Yum! closing about 250 Pizza Hut restaurants

LOUISVILLE, KY. — Yum! Brands, Inc. expects to close approximately 250 underperforming US Pizza Hut restaurants in the first half of the year, said Ranjith Roy, chief financial officer for Yum!, in a Feb. 4 earnings call to discuss fiscal-year results.

The announcement came after Yum! in November said it had begun a strategic review of the Pizza Hut business.

“The process is proceeding as planned, and as of now, we intend to complete the review of options this year,” said Chris Turner, chief executive officer for Yum!, in the earnings call.

Same-store sales slipped 1% at Pizza Hut globally in the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2025. Pizza Hut at the end of 2025 had 19,974 restaurants globally, down 1% from 20,225 at the end of 2024. The United States account for 40% of Pizza Hut system sales globally. Pizza Hut sales in the United States decreased 7% in 2025.

Companywide, same-store sales increased 3% globally with KFC up 3% and Taco Bell up 7%.

KFC at the end of the fiscal year had 33,897 restaurants globally, up 6% from 31,981 at the end of 2024.

“The (KFC) brand delivered a strong year with 6% system sales growth, resulting in an impressive 10% core operating profit increase,” Turner said. “We delivered exceptional results in the UK market.”

Taco Bell at the end of 2025 had 9,030 restaurants globally, up 3% from 8,757 at the end of 2024.

“The (Taco Bell) brand is relentlessly innovating for next-generation growth with clear 2030 ambition, including reaching approximately $3 million in US average unit volumes, expanding to 3,000 international stores and delivering 25% to 26% US restaurant level margin,” Turner said.

Companywide, Louisville-based Yum! had net income of $1.56 billion, equal to $5.59 per share on the common stock, which was up 5% from $1.49 billion, or $5.28 per share, in the previous fiscal year. Revenues were $8.21 billion, a 9% increase from $7.55 billion in the previous fiscal year.

“Yum! delivered another year of outstanding results at KFC and Taco Bell with our fundamentals stronger than ever at both brands,” Turner said.

In the fourth quarter, Yum! had net income of $535 million, or $1.92 per share, up 27% from $432 million, or $1.49 per share, in the same time of the previous year. Fourth-quarter revenues increased 6% to $2.51 billion from $2.36 billion.