Domino's Pizza Nabs Bigger Slice of Pie

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (TheStreet) -- Domino's Pizza(DPZ Quote) is surpassing the competition, as profit surged 76% in its third quarter.

During the quarter, the company earned $17.8 million, or 31 cents a share, compared with $10.1 million, or 17 cents, in the year-ago period.

Excluding a pre-tax gain of $14.3 million from retiring debt, profit was actually 17 cents a share, surpassing analysts' expectations of 15 cents.

Revenue sank 6.5% to $302.7 million, while same-store sales remained flat domestically and grew 2.7% internationally.

Shares of the company are up 2.5% in pre-market trading to $9.60.

Last week rival Yum Brands(YUM Quote), which owns direct competitor Pizza Hut, reported an 18% jump in third-quarter profit, receiving a big boost from sales in China.

Stick with YUM!

But Pizza Hut saw a 13% plunge in its same-store sales.

Several other restaurant concerns, including Chiptole Mexican Grill(CMG Quote), Cheesecake Factory(CAKE Quote) and McDonald's, are set to report earnings next week.

-- Reported by Jeanine Poggi in New York

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