Domino's Pizza Builds Leverage: Analysts Raise Price Targets

Core Insights - Domino's Pizza is facing challenges in 2025 but shows potential for growth through its "Hungry for MORE" strategy, with reaffirmed guidance indicating strength in the latter half of the year [3][9]. Financial Performance - Q1 net revenue reached $1.11 billion, reflecting a 2.5% increase driven by a 2.3% rise in global retail sales [10]. - U.S. comparable store sales decreased by 0.5%, but this was offset by a 3.7% increase in international sales on a foreign exchange neutral basis [10]. - System-wide comparable sales increased by 4.7% on an FX-neutral basis, indicating market share growth [11]. - GAAP earnings rose nearly 21% to $4.33, supported by a reduced share count [13]. Strategic Initiatives - The launch of the Parmesan Stuffed Crust Pizza is noted as the most successful in the company's history, expected to significantly boost delivery orders through a new partnership with DoorDash [4]. - Share buybacks totaled $50 million in Q1, reducing the share count by 1.6% year-over-year, with a remaining authorization of $764 million [14]. Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have mixed reactions, with a consensus price target of just over $515, reflecting a 3% increase from prior estimates [5]. - The high-end price forecast has been raised to $560/$565, suggesting potential for a new multi-year high [6]. - Institutional ownership stands at approximately 95%, providing a bullish outlook as institutions continue to buy shares [8]. Market Outlook - Despite headwinds such as foreign exchange conversion and a reduced store count, the company is expected to leverage its strengths in international markets [10]. - The macroeconomic outlook remains uncertain, which may influence short-seller behavior [9].