Yum China Q1 Revenue Hits $3.3B, Exceeds Expectations
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 29 2026
0mins
Reports Q1 revenue $3.3B, consensus $3.23B. Same-store sales reached 100% of the prior year's level. Same-store transactions grew 2% year-over-year. Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China, commented, "We delivered solid results in a dynamic environment, and remain encouraged by early signs of improving consumer sentiment. The late timing of Chinese New Year and the extra April spring break affected gathering patterns and same-store sales growth in Q1. However, combined March and April trading has so far been in line with our expectations. In Q1, we accelerated store openings to a record level to capture significant market opportunities. At the same time, we drove system sales growth, operating profit growth and OP margin expansion for the eighth consecutive quarter, thanks to our teams' dedication."
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy YUMC?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on YUMC
Wall Street analysts forecast YUMC stock price to rise
16 Analyst Rating
15 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 44.230
Low
53.06
Averages
56.44
High
61.58
Current: 44.230
Low
53.06
Averages
56.44
High
61.58
About YUMC
Yum China Holdings Inc is a holding company principally engaged in the restaurant operation business. The Company operates two segments, including KFC and Pizza Hut. KFC segment operates quick-service restaurant, providing original recipe chicken, whole chicken and other chicken products as well as beef burgers, pork, seafood, rice dishes, congees, fresh vegetables, desserts, coffee, tea and many other products. The Pizza Hut segment operates casual dining restaurant, offering multiple dayparts, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, and offers a variety of pizzas, pasta, steaks, rice dishes, burgers and other entrees, appetizers, beverages and desserts. In addition to KFC and Pizza Hut, its restaurant brand portfolio also includes Lavazza, Huang Ji Huang, Little Sheep and Taco Bell.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
KPRO Surpasses 300 Locations in China, Aiming for 600
- Rapid Expansion: KPRO has surpassed 300 locations in China and is on track to reach 600 by year-end, a significant increase from just over 200 in 2025, demonstrating the company's strong responsiveness to the growing demand for light meals.
- New Product Categories: KPRO is set to introduce high-protein offerings, including Energy PRO sandwiches and high-protein yogurt smoothies, aimed at meeting consumer demand for healthy eating while diversifying its menu to attract more customers and enhance market competitiveness.
- Innovative Operating Model: Operating as a module within KFC stores, KPRO leverages existing resources to lower investment and operating costs, driving incremental sales through cross-selling to KFC members, thereby enhancing overall profitability for the parent company.
- High Food Safety Standards: Supported by a world-class supply chain management system and rigorous quality controls, KPRO upholds food safety standards that exceed industry norms, further building consumer trust and enhancing brand reputation.
See More
KPRO Surpasses 300 Locations in China
- Rapid Expansion: KPRO has surpassed 300 locations in China and is on track to reach 600 by year-end, a significant increase from just over 200 in 2025, indicating strong demand and growth potential in the light meal market.
- New Product Categories: KPRO is introducing two high-protein offerings, including whole-wheat chia seed sandwiches and high-protein yogurt smoothies, aimed at meeting consumer demand for healthy eating while enhancing brand competitiveness.
- Innovative Business Model: Operating as a module within KFC stores, KPRO leverages existing resources to lower investment and operating costs, effectively driving incremental sales for KFC and enhancing overall profitability.
- High Food Safety Standards: Supported by a robust supply chain management system and stringent food safety protocols, KPRO ensures the use of safe raw eggs and fresh ingredients, boosting consumer trust and strengthening market competitiveness.
See More
Yum China Included in Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for Sixth Year
- Sustainability Achievement: Yum China has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index for six consecutive years, being the only consumer services company from mainland China, which underscores its leading practices and long-term commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
- Industry-Leading Score: The company achieved a record-high score of 81 in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, ranking first in the Restaurants & Leisure Facilities industry for six years, demonstrating its top 1% performance in 13 evaluation criteria, including Sustainable Raw Materials and Labor Practices.
- Consistent ESG Rating: Yum China maintained its AA MSCI ESG Rating in March 2026 for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting its ongoing leadership within the restaurant industry and reinforcing its reputation in sustainability efforts.
- Clear Strategic Vision: The company aims to create long-term value through initiatives like food safety, employee empowerment, and decarbonization across its value chain, thereby strengthening the connection between sustainable development and business performance, which serves as a core competitive advantage.
See More
Yum China Included in Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for Sixth Year
- Sustainability Achievement: Yum China has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index for six consecutive years, being the only consumer services company from mainland China, which underscores its exceptional performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and solidifies its leadership position in the industry.
- Global Leading Score: Achieving a record-high score of 81 in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, Yum China ranked first globally in the Restaurants & Leisure Facilities industry for the sixth consecutive year, demonstrating its top 1% ranking in 13 evaluation criteria, including Sustainable Raw Materials and Labor Practices.
- Ongoing ESG Recognition: Maintaining an AA MSCI ESG Rating in 2026, Yum China continues to reflect its leadership within the restaurant industry, showcasing the company's long-term commitment and efforts towards sustainability.
- Strategic Vision: Yum China aims to create long-term value by ensuring food safety, empowering employees, and driving decarbonization across its value chain, thereby strengthening the connection between sustainable development and business performance to secure its competitive advantage in future markets.
See More
Yum China Announces $512M Share Repurchase Plan
- Repurchase Plan Scale: Yum China has entered into share repurchase agreements in the U.S. and Hong Kong for an aggregate amount of approximately $512 million, set to commence in the second half of 2026, reflecting the company's confidence in future cash flows.
- Repurchase Details: Of this total, about $384 million is allocated under the Rule 10b5-1 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act, while approximately HK$1 billion is designated for a similar program in Hong Kong, further enhancing investor confidence in both markets.
- Shareholder Return Commitment: Yum China aims to return $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2026, including around $400 million in dividends and $1.1 billion in share repurchases, demonstrating the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value through systematic and discretionary buybacks.
- Future Cash Flow Strategy: Starting in 2027, Yum China plans to return approximately 100% of annual free cash flow after subsidiary dividend payments, with anticipated annual returns of $900 million to over $1 billion in 2027 and 2028, further solidifying its leadership position in the QSR industry.
See More
Yum China Announces $512 Million Share Repurchase Plan
- Repurchase Plan Scale: Yum China announced a share repurchase plan totaling approximately $512 million for the second half of 2026, which includes $384 million in the U.S. and about HK$1 billion in Hong Kong, demonstrating the company's strong commitment to shareholder returns.
- Shareholder Return Target: The company aims to return $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2026, representing about 9% of its current market capitalization, which includes $400 million in dividends and $1.1 billion in share repurchases, designed to enhance shareholder value through systematic and discretionary buybacks.
- Future Cash Flow Strategy: Beginning in 2027, Yum China intends to return approximately 100% of annual free cash flow to shareholders, with expected returns of $900 million to over $1 billion in 2027 and 2028, further boosting investor confidence.
- Historical Return Record: Since 2017, Yum China has returned $6.4 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to capital returns and robust financial performance.
See More
KPRO Surpasses 300 Locations in China, Aiming for 600
- Rapid Expansion: KPRO has surpassed 300 locations in China and is on track to reach 600 by year-end, a significant increase from just over 200 in 2025, demonstrating the company's strong responsiveness to the growing demand for light meals.
- New Product Categories: KPRO is set to introduce high-protein offerings, including Energy PRO sandwiches and high-protein yogurt smoothies, aimed at meeting consumer demand for healthy eating while diversifying its menu to attract more customers and enhance market competitiveness.
- Innovative Operating Model: Operating as a module within KFC stores, KPRO leverages existing resources to lower investment and operating costs, driving incremental sales through cross-selling to KFC members, thereby enhancing overall profitability for the parent company.
- High Food Safety Standards: Supported by a world-class supply chain management system and rigorous quality controls, KPRO upholds food safety standards that exceed industry norms, further building consumer trust and enhancing brand reputation.
See More
KPRO Surpasses 300 Locations in China
- Rapid Expansion: KPRO has surpassed 300 locations in China and is on track to reach 600 by year-end, a significant increase from just over 200 in 2025, indicating strong demand and growth potential in the light meal market.
- New Product Categories: KPRO is introducing two high-protein offerings, including whole-wheat chia seed sandwiches and high-protein yogurt smoothies, aimed at meeting consumer demand for healthy eating while enhancing brand competitiveness.
- Innovative Business Model: Operating as a module within KFC stores, KPRO leverages existing resources to lower investment and operating costs, effectively driving incremental sales for KFC and enhancing overall profitability.
- High Food Safety Standards: Supported by a robust supply chain management system and stringent food safety protocols, KPRO ensures the use of safe raw eggs and fresh ingredients, boosting consumer trust and strengthening market competitiveness.
See More
Yum China Included in Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for Sixth Year
- Sustainability Achievement: Yum China has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index for six consecutive years, being the only consumer services company from mainland China, which underscores its leading practices and long-term commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
- Industry-Leading Score: The company achieved a record-high score of 81 in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, ranking first in the Restaurants & Leisure Facilities industry for six years, demonstrating its top 1% performance in 13 evaluation criteria, including Sustainable Raw Materials and Labor Practices.
- Consistent ESG Rating: Yum China maintained its AA MSCI ESG Rating in March 2026 for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting its ongoing leadership within the restaurant industry and reinforcing its reputation in sustainability efforts.
- Clear Strategic Vision: The company aims to create long-term value through initiatives like food safety, employee empowerment, and decarbonization across its value chain, thereby strengthening the connection between sustainable development and business performance, which serves as a core competitive advantage.
See More
Yum China Included in Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for Sixth Year
- Sustainability Achievement: Yum China has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index for six consecutive years, being the only consumer services company from mainland China, which underscores its exceptional performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and solidifies its leadership position in the industry.
- Global Leading Score: Achieving a record-high score of 81 in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, Yum China ranked first globally in the Restaurants & Leisure Facilities industry for the sixth consecutive year, demonstrating its top 1% ranking in 13 evaluation criteria, including Sustainable Raw Materials and Labor Practices.
- Ongoing ESG Recognition: Maintaining an AA MSCI ESG Rating in 2026, Yum China continues to reflect its leadership within the restaurant industry, showcasing the company's long-term commitment and efforts towards sustainability.
- Strategic Vision: Yum China aims to create long-term value by ensuring food safety, empowering employees, and driving decarbonization across its value chain, thereby strengthening the connection between sustainable development and business performance to secure its competitive advantage in future markets.
See More
Yum China Announces $512M Share Repurchase Plan
- Repurchase Plan Scale: Yum China has entered into share repurchase agreements in the U.S. and Hong Kong for an aggregate amount of approximately $512 million, set to commence in the second half of 2026, reflecting the company's confidence in future cash flows.
- Repurchase Details: Of this total, about $384 million is allocated under the Rule 10b5-1 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act, while approximately HK$1 billion is designated for a similar program in Hong Kong, further enhancing investor confidence in both markets.
- Shareholder Return Commitment: Yum China aims to return $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2026, including around $400 million in dividends and $1.1 billion in share repurchases, demonstrating the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value through systematic and discretionary buybacks.
- Future Cash Flow Strategy: Starting in 2027, Yum China plans to return approximately 100% of annual free cash flow after subsidiary dividend payments, with anticipated annual returns of $900 million to over $1 billion in 2027 and 2028, further solidifying its leadership position in the QSR industry.
See More
Yum China Announces $512 Million Share Repurchase Plan
- Repurchase Plan Scale: Yum China announced a share repurchase plan totaling approximately $512 million for the second half of 2026, which includes $384 million in the U.S. and about HK$1 billion in Hong Kong, demonstrating the company's strong commitment to shareholder returns.
- Shareholder Return Target: The company aims to return $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2026, representing about 9% of its current market capitalization, which includes $400 million in dividends and $1.1 billion in share repurchases, designed to enhance shareholder value through systematic and discretionary buybacks.
- Future Cash Flow Strategy: Beginning in 2027, Yum China intends to return approximately 100% of annual free cash flow to shareholders, with expected returns of $900 million to over $1 billion in 2027 and 2028, further boosting investor confidence.
- Historical Return Record: Since 2017, Yum China has returned $6.4 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to capital returns and robust financial performance.
See More
