YUM

Taco Bell visits drop 19% after lettuce parasite outbreak

Published: Jul 20, 2026   |  Read Original Article ↗

Article Summary

HOLD
  • Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM) saw customer visits to Taco Bell restaurants fall sharply Friday following a parasite outbreak that health authorities connected to lettuce from one of the chain's suppliers.
  • Foot traffic on July 17 dropped nearly 19% below Taco Bell's typical Friday average recorded between Jan. 1 and July 6, exceeding the 1.9% decrease seen across the broader fast-food category that day.
  • The chain removed all lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from its U.S. locations after health officials traced cases of cyclosporiasis to lettuce served at restaurants.
  • The Food and Drug Administration reported Saturday that it found a positive test connecting cyclospora to Taylor Farms lettuce not included in an existing recall but later determined the result was false positive.
  • Health officials continue investigating Taylor Farms produce using alternative testing methods.
  • Michigan recorded 6,148 illnesses and 102 hospitalizations, the highest state count, with state figures typically trailing national totals.
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Growth Stock Metric Rating
YUM Rating
44.5
SELL

Growth Stock Scoring Breakdown

METRIC VALUE WEIGHT ANALYSIS
Sales Growth TTM ? 9.7% 25% 35.0 ptsBelow Screener (9.7%) - Weak growth
EPS Growth Next 5Y ? 10.5% 25% 35.0 ptsBelow Screener (10.5%) - Modest outlook
Target Price Upside ? 19.0% 20% 60.0 ptsModerate Upside (19.0%) - Target: $175.30 vs Current: $147.37
Gross Margin % ? 45.7% 15% 60.0 ptsSolid (45.7%) - Decent margins
Drawdown from 52-Wk High ? -13.4% 15% 40.0 ptsMild Pullback (-13.4%) - Light entry opportunity
Disclaimer: This rating is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. All data sourced from Finviz. Always conduct your own research and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

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About YUM

Consumer Cyclical Restaurants 49,000 employees Louisville, KY, United States
  • Yum! Brands, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises traditional and non-traditional quick service restaurants in the United States, China, and internationally.
  • The company operates in four segments: KFC Division, Taco Bell Division, Pizza Hut Division, and Habit Burger & Grill Division.
  • It also operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Habit Burger & Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, Mexican-style food and pizza categories, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, and other products.
  • The company was formerly known as TRICON Global Restaurants, Inc. and changed its name to Yum!
  • Brands, Inc. in May 2002. Yum! Brands, Inc. was incorporated in 1997 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
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