Yum! Brands’ worldwide system sales grew by 13% (excluding Russia impact and foreign currency translation), with 8% same-store sales growth and 5% unit growth. The group’s first-quarter core operating profit grew by 11%. Its worldwide system sales grew by 11%, excluding foreign currency translation, with KFC at 11%, Taco Bell at 12% and Pizza Hut at 10%. Yum! Brands finalized the sale of its Russian KFC business to Smart Service Ltd., including all Russian KFC restaurants, operating system and master franchise rights, on April 17.

David Gibbs, CEO, commented on the first-quarter results: “Our first-quarter results continue to illustrate the power of our global portfolio and the advantages of our business model. The demand for our iconic brands is evident as our incredible teams and franchise partners delivered another strong quarter with system sales growth of 13% excluding Russia, driven by 8% same-store sales growth and continued development momentum. We’re seeing broad-based accelerating digital sales growth leading to a record quarter for both digital system sales of nearly USD 7 billion and a digital sales mix that exceeded 45%. I’m pleased to see the revenue flow through in the quarter translate to 11% core operating profit growth. We’re proud of the strong start to the year and confident we’ll continue to build on our position as the global franchisor of choice.”

The KFC Division opened 385 gross new restaurants in 47 countries.

The Taco Bell Division opened 79 gross new restaurants in 16 countries.

Pizza Hut Division opened 271 gross new restaurants in 31 countries.

The Habit Burger Grill Division system sales grew by 8% with flat same-store sales growth. The brand opened 11 gross new restaurants in the U.S. and Cambodia.

Photo: Yum! Brands social media