Yum Brands Inc.

**Overall Financial Performance**: Yum! Brands reported a 3% year-over-year increase in core operating profit, although they expect to finish the year below the long-term growth algorithm of 8%. Year-to-date, core operating profit growth is at 6%, with Q4 projections indicating mid- to high single-digit growth.

**Same-Store Sales**: Taco Bell U.S. outperformed with a 4% increase in same-store sales, despite challenging QSR industry conditions, driven by innovative value offerings that resonate with consumers. However, KFC's same-store sales declines were significant in affected markets due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where declines ranged from 15% to 45%.

**Unit Growth and Expectations**: Yum! Brands achieved 5% unit growth year-over-year, with a risk to fall below this target due to increased closures, primarily from lower-performing restaurants in hit regions. Gross unit openings were strong, exceeding 4,500 for the year, but net growth could be impacted by a few underperforming units becoming unviable.