Yum! Brands vs Carnival

This page compares Yum! Brands, Inc. and Carnival plc, with a clear focus on business models, financial performance, and market context for a neutral, accessible view. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares Yum! Brands, Inc. and Carnival plc, with a clear focus on business models, financial performance, and market context for a neutral, accessible view. Educational content, not financi...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

YUM

Metric

CUK

$45.24B

Market Cap

$46.79B

1.56%

Potential Profit

N/A

Buy

Analyst Rating

N/A

Why It's Moving

Yum Brands Mixes Revenue Strength with Pizza Hut Challenges as Analysts Bump Targets

Revenue beat signals robust demand, with Taco Bell comps and KFC growth offsetting pressures and backing the company's expansion to over 62,000 restaurants.
Pizza Hut uncertainty mounts as CEO Aaron Powell sold $1.94 million in shares and firm plans ~250 U.S. closures, flagging strategic reviews including potential divestitures.
Analysts upbeat with TD Cowen lifting to Outperform at $180 and quarterly dividend rising to $0.75, highlighting Taco Bell-led upside despite EPS miss.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

Carnival PLC Hits 12-Month High as Record 2025 Results and 2026 Outlook Fuel Rally.

Full-year net yields and adjusted net income soared over 60%, beating guidance for the fourth time, driven by demand outpacing costs.
Net debt to adjusted EBITDA dropped to 3.4x, earning investment-grade status from Fitch and enabling dividend restart at $0.15 quarterly.
2026 outlook shines with $3.5B adjusted net income target, record booked positions at premium prices, and plans to unify dual-listed structure.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Yum Brands Mixes Revenue Strength with Pizza Hut Challenges as Analysts Bump Targets

Revenue beat signals robust demand, with Taco Bell comps and KFC growth offsetting pressures and backing the company's expansion to over 62,000 restaurants.
Pizza Hut uncertainty mounts as CEO Aaron Powell sold $1.94 million in shares and firm plans ~250 U.S. closures, flagging strategic reviews including potential divestitures.
Analysts upbeat with TD Cowen lifting to Outperform at $180 and quarterly dividend rising to $0.75, highlighting Taco Bell-led upside despite EPS miss.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

Carnival PLC Hits 12-Month High as Record 2025 Results and 2026 Outlook Fuel Rally.

Full-year net yields and adjusted net income soared over 60%, beating guidance for the fourth time, driven by demand outpacing costs.
Net debt to adjusted EBITDA dropped to 3.4x, earning investment-grade status from Fitch and enabling dividend restart at $0.15 quarterly.
2026 outlook shines with $3.5B adjusted net income target, record booked positions at premium prices, and plans to unify dual-listed structure.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Investment Analysis

Yum! Brands

YUM

Pros

Yum! Brands operates a globally recognised portfolio of quick-service restaurant brands, including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, providing strong brand equity and international reach.
The company benefits from a predominantly franchised business model, which generates stable royalty income and requires lower capital expenditure compared to company-owned operations.
Recent analyst consensus indicates a positive outlook, with an average price target suggesting moderate upside potential over the next twelve months.

Considerations

Yum! Brands has reported a negative return on equity in recent years, reflecting challenges in generating shareholder returns relative to invested capital.
The company faces ongoing competitive pressures in the fast-food sector, with rivals innovating on menu offerings and digital engagement.
International operations expose Yum! Brands to currency fluctuations and geopolitical risks, which can impact earnings stability.

Carnival

CUK

Pros

Carnival operates a large fleet of cruise ships and holds a leading position in the global cruise industry, benefiting from strong brand recognition and customer loyalty.
The company has seen a recovery in demand for cruises following the easing of pandemic-related travel restrictions, supporting revenue growth and capacity utilisation.
Carnival has implemented cost-saving initiatives and fleet optimisation measures to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Considerations

Carnival's business is highly sensitive to macroeconomic conditions, including fuel prices, exchange rates, and consumer spending trends, which can affect profitability.
The cruise sector remains exposed to health and safety risks, with potential disruptions from future pandemics or global health incidents.
Carnival carries a significant level of debt, which increases financial risk and limits flexibility during periods of economic downturn or weak demand.

Related Market Insights

Private Equity's Restaurant Shopping Spree: Why Apollo's Papa John's Bid Signals Bigger Things

Apollo's Papa John's bid signals private equity's appetite for restaurant brands. Discover potential buyout targets & event-driven investment opportunities with Nemo.