Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Yum China, indicating a positive outlook for the company's stock performance [5]. Core Views - Yum China demonstrated strong operational efficiency and cost control, with a Q3 restaurant profit margin of 17%, stable year-on-year [2]. - The company plans to increase its shareholder return by 50% from $3 billion to $4.5 billion for the years 2024-2026, with a target of returning $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2024 [4]. - The company is focusing on expanding its franchise model, aiming to increase the proportion of franchise stores from 15-20% to 40-50% in the coming years [3]. Financial Performance - In Q3 2024, Yum China reported revenues of $3.07 billion, a year-on-year increase of 5%, with a system sales growth of 4% [1]. - The operating profit for Q3 was $371 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 15%, with an operating profit margin of 12.1% [1]. - The GAAP net profit attributable to shareholders was $297 million, up 22% year-on-year, while the Non-GAAP net profit also stood at $297 million, marking a 20% increase [1]. Store Expansion and Market Strategy - The company opened 438 new stores in Q3, with 145 being franchise stores, representing 33% of the new openings [3]. - As of Q3 2024, Yum China had a total of 15,861 stores, with KFC and Pizza Hut accounting for 11,283 and 3,606 stores, respectively [3]. - The company is leveraging favorable raw material prices and operational efficiency projects to maintain stable profit margins despite pressures on same-store sales [2]. Earnings Forecast - The forecast for net profit attributable to shareholders for FY2024-2026 is $902 million, $978 million, and $1.05 billion, respectively, with corresponding EPS of $2.37, $2.57, and $2.76 [4][9]. - The report projects a P/E ratio of 21, 19, and 18 for FY2024, FY2025, and FY2026, respectively, based on the closing price on November 5 [4][9].
百胜中国：运营调整能力强，股东回馈力度加大