Ann Arbor / MG. (dp) Domino’s Pizza Inc., the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, announced results for the third quarter of 2015, comprised of strong same store sales results and store count growth. Domestic same store sales grew 10.5 percent during the quarter versus the year-ago period, continuing the positive sales momentum in the Company’s domestic business. The international division also posted strong results with same store sales growth of 7.7 percent, marking the 87th consecutive quarter of international same store sales growth. The Company had global net store growth of 194 stores in the quarter.
During the quarter, the Company incurred incremental insurance expense relating to updated independent actuarial estimates for the Company’s casualty insurance program, and faced continued pressure from foreign currency exchange rates. Diluted EPS was 67 cents for the third quarter, which was up 6.3 percent over the Company’s diluted EPS in the prior year quarter.
The Company repurchased 365’460 shares of its common stock during the quarter for approximately $40.9 million. The Board of Directors also declared a 31-cent per share quarterly dividend for shareholders of record as of December 15, 2015, to be paid on December 30, 2015.
J. Patrick Doyle, Domino’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said: «We are pleased with the sustained strong sales and continued momentum behind store growth. The things we are doing are working, and we will continue to aggressively lead the industry».
Revenues were up 8.5 percent for the third quarter versus the prior year period, driven by higher supply chain volumes and sales of equipment to stores in connection with the Company’s global store re-imaging program. Higher domestic same store sales and store count growth, which resulted in increased royalties from franchised stores and higher revenues at Company-owned stores, also contributed to this increase. International revenues benefited from increased same store sales and store count growth, and were offset in part by the negative impact of foreign currency.
Net Income was up 6.2 percent for the third quarter versus the prior year period, driven by domestic and international same store sales growth, global store count growth and higher supply chain volumes. These increases were offset in part by the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rates and incremental insurance expense related to the Company’s casualty insurance program.
Diluted EPS was 67 cents for the third quarter versus 63 cents in the prior year quarter, an increase of 4 cents, or 6.3 percent. This increase was due to higher net income and lower weighted average diluted shares outstanding (Image: Domino’s Pizza).
