Domino's earnings disappoint as US growth slows in Q4

(Sharecast News) - Domino's shares were falling sharply in pre-market trade on Monday after the American pizza delivery giant missed forecasts with its fourth-quarter earnings and profits, as its domestic operations failed to deliver. Earnings per share came in at $4.89 for the three months to 31 December, up 9.2% on the year before but missing the consensus estimate of $4.96.

Revenues rose 2.9% year-on-year to $1.44bn, shy of the $1.49bn expected by the market.

Global retail sales, which include those generated by both owned and franchised stores, were 4.4% higher than a year ago at $5.94bn, with same-store sales growth of 2.7% internationally tempered by a tepid 0.4% increase in the US market. This was a dramatic slowdown from the 3.0% growth registered in the US in the third quarter.

For 2024 as a whole, group revenues were up 5.4% at $4.71bn, while net income was up 12.5% at $584.2m.

Shares were trading 3.3% lower at $447 by 0711 in New York.

"Domino's 2024 results demonstrated that our Hungry for MORE strategy can drive strong order count growth, even in the face of a challenging global macroeconomic environment," said chief executive Russell Weiner.

"As we look ahead to 2025, I remain confident that Domino's will continue to win and grow market share. This will increase our advantage as the #1 pizza company in the world, driving best in class results and long-term value creation for franchisees and shareholders."