Yum Brands 1Q profit rises 10 pct; China soars

By BRUCE SCHREINER

LOUISVILLE, Ky.

The owner of the Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC brands says its first-quarter profit rose 10 percent as growth in its China operations more than offset sluggish performance in the U.S.

Yum Brands Inc. said Wednesday that Taco Bell's sales fell 2 percent after a lawsuit questioned the beef content of the filling in its tacos and burritos early in the quarter.

Lawyers pushing the lawsuit dropped it this week. Taco Bell had said its accusations were false.

Yum, based in Louisville, reported net income of $264 million, or 54 cents per share, up from $241 million, or 50 cents per share. Its revenue was $2.43 billion, up from $2.35 a year earlier.

Analysts expected 64 cents per share and revenue of $2.4 billion.