Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC)
Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) is the largest restaurant operator in China, headquartered in Shanghai. Led by CEO Joey Wat, Yum China’s strategic mission is to "be the world’s most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry, delivering great food and exceptional value to consumers across China." The company holds a commanding industry position with over 18,000 restaurants, primarily KFC and Pizza Hut. Yum China’s vision is to be "The Home of Every Chinese Consumer." By late 2025, YUMC stock has regained momentum as the company surpassed $12 billion in systemwide sales and accelerated its store openings to reach 20,000 locations by 2026.
The business operations of Yum China are characterized by its "Digital and Delivery Dominance," with over 90% of sales now occurring through digital channels. In fiscal 2025, the company reported Q3 revenues of $3.2 billion, driven by successful menu innovations like the KFC "Durian Beef Burger" and expanded "K-Coffee" standalone kiosks. The 2026 strategic roadmap focuses on "RUR (Resiliency, Utility, and Relevance)," where the company is deploying more "Small-Store Formats" to reach lower-tier cities efficiently. Yum China holds a "Supply Chain Moat" that is unparalleled in the region, including its own logistics network and 33 distribution centers. By returning over $1 billion to shareholders annually through dividends and buybacks, Yum China proves that it can deliver both growth and value in a complex macroeconomic environment.