Investopedia: Is The U.S. Holding Back Yum! Brands?

The list of American companies that have done a better job than Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) of growing their brands and business in China is a short one indeed. In fact, YUM has been so successful in its international growth that it is now worth wondering if the U.S. business is still capable of being part of the company's future growth plans, or whether there might be some sort of "value-unlocking" transaction in the company's future. 

Second Quarter Results Tell a Story  
Overall, YUM reported that sales rose more than 9% in the second quarter, surpassing the average estimate by more than $100 million, but not quite beating the highest estimates in the range. There are no two ways about it - China was the story here. U.S. same store sales fell 4% as Taco Bell and KFC were both weak, but Chinese same-store sales shot up 18% on 21% higher store traffic. The company's other foreign operations were a more moderate grower, with 2% same-store growth. 


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