Global net stores grew by 711 net stores, including 168 net store openings in the U.S. and 543 net store openings internationally. Excluding the closure of the Russia market as discussed below, global net stores grew by 870.

On August 21, 2023, our master franchisee that owned and operated Domino's Pizza® stores in Russia announced its intent to file for bankruptcy with respect to the stores in that market. Therefore, as of August 21, 2023, we have considered the stores in the Russia market to be closed

In 2023, we spent $105.4 million on capital expenditures which primarily related to investments in our technology initiatives, supply chain centers and corporate store operations.

During 2023, we refranchised one U.S. Company-owned store for proceeds of less than $0.1 million.

General and administrative expenses increased $18.0 million, or 4.3%, in 2023 primarily due to higher labor costs.

Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2023, on February 21, 2024, our Board of Directors authorized an additional share repurchase program to repurchase up to $1.0 billion of our common stock, in addition to the $141.3 million that was previously remaining for a total authorization of $1.14 billion for future share repurchases.

The quick service restaurant ("QSR") pizza category and the food service and food delivery markets in general are highly competitive and such competition could adversely affect our operating results.

Given the present inflationary environment, which we anticipate may continue, there has been and may continue to be significant increases in food costs and labor costs, which have impacted and could further impact our profitability and that of our franchisees and which could impact the opening of new U.S. and international franchised stores and adversely affect our operating results.

Our financial condition and results of operations have at times been and may in the future be adversely affected if global markets in which our franchised stores compete are affected by changes in political, economic or other factors.

In the U.S., we compete primarily against regional and independent or local companies as well as national chains Pizza Hut®, Papa John's® and Little Caesars Pizza®.

We compete within the food service market and the QSR market not only for customers, but also for management and hourly employees, including store team members, drivers and qualified franchisees, as well as suitable real estate sites.

Our supply chain segment is also subject to competition from outside suppliers. While substantially all U.S. franchisees purchased food, equipment and supplies from us in 2023, U.S. franchisees are not required to purchase food, equipment or supplies from us and they may choose to purchase from outside suppliers.

We plan to continue investing in supply chain productivity initiatives in the future. Our supply chain segment leases a fleet of more than 1,000 tractors and trailers.

We are relentless in our focus on convenience, consistency and efficiency for both our and our franchisees' customers.

Our menu simplifies and streamlines production and delivery processes and maximizes economies of scale on purchases of our principal food items.

Technological innovation is vital to our brand and our long-term success, and technology is critical to competing in the global pizza and broader QSR industries.

During 2023, the Company entered into a new global agreement with Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) to allow customers to order Domino's products through the Uber Eats and Postmates apps.

In 2023, Domino's also launched Pinpoint Delivery, a new technology that allows customers to receive a delivery nearly anywhere, including places like parks, baseball fields and beaches.

Our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $1.51 per common share on February 21, 2024 payable on March 29, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2024.

Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2023, on February 21, 2024, our Board of Directors authorized an additional share repurchase program to repurchase up to $1.0 billion of our common stock, in addition to the $141.3 million that was previously remaining for a total authorization of $1.14 billion for future share repurchases.

We hold a non-controlling interest in DPC Dash, our master franchisee in China that owns and operates Domino's Pizza stores in that market.

Our vision for stewardship is for Domino's to deliver the power of possible every day for the communities we serve, our people and the planet.

We have established significant commitments on greenhouse gas emissions: we set and submitted our Science Based Targets for validation in 2023 and we have established a commitment to achieve those Science Based Targets by 2032 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Our national philanthropic partner is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®, which is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

The quick service restaurant ("QSR") pizza category and the food service and food delivery markets in general are highly competitive and such competition could adversely affect our operating results.

Economic conditions, including the inflationary pressures seen in recent years, may also impact the discretionary purchasing power of our customers, especially customers with less disposable income or for whom discretionary spending represents a smaller portion of their disposable income, resulting in decreased demand for our products.

Food service businesses are affected by changes in consumer tastes, international, national, regional and local economic conditions, marketing, advertising, pricing and demographic trends.