Yum China reported a solid QQ3 2025 performance, underscored by resilient top-line growth and margin expansion within its KFC and Pizza Hut portfolio in China. Revenue totaled USD 3.206 billion, up 4.4% year over year and 15.0% quarter over quarter, while gross profit reached USD 582 million for a gross margin of 18.15%. Operating income of USD 439 million produced an operating margin of 13.69%, with EBITDA of USD 527 million. Net income was USD 282 million (net margin 8.80%), and diluted EPS stood at USD 0.76. The quarter benefited from meaningful operating leverage and mix shift that supported profit expansion despite ongoing cost pressures in the broader economy.
A hallmark of the quarter was strong cash generation. Operating cash flow per share was USD 1.322 and free cash flow per share USD 0.972, supported by a low days sales outstanding and an efficient working capital profile, contributing to a cash balance per share of USD 5.82. The company maintained a conservative balance sheet with a debt ratio of 0.167 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.323, alongside a payout ratio of 31.9% and a modest dividend yield of 0.57%. The trailing four-quarter revenue of approximately USD 11.57 billion and net income of USD 0.90 billion reflect ongoing scale benefits from a broad Chinese footprint and strong brand franchises.
From a market and competitive standpoint, Yum China continues to leverage scale, brand equity, and digital channels to drive traffic and order growth. While YoY net income declined marginally (down about 5%), QoQ profitability improvements and sustained cash generation position Yum China well for roughly stable to modestly growing earnings in a challenging macro environment. The balance of 2025 will hinge on consumer sentiment in China, input cost management, and continued execution of digital and delivery initiatives to sustain margin expansion and cash flow productivity.