Doughnuts are small, sugary rings that Americans consume roughly 10 billion times a year. The delicious indulgence is one of the most popular breakfast items, and fast-growing doughnut maker Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE:KKD) is taking advantage of this both domestically and internationally. Founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, NC, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE:KKD) has had its ups and downs since its IPO in 2000. Under the leadership of CEO Jim Morgan, the doughnut dealer has been growing steadily. Recent earnings reports have shown quarterly revenue increase of 11% and same-store sales increase of 11.4%. This is the 18th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth. It was a good start to the company’s fiscal year; let’s look at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE:KKD)’s plans for the future and see if the company is as good as its doughnuts.
Filling the world with doughnuts
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE:KKD) hopes to keep up its impressive growth in sales and profits with five strategic points. First, the company is promoting doughnut use occasions throughout the day and night. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE:KKD) has 36% of its sales between 6am and 11am. By promoting nighttime doughnut consumption, the company can tap into a market that is not associated with breakfast foods. Second, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE:KKD) is continuing doughnut innovation by adding limited time offers and seasonal doughnuts as well as new flavors and shapes. The company recently launched Key Lime treats and frozen beverages for the summer. The success of these promotions is evident in the company’s impressive revenue growth. Third, the company is expanding its beverage marketing program. The end goal for this is to have more add-on beverage purchases with doughnuts. This has been a weak point for the doughnut maker but beverage sales recently increased 16%. Fourth, the company will leverage the brand’s presence on social media and local marketing. Finally, the company will continue to enhance guest experience and improve shop atmosphere and hospitality.
The company has also been experimenting with new, smaller doughnut factories. The shops will not participate in wholesale doughnut manufacturing for grocery stores and other wholesalers. There are currently three small shops in operation with seven or eight more on the way in 2013. The reception of these shops has been good but it is still too early to tell how this innovation will impact the company.
International expansion will also play an important role in Krispy Kreme’s future. With 360 current international shops, the company hopes to have 900 by the end of January 2017. This will happen by expanding in current markets as well as entering new ones like Taiwan and Russia.
Competitive breakfasts
Competing against Krispy Kreme for doughnut domination is Dunkin’ Donuts. Owned by Dunkin Brands Group Inc (NASDAQ:DNKN), this company sells doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches, and most importantly coffee. Roughly 65% of Dunkin Brands Group Inc (NASDAQ:DNKN)’s $667.67 million revenue is from coffee, which shows the potential of a good brew. Dunkin Brands Group Inc (NASDAQ:DNKN)’ is a larger company than Krispy Kreme, but has experienced slowed growth in the recent past. Last quarter earnings dropped 8.30% after bad weather kept consumers from their morning routines.
