Yum! Brands

1. Analyze key financial statements: Start by reviewing the company's income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. These statements will give you a snapshot of the company's financial performance, profitability, and liquidity.
2. Look at revenue growth: The revenue growth of a company is a key indicator of its success. Look at the company's revenue growth over the past several years to determine if it has been growing consistently or if there have been any fluctuations.
3. Consider profit margins: Profit margins, such as gross profit margin and net profit margin, are important metrics to evaluate the company's profitability. A higher profit margin indicates the company is able to generate more profit from each sale.
4. Examine operating expenses: Operating expenses, such as rent, labor, and marketing, can greatly impact the company's profitability. Compare the company's operating expenses to its revenue to see if it is managing its costs effectively.
5. Assess debt and leverage: Look at the company's debt levels, including short-term and long-term debt, to determine its leverage. A high level of debt can indicate potential financial risk.
6. Analyze return on investment: Evaluate the company's return on investment (ROI) by dividing its net income by its total assets. A higher ROI indicates the company is generating more profit from its assets.
7. Look at cash flow: Examine the company's cash flow statement to see how much cash it is generating and how it is being used. Positive cash flow is important for the company's financial stability and growth.
8. Study industry benchmarks: Compare the company's financials to industry benchmarks to get a better understanding of its financial health. This will help you see how the company is performing relative to its competitors.
9. Consider growth opportunities: Look for any potential growth opportunities or expansion plans that the company has in place. This can give you an insight into its future financial prospects.
10. Research management and strategy: Consider the experience and track record of the company's management team, as well as its overall business strategy. A strong management team and sound strategy can greatly impact the company's financial performance.

The cost structures and profit margins in the fast food and restaurant industry can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the type and size of the restaurant, location, menu offerings, and management style. In general, however, the following are the main cost structures and profit margins that are typical in the industry:
1. Food and beverage costs: This is the largest cost for restaurants, accounting for around 30% to 40% of their total operating expenses. The cost of ingredients, supplies, and other items needed for food and drink preparation can significantly impact the profitability of a restaurant.
2. Labor costs: Labor costs make up a significant portion of a restaurant's expenses, usually around 25% to 35%. This includes wages, benefits, and payroll taxes for all employees, including servers, kitchen staff, and managers.
3. Rent and utilities: The cost of renting or leasing a space for the restaurant, as well as the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, and water, can also have a significant impact on profitability.
4. Marketing and advertising: Restaurants often spend a considerable amount of money on marketing and advertising to attract customers. This cost can range from 2% to 10% of total expenses, depending on the level of competition and the marketing strategies employed.
5. Overhead expenses: These include expenses such as insurance, equipment maintenance, and administrative costs and can range from 10% to 20% of total expenses.
The profit margins in the fast food and restaurant industry can also vary depending on the type of restaurant and its performance. Generally, it is estimated that the average profit margin for full-service restaurants is around 5% to 9%, while fast food restaurants have a slightly higher profit margin of around 6% to 10%.
However, there are also many factors that can impact a restaurant's profit margins and make them lower or higher than the industry average. These factors include pricing strategies, menu offerings, competition, location, and overall management efficiency. Restaurants with strong brand recognition and consistent customer demand often have higher profit margins compared to newer or smaller establishments. Additionally, restaurants that are able to control their costs effectively and generate high sales volumes tend to have higher profit margins.