(Yicai Global) April 29 -- Yum China Holdings’s operating profit narrowed 68 percent in the first quarter from a year ago as people avoided eating at KFC and Pizza Hut during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The fast-food restaurant operator's revenue declined by 24 percent to USD1.8 billion, the Shanghai-headquartered firm said in its earnings report published yesterday. Sales at KFC slid by 15 percent and slumped by 38 percent at Pizza Hut.

Some 99 percent of Yum China's outlets have reopened after the most severe period of the Covid-19 epidemic but recovery has been regional without reaching the pre-crisis levels, the statement added.

Yum China's stock price [NYSE:YUMC] edged down 0.1 percent to USD45.90 yesterday.

Editor: Emmi Laine