Press Release Details

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Domino's Pizza, Inc. (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, today announced results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2015, comprised of strong growth in same store sales, global store counts and earnings.  Domestic same store sales grew 10.7% during the quarter versus the year-ago period, and 12.0% for the full year, continuing the positive sales momentum in the Company's domestic business. The international division also posted strong results, with same store sales growth of 8.6% during the quarter and 7.8% for the full year.  The fourth quarter marked the 88^th consecutive quarter – or 22^nd full year – of positive international same store sales growth.  The Company also had global net store growth of 901 stores in 2015, comprised of 133 net new domestic stores and a record 768 net new stores internationally.

On an as-reported basis, fourth quarter diluted EPS was $1.18, up 38.8% over the prior-year quarter; full year diluted EPS was $3.47, up 21.3% over the prior year. Management noted that the as-reported diluted EPS for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year was negatively impacted by expenses related to the Company's recapitalization, which was completed during the fourth quarter, and was positively impacted by the inclusion of an extra, or 53^rd, week in the fourth quarter of 2015.  On an as-adjusted basis, fourth quarter diluted EPS was $1.15, up 26.4% over the prior-year quarter; full year as-adjusted diluted EPS was $3.45, up 19.0% over the prior year. 

In connection with the Company's recapitalization, as further discussed below, the Company borrowed $1.3 billion, and used a portion of the proceeds to retire a portion of its existing debt and enter into a $600 million accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program. As part of the ASR, the Company received and retired 4,858,994 shares of its common stock during the quarter. Additionally, on February 24, 2016, the Board of Directors declared a 38-cent per share quarterly dividend for shareholders of record as of March 15, 2016 to be paid on March 30, 2016. This represents a 22.6% increase over the previous quarterly dividend amount.

"Our network of strong franchisees has become even more profitable during these years of continued positive same store sales growth," said J. Patrick Doyle, Domino's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Great store economics around the world have led to accelerated unit growth. It's a positive cycle and the momentum continued through 2015."

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2015 Highlights:

*  Refer to the Items Affecting Comparability section on page three for additional details. Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted figures may not sum to the total due to the rounding of each individual calculation.

• Revenues were up 15.3% for the fourth quarter versus the prior year period largely due to the estimated $49.7 million positive impact of the 53^rd week in 2015. Revenue growth was also driven by higher supply chain volumes and sales of equipment to stores in connection with the Company's global store reimaging program. Higher domestic same store sales and store count growth, which resulted in increased royalties from franchised stores and higher revenues at Company-owned stores, also contributed to this increase. International revenues also benefited from increased same store sales and store count growth, and were offset in part by the negative impact of foreign currency.
• Net Income was up 30.7% for the fourth quarter versus the prior year period, driven by domestic and international same store sales growth, global store count growth and higher supply chain volumes. The estimated $6.3 million positive impact of the 53^rd week, and the non-recurrence of an asset impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2014 also contributed to the increase. These increases were offset in part by the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rates and, to a lesser extent, expenses related to the Company's recapitalization.
• Diluted EPS increases, as noted earlier, were due to higher net income and lower weighted average diluted shares outstanding. (See the Items Affecting Comparability section and the Comments on Regulation G section.)

The table below outlines certain statistical measures utilized by the Company to analyze its performance. Refer to the Comments on Regulation G section on page four for additional details.

*Global retail sales include the favorable impact of the extra week in the fourth quarter.

2015 Recapitalization

On October 27, 2015, the Company announced it had completed its recapitalization.  The Company borrowed $1.3 billion of fixed rate senior secured notes and entered into a new $125.0 million of variable funding note facility, which replaced its previous $100.0 million variable funding note facility.  The Company used a portion of the proceeds from the recapitalization to repurchase and retire approximately $551.3 million of its outstanding 2012 fixed rate notes, at par.  Additionally, in connection with the recapitalization, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program that allows the Company to repurchase up to $800.0 million of its common stock. This $800.0 million share repurchase program replaced the then existing $200.0 million share repurchase program. As part of this $800.0 million share repurchase program, the Company entered into a $600.0 million ASR agreement with a counterparty.  On October 30, 2015 and as part of the ASR, the Company received and retired 4,858,994 shares of its common stock.  At final settlement of the ASR, which is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company may receive additional shares of common stock, or, under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to deliver shares of its common stock or may elect to make a cash payment to the counterparty, based on the terms of the related ASR agreement. As of February 18, 2016, the Company had authorization for repurchases of $200.0 million remaining under its open market share repurchase program.

The Company incurred certain expenses in connection with the recapitalization that are outlined in the items affecting comparability table below. Separately, the Company also recorded $17.4 million of debt issuance costs, which are included as a reduction of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet at January 3, 2016 and are expected be amortized into interest expense over the terms of its fixed rate notes.

Dividends

On February 24, 2016, the Board of Directors declared a 38-cent per share quarterly dividend for shareholders of record as of March 15, 2016, to be paid on March 30, 2016. This represents a 22.6% increase over the previous quarterly dividend amount.

Conference Call Information

The Company will file its annual report on Form 10-K this morning. As previously announced, Domino's Pizza, Inc. will hold a conference call today at 10 a.m. (Eastern) to review its 2015 financial results. The call can be accessed by dialing (888) 400-9978 (U.S./Canada) or (706) 634-4947 (International). Ask for the Domino's Pizza conference call. The call will also be webcast at biz.dominos.com. If you are unable to participate on the call, a replay will be available for 30 days by dialing (855) 859-2056 (U.S./Canada) or (404) 537-3406 (International), Conference ID 20605469. The webcast will also be archived for 30 days on biz.dominos.com.

Items Affecting Comparability

The Company's reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2015 are not comparable to the reported financial results for the equivalent periods in 2014. The table below presents certain items that affect comparability between 2015 and 2014 financial results. Management believes that including such information is critical to the understanding of its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2015 as compared to the same periods in 2014 (See the Comments on Regulation G section on pages four and five for additional details).

In addition to the items noted in the table below, the Company had lower weighted average diluted shares outstanding in 2015 that resulted in an increase in diluted EPS of approximately seven cents in the fourth quarter of 2015 and eight cents in fiscal 2015.  The Company also incurred higher interest expense in fiscal 2015 primarily as a result of higher net debt levels.  The increase in interest expense resulted in a decrease in diluted EPS of approximately five cents in the fourth quarter of 2015 and four cents in fiscal 2015.

*  Diluted EPS Impact figures may not sum to the total due to the rounding of each individual calculation.

(1) Represents legal, professional and administrative fees incurred in connection with the Company's 2015 recapitalization.
(2) Represents interest expense the Company incurred on a portion its 2012 borrowings subsequent to the closing of the 2015 recapitalization but prior to the repayment of a portion of the 2012 borrowings, resulting in the payment of interest on both the 2012 and 2015 facilities for a short period of time.
(3) Represents the write-off of debt issuance costs related to the extinguishment of a portion of the 2012 debt in connection with the Company's 2015 recapitalization.
(4) Represents the estimated impact on income of the 53^rd week in the fourth quarter and fiscal 2015.
(5) Represents the gain recognized on the sale of 14 Company-owned stores to a franchisee. The gain is net of a reduction in goodwill of approximately $0.5 million.
(6) As a result of the capital gain recognized in connection with the sale of Company-owned stores, the Company was able to utilize a portion of a previously unrecognized benefit of a capital loss carry forward.
(7) In connection with the purchase of a newer model used airplane, the Company recognized an impairment charge to reduce its existing corporate airplane to its fair value, less cost to sell.

Long Range Outlook

The Company does not provide quarterly or annual earnings estimates. The following long range outlook does not constitute specific earnings guidance, but the Company believes these ranges to be appropriate and achievable over the long term. In January 2016, the Company provided this long range outlook, as follows:

Liquidity

As of January 3, 2016, the Company had approximately:

• $133.4 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents;
• $2.24 billion in total debt; and
• $78.8 million of available borrowings under its $125.0 million variable funding notes facility. This amount is net of letters of credit issued of $46.2 million, of which $40.0 million has been collateralized with restricted cash. The Company has the ability to access this collateralized cash with minimal notice.

The Company invested $63.3 million in capital expenditures during fiscal 2015, versus $70.1 million in fiscal 2014.

Free cash flow, as reconciled below to cash flows from operations as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), was approximately $228.5 million in fiscal 2015.

Comments on Regulation G

In addition to the GAAP financial measures set forth in this press release, the Company has included non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G due to items affecting comparability between fiscal quarters and fiscal years. The Company has also included metrics such as global retail sales growth and same store sales growth, which are commonly used statistical measures in the quick-service restaurant industry that are important to understanding Company performance.

The Company uses "Diluted EPS, as adjusted," which is calculated as reported Diluted EPS adjusted for the items that affect comparability to the prior year periods discussed above. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP is Diluted EPS. The Company believes that the Diluted EPS, as adjusted measure is important and useful to investors and other interested persons and that such persons benefit from having a consistent basis for comparison between reporting periods. The Company uses Diluted EPS, as adjusted to internally evaluate operating performance, to evaluate itself against its peers and in long-range planning. Additionally, the Company believes that analysts covering the Company's stock performance generally eliminate these items affecting comparability when preparing their financial models, when determining their published EPS estimates and when benchmarking the Company against its competitors.

The Company uses "Global retail sales" to refer to total worldwide retail sales at Company-owned and franchise stores. The Company believes global retail sales information is useful in analyzing revenues because franchisees pay royalties that are based on a percentage of franchise retail sales. The Company reviews comparable industry global retail sales information to assess business trends and to track the growth of the Domino's Pizza^® brand. In addition, supply chain revenues are directly impacted by changes in franchise retail sales. Retail sales for franchise stores are reported to the Company by its franchisees and are not included in Company revenues.

The Company uses "Same store sales growth," which is calculated by including only sales from stores that also had sales in the comparable period of the prior year. International same store sales growth is calculated similarly to domestic same store sales growth. Changes in international same store sales are reported excluding foreign currency impacts, which reflect changes in international local currency sales.

The Company uses "Free cash flow," which is calculated as cash flows from operations less capital expenditures, both as reported under GAAP. The Company believes that the free cash flow measure is important to investors and other interested persons, and that such persons benefit from having a measure which communicates how much cash flow is available for working capital needs or to be used for repurchasing debt, making acquisitions, repurchasing common stock, paying dividends or other similar uses of cash.

About Domino's Pizza^®

Founded in 1960, Domino's Pizza is the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, with a significant business in carryout pizza. It ranks among the world's top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 12,500 stores in over 80 international markets. Domino's had global retail sales of over $9.9 billion in 2015, comprised of more than $4.8 billion in the U.S. and nearly $5.1 billion internationally. In the fourth quarter of 2015, Domino's had global retail sales of over $3.3 billion, comprised of over $1.6 billion in the U.S. and over $1.7 billion internationally. Its system is comprised of independent franchise owners who accounted for nearly 97% of Domino's stores as of the fourth quarter of 2015. Emphasis on technology innovation helped Domino's generate over 50% of U.S. sales from digital channels at the end of 2015, and reach an estimated $4.7 billion annually in global digital sales. Domino's features an ordering app lineup that covers nearly 95% of the U.S. smartphone market and has recently introduced several innovative ordering platforms, including Ford SYNC^®, Samsung Smart TV^® and Pebble Watch, as well as Twitter and text message using a pizza emoji. In late 2015, Domino's announced the design and launch of the DXP^®, a purpose-built pizza delivery vehicle, as well as Piece of the Pie Rewards, its first digital customer loyalty program.

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Please visit our Investor Relations website at biz.dominos.com to view a schedule of upcoming earnings releases, significant announcements and conference webcasts.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "intends," "plans," "estimates," or "anticipates" or similar expressions that concern our strategy, plans or intentions. These forward-looking statements relating to our anticipated profitability, estimates in same store sales growth, the growth of our international business, ability to service our indebtedness, our future cash flows, our operating performance, trends in our business and other descriptions of future events reflect the Company's expectations based upon currently available information and data. However, actual results are subject to future risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include: the level of our long-term and other indebtedness, uncertainties relating to litigation; consumer preferences, spending patterns and demographic trends; the effectiveness of our advertising, operations and promotional initiatives; the strength of our brand in the markets in which we compete; our ability to retain key personnel; new product, digital ordering and concept developments by us, and other food-industry competitors; the ongoing level of profitability of our franchisees; and our ability and that of our franchisees to open new restaurants and keep existing restaurants in operation; changes in operating expenses resulting from changes in prices of food (particularly cheese), labor, utilities, insurance, employee benefits and other operating costs; the impact that widespread illness or general health concerns may have on our business and the economy of the countries where we operate; severe weather conditions and natural disasters; changes in our effective tax rate; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; changes in government legislation and regulations; adequacy of our insurance coverage; costs related to future financings; our ability and that of our franchisees to successfully operate in the current credit environment; changes in the level of consumer spending given the general economic conditions including interest rates, energy prices and consumer confidence; availability of borrowings under our variable funding notes and our letters of credit; the final terms and timing of completion of the ASR; and changes in accounting policies. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are more fully described in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the section headed "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and you should not rely on such statements as representing the views of the Company as of any subsequent date. Except as required by applicable securities laws, we do not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

TABLES TO FOLLOW

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SOURCE Domino's Pizza, Inc.

Lynn Liddle, Executive Vice President, Communications, Investor Relations and Legislative Affairs, (734) 930-3008