UPDATE: Domino's Posts Downbeat Q4 Profit, But Sales Beat Views

Domino's Pizza Inc. (NYSE: DPZ) reported downbeat earnings for the fourth quarter. However, the company's revenue exceeded analysts' expectations.The Ann Arbor, Michigan-based company posted a quarterly profit of $48 million, or $0.85 per share, versus a year-ago profit of $44.7 million, or $0.78 per share. Excluding certain items, the company's earnings rose to $0.91 per share from $0.78 per share.Its revenue climbed to $643 million from $566.6 million. However, analysts were expecting a profit of $0.93 per share on revenue of $615.2 million.Sales at outlets open at least a year climbed 11.1% in the U.S. during the fourth quarter, while international same-store sales climbed 6.1%Its operating margin shrank to 29.5% from 30.5%, while input costs rose 15.1%.Domino's lifted its quarterly dividend by 24%.At the end of the quarter, Domino's had 5,067 domestic stores and 6,562 international stores.During fiscal 2014, Domino's repurchased and retired 1,151,931 shares of its common stock under its open market share repurchase program at an average price of $71.54 per share.J. Patrick Doyle, Domino's President and Chief Executive Officer said, "Fundamental strength, with a growing global store base, robust sales and technological innovation, continues to truly drive the business. Franchisees are both energized and financially sound, which is fueling our store reimage program, sales and store growth."Domino's shares gained 1.15% to $105.70 in pre-market trading.