Yum! Adding 1,500 Units In '06

LOUISVILLE, KY-Yum! Brands, the operator of the KFC, Taco Bell and other fast-food chains, expects to add 1,500 units to its global store base next year. Executives expect to add 350 US restaurants; 400 in its China Division, which includes China, Taiwan and Thailand; and 750 in its International Division, representing other countries.

Sales are forecast to increase between 3% and 4% in the US, 22% in China and by at least 5% in other countries. This equates to system-wide growth of between 5% and 6% around the globe.

Yum! executives have also confirmed their $2.64 earnings per share target for the year. For next year they are predicting at least a 10% jump in EPS, coming in around $2.90. Officials also expect margins to improve in 2006.