Yum Brands reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.44 a share, up 7% from a year earlier but just shy of the $1.46 analysts expected. Revenue rose 2% to $1.93 billion, also narrowly missing forecasts, as weaker-than-anticipated growth at KFC and Taco Bell limited gains. Comparable sales increased 2% worldwide versus the 2.37% consensus. System sales—an indicator that includes franchise locations—grew 4% excluding currency effects, led by Taco Bell’s 6% advance and a 5% rise at KFC. In the United States, however, same-store sales fell 5% at both KFC and Pizza Hut and 4% at The Habit Burger Grill, while Taco Bell managed a 4% increase. Management attributed the U.S. softness at KFC and Pizza Hut to “inconsistent” value messaging. The company said 57% of transactions now come through digital channels, seven percentage points more than a year ago, and noted that restaurants testing voice-activated ordering are experiencing lower staff turnover. Yum reiterated plans to add its Saucy fried-chicken concept in Orlando later this year and said Taco Bell’s new Crispy Chicken Nuggets will become a permanent platform in 2026. Despite inflation in building products sourced from Mexico and Canada, the group does not expect cost pressures to derail its expansion strategy.