Yum’s December China sales disappoint

Yum! Brands (YUM.NYSE), US-based owner of KFC and Pizza Hut, reported a 2% rise in same-store sales in China last month, trailing a 6% increase estimated by analysts and reflecting growing competition from local brands, Bloomberg reported. Sales at KFC stores open at least 12 months rose 5% in December, while same-store sales at Pizza Hut fell 3%, the company said on Monday in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. KFC, which has about 4,460 locations in China, is facing more competition from local dining chains such as Dicos and Hua Lai Shi.