By Micah Maidenberg

Yum China Holdings Inc. said demand weakened in the fourth quarter as some regions of China, including Beijing, struggled with a resurgence in Covid-19 cases.

The operator of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants as well as other establishments in China on Wednesday reported net income rose to $151 million from $90 million the year earlier. Yum China's profit per share increased to 35 cents from 23 cents. Adjusted earnings per share were also 35 cents, beating expectations from analysts.

Revenue rose to $2.26 billion from $2.03 billion, with the latest period ahead of the $2.17 billion consensus estimate compiled by FactSet.

Same-store sales fell 4% year over year, but the company opened 505 new stores during the quarter.

China's economy overall rebounded from lockdowns last year as officials worked to limit Covid-19 infections, expanding by more than 2%.

Yet new outbreaks of the virus hampered some demand for Yum China as 2020 closed out.

"November and December sales were pressured by ... regional outbreaks. Traffic at transportation hubs remained significantly below the prior year due to reduced travel," the company said.

Write to Micah Maidenberg at micah.maidenberg@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

02-03-21 1706ET