Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Preparation and Principles of Consolidation

Basis of Preparation and Principles of Consolidation. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. We also consider consolidating an entity in which we have certain interests where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it.

Our most significant variable interests are in entities that operate restaurants under franchise arrangements. We do not generally have an equity interest in our franchisee businesses. Additionally, we do not typically provide significant financial support such as loans or guarantees to our franchisees. We have variable interests in certain entities that operate restaurants under franchise agreements through real estate and property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) lease arrangements with them to which we are a party. At December 31, 2023, the Company had future lease payments due from franchisees, on a nominal basis, of approximately $34 million. As our franchise arrangements provide our franchisee entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might otherwise be considered a VIE.

Through the acquisition of Daojia, the Company also acquired a VIE and subsidiaries of the VIE effectively controlled by Daojia. There exists a parent-subsidiary relationship between Daojia and its VIE as a result of certain exclusive agreements that require Daojia to consolidate its VIE and subsidiaries of the VIE because Daojia is the primary beneficiary that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance, and is entitled to substantially all of the profits and has the obligation to absorb all of the expected losses of the VIE. The acquired VIE and its subsidiaries were considered immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate. The results of Daojia’s operations have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements since the acquisition date.

We consolidate the entities that operate KFCs in and around Shanghai, Beijing, Wuxi, Suzhou and Hangzhou, as well as the Lavazza joint venture where we have controlling interests since the respective acquisition dates (see Note 3 for additional information). We refer to these joint ventures that operate our concepts as former unconsolidated affiliates before the acquisitions. As a result of the acquisitions of all former unconsolidated affiliates by December 2021, the Company consolidated their results since their respective acquisition dates, and therefore we no longer have franchise fees and expenses from and revenues and expenses from transactions with former unconsolidated affiliates for years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Comparative Information

Comparative Information. Certain comparative items in the Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation to facilitate comparison.

Fiscal Calendar

Fiscal Calendar. Our fiscal year ends on December 31, with each quarter comprised of three months.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency. Our functional currency for the operating entities in China is the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”), the currency of the primary economic environment in which they operate. Income and expense accounts for our operations are then translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Assets and liabilities are then translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded in the Accumulated other comprehensive income on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses arising from the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on transactions in foreign currency, to the extent they arise, are included in Other expenses (income), net in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Franchise and License Operations

Franchise Operations. We execute agreements which set out the terms of our arrangement with franchisees. Our franchise agreements typically require the franchisee to pay an initial, non-refundable fee and continuing fees based upon a percentage of sales. Subject to our approval and their payment of a renewal fee, a franchisee may generally renew the franchise agreement upon its expiration.

The 3% license fees we pay to YUM for the right to sublicense the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell intellectual property to franchisees and former unconsolidated affiliates that operate our concepts are recorded in Franchise expenses. License fees due to YUM for our Company-owned stores are included in Occupancy and other operating expenses. Total license fees paid to YUM were $317 million, $277 million and $298 million during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Certain direct costs of our franchise operations are charged to Franchise expenses. These costs include provisions for estimated uncollectible fees, rent or depreciation expense associated with restaurants we sub-lease to franchisees, and certain other direct incremental franchise support costs.

We also have certain transactions with franchisees and former unconsolidated affiliates that operate our concepts, which consist primarily of sales of food and paper products, advertising services, delivery services and other services. Related expenses are included in Expenses for transactions with franchisees.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. The Company’s revenues include Company sales, Franchise fees and income, Revenues from transactions with franchisees, and Other revenues.

Company Sales

Revenues from Company-owned restaurants are recognized when a customer takes possession of the food and tenders payment, which is when our obligation to perform is satisfied. The Company presents sales net of sales-related taxes. We also offer our customers delivery through both our own mobile applications and third-party aggregators’ platforms, and we primarily use our dedicated riders to deliver orders. When orders are fulfilled by our dedicated riders, we control and determine the price for the delivery service and generally recognize revenue, including delivery fees, when a customer takes possession of the food. When orders are fulfilled by the delivery staff of third-party aggregators, who control and determine the price for the delivery service, we recognize revenue, excluding delivery fees, when control of the food is transferred to the third-party aggregators’ delivery staff. The payment terms with respect to these sales are short-term in nature.

We recognize revenues from prepaid stored-value products, including gift cards and product vouchers, when they are redeemed by the customer. Prepaid gift cards sold at any given point generally expire over the next 36 months, and product vouchers generally expire over a period of up to 12 months. We recognize breakage revenue, which is the amount of prepaid stored-value products that is not expected to be redeemed, either (1) proportionally in earnings as redemptions occur, in situations where the Company expects to be entitled to a breakage amount, or (2) when the likelihood of redemption is remote, in situations where the Company does not expect to be entitled to breakage, provided that there is no requirement for remitting balances to government agencies under unclaimed property laws. The Company reviews its breakage estimates at least annually based upon the latest available information regarding redemption and expiration patterns.

Our privilege membership programs offer privilege members rights to multiple benefits, such as free delivery and discounts on certain products. For certain privilege membership programs offering a pre-defined amount of benefits that can be redeemed ratably over the membership period, revenue is ratably recognized over the period based on the elapse of time. With respect to privilege membership programs offering members a mix of distinct benefits, including a welcome gift and assorted discount coupons with pre-defined quantities, consideration collected is allocated to the benefits provided based on their relative standalone selling price and revenue is recognized when food or services are delivered or the benefits expire. In determining the relative standalone selling price of the benefits, the Company considers likelihood of future redemption based on historical redemption pattern and reviews such estimates periodically based upon the latest available information regarding redemption and expiration patterns.

Franchise Fees and Income

Franchise fees and income primarily include upfront franchise fees, such as initial fees and renewal fees, and continuing fees. We have determined that the services we provide in exchange for upfront franchise fees and continuing fees are highly interrelated with the franchise right. We recognize upfront franchise fees received from a franchisee as revenue over the term of the franchise agreement or the renewal agreement because the franchise rights are accounted for as rights to access our symbolic intellectual property. The franchise agreement term is generally 10 years for KFC and Pizza Hut, generally five years for Little Sheep and three to 10 years for Huang Ji Huang. We recognize continuing fees, which are based upon a percentage of franchisee sales, as those sales occur. During 2021, it also includes franchise fees and income from former unconsolidated affiliates that operate our concepts before acquisition.

Revenues from Transactions with Franchisees

Revenues from transactions with franchisees consist primarily of sales of food and paper products, advertising services, delivery services and other services provided to franchisees. During 2021, it also includes revenues from transactions with former unconsolidated affiliates that operate our concepts before acquisition.

The Company centrally purchases substantially all food and paper products from suppliers for substantially all of our restaurants, including franchisees, and then sells and delivers them to the restaurants. In addition, the Company owns seasoning facilities for its Chinese dining business unit, which manufacture and sell seasoning products to Huang Ji Huang and Little Sheep franchisees. The Company also provides delivery services to franchisees. The performance obligation arising from such transactions is considered distinct from the franchise agreement as it is not highly dependent on the franchise agreement and the customer can benefit from such services on its own. We consider ourselves the principal in this arrangement as we have the ability to control a promised good or service before transferring that good or service to the franchisees. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control over ordered items or services, generally upon delivery to the franchisees.

For advertising services, the Company often engages third parties to provide services and acts as a principal in the transaction based on our responsibilities of defining the nature of the services and administering and directing all marketing and advertising programs in accordance with the provisions of our franchise agreements. The Company collects advertising contributions, which are generally based on a certain percentage of sales from substantially all of our restaurants, including franchisees. Other services provided to franchisees consist primarily of customer and technology support services. Advertising services and other services provided are highly interrelated to franchise right, and are not considered individually distinct. We recognize revenue when the related sales occur.

Other Revenues

Other revenues primarily include i) sales of products to customers through e-commerce channels, sales of Lavazza coffee retail products beyond Lavazza coffee shops, and sales of our seasoning products to distributors, and ii) revenues from logistics and warehousing services provided to third parties through our supply chain network. Our segment disclosures also include revenues relating to delivery services that were provided to our Company-owned restaurants and, therefore, were eliminated for consolidation purposes.

Other revenues are recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services.

Loyalty Programs

Loyalty Programs

Each of the Company’s KFC and Pizza Hut reportable segments operates a loyalty program that allows registered members to earn points for each qualifying purchase. Points, which generally expire 18 months after being earned, may be redeemed for future purchases of KFC or Pizza Hut branded products or other products for free or at a discounted price. Points cannot be redeemed or exchanged for cash. The estimated value of points earned by the loyalty program members is recorded as a reduction of revenue at the time the points are earned, based on the percentage of points that are projected to be redeemed, with a corresponding deferred revenue liability included in Accounts payable and other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and subsequently recognized into revenue when the points are redeemed or expire. The Company estimates the value of the future redemption obligations based on the estimated value of the product for which points are expected to be redeemed and historical redemption patterns and reviews such estimates periodically based upon the latest available information regarding redemption and expiration patterns.

Direct Marketing Costs

Direct Marketing Costs. We charge direct marketing costs to expense ratably in relation to revenues over the year in which incurred and, in the case of advertising production costs, in the year the advertisement is first shown. Deferred direct marketing costs, which are classified as prepaid expenses, consist of media and related advertising production costs which will generally be used for the first time in the next fiscal year and have historically not been significant. Our direct marketing expenses incurred for Company-owned restaurants were $374 million, $343 million and $368 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and were included in Occupancy and other operating expenses. In addition, the direct marketing costs incurred for franchisees and former unconsolidated affiliates were $25 million, $23 million and $55 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and were recorded in Expenses for transactions with franchisees.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses associated with our food innovation activities, which are expensed as incurred, are reported in general and administrative ("G&A") expenses. Research and development expenses were $6 million in each of 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation. We recognize all share-based payments to employees and directors, including grants of stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and performance share units (“PSUs”), in the Consolidated Financial Statements as compensation cost over the service period based on their fair value on the date of grant. This compensation cost is recognized over the service period on a straight-line basis, net of an assumed forfeiture rate, for awards that actually vest and when performance conditions are probable of being achieved, if applicable. Forfeiture rates are estimated at grant date based on historical experience and compensation cost is adjusted in subsequent periods for differences in actual forfeitures from the previous estimates. We present this compensation cost consistent with the other compensation costs for the employee recipient in either payroll and employee benefits or G&A expenses.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. Long-lived assets, primarily PP&E and operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The assets are not recoverable if their carrying value is higher than the undiscounted cash flows we expect to generate from such assets. If the assets are not deemed to be recoverable, impairment is measured based on the excess of their carrying value over their fair value.

For purposes of impairment testing for our restaurants, we have concluded that an individual restaurant is the lowest level of independent cash flows unless our intent is to refranchise restaurants as a group. We review our long-lived assets of such individual restaurants (primarily operating lease ROU assets and PP&E) semi-annually for impairment, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. Our primary indicators of potential impairment for our semi-annual impairment testing of these restaurant assets include two consecutive years of operating losses after a restaurant has been open for three years. We evaluate the recoverability of these restaurant assets by comparing the forecasted undiscounted cash flows of the restaurant’s operation, which are based on our entity-specific assumptions, to the carrying value of such assets. The forecasted undiscounted cash flows incorporate our best estimate of sales growth based upon our operation plans for the unit and actual results at comparable restaurants. For restaurant assets that are not deemed to be recoverable, we write down an impaired restaurant to its estimated fair value, which becomes its new cost basis. Fair value is an estimate of the price market participants would pay for the restaurant and its related assets. In determining the fair value of restaurant-level assets, we considered the highest and best use of the assets from market participants’ perspective, which is represented by the higher of the forecasted discounted cash flows from operating restaurants and the price market participants would pay to sub-lease the operating lease ROU assets and acquire remaining restaurant assets, even if that use differs from the current use by the Company. The after-tax cash flows incorporate reasonable assumptions we believe a franchisee would make such as sales growth and include a deduction for royalties we would receive under a franchise agreement with terms substantially at market. The discount rate used in the fair value calculation is our estimate of the required rate-of-return that a franchisee would expect to receive when purchasing a similar restaurant and the related long-lived assets. The discount rate incorporates rates of returns for historical refranchising market transactions and is commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the forecasted cash flows. Estimates of the price market participants would pay to sub-lease the operating lease ROU assets are based on comparable market rental information that could be reasonably obtained for the property. In situations where the highest and best use of the restaurant-level assets from market participants’ perspective is represented by sub-leasing the operating lease ROU assets and acquiring remaining restaurant assets, the Company continues to use these assets in operating its restaurant business, which is consistent with its long-term strategy of growing revenue through operating restaurant concepts.

When we believe it is more likely than not a restaurant or groups of restaurants will be refranchised for a price less than their carrying value, but do not believe the restaurant(s) have met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, we review the restaurants for impairment. We evaluate the recoverability of these restaurant assets by comparing estimated sales proceeds plus holding period cash flows, if any, to the carrying value of the restaurant or group of restaurants. For restaurant assets that are not deemed to be recoverable, we recognize impairment for any excess of carrying value over the fair value of the restaurants, which is based on the expected net sales proceeds. To the extent ongoing agreements to be entered into with the franchisee simultaneous with the refranchising are expected to contain terms, such as royalty rates, not at prevailing market rates, we consider the off-market terms in our impairment evaluation. We recognize any such impairment charges in Refranchising gain. Refranchising gain includes the gains or losses from the sales of our restaurants to new and existing franchisees, including any impairment charges discussed above. We recognize gains on restaurant refranchising when the sale transaction closes, the franchisee has a minimum amount of the purchase price in at-risk equity and we are satisfied that the franchisee can meet its financial obligations.

When we decide to close a restaurant, it is reviewed for impairment, and depreciable lives are adjusted based on the expected disposal date. Other costs incurred when closing a restaurant such as costs of disposing of the assets as well as other facility-related expenses are generally expensed as incurred. Additionally, at the time we decide to close a restaurant, we reassess whether it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the termination option, and remeasure lease liability to reflect changes in lease term and remaining lease payments based on the planned exit date, if applicable. The amount of the re-measurement of the lease liability is recorded as an adjustment to the operating lease ROU asset first, with any remaining amount recorded in Closures and impairment expenses if the carrying amount of the operating lease ROU asset is reduced to zero. Any costs recorded upon store closure as well as any subsequent adjustments to remaining operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities as a result of lease termination are recorded in Closures and impairment expenses. In the event we are forced to close a store and receive compensation for such closure, that compensation is recorded in Closures and impairment expenses. To the extent we sell assets associated with a closed store, any gain or loss upon that sale is also recorded in Closures and impairment expenses.

Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows, including cash flows from continuing use, terminal value, lease term and refranchising proceeds. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from our estimates.

Government Subsidies

Government Subsidies. Government subsidies generally consist of financial subsidies received from provincial and local governments for operating a business in their jurisdictions and compliance with specific policies promoted by the local governments. The eligibility to receive such benefits and amount of financial subsidy to be granted are determined at the discretion of the relevant government authorities. Government subsidies are recognized when it is probable that the Company will comply with the conditions attached to them, and the subsidies are received. If the subsidy is related to an expense item, it is recognized as a reduction to the related expense to match the subsidy to the costs that it is intended to compensate. If the subsidy is related to an asset, it is deferred and recorded in Other liabilities and then recognized ratably over the expected useful life of the related asset in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The balances of deferred government subsidies included in Other liabilities were immaterial as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. There were no significant commitment or contingencies for the government subsidies received for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Government subsidies in the form of cash were recognized as reduction in following expense line items in our Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:

Costs and Expenses, Net	2023		2022		2021
Company restaurant
Payroll and employee benefits(a)	$	7	$	15	$	14
Occupancy and other operating expenses		1		3		3
Company restaurant expenses		8		18		17
General and administrative expenses		22		26		28
Total	$	30	$	44	$	45

(a)This primarily represents government subsidies for employee benefits and providing training to employees, with higher amounts received during 2022 and 2021, the years impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on the policy related to COVID-19 issued in 2020 on reducing enterprise social security contribution, the Company also recorded one-time relief of $33 million during 2022, which were recognized as a reduction to the Company restaurant expenses and G&A expenses.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. We record deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences or carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Additionally, in determining the need for recording a valuation allowance against the carrying amount of deferred tax assets, we consider the amount of taxable income and periods over which it must be earned, actual levels of past taxable income and known trends and events or transactions that are expected to affect future levels of taxable income. Where we determine that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of an asset will not be realized, we record a valuation allowance.

We are subject to reviews, examinations and audits by Chinese tax authorities, the IRS and other taxing authorities with respect to income and non-income based taxes. We recognize the benefit of positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by these tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. We evaluate unrecognized tax benefits, including interest thereon, on a quarterly basis to ensure that they have been appropriately adjusted for events, including change or developments with respect to tax audits, audit settlements and expiration of the statute of limitation, which may impact our ultimate payment for such exposures.

We have investments in our foreign subsidiaries where the carrying values for financial reporting exceed the tax basis. Except for the planned but yet to be distributed earnings, we have not provided deferred tax on the portion of the excess that we believe is indefinitely reinvested, as we have the ability and intent to indefinitely postpone the basis differences from reversing with a tax consequence. The Company’s separation from YUM was intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization for U.S. income tax purposes resulting in the excess of financial reporting basis over tax basis in our investment in the China business continuing to be indefinitely reinvested. The excess of financial reporting basis over tax basis as of December 31, 2017 was subject to the one-time transition tax under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) as a deemed repatriation of accumulated undistributed earnings from the foreign subsidiaries. However, we continue to believe that the portion of the excess of financial reporting basis over tax basis (including earnings and profits subject to the one-time transition tax) is indefinitely reinvested in our foreign subsidiaries for foreign withholding tax purposes.

Pursuant to the China Enterprise Income Tax Law (“EIT Law”), a 10% PRC withholding tax is generally levied on dividends declared by companies in China to their non-resident enterprise investors unless otherwise reduced according to treaties or arrangements between the Chinese central government and the governments of other countries or regions where the non-China resident enterprises are incorporated. Hong Kong has a tax arrangement with mainland China that provides for a 5% withholding tax on dividends distributed to a Hong Kong resident enterprise, upon meeting certain conditions and requirements, including, among others, that the Hong Kong resident enterprise own at least 25% equity interest of the Chinese enterprise and is a “beneficial owner” of the dividends. We believe that our principal Hong Kong subsidiary, which is the equity holder of our Chinese subsidiaries operating substantially all of our KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants, met the relevant requirements pursuant to the tax arrangement between mainland China and Hong Kong in 2018 and is expected to meet the requirements in the subsequent years; thus, it is more likely than not that our dividends or earnings expected to be repatriated to our principal Hong Kong subsidiary since 2018 are subject to the reduced withholding tax of 5%.

See Note 16 for a further discussion of our income taxes.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements. Fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. For those assets and liabilities we record or disclose at fair value, we determine fair value based upon the quoted market price, if available. If a quoted market price is not available for identical assets, we determine fair value based upon the quoted market price of similar assets or the present value of expected future cash flows considering the risks involved, including counterparty performance risk if appropriate, and using discount rates appropriate for the duration. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the source of the inputs into the calculation.

Level 1	Inputs based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
Level 2	Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3	Inputs that are unobservable for the asset.

In addition, when we acquire additional equity interest in the unconsolidated affiliates to obtain control, it may result in gain or loss from re-measurement of our previously held equity interest at fair value using a discounted cash flow valuation approach and incorporating assumptions and estimates that are Level 3 inputs. Key assumptions used in estimating future cash flows included projected revenue growth and costs and expenses, which were based on internal projections, store expansion plans, historical performance of stores and the business environment, as well as the selection of an appropriate discount rate based on the weighted-average cost of capital which includes company-specific risk premium.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments with original maturities not exceeding three months and are primarily comprised of time deposits, fixed income debt securities and money market funds. Cash and overdraft balances that meet the criteria for right to offset are presented net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 12 for detail discussion on our Cash equivalents.

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments. Short-term investments purchased primarily represent i) time deposits, fixed income debt securities with original maturities of over three months but less than one year when purchased; ii) time deposits with original maturities over one year but are expected to be realized in cash during the next 12 months; iii) variable return investments offered by financial institutions measured at fair value; and iv) certain structured deposits that are principal-protected and provide returns in the form of both fixed and variable interests with original maturities of less than one year. Such variable interest rates indexed to gold prices or foreign exchange rates are considered embedded derivatives and bifurcated from host contracts, and measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value change of the embedded derivatives is recorded in Investment gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The remaining host contracts to receive guaranteed principal and fixed interest are measured at amortized cost, with accretion of interest recorded in Interest income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair value of embedded derivatives included in Short-term investments was immaterial. See Note 12 for detail discussion on our Short-term investments.

Long-term Bank Deposits and Notes

Long-term Bank Deposits and Notes. Long-term bank deposits and notes represent time deposits and bank notes bearing fixed interest rate with remaining maturities exceeding one year for which the Company has the positive intent to hold for more than one year. See Note 12 for detail discussion on our Long-term bank deposits and notes.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable primarily consist of trade receivables and royalties from franchisees, and are generally due within 30 days of the period in which the corresponding sales occur. Our provision of credit losses for accounts receivable is based upon the current expected credit losses ("CECL") model. The CECL model requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of accounts receivable since initial recognition, and accounts receivable with similar risk characteristics are grouped together when estimating CECL. In assessing the CECL, the Company considers both quantitative and qualitative information that is reasonable and supportable, including historical credit loss experience, adjusted for relevant factors impacting collectability and forward-looking information indicative of external market conditions. While we use the best information available in making our determination, the ultimate recovery of recorded receivables is also dependent upon future economic events and other conditions that may be beyond our control. Accounts receivable that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, and for which collection efforts have been exhausted, are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the ending balances of provision for accounts receivable were $1 million and $2 million, respectively, and amounts of accounts receivable past due were immaterial.

Receivables from Payment Processors or Aggregators

Receivables from Payment Processors or Aggregators. Receivables from payment processors such as WeChat and Alipay or aggregators including delivery aggregators and third-party e-commerce platforms are cash due from them for clearing transactions and are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets. The cash was paid by customers through these payment processors or aggregators for food provided or coupons sold by the Company. The Company considers and monitors the credit worthiness of the third-party payment processors and aggregators used. We adopted the same methodology of estimating expected credit losses based upon the CECL model as described above. Receivable balances are written off after all collection efforts have been exhausted. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no allowance for doubtful accounts was provided for such receivables.

Inventories

Inventories. We value our inventories at the lower of cost (computed on the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment. We state PP&E at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. We calculate depreciation and amortization on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: generally 20 to 50 years for buildings, the lesser of estimated useful lives (generally 5 to 12 years) and remaining lease term for leasehold improvements, 3 to 10 years for restaurant machinery and equipment and 3 to 5 years for capitalized software costs. We suspend depreciation and amortization on assets related to restaurants that are held for sale. The useful life of PP&E is periodically reviewed.

Leases

Leases. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized upon lease commencement for operating leases based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined, we use our incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date in determining the imputed interest and present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate was determined using a portfolio approach based on the rate of interest that we would have to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term. The incremental borrowing rate is primarily influenced by the risk-free interest rate of China, the Company’s credit rating and lease term, and is updated on a quarterly basis for measurement of new lease liabilities.

For operating leases, the Company recognizes a single lease cost on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term. For finance leases, the Company recognizes straight-line amortization of the ROU asset and interest on the lease liability. For rental payments either based on a percentage of the restaurant’s sales in excess of a fixed base amount or solely based on a percentage of the restaurant’s sales, they are recognized as variable lease expenses as incurred.

The Company has elected not to recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In addition, the Company has elected not to separate non-lease components (e.g., common area maintenance fees) from the lease components.

From time to time, we purchase the rights to use government-owned land and the building occupying the land for a fixed period of time. Prior to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASC 842”), these land use rights and related buildings were recorded in Other Assets and Property, Plant and Equipment in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the land use rights. Upon the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, land use rights acquired are assessed in accordance with ASC 842 and recognized in ROU assets if they meet the definition of lease.

See Note 11 for further discussions on our leases.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. From time to time, the Company acquires restaurants from our existing franchisees or acquires another business, including restaurants business of unconsolidated affiliates that operate our concepts. Goodwill from these acquisitions represents the excess of the cost of a business acquired over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized and has been assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing. Our reporting units are our individual operating segments.

We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate impairment might exist. We have selected the beginning of our fourth quarter as the date on which to perform our ongoing annual impairment test for goodwill. We may elect to perform a qualitative assessment for our reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value. If a qualitative assessment is not performed, or if as a result of a qualitative assessment it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then the reporting unit’s fair value is compared to its carrying value. Fair value is the price a willing buyer would pay for a reporting unit, and is generally estimated using discounted expected future after-tax cash flows from the business operation of the reporting unit. The discount rate is our estimate of the required rate-of-return that a third-party buyer would expect to receive when purchasing a business from us that constitutes a reporting unit. We believe the discount rate is commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the forecasted cash flows. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we will record an impairment charge based on that difference. The impairment charge will be limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

If we record goodwill upon acquisition of a restaurant(s) from a franchisee and such restaurant(s) is then sold within two years of acquisition, the goodwill associated with the acquired restaurant(s) is written off in its entirety. If the restaurant is refranchised two years or more subsequent to its acquisition, we include goodwill in the carrying amount of the restaurants disposed of based on the relative fair values of the portion of the reporting unit disposed of in the refranchising and the portion of the reporting unit that will be retained.

We determine the useful life of intangible assets with consideration of factors including the expected use of the asset, the expected useful life of another asset or a group of assets to which the useful life of the intangible asset may relate, any legal, regulatory or contractual provisions that may limit the useful life, our historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements, the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors, and the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected future cash flows from the assets. We evaluate the remaining useful life of an intangible asset that is not being amortized each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. If an intangible asset that is not being amortized is subsequently determined to have a finite useful life, we amortize the intangible asset prospectively over its estimated remaining useful life. The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible asset represents Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang trademarks as we consider their useful life to be indefinite since we intend to use Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang trademarks indefinitely and there are no legal, regulatory or contractual provisions that may limit the useful life of the trademarks. Intangible assets that are deemed to have a finite life are generally amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis to their residual value as follows:

Reacquired franchise rights	1 to 10 years
Huang Ji Huang franchise related assets	19 years
Daojia platform	8 years
Customer-related assets	2 to 15 years
Others	up to 20 years

The useful life of reacquired franchise rights was determined based on the contractual term whereas both the contractual term and historical pattern of renewing franchise agreements were considered in assessing the useful life of Huang Ji Huang franchise related assets. Customer-related assets primarily represent the customer relationship and user base acquired and the estimate of the useful life was based on the historical pattern of extending similar arrangements and attrition rate of users. Others primarily represent Little Sheep’s secret recipe. The useful life of the Daojia platform and Little Sheep’s secret recipe was assessed based on our estimate of periods generating cash flows from utilizing such assets.

We evaluate our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate impairments might exist. We perform our annual test for impairment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets at the beginning of our fourth quarter. We may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying value. If a qualitative assessment is not performed, or if as a result of a qualitative assessment it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its carrying value, then the asset’s fair value is compared to its carrying value. Fair value is an estimate of the price a willing buyer would pay for the intangible asset and is generally estimated by discounting the expected future after-tax cash flows associated with the intangible asset.

Our finite-lived intangible assets that are not allocated to an individual restaurant are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. An intangible asset that is deemed not recoverable based on forecasted undiscounted future cash flow is written down to its estimated fair value, which is our estimate of the price a willing buyer would pay for the intangible asset based on discounted expected future after-tax cash flows. For purposes of our impairment analysis, we update the cash flows that were initially used to value the finite-lived intangible asset to reflect our current estimates and assumptions over the asset’s future remaining life.

Equity Investments

Equity Investments. The Company’s equity investments include investments in equity method investees and investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair value.

The Company applies the equity method to account for the investments in equity method investees over which it has significant influence but does not control. Our share of earnings or losses and share of changes in other comprehensive income or losses of equity method investees is included in net income and other comprehensive income or losses, respectively. We record impairment charges related to an investment in equity method investees whenever events or circumstances indicate that a decrease in the fair value of an investment has occurred which is other than temporary. Management's assessment as to the nature of a decline in fair value is based on, among other things, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than our cost basis; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the equity method investees; and our intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

For our investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair value, over which the Company has neither significant influence nor control, they are measured at fair value with subsequent changes recognized in net income.

See Note 3 and Note 7 for further discussions on our equity investments.

Short-term Borrowings

Short-term Borrowings. Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of debt discounts or premiums and debt issuance costs, if applicable. Debt discounts or premiums and debt issuance costs are recorded as an adjustment to the principal amount and the related accretion is amortized into interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the term of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost. Interest expense is recognized over the term of the borrowing and recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 9 for additional information.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments. We account for derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The financial instruments are recorded at their respective fair value as determined on the day of issuance and subsequently adjusted to the fair value at each reporting date. Changes in the fair value of financial instruments are recognized periodically in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The estimated fair values of derivative instruments are determined at discrete points in time using standard valuation techniques.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests. We report Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests separately on the face of our Consolidated Statements of Income. The portion of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests is reported within equity, separately from the Company’s stockholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

When the noncontrolling interest is redeemable at the option of the noncontrolling shareholder, or contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of a conditional event that is not solely within the control of the Company, the noncontrolling interest is separately classified as mezzanine equity. In connection with the acquisition of Huang Ji Huang and Daojia, redeemable noncontrolling interests were initially recognized at fair value and classified outside of permanent equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheets due to redemption rights being held by noncontrolling shareholders. Subsequent changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests are immediately recognized as they occur and adjusted to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Guarantees

Guarantees. We account for guarantees in accordance with ASC Topic 460 (“ASC 460”), Guarantees. Accordingly, the Company evaluates its guarantees to determine whether (a) the guarantee is specifically excluded from the scope of ASC 460, (b) the guarantee is subject to ASC 460 disclosure requirements only, but not subject to the initial recognition and measurement provisions, or (c) the guarantee is required to be recorded in the financial statements at fair value. The Company provides: (i) indemnifications to certain investors and other parties for certain losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party in connection with third-party claims; and (ii) indemnifications of officers and directors against third-party claims arising from the services they provide to the Company. To date, the Company has not incurred costs as a result of these obligations and does not expect to incur material costs in the future. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued any liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to these indemnifications.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations. We recognize an asset and a liability for the fair value of a required asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) when such an obligation is incurred. The Company’s AROs are primarily associated with leasehold improvements which, at the end of the lease, the Company is contractually obligated to remove in order to comply with the lease agreement. As such, we amortize the asset on a straight-line basis over the lease term and accrete the liability to its nominal value using the effective interest method over the lease term.

Contingencies

Contingencies. The Company records accruals for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings or claims when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings or claims that could affect the amount of any accrual, as well as any developments that would make a loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. The Company discloses the amount of the accrual if it is material.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans. Certain of the Company’s employees participate in noncontributory defined benefit plans and post-retirement medical plans sponsored by YUM prior to October 31, 2016. Subsequent to the separation, employees participating in YUM’s plans were enrolled in the Yum China Holdings, Inc. Leadership Retirement Plan (“YCHLRP”), an unfunded, unsecured account-based retirement plan which allocates a percentage of pay to an account payable to the executive following the executive’s separation of employment from the Company or attainment of age 55.

The Company also offers other defined contribution plans to employees. The total contribution for such employee benefits was expensed as incurred. The Company has no additional legal obligation or liabilities for the benefits beyond the paid and accrued amounts. See Note 13 for additional information.

PRC Value-Added Tax ("VAT")

PRC Value-Added Tax (“VAT”). The Company has been subject to VAT within the normal course of its restaurant business nationwide since May 1, 2016.

Entities that are VAT general taxpayers are permitted to offset qualified input VAT paid to suppliers against their output VAT upon receipt of appropriate supplier VAT invoices on an entity-by-entity basis. When the output VAT exceeds the input VAT, the difference is remitted to tax authorities, usually on a monthly basis; whereas when the input VAT exceeds the output VAT, the difference is treated as a VAT asset which can be carried forward indefinitely to offset future net VAT payables. VAT related to purchases and sales which have not been settled at the balance sheet date is disclosed separately as an asset and liability, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. VAT assets are classified as Prepaid expenses and other current assets if they are expected to be used within one year. At each balance sheet date, the Company reviews the outstanding balance of VAT assets for recoverability assessment.

Pursuant to the tax policy issued by relevant government authorities, general VAT taxpayers in certain industries that meet certain criteria are allowed to claim an additional 10% or 15% input VAT, which will be used to offset their VAT payables. This VAT policy was further extended to December 31, 2023 but the additional deduction was reduced to 5% or 10% respectively. Accordingly, the Company recognized such VAT deductions of $44 million and $16 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The VAT deductions were recorded as a reduction to the related expense item, primarily in Company restaurant expenses included in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share represent net earnings to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or converted into common shares. See Note 5 for further information.

Common Stock Repurchases

Common Stock Repurchases. We may repurchase shares of Yum China common stock under a program authorized by our Board of Directors from time to time in open market or, subject to applicable regulatory requirements, through privately negotiated transactions, block trades, accelerated share repurchase transactions and the use of Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. Shares repurchased are included in treasury stock in the financial statements until they are retired. When repurchased shares are retired, the Company's accounting policy is to allocate the excess of the repurchase price over the par value of shares acquired between Additional paid-in capital and Retained earnings. The amount allocated to Additional paid-in capital is based on the value of Additional paid-in capital per share outstanding at the time of retirement and the number of shares to be retired. Any remaining amount is allocated to Retained earnings. In connection with the Primary Conversion, all shares repurchased and included in the treasury stock were immediately retired. See Note 15 for further information.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2021-08 Business Combinations (Topic 805) — Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2021-08”). It requires issuers to apply ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers acquired in a business combination. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2023, and such adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01 Fair Value Hedging—Portfolio Layer Method (“ASU 2022-01”), which allows entities to expand their use of the portfolio layer method for fair value hedges of interest rate risk. Under the guidance, entities can hedge all financial assets under the portfolio layer method and designate multiple hedged layers within a single closed portfolio. The guidance also clarifies the accounting for fair value hedge basis adjustments in portfolio layer hedges and how these adjustments should be disclosed. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2023, and such adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02 Financial Instrument—Credit Losses (“ASU 2022-02”), amending ASC 310 to eliminate the recognition and measurement guidance for a troubled debt restructuring for creditors that have adopted ASC 326 and requiring them to make enhanced disclosures about loan modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The guidance also requires entities to present gross write-offs by year of origination in their vintage disclosures. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2023, and such adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03 Fair Value Measurement—Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restriction (“ASU 2022-03”), clarifying that a contractual restriction on sales of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security, and therefore, is not considered when measuring fair value. The guidance also clarifies that a contractual sales restriction should not be recognized as a separate unit of account. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2023, and such adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-04 Liabilities—Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations (“ASU 2022-04”), requiring entities that use supplier finance programs in connection with the purchase of goods and services to disclose the key terms of the programs and information about their obligations outstanding at the end of the reporting period. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2023, and such adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.