DPZ The Low Point for The New Normal… Or Not

By Mark Kalinowski Published on July 16, 2019 at 12:00 AM

Earlier today, Domino’s (DPZ; Buy) reported second-quarter EPS of $2.19, ahead of our $2.04 forecast and sell-side consensus (according to Consensus Metrix) of $2.02. However, a lower-than-projected tax rate of 12.9% (versus our 20.5% projection and consensus of 19.8%) helped EPS by about $0.20 relative to our forecast. On the other hand, EPS was hampered by about $0.04 related to a loss on the sale of 59 New York City area stores. Taking the tax-rate and refranchising loss issues out, Q2 EPS would have been one cent below our forecast and one cent above sell-side consensus.

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SBUX We’ll Hoist a Venti S’mores Frappuccino to This Improved Outlook

By Mark Kalinowski Published on April 25, 2019 at 12:00 AM

After Thursday’s market close, Starbucks (SBUX; Neutral) reported adjusted fiscal Q2 EPS of $0.60, surpassing our $0.57 forecast and the sell-side consensus (according to Consensus Metrix) of $0.56. The company also raises its target range for full-fiscal 2019 EPS to $2.75-$2.79 (from $2.68-$2.73 previously, an increase of $0.07 at the low end of the range and an increase of $0.06 at the high end of the range). Management attributes the improved outlook as follows: (1) two-thirds to an improved tax-rate outlook, and (2) one-third to a better outlook for Americas’ operating margins.

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YUM Weighing the Positives & Risks Ahead of Yum’s Q1 Earnings Release

By Mark Kalinowski Published on April 22, 2019 at 12:00 AM

Ahead of Yum Brands’ (YUM; Buy) first-quarter earnings release — scheduled for before the market open on Wednesday, May 1st — we look at a key positive and a key risk surrounding YUM. Most importantly on the positive side of the ledger, based on our data-driven checks, we raise our Q1 same-store sales forecast for Taco Bell by one percentage point, to +5%, as we believe that brand’s momentum, innovation, and differentiation continue to pay off. Promotions during various parts of the first quarter included Steak Rattlesnake Fries, the Steak Rattlesnake Burrito, the return of the Naked Chicken Chalupa, and the return of Nacho Fries. Our Q2E same-store sales forecast is also boosted by one percentage point, to +4%, and that is not a bestcase scenario if the second quarter trends well. We’ll see…

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