Companies: DOM   

Pizza delivery group Domino's Pizza continues to go from strength. Fully deserving to be regarded as one of Aim's top-ranking companies, the company announced that like-for-like sales for the five weeks to 28 December increased 4.7% compared to the same period last year. Chief Executive Stephen Hemsley was also pleased to state that in the penultimate week of the financial year, Domino's achieved a weekly sales record. Having managed to attain its target of opening 50 new stores in 2003, Hemsley added, 'Our focus now is on strengthening Domino's leading position by providing more customers in more towns.' With a current tally of 318 units, Domino's is on track to reach its target of 440 stores by the end of 2006. The setting up of an 'Employee Benefits Trust', is also progressing smoothly as shareholder approval was granted in September and, so far, the Trust has picked up 3m shares, representing 5.87% of total issued shares. Analysts predict that year-end profits before tax should reach £6m on the back of sales of £62m. As the share price has more than doubled in the past year, the stock is no longer a bargain, but continued good results should provide existing shareholders a good return. Hold.