Yum! Brands posts double-digit profit growth in Q4 2025

Financial Performance - Yum! Brands reported a 27% increase in fourth-quarter 2025 net income, rising to $535 million from $423 million a year earlier [1] - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $2.51 billion, up 6% from $2.36 billion in Q4 2024 [1] - Global system sales in the quarter rose 5%, with Taco Bell leading at 8% growth and KFC at 6% [1][3] Expansion and Growth - The company opened 1,814 gross units in the quarter, translating to 3% year-on-year unit growth [2] - KFC accounted for the majority of the expansion with 1,132 gross restaurant openings, while Taco Bell added 228 new outlets [2] - For the full fiscal year 2025, Yum! Brands opened 4,567 gross units [3] Digital Sales and Profitability - Digital system sales in Q4 exceeded $11 billion, with digital channels accounting for nearly 60% of system sales [2] - GAAP earnings per share (EPS) were $1.91 for the quarter, while EPS excluding special items was $1.73 [3] Strategic Focus and Future Plans - CEO Chris Turner highlighted strong fundamentals at KFC and Taco Bell, with a focus on accelerating long-term growth through the "Raise the Bar" priorities [4] - The board approved a dividend of $0.75 per share, marking a 6% increase [4] - A strategic review of the Pizza Hut brand is expected to be completed this year, which may involve shutting down 250 underperforming stores in the US in the first half of 2026 [4][5]