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Yum! Brands Is Moving Beyond Pizza Hut — Can KFC & Taco Bell Accelerate Growth?

Yum! Brands, Inc. reported second quarter results excluding its Pizza Hut segment, which the company agreed to sell through two separate transactions expected to close in August. Excluding Pizza Hut, the company recorded 7% system sales growth, 6% unit growth, and 4% same-store sales growth. Digital sales reached approximately $9 billion, representing a 61% digital mix, with continued increases across app, loyalty, kiosk, and delivery channels. Core operating profit increased by 8%, despite headwinds from refranchising gains phasing and Habit store closures. KFC remains the largest profit contributor, delivering 6% system sales growth driven by 7% unit growth and modest same-store sales gains. The brand highlighted strong same-store sales in markets such as the U.K. and Asia, including double-digit growth in Korea and accelerated gains in Japan. KFC plans to modernize its brand globally by 2027 with menu innovations focused on boneless chicken, expanded sauce options, and refreshed branding.