Domino’s Pizza Inc. saw same-store sales rise 10.5 percent in the U.S. in the third quarter ended Sept. 6, the company said Monday.
It was the fourth straight quarter of double-digit domestic same-store sales growth for the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based pizza chain, which has experienced a post-recession renaissance due to an improved pizza recipe, advertising and new technology.
Domino’s same-store sales have risen 19 percent on a two-year basis, which can filter out one-time events and calendar changes that can impact sales.
The company released its sales results and unit count more than a week ahead of schedule, as part of a release in which the company acknowledged a $5.7 million third-quarter charge for insurance claims.
Domino’s said that workers’ compensation and other insurance claims have recently increased in frequency and severity, leading to the unexpected expense. Domino’s said the charge would result in a 6-cent per-share decrease in third-quarter earnings. Its stock fell by 1 percent early Monday.
Same-store sales in international markets rose 7.7 percent in the quarter, the 87th straight quarter of growth outside the U.S.
International franchisees opened 180 net units in the quarter, and 742 locations over the trailing 12 months. Domestic franchisees opened a net 13 units in the quarter, and 95 locations over the past 12 months.
The company and its franchisees now have 12,119 locations, 7,007 of which are in international markets.
Domino’s has generated strong sales growth recently in part because the company has made it easy to order its pizzas. The company enables customers to order via smartphone, website, over a television, on a watch, by text or on Twitter.
Executives have said ease of ordering has helped differentiate the chain from independent concepts in particular.
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