Yum Brands Inc, which is spinning off its China business, said December same-store sales increased 1 percent in the country, helped by a 5 percent rise at KFC.
The company said same-store sales fell 11 percent at Pizza Hut in China.
Yum also estimated a 2 percent rise in same-store sales for the fourth quarter ended December, including an estimated 6 percent growth at KFC and an 8 percent decline at Pizza Hut.