The Yum Brands Group initiates a strategic assessment of Pizza Hut.

Yum Brands has initiated a strategic evaluation of Pizza Hut, exploring options for the struggling chain brand in the fiercely competitive pizza market. CEO Chris Turner stated in a statement announcing the plan, "Pizza Hut's performance indicates the need for additional measures to help the brand realize its full value, and these measures may be easier to implement outside of Yum Brands." Yum's stock price rose 1% in pre-market trading. As of Monday's close, the company's stock price has risen 3.9% this year, compared to a 16.5% increase in the S&P 500 over the same period.