Core Viewpoint - Yum China has reported its financial results for the period ending June 30, 2025, highlighting its operational strategies and outcomes in a competitive market environment. The CEO emphasized that the company will not pursue market share through excessive spending on sales [1]. Financial Performance - For the first half of 2025, Yum China's revenue reached $5.768 billion, reflecting a 2% year-over-year increase. The second quarter revenue was $2.787 billion, up 4% from the previous year [5]. - The operating profit for the first half of 2025 was $703 million, a 10% increase compared to $640 million in the same period of 2024 [5]. - Net profit for the first half of 2025 was $546 million, a 2% increase from $535 million in the same period of 2024 [5]. Business Expansion - Yum China plans to add approximately 1,600 to 1,800 new stores by 2025, with KFC and Pizza Hut franchise stores expected to account for 40%-50% and 20%-30% of the new openings, respectively [3]. - The company has adjusted its capital expenditure forecast for fiscal year 2025 to between $600 million and $700 million, benefiting from reduced single-store investment costs [3]. Shareholder Returns - Yum China is expected to return $30 billion to shareholders between 2025 and 2026, following an initial $15 billion return in 2024 [3]. - Citibank's analysis suggests that Yum China's management may significantly reduce cash returns to shareholders, with free cash flow expected to drop from twice the shareholder return ratio in 2024-2026 to equal by 2027 [1]. Brand Performance - KFC, as a core brand, reported a revenue of $4.342 billion for the first half of 2025, a 2% increase year-over-year, with 12,238 stores as of June 30, 2025 [5]. - Pizza Hut generated $1.149 billion in revenue for the first half of 2025, marking a 1% increase, with operating profit rising by 22% to $106 million [6]. Management Changes - Yum China appointed Weizhe Wei, founder and chairman of Jia Yu Capital, to its board, bringing extensive management experience from Alibaba and other sectors [3].