Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-11-05 12:24Core Viewpoint - Yum! Brands is initiating a strategic review of its Pizza Hut brand, which may include the potential sale of the business. This has raised speculation about the future of Pizza Hut in the Chinese market, although Yum China has stated that it operates independently and will not be affected by this review [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Review and Operational Independence - Yum! Brands CEO Chris Turner indicated that additional actions are needed to unlock the full value of Pizza Hut, suggesting that these actions might be better executed outside of Yum! Brands [2]. - Yum China operates independently from Yum! Brands and has confirmed that the strategic review will not impact Pizza Hut's daily operations in China [1][2]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Pizza Hut contributed 12.13% to Yum! Brands' total revenue, while KFC and Taco Bell accounted for approximately 44.42% and 36.89%, respectively. In contrast, Pizza Hut represented about 19.81% of Yum China's revenue, with KFC making up 74.98% [4]. - For Q3 2025, Pizza Hut's revenue for Yum! Brands increased by 0.84% to $240 million, but system sales decreased by 0.22% to $3.177 billion, and operating profit fell by 7.69% to $84 million [6]. - In the first three quarters of 2025, Pizza Hut's revenue declined by 0.70% to $710 million, with system sales down 1.79% to $9.321 billion and operating profit down 14.03% to $239 million [6]. Group 3: Market Performance in China - Pizza Hut in China has shown signs of recovery, with Q3 2025 revenue increasing by 3.25% to $635 million and system sales up by 4%. Same-store sales grew by 1% due to a 17% increase in transaction volume, despite a 13% decrease in average ticket size [8][10]. - As of September 30, 2025, Pizza Hut had 4,022 restaurants in China, with a net increase of 158 locations in the quarter [8]. - The improvement in profitability for Pizza Hut in China is attributed to favorable raw material prices, operational efficiencies, and automation, although these gains were partially offset by increased costs from a higher proportion of delivery sales [8][10]. Group 4: Strategic Adjustments - Pizza Hut's recovery in China is linked to its focus on value for money, including the introduction of a new menu with entry-level products priced at 9.9 yuan. The number of WOW stores, which offer more affordable options, has increased to 250 [10]. - The average ticket size for Pizza Hut has been declining, with a 7.89% decrease in the latest quarter, while same-store transaction volumes have consistently grown by 17% across the first three quarters of 2025 [10][11].