10-K 1 finalform10k.htm YUM! BRANDS, INC, 2004 FORM-10K 2004 Form 10-K


  
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
 

  
FORM 10-K

|X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
  EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  [FEE REQUIRED] for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004
   
 OR
   
|_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
  EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  [NO FEE REQUIRED]

For the transition period from ____________ to _________________

Commission file number 1-13163



YUM! BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

North Carolina      13-3951308
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
1441 Gardiner Lane, Louisville, Kentucky      40213
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (502) 874-8300
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
   
Common Stock, no par value New York Stock Exchange
   
Rights to purchase Series A New York Stock Exchange
Participating Preferred Stock, no par  
value of the Registrant  
   
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
None
 

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes |X| No |_|  

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. |X|

         The aggregate market value of the voting stock (which consists solely of shares of Common Stock) held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 12, 2004 computed by reference to the closing price of the registrant’s Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on such date was $10,836,560,846. All executive officers and directors of the registrant have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be “affiliates” of the registrant.

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes |X| No |_|  

         The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock as of February 17, 2005 was 291,379,627 shares.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

         Portions of the definitive proxy statement furnished to shareholders of the registrant in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 19, 2005 are incorporated by reference into Part III.

  



PART I

Item 1.                    Business.

YUM! Brands, Inc. (referred to herein as “YUM” or the “Company”), was incorporated under the laws of the state of North Carolina in 1997. The principal executive offices of YUM are located at 1441 Gardiner Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40213, and the telephone number at that location is (502) 874-8300.

YUM, the registrant, together with its restaurant operating companies and other subsidiaries, is referred to in this Form 10-K annual report (“Form 10-K”) as the Company. Prior to October 6, 1997, the business of the Company was conducted by PepsiCo, Inc. (“PepsiCo”) through various subsidiaries and divisions.

This Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with the Cautionary Statements on pages 43 and 44.

(a)              General Development of Business

In January 1997, PepsiCo announced its decision to spin-off its restaurant businesses to shareholders as an independent public company (the “Spin-off”). Effective October 6, 1997, PepsiCo disposed of its restaurant businesses by distributing all of the outstanding shares of common stock of YUM to its shareholders. YUM’s Common Stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on October 7, 1997 under the symbol “YUM.” Prior to that date, from September 17, 1997 through October 6, 1997, YUM’s Common Stock was traded on the New York Stock Exchange on a “when-issued” basis.

On May 7, 2002, YUM completed the acquisition of Yorkshire Global Restaurants, Inc. (“YGR”), the parent company and operator of Long John Silver’s (“LJS”) and A&W All-American Food Restaurants (“A&W”). Additionally, on May 16, 2002, following receipt of shareholder approval, the Company changed its name from TRICON Global Restaurants, Inc. to YUM! Brands, Inc.

Throughout this Form 10-K, the terms “restaurants,” “stores” and “units” are used interchangeably.

(b)              Financial Information about Operating Segments

YUM consists of five operating segments: KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, LJS/A&W and YUM Restaurants International (“YRI” or “International”). For financial reporting purposes, management considers the four U.S. operating segments to be similar and, therefore, has aggregated them into a single reportable operating segment. Operating segment information for the years ended December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 for the Company is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) in Part II, Item 7, pages 21 through 44 and in the related Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes in Part II, Item 8, pages 45 through 84.

(c)              Narrative Description of Business

General

YUM is the world’s largest quick service restaurant (“QSR”) company based on number of system units, with over 33,000 units in more than 100 countries and territories. The YUM organization is currently made up of six operating companies organized around the five restaurant concepts of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, LJS and A&W (the “Concepts”). The six operating companies are KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, LJS, A&W and YRI.


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Restaurant Concepts

Through its five Concepts, the Company develops, operates, franchises and licenses a worldwide system of restaurants which prepare, package and sell a menu of competitively priced food items. These restaurants are operated by the Company or, under the terms of franchise or license agreements, by franchisees or licensees who are independent third parties, or by affiliates in which we own a non-controlling equity interest (“Unconsolidated Affiliates”).

In each Concept, consumers can dine in and/or carry out food. In addition, Taco Bell, KFC, LJS and A&W offer a drive-thru option in many stores. Pizza Hut offers a drive-thru option on a much more limited basis. Pizza Hut and, on a much more limited basis, KFC offer delivery service.

Each Concept has proprietary menu items and emphasizes the preparation of food with high quality ingredients as well as unique recipes and special seasonings to provide appealing, tasty and attractive food at competitive prices.

The franchise program of the Company is designed to assure consistency and quality, and the Company is selective in granting franchises. Under the standard franchise agreement, franchisees supply capital – initially by paying a franchise fee to YUM, purchasing or leasing the land, building and equipment and purchasing signs, seating, inventories and supplies and, over the longer term, by reinvesting in the business. Franchisees then contribute to the Company’s revenues through the payment of royalties based on a percentage of sales.

The Company believes that it is important to maintain strong and open relationships with its franchisees and their representatives. To this end, the Company invests a significant amount of time working with the franchisee community and their representative organizations on all aspects of the business, including new products, equipment and management techniques.

The Company is actively pursuing the strategy of multibranding, where two or more of its Concepts are operated in a single unit. By combining two or more restaurant concepts, particularly those that have complementary daypart strengths in one location, the Company believes it can generate higher sales volumes from such units, significantly improve returns on per unit investment, and enhance its ability to penetrate a greater number of trade areas throughout the U.S.. Through market planning initiatives encompassing all of its Concepts, the Company has established, and annually updates, multi-year development plans by trade area to optimize franchise and company penetration of its Concepts and to improve returns on its existing asset base. The development of multibranded units may be limited, in some instances, by prior development and/or territory rights granted to franchisees.

At year-end 2004, there were 2,824 multibranded units in the worldwide system. These units were comprised of 2,431 units offering food products from two of the Concepts (a “2n1”), 49 units offering food products from three of the Concepts (a “3n1”), 331 units offering food products from Pizza Hut and WingStreet, a flavored chicken wings concept YUM has developed, and 13 units offering food products from one of the Concepts and either Pasta Bravo, a concept currently in development by the Company, or a restaurant concept not owned by or affiliated with YUM.

Restaurant Operations

Through its Concepts, YUM develops, operates, franchises and licenses a worldwide system of both traditional and non-traditional QSR restaurants. Traditional units feature dine-in, carryout and, in some instances, drive-thru or delivery services. Non-traditional units, which are typically licensed outlets, include express units and kiosks which have a more limited menu and operate in non-traditional locations like malls, airports, gasoline service stations, convenience stores, stadiums, amusement parks and colleges, where a full-scale traditional outlet would not be practical or efficient.


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The Company’s restaurant management structure varies by concept and unit size. Generally, each Company restaurant is led by a restaurant general manager (“RGM”), together with one or more assistant managers, depending on the operating complexity and sales volume of the restaurant. In the U.S., the average restaurant has 25 to 30 employees, while internationally this figure can be significantly higher depending on the location and sales volume of the restaurant. Most of the employees work on a part-time basis. The Company’s six operating companies each issue detailed manuals covering all aspects of their respective operations, including food handling and product preparation procedures, safety and quality issues, equipment maintenance, facility standards and accounting control procedures. The restaurant management teams are responsible for the day-to-day operation of each unit and for ensuring compliance with operating standards. CHAMPS – which stands for Cleanliness, Hospitality, Accuracy, Maintenance, Product Quality and Speed of Service – is our core systemwide program for training, measuring and rewarding employee performance against key customer measures. CHAMPS is intended to align the operating processes of our entire system around one set of standards. RGMs’ efforts, including CHAMPS performance measures, are monitored by Area Managers or Market Coaches. Market Coaches typically work with approximately six to twelve restaurants. The Company’s restaurants are visited from time to time by various senior operators who help ensure adherence to system standards and mentor restaurant team members.

RGMs attend and complete their respective operating company’s required training programs. These programs consist of initial training, as well as additional continuing development and training programs that may be offered or required from time to time. Initial manager training programs generally last at least six weeks and emphasize leadership, business management, supervisory skills (including training, coaching, and recruiting), product preparation and production, safety, quality control, customer service, labor management, and equipment maintenance.

Following is a brief description of each operating company:

KFC

 
KFC was founded in Corbin, Kentucky by Colonel Harland D. Sanders, an early developer of the quick service food business and a pioneer of the restaurant franchise concept. The Colonel perfected his secret blend of 11 herbs and spices for Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1939 and signed up his first franchisee in 1952. KFC is based in Louisville, Kentucky.
 
As of year-end 2004, KFC was the leader in the U.S. chicken QSR segment among companies featuring chicken- on-the-bone as their primary product offering, with a 46 percent market share in that segment which is nearly four times that of its closest national competitor.
 
KFC operates in 89 countries and territories throughout the world. As of year-end 2004, KFC had 5,525 units in the U.S., and 7,741 units outside the U.S. Approximately 23 percent of both the U.S. and non-U.S. units are operated by the Company.
 
Traditional KFC restaurants in the U.S. offer fried chicken-on-the-bone products, primarily marketed under the names Original Recipe and Extra Tasty Crispy. Other principal entree items include chicken sandwiches (including the Twister), Colonel’s Crispy Strips, Popcorn Chicken and, seasonally, Chunky Chicken Pot Pies. KFC restaurants in the U.S. also offer a variety of side items, such as biscuits, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, corn, and potato wedges, as well as desserts. While many of these products are offered outside of the U.S., menus internationally are more focused on chicken sandwiches and Colonel’s Crispy Strips, and include side items that are suited to local preferences and tastes. Restaurant decor throughout the world is characterized by the image of the Colonel.

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Pizza Hut

 
The first Pizza Hut restaurant was opened in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, and within a year, the first franchise unit was opened. Today, Pizza Hut is the largest restaurant chain in the world specializing in the sale of ready-to-eat pizza products. Pizza Hut is based in Dallas, Texas.
 
As of year-end 2004, Pizza Hut was the leader in the U.S. pizza QSR segment, with a 16 percent market share in that segment.
 
Pizza Hut operates in 86 countries and territories throughout the world. As of year-end 2004, Pizza Hut had 7,500 units in the U.S., and 4,774 units outside of the U.S. Approximately 23 percent of the U.S. units and 21 percent of the non-U.S. units are operated by the Company.
 
Pizza Hut features a variety of pizzas, which may include Pan Pizza, Thin ’n Crispy, Hand Tossed, Sicilian, Stuffed Crust, Twisted Crust, The Big New Yorker, The Insider, The Chicago Dish and 4forALL. Each of these pizzas is offered with a variety of different toppings. In some restaurants, Pizza Hut also offers breadsticks, pasta, salads and sandwiches. Menu items outside of the U.S. are generally similar to those offered in the U.S., though pizza toppings are often suited to local preferences and tastes.
 

Taco Bell

 
The first Taco Bell restaurant was opened in 1962 by Glen Bell in Downey, California, and in 1964, the first Taco Bell franchise was sold. Taco Bell is based in Irvine, California.
 
As of year-end 2004, Taco Bell was the leader in the U.S. Mexican QSR segment, with a 64 percent market share in that segment.
 
Taco Bell operates in 11 countries and territories throughout the world. As of year-end 2004, there were 5,900 Taco Bell units in the U.S., and 238 units outside of the U.S. Approximately 22 percent of the U.S. units and 5 percent of the non-U.S. units are operated by the Company.
 
Taco Bell specializes in Mexican-style food products, including various types of tacos, burritos, gorditas, chalupas, quesadillas, salads, nachos and other related items. Additionally, proprietary entrée items include Grilled Stuft Burritos and Border Bowls. Taco Bell units feature a distinctive bell logo on their signage.
 

LJS

 
The first LJS restaurant opened in 1969 and the first LJS franchise unit opened later the same year. LJS is based in Louisville, Kentucky.
 
As of year-end 2004, LJS was the leader in the U.S. seafood QSR segment, with a 35 percent market share in that segment.
 
LJS operates in 4 countries and territories throughout the world. As of year-end 2004, there were 1,200 LJS units in the U.S., and 34 units outside the U.S. Approximately 58 percent of the U.S. units are operated by the Company. All non-U.S. units are operated by franchisees or licensees.
 
LJS features a variety of seafood items, including meals featuring batter-dipped fish, chicken, shrimp and hushpuppies. LJS units typically feature a distinctive seaside/nautical theme.

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A&W

 
A&W was founded in Lodi, California by Roy Allen in 1919 and the first A&W franchise unit opened in 1925. A&W is based in Louisville, Kentucky.
 
A&W operates in 13 countries and territories throughout the world. As of year-end 2004, there were 485 A&W units in the U.S., and 210 units outside the U.S. Approximately 4 percent of the U.S. units are operated by the Company. All non-U.S. units are operated by franchisees or licensees.
   
A&W serves A&W draft Root Beer and a signature A&W Root Beer float, as well as all-American pure-beef hamburgers and hot dogs.
 

International

The international operations of the five Concepts are consolidated into a separate operating company (YRI), which has directed its focus toward franchise system growth and concentration of Company development in those markets in which the Company believes sufficient scale is achievable. YRI has developed global systems and tools designed to improve marketing, operations consistency, product delivery, market planning and development and franchise support capability. YRI is based in Dallas, Texas.

As of year-end 2004, YRI had 12,998 units. Approximately 21 percent of these units are operated by the Company. In 2004, YRI accounted for approximately 36 percent of the Company’s revenues.

Operating Structure

In all five of its Concepts, the Company either operates units or they are operated by independent franchisees or licensees. Franchisees can range in size from individuals owning just a few units to large publicly traded companies. In addition, the Company owns non-controlling interests in Unconsolidated Affiliates who operate similar to franchisees. As of year-end 2004, approximately 23 percent of YUM’s worldwide units were operated by the Company, approximately 65 percent by franchisees, approximately 7 percent by licensees and approximately 5 percent by Unconsolidated Affiliates.

Supply and Distribution

The Company is a substantial purchaser of a number of food and paper products, equipment and other restaurant supplies. The principal items purchased include chicken products, cheese, beef and pork products, paper and packaging materials, flour, produce, certain beverages, seafood, cooking oils, pinto beans, seasonings and tomato-based products.

The Company, along with the representatives of the Company’s KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, LJS and A&W franchisee groups, are members in the Unified FoodService Purchasing Co-op, LLC (the “Unified Co-op”) which was created for the purpose of purchasing certain restaurant products and equipment in the U.S. The core mission of the Unified Co-op is to provide the lowest possible sustainable store-delivered prices for restaurant products and equipment. This arrangement combines the purchasing power of the Company and franchisee restaurants in the U.S. which the Company believes will further leverage the system’s scale to drive cost savings and effectiveness in the purchasing function. The Company also believes that the Unified Co-op has resulted, and should continue to result, in closer alignment of interests and a stronger relationship with its franchisee community.


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The Company is committed to conducting its business in an ethical, legal and socially responsible manner. To encourage compliance with all legal requirements and ethical business practices, YUM has a supplier code of conduct for all U.S. suppliers to our business. To ensure the wholesomeness of food products, suppliers are required to meet or exceed strict quality control standards. Long-term contracts and long-term vendor relationships are used to ensure availability of products. The Company has not experienced any significant continuous shortages of supplies, and alternative sources for most of these products are generally available. Prices paid for these supplies are subject to fluctuation. When prices increase, the Company may be able to pass on such increases to its customers, although there is no assurance this can be done in the future.

Most food products, paper and packaging supplies, and equipment used in the operation of the Company’s restaurants are distributed to individual restaurant units by third party distribution companies. Since November 30, 2000, McLane Company, Inc. (“McLane”) has been the exclusive distributor for Company-operated KFCs, Pizza Huts and Taco Bells in the U.S. and for a substantial number of franchisee and licensee stores. McLane became the distributor when it assumed all supply and distribution responsibilities under an existing agreement between AmeriServe Food Distribution, Inc. (“AmeriServe”) and the Company (the “AmeriServe Agreement”). McLane assumed the AmeriServe Agreement, as amended, as well as distribution agreements covering a substantial portion of the Pizza Hut and Taco Bell franchise system, and, to a lesser extent, the KFC franchise system simultaneously with its acquisition of the AmeriServe business. The AmeriServe business was acquired by McLane after AmeriServe filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and a plan of reorganization for AmeriServe (the “POR”) was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on November 28, 2000. A discussion of the impact of the AmeriServe bankruptcy reorganization process on the Company is contained in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 60.

In connection with McLane’s acquisition and assumption of the AmeriServe Agreement, the Company agreed to certain amendments, including an extension of the AmeriServe Agreement through October 31, 2010. Under the terms of the Agreement with McLane, Company-operated KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants in the U.S. generally cannot use alternative distributors. The Company stores within the LJS system are covered under a separate agreement with McLane.

YRI and its franchisees use decentralized sourcing and distribution systems involving many different global, regional, and local suppliers and distributors. In certain countries, including China, YRI owns all or a portion of the distribution system.

Trademarks and Patents

The Company and its Concepts own numerous registered trademarks and service marks. The Company believes that many of these marks, including its Kentucky Fried Chicken®, KFC®, Pizza Hut®, Taco Bell® and Long John Silver’s® marks, have significant value and are materially important to its business. The Company’s policy is to pursue registration of its important marks whenever feasible and to oppose vigorously any infringement of its marks. The Company also licenses certain A&W trademarks and service marks (the “A&W Marks”), which are owned by A&W Concentrate Company (formerly A&W Brands, Inc.). A&W Concentrate Company, which is not affiliated with the Company, has granted the Company an exclusive, worldwide (excluding Canada), perpetual, royalty-free license (with the right to sublicense) to use the A&W Marks for restaurant services.

The use of these marks by franchisees and licensees has been authorized in KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, LJS and A&W franchise and license agreements. Under current law and with proper use, the Company’s rights in its marks can generally last indefinitely. The Company also has certain patents on restaurant equipment which, while valuable, are not material to its business.

Working Capital

Information about the Company’s working capital is included in MD&A in Part II, Item 7, pages 21 through 44 and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Part II, Item 8, page 47.


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Customers

The Company’s business is not dependent upon a single customer or small group of customers.

Seasonal Operations

The Company does not consider its operations to be seasonal to any material degree.

Backlog Orders

Company restaurants have no backlog orders.

Government Contracts

No material portion of the Company’s business is subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts or subcontracts at the election of the U.S. government.

Competition

The retail food industry, in which the Company competes, is made up of supermarkets, supercenters, warehouse stores, convenience stores, coffee shops, snack bars, delicatessens and restaurants (including the QSR segment), and is intensely competitive with respect to food quality, price, service, convenience, location and concept. The industry is often affected by changes in consumer tastes; national, regional or local economic conditions; currency fluctuations; demographic trends; traffic patterns; the type, number and location of competing food retailers and products; and disposable purchasing power. Each of the Concepts compete with international, national and regional restaurant chains as well as locally-owned restaurants, not only for customers, but also for management and hourly personnel, suitable real estate sites and qualified franchisees. In 2004, the restaurant business in the U.S. consisted of about 878,000 restaurants representing approximately $440 billion in annual sales. Our Concepts accounted for about 2% of those restaurants and about 4% of those sales. There is currently no way to reasonably estimate the size of the competitive market outside the U.S.

Research and Development (“R&D”)

The Company operates R&D facilities in Louisville, Kentucky; Dallas, Texas; and Irvine, California and in several locations outside the U.S. The Company expensed $26 million in both 2004 and 2003 and $23 million in 2002 for R&D activities. From time to time, independent suppliers also conduct research and development activities for the benefit of the YUM system.

Environmental Matters

The Company is not aware of any federal, state or local environmental laws or regulations that will materially affect its earnings or competitive position, or result in material capital expenditures. However, the Company cannot predict the effect on its operations of possible future environmental legislation or regulations. During 2004, there were no material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities and no such material expenditures are anticipated.

Government Regulation

U.S .   The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting its business. Each of the Company’s restaurants must comply with licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which include health, sanitation, safety and fire agencies in the state or municipality in which the restaurant is located. In addition, each of the YUM operating companies must comply with various state laws that regulate the franchisor/franchisee relationship. To date, the Company has not been significantly affected by any difficulty, delay or failure to obtain required licenses or approvals.


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A small portion of Pizza Hut’s and LJS’s sales are attributable to the sale of beer and wine. A license is required in most cases for each site that sells alcoholic beverages (in most cases, on an annual basis) and licenses may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. Regulations governing the sale of alcoholic beverages relate to many aspects of restaurant operations, including the minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising, wholesale purchasing, inventory control and handling, storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages.

The Company is also subject to federal and state laws governing such matters as employment and pay practices, overtime, tip credits and working conditions. The bulk of the Company’s employees are paid on an hourly basis at rates related to the federal and state minimum wages.

The Company is also subject to federal and state child labor laws which, among other things, prohibit the use of certain “hazardous equipment” by employees 18 years of age or younger. The Company has not to date been materially adversely affected by such laws.

The Company continues to monitor its facilities for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) in order to conform to its requirements. Under the ADA, the Company could be required to expend funds to modify its restaurants to better provide service to, or make reasonable accommodation for the employment of, disabled persons. We believe that expenditures, if required, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations.

International.  Internationally, the Company’s restaurants are subject to national and local laws and regulations which are similar to those affecting the Company’s U.S. restaurants, including laws and regulations concerning labor, health, sanitation and safety. The international restaurants are also subject to tariffs and regulations on imported commodities and equipment and laws regulating foreign investment. International compliance with environmental requirements has not had a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, capital expenditures or competitive position.

Employees

As of year-end 2004, the Company employed over 256,000 persons, approximately 77 percent of whom were part-time. Approximately 49 percent of the Company’s employees are employed in the U.S. The Company believes that it provides working conditions and compensation that compare favorably with those of its principal competitors. Most Company employees are paid on an hourly basis. Some of the Company’s non-U.S. employees are subject to labor council relationships that vary due to the diverse cultures in which the Company operates. The Company considers its employee relations to be good.

(d)              Financial Information about U.S. and International Operations

Financial information about International and U.S. markets is incorporated herein by reference from Selected Financial Data in Part II, Item 6, page 19; Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) in Part II, Item 7, pages 21 through 44; and in the related Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes in Part II, Item 8, pages 45 through 84.

(e)              Available Information

The Company makes available through its internet website www.yum.com its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The reference to the Company’s website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website and should not be considered part of this document.


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Item 2.                    Properties.

As of year-end 2004, YUM Concepts owned over 1,800 units and leased land, building or both in over 3,100 units in the U.S.; and YRI owned over 300 units and leased land, building or both in over 2,300 units outside the U.S. Company restaurants in the U.S. which are not owned are generally leased for initial terms of 15 or 20 years and generally have renewal options; however, Pizza Hut delivery/carryout units in the U.S. generally are leased for significantly shorter initial terms with short renewal options. The Company generally does not lease or sub-lease units that it owns or leases to franchisees. Pizza Hut leases its and YRI’s corporate headquarters and a research facility in Dallas, Texas. Taco Bell leases its corporate headquarters and research facility in Irvine, California. KFC owns its and LJS’s, A&W’s and YUM’s corporate headquarters and a research facility in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition, YUM leases office facilities for certain support groups in Louisville, Kentucky. The former LJS and A&W corporate headquarters and research facility in Lexington, Kentucky continues to be under lease, though efforts to transition the property out of the YUM system are ongoing. Additional information about the Company’s properties is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes in Part II, Item 8, pages 45 through 84.

The Company believes that its properties are generally in good operating condition and are suitable for the purposes for which they are being used.

Item 3.                    Legal Proceedings.  

The Company is subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, taxes, real estate, environmental and other matters arising in the normal course of business. The following is a brief description of the more significant of these categories of lawsuits and other matters. Except as stated below, the Company believes that the ultimate liability, if any, in excess of amounts already provided for these matters in the Consolidated Financial Statements, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s annual results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Franchising

A substantial number of the restaurants of each of the Concepts are franchised to independent businesses operating under arrangements with the Concepts. In the course of the franchise relationship, occasional disputes arise between the Company and its franchisees relating to a broad range of subjects, including, without limitation, quality, service, and cleanliness issues, contentions regarding grants, transfers or terminations of franchises, territorial disputes and delinquent payments.

Suppliers

The Company, through approved distributors, purchases food, paper, equipment and other restaurant supplies from numerous independent suppliers throughout the world. These suppliers are required to meet and maintain compliance with the Company’s standards and specifications. On occasion, disputes arise between the Company and its suppliers on a number of issues, including, but not limited to, compliance with product specifications and terms of procurement and service requirements.


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Employees

At any given time, the Company employs hundreds of thousands of persons, primarily in its restaurants. In addition, each year thousands of persons seek employment with the Company and its restaurants. From time to time, disputes arise regarding employee hiring, compensation, termination and promotion practices.

Like other retail employers, the Company has been faced in a few states with allegations of purported class-wide wage and hour violations.

On August 13, 2003, a class action lawsuit against Pizza Hut, Inc., entitled Coldiron v. Pizza Hut, Inc., was filed in the United States District Court, Central District of California. Plaintiff alleges that she and other current and former Pizza Hut Restaurant General Managers (“RGM’s”) were improperly classified as exempt employees under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). There is also a pendent state law claim, alleging that current and former RGM’s in California were misclassified under that state’s law. Plaintiff seeks unpaid overtime wages and penalties. On May 5, 2004, the District Court granted conditional certification of a nationwide class of RGM’s under the FLSA claim, providing notice to prospective class members and an opportunity to join the class. Approximately 10 percent of the eligible class members have joined the litigation. Once class certification discovery is completed, Pizza Hut intends to challenge the propriety of conditional class certification. On July 20, 2004, the District Court granted summary judgment on Ms. Coldiron’s individual FLSA claim. Pizza Hut believes that the District Court’s summary judgment ruling in favor of Ms. Coldiron is clearly erroneous under well-established legal precedent. As of February 23, 2005, Ms. Coldiron has also filed a motion to certify an additional class of current and former California RGM’s under California state law, a motion for summary judgment on her individual state law claims and a motion requesting that the District Court enter summary judgment on the damages that FLSA class members would be due upon successful prosecution of the class-wide litigation. Pizza Hut is opposing all three motions.

We continue to believe that Pizza Hut has properly classified its RGM’s as exempt under the FLSA and California law and accordingly intend to vigorously defend against all claims in this lawsuit. However, in view of the inherent uncertainties of litigation, the outcome of this case cannot be predicted at this time. Likewise, the amount of any potential loss cannot be reasonably estimated.

Customers

The Company’s restaurants serve a large and diverse cross-section of the public and in the course of serving so many people, disputes arise regarding products, service, accidents and other matters typical of large restaurant systems such as those of the Company.

On December 17, 2002, Taco Bell was named as the defendant in a class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California entitled Moeller, et al. v. Taco Bell Corp.  On August 4, 2003, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint that alleges, among other things, that Taco Bell has discriminated against the class of people who use wheelchairs or scooters for mobility by failing to make its approximately 220 company-owned restaurants in California (the “California Restaurants”) accessible to the class. Plaintiffs contend that queue rails and other architectural and structural elements of the Taco Bell restaurants relating to the path of travel and use of the facilities by persons with mobility-related disabilities (including parking spaces, ramps, counters, restroom facilities and seating) do not comply with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”), the Unruh Civil Rights Act (the “Unruh Act”), and the California Disabled Persons Act (the “CDPA”). Plaintiffs have requested: (a) an injunction from the District Court ordering Taco Bell to comply with the ADA and its implementing regulations; (b) that the District Court declare Taco Bell in violation of the ADA, the Unruh Act, and the CDPA; and (c) monetary relief under the Unruh Act or CDPA. Plaintiffs, on behalf of the class, are seeking the minimum statutory damages per offense of either $4,000 under the Unruh Act or $1,000 under the CDPA for each aggrieved member of the class. Plaintiffs contend that there may be in excess of 100,000 individuals in the class. For themselves, the four named plaintiffs have claimed aggregate minimum statutory damages of no less than $16,000, but are expected to claim greater amounts based on the number of Taco Bell outlets they visited at which they claim to have suffered discrimination.


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On February 23, 2004, the District Court granted Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The District Court certified a Rule 23(b)(2) mandatory injunctive relief class of all individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs or electric scooters for mobility who, at any time on or after December 17, 2001, were denied, or are currently being denied, on the basis of disability, the full and equal enjoyment of the California Restaurants. The class includes claims for injunctive relief and minimum statutory damages.

Pursuant to the parties’ agreement, on or about August 31, 2004, the District Court ordered that the trial of this action be bifurcated so that stage one will resolve Plaintiffs’ claims for equitable relief and stage two will resolve Plaintiffs’ claims for damages. The parties are currently proceeding with the equitable relief stage of this action. During this stage, Taco Bell filed a motion to partially decertify the class to exclude from the Rule 23(b)(2) class claims for monetary damages. The District Court denied the motion. Plaintiffs filed their own motion for partial summary judgment as to liability relating to a subset of the California Restaurants. The District Court denied that motion as well.

Taco Bell has denied liability and intends to vigorously defend against all claims in this lawsuit. Although this lawsuit is at an early stage in the proceedings, it is likely that certain of the California Restaurants will be determined to be not fully compliant with accessibility laws and that Taco Bell will be required to take certain steps to make those restaurants fully compliant. However, at this time, it is not possible to estimate with reasonable certainty the potential costs to bring any non-compliant California Restaurants into compliance with applicable state and federal disability access laws. Nor is it possible at this time to reasonably estimate the probability or amount of liability for monetary damages on a class-wide basis to Taco Bell.

Intellectual Property

The Company has registered trademarks and service marks, many of which are of material importance to the Company’s business. From time to time, the Company may become involved in litigation to defend and protect its use of its registered marks.

Other Litigation

On January 16, 1998, a lawsuit against Taco Bell Corp., entitled Wrench LLC, Joseph Shields and Thomas Rinks v. Taco Bell Corp. (“Wrench”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The lawsuit alleged that Taco Bell Corp. misappropriated certain ideas and concepts used in its advertising featuring a Chihuahua. The plaintiffs sought to recover monetary damages under several theories, including breach of implied-in-fact contract, idea misappropriation, conversion and unfair competition. On June 10, 1999, the District Court granted summary judgment in favor of Taco Bell Corp. Plaintiffs filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and oral arguments were held on September 20, 2000. On July 6, 2001, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the District Court’s judgment in favor of Taco Bell Corp. and remanded the case to the District Court. Taco Bell Corp. unsuccessfully petitioned the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals for rehearing en banc, and its petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court was denied on January 21, 2002. The case was returned to District Court for trial which began on May 14, 2003 and on June 4, 2003 the jury awarded $30 million to the plaintiffs. Subsequently, the plaintiffs’ moved to amend the judgment to include pre-judgment interest and post-judgment interest and Taco Bell filed its post-trial motion for judgment as a matter of law or a new trial. On September 9, 2003, the District Court denied Taco Bell’s motion and granted the plaintiff’s motion to amend the judgment.

In view of the jury verdict and subsequent District Court ruling, we recorded a charge of $42 million in 2003. We appealed the verdict to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and interest continued to accrue during the appeal process. Prior to a ruling from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, we settled this matter with the Wrench plaintiffs on January 15, 2005. Concurrent with the settlement with the plaintiffs, we also settled the matter with certain of our insurance carriers. As a result of these settlements, reversals of previously recorded expense of $14 million were recorded in the year ended December 25, 2004.


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We intend to continue to seek additional recoveries from our other insurance carriers during the periods in question. We have also filed suit against Taco Bell’s former advertising agency in the United States District Court for the Central District of California seeking reimbursement for the settlement amount as well as any costs that we have incurred in defending this matter. Any additional recoveries will be recorded as they are realized.


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Item 4.                    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

None.

Executive Officers of the Registrant   

The executive officers of the Company as of February 17, 2005, and their ages and current positions as of that date are as follows:


Name   Age   Position

  
  
David C. Novak   52   Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
 
David J. Deno   47   Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
 
Christian L. Campbell   54   Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Franchise Policy Officer
 
Jonathan D. Blum   46   Senior Vice President – Public Affairs
 
Charles E. Rawley, III   54   Chief Development Officer
 
Anne P. Byerlein   46   Chief People Officer
 
Gregory N. Moore   55   Senior Vice President and Controller
 
Richard T. Carucci   47   Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer – Designate
 
Gregg R. Dedrick   45   President and Chief Concept Officer, KFC
 
Peter R. Hearl   53   President and Chief Concept Officer, Pizza Hut
 
Emil J. Brolick   57   President and Chief Concept Officer, Taco Bell
 
Graham D. Allan   49   President, YUM! Restaurants International
 
Samuel Su   52   President, YUM! Restaurants China

David C. Novak  is Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of YUM. He has served in this position since January 2001. From December 1999 to January 2001, Mr. Novak served as Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of YUM. From October 1997 to December 1999, he served as Vice Chairman and President of YUM. Mr. Novak previously served as Group President and Chief Executive Officer, KFC and Pizza Hut from August 1996 to July 1997. Mr. Novak joined Pizza Hut in 1986 as Senior Vice President, Marketing. In 1990, he became Executive Vice President, Marketing and National Sales, for Pepsi-Cola Company. In 1992, he became Chief Operating Officer, Pepsi-Cola North America, and in 1994 he became President and Chief Executive Officer of KFC North America. Mr. Novak is also a director of J.P. Morgan Chase.

David J. Deno is Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of YUM. He has served as Chief Financial Officer since November 1999 and as Chief Operating Officer since October 2004. From August 1997 to November 1999, Mr. Deno served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of YRI. From August 1996 to August 1997, Mr. Deno served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Pizza Hut. From 1994 to August 1996, Mr. Deno was Division Vice President for the Florida Division of Pizza Hut. Mr. Deno joined Pizza Hut in 1991 as Vice President and Controller.


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Christian L. Campbell is Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Franchise Policy Officer of YUM. He has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since September 1997. In January 2003, his title and job responsibilities were expanded to include Chief Franchise Policy Officer. From 1995 to September 1997, Mr. Campbell served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Owens Corning, a building products company. Before joining Owens Corning, Mr. Campbell served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Nalco Chemical Company in Naperville, Illinois, from 1990 through 1994.

Jonathan D. Blum  is Senior Vice President – Public Affairs for YUM. He has served in this position since July 1997. Mr. Blum previously served as Vice President of Public Affairs for Taco Bell, a position that he held since joining Taco Bell in 1993.

Charles E. Rawley, III  is Chief Development Officer of YUM, a position he assumed in January of 2001. Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of KFC. Mr. Rawley assumed his position of Chief Operating Officer in 1995 and President in 1998. Mr. Rawley joined KFC in 1985 as a Director of Operations. He served as Vice President of Operations for the Southwest, West, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic Divisions from 1988 to 1994, when he became Senior Vice President, Concept Development for KFC.

Anne P. Byerlein  is Chief People Officer of YUM. She has served in this position since December 2002. From October 1997 to December 2002, she was Vice President of Human Resources of YUM. From October 2000 to December 2002, she also served as KFC’s Chief People Officer. Ms. Byerlein has also served as Vice President of Corporate Human Resources of PepsiCo. From 1988 to 1996, Ms. Byerlein served in a variety of human resources positions within the restaurant divisions of PepsiCo.

Gregory N. Moore is Senior Vice President and Controller of YUM. He has served in this position since September 2003. Prior to that, he was Vice President, Audit and General Auditor of YUM from October 1997 to September 2003. He was Vice President and Controller at Taco Bell from May 1989 to October 1997 and Assistant Corporate Controller at Taco Bell from February 1986 to May 1989. He held management positions in PepsiCola International from May 1983 to February 1986.

Richard T. Carucci  is Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer – Designate of YUM. He has served in this position since October 2004. From May 2003 to October 2004, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of YRI. From November 2002 to May 2003, he served as Senior Vice President for YRI and also assisted Pizza Hut in asset strategy development. From November 1999 to July 2002, he was Chief Financial Officer of YRI.

Gregg R. Dedrick is President and Chief Concept Officer of KFC. He has served in this position since September 2003. From January 2002 to September 2003, Mr. Dedrick acted as a Strategic Advisor to YUM while serving as Chief Administrative Officer of his church, which is one of the ten largest churches in the United States. From July 1997 to January 2002, he served as Chief People Officer of YUM. Mr. Dedrick also served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Pizza Hut and KFC, a position he assumed in 1996. He served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources of KFC in 1995 and Vice President, Human Resources of Pizza Hut in 1994. Mr. Dedrick joined the Pepsi-Cola Company in 1981 and held various positions from 1981 to 1994.

Peter R. Hearl  is President and Chief Concept Officer of Pizza Hut. Prior to this position, he was Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President of YUM, a position he held from January 2002 until November 2002. From December 1998 to January 2002, he served as Executive Vice President of YRI. Prior to that, he was Regional Vice President for YRI in Asia Pacific, a position he assumed in October 1997. From March 1996 to September 1997, Mr. Hearl was Regional Vice President for YRI with responsibility for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Prior to that, he was Regional Vice President for KFC with responsibility for the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa, a position he assumed in January 1995. From September 1993 to December 1994, Mr. Hearl was Regional Vice President for KFC Europe.


15



Emil J. Brolick  is President and Chief Concept Officer of Taco Bell. He has served in this position since July 2000. Prior to joining Taco Bell, Mr. Brolick served as Senior Vice President of New Product Marketing, Research & Strategic Planning for Wendy’s International, Inc. from August 1995 to July 2000. From March 1988 to August 1995, he held various positions at Wendy’s including Manager, Planning and Evaluation and Vice President, Strategic Planning and Research.

Graham D. Allan is the President of YRI. He has served in this position since November 2003. Immediately prior to this position he served as Executive Vice President of YRI. From December 2000 to January 2003 Mr. Allan was the Managing Director of YRI. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of KFC in the United Kingdom from 1996 until November 2000.

Samuel Su  is the President of YUM! Restaurants China. He has served in this position since 1997. Prior to this he was the Vice President of North Asia for both KFC and Pizza Hut. Mr. Su started his career with YUM in 1989 as KFC International’s Director of Marketing for the North Pacific area.

Executive officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.


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PART II

Item 5.                    Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

The Company’s common stock trades under the symbol YUM and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The following sets forth the high and low NYSE composite closing sale prices by quarter for the Company’s common stock and dividends per common share.


  2004  
   
 
Quarter   High   Low   Dividends
Declared
  Dividends
Paid
 

 
 
 
 
 
First   $ 38.28   $ 32.56   $   $  
Second     39.50     35.72     0.10      
Third     40.13     35.88         0.10  
Fourth     46.95     39.33     0.20     0.10  
   
 
 
 
 

  2003  
   
 
Quarter   High   Low   Dividends
Declared
  Dividends
Paid
 

 
 
 
 
 
First   $ 25.75   $ 22.06   $   $  
Second     28.54     23.40          
Third     30.82     28.55          
Fourth     35.13     29.40          
   
 
 
 
 

We initiated the payment of quarterly dividends to our stockholders in 2004. Three cash dividends of $0.10 per share of common stock, $87 million in total, were declared. The dividend declared late in 2004 had a distribution date of February 4, 2005. Going forward, the Company is targeting dividend payments equating to a payout ratio of 15% to 20% of net income.

As of February 17, 2005, there were approximately 100,500 registered holders of record of the Company’s common stock.

The Company had no sales of unregistered securities during 2004, 2003 or 2002.


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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information as of December 25, 2004 with respect to shares of Common Stock repurchased by the Company during the quarter then ended:


Fiscal Periods   Total number
of shares
purchased
  Average
price paid per
share
  Total number of
shares purchased as
part of publicly
announced plans or
programs
  Approximate dollar
value of shares that
may yet be purchased
under the plans or
programs
 

 
 
 
 
 
Period 10                  
9/5/04 - 10/2/04               $ 300,048,827  
                           
Period 11  
10/3/04 - 10/30/04     566,000   $ 42.70     566,000   $ 275,879,162  
                           
Period 12  
10/31/04 - 11/27/04     21,000   $ 43.44     21,000   $ 274,966,892  
                           
Period 13  
11/28/04 - 12/25/04     5,367,110   $ 46.58     5,367,110   $ 24,966,909  
                           
Total     5,954,110   $ 46.20     5,954,110   $ 24,966,909  

In November 2003, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program. This program authorized us to repurchase, through May 21, 2005, up to $300 million of our outstanding Common Stock (excluding applicable transaction fees). During the quarter ended December 25, 2004, this share repurchase program was completed.

In May 2004, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program. This program authorized us to repurchase through November 21, 2005, up to $300 million of our outstanding Common Stock (excluding applicable transaction fees). During the quarter ended December 25, 2004, the majority of our share repurchases were made under this program.


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Item 6.                    Selected Financial Data.

Selected Financial Data
YUM! Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(in millions, except per share and unit amounts)


Fiscal Year  
 
 
2004   2003   2002   2001   2000  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Operations                      
Revenues  
   Company sales   $ 7,992   $ 7,441   $ 6,891   $ 6,138   $ 6,305  
   Franchise and license fees     1,019     939     866     815     788  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Total     9,011     8,380     7,757     6,953     7,093  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Facility actions(a)     (26 )   (36 )   (32 )   (1 )   176  
Wrench litigation income (expense)(b)     14     (42 )            
AmeriServe and other (charges) credits(c)     16     26     27     3     (204 )
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit     1,155     1,059     1,030     891     860  
Interest expense, net     129     173     172     158     176  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes and cumulative effective  
  of accounting change     1,026     886     858     733     684  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change     740     618     583     492     413  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax(d)         (1 )            
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income     740     617     583     492     413  
Basic earnings per common share(e)     2.54     2.10     1.97     1.68     1.41  
Diluted earnings per common share(e)     2.42     2.02     1.88     1.62     1.39  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Data  
Provided by operating activities   $ 1,131   $ 1,053   $ 1,088   $ 832   $ 491  
Capital spending, excluding acquisitions     645     663     760     636     572  
Proceeds from refranchising of restaurants     140     92     81     111     381  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet  
Total assets   $ 5,696   $ 5,620   $ 5,400   $ 4,425   $ 4,149  
Long-term debt     1,731     2,056     2,299     1,552     2,397  
Total debt     1,742     2,066     2,445     2,248     2,487  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Data  
Number of stores at year end  
   Company     7,743     7,854     7,526     6,435     6,123  
   Unconsolidated Affiliates     1,662     1,512     2,148     2,000     1,844  
   Franchisees     21,858     21,471     20,724     19,263     19,287  
   Licensees     2,345     2,362     2,526     2,791     3,163  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   System     33,608     33,199     32,924     30,489     30,417  
U.S. Company blended same store sales growth(f)     3 %       2 %   1 %   (2 )%
International system sales growth(g)  
   Reported     15 %   14 %   8 %   1 %   6 %
   Local currency(h)     9 %   7 %   9 %   8 %   8 %
Shares outstanding at year end(e)     290     292     294     293     293  
Cash dividends declared per common share   $ 0.30                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market price per share at year end (e)   $ 46.27   $ 33.64   $ 24.12   $ 24.62   $ 16.50  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fiscal years 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 include 52 weeks and fiscal year 2000 includes 53 weeks. From May 7, 2002, results include Long John Silver’s (“LJS”) and A&W All-American Food Restaurants (“A&W”), which were added when we acquired Yorkshire Global Restaurants, Inc. Fiscal year 2002 includes the impact of the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”). As a result we ceased amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets beginning December 30, 2001. If SFAS 142 had been effective for 2001 and 2000, reported net income would have increased $26 million and $24 million, respectively. Both basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share would have increased $0.09 and $0.08 in 2001 and 2000, respectively. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto.

 
(a) See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of Facility actions in 2004, 2003 and 2002.
 
(b) See Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of Wrench litigation in 2004 and 2003.
 
(c) See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of AmeriServe and other charges (credits) in 2004, 2003 and 2002.
 
(d) Fiscal year 2003 includes the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
(e) Per share and share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split distributed on June 17, 2002.
 
(f) U.S. Company blended same-store sales growth includes the results of Company owned KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants that have been open one year or more. LJS and A&W are not included.
 
(g) International system sales growth includes the results of all international restaurants regardless of ownership, including Company owned, franchise, unconsolidated affiliate and license restaurants. Sales of franchise, unconsolidated affiliate and license restaurants generate franchise and license fees for the Company (typically at a rate of 4% to 6% of sales). Franchise, unconsolidated affiliate and license restaurant sales are not included in Company sales we present on the Consolidated Statements of Income; however, the fees are included in the Company’s revenues. We believe system sales growth is useful to investors as a significant indicator of the overall strength of our business as it incorporates all our revenue drivers, Company and franchise same store sales as well as net unit development.

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(h) Local currency represents the percentage change excluding the impact of foreign currency translation. These amounts are derived by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. We believe the elimination of the foreign currency translation impact provides better year-to-year comparability without the distortion of foreign currency fluctuations.

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Item 7.                    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Introduction and Overview

YUM! Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “YUM” or the “Company”) comprises the worldwide operations of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s (“LJS”) and A&W All-American Food Restaurants (“A&W”) (collectively “the Concepts”) and is the world’s largest quick service restaurant (“QSR”) company based on the number of system units. LJS and A&W were added when YUM acquired Yorkshire Global Restaurants, Inc. (“YGR”) on May 7, 2002. With 12,998 international units, YUM is the second largest QSR company outside the U.S. YUM became an independent, publicly-owned company on October 6, 1997 (the “Spin-off Date”) via a tax-free distribution of our Common Stock (the “Distribution” or “Spin-off”) to the shareholders of our former parent, PepsiCo, Inc. (“PepsiCo”).

Through its Concepts, YUM develops, operates, franchises and licenses a system of both traditional and non-traditional QSR restaurants. Traditional units feature dine-in, carryout and, in some instances, drive-thru or delivery services. Non-traditional units, which are typically licensed outlets, include express units and kiosks which have a more limited menu and operate in non-traditional locations like malls, airports, gasoline service stations, convenience stores, stadiums, amusement parks and colleges, where a full-scale traditional outlet would not be practical or efficient.

The retail food industry, in which the Company competes, is made up of supermarkets, supercenters, warehouse stores, convenience stores, coffee shops, snack bars, delicatessens and restaurants (including the QSR segment), and is intensely competitive with respect to food quality, price, service, convenience, location and concept. The industry is often affected by changes in consumer tastes; national, regional or local economic conditions; currency fluctuations; demographic trends; traffic patterns; the type, number and location of competing food retailers and products; and disposable purchasing power. Each of the Concepts compete with international, national and regional restaurant chains as well as locally-owned restaurants, not only for customers, but also for management and hourly personnel, suitable real estate sites and qualified franchisees.

The Company’s key strategies are:

 
Building dominant restaurant brands in China
 
Driving profitable international expansion
 
Improving restaurant operations
 
Multibranding category-leading brands
 

The Company is focused on five long-term measures identified as essential to our growth and progress. These five measures and related key performance indicators are as follows:

 
International expansion
 
   International system-sales growth (local currency)
 
   Number of new international restaurant openings
 
   Net international unit growth  

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Multibrand innovation and expansion
 
     Number of multibrand restaurant locations
 
     Number of multibrand units added
 
     Number of franchise multibrand units added
 
Portfolio of category-leading U.S. brands
 
     U.S. blended same store sales growth
 
     U.S. system sales growth
 
Global franchise fees
 
     New restaurant openings by franchisees
 
     Franchise fee growth
 
Strong cash generation and returns
 
   Cash generated from all sources
 
      Cash generated from all sources after capital spending
 
      Restaurant margins
 

Our progress against these measures is discussed throughout the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”).

Throughout the MD&A, the Company provides the percentage change excluding the impact of foreign currency translation. These amounts are derived by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. We believe the elimination of the foreign currency translation impact provides better year-to-year comparability without the distortion of foreign currency fluctuations.

This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 46 through 49 and the Cautionary Statements on pages 43 and 44. All Note references herein refer to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 50 through 84. Tabular amounts are displayed in millions except per share and unit count amounts, or as otherwise specifically identified.

Factors Affecting Comparability of 2004 Results to 2003 Results and 2003 Results to 2002 Results

Lease Accounting Adjustments

In late 2004 and early 2005, a number of companies within the QSR industry announced adjustments to their accounting for leases and the depreciation of leasehold improvements. In consultation with our external auditors, we also determined that an adjustment was necessary to modify our accounting in these areas. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of 2004, we recorded an adjustment such that all of our leasehold improvements are now being depreciated over the shorter of their useful lives or the term of the lease, including options in some instances, over which we are recording rent expense, including escalations, on a straight-line basis.

The cumulative adjustment, primarily through increased U.S. depreciation expense, totaled $11.5 million ($7 million after tax). The portions of this adjustment that related to 2004 full year and 2004 fourth quarter were approximately $3 million and $1 million, respectively. As the portion of our adjustment recorded that was a correction of errors of amounts reported in our prior period financial statements was not material to any of those prior period financial statements, the entire adjustment was recorded in the 2004 Consolidated Financial Statements and no adjustment was made to any prior period financial statements. We anticipate that the impact of this accounting change will result in additional expense of $3 million in 2005.


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YGR Acquisition

On May 7, 2002, the Company completed its acquisition of YGR, the parent company of LJS and A&W. See Note 4 for a discussion of the acquisition.

As of the date of the acquisition, YGR consisted of 742 and 496 company and franchise LJS units, respectively, and 127 and 742 company and franchise A&W units, respectively. In addition, 133 multibranded LJS/A&W restaurants were included in the LJS unit totals. Except as discussed in certain sections of the MD&A, the impact of the acquisition on our results of operations in 2003 was not significant relative to 2002.

Amendment of Sale-Leaseback Agreements

As discussed in Note 14, on August 15, 2003 we amended two sale-leaseback agreements assumed in our 2002 acquisition of YGR such that the agreements now qualify for sale-leaseback accounting. Restaurant profit decreased by $5 million and by $3 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively, as a result of the two amended agreements being accounted for as operating leases subsequent to the amendment. The decrease in restaurant profit was largely offset by a similar decrease in interest expense.

Canada Unconsolidated Affiliate Dissolution

On November 10, 2003, we dissolved our unconsolidated affiliate that previously operated 733 restaurants in Canada. We owned 50% of this unconsolidated affiliate prior to its dissolution and accounted for our interest under the equity method. Of the restaurants previously operated by the unconsolidated affiliate, we now operate the vast majority of Pizza Huts and Taco Bells, while almost all KFCs are operated by franchisees. As a result of operating certain restaurants that were previously operated by the unconsolidated affiliate, our Company sales, restaurant profit and general and administrative expenses increased and our franchise fees decreased. Additionally, on a full year basis other income increased as we recorded a loss from our investment in the Canadian unconsolidated affiliate in 2003.

As a result of the dissolution of our Canadian unconsolidated affiliate, Company sales increased $147 million, franchise fees decreased $9 million, restaurant profit increased $8 million, general and administrative expenses increased $11 million and other income increased $4 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 compared to the year ended December 27, 2003. The impact on 2004 net income was not significant. The impact of the dissolution on our 2003 results was also not significant.

Sale of Puerto Rico Business

Our Puerto Rico business was held for sale since the fourth quarter of 2002 and was sold on October 4, 2004 for an amount approximating its then carrying value. Company sales and restaurant profit decreased $27 million and $4 million, respectively, franchise fees increased $1 million and general and administrative expenses decreased $1 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 as compared to the year ended December 27, 2003.

Commodity Inflation

The increased cost of certain commodities negatively impacted our U.S. margins for the year ended December 25, 2004. Higher commodity costs, particularly in cheese and meat prices, negatively impacted U.S. restaurant margins as a percentage of sales by approximately 160 basis points for the year ended December 25, 2004.


23



Wrench Litigation

We recorded income of $14 million in 2004 and expense of $42 million in 2003. See Note 24 for a discussion of the Wrench litigation.

AmeriServe and Other Charges (Credits)

We recorded income of $16 million in 2004, $26 million in 2003 and $27 million in 2002. See Note 7 for a detailed discussion of AmeriServe and other charges (credits).

Store Portfolio Strategy

From time to time we sell Company restaurants to existing and new franchisees where geographic synergies can be obtained or where their expertise can generally be leveraged to improve our overall operating performance, while retaining Company ownership of key U.S. and International markets. Such refranchisings reduce our reported revenues and restaurant profits and increase the importance of system sales growth as a key performance measure.

The following table summarizes our refranchising activities:


2004   2003   2002  
 
 
 
 
Number of units refranchised     317     228     174  
Refranchising proceeds, pre-tax   $ 140   $ 92   $ 81  
Refranchising net gains, pre-tax(a)   $ 12   $ 4   $ 19  

(a) Refranchising net gains for the year ended December 25, 2004 include charges to write down our Puerto Rico business to our then estimate of its fair value and charges to write down certain U.S. restaurants we currently own but we have offered to sell at amounts lower than their carrying values. Refranchising net gains for the year ended December 27, 2003 also include charges to write down our Puerto Rico business to our then estimate of its fair value. As previously noted, we sold our Puerto Rico business effective October 4, 2004 for an amount approximating its then carrying value.
 

In addition to our refranchising program, from time to time we close restaurants that are poor performing, we relocate restaurants to a new site within the same trade area or we consolidate two or more of our existing units into a single unit (collectively “store closures”).

The following table summarizes Company store closure activities:


2004   2003   2002  
 
 
 
 
Number of units closed     319     287     224  
Store closure costs (income)(a)   $ (3 ) $ 6   $ 15  
Impairment charges for stores to be closed   $ 5   $ 12   $ 9  

(a) Store closure income in 2004 is primarily the result of gains from the sale of properties on which we formerly operated restaurants.

24



The impact on operating profit arising from refranchising and Company store closures is the net of (a) the estimated reductions in restaurant profit, which reflects the decrease in Company sales, and general and administrative expenses and (b) the estimated increase in franchise fees from the stores refranchised. The amounts presented below reflect the estimated impact from stores that were operated by us for all or some portion of the respective previous year and were no longer operated by us as of the last day of the respective year. The amounts do not include results from new restaurants that we opened in connection with a relocation of an existing unit or any incremental impact upon consolidation of two or more of our existing units into a single unit.

The following table summarizes the estimated impact on revenue of refranchising and Company store closures:


2004  
 
 
U.S.   International   Worldwide  
 
 
 
 
Decreased sales   $ (241 ) $ (131 ) $ (372 )
Increased franchise fees     7     5     12  
 
 
 
Decrease in total revenues   $ (234 ) $ (126 ) $ (360 )
 
 
 
 

2003  
 
 
U.S.   International   Worldwide  
 
 
 
 
Decreased sales   $ (148 ) $ (120 ) $ (268 )
Increased franchise fees     1     5     6  
 
 
 
Decrease in total revenues   $ (147 ) $ (115 ) $ (262 )
 
 
 

The following table summarizes the estimated impact on operating profit of refranchising and Company store closures:

 
2004  
 
 
U.S.   International   Worldwide  
 
 
 
 
Decreased restaurant profit   $ (18 ) $ (11 ) $ (29 )
Increased franchise fees     7     5     12  
Decreased general and administrative expenses         6     6  
 
 
 
Decrease in operating profit   $ (11 ) $   $ (11 )
 
 
 
 
     
2003  
 
 
U.S.   International   Worldwide  
 
 
 
 
Decreased restaurant profit   $ (18 ) $ (15 ) $ (33 )
Increased franchise fees     1     5     6  
Decreased general and administrative expenses         6     6  
 
 
 
Decrease in operating profit   $ (17 ) $ (4 ) $ (21 )
 
 
 
 

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Results of Operations


2004   % B/(W)
vs. 2003
  2003   % B/(W)
vs. 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company sales   $ 7,992     7   $ 7,441     8  
Franchise and license fees     1,019     8     939     9  
 
     
   
Revenues   $ 9,011     8   $ 8,380     8  
 
     
   
Company restaurant profit   $ 1,159     5   $ 1,104      
 
     
   
                           
% of Company sales     14.5 %   (0.3 ) ppts.   14.8 %   (1.2 ) ppts.
 
     
   
                           
Operating profit     1,155     9     1,059     3  
Interest expense, net     129     25     173     (1 )
Income tax provision     286     (7 )   268     3  
 
     
 
               
Income before cumulative effect of  
accounting change     740     20     618     6  
                           
Cumulative effect of accounting change,  
net of tax             (1 )   NM  
 
     
   
Net income   $ 740     20   $ 617     6  
 
     
   
Diluted earnings per share(a)   $ 2.42     20   $ 2.02     7  
 
     
   

(a)       See Note 6 for the number of shares used in this calculation.

Restaurant Unit Activity


Worldwide   Company   Unconsolidated
Affiliates
  Franchisees   Total
Excluding
Licensees
 

 
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of 2002     7,526     2,148     20,724     30,398  
New Builds     454     176     868     1,498  
Acquisitions     389     (736 )   345     (2 )
Refranchising     (228 )   (1 )   227     (2 )
Closures     (287 )   (75 )   (691 )   (1,053 )
Other             (2 )   (2 )
   
 
 
 
Balance at end of 2003     7,854     1,512     21,471     30,837  
New Builds     457     178     815     1,450  
Acquisitions     72     11     (83 )    
Refranchising     (317 )       316     (1 )
Closures     (319 )   (31 )   (651 )   (1,001 )
Other     (4 )   (8 )   (10 )   (22 )
   
 
 
 
Balance at end of 2004     7,743     1,662     21,858     31,263  
   
 
 
 
% of Total     25 %   5 %   70 %   100 %

The above total excludes 2,345 and 2,362 licensed units at the end of 2004 and 2003, respectively.


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United States   Company   Unconsolidated
Affiliates
  Franchisees   Total
Excluding
Licensees
 

 
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of 2002     5,193     4     13,663     18,860  
New Builds     142     3     245     390  
Acquisitions     106         (108 )   (2 )
Refranchising     (150 )       148     (2 )
Closures     (197 )   (1 )   (386 )   (584 )
Other             4     4  
   
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of 2003     5,094     6     13,566     18,666  
New Builds     146         227     373  
Acquisitions     61         (61 )    
Refranchising     (113 )       112     (1 )
Closures     (199 )   (6 )   (365 )   (570 )
Other             3     3  
   
 
 
 
Balance at end of 2004     4,989         13,482     18,471  
   
 
 
 
% of Total     27 %       73 %   100 %
 

The above total excludes 2,139 and 2,156 licensed units at the end of 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 
International Company   Unconsolidated
Affiliates
  Franchisees   Total
Excluding
Licensees
 

 
 
 
 
 
 Balance at end of 2002     2,333     2,144     7,061     11,538  
 New Builds     312     173     623     1,108  
 Acquisitions     283     (736 )   453      
 Refranchising     (78 )   (1 )   79      
 Closures     (90 )   (74 )   (305 )   (469 )
 Other(a)             (6 )   (6 )
   
 
 
 
 Balance at end of 2003     2,760     1,506     7,905     12,171  
 New Builds     311     178     588     1,077  
 Acquisitions     11     11     (22 )    
 Refranchising     (204 )       204      
 Closures     (120 )   (25 )   (286 )   (431 )
 Other(a)     (4 )   (8 )   (13 )   (25 )
   
 
 
 
 Balance at end of 2004     2,754     1,662     8,376     12,792  
   
 
 
 
 % of Total     22 %   13 %   65 %   100 %

(a)             Represents an adjustment of previously reported amounts.

The above totals exclude 206 licensed units at both the end of 2004 and 2003.


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Included in the above totals are multibrand restaurants. Multibrand conversions increase the sales and points of distribution for the second brand added to a restaurant but do not result in an additional unit count. Similarly, a new multibrand restaurant, while increasing sales and points of distribution for two brands, results in just one additional unit count. Franchise unit counts include both franchisee and unconsolidated affiliate multibrand units. Multibrand restaurant totals were as follows:


2004 Company   Franchise   Total  


 
 
 
United States   1,391   1,250   2,641  
International   28   155   183  
 
 
 
Worldwide   1,419   1,405   2,824  



           
2003 Company   Franchise   Total


 
 
United States   1,032   1,116   2,148  
International   52   127   179  
 
 
 
Worldwide   1,084   1,243   2,327  




For 2004 and 2003, Company multibrand unit gross additions were 384 and 235, respectively. For 2004 and 2003, franchise multibrand unit gross additions were 169 and 194, respectively.

System Sales Growth


Increase
Increase excluding currency
translation

2004
2003
2004
2003
United States   3 % 3 % N/ A N/ A
International   15 % 14 % 9 % 7 %
Worldwide   8 % 7 % 5 % 5 %

System sales growth includes the results of all restaurants regardless of ownership, including Company-owned, franchise, unconsolidated affiliate and license restaurants. Sales of franchise, unconsolidated affiliate and license restaurants generate franchise and license fees for the Company (typically at a rate of 4% to 6% of sales). Franchise, unconsolidated affiliate and license restaurants sales are not included in Company sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income; however, the franchise and license fees are included in the Company’s revenues. We believe system sales growth is useful to investors as a significant indicator of the overall strength of our business as it incorporates all of our revenue drivers, Company and franchise same store sales as well as net unit development.

In 2004, the increase in Worldwide system sales was driven by new unit development and same store sales growth, partially offset by store closures. Excluding the favorable impact from both foreign currency translation and the YGR acquisition, Worldwide system sales increased 3% in 2003. The increase was driven by new unit development, partially offset by store closures.

In 2004, the increase in U.S. system sales was driven by new unit development and same store sales growth, partially offset by store closures. Excluding the favorable impact of the YGR acquisition, U.S. system sales increased 1% in 2003. The increase was driven by new unit development, partially offset by store closures.

In 2004, the increase in International system sales was driven by new unit development and same store sales growth, partially offset by store closures. In 2003, the increase in International system sales was driven by new unit development, partially offset by store closures.


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Revenues


Amount   % Increase   % Increase excluding
currency translation
 
 
 
 
 
2004   2003   2004   2003   2004   2003  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company sales                
  United States $ 5,163   $ 5,081   2   6   N/A   N/A  
  International   2,829     2,360   20   12   16   8  
 
 
               
  Worldwide   7,992     7,441   7   8   6   7  
                             
Franchise and license fees
  United States   600     574   4   1   N/A   N/A  
  International   419     365   15   23   8   14  
 
 
               
  Worldwide   1,019     939   8   9   6   6  
                             
Total revenues
  United States   5,763     5,655   2   6   N/A   N/A  
  International   3,248     2,725   19   13   15   8  
 
 
               
  Worldwide $ 9,011   $ 8,380   8   8   6   7  
 
 
               

In 2004, the increase in Worldwide Company sales was driven by new unit development, acquisitions of franchisee restaurants (primarily certain units in Canada which we now operate), and same store sales growth, partially offset by refranchising and store closures. Excluding the favorable impact of both foreign currency translation and the YGR acquisition, Worldwide Company sales increased 4% in 2003. The increase was driven by new unit development, partially offset by store closures and refranchising.

In 2004, the increase in Worldwide franchise and license fees was driven by new unit development, same store sales growth, and refranchising, partially offset by store closures and acquisitions of franchisee restaurants (primarily certain units in Canada which we now operate). Excluding the favorable impact of both foreign currency translation and the YGR acquisition, Worldwide franchise and license fees increased 5% in 2003. The increase was driven by new unit development, royalty rate increases and same store sales growth, partially offset by store closures.

In 2004, the increase in U.S. Company sales was driven by new unit development and same store sales growth, partially offset by refranchising and store closures. Excluding the favorable impact of the YGR acquisition, U.S. Company sales increased 2% in 2003. The increase was driven by new unit development, partially offset by store closures and refranchising.


29



U.S same store sales includes only Company restaurants that have been open one year or more. U.S. blended same store sales includes KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Company-owned restaurants only. U.S. same store sales for Long John Silver’s and A&W restaurants are not included. Following are the same store sales growth results by brand:


    2004
 
    Same Store
Sales

  Transactions
  Average Guest
Check

 
KFC   (2 )%   (4 )%   2 %
Pizza Hut   5 %   2 %   3 %
Taco Bell   5 %   3 %   2 %

    2003
 
    Same Store
Sales

  Transactions
  Average Guest
Check

 
KFC   (2 )%   (4 )%   2 %
Pizza Hut   (1 )%   (4 )%   3 %
Taco Bell   2 %   1 %   1 %

In 2004, blended Company same store sales increased 3% due to increases in average guest check and transactions. In 2003, blended Company same store sales were flat due to a decrease in transactions offset by an increase in average guest check.

In 2004, the increase in U.S. franchise and license fees was driven by same store sales growth, new unit development and refranchising, partially offset by store closures. Excluding the favorable impact of the YGR acquisition, U.S. franchise and license fees remained essentially flat in 2003 as a decrease primarily driven by store closures was largely offset by new unit development.

In 2004, the increase in International Company sales was driven by new unit development, acquisitions of franchisee restaurants (primarily certain units in Canada which we now operate), and same store sales growth, partially offset by refranchising and store closures. In 2003, the increase in International Company sales was driven by new unit development, partially offset by refranchising, same store sales declines and store closures.

In 2004, the increase in International franchise and license fees was driven by new unit development, same store sales growth and refranchising, partially offset by store closures and our acquisitions of franchisee restaurants (primarily certain units in Canada which we now operate). In 2003, the increase in International franchise and license fees was driven by new unit development, royalty rate increases and same store sales growth, partially offset by store closures.

Company Restaurant Margins


2004
United States
  International
  Worldwide
 
Company sales   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
Food and paper   29.9     35.1     31.8  
Payroll and employee benefits   30.5     19.1     26.4  
Occupancy and other operating expenses   25.8     30.0     27.3  
 
 
 
 
Company restaurant margin   13.8 %   15.8 %   14.5 %
 
 
 
 

30



2003
United States
  International
  Worldwide
 
Company sales   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
Food and paper   28.8     35.5     30.9  
Payroll and employee benefits   31.0     19.0     27.2  
Occupancy and other operating expenses   25.6     30.0     27.1  
 
 
 
 
Company restaurant margin   14.6 %   15.5 %   14.8 %
 
 
 
 

2002
United States
  International
  Worldwide
 
Company sales   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
Food and paper   28.2     36.1     30.6  
Payroll and employee benefits   30.9     18.7     27.2  
Occupancy and other operating expenses   24.9     29.2     26.2  
 
 
 
 
Company restaurant margin   16.0 %   16.0 %   16.0 %
 
 
 
 

In 2004, the decrease in U.S. restaurant margins as a percentage of sales was driven by higher food and paper costs and higher occupancy and other costs, partially offset by the impact of same store sales increases on restaurant margin. Higher food and paper costs were primarily driven by increased commodity costs (principally cheese and meats) and higher occupancy and other costs were primarily driven by increased expense resulting from the adjustment related to our accounting for leases and the depreciation of leasehold improvements. In 2003, the decrease in U.S. restaurant margin as a percentage of sales was primarily driven by the increased occupancy expenses due to higher rent, primarily due to additional rent expense associated with the amended YGR sale-leaseback agreements, and utilities. The higher food and paper costs were primarily due to the impact of unfavorable discounting and product mix. Also contributing to the decrease was higher labor costs, primarily driven by low single-digit increases in wage rates.

In 2004, the increase in International restaurant margins as a percentage of sales was driven by the impact of same store sales increases on restaurant margin and lower food and paper costs (principally due to supply chain savings). The increase was partially offset by a 60 basis point unfavorable impact of operating certain restaurants in Canada, which is a market with below average margins, that were previously operated by our unconsolidated affiliate, increased labor costs in certain markets and a 10 basis point unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation. In 2003, the decrease in International restaurant margins as a percentage of sales was driven by the impact on margin of same store sales declines and a 20 basis point unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation. The decrease was partially offset by the impact of supply chain savings on the cost of food and paper (principally in China), and the cessation of depreciation expense of approximately $9 million for the Puerto Rico business while it was held for sale.

The impact from foreign currency translation on margins as a percentage of sales is a result of the portfolio of markets effect. International margin percentages in total are impacted unfavorably when currencies strengthen in markets with below average margins. Those markets contributing to the unfavorable impacts of foreign currency translation on margin have below average margins largely due to their higher labor costs.

Worldwide General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased $111 million or 12% in 2004, including a 2% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation. The increase was driven by higher compensation related costs, including incentive compensation, amounts associated with investments in strategic initiatives in China and other international growth markets and pension costs. Also contributing to the increase were higher professional fees and increased reserves related to potential development sites and surplus facilities. The increase was also partially attributable to expenses of $11 million associated with operating the restaurants we now own in Canada that were previously operated by our unconsolidated affiliate. These increases were partially offset by decreases in expenses due to the favorable impact of refranchising certain restaurants.


31



General and administrative expenses increased $32 million or 3% in 2003, including a 1% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation. Excluding the unfavorable impact from both foreign currency translation and the YGR acquisition, general and administrative expenses were flat for 2003. Lower management incentive compensation costs were offset by increases in expenses associated with international restaurant expansion and pension expense.

Worldwide Franchise and License Expenses

Franchise and license expenses decreased $2 million or 8% in 2004. The decrease was primarily driven by the favorable impact of lapping the biennial International franchise convention held in 2003.

Franchise and license expenses decreased $21 million or 42% in 2003. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower allowances for doubtful franchise and license fee receivables, principally at Taco Bell.

Worldwide Other (Income) Expense


2004
  2003
  2002
 
Equity income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates $ (54 ) $ (39 ) $ (29 )
Foreign exchange net (gain) loss   (1 )   (2 )   (1 )



Other (income) expense $ (55 ) $ (41 ) $ (30 )




Other income increased $14 million or 34% in 2004, including a 7% favorable impact from foreign currency translation. The increase was driven by an increase in equity income from our unconsolidated affiliates, principally in China, and the dissolution of our unconsolidated affiliate in Canada which recorded a loss for the year ended December 27, 2003.

Other income increased $11 million or 39% in 2003, including a 6% favorable impact from foreign currency translation. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in equity income from our unconsolidated affiliates, particularly in China.

Worldwide Facility Actions

We recorded a net loss from facility actions of $26 million, $36 million and $32 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. See the Store Portfolio Strategy section for more detail of our refranchising and closure activities and Note 7 for a summary of the components of facility actions by reportable operating segment.


32



Operating Profit


% Increase/(decrease)
 
2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
United States $ 777   $ 812     (4 )   1  
International   542     441     23     22  
Unallocated and corporate expenses   (204 )   (179 )   (14 )    
Unallocated other income (expense)   (2 )   (3 )   NM     NM  
Unallocated facility actions   12     4     NM     NM  
Wrench litigation income (expense)   14     (42 )   NM     NM  
AmeriServe and other (charges) credits   16     26     NM     NM  
 
 
             
Operating profit $ 1,155   $ 1,059     9     3  
 
 
             

In 2004, the decrease in U.S. operating profit was driven by the impact on restaurant profit of higher commodity costs (primarily cheese and meat) and the adjustment recorded related to our accounting for leases and the depreciation of leasehold improvements, as well as higher general and administrative expenses. The decrease was partially offset by the impact of same store sales increases on restaurant profit and franchise and license fees. Excluding the favorable impact of the YGR acquisition, U.S. operating profit in 2003 was flat compared to 2002. Decreases driven by lower restaurant profit as a result of increased occupancy expenses and the impact of unfavorable discounting and product mix shift on food and paper costs were offset by lower franchise and license and general and administrative expenses.

Excluding the favorable impact from foreign currency translation, International operating profit increased 17% in 2004. The increase was driven by new unit development, the impact of same store sales increases on restaurant profit and franchise and license fees and higher income from our investments in unconsolidated affiliates, partially offset by higher general and administrative costs. Excluding the favorable impact from foreign currency translation, International operating profit increased 15% in 2003. The increase was driven by new unit development and the impact of supply chain savings initiatives on the cost of food and paper, partially offset by the impact of same store sales declines on restaurant profit and higher general and administrative expenses.

Unallocated and corporate expenses comprise general and administrative expenses and unallocated facility actions comprise refranchising gains (losses), neither of which are allocated to the U.S. or International segments for performance reporting purposes.

Interest Expense, Net


2004
  2003
  2002
 
Interest expense $ 145   $ 185   $ 180  
Interest income   (16 )   (12 )   (8 )



Interest expense, net $ 129   $ 173   $ 172  




Interest expense decreased $40 million or 22% in 2004. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in our average interest rates primarily attributable to pay-variable interest rate swaps entered into during 2004. Also contributing to the decrease was a reduction in our average debt outstanding primarily as a result of the amended YGR sale-leaseback agreement and lower International short-term borrowings.

Interest expense increased $5 million or 3% in 2003. Excluding the impact of the YGR acquisition, interest expense decreased 6%. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in our average debt outstanding.


33



Income Taxes


2004
  2003
  2002
 
Reported            
  Income taxes $ 286   $ 268   $ 275  
  Effective tax rate   27.9 %   30.2 %   32.1 %

The reconciliation of income taxes calculated at the U.S. federal tax statutory rate to our effective tax rate is set forth below:


2004
  2003
  2002
 
U.S. federal statutory tax rate   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %
State income tax, net of federal tax benefit   1.3     1.8     2.0  
Foreign and U.S. tax effects attributable to foreign operations   (5.8 )   (3.6 )   (2.8 )
Adjustments to reserves and prior years   (6.7 )   (1.7 )   (1.8 )
Foreign tax credit amended return benefit       (4.1 )    
Valuation allowance additions (reversals)   4.2     2.8      
Other, net   (0.1 )       (0.3 )



Effective tax rate   27.9 %   30.2 %   32.1 %




Income taxes and the effective tax rate as shown above reflect tax on all amounts included in our results of operations except for the income tax benefit of approximately $1 million on the $2 million cumulative effect adjustment recorded in the year ended December 27, 2003 due to the adoption of SFAS 143.

The 2004 effective tax rate decreased 2.3 percentage points to 27.9%. The decrease in the effective tax rate was driven by a number of factors, including the reversal of reserves in the current year associated with audits that were settled as well as the effects of certain international tax planning strategies implemented in 2004. The decrease was partially offset by the impact of lapping the benefit in 2003 of amending certain prior U.S. income tax returns to claim credit for foreign taxes paid in prior years as well as the recognition in 2004 of valuation allowances for certain deferred tax assets whose realization is no longer considered more likely than not.

The 2003 effective tax rate decreased 1.9 percentage points to 30.2%. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to a 4.1 percentage point benefit of amending certain prior U.S. income tax returns to claim credit for foreign taxes paid in prior years. The returns were amended upon our determination that it was more beneficial to claim credit for such taxes than to deduct such taxes, as had been done when the returns were originally filed. In future years, we anticipate continuing to claim credit for foreign taxes paid in the then current year, as we have done in 2004, 2003 and 2002. However, the amended return benefit recognized in 2003 was non-recurring. The decrease in the 2003 effective tax rate was partially offset by the recognition of valuation allowances for certain deferred tax assets whose realization is no longer considered more likely than not. See Note 22 for a discussion of valuation allowances.

Adjustments to reserves and prior years include the effects of the reconciliation of income tax amounts recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Income to amounts reflected on our tax returns, including any adjustments to the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Adjustments to reserves and prior years also includes changes in tax reserves established for potential exposure we may incur if a taxing authority takes a position on a matter contrary to our position. We evaluate these reserves, including interest thereon, on a quarterly basis to insure that they have been appropriately adjusted for events, including audit settlements, that we believe may impact our exposure.


34



Consolidated Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities  was $1,131 million compared to $1,053 million in 2003. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in net income and a decrease in the amount of voluntary contributions to our funded pension plan compared to 2003, partially offset by higher income tax payments in 2004.

In 2003, net cash provided by operating activities was $1,053 million compared to $1,088 million in 2002. The decrease was primarily driven by $130 million in voluntary contributions to our funded pension plan in 2003, partially offset by higher net income.

Net cash used in investing activities  was $486 million versus $519 million in 2003. The decrease was primarily driven by higher proceeds from refranchising of restaurants and lower capital spending compared to 2003, partially offset by the impact of the timing of purchases and sales of short-term investments.

In 2003, net cash used in investing activities was $519 million versus $885 million in 2002. The decrease in cash used was primarily driven by the $275 million acquisition of YGR in 2002 and lower capital spending in 2003.

Net cash used in financing activities was $779 million versus $475 million in 2003. The increase in 2004 was primarily driven by higher share repurchases, higher net debt repayments and the payment of two quarterly dividends, partially offset by higher proceeds from stock option exercises.

In 2003, net cash used in financing activities was $475 million versus $187 million in 2002. The increase was primarily driven by higher net debt repayments and higher shares repurchased in 2003.

Consolidated Financial Condition

Assets  increased $76 million or 1% to $5.7 billion primarily due to an increase in property, plant and equipment driven by capital expenditures in excess of depreciation. The increase was also partially driven by the existence of a federal income tax receivable at December 25, 2004 recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets and the timing of the collection of certain accounts receivable. The increase was partially offset by the impact of higher spending for financing activities compared to 2003, as described above, and a decrease in other assets as a result of the utilization of deferred income tax assets in 2004.

Liabilities  decreased $399 million or 9% to $4.1 billion primarily due to lower long-term debt as a result of the early redemption of our 2005 Senior Unsecured Notes of $350 million in 2004 and lower income taxes payable due to the excess of current year tax payments made over the current year provision.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating in the QSR industry allows us to generate substantial cash flows from the operations of our company stores and from our franchise operations, which require a limited YUM investment. In each of the last three fiscal years, net cash provided by operating activities has exceeded $1 billion. These cash flows have allowed us to fund our discretionary spending, while at the same time reducing our long-term debt balances. We expect these levels of net cash provided by operating activities to continue in the foreseeable future. Our discretionary spending includes capital spending for new restaurants, acquisitions of restaurants from franchisees, repurchases of shares of our common stock and dividends paid to our shareholders. Though a decline in revenues could adversely impact our cash flows from operations, we believe our operating cash flows, our ability to reduce discretionary spending, and our borrowing capacity will allow us to meet our cash requirements in 2005 and beyond.


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We initiated the payment of quarterly dividends in 2004 with two quarterly dividends paid totaling $58 million. Additionally, on November 12, 2004 our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.10 per share of common stock to be distributed on February 4, 2005 to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 14, 2005. On an annual basis, the Company is targeting a payout ratio of 15% to 20% of net income.

On September 7, 2004, the Company executed an amended and restated five-year senior unsecured Revolving Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”) totaling $1.0 billion which replaced a $1.0 billion senior unsecured Revolving Credit Facility (the “Old Facility”) with a maturity date of June 25, 2005. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company may borrow up to the maximum borrowing limit less outstanding letters of credit. At December 25, 2004, our unused Credit Facility totaled $776 million, net of outstanding letters of credit of $205 million. There were borrowings of $19 million outstanding under the Credit Facility at December 25, 2004. The interest rate for borrowings under the Credit Facility ranges from 0.35% to 1.625% over the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or 0.00% to 0.20% over an Alternate Base Rate, which is the greater of the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50%. The exact spread over LIBOR or the Alternate Base Rate, as applicable, will depend upon our performance under specified financial criteria. Interest on any outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility is payable at least quarterly.

The Credit Facility is unconditionally guaranteed by our principal domestic subsidiaries and contains financial covenants relating to maintenance of leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios. The Credit Facility also contains affirmative and negative covenants including, among other things, limitations on certain additional indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness, level of cash dividends, aggregate non-U.S. investment and certain other transactions as defined in the agreement. These covenants are substantially similar to those contained in the Old Facility. We were in compliance with all covenants at December 25, 2004, and do not anticipate that the covenants will impact our ability to borrow under our Credit Facility for its remaining term.

The remainder of our long-term debt primarily comprises Senior Unsecured Notes. Amounts outstanding under Senior Unsecured Notes were $1.5 billion at December 25, 2004. On November 15, 2004, we voluntarily redeemed all of our 7.45% Senior Unsecured Notes due in May 2005 (the “2005 Notes”) in accordance with their original terms. The 2005 Notes, which had a face value of $350 million, were redeemed for an amount of approximately $358 million using primarily cash on hand as well as some borrowings under our Credit Facility. The redemption amount approximated the carrying value of the 2005 Notes resulting in no significant impact on net income.

We estimate that in 2005 capital spending, including acquisitions of our restaurants from franchisees, will be approximately $780 million. We also estimate that in 2005 refranchising proceeds, prior to taxes, will be approximately $100 million, employee stock options proceeds, prior to taxes, will be approximately $150 million and sales of property, plant and equipment will be approximately $80 million. A share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors in May 2004 is expected to be completed during the first half of 2005. At December 25, 2004, we had remaining capacity to repurchase, through November 2005, up to approximately $25 million of our outstanding Common Stock (excluding applicable transaction fees) under this program. In January 2005, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to $500 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock to be purchased through January 2006.


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In addition to any discretionary spending we may choose to make, significant contractual obligations and payments as of December 25, 2004 included:


Total
  Less than
1 Year

  1-3 Years
  3-5 Years
  More than
5 Years

 
Long-term debt(a) $ 1,598   $ 1   $ 204   $ 275   $ 1,118  
Capital leases(b)   184     18     32     28     106  
Operating leases(b)   2,511     342     564     442     1,163  
Purchase obligations(c)   233     138     39     30     26  
Other long-term liabilities reflected
   on our Consolidated Balance
   Sheet under GAAP   30         18     4     8  





Total contractual obligations $ 4,556   $ 499   $ 857   $ 779   $ 2,421  






(a) Excludes a fair value adjustment of $21 million included in debt related to interest rate swaps that hedge the fair value of a portion of our debt. See Note 14.
 
(b) These obligations, which are shown on a nominal basis, relate to approximately 5,500 restaurants. See Note 15.
 
(c) Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. We have excluded agreements that are cancelable without penalty. Purchase obligations relate primarily to information technology and commodity agreements, purchases of property, plant and equipment as well as marketing, maintenance, consulting and other agreements.
 

We have not included obligations under our pension and postretirement medical benefit plans in the contractual obligations table. Our funding policy regarding our funded pension plan is to contribute amounts necessary to satisfy minimum pension funding requirements plus such additional amounts from time to time as are determined to be appropriate to improve the plan’s funded status. The pension plan’s funded status is affected by many factors including discount rates and the performance of plan assets. We are not required to make minimum pension funding payments in 2005, but we may make discretionary contributions during the year based on our estimate of the plan’s expected September 30, 2005 funded status. During 2004, we made a $50 million discretionary contribution to our funded plan, none of which represented minimum funding requirements. Our postretirement plan is not required to be funded in advance, but is pay as you go. We made postretirement benefit payments of $4 million in 2004.

Also excluded from the contractual obligations table are payments we may make for workers’ compensation, employment practices liability, general liability, automobile liability and property losses (collectively “property and casualty losses”) as well as employee healthcare claims for which we are self-insured. The majority of our recorded liability for self-insured employee health and property and casualty losses represents estimated reserves for incurred claims that have yet to be filed or settled.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had provided approximately $16 million of partial guarantees of two franchisee loan pools related primarily to the Company’s historical refranchising programs and, to a lesser extent, franchisee development of new restaurants, at December 25, 2004. In support of these guarantees, we posted $4 million of letters of credit at December 25, 2004. We also provided a standby letter of credit of $18 million at December 25, 2004, under which we could potentially be required to fund a portion of one of the franchisee loan pools. The total loans outstanding under these loan pools were approximately $90 million at December 25, 2004.


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Any funding under the guarantees or letters of credit would be secured by the franchisee loans and any related collateral. We believe that we have appropriately provided for our estimated probable exposures under these contingent liabilities. These provisions were primarily charged to net refranchising loss (gain). New loans are not currently being added to either loan pool.

We have guaranteed certain lines of credit and loans of unconsolidated affiliates totaling $34 million at December 25, 2004. Our unconsolidated affiliates had total revenues of over $1.7 billion for the year ended December 25, 2004 and assets and debt of approximately $884 million and $49 million, respectively, at December 25, 2004.

Other Significant Known Events, Trends or Uncertainties Expected to Impact 2005 Operating Profit Comparisons with 2004

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Upon the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”) in 2005, we will be required to recognize compensation cost in the financial statements for all share-based payments to our employees, including grants of stock options, based on the fair value of the share-based awards on the date of grant. The fair value of the share-based awards will be determined using option pricing models and assumptions that appropriately reflect the specific circumstances of the awards. Compensation cost will be recognized over the vesting period based on the fair value of awards that actually vest.

SFAS 123R is effective at the beginning of the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2005 (the quarter ending December 31, 2005 for the Company) and early adoption is encouraged. We are in the process of evaluating the use of certain option-pricing models as well as the assumptions to be used in such models. When such evaluation is complete, we will determine the transition method to use and the timing of adoption. We currently do not anticipate that the impact on net income on a full year basis of the adoption of SFAS 123R will be significantly different from the historical pro forma impacts as previously disclosed.

See Note 2.

Sale of Puerto Rico Business

As a result of the sale of our Puerto Rico business on October 4, 2004, Company sales, restaurant profit and general and administrative expenses will decrease by $159 million, $29 million and $8 million, respectively, and we estimate franchise fees will increase by $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to the year ended December 25, 2004.

Extra Week in 2005

Our fiscal calendar results in a fifty-third week every five or six years. Fiscal year 2005 will include a fifty-third week in the fourth quarter for the majority of our U.S. businesses as well as our International businesses that report on a period, as opposed to a monthly, basis. In the U.S., we anticipate permanently accelerating the timing of the KFC business closing by one week in December 2005, and thus, there will be no fifty-third week benefit for this business in 2005. We estimate the fifty-third week will increase revenues and operating profit in 2005 by approximately $80 million and $15 million, respectively. While the impact of the fifty-third week adds a potential incremental benefit of $0.04 to diluted earnings per share, we believe this benefit will be offset by expense associated with strategic asset actions and refranchising KFC restaurants in the U.S.


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International Reporting Changes

In the first quarter of 2005 we will begin reporting information for our international business in two separate operating segments as a result of changes to our management reporting structure. The China Division will include the People’s Republic of China (“China”), Thailand and KFC Taiwan, and the International Division will include the remainder of our international operations. This reporting change will not impact our consolidated results.

In the first quarter of 2005 we will also change the China business reporting calendar to more closely align the timing of the reporting of its results of operations with our U.S. business. Previously our China business, like the rest of our international businesses, closed one month (or one period for certain of our international businesses) earlier than YUM’s period end date to facilitate consolidated reporting. As a result, the operations of the China business for the one month period ending December 31, 2004 will be recognized as an adjustment to consolidated retained earnings in the first quarter of 2005, as opposed to being recorded in our Consolidated Statement of Income, to maintain comparability of our consolidated results of operations. Our consolidated results of operations for the first quarter of 2005 will thus include the results of operations of the China business for the months of January and February and the months included in each quarterly reporting period thereafter will begin one month later in 2005 than in previous years.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our reported results are impacted by the application of certain accounting policies that require us to make subjective or complex judgments. These judgments involve estimations of the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may significantly impact our quarterly or annual results of operations or financial condition. Changes in the estimates and judgments could significantly affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in future years. A description of what we consider to be our most significant critical accounting policies follows.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment at the individual restaurant level except when there is an expectation that we will refranchise restaurants as a group. Restaurants held and used are evaluated for impairment on a semi-annual basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable (including a decision to close a restaurant or an offer to refranchise a restaurant or group of restaurants for less than the carrying value). Our semi-annual test includes those restaurants that have experienced two consecutive years of operating losses. These impairment evaluations require an estimation of cash flows over the remaining useful life of the primary asset of the restaurant, which can be for a period of over 20 years, and any terminal value. We limit assumptions about important factors such as sales growth and margin improvement to those that are supportable based upon our plans for the unit and actual results at comparable restaurants.

If the long-lived assets of a restaurant on a held and used basis are not recoverable based upon forecasted, undiscounted cash flows, we write the assets down to their fair value. This fair value is determined by discounting the forecasted cash flows, including terminal value, of the restaurant at an appropriate rate. The discount rate used is our cost of capital, adjusted upward when a higher risk is believed to exist.

When it is probable that we will sell a restaurant within one year, we write down the restaurant to its fair value. We often refranchise restaurants in groups and, therefore, perform such impairment evaluations at the group level. Fair value is based on the expected sales proceeds less applicable transaction costs. Estimated sales proceeds are based on the most relevant of historical sales multiples or bids from buyers, and have historically been reasonably accurate estimations of the proceeds ultimately received.

See Note 2 for a further discussion of our policy regarding the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.


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Impairment of Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

We record impairment charges related to an investment in an unconsolidated affiliate whenever events or circumstances indicate that a decrease in the value of an investment has occurred which is other than temporary. In addition, we evaluate our investments in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment when they have experienced two consecutive years of operating losses. Our impairment measurement test for an investment in an unconsolidated affiliate is similar to that for our restaurants except that we use discounted cash flows after interest and taxes instead of discounted cash flows before interest and taxes as used for our restaurants. The fair values of our investments in unconsolidated affiliates are generally significantly in excess of their carrying value.

See Note 2 for a further discussion of our policy regarding the impairment of investments in unconsolidated affiliates.

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets  

We evaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates impairment might exist. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment through the comparison of fair value of our reporting units to their carrying values. Our reporting units are our operating segments in the U.S. and our business management units internationally (typically individual countries). Fair value is the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit, and is generally estimated by discounting expected future cash flows from the reporting unit over twenty years plus an expected terminal value. We limit assumptions about important factors such as sales growth and margin improvement to those that are supportable based upon our plans for the reporting unit. For 2004, there was no impairment of goodwill identified during our annual impairment testing.

Our impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of values assigned to certain trademarks/brands of which we have acquired ownership. We believe the value of these trademarks/brands is derived from the royalty we avoid, in the case of Company stores, or receive, in the case of franchise stores, due to our ownership of the trademarks/brands. Thus, anticipated sales are the most important assumption in valuing trademarks/brands. We limit assumptions about sales growth, as well as other factors impacting the fair value calculation, to those that are supportable based on our plans for the applicable Concept.

The most significant indefinite-lived trademark/brand asset we have recorded is the LJS trademark/brand in the amount of $140 million. The fair value of this trademark/brand is currently in excess of its carrying value as are the fair values of all other recorded trademarks/brands with an indefinite life. While we believe the sales assumptions used in our determinations of fair value for our trademarks/brands are consistent with our operating plans and forecasts, fluctuations in the assumptions would have impacted our impairment calculation. If the long-term rate of sales growth used in each of our fair value determinations for our trademarks/brands had been one percentage point lower, such fair values would have continued to exceed carrying value in all instances.

See Note 2 for a further discussion of our policies regarding goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Allowances for Franchise and License Receivables and Contingent Liabilities

We reserve a franchisee’s or licensee’s entire receivable balance based upon pre-defined aging criteria and upon the occurrence of other events that indicate that we may not collect the balance due. As a result of reserving using this methodology, we have an immaterial amount of receivables that are past due that have not been reserved for at December 25, 2004. See Note 2 for a further discussion of our policies regarding franchise and license operations.


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Primarily as a result of our refranchising efforts, we remain liable for certain lease assignments and guarantees. We record a liability for our exposure under these lease assignments and guarantees when such exposure is probable and estimable. At December 25, 2004, we have recorded an immaterial liability for our exposure which we consider to be probable and estimable. The potential total exposure under such leases is significant, with $306 million representing the present value, discounted at our pre-tax cost of debt, of the minimum payments of the assigned leases at December 25, 2004. Current franchisees are the primary lessees under the vast majority of these leases. We generally have cross-default provisions with these franchisees that would put them in default of their franchise agreement in the event of non-payment under the lease. We believe these cross-default provisions significantly reduce the risk that we will be required to make payments under these leases and, historically, we have not been required to make such payments in significant amounts. See Note 24 for a further discussion of our lease guarantees.

Self-Insured Property and Casualty Losses

We record our best estimate of the remaining cost to settle incurred self-insured property and casualty claims. The estimate is based on the results of an independent actuarial study and considers historical claim frequency and severity as well as changes in factors such as our business environment, benefit levels, medical costs and the regulatory environment that could impact overall self-insurance costs. Additionally, a risk margin to cover unforeseen events that may occur over the several years it takes for claims to settle is included in our reserve, increasing our confidence level that the recorded reserve is adequate.

See Note 24 for a further discussion of our insurance programs.

Pension Plans

Certain of our employees are covered under noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. The most significant of these plans was amended in 2001 such that employees hired after September 30, 2001 are not eligible to participate. As of our September 30, 2004 measurement date, these plans had a projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) of $700 million, an accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) of $629 million and a fair value of plan assets of $518 million. As a result of the $111 million underfunded status of the plans relative to the ABO at September 30, 2004, we have recorded a cumulative $95 million charge to accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax of $58 million) as of December 25, 2004.

The PBO and ABO reflect the actuarial present value of all benefits earned to date by employees. The PBO incorporates assumptions as to future compensation levels while the ABO reflects only current compensation levels. Due to the relatively long time frame over which benefits earned to date are expected to be paid, our PBO and ABO are highly sensitive to changes in discount rates. We measured our PBO and ABO using a discount rate of 6.15% at September 30, 2004. This discount rate was determined using a hypothetical portfolio of high-quality debt instruments with maturities that mirror our expected benefit obligations under the plans. A 50 basis point increase in this discount rate would have decreased our PBO by approximately $63 million at September 30, 2004. Conversely, a 50 basis point decrease in this discount rate would have increased our PBO by approximately $65 million at September 30, 2004.

The pension expense we will record in 2005 is also impacted by the discount rate we selected at September 30, 2004. In total, we expect pension expense to increase approximately $3 million to $56 million in 2005. The increase is primarily driven by an increase in interest cost because of the higher PBO. Service cost will also increase as a result of the lower discount rate, though, as previously mentioned, the plans are closed to new participants. A 50 basis point change in our discount rate assumption of 6.15% at September 30, 2004 would impact our 2005 pension expense by approximately $12 million.

The assumption we make regarding our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets also impacts our pension expense. Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets at both September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003 was 8.5%. We believe that this assumption is appropriate given the composition of our plan assets and historical market returns thereon. Given no change to the market-related value of our plan assets as of September 30, 2004, a one percentage point increase or decrease in our expected rate of return on plan assets assumption would decrease or increase, respectively, our 2005 pension plan expense by approximately $5 million.


41



The losses our plan assets have experienced, along with the decrease in discount rates, have largely contributed to an unrecognized actuarial loss of $225 million in our plans as of September 30, 2004. For purposes of determining 2004 expense, our funded status was such that we recognized $19 million of unrecognized actuarial loss in 2004. We will recognize approximately $22 million of unrecognized actuarial loss in 2005. Given no change to the assumptions at our September 30, 2004 measurement date, actuarial loss recognition will remain at an amount near that to be recognized in 2005 over the next few years before it begins to gradually decline.

Income Tax Valuation Allowances and Tax Reserves

At December 25, 2004, we have a valuation allowance of $351 million primarily to reduce our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards of $231 million and our other deferred tax assets to amounts that will more likely than not be realized. The net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards exist in many state and foreign jurisdictions and have varying carryforward periods and restrictions on usage. The estimation of future taxable income in these state and foreign jurisdictions and our resulting ability to utilize net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards can significantly change based on future events, including our determinations as to the feasibility of certain tax planning strategies. Thus, recorded valuation allowances may be subject to material future changes.

As a matter of course, we are regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. We provide reserves for potential exposures when we consider it probable that a taxing authority may take a sustainable position on a matter contrary to our position. We evaluate these reserves, including interest thereon, on a quarterly basis to insure that they have been appropriately adjusted for events, including audit settlements, that may impact our ultimate payment for such exposures.

See Note 22 for a further discussion of our income taxes.

Item 7A.                    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company is exposed to financial market risks associated with interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. In the normal course of business and in accordance with our policies, we manage these risks through a variety of strategies, which may include the use of derivative financial and commodity instruments to hedge our underlying exposures. Our policies prohibit the use of derivative instruments for trading purposes, and we have procedures in place to monitor and control their use.

Interest Rate Risk

We have a market risk exposure to changes in interest rates, principally in the United States. We attempt to minimize this risk and lower our overall borrowing costs through the utilization of derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swaps. These swaps are entered into with financial institutions and have reset dates and critical terms that match those of the underlying debt. Accordingly, any change in market value associated with interest rate swaps is offset by the opposite market impact on the related debt.

At December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in short-term interest rates would result, over the following twelve-month period, in a reduction of approximately $6 million and $3 million, respectively, in income before income taxes. The estimated reductions are based upon the level of variable rate debt and assume no changes in the volume or composition of debt. In addition, the fair value of our derivative financial instruments at December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003 would decrease approximately $51 million and $5 million, respectively. The fair value of our Senior Unsecured Notes at December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003 would decrease approximately $76 million and $87 million, respectively. Fair value was determined by discounting the projected cash flows.


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Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

International operating profit constitutes approximately 41% of our operating profit in 2004, excluding unallocated income (expenses). In addition, the Company’s net asset exposure (defined as foreign currency assets less foreign currency liabilities) totaled approximately $1.5 billion as of December 25, 2004. Operating in international markets exposes the Company to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s primary exposures result from our operations in Asia-Pacific, the Americas and Europe. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates would impact the translation of our investments in foreign operations, the fair value of our foreign currency denominated financial instruments and our reported foreign currency denominated earnings and cash flows. For the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004, operating profit would have decreased $59 million if all foreign currencies had uniformly weakened 10% relative to the U.S. dollar. The estimated reduction assumes no changes in sales volumes or local currency sales or input prices.

We attempt to minimize the exposure related to our investments in foreign operations by financing those investments with local currency debt when practical and holding cash in local currencies when possible. In addition, we attempt to minimize the exposure related to foreign currency denominated financial instruments by purchasing goods and services from third parties in local currencies when practical. Consequently, foreign currency denominated financial instruments consist primarily of intercompany short-term receivables and payables. At times, we utilize forward contracts to reduce our exposure related to these intercompany short-term receivables and payables. The notional amount and maturity dates of these contracts match those of the underlying receivables or payables such that our foreign currency exchange risk related to these instruments is eliminated.

Commodity Price Risk

We are subject to volatility in food costs as a result of market risk associated with commodity prices. Our ability to recover increased costs through higher pricing is, at times, limited by the competitive environment in which we operate. We manage our exposure to this risk primarily through pricing agreements as well as, on a limited basis, commodity future and option contracts. Commodity future and option contracts entered into for the fiscal years ended December 25, 2004, and December 27, 2003, did not significantly impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Cautionary Statements

From time to time, in both written reports and oral statements, we present “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The statements include those identified by such words as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan” and other similar terminology. These “forward-looking statements” reflect our current expectations regarding future events and operating and financial performance and are based upon data available at the time of the statements. Actual results involve risks and uncertainties, including both those specific to the Company and those specific to the industry, and could differ materially from expectations.

Company risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, potentially substantial tax contingencies related to the Spin-off, which, if they occur, require us to indemnify PepsiCo, Inc.; changes in effective tax rates; our debt leverage and the attendant potential restriction on our ability to borrow in the future; potential unfavorable variances between estimated and actual liabilities; our ability to secure distribution of products and equipment to our restaurants on favorable economic terms and our ability to ensure adequate supply of restaurant products and equipment in our stores; effects and outcomes of legal claims involving the Company; the effectiveness of operating initiatives and advertising and promotional efforts; the ongoing financial viability of our franchisees and licensees; the success of our refranchising strategy; volatility of actuarially determined losses and loss estimates; and adoption of new or changes in accounting policies and practices including pronouncements promulgated by standard setting bodies.


43



Industry risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic and political conditions in the countries and territories where we operate, including effects of war and terrorist activities; changes in legislation and governmental regulation; new product and concept development by us and/or our food industry competitors; changes in commodity, labor, and other operating costs; changes in competition in the food industry; publicity which may impact our business and/or industry; severe weather conditions; volatility of commodity costs; increases in minimum wage and other operating costs; availability and cost of land and construction; consumer preferences or perceptions concerning the products of the Company and/or our competitors, spending patterns and demographic trends; political or economic instability in local markets and changes in currency exchange and interest rates; and the impact that any widespread illness or general health concern may have on our business and/or the economy of the countries in which we operate.


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Item 8.                    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION


  Page
Reference

Consolidated Financial Statements  
     
Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended
   December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002
46
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 25, 2004,
   December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002
47
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003 48
     
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the
   fiscal years ended December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002
49
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 50
     
Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements 85
     
Reports of Independent Auditors 86

Financial Statement Schedules

No schedules are required because either the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the above listed financial statements or notes thereto.

  


45



Consolidated Statements of Income
YUM! Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Fiscal years ended December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002
(in millions, except per share data)


2004
  2003
  2002
 
Revenues            
Company sales $ 7,992   $ 7,441   $ 6,891  
Franchise and license fees   1,019     939     866  



    9,011     8,380     7,757  



 
Costs and Expenses, net
Company restaurants
  Food and paper   2,538     2,300     2,109  
  Payroll and employee benefits   2,112     2,024     1,875  
  Occupancy and other operating expenses   2,183     2,013     1,806  



    6,833     6,337     5,790  
                   
General and administrative expenses   1,056     945     913  
Franchise and license expenses   26     28     49  
Facility actions   26     36     32  
Other (income) expense   (55 )   (41 )   (30 )
Wrench litigation (income) expense   (14 )   42      
AmeriServe and other charges (credits)   (16 )   (26 )   (27 )



Total costs and expenses, net   7,856     7,321     6,727  



                   
Operating Profit   1,155     1,059     1,030  
                   
Interest expense, net   129     173     172  



Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of
   Accounting Change
  1,026     886     858  
                   
Income tax provision   286     268     275  



Income before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change   740     618     583  
                   
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax       (1 )    



                    
Net Income $ 740   $ 617   $ 583  



Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 2.54   $ 2.10   $ 1.97  



Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 2.42   $ 2.02   $ 1.88  



Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.30   $   $  



             

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



46




Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
YUM! Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Fiscal years ended December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002
(in millions)


2004
  2003
  2002
 
Cash Flows – Operating Activities            
Net income $ 740   $ 617   $ 583  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
   operating activities:
    Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax       1      
    Depreciation and amortization   448     401     370  
    Facility actions   26     36     32  
    Wrench litigation (income) expense   (14 )   42      
    AmeriServe and other charges (credits)       (3 )    
    Contributions to defined benefit pension plans   (55 )   (132 )   (26 )
    Other liabilities and deferred credits   21     17     (12 )
    Deferred income taxes   142     (23 )   21  
    Other non-cash charges and credits, net   25     32     36  
Changes in operating working capital, excluding effects of
   acquisitions and dispositions:
    Accounts and notes receivable   (39 )   2