Domino’s Pizza Group reported a slowdown in sales growth for its latest quarter despite contributions from new product ranges, including thinner pizzas and fried chicken offerings. The FTSE 250-listed company posted a 2.3 percent increase in like-for-like sales for the three months ending in September, marking a decline from 5.2 percent growth in the previous quarter and 4.5 percent growth in the first quarter of the year. Year-to-date sales have risen 4 percent overall.

Analysts at Investec noted that the deceleration in sales growth compared to the second quarter was anticipated, as that period benefited from the nationwide rollout of Domino’s Chick ‘N’ Dip brand. Launched a year ago and tested successfully in northwest England and Northern Ireland, Chick ‘N’ Dip was introduced nationally earlier this year in an effort to capitalize on the growing popularity of chicken products among younger consumers.

Nicola Frampton, who assumed the role of chief executive in March, highlighted the impact of recent innovations and partnerships, saying the combination of new products, strong brand recognition, quality franchisees, and a leading supply chain helped attract more frequent customers at a controlled cost. The company also reported strong sales from its Italianos range of thinner pizzas, which were launched last year.

While Frampton described Domino’s performance as “strong,” she acknowledged ongoing challenges, indicating that considerable work remains ahead. Nonetheless, the board affirmed confidence in meeting full-year financial targets aligned with market expectations. Analysts generally forecast underlying adjusted profits between £135.9 million and £139.9 million for the period.

Domino’s also confirmed it has “good visibility” over its cost structure, with major expenses fixed through the remainder of the current financial year and into 2027. The company operates a franchise model in the UK, where Domino’s Pizza Group serves as the master franchiser. Since opening its first store in Luton in 1985, the group has expanded to approximately 1,400 locations nationwide.

Despite a one-third rise in its share price since the start of the year, Domino’s stock closed down 3.5 percent at 228.5p following the earnings announcement. Over the past five years, the shares have declined roughly 38 percent. In March, the company scaled back efforts to introduce a second brand after abandoning plans to acquire chicken chain Wingstop in 2024, choosing instead to focus on its core business operations.