New York, Oct 14 - Domino's Pizza Inc, the biggest independent U.S. pizza chain, posted a weaker-than-expected quarterly profit due to a drop in U.S. sales that overshadowed strong results from its international operations.
Domino's also said on Tuesday it was looking for additional sources of liquidity after its primary provider of variable funding notes declared bankruptcy, which has reduced its ability to draw upon the notes.
The company's net profit fell to $10.1 million, or 17 cents per share, in the fiscal third quarter, from $11 million, or 17 cents per share a year earlier.
Excluding some items, Domino's said it earned 13 cents per share, compared with 21 cents per share forecast by analysts, according to Reuters Estimates.
Revenue fell to $323.6 million from $337.3 million. Sales at U.S. restaurants open at least one year fell 6.1 percent in the quarter.
Domino's and other pizza sellers have been wrestling with weak domestic demand and higher ingredient costs.
The company, which competes with Papa John's International Inc and Yum Brands Inc's Pizza Hut chain, has been replacing underperforming store operators and cautiously raising prices to cover higher food costs.
It has also added oven-baked sandwiches to its menu in a bid to lift sluggish U.S. sales.