Bloomberg Intelligence BI Weekend: US Earnings, Kenvue Deal, Ridesharing Latest
Nov 7, 2025
Michael Halen, a Senior Restaurant Analyst, dives into Yum! Brands' challenges with Pizza Hut and the trend toward smart kitchens. Geetha Ranganathan, a U.S. Media Analyst, discusses Warner Bros. Discovery's mixed performance and Spotify's struggles with user growth and monetization. Matthew Palazola, specializing in P&C insurance, highlights Berkshire Hathaway's impressive cash reserves and capital strategies. The conversation reveals insights into shifts in the restaurant and media industries, along with the evolving landscape of ridesharing.
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Pizza Hut Drags Yum! Performance
- Pizza Hut has been a multi-year drag on Yum! Brands' growth and profitability.
- Michael Halen says divesting Pizza Hut could unlock value and private equity fits the turnaround timeline.
Smart Kitchens Boost Same-Store Sales
- Smart kitchen technology is materially boosting unit performance by speeding service and improving accuracy.
- Michael Halen reports stores with the tech outperformed same-store sales by ~500 basis points.
McDonald's Recapturing Value-Seeking Diners
- McDonald's is attracting higher-income customers back via aggressive value deals and promotions.
- Redd Brown notes this strategy may pressure near-term profitability but aims to restore long-term foot traffic.