Earlier today (Wednesday), Yum Brands reported adjusted fourth-quarter EPS of $1.73. This was short of our $1.83 estimate and sell-side consensus (according to Consensus Metrix) of $1.76. However, the Q4 adjusted tax rate was 25.9%. This was unfavorable compared to our 22.5% forecast and consensus at 22.6%. We calculate that the higher-than-expected tax rate cost Yum Brands about -8 cents worth of Q4 EPS. In other words, adjusted EPS would have beat consensus by +5 cents once this factor is taken into account.