Domino's Pizza has reported a slowdown in sales growth for its latest quarter, even as new thinner-crust pizzas and fried chicken items boosted demand. The London-listed company said it continued to grow in August and September, helped by the World Cup.
Chief Executive Nicola Frampton told investors the performance was "strong", but acknowledged there is "a lot of work still to be done". The company's sales have rebounded this year after weaker orders during a "difficult" 2025.
Quarterly Performance
Like-for-like sales increased by 4% over the first nine months of 2026, according to the company. However, growth slowed to 2.3% in the three months to September 30, down from a 5.2% rise in the previous quarter.
Total sales, which also benefited from new store openings, rose by 3.5% for the quarter, with total order growth of 2.6%. Like-for-like orders increased by 1.4%, slowing from 2.2% in the prior quarter.
Product Innovation
Domino's said its performance was in line with market expectations and that it expects to meet earnings guidance for the year. The company credited "strong sales" from its Italianos range of thinner pizzas, launched earlier this year, and its Chick 'N' Dip fried chicken brand, introduced last year to appeal to younger consumers.
Ms Frampton said: "Our strong performance year-to-date reflects our organic growth strategy and we have been rewarded by our focus on the core Domino's business model." She added that innovation in Italianos and Chick 'N' Dip, along with the brand and supply chain, has helped attract more customers.
Market Reaction
Shares in the company were 4.5% lower on Wednesday morning.
