Yum sales jump in China in Q1

KFC restaurants in the nation saw same-store sales rise by 12 percent

Yum Brands Inc's China sales accelerated faster than Wall Street expected in the first quarter, helped by Spring Festival KFC chicken bucket promotions, marking an auspicious start to a year in which the company plans to spin off its China unit.

The owner of the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands also said first-quarter profit topped analysts' targets and raised its forecast for core business operating profit growth to 12 percent for the year from 10 percent. Shares rose 3.9 percent in after-hours trade to $85.75.