With this report, we introduce our quarterly EPS estimates for Yum Brands (YUM; Neutral, $96.15) for 2021E as follows:
Q1E: $0.84
Q2E: $0.90
Q3E: $1.00
Q4E: $1.16
Earlier today, Yum Brands (YUM; Neutral, $91.46) reported that its adjusted Q2 EPS came to $0.82, well ahead of our $0.55 forecast and sell-side consensus (according to Consensus Metrix) of $0.57. The $0.82 figure included a +21 cent benefit related to Yum’s investment in Grubhub (GRUB; Not Rated). Adjusted EPS would have been about $0.61 excluding the mark-to-market for this investment.
Is it possible the Street is underestimating sales and market-share opportunities in 2021 for the larger publicly-traded quick-service pizza concepts? We believe that Domino’s (DPZ; Buy, $374.09) and Papa John’s (PZZA; Buy, $83.66) both remain well-positioned for the future for multiple reasons, but this particular factor may be underappreciated. Incidentally, it’s possible for Pizza Hut (owned by Yum Brands [YUM; Neutral, $86.55]) to benefit from the same issue, although Pizza Hut will over the short-to-medium term likely have to deal with net unit closures, limiting to some meaningful degree its opportunity to take market share from other pizza outlets’ closures.