📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

Domino's Finishes 2014 Strong as Sales Surge The pizza chain just capped off the 21st straight year of international same-stores sales growth.

By Kate Taylor

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

2014 was a good year to be in the pizza business.

On Tuesday, Domino's announced same-store sales grew 11 percent domestically in the quarter and 6 percent internationally, capping off the 21st straight year of international same-stores sales growth.

Additionally, the chain's revenue increased 13.5 percent to $643 million in the fourth quarter, beating the $615.2 million analysts were expecting. According to Domino's the revenue boost was due to the elevated cost of ingredients (specifically cheese and meats) sold to franchisees and increased sales of equipment to stores as part of its remodeling efforts.

Related: Chipotle-Backed Pizzeria Locale Expands to Kansas City

"Fundamental strength, with a growing global store base, robust sales and technological innovation, continues to truly drive the business," Domino's CEO J. Patrick Doyle said in a statement. "Franchisees are both energized and financially sound, which is fueling our store reimage program, sales and store growth."

Last week, Domino's kicked off a campaign to get any less than "energized" franchisees moving on the pizza chain's program to drop the word 'pizza' from all signage, referring to the chain simply as 'Domino's.' Customers are being encouraged to upload photos of any mislabeled Domino's Pizza signs on Instagram, promising "informants" a chance to enter in a free pizza giveaway.

While the chain saw a nice sales boost in the fourth quarter, its profit came in slightly lower than expected at $48 million, or 85 cents per share. Excluding charges, the chain reported a profit of 91 cents per share. Analysts were expecting a profit of 93 cents.

The company also reported adjusted full-year earnings of $2.90 a share, a jump of 18 percent from last year.

Related: Domino's Wants Customers to Tattle on Franchisees Who Haven't Updated Their Signage

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

'Everyone Is in Complete Shock': A 500-Person Tesla Team Found Out 'in the Middle of the Night' Their Charger Division Was Laid Off

Other car companies that use the technology, such as General Motors and Ford, also weren't expecting the news, according to reports.

Living

The BirdBike eBike Is Just $700 with Free Shipping

The eBike from the originators of the electric scooter trend is hundreds of dollars off for a limited time.

Side Hustle

He Started a Salty Backyard Side Hustle That Out-Earned His Full-Time Job and Now Makes Over $1 Million a Year: 'Take the Leap'

In 2011, Kyle Needham turned his passion for oysters into a business that saw consistent monthly revenue "right away."

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Business News

James Clear's Atoms App Promises to Help Break Bad Habits and Create Better Ones — Here's How It Works

The app turns Clear's best-selling book, "Atomic Habits," into something actionable.