BUZZ-Indian KFC operator Devyani slumps on lower Q3 profit before tax

KFC and Pizza Hut India operator Devyani International Ltd DEVY.NS falls 4.56% to 169.9 rupees after Q3 results

Co reports about 12% decline in Q3 profit before tax as expenses marginally outpace revenue growth amid accelerated store expansion

Revenue from operations increases 53.5%; co adds 111 net new stores

Same-store-sales decline 4.4% and 0.8% y/y in key brands KFC and Pizza Hut, respectively, in a muted demand environment

Q3 reported core profit margin contracts to 16.9% from 17.4% last year

With session's decline, co trims 12-month stock price gain to 11.8%