Papa John’s Int’l, Inc. (PZZA), Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (DPZ): If You Love Pizza Then You Will Love These Stocks

Clearly, the gap between Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) and Pizza Hut’s total global outlets is getting smaller. At the current growth rate of both companies, Domino’s Pizza will soon overtake Pizza Hut in terms of store count, and market leadership will probably follow suit. In terms of share performance, it outperformed the industry leader with commanding 37.12% YTD growth.

Number one in customer satisfaction

When it comes to satisfying customers, Papa John’s Int’l, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) Pizza is at the top spot. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) released on June 19 the result of the customer satisfaction survey among national pizza chains, which showed that Papa John’s Int’l, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) beat all other pizzerias in the U.S. This is the 14^th consecutive year that the company was given such high rating. Papa John’s Int’l, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) serves and delivers not just superior quality pizzas, but it also provides industry-leading services.

During the second quarter, Papa John’s Int’l, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) reached a new milestone when it opened its 1,000^th international store. All-in-all, there were 55 international store openings during the quarter.

As of Dec. 30, 2012, Papa John’s had 3,204 total North American outlets and 959 international outlets, or a total of 4,163 stores. After six months ending June 30, the numbers improved to 3,242 total North America stores and 1,010 international stores.

Papa John’s earnings were up 30.5% from 59 cents in Q2 2012 to 77 cents per share in Q2 2013. Because of solid quarterly performance, management raised its full year EPS guidance to $2.92 to $3.00 per share from the previous guidance of $2.90 to $3.00 per diluted share. On the trading floor, shares of Papa John’s Pizza jumped 26.62% this year.

The bottom line

Pizzas will continue to appeal to the palate of many Americans, and people from all over the world love this food as well. Demand is growing each year, fueling growth of many pizzerias around the world, especially the big three. By securing a position in the industry, you will enjoy not just the pizza but earnings from your investment in the pizza companies above.

The article If You Love Pizza Then You Will Love These Stocks originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Emmanuel Floriann, Magto.

Emmanuel Floriann Magto has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Papa John’s International.

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