Nov 6 (Reuters) - ** KFC owner Yum Brands YUM.N posted a surprise drop in Q3 global comparable sales on Tuesday, and a revenue and profit miss along with a comparable sales miss for KFC & Pizza Hut, while Taco Bell outperformed

** At least four brokerages cut PT; median PT of 30 analysts is $144.50

TACO BELL STRENGTH NOT ENOUGH

** Jefferies ("hold", PT: $133) cites low visibility, the Middle East conflict, tepid China and tough US quick-service restaurant environment, but expects Taco Bell to continue outperforming

** BTIG("neutral") notes the sales disruption was expected to lessen but seems to have gotten worse and believes that if the global consumer environment remains challenged, additional closures are possible

** TD Cowen("hold", PT: $145) notes Yum still sees 5% net restaurant growth for 2025, in line with long-term guidance, and notes peer Domino's has already cut 2025 development on international headwinds, which could affect Yum as well

** Citi ("buy", PT: $153 from $162) believes YUM can harvest scale and tech investments to sustain long-term competitive advantages but doesn't see it escaping potential global choppiness

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru)

((Neil.JKanatt@thomsonreuters.com;))