Asia Pacific Wire & Cable appoints Ben Lee as CFO
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 07 2025
0mins
New CFO Appointment: Asia Pacific Wire & Cable (APWC) has appointed Ben Lee as Chief Financial Officer, effective May 12, 2025.
Professional Background: Ben Lee brings extensive experience in global finance, having previously served as CFO of O'Neil Global Advisors and held VP Finance roles at Yum! Brands.
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Analyst Views on YUM
Wall Street analysts forecast YUM stock price to rise
21 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
14 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 153.270
Low
145.00
Averages
164.33
High
185.00
Current: 153.270
Low
145.00
Averages
164.33
High
185.00
About YUM
YUM! Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of approximately 61,000 restaurants in 155 countries and territories under the concepts of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and The Habit Burger Grill. It consists of four operating segments: The KFC Division, which includes its worldwide operations of the KFC concept; The Taco Bell Division, which includes its worldwide operations of the Taco Bell concept; The Pizza Hut Division, which includes its worldwide operations of the Pizza Hut concept; and The Habit Burger Grill Division, which includes its worldwide operations of the Habit Burger Grill concept. It develops, operates, or franchises a system of both traditional and non-traditional restaurants. KFC restaurants offer fried and non-fried chicken products. Taco Bell offers Mexican-style food products. Pizza Hut specializes in the sale of ready-to-eat pizza products. The Habit Burger Grill offers chargrilled burgers and sandwiches made-to-order over an open flame.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Global Expansion: The new tenders and nine new sauces will roll out this month in the UK and Ireland, followed by launches in Australia and the US, aiming to meet global consumer demand for diverse flavors.
- Beverage Diversification: KFC is launching a new sub-brand called Kwench, adding boba refreshers, sparkling lemonades, and iced coffees, which is expected to attract younger consumers and boost overall sales.
- Brand Image Update: The new logo and restaurant designs will enhance customer experience, particularly with the upcoming new concept restaurants in Texas and the UAE, aimed at improving in-person dining engagement.
See More
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- Brand Revitalization: Yum! Brands (YUM) is testing a new 'Open House' concept in McKinney, Texas, aiming to attract younger consumers by offering a modern kitchen and upgraded interior, thereby enhancing brand image and market competitiveness.
- Investment Scale: The renovation involves an investment of approximately $500,000, reflecting a comprehensive rethink of restaurant layout, decor, and guest flow, marking a significant transformation from traditional fast-food models.
- Market Testing: The new restaurant serves as a live test bed, allowing management to quickly adjust design, operations, and digital features to meet the evolving preferences of consumers, particularly those who are digitally native.
- Sales Growth: KFC's systemwide sales increased by 7% year-over-year in Q1, with same-store sales up 2% and core operating profit rising by 9%, indicating strong brand performance and ongoing growth potential.
See More
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- Investor Conference Details: Yum! Brands will participate in the NYSE European Investor Conference on June 16, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET, in collaboration with Bank of America, with the event being webcast live to enhance investor engagement and transparency.
- Global Restaurant Network: Operating or franchising over 63,000 restaurants in 155 countries and territories, Yum! Brands showcases its significant influence and market coverage through iconic brands such as KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill.
- Industry Leadership: KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut are recognized as global leaders in their respective markets, dominating the chicken, Mexican-inspired food, and pizza categories, which further solidifies Yum! Brands' competitive advantage in the fast-food sector.
- Cultural Recognition: For the third consecutive year, Yum! Brands has been named one of TIME magazine's Best Companies for Future Leaders, reflecting its successful strategies in attracting and nurturing talent within the organization.
See More
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- Launch of Hut Originals: Pizza Hut has introduced the Hut Originals platform to celebrate the brand's iconic food and fans, highlighting elements like the signature red roof and red cups, aiming to enhance brand loyalty and attract a new generation of consumers.
- New Product Introduction: The new Crispy Parm Pan Pizza is now available at participating Pizza Hut locations nationwide, designed to attract customers and boost sales through menu innovation, further solidifying the brand's market position.
- Return of BOOK IT! Program: On June 10, Pizza Hut will host a BOOK IT! event where customers can receive a free Personal Pan Pizza by presenting a BOOK IT! button from any year, aiming to draw in nostalgic customers while encouraging new participation.
- Educational Support Partnership: Pizza Hut has partnered with General Mills and Box Tops for Education to launch the BOOK IT! Family Meal priced at $14.99, which helps raise funds for schools with each purchase, reflecting the brand's commitment to community support and educational initiatives.
See More
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- Market Growth Potential: According to Bank of America, the U.S. pizza market is projected to reach $43.4 billion in total sales by 2025, reflecting a 3.1% increase from the previous year, indicating robust growth potential that attracts investor interest.
- Domino's Competitive Edge: Since 2021, Domino's has steadily increased its share of delivery and carryout sales, achieving systemwide sales growth despite challenges faced by many restaurant brands, demonstrating its strong appeal in the pizza market.
- Casey's Successful Strategy: Casey's has enhanced its foodservice sales through value-focused offerings and customer loyalty initiatives, with pizza contributing approximately half of its foodservice sales, making it a core aspect of its business, particularly in smaller markets.
- Stabilizing Competitive Environment: As the growth of third-party delivery platforms normalizes, traditional pizza chains like Domino's and Casey's have regained their footing in the market, and both are expected to benefit from increasing pizza demand and stabilizing competitive conditions.
See More
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- GameStop's Strong Earnings: GameStop reported first-quarter revenue of $835.3 million, reflecting a 14% year-over-year increase, and the board approved a $2 billion share repurchase authorization, which not only boosts investor confidence but may also enhance future shareholder returns.
- Energy Stocks Boosted by Oil Prices: Oil prices rose nearly 2% after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated readiness to act against Iran, lifting energy stocks, with Exxon Mobil and Marathon Petroleum both gaining 3%, suggesting sustained market optimism regarding energy demand.
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