendors, food delivery aggregators and franchisees), collect, transmit and/or maintain certain personal, financial and other information about our customers, employees, vendors and franchisees, as well as proprietary information pertaining to our business (collectively, “Confidential Information”). The security and availability of our IT Systems and Confidential Information is critical to our business and is regulated by evolving and increasingly demanding laws and regulations in various jurisdictions, certain third-party contracts and industry standards.
The current cyber threat environment presents increased risk for all companies, including companies in our industry. The cybersecurity risks we face include cyber-attacks involving ransomware and malicious software, advanced persistent threats, social engineering, credential stuffing or distributed denial-of-service attacks and other attempts by malicious threat actors, including nation-state actors, ransomware groups, and others to access, acquire, use, disclose, misappropriate, shut down or manipulate our information, systems, databases, processes and people. In addition, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and other emerging technologies may heighten our cybersecurity risks by making cyber-attacks and social engineering more difficult to detect, contain and mitigate. Further, the cybersecurity risks we face have increased in recent years due to an increase in the use of and reliance on our digital commerce platforms and products. Moreover, remote working and personal device use further increases the risk of cyber incidents and the improper dissemination of personal or Confidential Information.
We are regularly the target of cyber-attacks and other attempts to breach, or gain unauthorized access to, our systems and data. Moreover, given the current cyber threat environment, we expect the volume and intensity of cyber-attacks and attempted intrusions to continue to increase. There is no assurance that our security measures, cybersecurity risk management programs and processes will be fully implemented, complied with, sufficient or effective in protecting our systems and information. Despite such security measures and processes, we, and the third parties upon which we rely, have experienced security incidents from time to time and we and such third parties will continue to experience such incidents in the future. In particular, on January 18, 2023, we announced a ransomware attack that impacted certain IT Systems which resulted in the closure of fewer than 300 restaurants in one market for one day, temporarily disrupted certain of our affected systems and resulted in data being taken from our network. As disclosed under Part I, Item 1C of this Form 10-K, we remain subject to risks and uncertainties as a result of the incident, including as a result of the data that was taken from our network and putative class actions filed against us in connection with this incident.
If our IT Systems or the information systems of any of our Concepts’ franchisees, or other third parties which we interact, such as suppliers, distributors or third-party delivery providers, are disrupted or compromised, in a manner which impacts us or our IT Systems, as a result of a cyber-attack, data or security breach, or other security incident or fraud, or if our employees, franchisees, suppliers or vendors fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations or fail to meet contractual and industry standards in connection therewith, any such developments could result in liabilities and penalties, have an adverse impact on
13
our financial results and growth prospects, damage our brands and reputation, cause interruption of normal business operations, cause us to incur substantial costs, result in a loss of consumer confidence and sales, disrupt our supply chain, business and plans, result in the loss, misappropriation, corruption or unauthorized access, acquisition, use or disclosure of data or inability to access data, including the release of Confidential Information, and subject us to litigation and government enforcement actions. Moreover, any significant cybersecurity event which impacts us or our IT Systems could require us to devote significant management time and resources to address such events, interfere with our pursuit of other important business strategies and initiatives, and cause us to incur additional expenditures, which could be material, including to investigate such events, remedy cybersecurity problems, respond to an extortion demand, recover lost data, prevent future compromises and adapt systems and practices in response to such events. There is no assurance that any remedial actions will meaningfully limit the success of future attempts to breach our IT Systems, particularly because malicious actors are increasingly sophisticated and utilize tools and techniques specifically designed to circumvent security measures, avoid detection and obfuscate forensic evidence, which means we may be unable to identify, investigate or remediate effectively or in a timely manner. Further, we are subject to an increasing number of cybersecurity reporting obligations in different jurisdictions that vary in their scope and application, which may create conflicting reporting obligations and inhibit our ability to quickly provide complete and reliable information about cybersecurity incidents to customers, counterparties, and regulators, as well as the public. Additionally, insurance coverage maintained by us and our Concepts’ franchisees designed to address certain aspects of cybersecurity risks may exclude certain types of claims or otherwise be insufficient to cover all losses or all types of claims that may arise.
Further, the payment card industry sets controls standards used in the transmission and approval of electronic payment transactions. If we or our Concepts’ franchisees fail to comply with the global Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards or fail to adequately control fraudulent credit card and debit card transactions, we or our Concepts’ franchisees may face civil liability, reputational damage, fines and assessments from the card brands, and significantly higher credit card and debit card related costs, any of which could adversely affect us.
The failure to maintain satisfactory compliance with legal requirements regarding data privacy, data protection and emerging technologies may adversely affect our business and/or growth prospects and subject us to penalties.
Data privacy is subject to frequently changing legal requirements, which sometimes conflict among the various jurisdictions where we and our Concepts’ franchisees do business. We are subject to numerous global laws, including but not limited to, the European Union’s (“E.U.”) General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the U.K. General Data Protection Regulations, which impose strict data protection requirements and provide for significant penalties for noncompliance. Further, we engage in marketing and customer engagement activities that are subject to communications and consumer privacy laws, such as the Telephone Consumer Protect Act and similar state laws. There is a rapid increase in private claims of alleged breach of communications and privacy laws in the U.S. and abroad, under a diverse range of theories relying on wiretapping, pen registry, and communication consent statutes. In addition, an increasing number of jurisdictions where we and our Concepts’ franchisees operate have enacted privacy and data protection laws, or are considering enacting or expanding such laws. These and other newly enacted and evolving legal requirements, have required, and may continue to require, us and our Concepts’ franchisees to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs and expenses to comply. Additionally, state regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities tasked with enforcing new privacy laws are engaging in enforcement investigations and actions. In particular, state attorneys general and regulatory bodies are increasingly focused on businesses’ practices for collecting and sharing consumer information digitally, including how businesses allow consumers to opt-out of certain uses and disclosures and exercise other rights granted by privacy laws. Additionally, future enforcement priorities from these bodies may be unclear or changing. While we have established procedures to manage individual privacy requests from consumers and employees intended to ensure compliance with privacy laws, there remains potential residual risk of failure to comply with comprehensive privacy laws passed at the international, federal or state level and this may result in regulatory enforcement action, lawsuits, the imposition of monetary penalties, and damage to our reputation, or require us to modify our operations. The increasingly complex, restrictive and evolving regulatory environment at the international, federal and state level related to data privacy and data protection may require significant continued effort and cost, changes to our business practices and impact our ability to obtain and use data to provide personalized experiences for our customers. In addition, failure to comply with applicable requirements may subject us and our Concepts’ franchisees to fines, sanctions, governmental investigation, lawsuits and other potential liability, as well as reputational harm.
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and many state attorneys general are also interpreting federal and state consumer protection laws to impose standards for the collection, use, dissemination and security of personal data. The FTC may seek enforcement action for violation of consumer protection laws including unfair or deceptive practices relating to privacy policies, consumer data collection and processing consent, and digital advertising practices. Moreover, new and changing cross-border data transfer requirements, have required and may continue to require us to incur costs to comply and have impacted the transfer of personal data throughout our organization and to third parties. Additionally, we are subject to increasing legal requirements with respect to the use of AI and machine learning applications and tools (including in relation to hiring and
14
employment practices and in digitally marketing our Concepts), data collected from minors, and biometric information. These legal requirements are rapidly changing and are not consistent across jurisdictions, and our inability to adapt to or comply with such legal requirements may adversely impact us, including as the result of liabilities or penalties as the result of any such non-compliance.
Unreliable or inefficient restaurant technology or the failure to successfully implement technology initiatives could adversely impact our business and the overall consumer experience.
We and our Concepts’ franchisees rely heavily on IT Systems to efficiently operate our restaurants and drive the customer experience, sales growth and margin improvement, as well as to gather and leverage data to enhance restaurant operations and improve the customer experience. These IT Systems, including our proprietary Byte By Yum! platform and third-party technology systems, are subject to damage, interruption or failure due to theft, fire, power outages, telecommunications failure, computer viruses, employee misuse, security breaches, malicious cyber-attacks including the introduction of malware or ransomware or other disruptive behavior by hackers, or other catastrophic events. If our or our Concepts’ franchisees’ IT Systems are damaged or fail to function properly, we may incur substantial costs to repair or replace them, and may experience loss of critical data and interruptions or delays in our ability to manage inventories or process transactions, which could adversely impact our reputation, growth prospects, and financial results.
Moreover, technology and consumer offerings continue to develop, and our failure to adequately invest in or implement new technology (e.g., automation, AI, new delivery channels) or adapt to technological advancements and industry trends, particularly with respect to digital commerce capabilities, could result in dissatisfaction from our customers or our employees (or the employees of our Concepts’ franchisees), negative publicity, or adversely impact our financial results.. If our Concepts’ digital commerce platforms do not meet customers’ expectations in terms of security, speed, privacy, attractiveness or ease of use, customers may be less inclined to return to such digital commerce platforms, which could negatively impact us and our Concepts’ franchisees. Developing and implementing consumers’ evolving technology demands may place a significant financial burden on us and our Concepts’ franchisees, and our Concepts’ franchisees may have differing views on investment priorities. Our strategic digital and technology initiatives may not be implemented timely or may not achieve the desired results. Failure to adequately manage implementations, updates or enhancements of new technology or interfaces between platforms could place us at a competitive disadvantage, and disrupt and otherwise adversely impact our operations and/or growth prospects. It may be difficult to recruit and retain qualified individuals for these efforts due to intense competition for developers necessary to innovate, develop and implement new technologies for us. Even if we effectively implement and manage these technology initiatives, there is no guarantee that this will result in sales growth or margin improvement. In addition, certain IT Systems that are managed, hosted, provided and/or used by third parties may also be unreliable or inefficient, and technology vendors may limit or terminate product support and maintenance, which could impact the reliability of critical systems’ operations. Further, if there are issues with proprietary technology, we may be subject to liability or financial penalties to our Concepts’ franchisees.
We continue to allocate significant resources to develop, accelerate and implement our digital, technology, and innovation capabilities, including various AI capabilities. The development of such AI initiatives is complex and uncertain, and presents various risks and uncertainties, including as the result of the rapidly evolving legal, regulatory and ethical landscape associated with the use of AI. Our efforts to integrate AI capabilities into our business may result in unanticipated consequences and complications, and if we do not successfully implement our AI initiatives, or if we encounter other failures in our AI systems or initiatives, this could result in legal and regulatory risk, brand or reputational harm, and other adverse impacts. Further, if we fail to leverage AI technologies as effectively or rapidly as our peers, our competitiveness and financial results could be adversely impacted.
There are risks associated with our increasing dependence on digital commerce and delivery platforms to maintain and grow sales.
Customers are increasingly using our internally-owned e-commerce websites and apps, such as kfc.com, tacobell.com, pizzahut.com, habitburger.com, and the KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and the Habit Burger & Grill apps in the U.S. and other regions. Our customers also increasingly utilize alternative methods of digital ordering and delivery technology, including apps owned by third-party delivery aggregators and third-party developers and payment processors, to order, pay for and have delivered our Concepts’ products. As a result, our Concepts and our Concepts’ franchisees are increasingly reliant on digital ordering and payment as a sales channel and our business and/or growth prospects could be negatively impacted if we are unable to successfully implement, execute or maintain our consumer-facing digital initiatives, such as kiosks, delivery, curbside pick-up and mobile carryout, or are otherwise unable to effectively adapt to developments associated with alternative methods of delivery, including advances in digital ordering and delivery technology, autonomous vehicle delivery, and changes in consumer behavior resulting from these developments.
15
If the third-party aggregators that we utilize for delivery, cease or curtail their operations, fail to maintain sufficient labor force to satisfy demand, provide poor customer service, materially change fees, access or visibility to our products, or give greater priority or promotions to our competitors, our business may be negatively impacted. In addition, third-party delivery aggregators typically charge restaurants a per order fee, and as such utilizing third-party delivery may not be as profitable as sales directly to our customers, and may also introduce food quality and customer satisfaction risks outside of our control. The third-party delivery business is also the subject of increased scrutiny from regulators, which may result in additional expenses that the third-party delivery businesses and aggregators may seek to pass through to participating restaurants. These digital ordering and payment platforms used in connection with our restaurants also could be damaged or interrupted by power loss, technological failures, user errors, cyber-attacks, other forms of sabotage, inclement weather or natural disasters and have experienced, and may continue to experience, interruptions limiting or delaying customers’ ability to order through such platforms and potentially making customers less inclined to return to such platforms. The rapid acceleration in growth of digital sales has placed additional stress on those platforms that are more reliant upon legacy technology, which may result in more frequent and potentially more severe interruptions. Moreover, our reliance on multiple digital commerce platforms to support our global footprint, multiple Concepts and highly franchised business model could increase our vulnerability to cyber-attacks and/or security breaches and could necessitate additional expenditures as we endeavor to consolidate and standardize such platforms.
Yum China, our largest franchisee, utilizes third-party mobile payment apps such as Alipay, WeChat Pay and Union Pay as a means through which to generate sales and process payments. Should customers become unable to access mobile payment apps in China, should the relationship between Yum China and one or more third-party mobile payment processors become interrupted, or should Yum China’s ability to use such third-party mobile payment apps in its operations be restricted, its business could be adversely affected, which could have a negative impact on the license fee paid to us.
Our inability or failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the increased impact of social media could adversely impact our business and/or growth prospects.
There has been a marked increase in the use of social media platforms and websites, including blogs, chat and messaging platforms, video-sharing platforms, and other forms of Internet-based communications which allow individuals access to a broad audience. The rising popularity of social media and other consumer-oriented technologies has increased the speed and accessibility of information dissemination and given users the ability to more effectively organize collective actions such as boycotts and other brand-damaging behaviors. Many social media platforms immediately publish content, often without context, or filters or checks on accuracy. As such companies may be unable to investigate or effectively respond to negative information or content disseminated in this manner, including fictitious media content (such as content produced by generative AI or bad actors). As such the dissemination of negative, inaccurate or malicious information about us through such channels has in the past and could in the future harm our reputation, business and/or growth prospects, regardless of the information’s accuracy.
In addition, social media is frequently used by our Concepts or Concepts’ franchisees to communicate with customers and the public. Failure by our Concepts or Concepts’ franchisees to use social media effectively or appropriately, particularly considering the global environment we operate in or as compared to our Concepts’ competitors, could lead to a decline in brand reputation, customer visits and revenue. Social media is also increasingly used to compel companies to express public positions on issues and topics not directly related to their core business, which could prove controversial or divisive to consumers and result in lost sales or a misallocation of resources. In addition, laws and regulations, including FTC enforcement, are rapidly evolving to govern social media platforms and communications. A failure of us, our employees, our Concepts’ franchisees or third parties acting at our direction or on our behalf, or others perceived to be associated with us or our Concepts’ franchisees, to abide by applicable laws and regulations regarding the use of social media, or to appropriately use social media, could adversely impact our Concepts’ brands, our reputation and our business, or subject us or our Concepts’ franchisees to penalties or litigation. Other risks associated with the use of social media include improper disclosure of proprietary information, negative comments about our Concepts’ brands, exposure of personally identifiable information, fraud, hoaxes or malicious dissemination of false information.
Failure to protect our trademarks or other intellectual property could harm our Concepts’ brands and overall business and/or growth prospects.
We regard our registered trademarks (e.g., Yum! Brands®, KFC®, Taco Bell®, Pizza Hut® and Habit®), unregistered trademarks, copyrightable works, inventions, software, domain names, proprietary technologies (such as Byte by Yum!) and trade secrets related to our restaurant businesses as having significant value and being important to our marketing efforts. Our
16
trademarks, many of which are registered in various jurisdictions, create brand awareness and help build goodwill among our customers.
We rely on a combination of legal protections, including trademark registrations, contractual terms, copyrights, patents and common law rights, such as unfair competition, passing off and trade secret laws to protect our intellectual property from potential infringement. However, from time to time, we become aware of other persons or companies using names and marks that are identical or confusingly similar to our brands’ names and marks, or using other proprietary intellectual property we own. Although our policy is to assess and, where appropriate, challenge infringements and other unauthorized uses of our intellectual property, certain known or unknown unauthorized uses or other misappropriation of our trademarks and other intellectual property may exist that could diminish the value of our Concepts’ brands and adversely affect our business and goodwill.
In addition, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our Concepts have, or may in the future open or franchise, a restaurant and the laws of some countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. There can be no assurance that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property or the legal protections that may be available will be adequate or that our Concepts’ franchisees will maintain the quality of the goods and services offered under our brands’ trademarks or always act in accordance with guidelines we set for maintaining our brands’ intellectual property rights, including proprietary technology. Further, defending or enforcing our trademarks and other intellectual property, including proprietary technologies and digital platforms, could result in significant expenditures.
We may also be targets of infringement claims that could interfere with the use of certain names, trademarks, works of authorship, and/or the proprietary technologies, inventions, recipes, or trade secrets used in our business. The technology landscape in which we operate is highly competitive, increasing risk of inadvertent infringement and costly dispute. Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property or defend against such claims could result in significant expenses or operational disruption, and as a result of such claims, we may be prohibited from using such intellectual property or proprietary information in the future or forced to pay damages, royalties, or other fees for using such proprietary information, any of which could negatively affect our business, growth prospects, reputation and financial results.
Risks Related to Our Supply Chain and Employment
Shortages or interruptions in the availability and delivery of food, equipment and other supplies may increase costs or reduce revenues.
The products sold or used by our Concepts and their franchisees are sourced from a wide variety of suppliers although certain products and equipment have limited suppliers, which increases our reliance on those suppliers. We, along with our Concepts’ franchisees, are also dependent upon third parties to make frequent deliveries of food products, equipment and supplies that meet our specifications at competitive prices. We have experienced from time to time, and may continue to experience, supply chain disruptions and shortages or interruptions in the supply or distribution of food items, equipment and other supplies to our Concepts’ restaurants, which have adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect our business. Future shortages or disruptions could also be caused by factors such as natural disasters, health epidemics and pandemics, social unrest, the impacts of climate change, inaccurate forecasting of customer demand, problems in production or distribution, restrictions on imports or exports including due to trade policy, the inability of suppliers to obtain credit, political instability in the countries in which the suppliers and distributors are located, the financial instability of suppliers and distributors, suppliers’ or distributors’ failure to meet our standards or requirements, transitioning to new suppliers or distributors, product quality issues or recalls, inflation, labor unrest or work stoppages, food safety warnings or advisories, the cancellation of supply or distribution agreements or an inability to renew such arrangements or to find replacements on commercially reasonable terms.
In addition, in the U.S., the Company and the Company’s KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut franchisee groups are members of Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC (“RSCS”), which is a third party responsible for purchasing certain restaurant products and equipment. Habit Burger & Grill entered into a purchasing agreement with RSCS in 2020. RSCS manages our relationship with McLane Foodservice, Inc. (“McLane”) which serves as the largest distributor for the Company’s KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut Concepts in the U.S. RSCS and McLane both have certain contractual rights to terminate the relevant distribution contract upon a specified notice period. Any failure or inability of our significant suppliers or distributors to meet their respective service requirements or any termination of relevant agreements without a notice period sufficient to enable an appropriate transition, could result in shortages or interruptions in the availability of food and other supplies.
The loss of key personnel, labor shortages and increased labor costs could adversely affect our business.
17
Much of our future success depends on the continued availability and service of senior management personnel. The loss or failure to engage in adequate succession planning of any of our executive officers or other key senior management personnel could harm our business and/or our growth prospects. In addition, changes in our leadership, including changes to the Company’s senior leadership team may present management transition challenges, and the effectiveness with which these changes are implemented could influence our financial results. Our restaurant operations are highly service-oriented, and our success depends in part on our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ ability to attract, retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified employees, including franchisee management, restaurant managers and other crew members. Our Concepts and their franchisees have experienced and may continue to experience labor shortages and employee turnover at many restaurants and increased competition for qualified employees. These labor market conditions and the ongoing inflationary environment in markets where we operate have increased, and may continue to increase, the labor costs for our Concepts and their franchisees, including due to the payment of higher wages to attract or retain qualified employees and due to increased overtime costs to meet demand. Additionally, recent changes in immigration regulation and enforcement in the U.S. could decrease the pool of candidates with legal work authorizations, cause disruptions in the workforce for companies (such as restaurant companies) and increase the cost, time and requirements to hire new employees. Moreover, there may be a long-term trend toward higher wages in emerging markets as well as various other markets. In addition, increases in labor costs have been driven by, and may continue to be driven by regulatory requirements to raise minimum wages, including in connection with the increases in minimum wages that have recently been enacted in various jurisdictions. For example, California's Assembly Bill No. 1228 (“AB 1228”), which became effective during 2024, has various provisions impacting our Concepts, including an increase in the minimum wage to for workers at quick service restaurants in the state that are part of a national chain. AB 1228 has increased, and is expected to continue to increase the operating costs for our Concepts’ restaurants in California, and may otherwise adversely impact and disrupt our operations in California.
The inability to recruit and retain a sufficient number of qualified individuals at the store level, coupled with increased labor costs, may result in reduced operating hours, have a negative impact on service or customer experience, delay our planned use, development or deployment of technology, impact planned openings of new restaurants, or result in closures of existing restaurants by us and our Concepts’ franchisees, any of which could adversely affect our business. In addition, our Concepts and their franchisees have been, and will continue to be, subject to the risk of increasing union activity in the restaurant space. In the event of a strike, work slowdown or other labor unrest, the ability to adequately staff at the store level could be impaired, which could adversely impact our operations.
An increase in food prices and other operating costs may adversely impact our business and/or our growth prospects.
Our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ businesses depend on reliable sources of large quantities of raw materials such as proteins (including poultry, pork, beef and seafood), cheese, oil, flour and vegetables (including potatoes and lettuce). Raw materials purchased for use in our Concepts’ restaurants are subject to price volatility caused by fluctuations in aggregate supply and demand, or other external conditions, such as weather and climate conditions, energy costs or natural events or disasters that affect expected harvests of such raw materials, taxes and tariffs, industry demand, inflationary conditions, labor shortages, transportation issues, fuel costs, food safety concerns, product recalls, governmental regulation and other factors. We have recently experienced an increase in the price of various raw materials (including beef) and other operating costs and expect to continue to experience an increase in the price of certain raw materials and operating costs, which has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect our results of operations. Moreover, while recent increases in tariffs by the U.S. and retaliatory measures by global trading partners have not had a significant impact on our aggregate supply costs, such trade developments have increased, and may continue to increase, the cost of certain products that we and our franchisors source, and may otherwise disrupt our supply chain.
We and/or our Concepts’ franchisees have taken, and may continue to take, certain actions as a result of inflationary increases in food and other operating costs noted above, including by increasing food prices beyond typical pricing patterns at certain of our Concepts’ restaurants, attempting to negotiate favorable pricing terms with our suppliers and/or shifting to suppliers with more favorable pricing where feasible, and utilizing forward contracts and commodity futures and options contracts where possible to hedge commodity prices. However, because we and our Concepts’ franchisees provide competitively priced food, we have not always been able to pass through to our customers the full amount of cost increases experienced by us and our Concepts’ franchisees. If we and our Concepts’ franchisees are unable to manage the cost of raw materials or to increase the prices of products proportionately, our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ profit margins and return on invested capital may be adversely impacted. Moreover, many customers at our Concepts’ restaurants are sensitive to price increases, and to the extent that we raise menu prices to offset these costs, this could result in decreased consumer demand and adversely affect our business.
18
Risks Related to our Concepts’ Brands and Reputation
Our success depends substantially on our corporate reputation and on the value and perception of our brands.
Our success and growth strategy depends in large part upon our ability and our Concepts’ franchisees’ ability to maintain and enhance our corporate reputation and the value and perception of our brands. Brand value is based in part on consumer perceptions regarding a variety of subjective factors, including the nutritional content and preparation of our food, our ingredients, food safety, our business practices, how we source commodities, and our pricing. Consumer acceptance of our offerings is subject to change and some changes can occur rapidly. For example, nutritional, health and other scientific studies and conclusions, which constantly evolve and may have contradictory implications, drive popular opinion, litigation and regulation (including initiatives intended to drive consumer behavior) in ways that may affect perceptions of our Concepts’ brands generally or relative to alternatives. The retail food industry has also been subject to scrutiny and claims that the menus and practices of restaurant chains have led to customer health issues, such as weight gain and other adverse effects. Publicity about these matters may harm our Concepts’ reputations and adversely affect our business. Moreover, this scrutiny could lead to increased regulation of the content or marketing of our products, including legislation or regulation taxing and/or regulating food with high-fat, sugar and salt content, or foods otherwise deemed to be “unhealthy”, such as ultra-processed foods, which may increase costs of compliance and remediation to us and our Concepts’ franchisees. Additionally, if the demand for offerings at our Concepts’ restaurants and other fast-casual or quick service segments of the retail food industry decreases or shifts as a result of wellness trends or changing dietary preferences, including as a result of developments in or the increased adoption of weight loss medications, our business and/or financial results may be adversely impacted.
In addition, business or other incidents, whether isolated or recurring, and whether originating from us, our Concepts’ restaurants, franchisees, competitors, governments, third-party delivery providers, suppliers or distributors, can significantly reduce brand value and consumer perception, particularly if the incidents receive considerable publicity or result in litigation or investigations. For example, the reputation of our Concepts’ brands could be damaged by negative publicity, or claims or perceptions (whether real or perceived) regarding the quality, safety or reputation of our products, suppliers, distributors or franchisees; that we, founders of our Concepts, our Concepts’ franchisees or other business partners have acted or are acting in an unethical, illegal, racially-biased or socially irresponsible manner, are not fostering environment of opportunity and belonging or have an actual or perceived allegiance towards one community over another, including with respect to the service and treatment of customers at our Concepts’ restaurants, and our or our Concepts’ franchisees’ treatment of employees; Company action or brand imagery; misconduct by any of our or our Concepts’ franchisees’ employees; utilization of emerging technologies such as AI; or a real or perceived failure of corporate governance. Any such developments could adversely impact the perception of our Concepts’ brands or our products, reduce consumer demand for our products or otherwise adversely impact us.
We cannot guarantee that franchisees or other third parties with licenses to use our intellectual property will not take actions that may harm the value of our intellectual property. While franchisee use of our Concepts’ trademarks are governed through franchise agreements and we monitor use of our trademarks by both franchisees and third parties, franchisees or other third parties may use our trademarks in ways, or may refer to or make statements about our Concepts’ brands that do not make proper use of our trademarks or required designations, that improperly alter trademarks or branding, or that are critical of our Concepts’ brands or place our Concepts’ brands in a context that may tarnish their reputation. Moreover, unauthorized third parties, including our Concepts’ current and former franchisees, may use our intellectual property to trade on the goodwill of our Concepts’ brands, resulting in consumer confusion or brand dilution.
Our ability to reach consumers and drive results is heavily influenced by brand marketing and advertising and our ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, including developing and launching new and innovative products and offerings. Our marketing and advertising programs may not be as successful, or may not be successful as our competitors, which may adversely affect our reputation and business. In addition, any decisions we may make to collaborate or cease to collaborate with certain endorsers or marketing partners in light of actions taken or statements made by them could seriously harm our brand image with consumers, and, as a result, could have an adverse effect on our reputation and financial results.
We and our Concepts’ franchisees are subject to heightened and evolving expectations and requirements with respect to social and environmental sustainability matters, which expose us and our Concepts’ franchisees to numerous risks.
Many investors, members of the public, governmental authorities, and other organizations are focused on environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) matters, such as climate change, greenhouse gases, packaging and waste, human rights, diversity, sustainable supply chain practices, animal health and welfare, deforestation, land, energy and water use and other corporate responsibility matters. At the same time, other stakeholders and governmental authorities have increasingly expressed opposing views, legislation and investment expectations with respect to sustainability initiatives, including so-called anti-ESG legislation
19
or policies. Further, we and our Concepts’ franchisees are and may become subject to new or changing rules and regulations promulgated by governmental and self-regulatory organizations with respect to ESG matters, including reporting requirements under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive which will be applicable to us. These rules, regulations and stakeholder expectations which may be conflicting, have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, an increase in expenses and management focus associated with satisfying such regulations and expectations. Further, as a result of these expectations and requirements, as well as our commitment to ESG matters, we may continue to establish. expand or modify goals, commitments or targets, and take actions to meet such goals, commitments and targets. Further, these goals, commitments and targets reflect our current plans and aspirations, are challenging and subject to change at our discretion and may be difficult and expensive to implement, the technologies needed to implement them may not be cost effective and may not advance at a sufficient pace, and we or our Concepts’ franchisees may be criticized for the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of disclosures. Further, these goals may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and other risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. If our or our Concepts’ franchisees’ data, processes and reporting with respect to ESG matters are incomplete or inaccurate, or if we or our Concepts’ franchisees fail to achieve progress with respect to these goals on a timely basis, consumer and investor trust in our brands may suffer. In addition, some stakeholders and governmental authorities may object to the scope or nature of our ESG initiatives or goals, or any revisions to these initiatives or goals (or those of our Concepts’ franchisees), which could give rise to negative responses by governmental authorities (such as retaliatory legislative actions or regulatory investigations or proceedings) or consumers (such as boycotts, lawsuits or negative publicity campaigns) that could adversely affect us or our brand value.
We may be adversely affected by climate change.
We, and our Concepts’ franchisees’ properties and operations, could be adversely affected by the physical and/or transitional effects of climate change, which is predicted to result in ongoing changes in global weather patterns and more frequent and severe weather-related events such as droughts, wildfires, hurricanes and other natural disasters. Such adverse weather-related impacts may also adversely affect the general economy in countries where we operate, disrupt our operations, cause restaurant closures or delay the opening of new restaurants, adversely impact our supply chain and increase the costs of (and decrease the availability of) food and other supplies needed for our operations. In addition, various legislative and regulatory efforts to combat climate change may increase in the future, which could result in additional taxes, increased compliance costs, and otherwise disrupt and adversely impact us and our Concepts’ franchisees.
Risks Related to Government Regulation and Litigation
We may be subject to litigation that could adversely affect us by increasing our expenses, diverting management attention or subjecting us to significant monetary damages and other remedies.
We are regularly involved in legal proceedings, which include regulatory claims or disputes by claimants such as franchisees, suppliers, employees, customers, governments and others related to operational, commercial, foreign exchange, tax, franchise, contractual or employment issues. These claims or disputes may relate to personal injury, employment, antitrust, real estate, environmental, tort, intellectual property, false advertising, breach of contract, technology services, data privacy, securities, consumer protection, derivative and other litigation matters. Plaintiffs often seek recovery of large or indeterminate amounts, and lawsuits are subject to inherent uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company’s control). We may also be adversely affected by unfavorable rulings or developments in cases we are not involved in. Moreover, regardless of whether any such lawsuits have merit, or whether we are ultimately held liable or settle, such litigation may be expensive to defend, may divert resources and management attention, and may negatively impact our financial results. With respect to insured claims, a judgment for damages in excess of any insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition and/or results of operations. Any adverse publicity resulting from these allegations may also adversely affect our Concepts’ reputations, which could adversely affect our financial results.
20
Changes in, or non-compliance with, legal requirements may adversely affect our business operations, growth prospects or financial condition.
The Company, and our Concepts and their franchisees, are subject to numerous laws and regulations around the world which change regularly and are increasingly complex, including: the Americans with Disabilities Act in the U.S. and similar laws; laws related to employment, including the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act, laws related to workplace health and safety, meal and rest breaks, exempt classification, non-discrimination, non-harassment, and whistleblower protections, and laws related to union organizing rights and activities; laws and regulations in government-mandated health care benefits such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in the U.S.; laws and regulations relating to nutritional content, nutritional labeling, product safety, product marketing and menu labeling; laws relating to state and local licensing; laws relating to the relationship between franchisors and franchisees; laws and regulations relating to health, sanitation, food, workplace safety, child labor, including laws regulating the use of certain “hazardous equipment”, building and zoning, and fire safety and prevention; laws relating to information and data security, privacy, cashless payments, consumer protection, and the use of AI and other emerging technologies; laws relating to our use of third party aggregators; laws relating to international trade and sanctions, tariffs, and currency conversion or exchange; anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; environmental laws and regulations, including with respect to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions; federal and state immigration laws and regulations; and laws related to public company compliance, disclosure and governance matters.
We may also be adversely impacted by legal developments resulting in broader standards for determining when two or more entities may be found to be joint employers of the same employees under laws such as the National Labor Relations Act (the “NLRA”). In this regard, while the joint employer rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) under the prior administration, which would have provided for more expansive joint employer standards, is no longer in effect after having been vacated in federal court in 2024, in the event that the NLRB or other governmental authority were to implement a similar joint employer standard in the future that was determined to be applicable to franchise relationships, this could cause us or our Concepts to be held responsible for unfair labor practices and other violations and could require us to engage in collective bargaining with representatives of the employees of our Concepts’ franchisees. In addition to the foregoing, many jurisdictions (including California) have enacted or have considered legislation regarding, or otherwise increased their focus on, the misclassification of independent contractors, which could have an adverse impact on and disrupt the operations of our Concepts' restaurants in other ways, such as costs relating to delivery aggregators or certain staff augmentation models.
Any failure or alleged failure to comply with applicable legal requirements or related standards or guidelines, could adversely affect our reputation, global expansion efforts, growth prospects and financial results or result in, among other things, litigation, revocation of required licenses, internal investigations, governmental investigations or proceedings, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal liability. In addition, the compliance costs associated with complying with new or existing legal requirements could be substantial.
Tax matters, including changes in tax rates or laws, disagreements with taxing authorities, imposition of new taxes and our restructurings could impact our financial results and growth prospects.
We are subject to income taxes as well as non-income based taxes, such as payroll, sales, use, value-added, net worth, property, withholding and franchise taxes in various jurisdictions. Our accruals for tax liabilities are based on past experience, interpretations of applicable law, and judgments about potential actions by tax authorities. Such tax positions require significant judgment which may be incorrect or challenged by tax authorities and may result in payments greater than the amounts accrued. If the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or another taxing authority disagrees with our tax positions, we could face additional tax liabilities, including interest and penalties, which could be material. For example, as disclosed in Note 20, as a result of an audit by the IRS for fiscal years 2013 through 2015, the IRS has proposed an adjustment for the 2014 fiscal year relating to a series of reorganizations we undertook during that year in connection with the business realignment of our corporate and management reporting structure along brand lines. While we disagree with the position of the IRS and are contesting it vigorously, an unfavorable resolution of this matter could have a material, adverse impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods.
In addition, if jurisdictions in which we or our Concepts operate enact tax legislation, modify tax treaties and/or increase audit scrutiny, it could increase our taxes and have an adverse impact on our financial results and growth prospects. For example, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (the “OECD”), the E.U. and other countries (including countries in which we operate) have enacted or committed to enacting substantial changes to numerous long-standing tax principles impacting how large multinational enterprises are taxed in an effort to limit perceived base erosion and profit shifting incentives. In particular, the OECD’s Pillar Two initiative provides for a 15% global minimum tax applied on a country-by-
21
country basis. We anticipate an increase in the burdens related to the tax compliance and reporting costs as a result of these developments.
Risks Related to the Yum China Spin-Off
The Yum China spin-off and certain related transactions could result in substantial U.S. tax liability.
We received opinions of outside counsel substantially to the effect that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Yum China spin-off completed during 2016 and certain related transactions qualified as generally tax-free under Sections 355 and 361 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The opinions relied on various facts and assumptions, as well as certain representations as to factual matters and undertakings (including with respect to future conduct) made by Yum China and us. If any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are incorrect or not satisfied, we may not be able to rely on these opinions of outside counsel. Accordingly, notwithstanding receipt of the opinions of outside counsel, the conclusions reached in the tax opinions may be challenged by the IRS. Because the opinions are not binding on the IRS or the courts, there can be no assurance that the IRS or the courts will not prevail in any such challenge.
If, notwithstanding receipt of any opinion, the IRS were to conclude that the Yum China spin-off was taxable, in general, we would recognize taxable gain as if we had sold the Yum China common stock in a taxable sale for its fair market value. In addition, each U.S. holder of our Common Stock who received shares of Yum China common stock in connection with the spin-off transaction would generally be treated as having received a taxable distribution of property in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of Yum China common stock received. That distribution would be taxable to each such U.S. stockholder as a dividend to the extent of accumulated earnings and profits as of the date of the spin-off. For each such U.S. stockholder, any amount that exceeded our earnings and profits would be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of such stockholder’s tax basis in our shares of Common Stock with any remaining amount being taxed as a capital gain.
The Yum China spin-off may be subject to China’s indirect transfer tax.
In February 2015, the Chinese State Tax Administration (“STA”) issued the Bulletin on Several Issues of Enterprise Income Tax on Income Arising from Indirect Transfers of Property by Non-resident Enterprises (“Bulletin 7”). Pursuant to Bulletin 7, an “indirect transfer” of Chinese taxable assets, including equity interests in a China resident enterprise (“Chinese interests”), by a non-resident enterprise, may be recharacterized and treated as a direct transfer of Chinese taxable assets, if such arrangement does not have reasonable commercial purpose and the transferor has avoided payment of Chinese enterprise income tax. Using general anti-tax avoidance provisions, the STA may treat an indirect transfer as a direct transfer of Chinese interests if the transfer has avoided Chinese tax by way of an arrangement without reasonable commercial purpose. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to Chinese enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer would be obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of up to 10% of the capital gain in the case of an indirect transfer of equity interests in a China resident enterprise. We evaluated the potential applicability of Bulletin 7 in connection with the Separation in the form of a tax free restructuring and continue to believe it is more likely than not that Bulletin 7 does not apply and that the restructuring had reasonable commercial purpose.
However, there are significant uncertainties on what constitutes a reasonable commercial purpose, how the safe harbor provisions for group restructurings are to be interpreted and how the Chinese tax authorities will ultimately view the spin-off. As a result, our position could be challenged by the Chinese tax authorities resulting in a tax at a rate of 10% assessed on the difference between the fair market value and the tax basis of Yum China at the date of the spin-off. As our tax basis in Yum China was minimal, the amount of such a tax could be significant and have an adverse effect on our results of operations, growth prospects and our financial condition.
Risks Related to Consumer Discretionary Spending and Macroeconomic Conditions
Our business may be adversely impacted by changes in consumer discretionary spending and macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary pressures and interest rate conditions, in markets in which we operate.
As a company dependent upon consumer discretionary spending, we (and our Concepts’ franchisees) are sensitive to macroeconomic conditions and consumer discretionary spending levels in markets where we and our Concepts’ franchisees operate. Some of the factors that may impact discretionary consumer spending and macroeconomic conditions include unemployment and underemployment rates, fluctuations in disposable income, the price of gasoline, other inflationary pressures, higher taxes, the impact of shifts in U.S. trade policy and retaliatory measures by global trading partners reduced access to credit, interest rate conditions, stock market performance and changes in consumer confidence and cost consciousness. In this regard, we and our Concepts’ franchisees have been adversely impacted by, and may continue to be adversely impacted
22
by, negative macroeconomic conditions in certain markets where we and our Concepts’ franchisees operate, including impacts from increased commodity prices and other inflationary pressures, elevated interest rates, challenging labor market conditions, ongoing geopolitical instability, changes in political conditions, supply chain disruption, and increases in real estate costs in certain domestic and international markets. Any significant deterioration in current macroeconomic conditions in markets where we operate could have an adverse effect on our business, growth prospects, financial conditions, or results of operations and could result in future asset impairment charges. Moreover, if negative macroeconomic conditions result in significant disruptions to capital and financial markets, or negatively impact our credit ratings, our cost of borrowing, our ability to access capital on favorable terms and our overall liquidity and capital structure could be adversely impacted.
Risks Related to Competition
The retail food industry is highly competitive.
Our Concepts’ restaurants compete with international, national and regional restaurant chains as well as locally-owned restaurants, and the industry in which we operate is highly competitive with respect to price and quality of food products, new product development, digital engagement, advertising levels and promotional initiatives, customer service reputation, restaurant location and attractiveness and maintenance of properties, management and hourly personnel and qualified franchisees. Moreover, if we are unable to successfully respond to changing consumer or dietary preferences, if our marketing efforts and/or launch of new products are unsuccessful, or if our Concepts’ restaurants are unable to compete successfully with other retail food outlets, our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ businesses and/or our growth prospects could be adversely affected. We also face ongoing competition due to convergence in grocery, convenience, deli and restaurant services, including the offering by the grocery industry of convenient meals, including pizzas and entrees with side dishes. Competition has also increased from and been enabled by third-party delivery aggregators in recent years, particularly in urbanized areas, and such competition is expected to continue to increase. Finally, not all of our competitors may seek to establish environmental or sustainability goals comparable to ours, which could result in lower supply chain or operating costs for our competitors.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
Our level of indebtedness makes us more sensitive to adverse economic conditions, may limit our ability to plan for or respond to significant changes in our business, and requires a significant amount of cash to service our debt payment obligations that we may be unable to generate or obtain.
As of December 31, 2025, our total outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt was approximately $12.0 billion. Subject to the limits contained in the agreements governing our outstanding indebtedness, we may incur additional debt from time to time, which would increase the risks related to our level of indebtedness. Our level of indebtedness could have important potential consequences, including, but not limited to: increasing our vulnerability to, and reducing our flexibility to plan for and respond to, adverse economic and industry conditions and changes in our business and the competitive environment; requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal of, and interest on, indebtedness, thereby reducing or eliminating the availability of such cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends, share repurchases or other corporate purposes; increasing our vulnerability to a downgrade of our credit rating, which could adversely affect our cost of funds, liquidity and access to capital markets; restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures; placing us at a disadvantage compared to other less leveraged competitors or competitors with comparable debt at more favorable interest rates; increasing our exposure to the risk of increased interest rates insofar as current and future borrowings are subject to variable rates of interest or we are forced to refinance indebtedness at higher interest rates, which risks are heightened by the current elevated interest rate environment; increasing our exposure to the risk of discontinuance, replacement or modification of certain reference rates; limiting our ability to repay, refinance or satisfy our existing debt obligations, as well as to borrow additional funds in the future and increasing the cost of any such borrowing; imposing restrictive covenants on our operations due to the terms of our indebtedness, which, if not complied with, could result in an event of default, which if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of the applicable debt or the acceleration of any other debt to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies; and increasing our exposure to risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency as we earn profits in a variety of currencies around the world and our debt is primarily denominated in U.S. dollars.
If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or if future debt or equity financings are not available to us on acceptable terms in amounts sufficient to pay our indebtedness or to fund other liquidity needs, our financial condition may be adversely affected. As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. There is no assurance that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all. Any inability to generate sufficient cash flow or refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms could have an adverse effect on our business, growth prospects and financial condition.
23
| Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments. | ||||
The Company has received no written comments regarding its periodic or current reports from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that were issued 180 days or more preceding the end of its 2025 fiscal year and that remain unresolved.
Item 1C. | Cybersecurity. | ||||
Cybersecurity Risk Management Program
Information security and data privacy have been and remain of the utmost importance to the Company in light of the value we place on maintaining the trust and confidence of our consumers, employees and other stakeholders.
We have a risk-based cybersecurity risk management program (the “Program”) in place designed to assess, identify and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats. The Program falls under the oversight of our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) and defines controls for access management, data protection and vulnerability detection, in addition to incident response protocols which are discussed further in the “Governance” section herein. The Program incorporates customized elements from industry-leading standards to drive robust and comprehensive protection.
To supplement our own internal processes and controls, we regularly engage consultants and other third parties as part of our Program, including to periodically:
•Test our information security defenses and to perform external penetration assessments; and
•Review and assess the Program and its maturity
We also have processes to oversee and identify material cybersecurity risks associated with our use of third-party service providers and their information systems. As part of these processes, we conduct cybersecurity due diligence around significant third-party service providers who access our information technology systems before and/or during their engagement. We require third-party service providers to promptly notify us of any actual breach impacting our data or operations. Additionally, we seek to obtain System and Organization Controls (“SOC”) 2 reports on an annual basis from vendors that host our significant financial applications to aid in our assessment of information security risk associated with our relationship with the host vendor. If a host vendor is not able to provide a SOC 2 report, we take additional steps to assess information security risk associated with the relationship.
The vast majority (97%) of our restaurants are owned and operated by franchisees who themselves are at risk of cyber-attacks or security incidents. Whilst some of those franchisees do operate their restaurants utilizing the Company’s networks and systems, many use networks and systems which they manage themselves. There is limited direct connectivity between the networks that the Company manages and the networks which our franchisees manage. We have established minimum information security standards for our franchisees through our Franchise Agreement Policy Manuals and Brand Standards. Those minimum information security standards are reviewed and updated on a regular basis and franchisees are given time to adjust and comply with changes as they occur.
Despite the security measures implemented as part of our Program, the current cyber threat environment presents increased risks for all companies, and we are a frequent target of cyber-attacks and have experienced security incidents. For example, on January 18, 2023, the Company announced a ransomware attack that impacted certain Information Technology (“IT”) systems. This incident resulted in the closure of fewer than 300 restaurants in one market for one day, and certain of the Company’s IT systems and data were affected. In addition, although data was taken from our network, the affected data was limited to certain personal information of former and current employees, and we have no evidence that customer databases were accessed.
Several separate putative class actions have been filed in U.S. federal and state court by current and/or former employees alleging violations of privacy and other rights in connection with the ransomware incident. As a result, we have incurred and may continue to incur expenses relating to this litigation.
We do not believe that any risks we have identified to date from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For additional information regarding the risks to us associated with cybersecurity incidents, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors”.
24
Governance
The Company’s cybersecurity risk management processes are integrated into the Company’s overall risk management processes. The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the oversight of the Company’s risk management and has delegated the oversight of specific risk-related responsibilities to certain Board committees. The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s business and financial technology risk exposure, which includes data privacy and data protection, information security and cybersecurity, as well as the controls in place to monitor and mitigate these risks. Our CISO and Chief Digital and Technology Officer advise the Audit Committee at least four times a year, and the Board of Directors regularly, on our management and oversight of information security risks and data protection risks. The Audit Committee also receives periodic updates on data privacy from members of management within our data privacy group in addition to the regular updates from our CISO. The Audit Committee provides a summary to the full Board at each regular Board meeting of the information security risk review together with any other risk related subjects discussed at the Audit Committee meeting.
At a management level, our Program is led by our CISO, who reports to the Company’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer. Our CISO has expertise in cybersecurity risk management through, among other things, over 30 years of information security experience, prior CISO and security leadership positions at other public companies, and certain technology and information security matters certifications. Additionally, we have a formal data privacy management committee made up of privacy professionals, operational experts and specialist legal counsel which is overseen by our Chief Legal Officer.
We have a Data Incident Response Plan (“the Plan”) which provides for controls and procedures in connection with cybersecurity events including escalation procedures as summarized below. Under the Plan, we have established a Data Incident Response team (the “Response Team”), a cross-functional group comprised of certain members of senior management, including our Chief Legal Officer and CISO. The Plan provides that the Response Team is responsible for assessing, investigating and responding to any cybersecurity event elevated for its consideration by our CISO.
In addition, under the Plan, we have established a cross-functional management group comprised of our Chief Legal Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Vice President Internal Audit, Chief Compliance Officer, Senior Vice President Finance & Corporate Controller and CISO. The Plan provides that any cybersecurity incident that is elevated for the review of the Response Team will also be reviewed by this group to determine whether any such incident is material for securities laws purposes and whether public disclosure is required or advisable in connection therewith, following any necessary consultation with the Company’s senior management, Disclosure Committee, Audit Committee and/or Board of Directors.
| Item 2. | Properties. | ||||
As of year end 2025, the Company’s Concepts owned land, building or both for 514 restaurants worldwide in connection with the operation of our 1,617 Company-owned restaurants. These restaurants are further detailed as follows:
•The KFC Division owned land, building or both for 119 restaurants.
•The Taco Bell Division owned land, building or both for 393 restaurants.
•The Pizza Hut Division owned land, building or both for 2 restaurants.
The Company currently also owns land, building or both related to approximately 400 franchise restaurants that it leases to franchisees and leases land, building or both related to approximately 225 franchise restaurants that it subleases to franchisees, principally in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.
Company-owned restaurants in the U.S. with leases are generally leased for initial terms of 10 to 20 years and generally have renewal options. Company-owned restaurants outside the U.S. with leases have initial lease terms and renewal options that vary by country.
The KFC Division and Pizza Hut Division corporate headquarters and a KFC and Pizza Hut research facility in Plano, Texas are owned by Pizza Hut. A leased building in Irvine, California contains the Taco Bell Division and the Habit Burger & Grill Division corporate headquarters and a Taco Bell research facility. Leased buildings in Louisville, Kentucky contain the YUM corporate headquarters. Additional information about the Company’s properties is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.
25
The Company believes that its properties are generally in good operating condition and are suitable for the purposes for which they are being used.
| Item 3. | Legal Proceedings. | ||||
The Company is subject to various lawsuits covering a variety of allegations. The Company believes that the ultimate liability, if any, in excess of amounts already provided for these matters in the Consolidated Financial Statements, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s annual results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Matters faced by the Company include, but are not limited to, claims from franchisees, suppliers, employees, customers, governments and others related to operational, foreign exchange, tax, franchise, contractual, cybersecurity or employment issues as well as claims that the Company has infringed on third-party intellectual property rights. In addition, the Company brings claims from time-to-time relating to infringement of, or challenges to, our intellectual property, including registered marks. Finally, as a publicly-traded company, disputes arise from time-to-time with our shareholders, including allegations that the Company breached federal securities laws or that officers and/or directors breached fiduciary duties. Descriptions of significant current specific claims and contingencies appear in Note 20, Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, which is incorporated by reference into this item.
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures. | ||||
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Registrant.
The executive officers of the Company as of February 20, 2026, and their ages and current positions as of that date are as follows:
Christopher Turner, 51, is Chief Executive Officer of YUM, a position he has held since October 2025. Prior to that, he served as YUM's Chief Financial Officer since August 2019 and YUM's Chief Franchise Officer since November 2024. Before joining YUM, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager in PepsiCo’s retail and e-commerce businesses with Walmart in the U.S. and more than 25 countries and across PepsiCo’s brands from December 2017 to July 2019. Prior to leading PepsiCo’s Walmart business, he served in various positions including Senior Vice President of Transformation for PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay North America business from July 2017 to December 2017 and Senior Vice President of Strategy for Frito-Lay from February 2016 to June 2017. Prior to joining PepsiCo, he was a partner in the Dallas office of McKinsey & Company, a strategic management consulting firm.
Erika Burkhardt, 52, is Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of YUM. She has served in this position since November 2024. Prior to that, she served as Associate General Counsel of YUM from July 2020 to November 2024 where she oversaw the Company’s trademark and employment law teams. She has been with the Company since 2004, including as Pizza Hut U.S. Human Resources & Litigation Counsel and Vice President, Brand Protection.
Scott Mezvinsky, 50, is Chief Executive Officer of KFC Division, a position he has held since March 2025. Prior to his current role, he served as President of Taco Bell North America and International from December 2023 to February 2025, as President of Taco Bell North America from September 2023 to November 2023, as Managing Director of Taco Bell North America from February 2023 to September 2023 and as Global Chief Strategy & Financial Officer for Taco Bell from February 2021 to February 2023. Since joining the Company in 2004, Mr. Mezvinsky has served in various positions at KFC and YUM, including General Manager of KFC Iberia, as well as roles in the KFC Latin America and Caribbean market, including Chief Development Officer and Vice President, Development and Operations.
Aaron Powell, 54, is Chief Executive Officer of Pizza Hut Division, a position he has held since September 2021. Before joining YUM, Mr. Powell served in various positions at Kimberly-Clark from September 2007 to August 2021. Prior to joining Kimberly-Clark, he served in various positions at Bain & Company and Proctor & Gamble.
Ranjith Roy, 45, is Chief Financial Officer of YUM, a position he has held since October 2025. Prior to that, he was YUM's Chief Strategy Officer and Treasurer. Before joining YUM in May 2024, he served as Chief Financial Officer of the e-commerce marketplace Goldbelly from May 2021 to May 2024. Prior to this role he spent 15 years with Goldman Sachs.
26
David Russell, 56, is Senior Vice President, Finance and Corporate Controller of YUM. He has served as YUM’s Corporate Controller since February 2011 and as Senior Vice President, Finance since February 2017. Prior to serving as Corporate Controller, Mr. Russell served in various positions at the Vice President level in the YUM Finance Department, including Controller-Designate from November 2010 to February 2011 and Vice President, Assistant Controller from January 2008 to December 2010.
Tracy Skeans, 53, is Chief Operating Officer and Chief People & Culture Officer of YUM. She has served as Chief Operating Officer since January 2021 and Chief People & Culture Officer since January 2016. She also served as Chief Transformation Officer from November 2016 to December 2020. From January 2015 to December 2015, she was President of Pizza Hut International. Prior to this position, Ms. Skeans served as Chief People Officer of Pizza Hut Division from December 2013 to December 2014 and Chief People Officer of Pizza Hut U.S. from October 2011 to November 2013. From July 2009 to September 2011, she served as Director of Human Resources for Pizza Hut U.S and was on the Pizza Hut U.S. Finance team from September 2000 to June 2009.
Sean Tresvant, 55, is Chief Executive Officer of Taco Bell Division and Chief Consumer Officer of YUM, positions he has held since January 2024 and September 2025, respectively. Prior to this he was the Global Chief Brand and Strategy Officer of Taco Bell from February 2023 to December 2023. He joined the Taco Bell brand in January 2022 as Chief Brand Officer. Previously he spent 15 years at Nike, most recently as Chief Marketing Officer of the Jordan Brand.
Executive officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
27
PART II
| Item 5. | Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. | ||||
Market Information and Dividend Policy
The Company’s Common Stock trades under the symbol YUM and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).
As of February 17, 2026, there were 30,435 registered holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock.
In 2025, the Company declared and paid four cash dividends of $0.71 per share. In February 2026, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.75 per share to be distributed March 6, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 20, 2026. Future decisions to pay cash dividends continue to be at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will be dependent on our operating performance, financial condition, capital expenditure requirements and other factors that the Company’s Board of Directors consider relevant.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2025, with respect to shares of Common Stock repurchased by the Company during the quarter then ended. In May 2024, our Board of Directors authorized share repurchases of up to $2.0 billion (excluding applicable transaction fees and excise taxes) of our outstanding Common Stock through December 31, 2026. As of December 31, 2025, we have remaining capacity to repurchase up to $1.1 billion of Common Stock under this authorization.
| Fiscal Periods | Total number of shares purchased (thousands) | Average price paid per share | Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (thousands) | Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/25 - 10/31/25 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 1,238 | ||||||||||||||||||||
11/1/25 - 11/30/25 | 528 | $ | 150.06 | 528 | $ | 1,159 | ||||||||||||||||||||
12/1/25 - 12/31/25 | 671 | $ | 148.00 | 671 | $ | 1,059 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,199 | $ | 148.91 | 1,199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
28
Stock Performance Graph
This graph compares the cumulative total return of our Common Stock to the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Sector Index, a peer group that includes YUM, for the period from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2025. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our Common Stock and each index was $100 at December 31, 2020, and that all cash dividends were reinvested.
| 12/30/2020 | 12/31/2021 | 12/30/2022 | 12/29/2023 | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| YUM | $ | 100 | $ | 130 | $ | 122 | $ | 127 | $ | 133 | $ | 153 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S&P 500 | $ | 100 | $ | 129 | $ | 105 | $ | 133 | $ | 166 | $ | 196 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S&P Consumer Discretionary | $ | 100 | $ | 124 | $ | 78 | $ | 112 | $ | 145 | $ | 154 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source of total return data: Bloomberg
| Item 6. | [Reserved] | ||||
29
| Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. | ||||
Introduction and Overview
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”), should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) in Item 8 and the Forward-Looking Statements and the Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A. All Note references herein refer to the Notes to the Financial Statements. Tabular amounts are displayed in millions of U.S. dollars except per share and unit count amounts, or as otherwise specifically identified.
In the first quarter of 2025, the Company prospectively changed its basis of presentation to round financial figures in the Financial Statements and as presented in the tabular presentations in this MD&A to the nearest whole number in millions in all instances. As a result, some totals and percentages may not recompute based on rounded figures as presented within this MD&A. Previously, amounts were presented to ensure that all numbers herein recomputed, resulting in the presentation of certain figures inconsistent with their underlying rounding.
Yum! Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as the “Company”, “YUM”, “we”, “us” or “our”) franchise or operate a system of over 63,000 restaurants in 155 countries and territories, primarily under the concepts of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill (collectively, the “Concepts”). The Company’s KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the chicken, Mexican-style food and pizza categories, respectively. The Habit Burger & Grill is a fast-casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. Of the over 63,000 restaurants, 97% are operated by franchisees.
As of December 31, 2025, YUM consists of four operating segments:
•The KFC Division which includes our worldwide operations of the KFC concept
•The Taco Bell Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Taco Bell concept
•The Pizza Hut Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Pizza Hut concept
•The Habit Burger & Grill Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Habit Burger & Grill concept
Through our Recipe for Good Growth we strive to grow iconic restaurant brands around the world that are loved by our customers, trusted everywhere we operate and connected through teamwork, technology and our global scale. These three ideas - being loved, trusted and connected - guide how we operate across our global system and engage with our customers, teams and communities:
Loved: We grow by delighting customers with craveable food and distinctive experiences.
Trusted: We operate responsibly with consistency and efficiency in our restaurants, across our system and in our communities. This includes a commitment to our priorities for social responsibility, risk management and sustainable stewardship of resources.
Connected: We use our teamwork, technology and global scale to serve every customer, everywhere, anytime.
As we enter into 2026, we intend to drive the next chapter of growth for YUM by Raising the B.A.R. through three clear priorities that reflect bold aspirations and a commitment to industry-leading performance:
•Battle for the future consumer by staying relentlessly focused on their needs and wants.
•Accelerate restaurant unit economics for our franchisees and maximize performance of every restaurant, serving as a catalyst for new unit development and keeping our franchise system healthy.
•Reach the full potential of Byte by Yum! by effectively operating, innovating and expanding our connected platform built by restaurant operators for restaurant operators to unlock its full potential for our franchise partners and our business.
Key to our success fueling brand performance and franchise success is our unrivaled culture and talent and leading with smart, heart and courage.
We intend to drive long-term growth and shareholder returns primarily through consistent same-store sales growth and new unit development across all of our Concepts. We intend to support this growth and development through a capital and operating structure that:
30
•Invests capital in a manner consistent with an asset light, franchisor model;
•Allocates G&A in an efficient manner that provides leverage to operating profit growth while at the same time opportunistically investing in strategic growth initiatives;
•Targets a consolidated net leverage ratio that balances shareholder returns, cost of capital and flexibility against various risk factors; and
•Maximizes shareholder return through a combination of paying a competitive dividend and returning excess cash flow through share repurchases.
We intend for this MD&A to provide the reader with information that will assist in understanding our results of operations, including performance metrics that management uses to assess the Company’s performance. Throughout this MD&A, we commonly discuss the following performance metrics:
•Same-store sales growth is the estimated percentage change in system sales of all restaurants that have been open and in the YUM system for one year or more, including those temporarily closed. From time-to-time restaurants may be temporarily closed due to remodeling or image enhancement, rebuilding, natural disasters, health epidemic or pandemic, landlord disputes, boycotts, social or civil unrest or other issues. The system sales of restaurants we deem temporarily closed remain in our base for purposes of determining same-store sales growth and the restaurants remain in our unit count (see below). Same-store sales growth excludes, for subsidiaries operating on a monthly calendar, the extra day resulting from a leap year and excludes, for subsidiaries operating on a weekly periodic calendar, the last week of the year in fiscal years with 53 weeks. We believe same-store sales growth is useful to investors because our results are heavily dependent on the results of our Concepts' existing store base. Additionally, same-store sales growth is reflective of the strength of our Brands, the effectiveness of our operational and advertising initiatives and local economic and consumer trends.
•Gross unit openings reflects new openings by us and our franchisees. Net new unit growth reflects gross unit openings offset by permanent store closures, by us and our franchisees. To determine whether a restaurant meets the definition of a unit we consider factors such as whether the restaurant has operations that are ongoing and independent from another YUM unit, serves the primary product of one of our Concepts, operates under a separate franchise agreement (if operated by a franchisee) and has substantial and sustainable sales. We believe gross unit openings and net new unit growth are useful to investors because we depend on new units for a significant portion of our growth. Additionally, gross unit openings and net new unit growth are generally reflective of the economic returns to us and our franchisees from opening and operating our Concept restaurants.
•System sales, System sales excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation (“FX”) and, in 2024, System sales excluding FX and the 53rd week for our U.S. subsidiaries and certain international subsidiaries that operate on a weekly periodic calendar, reflect the results of all restaurants regardless of ownership, including Company-owned and franchise restaurants. Sales at franchise restaurants typically generate ongoing franchise and license fees for the Company at a rate of 3% to 6% of sales. Increasingly, customers are paying a fee to a third party to deliver or facilitate the ordering of our Concepts’ products. We also include in System sales any portion of the amount customers pay these third parties for which the third party is obligated to pay us a license fee as a percentage of such amount. Franchise restaurant sales and fees paid by customers to third parties to deliver or facilitate the ordering of our Concepts’ products are not included in Company sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income; however, any resulting franchise and license fees we receive are included in the Company’s revenues. We believe System sales growth is useful to investors as a significant indicator of the overall strength of our business as it incorporates our primary revenue drivers, Company and franchise same-store sales as well as net new unit growth.
In addition to the results provided in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), the Company provides the following non-GAAP measurements.
•Diluted Earnings Per Share (“EP”) excluding Special Items (as defined below) and, in 2024, Diluted EPS excluding Special Items and the 53rd week;
•Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items and, in 2024, Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items and the 53rd week;
31
•Core Operating Profit and, in 2024, Core Operating Profit excluding the 53rd week. Core Operating Profit excludes Special Items and FX and we use Core Operating Profit for the purposes of evaluating performance internally;
•Net Income excluding Special Items and, in 2024, Net Income excluding Special Items and the 53rd week;
•Company restaurant profit and Company restaurant margin as a percentage of sales (as defined below).
These non-GAAP measurements are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Rather, the Company believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP measurements provide additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations.
Special Items are not included in any of our Division segment results as the Company does not believe they are indicative of our ongoing operations due to their size and/or nature. Our chief operating decision maker does not consider the impact of Special Items when assessing segment performance.
Company restaurant profit is defined as Company sales less Company restaurant expenses, both of which appear on the face of our Consolidated Statements of Income. Company restaurant expenses include those expenses incurred directly by our Company-owned restaurants in generating Company sales, including cost of food and paper, cost of restaurant-level labor, rent, depreciation and amortization of restaurant-level assets and advertising expenses incurred by and on behalf of that Company restaurant. Company restaurant margin as a percentage of sales (“Company restaurant margin %”) is defined as Company restaurant profit divided by Company sales. We use Company restaurant profit for the purposes of internally evaluating the performance of our Company-owned restaurants and we believe Company restaurant profit provides useful information to investors as to the profitability of our Company-owned restaurants. In calculating Company restaurant profit, the Company excludes revenues and expenses directly associated with our franchise operations as well as non-restaurant-level costs included in General and administrative expenses, some of which may support Company-owned restaurant operations. The Company also excludes restaurant-level asset impairment and closures expenses, which have historically not been significant, from the determination of Company restaurant profit as such expenses are not believed to be indicative of ongoing operations. Further, while we generally include depreciation and amortization of restaurant-level assets within Divisional Company restaurant expenses used to derive Divisional Company restaurant profit, we record amortization of reacquired franchise rights arising from acquisition accounting within Corporate and unallocated Company restaurant expenses as such amortization is not believed to be indicative of ongoing Divisional results as well as to enhance comparability of acquired stores’ margins with those of existing restaurants. Company restaurant profit and Company restaurant margin % as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies in the industry.
Certain performance metrics and non-GAAP measurements are presented excluding the impact of FX. These amounts are derived by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. We believe the elimination of the FX impact provides better year-to-year comparability without the distortion of foreign currency fluctuations.
For 2024 we provided System sales excluding FX and the 53rd week, Core Operating Profit excluding the 53rd week, Net Income excluding Special Items and the 53rd week, Diluted EPS excluding Special Items and the 53rd week and Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items and the 53rd week to further enhance the comparability given the 53rd week that was part of our fiscal calendar in 2024.
Results of Operations
Summary
All comparisons within this summary are versus the same period a year ago. For discussion of our results of operations for 2024 compared to 2023, refer to the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 19, 2025.
32
2025 financial highlights:
| % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System Sales, ex FX | Same-Store Sales | Units | GAAP Operating Profit | Core Operating Profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | +5 | +3 | +6 | +10 | +9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taco Bell Division | +7 | +7 | +3 | +8 | +8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pizza Hut Division | (3) | (1) | (1) | (9) | (9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Worldwide | +4 | +3 | +3 | +7 | +5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Results Excluding 53rd Week (% Change) | ||||||||||||||
| System Sales, ex FX | Core Operating Profit | |||||||||||||
| KFC Division | +6 | +10 | ||||||||||||
| Taco Bell Division | +8 | +10 | ||||||||||||
| Pizza Hut Division | (2) | (8) | ||||||||||||
| Worldwide | +5 | +7 | ||||||||||||
Additionally:
•Gross unit openings for the year were 4,567 units resulting in 1,939 net new units.
•Foreign currency translation favorably impacted Divisional Operating Profit in our KFC Division by $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2025.
| 2025 | 2024 | % Change | |||||||||
| GAAP EPS | $5.55 | $5.22 | +6 | ||||||||
Special Items EPS | $(0.50) | $(0.26) | NM | ||||||||
| EPS Excluding Special Items | $6.05 | $5.48 | +10 | ||||||||
•In 2024, the 53rd week favorably impacted EPS by approximately $0.09 per share.
33
Worldwide
GAAP Results
| Amount | % B/(W) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | $ | 2,945 | $ | 2,552 | $ | 2,142 | 15 | 19 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property revenues | 3,473 | 3,295 | 3,247 | 5 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 1,796 | 1,702 | 1,687 | 6 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 8,214 | 7,549 | 7,076 | 9 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant expenses | $ | 2,483 | $ | 2,120 | $ | 1,774 | (17) | (20) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| G&A expenses | 1,262 | 1,181 | 1,193 | (7) | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property expenses | 140 | 134 | 123 | (5) | (8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise advertising and other services expense | 1,799 | 1,711 | 1,683 | (5) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Refranchising (gain) loss | (48) | (34) | (29) | 42 | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense | 2 | 34 | 14 | NM | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total costs and expenses, net | 5,639 | 5,146 | 4,758 | (10) | (8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Profit | 2,574 | 2,403 | 2,318 | 7 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment (income) expense, net | (1) | 21 | (7) | NM | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other pension (income) expense | (2) | (7) | (6) | (71) | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 501 | 489 | 513 | (2) | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 2,077 | 1,900 | 1,818 | 9 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax provision | 518 | 414 | 221 | (25) | (88) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 1,559 | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,597 | 5 | (7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted EPS(a) | $ | 5.55 | $ | 5.22 | $ | 5.59 | 6 | (7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 24.9 | % | 21.8 | % | 12.1 | % | (3.1) | ppts. | (9.7) | ppts. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)See Note 4 for the number of shares used in this calculation.
Performance Metrics
| % Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Count | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise | 61,668 | 60,035 | 57,691 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-owned | 1,617 | 1,311 | 1,017 | 23 | 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 63,285 | 61,346 | 58,708 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Same-Store Sales Growth (Decline) % | 3 | (1) | 6 | |||||||||||||||||
System Sales Growth %, reported | 4 | 3 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||
System Sales Growth %, excluding FX | 4 | 4 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||
System Sales Growth %, excluding FX and 53rd week | 5 | 3 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
34
Our system sales breakdown by Company and franchise sales was as follows:
| Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
Company sales(a) | $ | 2,945 | $ | 2,552 | $ | 2,142 | ||||||||||||||
| Franchise sales | 65,350 | 62,914 | 61,647 | |||||||||||||||||
| System sales | 68,295 | 65,466 | 63,789 | |||||||||||||||||
Negative (Positive) Foreign Currency Impact(b) | (290) | 638 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| System sales, excluding FX | 68,005 | 66,104 | 63,789 | |||||||||||||||||
| Impact of 53rd week | N/A | (568) | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
System sales, excluding FX and the 53rd Week | $ | 68,005 | $ | 65,536 | $ | 63,789 | ||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | ||||||||||||||||||||
Company sales(a) | $ | 1,057 | $ | 801 | $ | 484 | ||||||||||||||
| Franchise sales | 35,377 | 33,651 | 33,379 | |||||||||||||||||
| System sales | 36,434 | 34,452 | 33,863 | |||||||||||||||||
Negative (Positive) Foreign Currency Impact(b) | (249) | 515 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| System sales, excluding FX | 36,185 | 34,967 | 33,863 | |||||||||||||||||
| Impact of 53rd week | N/A | (171) | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
System sales, excluding FX and the 53rd Week | $ | 36,185 | $ | 34,796 | $ | 33,863 | ||||||||||||||
| Taco Bell Division | ||||||||||||||||||||
Company sales(a) | $ | 1,281 | $ | 1,155 | $ | 1,069 | ||||||||||||||
| Franchise sales | 17,080 | 16,038 | 14,846 | |||||||||||||||||
| System sales | 18,361 | 17,193 | 15,915 | |||||||||||||||||
Negative (Positive) Foreign Currency Impact(b) | (12) | (1) | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| System sales, excluding FX | 18,348 | 17,192 | 15,915 | |||||||||||||||||
| Impact of 53rd week | N/A | (279) | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
System sales, excluding FX and the 53rd Week | $ | 18,348 | $ | 16,913 | $ | 15,915 | ||||||||||||||
| Pizza Hut Division | ||||||||||||||||||||
Company sales(a) | $ | 51 | $ | 8 | $ | 14 | ||||||||||||||
| Franchise sales | 12,743 | 13,100 | 13,301 | |||||||||||||||||
| System sales | 12,794 | 13,108 | 13,315 | |||||||||||||||||
Negative (Positive) Foreign Currency Impact(b) | (29) | 124 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| System sales, excluding FX | 12,765 | 13,232 | 13,315 | |||||||||||||||||
| Impact of 53rd week | N/A | (107) | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
System sales, excluding FX and the 53rd Week | $ | 12,765 | $ | 13,125 | $ | 13,315 | ||||||||||||||
| Habit Burger & Grill Division | ||||||||||||||||||||
Company sales(a) | $ | 555 | $ | 588 | $ | 575 | ||||||||||||||
| Franchise sales | 151 | 125 | 121 | |||||||||||||||||
| System sales | 706 | 713 | 696 | |||||||||||||||||
Negative (Positive) Foreign Currency Impact(b) | — | — | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| System sales, excluding FX | 706 | 713 | 696 | |||||||||||||||||
Impact of 53rd Week | N/A | (11) | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
System sales, excluding FX and the 53rd Week | $ | 706 | $ | 702 | $ | 696 | ||||||||||||||
(a)Company sales represents sales from our Company-operated stores as presented on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
35
(b)The foreign currency impact on System sales is presented in relation only to the immediately preceding year presented. When determining applicable System sales growth percentages, the System sales excluding FX for the current year should be compared to the prior year System sales prior to adjustment for the prior year FX impact.
| Non-GAAP Items | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Items, along with the reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure, are presented below. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Core Operating Profit Growth % | 5 | 9 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Operating Profit Growth %, excluding the 53rd week | 7 | 8 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Diluted EPS Growth %, excluding Special Items | 10 | 6 | 14 | |||||||||||||||||
| Diluted EPS Growth %, excluding Special Items and the 53rd week | 12 | 4 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items | 22.7 | % | 23.6 | % | 20.6 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items and the 53rd week | N/A | 23.5 | % | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant profit | $ | 461 | $ | 432 | $ | 368 | ||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant margin % | 15.7 | % | 16.9 | % | 17.2 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Core Operating Profit and Core Operating Profit, excluding the 53rd Week | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Profit | $ | 2,574 | $ | 2,403 | $ | 2,318 | ||||||||||||||
Detail of Special Items: | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Gain) loss associated with market-wide refranchisings(a) | (1) | 1 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||
Charges associated with Pizza Hut Strategic Options Review(b) | 41 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Charges associated with Brand HQ Consolidation(c) | 27 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
German acquisition and Turkey termination-related costs(d) | 9 | 61 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Charges associated with Resource Optimization(e) | 38 | 79 | 21 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating (profit) loss impact from decision to exit Russia(f) | — | — | 11 | |||||||||||||||||
Charges associated with TB U.S. restaurant acquisition(g) | 7 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Other Special Items (Income) Expense | — | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
Special Items Expense - Operating Profit | 122 | 141 | 39 | |||||||||||||||||
Negative (Positive) Foreign Currency Impact on Operating Profit | (12) | 28 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Operating Profit | 2,684 | 2,572 | 2,357 | |||||||||||||||||
Impact of 53rd Week Operating Profit | N/A | (36) | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
Core Operating Profit, excluding the 53rd Week | $ | 2,684 | $ | 2,536 | $ | 2,357 | ||||||||||||||
36
| Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Profit | $ | 1,503 | $ | 1,363 | $ | 1,304 | ||||||||||||||
| Negative (Positive) Foreign Currency Impact | (12) | 22 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Operating Profit | 1,491 | 1,385 | 1,304 | |||||||||||||||||
| Impact of 53rd Week | N/A | (9) | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Operating Profit, excluding the 53rd Week | $ | 1,491 | $ | 1,376 | $ | 1,304 | ||||||||||||||
| Taco Bell Division | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Profit | $ | 1,129 | $ | 1,049 | $ | 944 | ||||||||||||||
| Negative (Positive) Foreign Currency Impact | — | — | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Operating Profit | 1,129 | 1,049 | 944 | |||||||||||||||||
| Impact of 53rd Week | N/A | (21) | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Operating Profit, excluding the 53rd Week | $ | 1,129 | $ | 1,028 | $ | 944 | ||||||||||||||
| Pizza Hut Division | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Profit | $ | 340 | $ | 373 | $ | 391 | ||||||||||||||
| Negative (Positive) Foreign Currency Impact | — | 6 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Operating Profit | 340 | 379 | 391 | |||||||||||||||||
| Impact of 53rd Week | N/A | (5) | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Operating Profit, excluding the 53rd Week | $ | 340 | $ | 374 | $ | 391 | ||||||||||||||
| Habit Burger & Grill Division | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | (13) | $ | — | $ | (14) | ||||||||||||||
| Negative (Positive) Foreign Currency Impact | — | — | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Operating Profit (Loss) | (13) | — | (14) | |||||||||||||||||
| Impact of 53rd Week | N/A | (1) | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Operating Profit (Loss), excluding the 53rd Week | $ | (13) | $ | (1) | $ | (14) | ||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Net Income excluding Special Items and Net Income excluding Special Items and the 53rd week | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Net Income | $ | 1,559 | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,597 | ||||||||||||||
| Special Items (Income) Expense - Operating Profit | 122 | 141 | 39 | |||||||||||||||||
Special Items Tax (Benefit) Expense(h) | 18 | (66) | (161) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net Income excluding Special Items | 1,700 | 1,561 | 1,475 | |||||||||||||||||
Impact of 53rd Week | N/A | (25) | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Net Income excluding Special Items and the 53rd Week | $ | 1,700 | $ | 1,536 | $ | 1,475 | ||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Diluted EPS to Diluted EPS excluding Special Items and Diluted EPS excluding Special Items and the 53rd Week | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted EPS | $ | 5.55 | $ | 5.22 | $ | 5.59 | ||||||||||||||
| Less Special Items Diluted EPS | (0.50) | (0.26) | 0.42 | |||||||||||||||||
| Diluted EPS excluding Special Items | 6.05 | 5.48 | 5.17 | |||||||||||||||||
| Less Impact of 53rd Week | N/A | 0.09 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Diluted EPS excluding Special Items and the 53rd Week | $ | 6.05 | $ | 5.39 | $ | 5.17 | ||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of GAAP Effective Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items and Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items and the 53rd Week | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Effective Tax Rate | 24.9 | % | 21.8 | % | 12.1 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Impact on Tax Rate as a result of Special Items | 2.2 | % | (1.8) | % | (8.5) | % | ||||||||||||||
| Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items | 22.7 | % | 23.6 | % | 20.6 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Impact on Tax Rate as a result of the 53rd Week | N/A | 0.1 | % | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
| Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items and the 53rd Week | 22.7 | % | 23.5 | % | 20.6 | % | ||||||||||||||
37
(a)Due to their size and volatility, we have reflected as Special Items those refranchising gains and losses that were recorded in connection with market-wide refranchisings. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we recorded net a refranchising gain of $1 million and net refranchising losses of $1 million and $5 million, respectively, that have been reflected as Special Items.
Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we recorded net refranchising gains of $47 million, $35 million and $34 million, respectively, that have not been reflected as Special Items. These net refranchising gains relate to refranchising of restaurants unrelated to market-wide refranchisings that we believe are indicative of our expected ongoing refranchising activity.
(b)In 2025, we began a review of strategic options for the Pizza Hut brand. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we incurred charges of approximately $36 million primarily in third-party advising costs associated with this strategic options review and wrote-off approximately $5 million of franchise incentive assets associated with rationalizing the Pizza Hut estate in preparation for a potential transaction. These charges were recorded to Corporate and unallocated General and administrative expenses and Unallocated franchise and property revenues, respectively. Given the significance of the costs expected to be incurred through the course of this strategic options review, we have reflected such amounts as Special Items.
(c)During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recorded charges of approximately $27 million associated with our decision to designate two brand headquarters in the U.S., located in Plano, Texas and Irvine, California, to foster greater collaboration among brands and employees. This involved relocating the KFC U.S. corporate office to the KFC Global headquarters and requiring the majority of our U.S.-based remote employees to relocate to an appropriate headquarter office. These charges included $21 million, primarily for severance for employees who chose not to relocate and consultant fees, recorded to Corporate and unallocated General and administrative expenses. Additionally, we donated our YUM corporate headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky subsequent to the relocation of the KFC U.S. corporate office resulting in a charge of $6 million to Unallocated Other (income) expense representing the net book value of that headquarters. Due to their scope and size, these charges have been reflected as Special Items.
(d)On January 8, 2025, we terminated our franchise agreements with franchisee IS Gida A.S. (IS Gida), the owner and operator of KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants in Turkey and a subsidiary of IS Holding A.S. (IS Holding), after failure by IS Gida to meet our standards. As a result, 283 KFC restaurants and 254 Pizza Hut restaurants in Turkey were closed during the first quarter of 2025. We also re-acquired the master franchise rights in Germany for KFC and Pizza Hut from the owner of IS Holding in December 2024. As a result, we recorded charges of $37 million to Unallocated Other (income) expense, $18 million to Unallocated Franchise and property revenues and $6 million to Corporate and unallocated General and administrative expenses consisting primarily of transaction costs associated with the German acquisition and termination-related costs associated with the Turkey business in year ended December 31, 2024. We recorded a credit of $1 million to Unallocated Other (income) expense and charges of $1 million to Unallocated Franchise and property revenues and $9 million to Corporate and unallocated General and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2025, consisting primarily of transaction costs associated with re-acquiring the master franchise rights in Germany including severance. Due to their scope and size, these charges have been reflected as Special Items.
(e)We recorded charges of $38 million, $79 million and $21 million during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, primarily to Corporate and unallocated General and administrative expenses related to a resource optimization program initiated in the third quarter of 2020. Over the past several years, this program has allowed us to reallocate significant resources to accelerate our digital, technology and innovation capabilities to deliver a modern, world-class team member and customer experience and improve unit economics. We expanded the program in 2024 to identify further opportunities to optimize the Company’s spending and identify additional, critical areas in which to potentially allocate resources, both with a goal to enable the acceleration of the Company’s growth rate. Costs incurred to date related to the program primarily include severance associated with positions that have been eliminated or relocated and consultant fees. Due to their scope and size, these charges have been reflected as Special Items.
(f)In the first quarter of 2022, as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we suspended all investment and restaurant development in Russia. We also suspended all operations of our 70 company-owned KFC restaurants in Russia and began finalizing an agreement to suspend all Pizza Hut operations in Russia, in partnership with our master franchisee. Further, we pledged to redirect any future net profits attributable to Russia subsequent to the date of invasion to
38
humanitarian efforts. During the second quarter of 2022, we completed the transfer of ownership of the Pizza Hut Russia business to a local operator. In April 2023, we completed our exit from the Russia market by selling the KFC business in Russia to Smart Service Ltd.
Our GAAP operating results presented herein reflect revenues from and expenses to support the Russian operations for KFC prior to the date of sale, within their historical financial statement line items and operating segments. However, given our decision to exit Russia and our pledge to direct any future net profits attributable to Russia subsequent to the date of invasion to humanitarian efforts, we reclassed such net operating profits or losses from the KFC segment results in which they were earned to Unallocated Other income (expense). Additionally, we incurred certain expenses related to the dispositions of the businesses and other one-time costs related to our exit from Russia which we recorded within Corporate and unallocated G&A and Unallocated Franchise and property expenses. Also recorded in Unallocated Other income (expense) were foreign exchange impacts attributable to fluctuations in the value of the Russian ruble and a charge of $3 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of the completion of the sale of the KFC Russia business. The resulting net Operating Loss of $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 has been reflected as a Special Item.
(g)During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recorded charges of approximately $7 million to Corporate and unallocated General and administrative expenses related to an acquisition of 128 Taco Bell Southeast U.S. restaurants from a franchisee for approximately $670 million. Due to the significant amount of legal and professional fees necessary to complete this large acquisition, these fees have been reflected as Special Items.
(h)The below table includes the detail of Special Items Tax (Benefit) Expense:
Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax (Benefit) on Special Items Expense - Operating Profit | $ | (29) | $ | (28) | $ | (8) | ||||||||||||||
Tax Expense - Foreign tax reserve | 108 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Tax Expense - U.S. OBBBA | 76 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Tax (Benefit) - Tax audit | (47) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Tax (Benefit) - Intra-entity transfers and valuations of intellectual property | (89) | (32) | (183) | |||||||||||||||||
Tax (Benefit) - Other Income tax impacts from decision to exit Russia | — | — | (7) | |||||||||||||||||
Tax (Benefit) - Other Income tax impacts recorded as Special | (2) | (6) | 37 | |||||||||||||||||
| Special Items Tax (Benefit) Expense | $ | 18 | $ | (66) | $ | (161) | ||||||||||||||
Tax (Benefit) on Special Items Expense - Operating Profit was determined by assessing the tax impact of each individual component within Special Items based upon the nature of the item and jurisdictional tax law.
Tax Expense - Foreign tax reserve in the year ended December 31, 2025, is associated with a reserve, and the ongoing foreign exchange and inflationary adjustments, associated with a change in management's judgment around a Mexican subsidiary's ability to utilize losses to offset recapture gains triggered by a historical tax deconsolidation. This tax expense was reflected as a Special Item due to its size and the time elapsed since the years to which the reserve relates.
Tax Expense - U.S. OBBBA in the year ended December 31, 2025, reflects the tax expense recorded upon the July 4, 2025 enactment of H.R.1, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) in the United States. The tax expense was primarily associated with a change in management's judgment regarding our ability to utilize U.S. foreign tax credit related deferred tax assets that existed at the date of enactment and has been reflected as a Special Item due to the size of the non-recurring adjustment necessary upon enactment of the legislation.
Tax (Benefit) - Tax audit in the year ended December 31, 2025, reflects the benefit associated with the reversal of a reserve due to a favorable audit resolution. Such reserve was established in prior years and was originally recorded as a Special Item.
Tax (Benefit) - Intra-entity transfers and valuations of intellectual property includes:
•The tax benefit recorded in the year ended December 31, 2025, resulting from an internal reorganization to consolidate the Pizza Hut entities and assets into two isolated ownership structures by aligning the legal ownership, simplifying the organizational footprint and consolidating the Pizza Hut domestic and
39
international business in connection with our strategic options review. As part of this reorganization, certain Pizza Hut intellectual property (“IP”) rights from subsidiaries in the U.S. were transferred to international subsidiaries resulting in a step-up in amortizable tax basis of those IP rights.
•The tax benefit recorded in the year ended December 31, 2024, resulting primarily from the tax liquidation of certain subsidiaries in Israel and Australia as well as the intra-entity transfer of software from those subsidiaries to subsidiaries in the U.S.
•The tax benefit recorded in the year ended December 31, 2023, resulting primarily from $99 million of deferred tax benefit arising from the remeasurement of deferred tax assets associated with previously transferred IP rights in Switzerland as a result of an increase in our jurisdictional tax rate, as well as a $29 million deferred tax benefit associated with credits granted by local Swiss tax authorities. The benefit recorded in the year ended December 31, 2023, also includes $30 million of deferred tax benefit associated with the intra-entity transfer of certain Asia region IP rights to Singapore or the U.S.
Other Income Tax impacts recorded as Special in the year ended December 31, 2023 included $41 million of expense associated with a correction in the timing of capital loss utilization related to refranchising gains previously recorded as Special Items to tax years with a lower statutory tax rate.
Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Company Restaurant Profit
2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Corporate and Unallocated | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 1,503 | $ | 1,129 | $ | 340 | $ | (13) | $ | (384) | $ | 2,574 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property revenues | 1,807 | 1,060 | 602 | 12 | (7) | 3,473 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 679 | 754 | 360 | 3 | — | 1,796 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 372 | 215 | 219 | 54 | 402 | 1,262 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property expenses | 66 | 29 | 41 | 4 | — | 140 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise advertising and other services expense | 670 | 750 | 376 | 3 | — | 1,799 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Refranchising (gain) loss | — | — | — | — | (48) | (48) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense | 1 | — | (14) | 12 | 3 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Company restaurant profit (loss) | $ | 128 | $ | 310 | $ | (1) | $ | 46 | (22) | $ | 461 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | $ | 1,057 | $ | 1,281 | $ | 51 | $ | 555 | — | $ | 2,945 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant margin % | 12.1 | % | 24.2 | % | (1.4) | % | 8.3 | % | N/A | 15.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
40
2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Corporate and Unallocated | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 1,363 | $ | 1,049 | $ | 373 | $ | — | $ | (382) | $ | 2,403 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property revenues | 1,685 | 997 | 622 | 9 | (18) | 3,295 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 613 | 708 | 378 | 3 | — | 1,702 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 363 | 199 | 219 | 54 | 346 | 1,181 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property expenses | 63 | 33 | 34 | 4 | — | 134 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise advertising and other services expense | 610 | 708 | 390 | 3 | — | 1,711 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Refranchising (gain) loss | — | — | — | — | (34) | (34) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense | (3) | (1) | (16) | 10 | 44 | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Company restaurant profit (loss) | $ | 98 | $ | 283 | $ | — | $ | 59 | $ | (8) | $ | 432 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | $ | 801 | $ | 1,155 | $ | 8 | $ | 588 | $ | — | $ | 2,552 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant margin % | 12.2 | % | 24.4 | % | (0.6) | % | 10.1 | % | N/A | 16.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Corporate and Unallocated | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 1,304 | $ | 944 | $ | 391 | $ | (14) | $ | (307) | $ | 2,318 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property revenues | 1,698 | 918 | 622 | 9 | — | 3,247 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 648 | 654 | 383 | 2 | — | 1,687 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 383 | 204 | 221 | 59 | 326 | 1,193 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property expenses | 72 | 32 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 123 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise advertising and other services expense | 648 | 644 | 389 | 2 | — | 1,683 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Refranchising (gain) loss | — | — | — | — | (29) | (29) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense | 6 | — | (11) | 10 | 9 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant profit | $ | 67 | $ | 252 | $ | — | $ | 49 | $ | — | $ | 368 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | $ | 484 | $ | 1,069 | $ | 14 | $ | 575 | $ | — | $ | 2,142 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant margin % | 13.7 | % | 23.7 | % | 0.1 | % | 8.5 | % | N/A | 17.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Items Impacting Reported Results and/or Reasonably Likely to Impact Future Results
The following items impacted reported results in 2025 and/or 2024 and/or are reasonably likely to impact future results. See also the Detail of Special Items section of this MD&A for other items similarly impacting results.
Pizza Hut Strategic Options Review
In 2025, we began a review of strategic options for the Pizza Hut brand. The objective of the review is to create value for YUM, Pizza Hut and its franchise partners by determining the optimal approach to best capitalize on Pizza Hut's structural advantages — strong brand equity, experienced franchise partners and meaningful scale — in the highly fragmented pizza market. We
41
currently intend to complete this strategic options review in 2026, and there can be no assurance this review will result in any specific outcome or transaction. We incurred certain costs during the year ended December 31, 2025 associated with this strategic review (see Detail of Special Items section of this MD&A) and expect to incur further costs of a currently indeterminate amount as this strategic options review progresses.
Impact of Tax Law Changes
On July 4, 2025, H.R.1, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) was enacted into law in the U.S. The OBBBA includes a broad range of domestic and international tax reform provisions, including extending and modifying certain key provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as provisions allowing accelerated tax deductions for qualified depreciable property and research expenditures. The OBBBA has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions becoming effective in 2025 and others effective through 2027. We do not currently expect our ongoing effective tax rate to be significantly impacted by the legislation.
Extra Week in 2024
Fiscal 2024 included a 53rd week for all of our U.S. and certain international subsidiaries that operate on a period calendar. See Note 2 for additional details related to our fiscal calendar. The following table summarizes the estimated impact of the 53rd week on Revenues and Operating Profit for the year ended December 31, 2024. The 53rd week in 2024 favorably impacted Diluted EPS by approximately $0.09 per share.
| KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | $ | 16 | $ | 21 | $ | — | $ | 9 | $ | 46 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property revenues | 8 | 16 | 6 | — | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 4 | 11 | 5 | — | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 28 | $ | 48 | $ | 11 | $ | 9 | $ | 96 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property revenues | $ | 8 | $ | 16 | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 4 | 11 | 5 | — | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant profit | 3 | 7 | — | 1 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise for advertising and other services expenses | (4) | (11) | (5) | — | (20) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| G&A expenses | (2) | (2) | (1) | — | (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Profit | $ | 9 | $ | 21 | $ | 5 | $ | 1 | $ | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||
Middle East Conflict
During the fourth quarter of 2023, certain of our markets, principally in our KFC and Pizza Hut Divisions, began being impacted by a military conflict in the Middle East region. Our sales continued to be impacted during 2024, most significantly in markets across the Middle East, Malaysia and Indonesia. The impact in these markets represented an approximate one-point headwind to YUM's overall same-store sales growth in the year ended December 31, 2024. Additionally, we believe we experienced conflict-related impacts in a broader set of markets and trade areas, though such amounts are difficult to precisely quantify.
Investment in Devyani
During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, we sold our approximate 5% minority investment in Devyani International Limited (“Devyani”), a franchise entity that operates KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants in India, for pre-tax proceeds of $104 million. Changes in the fair value of our ownership interest in Devyani prior to the date of sale resulted in pre-tax investment losses of
42
$20 million in the year ended December 31, 2024 and pre-tax investment income of $8 million in the year ended December 31, 2023.
KFC Division
The KFC Division has 33,897 units, 90% of which are located outside the U.S. Additionally, 99% of the KFC Division units were operated by franchisees as of the end of 2025.
| % B/(W) | % B/(W) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | Reported | Ex FX | Ex FX and 53rd Week in 2024 | Reported | Ex FX | Ex FX and 53rd Week in 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System Sales | $ | 36,434 | $ | 34,452 | $ | 33,863 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Same-Store Sales Growth (Decline) % | 3 | % | (2) | % | 7 | % | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | $ | 1,057 | $ | 801 | $ | 484 | 32 | 30 | 32 | 66 | 64 | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property revenues | 1,807 | 1,685 | 1,698 | 7 | 6 | 7 | (1) | 1 | Even | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 679 | 613 | 648 | 11 | 9 | 10 | (5) | (6) | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 3,542 | $ | 3,099 | $ | 2,830 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant profit | $ | 128 | $ | 98 | $ | 67 | 31 | 28 | 32 | 48 | 47 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant margin % | 12.1 | % | 12.2 | % | 13.7 | % | (0.1) | ppts. | (0.1) | ppts. | — | (1.5) | ppts. | (1.4) | ppts. | (1.5) | ppts. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| G&A expenses | $ | 372 | $ | 363 | $ | 383 | (3) | (2) | (2) | 5 | 5 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property expenses | 66 | 63 | 72 | (6) | (4) | (4) | 13 | 12 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise advertising and other services expense | 670 | 610 | 648 | (10) | (8) | (9) | 6 | 6 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Profit | $ | 1,503 | $ | 1,363 | $ | 1,304 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| % Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Count | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise | 33,393 | 31,513 | 29,680 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-owned | 504 | 468 | 220 | 8 | 113 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 33,897 | 31,981 | 29,900 | 6 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Company sales and Company restaurant margin %
In 2025, the increase in Company sales, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and lapping the 53rd week in 2024, was driven by the KFC U.K. and Ireland restaurant acquisition (see Note 3) in the second quarter of 2024 and Company same-store sales growth of 5%.
In 2025, Company restaurant margin percentage, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and lapping the 53rd week in 2024, was flat as lower margin percentages of the units included in the KFC U.K. and Ireland restaurant acquisition were offset by Company same-store sales growth.
Franchise and property revenues
In 2025, the increase in Franchise and property revenues, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and lapping the 53rd week in 2024, was driven by unit growth and franchise same-store sales growth of 2%, partially offset by a 1% negative impact from the KFC U.K. and Ireland restaurant acquisition.
43
G&A
In 2025, the increase in G&A, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and lapping the 53rd week in 2024, was driven by higher expenses related to our annual incentive compensation programs, partially offset by lower headcount and salaries.
Operating Profit
In 2025, the increase in Operating Profit, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and lapping the 53rd week in 2024, was driven by same-store sales growth and unit growth.
Taco Bell Division
The Taco Bell Division has 9,030 units, 86% of which are in the U.S. The Company owned 8% of the Taco Bell units in the U.S. as of the end of 2025.
| % B/(W) | % B/(W) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | Reported | Ex FX | Ex FX and 53rd Week in 2024 | Reported | Ex FX | Ex FX and 53rd Week in 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System Sales | $ | 18,361 | $ | 17,193 | $ | 15,915 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Same-Store Sales Growth % | 7 | % | 4 | % | 5 | % | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | $ | 1,281 | $ | 1,155 | $ | 1,069 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 8 | 8 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property revenues | 1,060 | 997 | 918 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 754 | 708 | 654 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 3,095 | $ | 2,860 | $ | 2,641 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant profit | $ | 310 | $ | 283 | $ | 252 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant margin % | 24.2 | % | 24.4 | % | 23.7 | % | (0.2) | ppts. | (0.2) | ppts. | (0.1) | ppts. | 0.7 | ppts. | 0.7 | ppts. | 0.6 | ppts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| G&A expenses | $ | 215 | $ | 199 | $ | 204 | (8) | (8) | (9) | 3 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property expenses | 29 | 33 | 32 | 12 | 12 | 12 | (3) | (3) | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise advertising and other services expense | 750 | 708 | 644 | (6) | (6) | (8) | (10) | (10) | (8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Profit | $ | 1,129 | $ | 1,049 | $ | 944 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| % Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Count | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise | 8,357 | 8,253 | 8,081 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-owned | 673 | 504 | 483 | 34 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 9,030 | 8,757 | 8,564 | 3 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Company sales and Company restaurant margin %
In 2025, the increase in Company sales, excluding the impacts of lapping the 53rd week, was driven by acquisitions, company same-store sales growth of 5%, and unit growth.
In 2025, the decrease in Company restaurant margin percentage, excluding the impacts of lapping the 53rd week, was driven by commodity inflation (primarily beef), higher labor and other restaurant operating costs, partially offset by higher margin percentages of the units included in the Southeast U.S. restaurant acquisition and same store sales growth.
44
Franchise and property revenues
In 2025, the increase in Franchise and property revenues, excluding the impacts of lapping the 53rd week, was driven by franchise same-store sales growth of 7% and unit growth.
G&A
In 2025, the increase in G&A, excluding the impacts of lapping the 53rd week, was driven by higher digital and technology expenses, higher expenses related to our annual incentive compensation programs and increased share-based compensation, partially offset by lower professional and legal fees.
Operating Profit
In 2025, the increase in Operating Profit, excluding the impacts of lapping the 53rd week, was driven by same-store sales growth, unit growth and acquisitions, partially offset by higher restaurant operating costs and higher G&A.
Pizza Hut Division
The Pizza Hut Division has 19,974 units, 68% of which are located outside the U.S. Over 99% of the Pizza Hut Division units were operated by franchisees as of the end of 2025. The Pizza Hut Division uses multiple distribution channels including delivery, dine-in and express (e.g. airports) and includes units operating under both the Pizza Hut and Telepizza brands.
| % B/(W) | % B/(W) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | Reported | Ex FX | Ex FX and 53rd Week in 2024 | Reported | Ex FX | Ex FX and 53rd Week in 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System Sales | $ | 12,794 | $ | 13,108 | $ | 13,315 | (2) | (3) | (2) | (2) | (1) | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Same-Store Sales Growth (Decline) % | (1) | % | (4) | % | 2 | % | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | $ | 51 | $ | 8 | $ | 14 | 584 | 573 | 599 | (45) | (45) | (47) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property revenues | 602 | 622 | 622 | (3) | (3) | (2) | Even | 1 | Even | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 360 | 378 | 383 | (5) | (5) | (4) | (1) | (1) | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,013 | $ | 1,008 | $ | 1,019 | Even | Even | 1 | (1) | (1) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant profit (loss) | $ | (1) | $ | — | $ | — | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant margin % | (1.4) | % | (0.6) | % | 0.1 | % | (0.8) | ppts. | (0.9) | ppts. | (0.8) | ppts. | (0.7) | ppts. | (0.7) | ppts. | (0.8) | ppts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| G&A expenses | $ | 219 | $ | 219 | $ | 221 | Even | 1 | Even | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property expenses | 41 | 34 | 15 | (18) | (19) | (21) | (122) | (121) | (118) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise advertising and other services expense | 376 | 390 | 389 | 4 | 4 | 2 | Even | Even | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Profit | $ | 340 | $ | 373 | $ | 391 | (9) | (9) | (8) | (5) | (3) | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| % Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Count | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise | 19,835 | 20,202 | 19,859 | (2) | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-owned | 139 | 23 | 7 | 504 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 19,974 | 20,225 | 19,866 | (1) | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
45
Franchise and property revenues
In 2025, the decrease in Franchise and property revenues, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and lapping the 53rd week in 2024, was driven by franchise same-store sales declines of (1%) and a unit decline.
G&A
In 2025, G&A, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and lapping the 53rd week in 2024, was flat, as the impact of restaurant acquisitions and higher expenses related to our annual incentive compensation programs were offset by lower salaries and benefits.
Operating Profit
In 2025, the decrease in Operating Profit, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and lapping the 53rd week in 2024, was driven by a same store sales decline, the impact of restaurant acquisitions, higher current year bad debt expense (including bad debt expense associated with franchise entities that have transitioned to new ownership) and a unit decline.
Habit Burger & Grill Division
The Habit Burger & Grill Division has 384 units, the vast majority of which are in the U.S. The Company owned 79% of the Habit Burger & Grill units in the U.S. as of the end of 2025.
| % B/(W) | % B/(W) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2025 | 2024 | 2023 | Reported | Ex FX | Ex FX and 53rd Week in 2024 | Reported | Ex FX | Ex FX and 53rd Week in 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System Sales | $ | 706 | $ | 713 | $ | 696 | (1) | (1) | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Same-Store Sales Growth (Decline) % | (1) | % | (4) | % | (3) | % | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 570 | $ | 600 | $ | 586 | (5) | (5) | (3) | 2 | 2 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | (13) | $ | — | $ | (14) | NM | NM | NM | 99 | 99 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| % Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Count | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise | 83 | 67 | 71 | 24 | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-owned | 301 | 316 | 307 | (5) | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 384 | 383 | 378 | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
46
Corporate & Unallocated
| % B/(W) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Expense)/Income | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate and unallocated G&A expense | $ | (402) | $ | (346) | $ | (326) | (16) | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Company restaurant expenses | (22) | (8) | — | (176) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Franchise and property revenues | (7) | (18) | — | 63 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Franchise and property expenses | — | — | (1) | NM | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Refranchising gain (loss) (See Note 19) | 48 | 34 | 29 | 42 | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Other income (expense) | (3) | (44) | (9) | NM | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income (expense), net (See Note 5) | 1 | (21) | 7 | NM | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other pension income (expense) (See Note 15) | 2 | 7 | 6 | (71) | 17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (501) | (489) | (513) | (2) | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax provision (See Note 18) | (518) | (414) | (221) | (25) | (88) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effective tax rate (See Note 18) | 24.9 | % | 21.8 | % | 12.1 | % | (3.1) | ppts. | (9.7) | ppts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate and unallocated G&A expense
In 2025, the increase in Corporate and Unallocated G&A expense was driven by costs associated with the current year Pizza Hut Strategic Options Review, costs associated with our current year Brand Headquarters Consolidation, higher salaries and benefits, higher professional and legal fees and higher current year expenses related to our annual incentive compensation programs, partially offset by lower costs associated with our Resource Optimization Program.
Unallocated Company restaurant expenses
Unallocated Company restaurant expenses include amortization of reacquired franchise rights. In 2025, the increase was driven by the 2025 Taco Bell Southeast U.S. restaurant acquisition and a full year of amortization related to the 2024 KFC U.K. and Ireland restaurant acquisition.
Unallocated Franchise and property revenues
In 2025, the decrease in Unallocated Franchise and property revenue was driven by lapping charges associated with the termination of our franchise agreements with a franchisee in Turkey, partially offset by the current year write-off of franchise incentive assets associated with the Pizza Hut Strategic Options Review.
Unallocated Other income (expense)
In 2025, the decrease in Unallocated Other income (expense) was driven primarily by lapping charges associated with the German master franchise acquisition and termination-related costs associated with the Turkey business.
Consolidated Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,010 million in 2025 versus $1,689 million in 2024. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in Operating Profit before Special Items, and lower current year incentive compensation and income tax payments.
Net cash used in investing activities was $1,003 million in 2025 versus $422 million in 2024. The change was primarily driven by higher current year spending on restaurant acquisitions, higher current year capital spending and lapping prior year proceeds arising from the sale of our approximate 5% minority investment in Devyani, partially offset by maturities of short-term investments in the current year compared to net purchases of short-term investments in the prior year.
Net cash used in financing activities was $924 million in 2025 versus $1,163 million in 2024. The change was primarily driven by higher net borrowings, partially offset by higher current year share repurchases.
47
Consolidated Financial Condition
Our Consolidated Balance Sheet was impacted by the Taco Bell U.S. restaurant acquisition (See Note 3).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have historically generated substantial cash flows from our extensive franchise operations, which require a limited YUM investment, and from the operations of our Company-owned stores. Our annual operating cash flows were in excess of $2 billion in 2025 and we expect continued strong operating cash flows in 2026. It is our intent to use these operating cash flows to continue to invest in growing our business and pay a competitive dividend, with any remaining excess then returned to shareholders through share repurchases. Subject to market conditions, we expect to maintain our consolidated net leverage ratio at approximately 4.0x Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) over the medium term by issuing incremental debt as our business grows.
To the extent operating cash flows plus other sources of cash do not cover our anticipated cash needs, we maintain a $1.5 billion Revolving Facility under our Credit Agreement (see Note 11) which had $300 million outstanding as of December 31, 2025. Borrowings under our Revolving Facility in 2025 had original maturities of three months or less. We believe that our ongoing cash from operations, cash on hand, which was approximately $700 million at December 31, 2025, and availability under our Revolving Facility will be sufficient to fund our cash requirements over the next twelve months.
Our material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations.
Debt Obligations and Interest Payments
As of December 31, 2025, approximately 96%, including the impact of interest rate swaps, of our $11.5 billion of total debt outstanding, excluding the Revolving Facility balance, finance leases and debt issuance costs and discounts, is fixed with an effective overall interest rate of approximately 4.5%. We target a capital structure which we believe provides an attractive balance between optimized interest rates, duration and flexibility with diversified sources of liquidity and maturities spread over multiple years, and as mentioned above, we expect to maintain our net leverage ratio at approximately 4.0x EBITDA over the medium term by issuing incremental debt as our business grows. We currently have credit ratings of BB+ (Standard & Poor’s)/Ba2 (Moody’s).
The following table summarizes the future maturities of our outstanding long-term debt, excluding finance leases and debt issuance costs and discounts, as of December 31, 2025.
| 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 | 2032 | 2037 | 2043 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securitization Notes | $ | 884 | $ | 595 | $ | 590 | $ | 1,000 | $ | 737 | $ | 500 | $ | 4,306 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Agreement | $ | 28 | 34 | 1,424 | 438 | 1,923 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revolving Facility | 300 | 300 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes | 750 | 750 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| YUM Senior Unsecured Notes | 800 | 1,050 | 2,100 | $ | 325 | $ | 275 | 4,550 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 28 | $ | 1,668 | $ | 2,019 | $ | 1,327 | $ | 1,800 | $ | 1,787 | $ | 2,600 | $ | 325 | $ | 275 | $ | 11,828 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest payments on the outstanding long-term debt in the table above total approximately $2.5 billion, with approximately $500 million due within the next twelve months on the outstanding amounts on a nominal basis. The estimated interest payments related to the variable rate portion of our debt, net of our interest rate swaps, are based on current Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) interest rates.
See Note 11 for details on the Securitization Notes, the Credit Agreement, Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes and YUM Senior Unsecured Notes.
Operating and Finance Leases
Payments required under our operating and finance leases total $2.0 billion, of which $190 million is payable within the next 12 months. These amounts are on a nominal basis and include payments related to lease renewal options we are reasonably certain to exercise. These leases relate primarily to approximately 1,100 Company-owned restaurants and approximately 225 leased restaurants for which we sublease land, building or both to our franchisees. See Note 12.
48
Investing Activities
We remain committed to maintaining our asset light, franchisor model. Our allocation strategy for investing activities includes:
•Run-rate capital expenditures consisting of company restaurant repairs, maintenance and remodels, support of our digital and technology initiatives and project-specific capital expenditures,
•Targeted new company unit development to spur additional growth that is partially funded through refranchising a comparable number of existing company units, and
•Strategic investments that create incremental value for shareholders and franchisees.
In 2026, we expect gross capital expenditures of approximately $400 million driven by technology initiatives and continued investments in Taco Bell, KFC and Habit Burger & Grill company restaurants, including regular maintenance of recently acquired restaurants. Additionally, we expect approximately $50 million of refranchising proceeds, resulting in net capital expenditures of approximately $350 million.
Purchase Obligations
Our purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. We have excluded agreements that are cancellable without penalty. Our purchase obligations relate primarily to marketing, information technology and supply agreements. We have purchase obligations of approximately $450 million at December 31, 2025, with approximately $300 million due within the next 12 months.
In addition to our contractual and other obligations, we seek to pay a competitive dividend and return excess cash to shareholders through share repurchases. As discussed in Note 20, we are also subject to claims and contingencies related to certain tax and legal matters that may require future cash outlays.
Dividends and Share Repurchases
In February 2026, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share of Common Stock, a 6% increase from the quarterly dividend of $0.71 per share of Common Stock paid in 2025. This quarterly dividend will be distributed March 6, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 20, 2026, and will total approximately $210 million.
In May 2024, our Board of Directors authorized share repurchases of up to $2.0 billion (excluding applicable transaction fees and excise taxes) of our outstanding Common Stock through December 31, 2026. This authorization took effect on July 1, 2024 upon the exhaustion of a prior authorization approved in September 2022. As of December 31, 2025, we have remaining capacity to repurchase up to $1.1 billion of Common Stock under this authorization. This authorization does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares.
Contingencies
As discussed in Note 20, following an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit for the 2013 to 2015 fiscal years, we were unable to resolve underpayments of tax that the IRS proposed resulting from that audit using the IRS Appeals process, a pre-litigation, alternative dispute resolution tool. The IRS asserts an underpayment of tax of approximately $2.1 billion plus $418 million in penalties for fiscal year 2014. Both amounts are subject to interest, with interest of approximately $2.1 billion accruing through December 31, 2025. Those amounts relate primarily to a series of reorganizations that we undertook in 2014 in connection with the business realignment of our corporate and management reporting structure along brand lines. The IRS asserts that these transactions resulted in taxable distributions of approximately $6.0 billion.
We disagree with the IRS’s position and are contesting that position vigorously. On June 4, 2025, we filed a petition in the United States Tax Court disputing the IRS's position as set forth in a Notice of Deficiency. The IRS filed its Answer on September 12, 2025. The litigation is ongoing.
Also, as discussed in Note 20, on January 29, 2020, we received an order from the Special Director of the Directorate of Enforcement (“DOE”) in India imposing a penalty on Yum! Restaurants India Private Limited (“YRIPL”) and certain former
49
directors of approximately Indian Rupee 11 billion, or approximately $125, primarily relating to alleged violations of operating conditions imposed in 1993 and 1994. We have been advised by external counsel that the order is flawed and have filed a writ petition with the Delhi High Court, which granted an interim stay of the penalty order on March 5, 2020. In November 2022, YRIPL was notified that an administrative tribunal bench had been constituted to hear an appeal by DOE of certain findings of the January 2020 order, including claims that certain charges had been wrongly dropped and that an insufficient amount of penalty had been imposed. A hearing with the administrative tribunal scheduled for February 18, 2026 has been rescheduled to May 21, 2026. A hearing scheduled for December 10, 2025, before the Delhi High Court has been continued to May 5, 2026, and the stay order remains in effect. We deny liability and intend to continue vigorously defending this matter.
See the Lease Guarantees section of Note 20 for discussion of our off-balance sheet arrangements.
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (Subtopic 220-40), which requires new financial statement disclosures disaggregating prescribed expense categories within relevant income statement expense captions. The standard is effective for the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2027, and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the standard on our disclosures.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software, which amends certain aspects of the accounting for software costs, including removing software development project stages and requiring companies to capitalize costs when both 1) management authorizes or commits to funding a software project and 2) it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. The standard is effective for the Company in our first quarter of fiscal 2028, with early adoption permitted and can be applied on a prospective, retrospective or modified prospective basis. We are currently evaluating the impact of the standard on our consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our reported results are impacted by the application of certain accounting policies that require us to make subjective or complex judgments. These judgments involve estimations of the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may significantly impact our quarterly or annual results of operations or financial condition. Changes in the estimates and judgments could significantly affect our results of operations and financial condition and cash flows in future years. A description of what we consider to be critical accounting policies follows.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
We review long-lived assets of restaurants we intend to continue operating as Company restaurants (primarily PP&E, right-of-use operating lease assets and allocated intangible assets subject to amortization) annually for impairment, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. We use two consecutive years of operating losses as our primary indicator of potential impairment for our annual impairment testing of these restaurant assets. We evaluate recoverability based on the restaurant’s forecasted undiscounted cash flows, which incorporate our best estimate of sales growth and margin improvement based upon our plans for the unit and actual results at comparable restaurants. For restaurant assets that are deemed to not be recoverable, we write-down the impaired restaurant to its estimated fair value.
Fair value is an estimate of the price a franchisee would pay for the restaurant and its related assets, including any right-of-use assets, and is determined by discounting the estimated future after-tax cash flows of the restaurant, which include a deduction for royalties we would receive under a franchise agreement with terms substantially at market. The after-tax cash flows incorporate reasonable sales growth and margin improvement assumptions as well as expectations as to the useful lives of the restaurant assets that would be used by a franchisee in the determination of a purchase price for the restaurant.
We perform an impairment evaluation at a restaurant group level when it is more likely than not that we will refranchise restaurants as a group. Expected net sales proceeds are generally based on actual bids from the buyer, if available, or anticipated bids given the discounted projected after-tax cash flows for the group of restaurants. Historically, these anticipated bids have been reasonably accurate estimations of the proceeds ultimately received. The after-tax cash flows used in determining the anticipated bids incorporate similar assumptions to those of a restaurant level assessment.
50
The discount rate used in the fair value calculations is our estimate of the required rate of return that a franchisee would expect to receive when purchasing a similar restaurant or groups of restaurants and the related long-lived assets. The discount rate incorporates rates of returns for historical refranchising market transactions and is commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the forecasted cash flows.
Estimates of future cash flows are highly subjective judgments and can be significantly impacted by changes in the business or economic conditions. We formulate these estimates in consideration of historical experience, recent economic and industry trends, and competitive conditions. If our estimates or underlying assumptions, including the discount rate, change, we may experience higher impairment charges in the future.
We evaluate indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis as of the beginning of our fourth quarter or more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates impairment might exist. Fair value is an estimate of the price a willing buyer would pay for the intangible asset and is generally estimated by discounting the expected future after-tax cash flows associated with the intangible asset. Our most significant indefinite-lived intangible asset is our Habit Burger & Grill brand asset with a book value of $96 million at December 31, 2025. As of our fourth quarter 2025 annual impairment testing date, the fair values of all of our indefinite-lived intangible assets were in excess of their respective carrying values and no impairment was recorded.
Impairment of Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of the beginning of our fourth quarter or more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates impairment might exist. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment by determining whether the fair value of our reporting units exceed their carrying values. Our reporting units are our business units (which are aligned based on geography) in our KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill Divisions. Fair value is the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit, and is generally estimated using discounted expected future after-tax cash flows from franchise royalties and Company-owned restaurant operations, if any. Future cash flow estimates and the discount rate are the key assumptions when estimating the fair value of a reporting unit.
Future cash flows are based on growth expectations relative to recent historical performance and incorporate sales growth (from net new units or same-store sales growth) and margin improvement (for those reporting units which include Company-owned restaurant operations) assumptions that we believe a third-party buyer would assume when determining a purchase price for the reporting unit. Any margin improvement assumptions that factor into the discounted cash flows are highly correlated with sales growth as cash flow growth can be achieved through various interrelated strategies such as product pricing and restaurant productivity initiatives. The discount rate is our estimate of the required rate of return that a third-party buyer would expect to receive when purchasing a business from us that constitutes a reporting unit. We believe the discount rate is commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the forecasted cash flows.
The fair values of all our reporting units with goodwill balances were in excess of their respective carrying values as of our fourth quarter 2025 goodwill testing date, with all but the Habit Burger & Grill reporting unit having fair values that were substantially in excess of their respective carrying values. As it relates to our Habit Burger & Grill reporting unit, which includes a goodwill balance of $64 million, the assumptions that were most impactful to our reporting unit fair value estimate in the fourth quarter of 2025 were future same-store sales growth and company restaurant margin improvement. Such assumptions were consistent with our internal plans for the brand and considered reasonable given historical experiences for both the Habit Burger & Grill as well as our other Concepts. However, should future Habit Burger & Grill actual results continue to underperform relative to expectations as was the case in the year ended December 31, 2025, some or all of this goodwill may be impaired in future years.
When we refranchise restaurants, we include goodwill in the carrying amount of the restaurants disposed of based on the relative fair values of the portion of the reporting unit disposed of in the refranchising versus the portion of the reporting unit that will be retained. The fair value of the portion of the reporting unit disposed of in a refranchising is determined by reference to the discounted value of the future cash flows expected to be generated by the restaurant and retained by the franchisee, which include a deduction for the anticipated, future royalties the franchisee will pay us associated with the franchise agreement entered into simultaneously with the refranchising transaction. The fair value of the reporting unit retained is based on the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit retained and includes the value of franchise agreements. Appropriate adjustments are made to the fair value determinations if such franchise agreements are determined to not be at prevailing market rates. As such, the fair value of the reporting unit retained can include expected future cash flows from royalties from those restaurants currently being refranchised, royalties from existing franchise businesses and retained company restaurant operations. As a result, the percentage of a reporting unit’s goodwill that will be written off in a refranchising transaction will be less than the percentage of the reporting unit’s Company-owned restaurants that are refranchised in that transaction and
51
goodwill can be allocated to a reporting unit with only franchise restaurants. When determining whether such franchise agreement is at prevailing market rates our primary consideration is consistency with the terms of our current franchise agreements both within the country that the restaurants are being refranchised in and around the world. The Company believes consistency in royalty rates as a percentage of sales is appropriate as the Company and franchisee share in the impact of near-term fluctuations in sales results with the acknowledgment that over the long-term the royalty rate represents an appropriate rate for both parties.
The discounted value of the future cash flows expected to be generated by the restaurant and retained by the franchisee is reduced by future royalties the franchisee will pay the Company. The Company thus considers the fair value of future royalties to be received under the franchise agreement as fair value retained in its determination of the goodwill to be written off when refranchising. Others may consider the fair value of these future royalties as fair value disposed of and thus would conclude that a larger percentage of a reporting unit’s fair value is disposed of in a refranchising transaction.
During 2025, refranchising activity completed by the Company was limited and the write-off of goodwill associated with these transactions was approximately $3 million.
Pension Plans
Certain of our employees are covered under defined benefit pension plans. Our two most significant plans are in the U.S. and combined had a projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) of $774 million and a fair value of plan assets of $670 million at December 31, 2025.
The PBO reflects the actuarial present value of all benefits earned to date by employees and incorporates assumptions as to future compensation levels. Due to the relatively long time frame over which benefits earned to date are expected to be paid, our PBOs are highly sensitive to changes in discount rates. For these U.S. plans, we measured our PBOs using a discount rate of 5.70% at December 31, 2025. The primary basis for this discount rate determination is a model that consists of a hypothetical portfolio of ten or more corporate debt instruments rated Aa or higher by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) with cash flows that mirror our expected benefit payment cash flows under the plans. We exclude from the model those corporate debt instruments flagged by Moody’s or S&P for a potential downgrade (if the potential downgrade would result in a rating below Aa by both Moody’s and S&P) and bonds with yields that were two standard deviations or more above the mean. In considering possible bond portfolios, the model allows the bond cash flows for a particular year to exceed the expected benefit payment cash flows for that year. Such excesses are assumed to be reinvested at appropriate one-year forward rates and used to meet the benefit payment cash flows in a future year. The weighted-average yield of this hypothetical portfolio was used to arrive at an appropriate discount rate. We also ensure that changes in the discount rate as compared to the prior year are consistent with the overall change in prevailing market rates and make adjustments as necessary. A 50 basis-point increase in this discount rate would have decreased these U.S. plans’ PBOs by approximately $40 million at our measurement date. Conversely, a 50 basis-point decrease in this discount rate would have increased these U.S. plans’ PBOs by approximately $40 million at our measurement date.
The net periodic benefit cost we record is also impacted by the discount rate, as well as the long-term rates of return on plan assets and mortality assumptions we selected at our measurement date. As our two most significant plans in the U.S. are currently closed to new participants (see Note 15), the net periodic benefit cost expected in 2026 for those plans is not significant.
We have an unrecognized pre-tax actuarial net loss of $117 million included in Accumulated other comprehensive income for these U.S. plans at December 31, 2025. We will recognize approximately $2 million of this loss in 2026 consistent with the $2 million of loss recognized in 2025.
Income Taxes
At December 31, 2025, we had valuation allowances of $284 million to reduce our $1,713 million of deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. The net deferred tax assets primarily relate to temporary differences and tax credit carryforwards in profitable U.S. federal, state and foreign jurisdictions and net operating loss carryforwards in certain foreign jurisdictions, the majority of which do not expire. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, we consider future taxable income in the various jurisdictions, carryforward periods, restrictions on usage and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The estimation of future taxable income in these jurisdictions and our resulting ability to utilize deferred tax assets can significantly change based on future events, including our determinations as to feasibility of certain tax planning strategies and refranchising plans. Thus, recorded valuation allowances may be subject to material future changes.
52
As a matter of course, we are regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. We recognize the benefit of positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns in our income tax provision when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by these tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement. At December 31, 2025, we had $115 million of unrecognized tax benefits, $103 million of which would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized. We evaluate unrecognized tax benefits, including interest thereon, on a quarterly basis to ensure that they have been appropriately adjusted for events, including audit settlements, which may impact our ultimate payment for such exposures.
Repatriation of earnings generated after December 31, 2017, will generally be eligible for the 100% dividends received deduction or considered a distribution of previously taxed income and, therefore, exempt from U.S. federal tax. Undistributed foreign earnings may still be subject to certain state and foreign income and withholding taxes upon repatriation. Subject to limited exceptions, we do not intend to indefinitely reinvest our unremitted earnings outside the U.S. Thus, we have provided taxes, including any U.S. federal and state income, foreign income, or foreign withholding taxes on the majority of our unremitted earnings. In jurisdictions where we do intend to indefinitely reinvest our unremitted earnings, we would be required to accrue and pay applicable income taxes (if any) and foreign withholding taxes if the funds were repatriated in taxable transactions. We believe any such taxes would be immaterial.
| Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. | ||||
The Company is exposed to financial market risks associated with interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. In the normal course of business and in accordance with our policies, we manage these risks through a variety of strategies, which may include the use of financial and commodity derivative instruments to hedge our underlying exposures. Our policies prohibit the use of derivative instruments for trading purposes, and we have processes in place to monitor and control their use.
Interest Rate Risk
We have a market risk exposure to changes in interest rates, principally in the U.S. Our outstanding total debt, excluding the Revolving Facility balance, finance leases and debt issuance costs and discounts, of $11.5 billion includes 83% fixed-rate debt and 17% variable-rate debt. We have attempted to minimize the interest rate risk from variable-rate debt through the use of interest rate swaps that, as of December 31, 2025, result in a fixed interest rate on $1.5 billion of our variable-rate debt. As a result, approximately 96% of this $11.5 billion of outstanding debt at December 31, 2025, is effectively fixed-rate debt. See Note 11 for details on our outstanding debt and Note 13 for details related to interest rate swaps.
At December 31, 2025, a hypothetical 100 basis-point increase in short-term interest rates would result, over the following twelve-month period after consideration of the aforementioned interest rate swaps through maturity, in an increase of approximately $4 million in Interest expense, net within our Consolidated Statement of Income. These estimated amounts are based upon the current level of variable-rate debt that has not been swapped, both through and after maturity of our existing interest rate swaps, to fixed and assume no changes in the volume or composition of that debt and exclude any impact from interest income related to cash and cash equivalents.
The fair value of our cumulative fixed-rate debt of $9.5 billion as of December 31, 2025, would decrease approximately $375 million as a result of the same hypothetical 100 basis-point increase. At December 31, 2025, a hypothetical 100 basis-point decrease in short-term interest rates would decrease the net liability associated with the fair value of our interest rate swaps by approximately $31 million. Fair value was determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows considering the risks involved and using discount rates appropriate for the durations.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates impact the translation of our reported foreign currency denominated earnings, cash flows and net investments in foreign operations and the fair value of our foreign currency denominated financial instruments. Historically, we have chosen not to hedge foreign currency risks related to our foreign currency denominated earnings and cash flows through the use of financial instruments. We attempt to minimize the exposure related to foreign currency denominated financial instruments by purchasing goods and services from third parties in local currencies when practical. Consequently, foreign currency denominated financial instruments consist primarily of intercompany receivables and payables. At times, we utilize forward contracts and cross-currency swaps to reduce our exposure related to these intercompany receivables and payables. The notional amount and maturity dates of these contracts match those of the underlying receivables or payables such that our foreign currency exchange risk related to these instruments is minimized.
53
The Company’s foreign currency net asset exposure (defined as foreign currency assets less foreign currency liabilities) totaled approximately $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2025. Operating in international markets exposes the Company to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s primary exposures result from our operations in Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, Operating Profit would have decreased approximately $150 million if all foreign currencies had uniformly weakened 10% relative to the U.S. dollar. This estimated reduction assumes no changes in sales volumes, local currency sales or input prices.
Commodity Price Risk
We are subject to volatility in food costs at our Company-operated restaurants as a result of market risk associated with commodity prices. Our ability to recover increased costs through higher pricing is, at times, limited by the competitive environment in which we operate. We manage our exposure to this risk primarily through pricing agreements with our vendors.
54
| Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. | ||||
INDEX TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION
| Page Reference | |||||
| Consolidated Financial Statements | |||||
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Income | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | |||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficit | |||||
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | |||||
Financial Statement Schedules
No schedules are required because either the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the above-listed financial statements or notes thereto.
55
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Yum! Brands, Inc.:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Yum! Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and shareholders’ deficit for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2025, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
56
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Evaluation of unrecognized tax benefits
As discussed in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has recorded unrecognized tax benefits, excluding associated interest, of $115 million. Tax laws are complex and often subject to different interpretations by tax payers and the respective tax authorities.
We identified the evaluation of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits as a critical audit matter. Subjective and complex auditor judgment was required to evaluate tax law and regulations, court rulings and audit settlements in the related taxing jurisdictions to determine the population of significant uncertain tax positions identified by the Company arising from tax planning strategies.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s process for identification of uncertain tax positions. This included controls related to (1) identifying tax planning strategies that create significant uncertain tax positions, (2) evaluating interpretations of tax laws and court rulings, and (3) assessing which tax positions may not be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. We involved tax professionals with specialized skills and knowledge who assisted in:
•Obtaining an understanding of the Company’s tax planning strategies;
•Identifying tax positions created by tax planning strategies and comparing the results to the Company’s identification of uncertain tax positions;
•Evaluating the Company’s interpretation of tax laws and court rulings by developing an independent assessment; and
•Performing an independent assessment to identify tax positions that may not be sustained upon examination by the respective tax authority and comparing the results to the Company’s assessment.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1997.
Louisville, Kentucky
February 20, 2026
57
58
59
60
61
62
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)
Note 1 – Description of Business
Yum! Brands, Inc. and its Subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” “YUM,” “we,” “us” or “our”) franchise or operate a system of over 63,000 restaurants in 155 countries and territories primarily under the concepts of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and the Habit Burger & Grill (collectively, the “Concepts”). The Company’s KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the chicken, Mexican-inspired and pizza categories. The Habit Burger & Grill is a fast-casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. At December 31, 2025, 97% of our restaurants were owned and operated by franchisees.
Through our widely-recognized Concepts, we develop, operate or franchise a system of both traditional and non-traditional restaurants. The terms “franchise” or “franchisee” within these Consolidated Financial Statements are meant to describe third parties that operate units under either franchise or license agreements. Our traditional restaurants feature dine-in, carryout and, in some instances, drive-thru service. Non-traditional units include express units which have a more limited menu and operate in non-traditional locations like malls, airports, gasoline service stations, train stations, subways, convenience stores, stadiums, amusement parks and colleges, where a full-scale traditional outlet would not be practical or efficient. We also operate or franchise multibrand units, where two or more of our Concepts are operated in a single unit.
As of December 31, 2025, YUM consisted of four operating segments:
•The KFC Division which includes our worldwide operations of the KFC concept
•The Taco Bell Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Taco Bell concept
•The Pizza Hut Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Pizza Hut concept
•The Habit Burger & Grill Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Habit Burger & Grill concept
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Our preparation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
In the first quarter of 2025, the Company prospectively changed its basis of presentation to round financial figures in the Financial Statements and as presented in the tabular presentations in these Notes to the nearest whole number in millions in all instances. As a result, some totals and percentages may not recompute based on rounded figures as presented within the Financial Statements and these Notes. Previously, amounts were presented to ensure that all numbers herein recomputed, resulting in the presentation of certain figures inconsistent with their underlying rounding.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Preparation. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. We also consider for consolidation an entity, in which we have certain interests, where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it.
Our most significant variable interests are in certain entities that operate restaurants under our Concepts’ franchise arrangements. We do not have a significant equity interest in any of our franchisee businesses. Additionally, we do not typically provide significant financial support such as loans or guarantees to our franchisees. Thus, our most significant variable interests in franchisees result from real estate lease arrangements to which we are a party. At the end of 2025, YUM has future lease payments due from certain franchisees, on a nominal basis, of approximately $525 million, and we are secondarily liable on certain other lease agreements that have been assigned to certain franchisees (see the Lease Guarantees section in Note 20). As our franchise arrangements provide our franchisee entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might otherwise be considered a VIE.
63
We participate in various advertising cooperatives with our franchisees, typically within a country where we have both Company-owned restaurants and franchise restaurants, established to collect and administer funds contributed for use in advertising and promotional programs designed to increase sales and enhance the reputation of the Company and our Concepts. Contributions to the advertising cooperatives are required of both Company-owned, if any, and franchise restaurants and are generally based on a percentage of restaurant sales. We maintain certain variable interests in these cooperatives. As the cooperatives are required to spend all funds collected on advertising and promotional programs, total equity at risk is not sufficient to permit the cooperatives to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support. Therefore, these cooperatives are VIEs. We consolidate certain of these cooperatives for which we are the primary beneficiary due to our voting rights.
Fiscal Year. YUM’s fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends December 31 of each year, with each quarter comprised of three months. The majority of our U.S. subsidiaries and certain international subsidiaries operate on a weekly periodic calendar where the first three quarters of each fiscal year consists of 12 weeks and the fourth quarter consists of 16 weeks in fiscal years with 52 weeks and 17 weeks in fiscal years with 53 weeks. Our remaining international subsidiaries operate on a monthly calendar similar to that on which YUM operates.
Fiscal year 2024 included 53 weeks for our U.S. businesses and for our international subsidiaries that reported on a period calendar. See Note 5.
Foreign Currency. The functional currency of our foreign entities is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. Functional currency determinations are made based upon a number of economic factors, including but not limited to cash flows and financing transactions. The operations, assets and liabilities of our entities outside the U.S. are initially measured using the functional currency of that entity. Income and expense accounts for our operations of these foreign entities are then translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Assets and liabilities of these foreign entities are then translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at each period-end balance sheet date. As of December 31, 2025, net cumulative translation adjustment losses of $161 million are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The majority of our foreign currency net asset exposure is in countries where we have Company-owned restaurants. As we manage and share resources at the individual brand level within a country, cumulative translation adjustments are recorded and tracked at the foreign-entity level that represents the operations of our individual brands within that country. Translation adjustments recorded in AOCI are subsequently recognized as income or expense generally only upon sale of the related investment in a foreign entity, or upon a sale of assets and liabilities within a foreign entity that represents a complete or substantially complete liquidation of that foreign entity. For purposes of determining whether a sale or complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity has occurred, we consider those same foreign entities for which we record and track cumulative translation adjustments.
Gains and losses arising from the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on transactions in foreign currency are included in Other (income) expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Reclassifications. We have reclassified certain items in the Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods to be comparable with the classification for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported Net Income.
Revenue Recognition. Below is a discussion of how our revenues are earned, our accounting policies pertaining to revenue recognition under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”) and other required disclosures.
Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue transaction and collected from a customer are excluded from revenue.
Company Sales
Revenues from the sale of food items by Company-owned restaurants are recognized as Company sales when a customer purchases the food, which is when our obligation to perform is satisfied.
64
Franchise and Property Revenues
Franchise Revenues
Our most significant source of revenues arises from the operation of our Concepts’ stores by our franchisees. Franchise rights may be granted through a store-level franchise agreement or through a master franchise agreement that set out the terms of our arrangement with the franchisee. Our franchise agreements require that the franchisee remit continuing fees to us as a percentage of the applicable restaurant’s sales in exchange for the license of the intellectual property associated with our Concepts’ brands (the “franchise right”). Our franchise agreements also typically require certain, less significant, upfront franchise fees such as initial fees paid upon opening of a store, fees paid to renew the term of the franchise right and fees paid in the event the franchise agreement is transferred to another franchisee.
Continuing fees represent the substantial majority of the consideration we receive under our franchise agreements. Continuing fees are typically billed and paid monthly and are usually 4% - 6% for store-level franchise agreements. Master franchise agreements allow master franchisees to operate restaurants as well as sub-franchise restaurants within certain geographic territories. The percentage of sales that we receive for restaurants owned or sub-franchised by our master franchisees as a continuing fee is typically less than the percentage we receive for restaurants operating under a store-level franchise agreement. Based on the application of the sales-based royalty exception within Topic 606 continuing fees are recognized as the related restaurant sales occur.
Upfront franchise fees are typically billed and paid when a new franchise or sub-franchise agreement becomes effective or when an existing agreement is transferred to another franchisee or sub-franchisee. We have determined that the services we provide in exchange for upfront franchise fees, which primarily relate to pre-opening support, are highly interrelated with the franchise right and are not individually distinct from the ongoing services we provide to our franchisees. As a result, upfront franchise fees are recognized as revenue over the term of each respective franchise or sub-franchise agreement. Revenues for these upfront franchise fees are recognized on a straight-line basis, which is consistent with the franchisee’s or sub-franchisee’s right to use and benefit from the intellectual property.
Additionally, from time-to-time we provide consideration to franchisees in the form of cash (e.g. cash payments to offset new build costs) or other incentives (e.g. free or subsidized equipment) with the intent to drive new unit development or same-store sales growth that will result in higher future revenues for the Company. Such payments are capitalized and presented within Prepaid expense and other current assets or Other assets. These assets are being amortized as a reduction in Franchise and property revenues over the period of expected cash flows from the franchise agreements to which the payment relates and are assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these incentive assets may not be recoverable.
Property Revenues
From time to time, we enter into rental agreements with franchisees for the lease or sublease of restaurant locations. These rental agreements typically originate from refranchising transactions and revenues related to the agreements are recognized as they are earned. Amounts owed under the rental agreements are typically billed and paid on a monthly basis. Related expenses are presented as Franchise and property expenses within our Consolidated Statements of Income and primarily include depreciation or, in the case of a sublease, rent expense.
Franchise Contributions for Advertising and Other Services
Advertising Cooperatives
We have determined we act as a principal in the transactions entered into by the advertising cooperatives we are required to consolidate based on our responsibility to define the nature of the goods or services provided and/or our commitment to pay for advertising services in advance of the related franchisee contributions. Additionally, we have determined the advertising services provided to franchisees are highly interrelated with the franchise right and therefore not distinct. Franchisees remit to these consolidated advertising cooperatives a percentage of restaurant sales as consideration for providing the advertising services. As a result, revenues for advertising services are recognized when the related franchise restaurant sales occur based on the application of the sales-based royalty exception within Topic 606. Revenues for these services are typically billed and received on a monthly basis.
65
Other Goods or Services
On a much more limited basis, we provide goods or services to certain franchisees that are individually distinct from the franchise right because they do not require integration with other goods or services we provide. Such arrangements typically relate to technology, supply chain and quality assurance services. The extent to which we provide such goods or services varies by brand, geographic region and, in some instances, franchisee. In instances where we rely on third parties to provide goods or services to franchisees at our direction, we have determined we act as a principal in these transactions and recognize related revenues as the goods or services are transferred to the franchisee.
Franchise Support Costs. Certain direct costs of our franchise operations are charged to Franchise and property expenses. These costs include provisions for estimated uncollectible upfront and continuing fees, rent or depreciation expense associated with restaurants we lease or sublease to franchisees, marketing funding on behalf of franchisees, amortization expense for franchise-related intangible assets, value added taxes on royalties and certain other direct incremental franchise support costs.
The costs we incur to provide support services to our franchisees for which we do not receive a reimbursement are charged to General and administrative expenses (“G&A”) as incurred. Expenses related to the provisioning of goods or services for which we receive reimbursement for all or substantially all of the expense amount from a franchisee are recorded in Franchise advertising and other services expense (the associated revenue is recorded within Franchise contributions for advertising and other services as described above). The majority of these reimbursed expenses relate to advertising and are incurred on behalf of franchisees by the advertising cooperatives we are required to consolidate. These expenses are accounted for as described in the Advertising Costs policy below. For such expenses that do not relate to advertising the expenses are recognized as incurred.
Advertising Costs. To the extent we participate in advertising cooperatives, we, like our participating franchisees, are required to make contributions. Our contributions are based on a percentage of sales of our participating Company restaurants. These contributions as well as direct marketing costs we may incur outside of a cooperative related to Company restaurants are recorded within Company restaurant expenses. Advertising expense included in Company restaurant expenses totaled $134 million, $112 million and $81 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
To the extent we consolidate advertising cooperatives, we incur advertising expense as a result of our obligation to spend franchisee contributions to those cooperatives (see above for our accounting for these contributions). Such advertising expense is recorded in Franchise advertising and other services expense and totaled $1,335 million, $1,277 million and $1,293 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At the end of each fiscal year additional advertising costs are accrued to the extent advertising revenues exceed the related advertising expense to date, as we are obligated to expend such amounts on advertising.
From time to time, we may make the decision to incur discretionary advertising expenditures on behalf of franchised restaurants. Such amounts are recorded within Franchise and property expenses and totaled $12 million, $12 million and $13 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
To the extent the advertising cooperatives we are required to consolidate are unable to collect amounts due from franchisees they incur bad debt expense. In 2025, 2024 and 2023, such amounts totaled $11 million, $15 million and $3 million, respectively. To the extent our consolidated advertising cooperatives have a provision or recovery for bad debt expense, the cooperative’s advertising spend obligation is adjusted such that there is no net impact within our Financial Statements.
Share-Based Employee Compensation. We recognize ongoing share-based payments to employees, including grants of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”), in the Consolidated Financial Statements as compensation cost over the service period based on their fair value on the date of grant. This compensation cost is recognized over the service period on a straight-line basis, net of an assumed forfeiture rate, for awards that actually vest. Forfeiture rates are estimated at grant date based on historical experience and compensation cost is adjusted in subsequent periods for differences in actual forfeitures from the previous estimates. We present this compensation cost consistent with the other compensation costs for the employee recipient in G&A, Franchise advertising and other services expense or Company restaurant expenses. See Note 16 for further discussion of our share-based compensation plans.
Legal Costs. Settlement costs are accrued when they are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. Anticipated legal fees related to self-insured workers’ compensation, employment practices liability, general liability, automobile liability, product liability and property losses (collectively, “property and casualty losses”) are accrued when deemed probable and reasonably estimable. Legal fees not related to self-insured property and casualty losses are recognized as incurred. See Note 20 for further discussion of our legal proceedings.
66
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. Long-lived assets, including Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) as well as right-of-use operating lease assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The assets are not recoverable if their carrying value is less than the undiscounted cash flows we expect to generate from such assets. If the assets are not deemed to be recoverable, impairment is measured based on the excess of their carrying value over their fair value.
For purposes of impairment testing for our restaurants, we have concluded that an individual restaurant is the lowest level of independent cash flows unless it is more likely than not that we will refranchise restaurants as a group. We review our long-lived assets of such individual restaurants (primarily PP&E, right-of-use operating lease assets and allocated intangible assets subject to amortization) that we intend to continue operating as Company restaurants annually for impairment, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. We use two consecutive years of operating losses as our primary indicator of potential impairment for our annual impairment testing of these restaurant assets. We evaluate the recoverability of these restaurant assets by comparing the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, which are based on our entity-specific assumptions, to the carrying value of such assets. For restaurant assets that are not deemed to be recoverable, we write-down an impaired restaurant to its estimated fair value, which becomes its new cost basis. Individual restaurant-level impairment is recorded within Other (income) expense. Any operating lease right-of-use asset may alternatively be valued at the amount we could receive for such right-of-use asset from a third-party that is not a franchisee through a sublease if doing so would result in less overall impairment of the restaurant assets in total.
In executing our refranchising initiatives, we most often offer groups of restaurants for sale. When we believe it is more likely than not a restaurant or groups of restaurants will be refranchised for a price less than their carrying value, but do not believe the restaurant(s) have met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, we review the restaurants for impairment. We evaluate the recoverability of these restaurant assets by comparing estimated sales proceeds plus holding period cash flows, if any, to the carrying value of the restaurant or group of restaurants. For restaurant assets that are not deemed to be recoverable, we recognize impairment for any excess of carrying value over the fair value of the restaurants, which is based on the expected net sales proceeds. To the extent ongoing agreements to be entered into with the franchisee simultaneous with the refranchising are expected to contain terms, such as royalty rates or rental payments, not at prevailing market rates, we consider the off-market terms in our impairment evaluation. We recognize any such impairment charges in Refranchising (gain) loss. We recognize gains on restaurant refranchisings when the sale transaction closes and control of the restaurant operations have transferred to the franchisee.
When we decide to close a restaurant, it is reviewed for impairment, which includes an estimate of sublease income that could be reasonably obtained, if any, in relation to the right-of-use operating lease asset. Additionally, depreciable lives are adjusted based on the expected disposal date. Other costs incurred when closing a restaurant such as costs of disposing of the assets as well as other facility-related expenses from previously closed stores are generally expensed as incurred. Any costs related to a store closure as well as any changes in estimates of sublease income or subsequent adjustments to liabilities for remaining lease obligations as a result of lease termination are recorded in Other (income) expense. To the extent we sell assets, primarily land, associated with a closed store, any gain or loss upon that sale is also recorded in Other (income) expense.
Management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows, including cash flows from continuing use, terminal value, sublease income and refranchising proceeds. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from our estimates.
Guarantees. We recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of certain obligations undertaken, in addition to a liability for the expected credit losses under the life of such guarantees.
The majority of our guarantees are issued as a result of assigning our interest in obligations under operating leases as a condition to the refranchising of certain Company restaurants. We recognize a liability for such lease guarantees upon refranchising and upon subsequent renewals of such leases when we remain secondarily liable. The related expense and any subsequent changes are included in Refranchising (gain) loss. Any expense and subsequent changes in the guarantee liability for other franchise support guarantees not associated with a refranchising transaction are included in Franchise and property expenses.
Income Taxes. We record deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences or carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in our Income tax provision in the period that includes the enactment date. Additionally, in determining the need for recording a valuation allowance against the carrying amount of deferred tax assets, we consider the amount of taxable income and periods over which
67
it must be earned, actual levels of past taxable income and known trends and events or transactions that are expected to affect future levels of taxable income. Where we determine that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of an asset will not be realized, we record a valuation allowance.
We recognize the benefit of positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns in our Income tax provision when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. We evaluate these amounts on a quarterly basis to ensure that they have been appropriately adjusted for audit settlements and other events we believe may impact the outcome. Changes in judgment that result in subsequent recognition, derecognition or a change in measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) are recognized as a discrete item in the interim period in which the change occurs. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of our income tax provision.
We do not record a deferred tax liability for unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to the extent that the earnings meet the indefinite reversal criteria. This criteria is met if the foreign subsidiary has invested, or will invest, the earnings indefinitely. The decision as to the amount of unremitted earnings that we intend to maintain in non-U.S. subsidiaries considers items including, but not limited to, forecasts and budgets of financial needs of cash for working capital, liquidity plans and expected cash requirements in the U.S.
See Note 18 for a further discussion of our income taxes.
Fair Value Measurements. Fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. For those assets and liabilities we record or disclose at fair value, we determine fair value based upon the quoted market price, if available. If a quoted market price is not available for identical assets, we determine fair value based upon the quoted market price of similar assets or the present value of expected future cash flows considering the risks involved, including counterparty performance risk if appropriate, and using discount rates appropriate for the duration. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the source of the inputs into the calculation.
| Level 1 | Inputs based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. | ||||
| Level 2 | Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly. | ||||
| Level 3 | Inputs that are unobservable for the asset. | ||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents represent funds we have temporarily invested (with original maturities not exceeding three months), including short-term, highly liquid debt securities. Cash and overdraft balances that meet the criteria for right of setoff, including balances related to our notional pooling arrangements, are presented net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows.
Receivables. The Company’s receivables are primarily generated based on our franchisees' sales, including contributions due to advertising cooperatives we consolidate. These receivables from franchisees are generally due within 30 days of the period in which the corresponding sales occur and are classified as Accounts and notes receivable, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and are presented net of expected credit losses. Expected credit losses for uncollectible franchisee receivable balances consider both current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future conditions. Current conditions we consider include pre-defined aging criteria as well as specified events that indicate we may not collect the balance due, including foreign currency control restrictions that may exist. Reasonable and supportable forecasts used in determining the probability of future collection may also consider publicly available data regarding default probability. While we use the best information available in making our determination, the ultimate recovery of recorded receivables is dependent upon future economic events and other conditions that may be beyond our control. Receivables that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, and for which collection efforts have been exhausted, are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.
We recorded $27 million, $28 million and $4 million of net bad debt expense in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, within Franchise and property expenses related to continuing fees, upfront fees and rent receivables from our franchisees.
68
Accounts and notes receivable as well as the Allowance for doubtful accounts, including balances attributable to our consolidated advertising cooperatives, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, are as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Accounts and notes receivable | $ | 901 | $ | 849 | ||||||||||
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | (60) | (74) | ||||||||||||
| Accounts and notes receivable, net | $ | 841 | $ | 775 | ||||||||||
Our financing receivables primarily consist of notes receivables and direct financing leases with franchisees which we enter into from time-to-time. As these receivables primarily relate to our ongoing business agreements with franchisees, we consider such receivables to have similar risk characteristics and evaluate them as one collective portfolio segment and class for determining the allowance for doubtful accounts. Balances of notes receivable and direct financing leases due within one year are included in Accounts and notes receivable, net while amounts due beyond one year are included in Other assets. Amounts included in Other assets totaled $53 million (net of an allowance of less than $10 million) and $56 million (net of an allowance of less than $1 million) at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Financing receivables that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, and for which collection efforts have been exhausted, are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Interest income recorded on financing receivables has historically been insignificant.
Property, Plant and Equipment. PP&E is carried net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. We calculate depreciation and amortization on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: 5 to 25 years for buildings and leasehold improvements and 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment. We suspend depreciation and amortization on assets that are held for sale.
Leases and Leasehold Improvements. We lease land, buildings or both for certain of our Company-operated restaurants and restaurant support centers worldwide. Rent expense for leased Company-operated restaurants is presented in our Consolidated Statements of Income within Company restaurant expenses and rent expense for restaurant support centers is presented within G&A. The length of our lease terms, which vary by country and often include renewal options, are an important factor in determining the appropriate accounting for leases including the initial classification of the lease as finance or operating as well as the timing of recognition of rent expense over the duration of the lease. We include renewal option periods in determining the term of our leases when failure to renew the lease would impose a penalty on the Company in such an amount that a renewal appears to be reasonably certain at the commencement of the lease. The primary penalty to which we are subject is the economic detriment associated with the existence of leasehold improvements that might be impaired if we choose not to continue the use of the leased property. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. We generally do not receive leasehold improvement incentives upon opening a store that is subject to a lease. We expense rent associated with leased land or buildings while a restaurant is being constructed whether rent is paid or we are subject to a rent holiday. Our leasing activity for other assets, including equipment, is not significant.
Right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized upon lease commencement for operating and finance leases based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Subsequent reductions in the right-of-use asset and accretion of the lease liability for an operating lease are recognized as a single lease cost, on a straight-line basis, over the lease term. For finance leases, the right-of-use asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the useful life of the leased asset or lease term. Interest on each finance lease liability is determined as the amount that results in a constant periodic discount rate on the remaining balance of the liability. As the discount rate implicit in most of our leases is not readily determinable, we use our group incremental secured borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date, including the lease term and currency, in determining the present value of lease payments for both operating and finance leases. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet; we recognize rent expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Right-of-use assets are assessed for impairment in accordance with our long-lived asset impairment policy, which is performed annually for restaurant-level assets or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. We reassess lease classification and remeasure right-of-use assets and lease liabilities when a lease is modified and that modification is not accounted for as a separate new lease or upon certain other events that require reassessment. The difference between operating lease single lease cost recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income and cash payments for operating leases is recognized within Other, net within Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
69
In certain instances, we lease or sublease certain restaurants to franchisees. Our lessor and sublease portfolio primarily consists of stores that have been leased to franchisees subsequent to refranchising transactions. Our most significant leases with lease and non-lease components are leases with our franchisees that include both the right to use a restaurant as well as a license of the intellectual property associated with our Concepts’ brands. For these leases, which are primarily classified as operating leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components separately. Revenues from rental agreements with franchisees are presented within Franchise and property revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Income and related expenses (e.g. depreciation and rent expense) are presented within Franchise and property expenses.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets. From time-to-time, the Company acquires restaurants from one of our Concept’s franchisees or acquires another business. Goodwill from these acquisitions represents the excess of the cost of a business acquired over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized and has been assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing. Our reporting units are our business units (which are aligned based on geography) in our KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill Divisions.
We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate impairment might exist. We have selected the beginning of our fourth quarter as the date on which to perform our ongoing annual impairment test for goodwill. We may elect to perform a qualitative assessment for our reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value. If a qualitative assessment is not performed, or if as a result of a qualitative assessment it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then the reporting unit’s fair value is compared to its carrying value. An impairment charge to goodwill is recognized based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value.
If we record goodwill upon acquisition of a restaurant(s) from a franchisee and such restaurant(s) is then sold within two years of acquisition, the goodwill associated with the acquired restaurant(s) is written off in its entirety. When we refranchise restaurants, or if a previously acquired restaurant is refranchised two years or more subsequent to its acquisition, we include goodwill in the carrying amount of the restaurants disposed of based on the relative fair values of the portion of the reporting unit disposed of in the refranchising and the portion of the reporting unit that will be retained.
We evaluate the remaining useful life of an intangible asset that is not being amortized each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. If an intangible asset that is not being amortized is subsequently determined to have a finite useful life, we amortize the intangible asset prospectively over its estimated remaining useful life. Intangible assets that are deemed to have a finite life are amortized on a straight-line basis to their residual value.
We evaluate our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate impairments might exist. We perform our annual test for impairment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets at the beginning of our fourth quarter. We may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying value. If a qualitative assessment is not performed, or if as a result of a qualitative assessment it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its carrying value, then the asset’s fair value is compared to its carrying value. An impairment charge is recognized based on the excess of an indefinite-lived intangible asset's carrying amount over its fair value.
Our finite-lived intangible assets, including capitalized software, that are not allocated to an individual restaurant are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. An intangible asset that is deemed not recoverable on an undiscounted basis is written down to its estimated fair value. Once these assets are fully amortized and it is determined that we are no longer deriving economic benefit from ownership of the asset, the cost basis and accumulated amortization are written off.
Capitalized Software. We state capitalized software at cost less accumulated amortization within Intangible assets, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Software development costs primarily include costs to develop software to be used to meet internal needs and costs to develop cloud-based solutions used to deliver our software services for use in our Company restaurants or by our franchisees. We capitalize development costs related to software developed for our internal needs and such cloud-based solutions once the preliminary project stage is complete and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. We calculate amortization on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the software which generally ranges from 3 to 5 years upon initial capitalization. Customer facing software is typically amortized over a useful life at the shorter end of this range, while back office and corporate systems may have a longer useful life.
70
Derivative Financial Instruments. We use derivative instruments primarily to hedge interest rate and foreign currency risks, and to reduce our exposure to market-driven charges in certain of the liabilities associated with employee compensation deferrals into our Executive Income Deferral (“EID”) Plan. These derivative contracts are entered into with financial institutions. We do not use derivative instruments for trading purposes and we have procedures in place to monitor and control their use.
We record all derivative instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss is recognized in the results of operations immediately.
As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to risk that the counterparties will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, we only enter into contracts with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors, and continually assess the creditworthiness of counterparties. At December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, all of the counterparties to our derivative instruments had investment grade ratings according to the three major ratings agencies. To date, all counterparties have performed in accordance with their contractual obligations.
Common Stock Share Repurchases. From time-to-time, we repurchase shares of our Common Stock under share repurchase programs authorized by our Board of Directors. Shares repurchased constitute authorized, but unissued shares under the North Carolina laws under which we are incorporated. Additionally, our Common Stock has no par or stated value. Accordingly, we record the full value of share repurchases, or other deductions to Common Stock such as shares cancelled upon employee share-based award exercises, upon the trade date against Common Stock on our Consolidated Balance Sheet except when to do so would result in a negative balance in such Common Stock account. In such instances, on a period basis, we record the cost of any further share repurchases or other deductions to Common Stock as an addition to Accumulated deficit. Due to the large number of share repurchases of our stock in certain years, our Common Stock balance can be zero at the end of any period. Accordingly, $519 million, $368 million and $26 million in share repurchases in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, were recorded as an addition to Accumulated deficit. Additionally, we recorded $4 million and $2 million of excise tax related to share repurchases in 2025 and 2024, respectively, as additions to Accumulated deficit. See Note 17 for additional information on our share repurchases.
Pension and Post-retirement Medical Benefits. We measure and recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our pension and post-retirement plans as an asset or liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of our fiscal year end. The funded status represents the difference between the projected benefit obligations (“PBOs”) and the fair value of plan assets, which is calculated on a plan-by-plan basis. The PBO and related funded status are determined using assumptions as of the end of each year. The PBO is the present value of benefits earned to date by plan participants, including the effect of future salary increases, as applicable. The difference between the PBO and the fair value of plan assets that has not previously been recognized in our Consolidated Statement of Income is recorded as a component of AOCI.
The net periodic benefit costs associated with the Company’s defined benefit pension and post-retirement medical plans are determined using assumptions regarding the PBO and, for funded plans, the market-related value of plan assets as of the beginning of each year, or remeasurement period if applicable. The service cost component of net periodic benefit costs is primarily recorded in G&A. Non-service cost components are recorded in Other pension (income) expense. We have elected to use a market-related value of plan assets to calculate the expected return on assets, net of administrative and investment fees paid from plan assets, in net periodic benefit costs. For each individual plan we amortize into pension expense the net amounts in AOCI, as adjusted for the difference between the fair value and market-related value of plan assets, to the extent that such amounts exceed 10% of the greater of a plan’s PBO or market-related value of assets, over the remaining service period of active participants in the plan or, for plans with no active participants, over the expected average life expectancy of the inactive participants in the plan. The market-related value of plan assets is the fair value of plan assets as of the beginning of each year adjusted for variances between actual returns and expected returns. We attribute such variances to the market-related value of plan assets evenly over five years.
We record a curtailment when an event occurs that significantly reduces the expected years of future service or eliminates the accrual of defined benefits for the future services of a significant number of employees. We record a curtailment gain when the employees who are entitled to the benefits terminate their employment; we record a curtailment loss when it becomes probable a loss will occur. We recognize settlement gains or losses only when we have determined that the cost of all settlements in a year will exceed the sum of the service and interest costs within an individual plan.
71
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which updates income tax disclosure requirements related to the income tax rate reconciliation and requires disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. We adopted this standard for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. See Note 18.
Note 3 - Restaurant Acquisitions
In 2025 and 2024, we completed restaurant acquisitions from franchisees as detailed below. In each transaction, the acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The allocation of the purchase price for each acquisition is based on management's analysis, which may include analysis performed by third party valuation specialists, as of the respective acquisition dates. In completing our purchase price allocations, we continue to obtain information to assist in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the classification of acquired leases during a one-year measurement period subsequent to the acquisition.
For all of these restaurant acquisitions, reacquired franchise rights are the primary intangible asset we recognize when acquiring restaurants from franchisees and were valued based on after-royalty cash flows expected to be earned by the acquired restaurants over the remaining term of their then-existing franchise agreements. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net, identifiable assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The goodwill recognized represents expected benefits of the acquisition that do not qualify for recognition as intangible assets. This includes value arising from cash flows expected to be earned in years subsequent to the expiration of the terms of franchise agreements existing upon acquisition. The goodwill is expected to be partially deductible for income tax purposes and has been allocated to the respective reporting units.
The financial results of all acquired restaurants have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements since the respective dates of the acquisitions, which individually and in the aggregate, did not significantly impact our results for the year ended December 31, 2025. Pro forma financial information for the periods prior to acquisition is not presented due to the immaterial impact of the restaurant acquisitions on our Consolidated Financial Statements for both the 2025 and 2024 reporting periods. The direct transaction costs associated with the acquisitions were expensed as incurred, including $7 million associated with the Taco Bell Southeast U.S. restaurant acquisition in 2025.
Taco Bell Southeast U.S. Restaurant Acquisition
During the fourth quarter of 2025, we completed the acquisition of 128 Taco Bell restaurants across the Southeast U.S. from a franchisee. The acquisition provides YUM with an opportunity to improve and accelerate Taco Bell profitability, expand strategic leadership within the Taco Bell system and unlock significant unit development in the region. The purchase price to be allocated for accounting purposes was $666 million, which consisted of cash in the amount of $667 million, offset by the settlement of a net liability of $1 million related to our preexisting contractual relationship with the franchisee.
The components of the preliminary purchase price allocation upon the acquisition dates were as follows:
| Total Current Assets | $ | 2 | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net (including finance lease right-of-use assets of $71 million) | 118 | |||||||
| Reacquired franchise rights (included in Intangible assets, net) | 428 | |||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets (included in Other assets) | 218 | |||||||
| Total Identifiable Assets | 765 | |||||||
| Total Current Liabilities | (9) | |||||||
| Operating lease liabilities (included in Other liabilities and deferred credits) | (213) | |||||||
| Finance lease liabilities (included in Short-term borrowings and Long-term debt) | (69) | |||||||
| Total Liabilities Assumed | (291) | |||||||
| Total identifiable net assets | 475 | |||||||
| Goodwill | 191 | |||||||
| Purchase price to be allocated | $ | 666 | ||||||
Reacquired franchise rights have an estimated weighted average useful life of 15 years.
72
KFC United Kingdom (“U.K”) and Ireland Restaurant Acquisition
On April 29, 2024, we completed the acquisition of all of the issued shares of two franchisee entities that owned 216 KFC restaurants in the U.K. and Ireland. The acquisition created a significant opportunity to accelerate KFC's growth strategy in the large and growing U.K. and Ireland chicken market. The purchase price to be allocated for accounting purposes of $177 million consisted of cash, net of cash acquired, in the amount of $180 million, which included $174 million paid in 2024 and $6 million paid in 2025, offset by the settlement of a liability of $3 million related to our preexisting contractual relationship with the franchisee.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2025, we finalized our preliminary estimate of the fair value of net assets acquired and the purchase price to be allocated. The components of the final purchase price allocation, subsequent to the adjustments to the allocation in the quarter ended June 30, 2025, were as follows:
| Total Current Assets | $ | 2 | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 99 | |||||||
| Reacquired franchise rights (included in Intangible assets, net) | 48 | |||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets (included in Other assets) | 124 | |||||||
| Total Identifiable Assets | 273 | |||||||
| Total Current Liabilities | (30) | |||||||
| Operating lease liabilities (included in Other liabilities and deferred credits) | (115) | |||||||
| Other liabilities | (41) | |||||||
| Total Liabilities Assumed | (186) | |||||||
| Total identifiable net assets | 87 | |||||||
| Goodwill | 90 | |||||||
| Purchase price to be allocated | $ | 177 | ||||||
The cumulative adjustments to the preliminary estimate of identifiable net assets acquired and consideration transferred (as recorded in the June 30, 2024 quarter of acquisition) resulted in a corresponding $14 million increase in estimated goodwill due to the following changes to the preliminary purchase price allocation.
| Increase (Decrease) in Goodwill | ||||||||
Increase in Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | (11) | ||||||
Increase in Reacquired franchise rights | (1) | |||||||
Increase in Operating lease right-of-use assets | (15) | |||||||
Increase in Total Current Liabilities | 12 | |||||||
Increase in Operating lease liabilities | 13 | |||||||
Increase in Other liabilities | 10 | |||||||
Increase in consideration | 6 | |||||||
| Total increase in Goodwill | $ | 14 | ||||||
Reacquired franchise rights have an estimated weighted average useful life of 5 years.
Other 2025 Restaurant Acquisitions
In addition to the acquisitions discussed above, we acquired 153 restaurants from franchisees in the year ended December 31, 2025, including 19 KFC, 16 Taco Bell and 118 Pizza Hut restaurants (the "Other restaurant acquisitions"). Total cash consideration paid in connection with these acquisitions was $116 million, net of cash acquired.
The primary assets recorded as a result of the preliminary purchase price allocations were operating lease right-of-use assets (and corresponding lease liabilities) of $54 million, reacquired franchise rights of $87 million and goodwill of $28 million.
73
Reacquired franchise rights have estimated weighted average useful lives of 5 years for the KFCs, 17 years for the Taco Bells and 10 years for the Pizza Huts.
Note 4 – Earnings Per Common Share (“EPS”)
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 1,559 | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,597 | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding (for basic calculation) | 279 | 282 | 281 | |||||||||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive share-based employee compensation | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding (for diluted calculation) | 281 | 285 | 285 | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic EPS | $ | 5.59 | $ | 5.28 | $ | 5.68 | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted EPS | $ | 5.55 | $ | 5.22 | $ | 5.59 | ||||||||||||||
Unexercised employee SARs, RSUs, PSUs and stock options (in millions) excluded from the diluted EPS computation(a) | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.7 | |||||||||||||||||
(a) These unexercised employee SARs, RSUs, performance share units ("PSUs") and stock options were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because to do so would have been antidilutive for the periods presented.
Note 5 – Items Affecting Comparability of Net Income and Cash Flows
Extra Week in 2024
Fiscal year 2024 included 53 weeks for our U.S. businesses and for our international subsidiaries that reported on a period calendar. The 53rd week added $96 million to Total revenues, $36 million to Operating Profit and $25 million to Net Income in our Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Pizza Hut Strategic Options Review
In 2025, we began a review of strategic options for the Pizza Hut brand. The objective of the review is to create value for YUM, Pizza Hut and its franchise partners by determining the optimal approach to best capitalize on Pizza Hut's structural advantages — strong brand equity, experienced franchise partners and meaningful scale — in the highly fragmented pizza market. We currently intend to complete this strategic options review in 2026, and there can be no assurance this review will result in any specific outcome or transaction. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we incurred charges of approximately $36 million, primarily in third-party advising costs associated with this strategic options review and wrote-off approximately $5 million of franchise incentive assets associated with rationalizing the Pizza Hut estate in preparation for a potential transaction. These charges were recorded to Corporate and unallocated General and administrative expenses and Unallocated franchise and property revenues, respectively.
Brand HQ Consolidation
During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recorded charges of approximately $27 million associated with our decision to designate two brand headquarters in the U.S., located in Plano, Texas and Irvine, California, to foster greater collaboration among brands and employees. This involved relocating the KFC U.S. corporate office to the KFC Global headquarters and requiring the majority of our U.S.-based remote employees to relocate to an appropriate headquarter office. These charges were comprised of $21 million recorded to Corporate and unallocated General and administrative expenses, primarily for severance for employees who chose not to relocate and consultant fees, and $6 million recorded to Unallocated Other (income) expense representing the write-off of the net book value of our YUM corporate headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky as a result of the donation of that headquarters subsequent to the relocation of the KFC U.S. corporate office relocation.
74
German Acquisition and Turkey Termination
On January 8, 2025, we terminated our franchise agreements with franchisee IS Gida A.S. (IS Gida), the owner and operator of KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants in Turkey and a subsidiary of IS Holding A.S. (IS Holding), after failure by IS Gida to meet our standards. As a result, 283 KFC restaurants and 254 Pizza Hut restaurants in Turkey were closed in the first quarter of 2025. The loss of royalties from the store closures did not have a material impact to KFC and Pizza Hut Divisional Operating Profit. We also re-acquired the master franchise rights in Germany for KFC and Pizza Hut from the owner of IS Holding in December 2024. As a result, we recorded charges of $37 million to Unallocated Other (income) expense, $18 million to Unallocated Franchise and property revenues and $6 million to Corporate and unallocated General and administrative expenses consisting primarily of transaction costs associated with the German acquisition and termination-related costs associated with the Turkey business in the year ended December 31, 2024. The amount of consideration paid related to the German acquisition was not significant.
We recorded a credit of $1 million and charges of $1 million and $9 million to Unallocated Other (income) expense, Unallocated Franchise and property revenues and Corporate and unallocated General and administrative expenses, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2025, consisting primarily of transaction costs associated with re-acquiring the master franchise rights in Germany including severance.
Resource Optimization
During the third quarter of 2020, we initiated a resource optimization program that has allowed us to reallocate significant resources to accelerate our digital, technology and innovation capabilities to deliver a modern, world-class team member and customer experience and improve unit economics. We expanded the program in 2024 to identify further opportunities to optimize the company’s spending and identify additional, critical areas in which to potentially reallocate resources, both with a goal to enable the acceleration of the Company’s growth rate. Costs incurred to date related to the program primarily include severance associated with positions that have been eliminated or relocated and consultant fees.
As a result of this program, we recorded charges of $38 million, $79 million and $21 million in the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These charges were primarily recorded to Corporate and unallocated General and administrative expenses.
Investment in Devyani
During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, we sold our approximate 5% minority investment in Devyani International Limited ("Devyani"), a franchise entity that operates KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants in India, for pre-tax proceeds of $104 million. Changes in the fair value of our ownership interest in Devyani prior to the date of sale resulted in pre-tax investment losses of $20 million in the year ended December 31, 2024 and pre-tax investment income of $8 million in the year ended December 31, 2023 (see Note 14).
Income Tax Matters
Our effective tax rates in the years ended 2025, 2024 and 2023 have been significantly impacted by upfront recognition of and subsequent adjustments to amounts associated with recently completed intra-entity transfers of intellectual property ("IP") rights.
As a result, our effective tax rates have fluctuated significantly and were 24.9%, 21.8% and 12.1% for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. See Note 18.
Note 6 – Revenue Recognition
Disaggregation of Total Revenues
The following tables disaggregate revenue by Concept, for our two most significant markets based on Operating Profit and for all other markets. We believe this disaggregation best reflects the extent to which the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenues and cash flows are impacted by economic factors.
75
2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | $ | 106 | $ | 1,272 | $ | 33 | $ | 555 | $ | 1,966 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise revenues | 189 | 960 | 263 | 8 | 1,421 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property revenues | 13 | 36 | 4 | 3 | 56 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 47 | 740 | 292 | 3 | 1,082 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| China | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise revenues | 274 | — | 69 | — | 343 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | 951 | 8 | 19 | — | 978 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise revenues | 1,285 | 63 | 265 | — | 1,613 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property revenues | 45 | — | 1 | — | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 632 | 14 | 68 | — | 714 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 3,542 | $ | 3,095 | $ | 1,013 | $ | 570 | $ | 8,220 | (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) Does not include charges of $7 million to Unallocated franchise and property revenues primarily associated with our Pizza Hut Strategic Options Review during the year ended December 31, 2025. See Note 5.
2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | $ | 75 | $ | 1,154 | $ | 8 | $ | 588 | $ | 1,825 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise revenues | 194 | 899 | 289 | 7 | 1,389 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property revenues | 14 | 39 | 4 | 2 | 59 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 45 | 697 | 315 | 3 | 1,060 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| China | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise revenues | 259 | 1 | 67 | — | 327 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | 726 | 1 | — | — | 727 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise revenues | 1,172 | 58 | 261 | — | 1,491 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property revenues | 46 | — | 1 | — | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 568 | 11 | 63 | — | 642 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 3,099 | $ | 2,860 | $ | 1,008 | $ | 600 | $ | 7,567 | (b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(b) Does not include charges of $18 million to Unallocated franchise and property revenues associated with the Turkey termination during the year ended December 31, 2024. See Note 5.
76
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | $ | 67 | $ | 1,069 | $ | 14 | $ | 575 | $ | 1,725 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise revenues | 205 | 822 | 284 | 7 | 1,318 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property revenues | 14 | 42 | 4 | 2 | 62 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 36 | 645 | 318 | 2 | 1,001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| China | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise revenues | 250 | — | 66 | — | 316 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company sales | 417 | — | — | — | 417 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise revenues | 1,178 | 54 | 266 | — | 1,498 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property revenues | 51 | — | 2 | — | 53 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 612 | 9 | 65 | — | 686 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 2,830 | $ | 2,641 | $ | 1,019 | $ | 586 | $ | 7,076 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Contract Liabilities
Our contract liabilities are comprised of unamortized upfront fees received from franchisees and are presented within Accounts payable and other current liabilities and Other liabilities and deferred credits on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. A summary of significant changes to the contract liability balance during 2025 and 2024 is presented below.
| Deferred Franchise Fees | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 444 | ||||||
| Revenue recognized that was included in unamortized upfront fees received from franchisees at the beginning of the period | (82) | |||||||
| Increase for upfront fees associated with contracts that became effective during the period, net of amounts recognized as revenue during the period | 85 | |||||||
Other(a) | (9) | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2024 | $ | 438 | ||||||
| Revenue recognized that was included in unamortized upfront fees received from franchisees at the beginning of the period | (86) | |||||||
| Increase for upfront fees associated with contracts that became effective during the period, net of amounts recognized as revenue during the period | 85 | |||||||
Other(b) | 6 | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2025 | $ | 443 | ||||||
(a) Primarily includes the settlement of a preexisting contractual relationship related to the KFC U.K. and Ireland restaurant acquisition (see Note 3) and the impact of foreign currency translation.
(b) Primarily includes the impact of foreign currency translation.
77
We expect to recognize contract liabilities as revenue over the remaining term of the associated franchise agreement as follows:
| Less than 1 year | $ | 76 | ||||||
| 1 - 2 years | 68 | |||||||
| 2 - 3 years | 60 | |||||||
| 3 - 4 years | 52 | |||||||
| 4 - 5 years | 45 | |||||||
| Thereafter | 142 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 443 | ||||||
We have applied the optional exemption, as provided for under Topic 606, which allows us to not disclose the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations when the transaction price is a sales-based royalty.
Note 7 – Supplemental Cash Flow Data
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Paid For: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest | $ | 516 | $ | 510 | $ | 526 | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes(a) | 405 | 494 | 432 | |||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents as presented in Consolidated Balance Sheets | $ | 709 | $ | 616 | $ | 512 | ||||||||||||||
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets(b) | 192 | 155 | 177 | |||||||||||||||||
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in Other assets(c) | 23 | 36 | 35 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash as presented in Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | $ | 923 | $ | 807 | $ | 724 | ||||||||||||||
(a)Cash paid for income taxes include withholding taxes paid on behalf of YUM by franchisees of $139 million, $138 million and $129 million during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(b)Restricted cash within Prepaid expenses and other current assets reflects the cash related to advertising cooperatives which we consolidate that can only be used to settle obligations of the respective cooperatives and cash held in reserve for Taco Bell Securitization interest payments (see Note 11).
(c)Primarily trust accounts related to our self-insurance program.
Note 8 – Other (Income) Expense
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange net (gain) loss | $ | (5) | $ | 6 | $ | 5 | ||||||||||||||
| Impairment and closure expense | 16 | 13 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||
Other(a) | (9) | 15 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense | $ | 2 | $ | 34 | $ | 14 | ||||||||||||||
(a)The year ended December 31, 2024, includes a charge of $37 million related to the German acquisition and Turkey termination (see Note 5).
78
Note 9 – Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
| Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax receivable | $ | 114 | $ | 55 | ||||||||||
| Restricted cash | 192 | 155 | ||||||||||||
Short term investments | — | 91 | ||||||||||||
Assets held for sale(a) | 1 | 21 | ||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses | 119 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Other current assets | 64 | 58 | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | $ | 490 | $ | 480 | ||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Land | $ | 381 | $ | 383 | ||||||||||
| Buildings and improvements | 1,622 | 1,512 | ||||||||||||
| Finance leases, primarily buildings | 163 | 79 | ||||||||||||
| Machinery, equipment and other | 924 | 714 | ||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, gross | 3,091 | 2,688 | ||||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (1,485) | (1,384) | ||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 1,605 | $ | 1,304 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense related to PP&E was $158 million, $143 million and $126 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
| Other Assets | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Franchise incentives | 209 | 144 | ||||||||||||
| Other | 286 | 304 | ||||||||||||
| Other assets | $ | 1,708 | $ | 1,329 | ||||||||||
| Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 292 | $ | 249 | ||||||||||
| Accrued compensation and benefits | 285 | 242 | ||||||||||||
| Accrued advertising | 133 | 126 | ||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest | 86 | 84 | ||||||||||||
| Gift card liability | 81 | 74 | ||||||||||||
Liabilities held for sale(a) | — | 12 | ||||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 450 | 333 | ||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and other current liabilities | $ | 1,433 | $ | 1,211 | ||||||||||
(a) Assets and liabilities held for sale reflect the carrying value of restaurants we have offered for sale to franchisees and excess properties that we do not intend to use for restaurant operations in the future.
79
Note 10 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
| KFC | Taco Bell | Pizza Hut | Habit Burger & Grill | Worldwide | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2023(a) | $ | 226 | $ | 98 | $ | 252 | $ | 66 | $ | 642 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions(b) | 98 | — | — | — | 98 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Disposals and other, net(c) | (3) | — | (1) | — | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2024(a) | $ | 321 | $ | 98 | $ | 251 | $ | 66 | $ | 736 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions(d) | 16 | 202 | 1 | — | 220 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Disposals and other, net(c) | 12 | — | 3 | (2) | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2025(a) | $ | 349 | $ | 300 | $ | 256 | $ | 64 | $ | 969 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Goodwill, net includes $144 million of accumulated impairment losses related to our Habit Burger & Grill segment and $17 million of accumulated impairment losses related to our Pizza Hut segment for each year presented.
(b)Primarily relates to the acquisition from a franchisee of KFC restaurants in the U.K. and Ireland. See Note 3.
(c)Disposals and other, net includes the impact of foreign currency translation on existing balances and goodwill write-offs associated with refranchising.
(d)Primarily relates to the acquisition from a franchisee of Taco Bell restaurants in the Southeast U.S. See Note 3.
Intangible assets, net for the years ended 2025 and 2024 are as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finite-lived intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capitalized software costs | $ | 536 | $ | (324) | $ | 479 | $ | (266) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Reacquired franchise rights | 577 | (33) | 59 | (10) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise contract rights | 26 | (24) | 26 | (24) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 20 | (17) | 20 | (16) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 1,159 | $ | (398) | $ | 584 | $ | (316) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KFC trademark | $ | 31 | $ | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Habit Burger & Grill brand asset | 96 | 96 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 21 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 148 | $ | 148 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization expense for all finite-lived intangible assets was $98 million in 2025, $82 million in 2024 and $74 million in 2023. Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets, based on existing intangible assets as of December 31, 2025, is expected to approximate in $127 million in 2026, $111 million in 2027, $85 million in 2028, $66 million in 2029 and $54 million in 2030.
80
Note 11 – Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Short-term Borrowings | ||||||||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt | $ | 39 | $ | 29 | ||||||||||
Other | 2 | — | ||||||||||||
| 41 | 29 | |||||||||||||
| Less current portion of debt issuance costs and discounts | (3) | (2) | ||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | $ | 38 | $ | 27 | ||||||||||
| Long-term Debt | ||||||||||||||
| Securitization Notes | $ | 4,306 | $ | 3,743 | ||||||||||
| Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes | 750 | 750 | ||||||||||||
| Revolving Facility | 300 | 350 | ||||||||||||
| Term Loan A Facility | 494 | 500 | ||||||||||||
| Term Loan B Facility | 1,429 | 1,444 | ||||||||||||
| YUM Senior Unsecured Notes | 4,550 | 4,550 | ||||||||||||
Finance lease obligations (See Note 12) | 148 | 67 | ||||||||||||
| $ | 11,976 | $ | 11,404 | |||||||||||
| Less long-term portion of debt issuance costs and discounts | (66) | (69) | ||||||||||||
| Less current maturities of long-term debt | (39) | (29) | ||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | $ | 11,872 | $ | 11,306 | ||||||||||
Securitization Notes
Taco Bell Funding, LLC (the “Issuer”), a special purpose limited liability company and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Taco Bell Corp. (“TBC”) through a series of securitization transactions has issued fixed rate senior secured notes collectively referred to as the “Securitization Notes”. The following table summarizes Securitization Notes outstanding at December 31, 2025:
| Interest Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance Date | Anticipated Repayment Date(a) | Outstanding Principal (in millions) | Stated | Effective(b) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 2018 | November 2028 | $ | 595 | 4.940 | % | 5.06 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| August 2021 | February 2027 | $ | 884 | 1.946 | % | 2.11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| August 2021 | February 2029 | $ | 590 | 2.294 | % | 2.42 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| August 2021 | August 2031 | $ | 737 | 2.542 | % | 2.64 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| September 2025 | August 2030 | $ | 1,000 | 4.821 | % | 5.04 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| September 2025 | August 2032 | $ | 500 | 5.049 | % | 5.21 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
(a)The legal final maturity dates of the Securitization Notes issued in 2018, 2021 and 2025 are November 2048, August 2051 and August 2055, respectively. If the Issuer has not repaid or refinanced a series of Securitization Notes prior to its respective Anticipated Repayment Dates, rapid amortization of principal on all Securitization Notes will occur and additional interest will accrue on the Securitization Notes.
(b)Includes the effects of the amortization of any discount and debt issuance costs.
The Securitization Notes were issued in transactions pursuant to which certain of TBC’s domestic assets, consisting principally of franchise-related agreements and domestic intellectual property, were contributed to the Issuer and the Issuer’s special purpose, wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”, and collectively with the Issuer, the “Securitization Entities”) to secure the Securitization Notes. The Securitization Notes are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Securitization Entities, and include a lien on all existing and future U.S. Taco Bell franchise and license agreements and the royalties payable
81
thereunder, existing and future U.S. Taco Bell intellectual property, certain transaction accounts and a pledge of the equity interests in asset-owning Securitization Entities. The remaining U.S. Taco Bell assets that were excluded from the transfers to the Securitization Entities continue to be held by Taco Bell of America, LLC (“TBA”) and TBC. The Securitization Notes are not guaranteed by these remaining U.S. Taco Bell assets, the Company, or any other subsidiary of the Company.
On September 24, 2025, the Issuer completed refinancing certain Securitization Notes through the issuance of additional Securitization Notes totaling $1.5 billion (the "2025-1 Notes"). The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2025-1 Notes were used to repay in full an existing series of Securitization Notes totaling $938 million with an Anticipated Repayment Date of May 2026. The remaining net proceeds were used to pay certain transaction-related expenses and for general corporate purposes (including, without limitation, purchases of franchise restaurants). As a result of the issuance of the 2025-1 Notes, $14 million of fees were capitalized as debt issuance costs. The debt issuance costs are being amortized to Interest expense, net through the Anticipated Repayment Dates of the 2025-1 Securitization Notes utilizing the effective interest method.
Payments of interest and principal on the Securitization Notes are made from the continuing fees paid pursuant to the franchise and license agreements with all U.S. Taco Bell restaurants, including both company and franchise operated restaurants. Interest on and any principal payments of the Securitization Notes are due on a quarterly basis. In general, no amortization of principal of the Securitization Notes is required prior to their Anticipated Repayment Dates unless as of any quarterly measurement date the consolidated leverage ratio (the ratio of total debt to Net Cash Flow (as defined in the related indenture)) for the preceding four fiscal quarters of either the Company and its subsidiaries or the Issuer and its subsidiaries exceeds 5.0:1 (or 5.5:1 for the 2025-1 Notes), in which case amortization payments of 1% per year of the outstanding principal as of the closing of the Securitization Notes are required. As of the most recent quarterly measurement date the consolidated leverage ratio for the Issuer and its subsidiaries did not exceed 5.0:1 and, as a result, amortization payments are not required.
The Securitization Notes are subject to a series of covenants and restrictions customary for transactions of this type, including (i) that the Issuer maintains specified reserve accounts to be available to make required interest payments in respect of the Securitization Notes, (ii) provisions relating to optional and mandatory prepayments and the related payment of specified amounts, including specified make-whole payments in the case of the Securitization Notes under certain circumstances, (iii) certain indemnification payments relating to taxes, enforcement costs and other customary items and (iv) covenants relating to recordkeeping, access to information and similar matters. The Securitization Notes are also subject to rapid amortization events provided for in the indenture, including events tied to failure to maintain a stated debt service coverage ratio (as defined in the related indenture) of at least 1.1:1, gross domestic sales for U.S. Taco Bell restaurants being below certain levels on certain measurement dates, a manager termination event, an event of default and the failure to repay or refinance the Securitization Notes on the Anticipated Repayment Date (subject to limited cure rights). The Securitization Notes are also subject to certain customary events of default, including events relating to non-payment of required interest or principal due on the Securitization Notes, failure to comply with covenants within certain time frames, certain bankruptcy events, breaches of specified representations and warranties, failure of security interests to be effective, certain judgments and failure of the Securitization Entities to maintain a stated debt service coverage ratio. As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenant requirements and were not subject to any rapid amortization events.
In accordance with the indenture, certain cash accounts have been established with the indenture trustee for the benefit of the note holders, and are restricted in their use. The indenture requires a certain amount of securitization cash flow collections to be allocated on a weekly basis and maintained in a cash reserve account. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had restricted cash of $92 million primarily related to required interest reserves included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Once the required reserve obligations are satisfied, there are no further restrictions, including payment of dividends, on the cash flows of the Securitization Entities. The amount of weekly securitization cash flow collections that exceed the required weekly allocations is generally remitted to the Company.
Additional cash reserves are required if any of the rapid amortization events occur, as noted above, or in the event that as of any quarterly measurement date the Securitization Entities fail to maintain a debt service coverage ratio (or the ratio of Net Cash Flow to all debt service payments for the preceding four fiscal quarters) of at least 1.75:1. During the most recent quarter ended December 31, 2025, the Securitization Entities maintained a debt service coverage ratio significantly in excess of the 1.75:1 requirement.
Term Loan Facilities, Revolving Facility and Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes
KFC Holding Co., Pizza Hut Holdings, LLC, and TBA, each of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as co-borrowers (the “Borrowers”) have entered into a credit agreement providing for senior secured credit facilities and a $1.5 billion revolving facility (the “Revolving Facility”). The senior secured credit facilities, which include a Term Loan A Facility and a Term Loan B Facility, and the Revolving Facility are collectively referred to as the “Credit Agreement”. Additionally, the
82
Borrowers through a series of transactions have issued Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes (collectively referred to as the “Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes”).
The following table summarizes borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement, as well as our Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes as of December 31, 2025. There were $300 million in outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Facility and $12 million of letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2025.
| Interest Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance Date | Maturity Date | Outstanding Principal (in millions) | Stated | Effective(c) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Term Loan A Facility | April 2024 | (a) | $ | 494 | (b) | 4.71 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Term Loan B Facility | March 2021 | March 2028 | $ | 1,429 | (b) | 5.29 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes | June 2017 | June 2027 | $ | 750 | 4.75 | % | 4.90 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)The Term Loan A Facility and the Revolving Facility will mature on the earliest of (i) April 26, 2029, (ii) the date that is 91 days prior to the March 15, 2028 maturity of the Borrowers' existing Term Loan B Facility if more than $250 million of such Term Loan B remains outstanding as of such date or (iii) the date that is 91 days prior to the June 1, 2027 maturity of the Borrowers' existing Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes if more than $250 million of such Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes remains outstanding as of such date.
(b)The interest rates applicable to the Term Loan A Facility as well as the Revolving Facility range from 0.75% to 1.50% plus Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") or from 0.00% to 0.50% plus the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), at the Borrowers’ election, based upon the total leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). As of December 31, 2025, the interest rate spreads on the SOFR and Base Rate applicable to both our Term Loan A Facility and borrowings under the Revolving Facility were 0.75% and 0.00%, respectively.
The interest rates applicable to the Term Loan B Facility are 1.75% plus SOFR or 0.75% plus the Base Rate, at the Borrowers’ election.
(c)Includes the effects of the amortization of any discount and debt issuance costs as well as the impact of the interest rate swaps on the Term Loan A and Term Loan B Facilities (see Note 13). The effective rates related to our Term Loan A and B Facilities are based on SOFR-based interest rates at December 31, 2025.
The Term Loan A Facility is subject to quarterly amortization payments in an amount equal to 0.625% of the principal amount of the facility as of the issuance date of $500 million. The Term Loan A Facility quarterly amortization payments increase to 1.25% of the principal amount of the facility as of the issuance date, beginning with the third quarter of 2027.
The Term Loan B Facility is subject to quarterly amortization payments in an amount equal to 0.25% of the principal amount of the facility as of the issuance date of $1.5 billion, with the balance payable at maturity on March 15, 2028.
The Credit Agreement is unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and certain of the Borrowers’ principal domestic subsidiaries and excludes Taco Bell Funding LLC and its special purpose, wholly-owned subsidiaries (see above). The Credit Agreement is also secured by first priority liens on substantially all assets of the Borrowers and each subsidiary guarantor, excluding the stock of certain subsidiaries and certain real property, and subject to other customary exceptions.
The Credit Agreement is subject to certain mandatory prepayments in the event certain covenants are not met, including an amount equal to 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) on an annual basis and the proceeds of certain asset sales, casualty events and issuances of indebtedness, subject to customary exceptions and reinvestment rights.
The Credit Agreement's covenants include two financial maintenance covenants which require the Borrowers to maintain a total leverage ratio (defined as the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA (as these terms are defined in the Credit Agreement)) of 5.0:1 or less and a fixed charge coverage ratio (defined as the ratio of EBITDA minus capital expenditures to fixed charges (inclusive of rental expense and scheduled amortization)) of at least 1.5:1, each as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. The Credit Agreement includes other affirmative and negative covenants and events of default that are customary for facilities of this type. The Credit Agreement contains, among other things, limitations on certain additional
83
indebtedness and liens, and certain other transactions specified in the agreement. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2025.
The Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by (i) the Company, (ii) the Specified Guarantors (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and (iii) by each of the Borrower’s and the Specified Guarantors’ domestic subsidiaries that guarantees the Borrower’s obligations under the Credit Agreement, except for any of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The indenture governing the Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes contains covenants and events of default that are customary for debt securities of this type. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2025.
YUM Senior Unsecured Notes
The majority of our remaining long-term debt primarily comprises YUM Senior Unsecured Notes. The following table summarizes all YUM Senior Unsecured Notes issued that remain outstanding at December 31, 2025:
| Interest Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance Date | Maturity Date | Principal Amount (in millions) | Stated | Effective(a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 2007 | November 2037 | $ | 325 | 6.88 | % | 7.45 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| October 2013 | November 2043 | $ | 275 | 5.35 | % | 5.42 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| September 2019 | January 2030 | $ | 800 | 4.75 | % | 4.90 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| September 2020 | March 2031 | $ | 1,050 | 3.63 | % | 3.77 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| April 2021 | January 2032 | $ | 1,100 | 4.63 | % | 4.77 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| April 2022 | April 2032 | $ | 1,000 | 5.38 | % | 5.53 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
(a)Includes the effects of the amortization of any (1) premium or discount; (2) debt issuance costs; and (3) gain or loss upon settlement of related treasury locks and forward starting interest rate swaps utilized to hedge the interest rate risk prior to debt issuance.
The YUM Senior Unsecured Notes represent senior, unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness. Our YUM Senior Unsecured Notes contain covenants and events of default that are customary for debt securities of this type, including cross-default provisions whereby the acceleration of the maturity of any of our indebtedness in a principal amount in excess of $50 million ($100 million or more in the case of the YUM Senior Unsecured Notes issued in 2019 and subsequent years) will constitute a default under the YUM Senior Unsecured Notes unless such indebtedness is discharged, or the acceleration of the maturity of that indebtedness is annulled, within 30 days after notice.
The annual maturities of all Short-term borrowings and Long-term debt as of December 31, 2025, excluding finance lease obligations of $148 million and debt issuance costs and discounts of $69 million are as follows:
| Year ended: | |||||
| 2026 | $ | 28 | |||
| 2027 | 1,668 | ||||
| 2028 | 2,019 | ||||
| 2029 | 1,327 | ||||
| 2030 | 1,800 | ||||
| Thereafter | 4,987 | ||||
| Total | $ | 11,828 | |||
Interest expense on Short-term borrowings, Long-term debt and cash pooling arrangements was $544 million, $542 million and $602 million in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
84
Note 12 – Lease Accounting
Components of Lease Cost
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease cost | $ | 158 | $ | 135 | $ | 130 | ||||||||||||||
| Finance lease cost | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use assets | 7 | 7 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total finance lease cost | $ | 11 | $ | 9 | $ | 8 | ||||||||||||||
| Sublease income | $ | (49) | $ | (48) | $ | (51) | ||||||||||||||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | 158 | $ | 137 | $ | 127 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating cash flows from finance leases | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Financing cash flows from finance leases | 7 | 8 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations(a) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating leases | 414 | 247 | 127 | |||||||||||||||||
| Finance leases | 84 | 26 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities transferred through refranchising | (13) | (8) | (14) | |||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease and other debt obligations transferred through refranchising | — | (1) | (5) | |||||||||||||||||
(a) The year ended December 31, 2025, includes $218 million and $71 million of operating and finance lease right-of-use assets, respectively, acquired as part of the Taco Bell Southeast U.S. restaurant acquisition (see Note 3).
The year ended December 31, 2024, includes $124 million and $22 million of operating and finance lease right-of-use assets, respectively, acquired as part of the KFC U.K. and Ireland restaurant acquisition (see Note 3).
85
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
| 2025 | 2024 | Consolidated Balance Sheet | ||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | $ | Other assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease right-of-use assets | Property, plant and equipment, net | |||||||||||||||||||
Total right-of-use assets(a) | $ | 1,341 | $ | 930 | ||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating | $ | $ | 91 | Accounts payable and other current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
| Finance | 11 | 8 | Short-term borrowings | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-current | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating | Other liabilities and deferred credits | |||||||||||||||||||
| Finance | 137 | 59 | Long-term debt | |||||||||||||||||
Total lease liabilities(a) | $ | 1,427 | $ | 1,020 | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average Remaining Lease Term (in years) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating leases | 12.6 | 10.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Finance leases | 17.4 | 14.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average Discount Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating leases | 5.4 | % | 5.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Finance leases | 5.6 | % | 5.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
(a) U.S. operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities totaled $846 million and $903 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2025, and $549 million and $615 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2024. These amounts primarily related to Taco Bell U.S. and Habit Burger & Grill leases related to Company-operated restaurants, leases related to franchise-operated restaurants we sublease and the Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill restaurant support center.
Maturity of Lease Payments and Receivables
Future minimum lease payments, including rental payments for lease renewal options we are reasonably certain to exercise, and amounts to be received as lessor or sublessor as of December 31, 2025, were as follows:
| Commitments | Lease Receivables | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance | Operating | Direct Financing | Operating | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | $ | 19 | $ | 171 | $ | 3 | $ | 59 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2027 | 17 | 174 | 3 | 54 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2028 | 15 | 163 | 2 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2029 | 14 | 149 | 2 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2030 | 14 | 139 | 2 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thereafter | 145 | 998 | 13 | 261 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total lease payments/receipts | 224 | 1,795 | 26 | $ | 506 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Less imputed interest/unearned income | (75) | (516) | (9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total lease liabilities/receivables | $ | 148 | $ | 1,279 | $ | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||
86
As of December 31, 2025, we have executed real estate leases that have not yet commenced with estimated future nominal lease payments of approximately $95 million, which are not included in the tables above. These leases are expected to commence in 2026 and 2027 with lease terms of up to 20 years.
Note 13 - Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments to manage certain of our market risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and deferred compensation liabilities. As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to risk that the counterparties will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, we only enter into contracts with major financial institutions carefully selected based upon their credit ratings and other factors, and continually assess the creditworthiness of counterparties. At December 31, 2025, all of the counterparties to our derivative instruments had investment grade ratings according to the three major ratings agencies. To date, all counterparties have performed in accordance with their contractual obligations.
Foreign Currency Contracts
In September 2025, we entered into a foreign currency forward contract with a U.S. dollar notional amount of approximately $80 million to reduce the foreign currency exposure relating to our net investment in certain Indian rupee functional currency operations. This forward contract is designated as a net investment hedge and the related mark-to-market adjustments are being recorded as a cumulative translation adjustment within AOCI. This foreign currency forward contract did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, and will mature in March 2026.
Interest Rate Swaps
In March 2025, interest rates swaps which reduced our historical exposure to interest rate risk for $1.5 billion of our variable-rate debt payments primarily under our Term Loan B Facility expired. Through their expiration in March 2025, these interest rate swaps were highly effective cash flow hedges.
On April 4, 2025, we entered into a new interest rate swap ("2025 interest rate swap") to fix the interest on $1.5 billion of borrowings, primarily under our Term Loan B Facility from April 2025 to March 2028. Like the expired interest rate swaps, the 2025 interest rate swap was designated a cash flow hedge as the changes in the future cash flows of the swap are expected to offset changes in expected future interest payments on the related variable-rate debt. The 2025 interest rate swap results in a fixed rate of 5.09% on the swapped portion of the Term Loan B Facility (excluding debt issuance costs). There were no other interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2025.
Gains or losses on the interest rate swaps are reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into Interest expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income in the same period or periods during which the related hedged interest payments affect earnings. Through December 31, 2025, the 2025 interest rate swap was a highly effective cash flow hedge.
Gains and losses on these interest rate swaps recognized in OCI and reclassified from AOCI into Net Income were as follows:
| Gains/(Losses) Recognized in OCI | (Gains)/Losses Reclassified from AOCI into Net Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps | $ | 8 | $ | 12 | $ | 14 | $ | (15) | $ | (32) | $ | (30) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit/(expense) | (2) | (3) | (4) | 4 | 8 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2025, the estimated net gain included in AOCI related to our interest rate swaps that will be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months is $1 million, based on current SOFR interest rates.
Total Return Swaps
We have entered into total return swap derivative contracts, with the objective of reducing our exposure to market-driven changes in certain of the liabilities associated with compensation deferrals into our EID plan. While these total return swaps represent economic hedges, we have not designated them as hedges for accounting purposes. As a result, the changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized immediately in earnings within General and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income largely offsetting the changes in the associated EID liabilities. The fair value associated with the total return swaps as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024, was not significant.
87
Note 14 – Fair Value Disclosures
As of December 31, 2025, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, accounts payable and borrowings under our Revolving Facility approximated their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of notes receivable net of allowances and lease guarantees less subsequent amortization approximates their carrying value. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s debt obligations:
2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Value | Fair Value (Level 2) | Carrying Value | Fair Value (Level 2) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Securitization Notes(a) | $ | 4,306 | $ | 4,160 | $ | 3,743 | $ | 3,561 | |||||||||||||||
Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes(b) | 750 | 753 | 750 | 739 | |||||||||||||||||||
Term Loan A Facility(b) | 494 | 492 | 500 | 496 | |||||||||||||||||||
Term Loan B Facility(b) | 1,429 | 1,440 | 1,444 | 1,451 | |||||||||||||||||||
YUM Senior Unsecured Notes(b) | 4,550 | 4,581 | 4,550 | 4,368 | |||||||||||||||||||
(a) We estimated the fair value of the Securitization Notes using market quotes and calculations. The markets in which the Securitization Notes trade are not considered active markets.
(b) We estimated the fair value of the YUM and Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes, Term Loan A Facility, and Term Loan B Facility using market quotes and calculations based on market rates.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The fair values of the assets and liabilities of the Company that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis (see Note 13 for discussion regarding derivative instruments) were not significant at December 31, 2025 or 2024.
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we recognized non-recurring fair value measurements of $, $ and $, respectively, related to restaurant-level impairment. Restaurant-level impairment charges are recorded in Other (income) expense and resulted primarily from our impairment evaluation of long-lived assets of individual restaurants that were being operated at the time of impairment and had not been offered for refranchising. The fair value measurements used in these impairment evaluations were based on discounted cash flow estimates using unobservable inputs (Level 3). These amounts exclude fair value measurements made for assets that were subsequently disposed of prior to those respective year end dates. The remaining net book value of restaurant assets measured at fair value during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $19 million and $21 million, respectively.
Note 15 – Pension, Retiree Medical and Retiree Savings Plans
U.S. Pension Plans
We sponsor qualified and supplemental (non-qualified) noncontributory defined benefit plans covering certain full-time salaried and hourly U.S. employees. The qualified plan meets the requirements of certain sections of the Internal Revenue Code and provides benefits to a broad group of employees with restrictions on discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees with regard to coverage, benefits and contributions. The supplemental plans provide additional benefits to certain employees. We fund our supplemental plans as benefits are paid.
The most significant of our U.S. plans is the YUM Retirement Plan (the “Plan”), which is a qualified plan. Our funding policy with respect to the Plan is to contribute amounts necessary to satisfy minimum pension funding requirements, including requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, plus additional amounts from time-to-time as are determined to be necessary to improve the Plan’s funded status. We do not expect to make any significant contributions to the Plan in 2026. Our two significant U.S. plans, including the Plan and a supplemental plan, were previously amended such that any salaried
88
employee hired or rehired by YUM after September 30, 2001, is not eligible to participate in those plans. Additionally, these two significant U.S. plans are currently closed to new hourly participants.
We do not anticipate any plan assets being returned to the Company during 2026 for any U.S. plans.
Obligation and Funded Status at Measurement Date:
The following charts summarize the balance sheet impact, as well as benefit obligations, assets, and funded status associated with our two significant U.S. pension plans. The actuarial valuations for all plans reflect measurement dates coinciding with our fiscal year end.
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Change in benefit obligation: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit obligation at beginning of year | $ | 776 | $ | 778 | ||||||||||
| Service cost | 5 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 43 | 42 | ||||||||||||
| Benefits paid | (55) | (45) | ||||||||||||
| Settlement payments | (17) | — | ||||||||||||
| Actuarial (gain) loss | 22 | (3) | ||||||||||||
| Benefit obligation at end of year | $ | 774 | $ | 776 | ||||||||||
A significant component of the overall decrease in the Company's benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2025, was due to benefits paid and settlement payments during the year partially offset by interest cost and actuarial loss on the benefit obligation.
A significant component of the overall decrease in the Company's benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2024, was due to benefits paid during the year partially offset by interest cost on the benefit obligation.
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Change in plan assets: | ||||||||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | $ | 644 | $ | 680 | ||||||||||
| Actual return on plan assets | 79 | 6 | ||||||||||||
| Employer contributions | 19 | 3 | ||||||||||||
| Benefits paid | (55) | (45) | ||||||||||||
| Settlement payments | (17) | — | ||||||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets at end of year | $ | 670 | $ | 644 | ||||||||||
| Funded status at end of year | $ | (104) | $ | (132) | ||||||||||
| Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Accrued benefit liability - current | $ | (8) | $ | (11) | ||||||||||
| Accrued benefit liability - non-current | (96) | (121) | ||||||||||||
| $ | (104) | $ | (132) | |||||||||||
The accumulated benefit obligation was $763 million and $764 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
89
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | 5 | $ | 4 | $ | 5 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 43 | 42 | 41 | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost(a) | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (53) | (51) | (50) | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of net loss (gain) | 2 | 1 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit cost (income) | $ | (2) | $ | (3) | $ | (4) | ||||||||||||||
Additional (gain) loss recognized due to: Settlement charges(b) | $ | 3 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||
(a)Prior service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits.
(b)Settlement losses result when benefit payments exceed the sum of the service cost and interest cost within a plan during the year. These losses were recorded in Other pension (income) expense.
| Pension gains (losses) in AOCI: | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Beginning of year | $ | (127) | $ | (87) | ||||||||||
Net actuarial gain (loss) | 3 | (42) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of net (gain) loss | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Amount recognized in earnings due to settlement | 3 | — | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service cost | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||
| End of year | $ | (118) | $ | (127) | ||||||||||
| Accumulated pre-tax losses recognized within AOCI: | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Actuarial net loss | $ | (117) | $ | (125) | ||||||||||
| Prior service cost | (1) | (2) | ||||||||||||
| $ | (118) | $ | (127) | |||||||||||
| Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the measurement dates: | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Discount rate | 5.70 | % | 5.80 | % | ||||||||||
| Rate of compensation increase | 3.00 | % | 3.00 | % | ||||||||||
90
Our estimated long-term rate of return on plan assets represents the weighted-average of expected future returns on the asset categories included in our target investment allocation based primarily on the historical returns for each asset category and future growth expectations.
Plan Assets
The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2025 and 2024 by asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Level 1: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | 1 | $ | 2 | ||||||||||
Cash Equivalents(a) | 24 | 30 | ||||||||||||
Fixed Income Securities - U.S. Corporate(b) | 20 | 16 | ||||||||||||
| Level 2: | ||||||||||||||
Equity Securities(b) | 216 | 212 | ||||||||||||
Fixed Income Securities - U.S. Corporate(c) | 18 | 21 | ||||||||||||
Fixed Income Securities - U.S. Government and Government Agencies(d) | 142 | 113 | ||||||||||||
Fixed Income Securities - Other(d) | 22 | 15 | ||||||||||||
| Total assets in the fair value hierarchy | 443 | 409 | ||||||||||||
Investments measured at net asset value(e) | ||||||||||||||
| Fixed Income | 142 | 146 | ||||||||||||
| Real Assets | 139 | 141 | ||||||||||||
Total fair value of plan assets(f) | $ | 724 | $ | 696 | ||||||||||
(a)Short-term investments in money market funds.
(b)Securities held in common or collective trusts.
(c)Investments held directly by the Plan.
(d)Includes securities held in common or collective trusts and investments held directly by the Plan.
(e)Includes securities that have been measured at fair value using the net asset value per unit practical expedient due to the absence of readily available market prices. Accordingly, these securities have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
(f)2025 and 2024 exclude net unsettled trade payables of $54 million and $52 million, respectively.
Our primary objectives regarding the investment strategy for the Plan’s assets are to reduce interest rate and market risk and to provide adequate liquidity to meet immediate and future payment requirements. To achieve these objectives, we are using a combination of active and passive investment strategies. As of December 31, 2025, the Plan’s assets consist of the weighted-average target allocation summarized as follows:
91
| Asset Category | Target Allocation | |||||||
| Fixed income | 49 | % | ||||||
| Equity securities | 32 | % | ||||||
| Real assets | 19 | % | ||||||
Actual allocations to each asset class may vary from target allocations due to periodic investment strategy changes, market value fluctuations, the length of time it takes to fully implement investment allocation positions and the timing of benefit payments and contributions.
Fixed income securities at December 31, 2025, primarily consist of a diversified portfolio of long duration instruments that are intended to mitigate interest rate risk or reduce the interest rate duration mismatch between the assets and liabilities of the Plan. A smaller allocation (constituting 40% of the fixed income target allocation) is to diversified credit investments in a range of public and credit securities, including below investment grade rated bonds and loans, securitized credit and emerging market debt.
Equity securities at December 31, 2025, consist primarily of investments in publicly traded common stocks and other equity-type securities issued by companies throughout the world, including convertible securities, preferred stock, rights and warrants.
Real assets represent investments in real estate and infrastructure. These may take the form of debt or equity securities in public or private funds.
A mutual fund held as an investment by the Plan includes shares of Common Stock valued at $0.1 million at both December 31, 2025 and 2024, (less than 1% of total plan assets in each instance).
Benefit Payments
The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are set forth below:
| Year ended: | ||||||||
| 2026 | $ | 61 | ||||||
| 2027 | 62 | |||||||
| 2028 | 76 | |||||||
| 2029 | 58 | |||||||
| 2030 | 59 | |||||||
| 2031 - 2035 | 277 | |||||||
Expected benefit payments are estimated based on the same assumptions, including projected participant retirement dates, used to measure our benefit obligation on the measurement date and include benefits attributable to estimated future employee service.
International Pension Plans
We also sponsor various defined benefit plans covering certain of our non-U.S. employees, the most significant of which are in the U.K. Both of our U.K. plans have previously been frozen such that they are closed to new participants and existing participants can no longer earn future service credits.
At the end of 2025 and 2024, the projected benefit obligations of these U.K. plans totaled $174 million and $170 million, respectively, and plan assets totaled $209 million and $197 million, respectively. These plans were both in a net overfunded position at the end of 2025 and 2024. Total actuarial pre-tax losses related to the U.K. plans of $70 million and $72 million were recognized in AOCI at the end of 2025 and 2024, respectively. The total net periodic cost or benefit recorded was $2 million of cost in 2025, less than $1 million of benefit in 2024 and $2 million of cost in 2023.
92
The benefits expected to be paid associated with our U.K. plans in each of the next five years are approximately $6 million and in aggregate for the five years thereafter are $34 million.
The funding rules for our pension plans outside of the U.S. vary from country to country and depend on many factors including discount rates, performance of plan assets, local laws and regulations. We do not plan to make significant contributions to either of our U.K. plans in 2026.
Retiree Medical Benefits
Our post-retirement plan provides health care benefits, principally to U.S. salaried retirees and their dependents, and includes retiree cost-sharing provisions and a cap on our liability. This plan was previously amended such that any salaried employee hired or rehired by YUM after September 30, 2001, is not eligible to participate in this plan. Employees hired prior to September 30, 2001, are eligible for benefits if they meet age and service requirements and qualify for retirement benefits. We fund our post-retirement plan as benefits are paid.
At the end of both 2025 and 2024, the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation was $25 million. Actuarial pre-tax gains of $11 million and $13 million were recognized in AOCI at the end of 2025 and 2024, respectively. The net periodic benefit cost or benefit recorded was less than $1 million of benefit in each of 2025, 2024 and 2023. The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the post-retirement medical plan are identical to those as shown for the U.S. pension plans.
The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years are approximately $2 million and in aggregate for the five years thereafter are $11 million.
U.S. Retiree Savings Plan
We sponsor a contributory plan to provide retirement benefits under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “401(k) Plan”) for eligible U.S. salaried and hourly employees. Participants are able to elect to contribute up to 75% of eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis. Participants may allocate their contributions to one or any combination of multiple investment options or a self-managed account within the 401(k) Plan. We match 100% of the participant’s contribution to the 401(k) Plan up to 6% of eligible compensation. We recognized as compensation expense our total matching contribution of $23 million in 2025, $24 million in 2024 and $15 million in 2023.
Note 16 – Share-based and Deferred Compensation Plans
Overview
At year end 2025, we had one stock award plan in effect: the Yum! Brands, Inc. 2025 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”). Potential awards to employees and non-employee directors under the LTIP include stock options, incentive stock options, SARs, restricted stock, RSUs, performance restricted stock units, PSUs and performance units. We have issued only stock options, SARs, RSUs and PSUs under the LTIP. Under the LTIP, the exercise price of stock options and SARs granted must be equal to or greater than the average market price or the ending market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. While awards under the LTIP can have varying vesting provisions and exercise periods, outstanding awards under the LTIP vest in periods ranging from immediate to years. Stock options and SARs generally expire years after grant. At year end 2025, approximately 17 million shares were available for future share-based compensation grants under the LTIP.
Our EID Plan allows participants to defer receipt of a portion of their annual salary and all or a portion of their incentive compensation. As defined by the EID Plan, we credit the amounts deferred with earnings based on the investment options selected by the participants. These investment options are limited to cash, phantom shares of our Common Stock, phantom shares of a Stock Index Fund and phantom shares of a Bond Index Fund. Investments in cash and phantom shares of both index funds will be distributed in cash at a date as elected by the employee and therefore are classified as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recognize compensation expense for the appreciation or the depreciation, if any, of investments in cash and both of the index funds. Deferrals into the phantom shares of our Common Stock will be distributed in shares of our Common Stock, under the LTIP, at a date as elected by the employee and therefore are classified in Common Stock on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We do not recognize compensation expense for the appreciation or the depreciation, if any, of investments in phantom shares of our Common Stock. Our EID plan also allows certain participants to defer incentive compensation to purchase phantom shares of our Common Stock and receive a 33% Company match on the amount deferred. Deferrals receiving a match are similar to an RSU award in that participants will generally forfeit both the match and incentive compensation amounts deferred if they voluntarily separate from employment during a vesting period that
93
is years from the date of deferral. We expense the intrinsic value of the match and the incentive compensation amount over the requisite service period which includes the vesting period.
Historically, the Company has repurchased shares on the open market in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy award exercises and expects to continue to do so in 2026.
Award Valuation
We estimated the fair value of each stock option and SAR award as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | 4.4 | % | 4.0 | % | 3.6 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Expected term | 5.9 years | 5.9 years | 5.9 years | |||||||||||||||||
| Expected volatility | 21.3 | % | 20.6 | % | 22.0 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Expected dividend yield | 1.9 | % | 2.1 | % | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||||
Stock options and SAR grants made to executives typically have a graded vesting schedule of 25% per year over years and expire years after grant. We use a single weighted-average term for our awards that have a graded vesting schedule. Based on analysis of our historical exercise and post-vesting termination behavior, we have determined that our executives exercised the awards on average after 5.9 years.
When determining expected volatility, we consider both historical volatility of our stock as well as implied volatility associated with our publicly-traded options. The expected dividend yield is based on the annual dividend yield at the time of grant.
The fair values of PSU awards without market-based conditions and RSU awards are based on the closing price of our Common Stock on the date of grant. The fair values of PSU awards with market-based conditions have been valued based on the outcome of a Monte Carlo simulation. The PSU awards have a vesting period of three years and RSU awards typically have a graded vesting schedule of 25% per year over four years and expire ten years after the grant.
Award Activity
Stock Options and SARs
| Shares (in thousands) | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at the beginning of the year | 7,730 | $ | 99.53 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | 694 | 148.26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | (2,270) | 85.01 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited or expired | (181) | 132.90 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at the end of the year | 5,973 | (a) | 109.71 | 5.30 | $ | 248 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable at the end of the year | 4,220 | $ | 98.71 | 4.20 | $ | 222 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Outstanding awards include 228 options and 5,747 SARs with weighted average exercise prices of $115.88 and $109.46, respectively.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options and SARs granted during 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $35.07, $28.35 and $29.93, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options and SARs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, was $144 million, $158 million and $114 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2025, $26 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and SARs, which will be reduced by any forfeitures that occur, is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of
94
approximately 1.6 years. The total fair value at grant date of stock options and SARs held by YUM employees that vested during 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $22 million, $28 million and $31 million, respectively.
RSUs and PSUs
As of December 31, 2025, there was $77 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to 1.1 million unvested RSUs and PSUs. The total fair value at grant date of awards that vested during 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $43 million, $54 million and $84 million, respectively.
Impact on Net Income
The components of share-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefits are shown in the following table:
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Options and SARs | $ | 21 | $ | 23 | $ | 27 | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted Stock Units | 38 | 36 | 35 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance Share Units | 11 | 10 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Share-based Compensation Expense | $ | 70 | $ | 69 | $ | 95 | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred Tax Benefit recognized | $ | 13 | $ | 20 | $ | 12 | |||||||||||||||||
Cash received from stock option exercises for 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $2 million, $9 million and $8 million, respectively. Tax benefits realized on our tax returns from tax deductions associated with share-based compensation for 2025, 2024 and 2023 totaled $45 million, $55 million and $31 million, respectively.
Note 17 – Shareholders’ Deficit
Under the authority of our Board of Directors, we repurchased shares of our Common Stock during 2025, 2024 and 2023. All amounts exclude applicable transaction fees and excise taxes on share repurchases.
| Shares Repurchased (thousands) | Dollar Value of Shares Repurchased | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Authorization Date | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
May 2024 | 3,739 | 2,916 | — | $ | 550 | $ | 391 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 2022 | — | 366 | 387 | — | 50 | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 3,739 | 3,282 | 387 | $ | 550 | $ | 441 | $ | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In May 2024, our Board of Directors authorized share repurchases of up to $2.0 billion (excluding applicable transaction fees and excise taxes) of our outstanding Common Stock through December 31, 2026. The new authorization took effect on July 1, 2024 upon the expiration of a prior authorization approved in September 2022. As of December 31, 2025, we have remaining capacity to repurchase up to $1.1 billion of Common Stock under the May 2024 authorization.
95
Changes in AOCI are presented below.
| Translation Adjustments and Gains (Losses) From Intra-Entity Transactions of a Long-Term Nature | Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits(a) | Derivative Instruments(b) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023, net of tax | $ | (201) | $ | (104) | $ | 3 | $ | (302) | ||||||||||||||||||
| OCI, net of tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) arising during the year classified into AOCI, net of tax | (37) | (42) | 10 | (69) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gains) losses reclassified from AOCI, net of tax | — | 3 | (24) | (21) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (37) | (39) | (14) | (90) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2024, net of tax | $ | (238) | $ | (143) | $ | (11) | $ | (392) | ||||||||||||||||||
| OCI, net of tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) arising during the year classified into AOCI, net of tax | 77 | 7 | 6 | 90 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gains) losses reclassified from AOCI, net of tax | — | 4 | (13) | (9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 77 | 11 | (7) | 81 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2025, net of tax | $ | (161) | $ | (132) | $ | (18) | $ | (311) | ||||||||||||||||||
(a) Amounts reclassified from AOCI for pension and post-retirement benefit plans losses during 2025 include amortization of net losses of $2 million, settlement charges of $3 million and related income tax benefit of $1 million. Amounts reclassified from AOCI for pension and post-retirement benefit plans losses during 2024 include amortization of net losses of $ and amortization of prior service cost of $1 million. See Note 15.
(b) See Note 13 for details on amounts reclassified from AOCI. Amounts include previously cash settled treasury locks relating to our Senior Unsecured Notes due in 2037 which are being reclassified into earnings through 2037 to interest expense.
Note 18 – Income Taxes
U.S. and foreign income before taxes are set forth below:
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. | $ | 1,069 | $ | 1,131 | $ | 1,246 | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign | 1,008 | 769 | 572 | |||||||||||||||||
| $ | 2,077 | $ | 1,900 | $ | 1,818 | |||||||||||||||
96
The details of our income tax provision (benefit) are set forth below:
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current: | Federal | $ | (5) | $ | 170 | $ | 221 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign | 371 | 226 | 222 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| State | 45 | 48 | 68 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 411 | $ | 444 | $ | 511 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred: | Federal | $ | 173 | $ | (40) | $ | (121) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign | (81) | 15 | (153) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| State | 15 | (5) | (16) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 107 | $ | (30) | $ | (290) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 518 | $ | 414 | $ | 221 | |||||||||||||||||||||
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which updated income tax disclosure requirements related to the income tax rate reconciliation and requires disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The Company has applied ASU 2023-09 beginning in 2025. As such, our effective tax rate reconciliation for 2025 is reflected in a new table following the requirements set forth in ASU 2023-09, while the 2024 and 2023 effective tax rate reconciliations are presented in the historical format as required by U.S. GAAP.
97
2025 | ||||||||||||||
| U.S. Federal Statutory Tax Rate | $ | 436 | 21.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Federal Tax Effects | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of Cross-Border Tax Laws | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign Derived Deduction Eligible Income (“FDDEI”) | (34) | (1.6) | % | |||||||||||
| Net Controlled Foreign Corporation Tested Income (“NCTI”) | 178 | 8.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Other | 7 | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Nontaxable or Nondeductible Items | 11 | 0.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Excess Tax Deductions on Equity Based Compensation | (23) | (1.1) | % | |||||||||||
Gain/(Loss) on Intellectual Property (“IP”) Transfer | 247 | 11.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Tax Credits | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign Tax Credit | (226) | (10.9) | % | |||||||||||
| Other | (10) | (0.5) | % | |||||||||||
| Changes in Tax Laws or Rates | 76 | 3.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Changes in Valuation Allowances | (212) | (10.2) | % | |||||||||||
| Other Adjustments | (6) | (0.3) | % | |||||||||||
State and Local Income Tax, Net of Federal (National) Income Tax Effect(1) | 49 | 2.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign Tax Effects | ||||||||||||||
| China | ||||||||||||||
| Withholding Tax | 34 | 1.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Cyprus | (40) | (1.9) | % | |||||||||||
| Malta | ||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Benefit on IP Transfer | (121) | (5.8) | % | |||||||||||
| Other | 4 | 0.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Singapore | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign Tax Credit | (36) | (1.7) | % | |||||||||||
| Other | 10 | 0.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Switzerland | ||||||||||||||
Statutory Tax Rate Difference | (25) | (1.2) | % | |||||||||||
| Other | 12 | 0.6 | % | |||||||||||
| United Arab Emirates | (22) | (1.1) | % | |||||||||||
| Other Foreign Jurisdictions | 149 | 7.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Global Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits | 61 | 2.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Effective Income Tax Rate | $ | 518 | 24.9 | % | ||||||||||
(1) State taxes in California and New York made up the majority (greater than 50 percent) of the tax effect in this category.
Significant factors impacting our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2025 include:
OBBBA Enactment.
On July 4, 2025, H.R.1, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ("OBBBA") was enacted into law in the U.S. Upon enactment, we recorded $76 million of tax expense primarily associated with a change in management’s judgment regarding the Company’s ability to utilize U.S. foreign tax credit related deferred tax assets existing as of the enactment date.
98
Intellectual Property Transfer.
In December 2025, as part of our review of strategic options for Pizza Hut, we completed the initial steps of an internal reorganization to consolidate our Pizza Hut legal entities and assets into two isolated ownership structures by aligning the legal ownership, simplifying the organizational footprint and consolidating the Pizza Hut domestic and international business. As part of this reorganization, certain Pizza Hut IP rights were transferred from the U.S. to Malta. As a result of these transactions, we recorded a net tax benefit of $89 million primarily due to the net deferred tax benefit associated with a step-up in amortizable tax basis of the IP rights. The U.S. tax impacts from the IP transfers included tax on the related gain as well as NCTI tax expense, which were largely offset by deferred tax benefit resulting from the release of valuation allowances against U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards that were utilized in the transactions.
Global Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits.
$108 million of tax expense was recorded related to a reserve associated with a Mexican subsidiary's ability to utilize certain losses to offset recapture gains triggered by a tax deconsolidation in Mexico in 2009. In addition, $63 million of tax benefit was recorded associated with releasing reserves due to the favorable resolution of a U.S. audit.
The following table reconciles the U.S. statutory tax rate to our effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-09:
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| U.S. federal statutory rate | 21.0 | % | 21.0 | % | ||||||||||
| State income tax, net of federal tax | 1.8 | 2.3 | ||||||||||||
| Statutory rate differential attributable to foreign operations | 1.3 | (1.7) | ||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reserves and prior years | 0.5 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||
| Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards | (1.6) | (1.1) | ||||||||||||
| Change in valuation allowances | 0.3 | — | ||||||||||||
| Impact of Russia Exit | — | (0.5) | ||||||||||||
| Intercompany restructuring and Valuations of Intellectual Property | (1.5) | (9.1) | ||||||||||||
| Other, net | — | (0.1) | ||||||||||||
| Effective income tax rate | 21.8 | % | 12.1 | % | ||||||||||
Significant factors impacting our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, include:
Adjustments to reserves and prior years. In 2023, this item was unfavorably impacted by $41 million of newly established reserves associated with a correction in the timing of capital loss utilization related to historical refranchising gains to tax years with a lower statutory tax rate.
Impact of Russia Exit. Our decision to exit the Russia market resulted in a $7 million tax benefit recorded in 2023 to account for the global tax ramification of current and future payments required to be made to the Russia IP rights holder in Switzerland.
Intercompany Restructuring and Valuations of Intellectual Property. In December 2023, we completed intra-entity transfers of certain Asia region IP rights to Singapore. In addition, certain remaining Asia region IP rights were transferred to the U.S. As a result of these transfers, we recorded a net tax benefit of $30 million comprised of $14 million of current tax expense and a one-time deferred tax benefit of $44 million primarily associated with establishing deferred tax assets on amortizable tax basis in the U.S.
Also in 2023, we agreed to receive a tax credit in exchange for an increase in our prospective statutory tax rate in Switzerland. Based on the agreement, we were granted a $38 million tax credit expiring in 2031 and our statutory tax rate was increased to approximately 15% from the previous rate of approximately 10%. As a result of the tax rate increase, we were also required to remeasure our deferred tax assets associated with previously transferred IP rights in Switzerland, which resulted in a one-time deferred tax benefit of $99 million. We also recorded a $29 million deferred tax benefit associated with tax credit which represents the portion of the $38 million tax credit that we anticipate utilizing against income tax before expiration.
In December 2024, to facilitate business needs and centralize digital and technology assets in the U.S., we filed tax elections which resulted in the deemed liquidation of certain foreign subsidiaries in Australia and Israel. In addition, we completed the intra-entity transfer of software from these subsidiaries to subsidiaries in the U.S. As a result of these transactions, we recorded a net tax benefit of $28 million comprised of $15 million of current tax benefit associated with U.S. federal and state tax
99
deductions, and a one-time net deferred tax benefit of $13 million primarily associated with establishing deferred tax assets on amortizable tax basis in the U.S.
Companies subject to the NCTI provision (formerly known as Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income provision or (“GILTI”) have the option to account for the NCTI tax as a period cost if and when incurred, or to recognize deferred taxes for outside basis temporary differences expected to reverse as NCTI. The Company has elected to account for NCTI as a period cost.
The details of 2025 and 2024 deferred tax assets (liabilities) are set forth below:
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Operating losses and interest deduction carryforwards | $ | 227 | $ | 213 | ||||||||||
| Capital losses | 69 | 70 | ||||||||||||
| Tax credit carryforwards | 48 | 200 | ||||||||||||
| Employee benefits | 73 | 83 | ||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 36 | 44 | ||||||||||||
| Lease-related liabilities | 374 | 267 | ||||||||||||
| Accrued liabilities and other | 73 | 66 | ||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | 654 | 575 | ||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 23 | 25 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income | 102 | 105 | ||||||||||||
Capitalized Research & Development Costs | 34 | 120 | ||||||||||||
| Gross deferred tax assets | 1,713 | 1,768 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred tax asset valuation allowances | (284) | (369) | ||||||||||||
| Net deferred tax assets | 1,429 | 1,399 | ||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | (86) | (47) | ||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | (320) | (235) | ||||||||||||
| Employee benefits | (9) | (6) | ||||||||||||
| Derivative Instruments | (2) | (5) | ||||||||||||
| Other | (48) | (36) | ||||||||||||
| Gross deferred tax liabilities | (465) | (329) | ||||||||||||
| Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) | $ | 964 | $ | 1,070 | ||||||||||
As a result of the OBBBA, the Company recorded a $168 million reduction in net deferred tax assets existing as of the enactment date. The reduction was the result of recording a valuation allowance on the foreign tax credit related deferred tax assets as well as the impact of accelerating tax deductions for qualified depreciable property and research expenditures. As a result of the accelerated tax deductions, our cash tax payments for 2025 were significantly reduced.
The details of the 2025 and 2024 valuation allowance activity are set forth below:
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Beginning of Year | $ | (369) | $ | (386) | ||||||||||
| Increases | (18) | (5) | ||||||||||||
| Decreases | 106 | 16 | ||||||||||||
| Other Adjustments | (3) | 6 | ||||||||||||
| End of Year | $ | (284) | $ | (369) | ||||||||||
100
Reported in Consolidated Balance Sheets as:
2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | $ | 965 | $ | 1,071 | ||||||||||
| Other liabilities and deferred credits | (1) | (1) | ||||||||||||
| $ | 964 | $ | 1,070 | |||||||||||
The details of 2025 cash tax payments (net of refunds) are set forth below:
| 2025 | ||||||||
| Jurisdictions | ||||||||
| U.S. Taxes | ||||||||
Federal(1) | $ | 50 | ||||||
| California | 26 | |||||||
| Other States | 36 | |||||||
| Foreign Taxes | ||||||||
| Australia | 27 | |||||||
| Singapore | 18 | |||||||
| South Africa | 17 | |||||||
| United Kingdom | 58 | |||||||
| Other Foreign Jurisdictions | 35 | |||||||
Total Taxes Paid (net of refunds)(2) | $ | 267 | ||||||
(1) Include $46 million paid to a third party for a transferable tax credit accounted for under ASC 740.
(2) Excludes withholding taxes paid on our behalf by franchisees of $139 million.
As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $2 billion of unremitted foreign retained earnings. The Tax Act imposed U.S. federal tax on all post-1986 foreign Earnings and Profits accumulated through December 31, 2017. Repatriation of earnings generated after December 31, 2017, will generally be eligible for the 100% dividends received deduction or considered a distribution of previously taxed income and, therefore, exempt from U.S. federal tax. Undistributed foreign earnings may still be subject to certain state and foreign income and withholding taxes upon repatriation. Subject to limited exceptions, we do not intend to indefinitely reinvest our unremitted earnings outside the U.S. Thus, we have provided taxes, including any U.S. federal and state income, foreign income, or foreign withholding taxes on the majority of our unremitted earnings. In jurisdictions where we do intend to indefinitely reinvest our unremitted earnings, we would be required to accrue and pay applicable income taxes (if any) and foreign withholding taxes if the funds were repatriated in taxable transactions. We believe any such taxes would be immaterial.
Details of tax loss, credit carryforwards, and expiration dates along with valuation allowances as of December 31, 2025, are as follows:
| Gross Amount | Deferred Tax Asset | Valuation Allowance | Expiration | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal net operating losses - Indefinite | $ | 42 | $ | 9 | $ | — | None | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign net operating losses | 306 | 46 | (4) | 2026-2045 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign net operating losses - Indefinite | 367 | 81 | (16) | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| State net operating losses | 1,171 | 50 | (35) | 2026-2045 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign capital loss carryforward - Indefinite | 277 | 69 | (69) | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign tax credits (US Tax Return) | 13 | 13 | (17) | 2026-2045 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign country tax credits | 35 | 35 | (13) | 2031 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign deduction carryforward - Indefinite | 2 | — | — | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| State interest deduction carryforward - Indefinite | 893 | 41 | (40) | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 3,106 | $ | 344 | $ | (194) | |||||||||||||||||||||
101
We recognize the benefit of positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns in the Consolidated Financial Statements when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement.
At December 31, 2025, the Company had $115 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, $103 million of which would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Beginning of Year | $ | 126 | $ | 151 | ||||||||||
Additions on tax positions - current year | 4 | 6 | ||||||||||||
Additions for tax positions - prior years | 54 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Reductions for tax positions - prior years | (74) | (10) | ||||||||||||
Reductions for settlements | — | (22) | ||||||||||||
Statute | (3) | — | ||||||||||||
CTA/Other | 8 | — | ||||||||||||
| End of Year | $ | 115 | $ | 126 | ||||||||||
During 2025, 2024, and 2023 the Company recognized $36 million, $3 million, and $20 million of net expense, respectively, for interest and penalties in our Consolidated Statements of Income as components of its Income tax provision.
The Company has recorded $57 million and $20 million of net tax payables, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, associated with interest and penalties.
The Company’s income tax returns are subject to examination in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and numerous U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions.
The Company has settled audits with the IRS through fiscal year 2012 and for fiscal years 2016 through 2019 and is currently under IRS examination for fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and 2020 through 2022. Our operations in certain foreign jurisdictions are currently under audit and remain subject to examination for tax years as far back as 2009. See Note 20 for discussion of an Internal Revenue Service Proposed Adjustment associated with the 2013 through 2015 examination period.
102
Note 19 – Reportable Operating Segments
See Note 1 for a description of our operating segments.
The Company's operating segments maintain separate financial information, and the CODM, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the operating segments' operating results on a regular basis in deciding how to allocate resources among the segments and in assessing segment performance. The CODM evaluates the performance of the Company's segments based on Divisional Operating Profit and is involved in determining and reviewing forecasted Divisional Operating Profit as part of the annual plan process. Throughout the year, the CODM considers forecast to actual results and variances on a monthly and quarterly basis to allocate resources for the segments' operations. The CODM also considers this information in determining how to prioritize capital allocation, including investments in restaurant development, technology and human capital, while maintaining a strong and flexible balance sheet, offering a competitive dividend and returning excess cash to shareholders. Our CODM manages assets on a consolidated basis. Accordingly, segment assets are not reported to our CODM or used in his decisions to allocate resources or assess performance of the segments. Therefore, total segment assets and long-lived assets have not been disclosed. The significant expense categories and amounts presented in the tables below align with the segment-level information that is regularly provided to the CODM.
| 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Company Sales | $ | 1,057 | $ | 1,281 | $ | 51 | $ | 555 | $ | 2,945 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise and property revenues | 1,807 | 1,060 | 602 | 12 | 3,480 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 679 | 754 | 360 | 3 | 1,796 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3,542 | 3,095 | 1,013 | 570 | 8,220 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant expenses | 929 | 971 | 52 | 509 | 2,462 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 372 | 215 | 219 | 54 | 861 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property expenses | 66 | 29 | 41 | 4 | 140 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise advertising and other services expense | 670 | 750 | 376 | 3 | 1,799 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense | 1 | — | (14) | 12 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Division Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 1,503 | $ | 1,129 | $ | 340 | $ | (13) | $ | 2,959 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated amounts:(a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate and unallocated G&A expenses | $ | (402) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Company restaurant expenses(b) | (22) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Franchise and property revenues | (7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Refranchising gain (loss)(c) | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Other income (expense) | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Operating Profit | 2,574 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income (expense), net | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other pension income (expense) | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (501) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 2,077 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
103
Other Segment Disclosures
| KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Corporate and Unallocated | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization(d) | $ | 50 | $ | 78 | $ | 23 | $ | 29 | $ | 26 | $ | 206 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital Spending | 109 | 131 | 27 | 60 | 44 | 371 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Company Sales | $ | 801 | $ | 1,155 | $ | 8 | $ | 588 | $ | 2,552 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise and property revenues | 1,685 | 997 | 622 | 9 | 3,313 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 613 | 708 | 378 | 3 | 1,702 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3,099 | 2,860 | 1,008 | 600 | 7,567 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant expenses | 703 | 872 | 8 | 529 | 2,112 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 363 | 199 | 219 | 54 | 835 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property expenses | 63 | 33 | 34 | 4 | 134 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise advertising and other services expense | 610 | 708 | 390 | 3 | 1,711 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense | (3) | (1) | (16) | 10 | (10) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Division Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 1,363 | $ | 1,049 | $ | 373 | $ | — | $ | 2,785 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated amounts:(a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate and unallocated G&A expenses | $ | (346) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Company restaurant expenses(b) | (8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Franchise and property revenues | (18) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Refranchising gain (loss)(c) | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Other income (expense) | (44) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Operating Profit | 2,403 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income (expense), net | (21) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other pension income (expense) | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (489) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 1,900 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Segment Disclosures
KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Corporate and Unallocated | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization(d) | $ | 33 | $ | 64 | $ | 16 | $ | 31 | $ | 31 | $ | 175 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital Spending | 73 | 98 | 15 | 39 | 32 | 257 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
104
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Company Sales | $ | 484 | $ | 1,069 | $ | 14 | $ | 575 | $ | 2,142 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise and property revenues | 1,698 | 918 | 622 | 9 | 3,247 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services | 648 | 654 | 383 | 2 | 1,687 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,830 | 2,641 | 1,019 | 586 | 7,076 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company restaurant expenses | 417 | 817 | 14 | 526 | 1,774 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 383 | 204 | 221 | 59 | 867 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise and property expenses | 72 | 32 | 15 | 3 | 122 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise advertising and other services expense | 648 | 644 | 389 | 2 | 1,683 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense | 6 | — | (11) | 10 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Division Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 1,304 | $ | 944 | $ | 391 | $ | (14) | $ | 2,625 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated amounts:(a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate and unallocated G&A expenses | $ | (326) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Franchise and property expenses | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Refranchising gain (loss)(c) | 29 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated Other income (expense) | (9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Operating Profit | 2,318 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income (expense), net | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other pension income (expense) | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (513) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 1,818 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Segment Disclosures
KFC Division | Taco Bell Division | Pizza Hut Division | Habit Burger & Grill Division | Corporate and Unallocated | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization(d) | $ | 22 | $ | 61 | $ | 20 | $ | 30 | $ | 20 | $ | 153 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital Spending | 73 | 101 | 12 | 64 | 35 | 285 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues by Country(e)
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
United States | $ | 4,525 | $ | 4,333 | $ | 4,106 | ||||||||||||||
United Kingdom | 1,021 | 799 | 506 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 2,668 | 2,417 | 2,464 | |||||||||||||||||
| $ | 8,214 | $ | 7,549 | $ | 7,076 | |||||||||||||||
(a)Amounts have not been allocated to any segment for performance reporting purposes.
(b)Unallocated Company restaurant expenses include amortization of reacquired franchise rights.
(c)The Refranchising gain (loss) by our Divisional reportable segments is presented below. Given the size and volatility of refranchising initiatives, our CODM does not consider the impact of Refranchising gain (loss) when assessing
105
Divisional segment performance. As such, we do not allocate such gains and losses to our Divisional segments for performance reporting purposes.
During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we refranchised 23, 1 and 15 restaurants, respectively, and we sold certain restaurant assets (primarily land) associated with existing franchise restaurants to the franchisee. We received $78 million, $49 million and $60 million in pre-tax cash refranchising proceeds in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, as a result of the sales of these restaurants and restaurant assets.
A summary of Refranchising gain (loss) is as follows:
Refranchising gain (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| KFC Division | $ | 13 | $ | (1) | $ | (2) | |||||||||||||||||
| Taco Bell Division | 33 | 32 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pizza Hut Division | — | 2 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Habit Burger & Grill Division | 2 | 1 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Worldwide | $ | 48 | $ | 34 | $ | 29 | |||||||||||||||||
(d)The amounts of depreciation and amortization disclosed by reportable segment are primarily included within the segment expense captions of Company restaurant expenses and G&A expenses.
(e)The United States and United Kingdom represented 10% or more of our total revenues for certain periods presented.
Note 20 – Contingencies
Internal Revenue Service Proposed Adjustment
Following an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit for the 2013 to 2015 fiscal years, we were unable to resolve underpayments of tax that the IRS proposed resulting from that audit using the IRS Appeals process, a pre-litigation, alternative dispute resolution tool. The IRS asserts an underpayment of tax of approximately $2.1 billion plus $418 million in penalties for fiscal year 2014. Both amounts are subject to interest, with interest of approximately $2.1 billion accruing through December 31, 2025. Those amounts relate primarily to a series of reorganizations that we undertook in 2014 in connection with the business realignment of our corporate and management reporting structure along brand lines. The IRS asserts that these transactions resulted in taxable distributions of approximately $6.0 billion.
We disagree with the IRS’s position and are contesting that position vigorously. On June 4, 2025, we filed a petition in the United States Tax Court disputing the IRS's position as set forth in a Notice of Deficiency. The IRS filed its Answer on September 12, 2025. The litigation is ongoing.
The Company does not expect resolution of this matter within twelve months and cannot predict with certainty the timing of such resolution. The Company believes that it is more likely than not the Company’s tax position will be sustained; therefore, no reserve is recorded with respect to this matter.
An unfavorable resolution of this matter could have a material, adverse impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods.
106
Lease Guarantees
As a result of having assigned our interest in obligations under real estate leases as a condition to the refranchising of certain Company-owned restaurants, and guaranteeing certain other leases, we are frequently secondarily liable on lease agreements. These leases have varying terms, the latest of which expires in 2065. As of December 31, 2025, the potential amount of undiscounted payments we could be required to make in the event of non-payment by the primary lessee was approximately $325 million. The present value of these potential payments discounted at our pre-tax cost of debt at December 31, 2025, was approximately $275 million. Our franchisees are the primary lessees under the vast majority of these leases. We generally have cross-default provisions with these franchisees that would put them in default of their franchise agreement in the event of non-payment under the lease. We believe these cross-default provisions significantly reduce the risk that we will be required to make payments under these leases, although such risk may not be reduced in the context of a bankruptcy or other similar restructuring of a large franchisee or group of franchisees. Accordingly, the liability recorded for our expected exposure under such leases at both December 31, 2025 and 2024 was not material.
Insurance Programs
We are self-insured for a substantial portion of our current and prior years’ coverage including property and casualty losses. To mitigate the cost of our exposures for certain property and casualty losses, we self-insure the risks of loss up to defined maximum per occurrence retentions on a line-by-line basis. The Company then purchases insurance coverage, up to a certain limit, for losses that exceed the self-insurance per occurrence retention. The insurers’ maximum aggregate loss limits are significantly above our actuarially determined probable losses; therefore, we believe the likelihood of losses exceeding the insurers’ maximum aggregate loss limits is remote.
The following table summarizes the 2025 and 2024 activity related to our net self-insured property and casualty reserves as of December 31, 2025.
| Beginning Balance | Expense | Payments | Ending Balance | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2025 Activity | $ | 52 | 39 | (36) | $ | 55 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2024 Activity | $ | 48 | 36 | (32) | $ | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Due to the inherent volatility of actuarially determined property and casualty loss estimates, it is reasonably possible that we could experience changes in estimated losses which could be material. We believe that we have recorded reserves for property and casualty losses at a level which has substantially mitigated the potential negative impact of adverse developments and/or volatility.
In the U.S. and in certain other countries, we are also self-insured for healthcare claims and long-term disability for eligible participating employees subject to certain deductibles and limitations. We have accounted for our retained liabilities for property and casualty losses, healthcare and long-term disability claims, including reported and incurred but not reported claims, based on information provided by independent actuaries.
Legal Proceedings
We are subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, real estate, environmental and other matters arising in the normal course of business. An accrual is recorded with respect to claims or contingencies for which a loss is determined to be probable and reasonably estimable.
India Regulatory Matter
Yum! Restaurants India Private Limited (“YRIPL”), a YUM subsidiary that operates KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants in India, is the subject of a regulatory enforcement action in India (the “Action”). The Action alleges, among other things, that KFC International Holdings, Inc. and Pizza Hut International failed to satisfy certain conditions imposed by the Secretariat for Industrial Approval in 1993 and 1994 when those companies were granted permission for foreign investment and operation in India. The conditions at issue include an alleged minimum investment commitment and store build requirements as well as limitations on the remittance of fees outside of India.
107
The Action originated with a complaint and show cause notice filed in 2009 against YRIPL by the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Enforcement (“DOE”) of the Indian Ministry of Finance following an income tax audit for the years 2002 and 2003. The matter was argued at various hearings in 2015, but no order was issued. Following a change in the incumbent official holding the position of Special Director of DOE (the “Special Director”), the matter resumed in 2018 and several additional hearings were conducted.
On January 29, 2020, the Special Director issued an order imposing a penalty on YRIPL and certain former directors of approximately Indian Rupee 11 billion, or approximately $125 million. Of this amount, $120 million relates to the alleged failure to invest a total of $80 million in India within an initial seven-year period. We have been advised by external counsel that the order is flawed and have filed a writ petition with the Delhi High Court, which granted an interim stay of the penalty order on March 5, 2020. In November 2022, YRIPL was notified that an administrative tribunal bench had been constituted to hear an appeal by DOE of certain findings of the January 2020 order, including claims that certain charges had been wrongly dropped and that an insufficient amount of penalty had been imposed. A hearing with the administrative tribunal scheduled for February 18, 2026 has been rescheduled to May 21, 2026. A hearing scheduled for December 10, 2025, before the Delhi High Court has been continued to May 5, 2026, and the stay order remains in effect. We deny liability and intend to continue vigorously defending this matter. We do not consider the risk of any significant loss arising from this order to be probable.
Other Matters
We are currently engaged in various other legal proceedings and have certain unresolved claims pending, the ultimate liability for which, if any, cannot be determined at this time. However, based upon consultation with legal counsel, we are of the opinion that such proceedings and claims are not expected to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
| Item 9. | Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. | ||||
None.
| Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures. | ||||
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation, performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2025.
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and has issued their report, included herein.
108
Changes in Internal Control
There were no changes with respect to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
| Item 9B. | Other Information. | ||||
Securities Trading Plans
During the three months ended December 31, 2025, none of the Company's directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K, except as follows:
| Name/Title | Type of Plan | Adoption Date | End Date | Aggregate Number of Securities to be Sold | Plan Description | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Christopher Turner / Chief Executive Officer | Rule 10b5-1 trading plan | November 14, 2025 | January 29, 2027 | 3,420(1) | Sell Shares of Common Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scott Mezvinsky /Chief Executive Officer, KFC Division | Rule 10b5-1 trading plan | November 10, 2025 | January 29, 2027 | 5,791(2) | Exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights and Sale of Resulting Shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Represents the number of shares of common stock specified in the plan.
(2)Represents the number of shares of common stock underlying the stock appreciation rights awards specified in the plan. The actual number of shares of common stock to be received and sold following the exercise of the awards will depend upon the appreciation in the value of the awards and the number of shares withheld for any taxes.
| Item 9C. | Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections. | ||||
Not applicable.
PART III
| Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. | ||||
Information regarding Section 16(a) compliance, the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee financial expert, the Company’s code of ethics and background of the directors appearing under the captions “Stock Ownership Information,” “Governance of the Company,” “Executive Compensation” and “Item 1: Election of Directors” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2025.
Information regarding executive officers of the Company is included in Part I.
109
| Item 11. | Executive Compensation. | ||||
Information regarding executive and director compensation and the Management Planning and Development Committee appearing under the captions “Governance of the Company” and “Executive Compensation” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2025.
| Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. | ||||
Information regarding equity compensation plans and security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appearing under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Stock Ownership Information” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2025.
| Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. | ||||
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and information regarding director independence appearing under the caption “Governance of the Company” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2025.
| Item 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. | ||||
Our independent registered public accounting firm is KPMG, LLP, Louisville, Kentucky, Auditor Firm ID: 185.
Information regarding principal accountant fees and services and audit committee pre-approval policies and procedures appearing under the caption “Item 2: Ratification of Independent Auditors” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2025.
110
PART IV
| Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. | ||||
| (a) | (1) | Financial Statements: Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of this report are listed under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. | |||||||||
| (2) | Financial Statement Schedules: No schedules are required because either the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements thereto filed as a part of this Form 10-K. | ||||||||||
| (3) | Exhibits: The exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed as part of this Form 10-K. The Index to Exhibits specifically identifies each management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K. | ||||||||||
111
| SIGNATURES | |||||
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Form 10-K annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Date: | February 20, 2026 | ||||
| YUM! BRANDS, INC. | |||||
| By: | /s/ Chris Turner | ||||
112
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this annual report has been signed on February 20, 2026, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
| Signature | Title | ||||||||||
/s/ Chris Turner | Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||
Chris Turner | (principal executive officer) | ||||||||||
/s/ Ranjith Roy | Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||
Ranjith Roy | (principal financial officer) | ||||||||||
/s/ David Russell | Senior Vice President, Finance and Corporate Controller | ||||||||||
David Russell | (principal accounting officer) | ||||||||||
/s/ Paget Alves | Director | ||||||||||
Paget Alves | |||||||||||
/s/ Brett Biggs | Director | ||||||||||
Brett Biggs | |||||||||||
/s/ Christopher Connor | Director | ||||||||||
Christopher Connor | |||||||||||
/s/ Brian Cornell | Director | ||||||||||
Brian Cornell | |||||||||||
/s/ Tanya Domier | Director | ||||||||||
Tanya Domier | |||||||||||
/s/ Susan Doniz | Director | ||||||||||
Susan Doniz | |||||||||||
/s/ Mirian Graddick-Weir | Director | ||||||||||
Mirian Graddick-Weir | |||||||||||
/s/ Thomas Nelson | Director | ||||||||||
Thomas Nelson | |||||||||||
/s/ Justin Skala | Director | ||||||||||
Justin Skala | |||||||||||
| /s/ Annie Young-Scrivner | Director | ||||||||||
| Annie Young-Scrivner | |||||||||||
113
Yum! Brands, Inc.
Exhibit Index
(Item 15)
| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibits | |||||||||||||
| 2.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 3.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 3.2 | ||||||||||||||
| 4.1 | ||||||||||||||
| (i) | ||||||||||||||
(ii) | ||||||||||||||
| 4.2 | ||||||||||||||
| 4.2.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 4.2.2 | ||||||||||||||
| 4.2.3 | ||||||||||||||
| 4.3 | ||||||||||||||
| 10.1 | ||||||||||||||
114
| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibits | |||||||||||||
| 10.1.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 10.2† | ||||||||||||||
| 10.2.1† | ||||||||||||||
| 10.3† | ||||||||||||||
| 10.4† | ||||||||||||||
| 10.4.1† | ||||||||||||||
| 10.5† | ||||||||||||||
| 10.5.1† | ||||||||||||||
| 10.6† | ||||||||||||||
| 10.7† | ||||||||||||||
| 10.8† | ||||||||||||||
10.9† | ||||||||||||||
10.10† | ||||||||||||||
115
| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibits | |||||||||||||
10.11† | ||||||||||||||
10.12.1† | ||||||||||||||
10.12.2† | ||||||||||||||
10.13† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.1† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.2† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.3† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.4† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.5† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.6† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.7† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.8† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.9† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.10† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.11† | ||||||||||||||
10.14.12† | ||||||||||||||
116
| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibits | |||||||||||||
10.15† | ||||||||||||||
10.15.1† | ||||||||||||||
10.16 | ||||||||||||||
10.17† | ||||||||||||||
10.17.1† | ||||||||||||||
10.18† | ||||||||||||||
| 10.19 | ||||||||||||||
| 10.20 | ||||||||||||||
10.20.1 | ||||||||||||||
10.20.2 | ||||||||||||||
10.20.3 | ||||||||||||||
| 10.21 | ||||||||||||||
10.22 | ||||||||||||||
117
| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibits | |||||||||||||
10.23 | ||||||||||||||
| 10.24 | ||||||||||||||
10.24.1 | ||||||||||||||
10.24.2 | ||||||||||||||
| 10.25 | ||||||||||||||
10.26† | ||||||||||||||
10.27† | ||||||||||||||
10.27.1† | ||||||||||||||
10.28† | ||||||||||||||
10.29† | ||||||||||||||
10.30† | ||||||||||||||
| 19.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 19.2 | ||||||||||||||
| 19.3 | ||||||||||||||
| 19.4 | ||||||||||||||
| 21.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 23.1 | ||||||||||||||
118
| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibits | |||||||||||||
| 31.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 31.2 | ||||||||||||||
| 32.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 32.2 | ||||||||||||||
| 97.1† | ||||||||||||||
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document | |||||||||||||
| 101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |||||||||||||
| 101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||||||||
| 101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |||||||||||||
| 101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||||||||
| 101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | |||||||||||||
| † | Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan. | |||||||||||||
119