Yum Brands' stock surged 5.11% in pre-market trading, as investors reacted to the company's second-quarter earnings beat and reassuring comments from management regarding the recent cyclospora outbreak.

The restaurant operator reported adjusted earnings of $1.62 per share, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.58. Revenue climbed 12% to $2.17 billion, slightly missing the $2.18 billion forecast, but strong same-store sales growth of 7% at Taco Bell and 3% worldwide underscored resilient demand.

The pre-market rally was further fueled by CEO Chris Turner's statement that the sales impact from the cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell lettuce is expected to be temporary. Turner noted that consumer sentiment is turning positive as the public recognizes the issue as industry-wide rather than specific to Taco Bell, easing concerns that had weighed on the stock in recent weeks.