Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin' Brands Inc., parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, reported results for the first quarter 2011, ended March 26.
Global system-wide sales were at $1.8 billion, up 5.4 percent from the same period a year ago.
Additional highlights from Q1 '11, include:
- Dunkin' Brands' franchisees and licensees opened 94 net new Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins locations internationally.
- Revenues increased by more than 9 percent, to $139.2 million for the first quarter of 2011, compared to $127.4 million for the same period in 2010.
- Operating income was $44.1 million compared to $33.0 million for the first quarter of 2010, representing a more than 33 percent year-over-year increase.
The increase in global system-wide sales for the quarter was primarily attributable to Dunkin' Donuts U.S. comps growth (which includes stores open 54 weeks or more), growth in Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins international sales and global store development.
Dunkin' Donuts U.S. represents more than 70 percent of Dunkin' Brands' system-wide sales. Those sales were up 2.8 percent from the same period last year, driven by higher ticket averages, product innovation and differentiated marketing.
In the first quarter, Dunkin' Donuts bulked up its breakfast offerings with the Big 'N Toasty Breakfast Sandwich, launched a new line of yeast-raised cocoa donuts and introduced heart-shaped donuts for Valentine's Day.
Also during the quarter, Dunkin' Donuts announced it will begin selling coffee in single serve K-Cup portion packs to use with Keurig single cup brewers.
"We delivered a strong first quarter with solid gains in system-wide sales, domestic comparable store sales growth and revenues, which built on the momentum we established in 2010. These results were driven by our focus on operational excellence and successful new product introductions, supported by brand-differentiating marketing," said Nigel Travis, CEO, Dunkin' Brands Inc. and president, Dunkin' Donuts. "We're pleased with our momentum, particularly as we head into key beverage and ice cream selling seasons."
It has been reported in various news outlets that Dunkin' Brands is in talks to potentially go public sometime this summer.
