Yum China Holdings, Inc. - YUMC STOCK NEWS

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) reported significant challenges due to the Delta variant outbreak affecting operations since late July 2021. Over 500 stores were closed during the peak in August, leading to a mid-teens decline in same-store sales year-over-year. The company anticipates a 50-60% drop in adjusted operating profit for the third quarter compared to last year. Despite these challenges, Yum China remains committed to long-term growth, planning to open 1,300 new stores in 2021 and leveraging its digital capabilities to enhance sales.

Yum China Holdings, Inc. launched a campaign on September 13, 2021, to promote balanced diets by enhancing its menu with fruit and vegetable options across over 6,000 KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell stores in China. The "Fruit and Vegetables 100+" program encourages customers to add at least 100g of fruits and vegetables to their meals, supporting the National Health Commission's dietary guidelines. Yum China emphasizes food innovation and has reduced salt, sugar, and oil in its recipes, while also introducing plant-based products. The initiative aims to foster healthier eating habits among consumers.

Yum China Holdings (YUMC) announced its virtual Investor Day scheduled for September 22, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time. The event will feature presentations by senior management and a Q&A session, lasting approximately three hours. The company will also release its unaudited financial results for Q3 2021 on October 27, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. An earnings conference call will follow on the same day, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with access via live webcast. For further details, visit the investor relations website.

Yum China reported strong Q2 2021 results with total revenues increasing 29% to $2.45 billion. System sales grew 14%, driven by 404 new store openings, reaching a total of 11,023 stores. Operating profit surged 83% to $233 million. However, the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant impacted same-store sales recovery. Despite challenges, both KFC and Pizza Hut showed positive sales performance. The company plans to open approximately 1,300 new stores this year, up from 1,000. A dividend of $0.12 per share was also declared.

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) announced its board will consider declaring a quarterly dividend on or around July 29, 2021. This decision complies with HKEX regulations requiring advance notice of board meetings related to dividends. As of now, no resolution has been adopted regarding the dividend, so there is no guarantee it will be declared. Yum China operates major brands like KFC and Pizza Hut across over 1,500 cities and had 10,725 restaurants by March 2021.

Yum China Holdings will report its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2021, on July 28, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time. The earnings call will follow at 8:00 p.m. on the same day. Shareholders can access the live webcast or join via phone after pre-registration. The earnings release and accompanying materials will be available on Yum China's Investor Relations website. The company operates over 10,725 restaurants in mainland China, featuring brands like KFC and Pizza Hut.

Yum China has launched the Digital Classroom Initiative, a CSR program aimed at enhancing digital skills among students in rural areas. The Company donated RMB 5 million to support this program, which provides access to computer equipment and virtual coding courses. The initiative follows a successful pilot in 2019, expanding its reach to over 100 schools in provinces like Yunnan and Henan. CEO Joey Wat emphasized the importance of digital education in preparing children for future opportunities.