Yum Brands Stock Climbs Despite Big China Sales Slide

Shares of Yum Brands Inc. increased more than 2% in after-hours trade Tuesday after the company reported a slight revenue beat for the fourth quarter despite a 16% decline in China same-store sales. The company also maintained its full-year guidance of at least 10% EPS growth in 2015. The parent of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC reported a net loss of $86 million, or 20 cents a share, compared with a year-earlier profit of $321 million, or 72 cents a share. Excluding one-time costs, Yum earned 61 cents, slightly below the 66 cents analysts had been forecasting, according to FactSet. Total revenue for the period slid to $4 billion from $4.2 billion a year ago, though it was virtually in line with expectations. While total sales in its China division were down 11% year-over-year, the company reported improved sales in each of its major restaurant segments.