Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ ) early Tuesday [Feb 28, 2017 | 7:40am ] posted better than expected fourth-quarter profit and revenue numbers, and lifted its long-term outlook amid sharply higher comparable store sales.

Written by StockNews.com

The Ann Arbor, MI-based pizza restaurant chain reported Q4 EPS of $1.48, which was $0.04 better than the Wall Street consensus estimate of $1.44.

Revenues surged 10.6% from last year to $819.43 million, also easily topping analysts’ view for $788.46 million.

A big factor in Domino’s big revenue uptick was its strong same-store sales growth in the latest period. Overall Domestic comps grew 12.2%, while International store comps gained 4.3%.

While DPZ doesn’t provide quarterly or annual earnings estimates, it does make more general projections in its 3-to-5-year outlook. On that basis, Domino’s sees Domestic same-store sales growth in the 3-6%, up from a prior 2-5% goal. International same store sales growth is now seen gaining 3-6% (no change). Net unit growth projections were raised to 6-8%, up from 5-7% previously, and finally, global retail sales growth is now seen gaining 8-12%, up from 7-11%.

The company commented via press release:

“I’m extremely proud of our franchisees and operators worldwide, including those who contributed toward back-to-back years of double digit sales growth in the U.S.,” said J. Patrick Doyle, Domino’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “While these unprecedented results speak for themselves, I am most pleased with the passion and energy we demonstrated throughout 2016 in meeting the challenge of sustained success. The momentum and alignment within our system has never been stronger.”

...Year-to-date, DPZ has gained 16.44%, versus a 6.08% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

DPZ currently has a StockNews.com POWR Rating of A (Strong Buy), and is ranked #6 of 54 stocks in the Restaurants category.