Yum Brands shares increase 5 percent in the third quarter

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Shares of Yum Brands Inc. rose 5 percent Tuesday after the operator of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut said its international restaurants served up another strong performance, boosting third-quarter profit.

Yum Brands Inc. on Monday said profit in its China division grew 28 percent and international division profit rose 21 percent for the three months ended Sept. 8. The company’s U.S. operation had a scant 1 percent profit growth for the period.

Overall, net income rose to $270 million, or 50 cents per share, from $230 million, or 42 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expecte d earnings per share of 45 cents.

Yum’s stock climbed $1.82, or 5 percent, to close at $38.11 Tuesday. Revenue results were released late Monday.

The Louisville-based company’s revenue rose 13 percent to $2.56 billion, from $2.28 billion in the third quarter of 2006. Analysts predicted revenue of $2.44 billion.