Wendy’s, Yum Sales Up in December

Hamburger chain Wendy’s International Inc. and Taco Bell parent Yum Brands Inc. said sales improved in December, even as the first U.S. case of mad cow disease was confirmed toward the end of the month.

Dublin, Ohio-based Wendy’s said sales at company-owned Wendy’s restaurants open more than a year rose 9% in the four weeks ended Dec. 28.

Louisville, Ky.-based Yum, whose restaurant chains also include Pizza Hut and KFC, said combined same-store sales rose 2%. Taco Bell and Pizza Hut posted 4% gains in the period ended Dec. 27, offsetting a 2% decline at chicken chain KFC.

Wendy’s shares rose 68 cents to $40.15, and Yum rose $1.02 to $35.04, both on the New York Stock Exchange.