This Fast-Food Giant's Chart Projects Double-Digit Returns

Which Western food brand is most dominant in China? It's not Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) or Pepsi (NYSE: PEP). It's fried chicken sold by KFC.

KFC, operated by the multi-national fast-food company, Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM), is a force to be reckoned with in China. In fact, YUM currently is the country's leading retail developer. Of YUM's 38,000 restaurants, nearly 15% are in that nation. And more than half the company's total operating profit and more than 40% of total sales come from China.

Having established a strong beachhead in China, the fast-food empire -- which also operates Pizza Hut and Taco Bell -- has embarked on its next big conquest: India. India is the world's second most populous country, after China. According to the World Bank, its economy is expected to grow 6% in the coming year.

Currently, there are about 500 Yum-branded restaurants in India. About 100 of these were opened in 2011. By 2015, Yum plans to invest $100 million to start at least 1,000 total restaurants in that nation. Over the past three quarters, sales in India have been in the strong double digits. Yet, Indian sales still account for less than 1% of the company's total global revenue. These figures point to huge growth potential.

Shareholders seem pleased by the strong growth outlook.

For the past two and a half years, the stock has been on a major uptrend. During this time, shares have has risen more than 132%, from the February 2010 low of $30.92, to current levels near $71. (more)