BRISBANE’S Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Limited (DMP) has announced a strong half-year growth of 14.5 per cent above the corresponding period last year with net profit of $6.3 million.
Domino’s Pizza Enterprises CEO and MD Don Meij (pictured), says the company’s NPAT was up 2.8 per cent to $6.3 million. He says the company will pay shareholders an interim fully-franked dividend of 4.4 cents per share, up 7 per cent on the dividend paid in the corresponding period last year.
“We have recorded solid performance for the first half of the 2009 and, as a result, Domino’s Pizza is on track to meet market guidance of an increase of 10 per cent -15 per cent in NPAT on full-year 2008,” says Meij.
“Europe has reported strong results including EBITDA up 35.7 per cent on the same period last year. The interim dividend will be paid on 20 March 2009 with a record date of 2 March 2009.
“The dividend reinvestment plan remains active but, as a benefit of DMP being in a strong capital position, the interim dividend will not be underwritten.”
Domino’s added 15 stores, including two stadium stores, bringing the total number of stores in the network to 756. This included 11 stores in Europe and four stores in Australia and New Zealand.
The company’s organic store growth remains in line with expectations of adding 40 stores by full year 2009.
Looking forward, Meij says the company is experiencing strong momentum in sales with sales growth of 5.2 per cent in January 2009, as the company continues to recruit.
“Despite the economic downturn, customers are still appearing to be supportive of the fast food category,”
he says.
“With the new menu launched in Australia, including three fresh premium pastas, three additional pizzas and a dessert, we believe we can continue to offer customers greater choices and value for money.”
DMP is Australia’s only publicly-listed pizza company and is the master franchisor for the Domino’s Pizza brand in Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium and The Netherlands.