Positive data
In this article I would like to review the company’s most recent quarterly performance, weigh future expansion plans, and lastly take a look at the competitive quick service pizza category. From what I can tell the sell-off was unwarranted; the company reported yet another strong quarter throughout both its domestic and international business segments.
The company was able to grow its earnings per share by over 21% to $0.57 per share, beating analyst estimates of $0.56 EPS. More over, total revenues were up by $37.9 million, or 10.1% from the prior year quarter as a result of two promising tailwinds. First, the company was able to generate additional revenue through increased supply chain demand as a result of higher order counts. Second, the company’s generated higher royalty payments as a result of strong same store sales data and new store openings abroad.
Same store sales came in better than analysts had predicted, the company’s domestic sales rose by 6.7% in addition to 5.8% growth from its international business segment. While the company did add 9 net new stores domestically, this number was completely overshadowed by the addition of 101 net new locations internationally. Even amid rising food costs, 3.9%, the company was able to maintain its operating margins at 30.4%. Overall, I liked the quarter; what’s not to like? Rising revenue, earnings, store counts, volumes, and steady margins amid rising input costs.
The opportunity
The company has made it clear that its domestic growth is not a result of significant broad industry tailwinds. Instead the company is actively taking market share away from its smaller, and larger, competitors through advertising, technology, and product innovation. We have all seen the commercials over the last few years, the “we used to suck, but now we don’t” commercials the company has displayed to audiences across many levels of multimedia. Well, they did suck, now their products are exceptional, and of exceptional value for the consumer. You really can’t beat $5.99 for a one topping carryout large pizza. That same pizza would cost about $19 here at the local joints in the Bay Area.
These same advertising campaigns were structured with a push of the company’s market leading technology platform. Great investments within the company’s online ordering, mobile ordering, and mobile payment technology have started to bear some serious fruit, especially with younger consumers.
The technology advancements have in the words of management taken away market share from its smaller, local competition. If you haven’t had Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) since the revamp give it a shot. The company has released a number of new products including the extremely successful Pan pizza. The Pan pizza has been an important driver of international same store sales growth within many of the company’s largest markets.
Earlier this year management hinted at its international growth potential, the company stated in its investor conference it can add 2,700 more locations in its top 10 international markets before saturation. Whats even better, this growth estimate doesn’t reflect the potential for growth in the many major Asian market the company hasn’t yet penetrated. The international future for this pizza player looks bright to say the least.
