Yum! Brands Q2 profits up 4%

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Yum! Brands Inc., parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silver's and A&W All American Food, reported same-stores sales growth of 4 percent for the second quarter ended June 14, 2008.

The highest growth coming from mainland China, with same-store sales rising 14 percent. U.S. same-store sales were up 2 percent.

Total revenue for the quarter was $2.7 billion, up 12 percent from the same quarter last year. Net income was $224 million, up 4 percent from last year's $214 million.

The company reported that sales in China were up $68 million thanks to a consolidation of an entity there in which the company has a majority interest. In the United States, net income was affected by the $30 million increase in commodities costs as well as weak sales and profit at KFC.