Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating for Yum China (09987.HK) for the first time [1]. Core Views - Yum China is a leading player in the Western-style dining sector, demonstrating strong operational resilience and a diversified brand portfolio, including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell [11][17]. - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing non-Chinese fast food segment in China, with a market share of 7.5% in the domestic chain dining sector as of 2024 [46]. - The report anticipates steady revenue growth and profitability improvements, with projected revenues of $12.02 billion, $12.76 billion, and $13.50 billion for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively [1][4]. Summary by Sections 1. Company Overview - Yum China operates in three main segments: Western fast food, Chinese restaurants, and coffee shops, with KFC being the primary revenue driver [11][17]. - As of H1 2025, the number of KFC and Pizza Hut outlets in China reached 12,238 and 3,864, respectively [11]. 2. Market Position and Growth - The Chinese dining service market is projected to reach ¥54,730 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 8.48% from 2020 to 2024 [34]. - The fast food segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.94% during the same period, indicating a robust growth trajectory for Yum China [38]. 3. Competitive Advantages - KFC's global store count is expected to reach 32,000 by 2024, supported by a strong brand identity and innovative product offerings [61]. - The company has a stable shareholding structure and an experienced management team, enhancing its strategic execution capabilities [14]. 4. Financial Projections - The report forecasts revenues of $12.02 billion, $12.76 billion, and $13.50 billion for 2025, 2026, and 2027, with corresponding net profits of $951.62 million, $1.02 billion, and $1.09 billion [1][4]. - The projected P/E ratios for 2025 and 2026 are 16.79x and 15.71x, respectively, indicating a favorable valuation [1].