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☆ Strong dollar weighs on Yum Brands even as sales rise at KFC and Taco Bell
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Revenue came in above expectations, however, as same-store sales rose at its KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell chains. KFC reported same-store sales growth of 7%, beating Wall Street's estimates of 2%. Taco Bell's same-store sales rose 6% in the quarter, falling short of expectations of 7.5%. In the U.S., same-store sales rose 7%. Pizza Hut reported same-store sales growth of 1%, beating Wall Street's projections that its same-store sales would decline.

☆ Saudi Arabia approves dual listing of Pizza Hut, KFC franchisee
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

DUBAI, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's market regulator said on Monday it had approved a concurrent and dual listing of Americana Group, the Middle East and North Africa franchisee of fast-food chains KFC and Pizza Hut, in the kingdom and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Americana has approval to sell 30% of its shares, which will be the first to trade in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Capital Market Authority said the approval was for a dual registration in the two countries and an offering of 2.53 billion shares. Americana is owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and an investment consortium led by Dubai businessman Mohammed Alabbar, founder of Dubai-listed Emaar Properties (EMAR.DU). ($1 = 3.7568 riyals)Reporting by Hadeel Al Sayegh Editing by Mark PotterOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ China launches third and final space station component
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

BEIJING — China on Monday launched the third and final module to complete its permanent space station, realizing a more than decade-long endeavor to maintain a constant crewed presence in orbit. Many waved Chinese flags and wore T-shirts emblazoned with the characters for China, reflecting the deep national pride invested in the space program and the technological progress it represents. China’s crewed space program is officially three decades old this year. The U.S. excluded China from the International Space Station because of its military ties. Prior to launching the Tianhe module, China’s Manned Space Program launched a pair of single-module stations that it crewed briefly as test platforms.

The back half of the earnings season gets underway this week, with key companies across different sectors set to report. FactSet data shows that slightly more than 70% of the S & P 500 that have reported earnings have beaten earnings expectations. Tuesday Advanced Micro Devices is set to report earnings after the bell, followed by a conference call at 5 p.m. Wednesday Yum Brands is set to report earnings before the bell, with management holding a call at 8:15 a.m. EBay is set to report earnings after the bell, followed by a call at 5 p.m.

☆ New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern makes rare trip to Antarctica
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern appeared awestruck Thursday to be standing in the Antarctic hut of explorer Ernest Shackleton. “I think when you’re a kid and you read stories about Shackleton, you’d never imagine you’d have the opportunity to come. So, I feel pretty lucky,” she said from inside the hut that was built more than a century ago. Conservationists say new marine protected areas and rules to prevent overfishing in Antarctica are desperately needed, but that Russia could use its veto-like powers to once again block progress. The motivation for Russia, which did not respond to requests for comment this week, remains unclear.

☆ I tried Pizza Hut's new Melts and they can be a better alternative to a personal pizza — if you're all about convenience
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Sarah Jackson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

"We like to say – pizza is for WE, Melts are for ME because sometimes you want the delicious taste of pizza all for yourself without having to order and share an entire pie," said Lindsay Morgan, Pizza Hut's chief marketing officer, in a press release. Pizza Hut"With Melts, now there's a new way to get the bold flavors of your favorite pizza – or what you might get on your favorite sandwich – just for you, whenever and wherever you want," she added.

☆ Yum Brands to fully exit Russia with deal to sell KFC stores
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Hilary Russ | Tatiana Bautzer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NEW YORK, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Yum Brands Inc (YUM.N) on Monday said that it reached a deal to sell its KFC restaurants in Russia to a local operator there, paving a path to fully exit the country. The restaurant operator, which also owns the Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands, will transfer ownership of its Russian KFC locations, operating system and master franchise rights to Smart Service Ltd, which is run by existing Russian KFC franchisees Konstantin Yurievich Kotov and Andrey Eduardovich Oskolkov, Yum said in a press release. Once it is completed, Yum "will have ceased its corporate presence in Russia," the company said. In July, Yum said it transferred ownership of its Pizza Hut assets to a local Russian operator. read moreRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Hilary Russ; Editing by Chizu NomiyamaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Stock market continues to sizzle this month
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Paul R. La Monica | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN Business —October may be famous for historically horrifying stock market crashes like the ones in 1929, 1987 and 2008. Stocks enjoyed another solid rally Monday, continuing a hot streak for the markets this month. The S&P and Nasdaq are each still down more than 20% in 2022, though, which means they are in a bear market. American companies with significant exposure to the Chinese market were also hit hard and sat out the broader market rally. Brands (YUM) was down 2% while Yum China (YUMC), which franchises the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands in China, plunged 14%.

☆ Myanmar villagers say army beheaded high school teacher
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

The slain teacher, Saw Tun Moe, was a longtime educator who had participated in anti-military protests before taking charge of a high school founded by the country’s pro-democracy movement in his native Thit Nyi Naung village. Saw Tun Moe also taught mathematics at his village school and another nearby alternative school and was involved in the administration of Thit Nyi Naung, where he lived with his family. She said Saw Tun Moe was taken to Taung Myint village, almost a mile north of Thit Nyi Naung, and killed there the following day. A villager from Taung Myint village said he saw Saw Tun Moe’s body at about 11 a.m. Monday after the soldiers had left. I immediately knew that it was Teacher Moe.

☆ Pizza Hut is finally selling slices — with a twist
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

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Venerable Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, best known as the dragon-loving half-giant Hagrid from the "Harry Potter" film franchise, died on Friday, his managers said. "We are hugely saddened to hear of the passing of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humour in the Harry Potter films," the “Harry Potter” film franchise said in statement. Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid in the "Harry Potter" series. He was an incredible actor and a lovely man.”And fellow “Harry Potter” actor James Phelps, who played one of the Weasely twins, recalled being a fresh-faced 14-year-old, nervous on first day on the set in September 2020. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said "Ftiz" was one her favorite TV characters and called Coltrane a "Scottish entertainment legend."

☆ 'Harry Potter' stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson pay tribute to Robbie Coltrane
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-14 | by ( Sandra Gonzalez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Stars from the “Harry Potter” universe are paying tribute to Hogwart’s resident gentle half-giant, Robbie Coltrane, who died on Friday. “I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he’s passed. “Robbie was the most fun uncle I’ve ever had,” she wrote, underneath a photo of the pair. “His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant – he could fill ANY space with his brilliance,” she later added. “I was always astonished at how fearless they were.”“Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling wrote on Twitter: “I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again.

☆ Factbox: Companies sell their businesses in Russia
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

The logo of French tyre maker Michelin is seen at a company building in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, France, August 6, 2022. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File PhotoOct 10 (Reuters) - Some Western companies have agreed to sell their Russian assets or hand them over to local managers as they seek to comply with sanctions over the Ukraine conflict and deal with threats from the Kremlin that foreign-owned assets may be seized. Below is a list of firms by sector that have sold their businesses in Russia:AUTOS** British car distributor Inchcape (INCH.L) sold its Russian business to local managementRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register** Italian truck and bus maker Iveco (IVG.MI) transferred its 33% stake in its AMT truck assembly joint venture in Russia to a local partner** French tyre maker Michelin (MICP.PA) intends to transfer its activities in Russia to a new entity under local management by end-2022** French carmaker Renault (RENA.PA) sold its majority stake in Avtovaz (AVAZI_p.MM) to a Russian science institute, and transferred all shares in Renault Russia to the city of Moscow** MAN Truck & Bus and Scania, units of German truck maker Traton (8TRA.DE), expect to sell their sales companies in Russia to local partners along with Scania's Russian financing business by Q1 2023BANKS** Britain's HSBC (HSBA.L) agreed to sell its Russian business to Expobank, subject to regulatory approvals in Russia** Czech investment group PPF sold its Russian banking assets, including consumer lender HCFB and its subsidiaries, to investors led by Ivan Tyryshkin** France's Societe Generale (SOGN.PA) sold its Russian business Rosbank (ROSB.MM) to Interros Capital, a firm linked to Russian oligarch Vladimir PotaninCONSUMER ELECTRONICS** Swedish home appliance maker Electrolux (ELUXb.ST) transferred its business in Russia to local management** Its Electrolux Professional (EPROb.ST) branch also sold its Russian business to local management** Whirlpool (WHR.N) sold its Russian operations to Turkey's Arcelik (ARCLK.IS)ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS & EQUIPMENT** Finland's Boreo (BOREO.HE) sold its 90% stake in YE Russia to companies controlled by its current director Yrjö Pönni** U.S. industrial firm Emerson Electric (EMR.N) agreed to sell its Russia business to the local management** Finnish elevator maker Kone (KNEBV.HE) expects to close the sale of its Russian business to local management in Q4 2022** France's Schneider Electric (SCHN.PA) expects to close the sale its Russian unit to local management by end-2022** U.S. elevator maker Otis (OTIS.N) sold its Russia business to local investment firm Ice DevelopmentENERGY** French industrial gases producer Air Liquide (AIRP.PA) agreed to shift its Russian assets to local management, subject to regulatory approvals in Russia** Baker Hughes (BKR.O) agreed to sell its oilfield services business in Russia to local management, with closing expected in H2 2022** Italian utility Enel (ENEI.MI) sold its 56.43% stake in Enel Russia to Lukoil (LKOH.MM) and private fund Gazprombank-Frezia** Norway's Equinor (EQNR.OL) transferred assets of its Russian oil and gas joint ventures to state-owned partner Rosneft (ROSN.MM), and its 30% stake in the Arctic Kharyaga oilfield to state-controlled Russian operator Zarubezhneft** U.S. oilfield services firm Halliburton (HAL.N) sold its Russia operations to a management team made up of former employees** Oil major Shell (SHEL.L) sold its Russian retail and lubricants business to Lukoil** Singapore-based commodities trader Trafigura sold its 10% stake in Vostok Oil project in Siberia to Hong Kong-registered trading firm Nord Axis** Total Energies (TTEF.PA) sold its remaining 20% interest in the Kharyaga oil project to Zarubezhneft, and its 49% stake in Terneftegaz to joint venture partner NovatekFOOD & BEVERAGES** Finland's Atria (ATRAV.HE) sold its fast food business in Russia, Sibylla Rus, to Russian meat producer Cherkizovo (GCHE.MM)** Finland's Fazer sold its Russian unit to Moscow's Kolomenskij Bakery and Confectionery Holding** Irish ingredients giant Kerry Group (KYGa.I) sold its Russian subsidiary to local management and agreed to offload its Belarusian unit to a local operator** Fast food chain McDonald's (MCD.N) sold its Russian business to its licensee Alexander Govor** Finnish food and drinks company Paulig sold its operations in Russia to private Indian investor Vikas Soi** Yum Brands (YUM.N) sold its Pizza Hut business in Russia to a local operator** Finnish food processing firm Raisio (RAIVV.HE) sold its consumer business in Russia to Copacker Agro** Finnish dairy producer Valio sold its Russian business to GK VelkomINDUSTRIAL MACHINERY** Polish measuring devices maker Apator's (APTP.WA) Powogaz unit divested its entire stake in Russia-based AO Teplovodomer** Danish industrial firm Danfoss agreed to sell its Russian and Belarusian business to local management, subject to approval by shareholders and regulatory approvals in Russi

☆ A 55-year-old who never made more than $52,000 a year built a 25-unit real estate portfolio in 5 years and is now financially independent: 'If I can do it as a basic blue-collar worker raising a famil
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-09 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

A former cop who never earned more than $52,000 built a 25-unit real estate portfolio. He spends time managing his investments, including a 25-unit real estate portfolio, which Insider verified. Here's how Mark built a 25-unit real estate portfolio in just five years on a salary that never exceeded $52,000 a year. He agreed, called up a real estate agent he knew in the area, and told her he wanted to invest in real estate. "At that time, I had not read any real estate books, I had not watched any YouTube videos, and I really didn't know anything about buying real estate," said Mark.

☆ A wave of restaurant operators and high-profile chains like Chipotle and Burger King are investing millions in innovation amid a slowdown in food-tech funding. Here are 10 investing in ghost kitchens,
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-29 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

"My dad says I'm taking the joy out of a restaurant," Frischling said. "If this industry doesn't keep up, we're not going to have so many restaurants," Frischling told Insider. Frischling is part of a wave of restaurant operators and high-profile chains investing millions in the industry's future. Over the years, Chipotle, Inspire Brands, and Restaurant Brands International — the owner of Burger King and Popeyes — have invested in autonomous-delivery vehicles, ghost kitchens, and digital-ordering software. IGC HospitalityThe New York restaurant company, also known as In Good Company Hospitality Group, invested in the restaurant-tech firm MarginEdge in 2021, according to PitchBook.

☆ How a TikToker with 1.8 million followers built a 6-figure income without an agent or manager
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-22 | by ( Shriya Bhattacharya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

His "stank walk challenge" video went viral two months later, and brands started reaching out. Nate White had been posting on TikTok for a month when he saw the viral "stank walk challenge" his friend Crayzrah created in April 2020. He started making money from social media later that month when brands reached out to collaborate. Now, White has 1.8 million followers on TikTok and almost 340,000 followers on Instagram. Brands pay him to make in-person appearances at events, post a video on his account promoting a product, or appear in campaign videos.

☆ Taco Bell to test long-awaited Beyond Meat carne asada in Ohio next month
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Taco Bell will test meatless carne asada made with Beyond Meat at dozens of its restaurants in Dayton, Ohio, starting next month. Around that time, Taco Bell promised to test a menu item made with Beyond, but it took longer than expected to create a carne asada alternative that satisfied Taco Bell, Bloomberg reported in December. Starting Oct. 13, participating Taco Bell locations will sell the steak substitute for a limited time at the same price as its existing carne asada. Taco Bell plans to feature Beyond Carne Asada in its quesadilla, but customers can swap in the meat alternative for other orders as well. The test is meant to help Taco Bell measure the demand for Beyond Carne Asada.

☆ Patagonia's founder, who just gave his company to a non-profit, loves saving money. From eating cat food to living in beach shacks, here are some of the wackiest examples.
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard has had a frugal lifestyle since his early days as a climber and surfer. This includes eating cat food and taking soda bottles from trash cans to redeem for money. Sign up for our newsletter to receive our top stories based on your reading preferences — delivered daily to your inbox. Before founding Patagonia, Chouinard made a living selling climbing equipment from the back of his car. In 1966, Chouinard set up a base for his equipment business, Chouinard Equipment, in a rented tin boiler room of an abandoned packing company slaughterhouse in California.

☆ Cinemas will screen the Queen's funeral. Here's what else is open on Monday
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-18 | by ( Anna Cooban | Cnn Business | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

London (CNN Business) Much of Britain will come to a standstill on Monday for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II . A company spokesperson told CNN Business that its venues would open on Monday "for communities to gather to mourn and reflect together on the life of the Queen." Travelodge, which has 78 budget hotels in London, said its staff were working "around the clock" in preparation for the Queen's funeral. Most major supermarkets — which normally remain open on public holidays for a reduced number of hours — are planning to close for the funeral. Apple AAPL confirmed to CNN Business that it would close all of its 39 stores in the country on Monday.

☆ Cinemas are screening the Queen's funeral. Here's what else is open on Monday
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-18 | by ( Anna Cooban | Cnn Business | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

London (CNN Business) Much of Britain came to a standstill on Monday for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II . A company spokesperson told CNN Business that its venues would open on Monday "for communities to gather to mourn and reflect together on the life of the Queen." Travelodge, which has 78 budget hotels in London, said its staff were working "around the clock" in preparation for the Queen's funeral. Most major supermarkets — which normally remain open on public holidays for a reduced number of hours — are planning to close for the funeral. Apple AAPL confirmed to CNN Business that it would close all of its 39 stores in the country on Monday.

☆ Pizza Hut uses 'Italian taco' hack to mock Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza - as it returns after being sold out for months
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-17 | by ( Sarah Jackson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Pizza Hut poked fun at it by introducing a so-called "Italian taco." The "Italian taco", as it turns out, is just a regular slice of pizza folded at the corners to form a taco shape. In a since-deleted tweet, Pizza Hut introduced what it called the "Italian taco." Pizza Hut/TwitterPizza Hut also took a jab at Taco Bell for the months-long period in which the Mexican Pizza was sold out. The Italian Taco has been here and will be here forever," a Pizza Hut representative told Food & Wine.

☆ Petal 1 Visa credit card review: You don't need a credit history to qualify, and it earns 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
▼ + stars: | 2022-08-09 | by ( Tessa Campbell | Personal Finance Reviews Fellow | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +19 min

The Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card issued by WebBank, is an option for those looking to build their credit history. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightReview: Is the Petal 1 Visa credit card the best card for you? The Petal 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card, is designed for those with bad, limited, or even no credit history. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightPetal 1 credit card fees and costsThe Petal 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. You also can't withdraw cash at ATMs using the Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card.

☆ Earnings playbook: How to play the second half of the season with Starbucks and Caterpillar on deck
▼ + stars: | 2022-07-31 | by ( Fred Imbert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +14 min

Tuesday Caterpillar is set to report earnings before the bell, followed by a conference all with management at 8:30 a.m. What history shows: Caterpillar has reported a better-than-expected profit in each of the last eight earnings days, FactSet data shows. What history shows : FactSet data shows Airbnb has beaten analyst expectations in the last four quarters. What history shows: FactSet data shows Paramount has missed earnings expectations in two of the past four quarters. Block is set to report earnings after the close, with management set to hold a call at 5 p.m.

☆ 'Survivor' players reveal what it's really like to compete on the show
▼ + stars: | 2022-03-11 | by ( Meghan Cook | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +30 min

Former "Survivor" players told Insider what competing on the reality series is really like. Sleeping arrangements are rougher than viewers might thinkTom Laidlaw and Elaine Stott at camp on "Survivor: Island of the Idols." For more details, read 'Survivor' players reveal how the show chooses their only outfit and what it's like wearing it for up to 39 days. For more details, read 'Survivor' players break down 5 moments they wished aired on the show and 4 they're relieved didn't. For more details, read 'Survivor' players reveal what it was like getting their periods on the island.

Persons: —, Tyson Apostol, Apostol, Goliath, Davie Rickenbacker, he'd, Rickenbacker, Russell Swan, Malcolm Freberg, Andrea Boehlke, Jeff Probst, Probst, Elaine Stott, Stott, Jeff, Greg Gayne, Freberg, that's Mark Burnett, Tom Laidlaw, Lauren, Ashley Beck, Beck, We'd, Karishma Patel, Patel, Parvati, You've, — Beck, Kellee Kim, Noura Salman, he's, Boehlke, that's, Eddie Fox, she's, Tommy Sheehan, Dean Kowalski, Dan Spilo, Jamal Shipman, Shipman, Elaine, they're, vaginas, Aaron Meredith, Monica Culpepper, Gervase Peterson, doesn't, Apostol didn't, I've, Kim, David, Gabby Pascuzzi, Christian Hubicki, Nick Wilson Organizations: Service, CBS, FILA, Getty, Ivy League Locations: Philippines, There's, Fiji, didn't

☆ Meet the Nigerian board game creator trying to change an industry
▼ + stars: | 2021-09-22 | by ( Aisha Salaudeen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Created in 2017, "Homia" is a memory and recognition game card game where players race to build their Nigerian home to win. "Wan wan touch" is a football-based board game. But in Nigeria, there is hardly any data about the tabletop game industry. There is also no access to tabletop games cafes and other value chains surrounding these games," he explains. People can come there to play," he says, with 60 Nigerian-made board games and another 300 non-Nigerian games.

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