Yum Brands’ Q3 comps a mixed bag

yum brands taco bell kfc

Comps increased across only some of Yum Brands’ divisions during the third quarter, as same-store sales grew 4% at KFC and 3% at Taco Bell, while falling 1% at Pizza Hut.

Third-quarter comps also slipped in Yum Brands’ China segment, which is slated to be spun off by Oct. 31. Yum Brands CEO Greg Creed pinned the 1% decline on recent upheaval related to a court ruling in the South China Sea.

The impact of that ruling—which Creed said spawned adverse feelings toward some international companies—was "short-lived," he noted in a statement.

Profits at the parent company grew 48% during the quarter, while total revenues fell 3%, to $3.32 billion. 

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