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Delivery & Carryout Both Rising, Is DPZ Entering a New Balance Phase?
ZACKS· 2026-01-14 15:31
Core Insights - Domino's Pizza, Inc. (DPZ) has shown a significant shift in its U.S. sales mix for Q3 2025, with both delivery and carryout experiencing growth simultaneously, indicating a potential transition into a more balanced growth phase [1] Group 1: Sales Performance - Carryout has been a standout performer, with comparable sales increasing significantly due to value-led promotions, menu innovations like Parmesan Stuffed Crust, and a revamped loyalty program, driving customer traffic and frequency [2] - The growth in carryout is largely incremental, suggesting that it is gaining market share without cannibalizing delivery sales, which is crucial for maintaining higher-margin channels [2] - Delivery has also returned to positive growth, supported by value initiatives and early success with aggregator partnerships like DoorDash, showcasing Domino's ability to grow delivery profitably in a competitive market [3] Group 2: Financial Health - The balance between delivery and carryout has resulted in healthier order counts and modest ticket growth, contributing to a more resilient comparable sales algorithm [4] - Although carryout typically has a lower average ticket, the growth in delivery, higher-priced innovations, and increased frequency have helped maintain overall economic stability for the company [4] Group 3: Future Outlook - Management anticipates that the balance between delivery and carryout will continue into 2026, with ongoing initiatives in value, loyalty, digital platforms, and aggregator partnerships compounding over time [5] - If both channels can sustain growth together, Domino's may enter a more durable demand phase, reducing reliance on any single growth lever and positioning itself better in a challenging consumer environment [5] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Compared to Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM) and Papa John's International, Inc. (PZZA), Domino's ability to grow both delivery and carryout simultaneously while protecting franchise economics highlights a more balanced and defensible growth model [6][8] - Yum! Brands has historically focused more on delivery, which has increased exposure to aggregator fees and promotional pressures, while Pizza Hut's carryout performance has been inconsistent [7] - Papa John's has made strides in carryout through value bundles and loyalty efforts, but its delivery growth has been uneven, constrained by a premium pricing strategy [8] Group 5: Valuation Metrics - Domino's shares have declined by 11.8% over the past six months, compared to a 3.5% decline in the industry [9] - The forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio for DPZ is currently at 20.74, down from the industry's 24.47, indicating a relative valuation advantage [13] - Recent consensus estimates for DPZ's 2026 earnings per share have decreased slightly, reflecting a cautious outlook [14]