Domino's Pizza Group (LSE:DOM) reported underlying EBITDA of £66.2m for the 26 weeks ended 28 June, up on the prior year, as like-for-like sales rose 4.9% and like-for-like orders grew 1.6%.
The pizza franchisee said the growth was driven by continued pizza demand, an encouraging start for its CHICK'N' DIP range launched in February, and a trading uplift from the World Cup.
"We have delivered a strong first half, with positive momentum across sales, orders, earnings and cash flow," said chief executive Nicola Frampton.
Underlying profit before tax reached £44.1m, with underlying earnings per share up 5% to 8.8p, while statutory profit after tax rose £0.9m to £30.8m. Underlying free cash flow climbed to £50.2m, up £21.5m, reflecting higher earnings and favourable working capital timing.
Net debt stood at £290.1m at period end, with leverage at 2.3 times EBITDA, within the group's target range of 1.5 to 2.5 times.
Chicken now accounts for around 9% of total sales, up from around 7.5% before the CHICK'N' DIP launch, with the company targeting growth in its current 4.2% share of the UK chicken market.
A loyalty programme pilot has attracted around 2.2m sign-ups, a 27% take-up rate, ahead of a planned company-wide rollout in the fourth quarter.
Trading has remained positive into July, supported by the World Cup, and the company said major cost lines are hedged through 2026 and into 2027, leaving it confident of meeting full-year expectations in line with current market forecasts.
The board raised the interim dividend 2.8% to 3.7p per share.
News Intelligence what this means for the company
Domino's Pizza Group delivered H1 earnings growth anchored in like-for-like sales up 4.9% and orders up 1.6%, with underlying EBITDA of £66.2m and free cash flow jumping £21.5m to £50.2m. The CHICK'N' DIP launch—introduced in February—has already lifted chicken to 9% of total sales (from 7.5% pre-launch) and the company is targeting share gains in a UK chicken market where it currently holds 4.2%; a loyalty pilot with 2.2m sign-ups (27% take-up) is rolling out company-wide in Q4. Management raised the interim dividend 2.8% and signalled confidence in full-year guidance, with major cost lines hedged through 2026–27.
The chicken category expansion and loyalty programme rollout represent material near-term levers for order growth and customer stickiness; the 4.9% LFL sales lift and £21.5m cash flow jump suggest the product innovation and digital engagement strategy is translating to both top-line and cash generation. Leverage at 2.3x EBITDA remains within target, leaving room for capital deployment or shareholder returns if momentum holds.
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