LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Papa John’s International showed some positive and negative signs down the stretch of 2015.

According to the release from Papa John’s, North American sales are expected to increase from 2 percent to 4 percent in 2016.In the fourth quarter, Papa John’s profits increased 16.6 percent to $24.7 million, or 62 cents a share, compared to $21.2 million, or 52 cents a share, in the fourth quarter of 2014.

“I’d like to congratulate our entire team for making 2015 another great year for the Papa John’s brand,” said Papa John’s founder, chairman and CEO John Schnatter. “From continued improvements to our product, to digital innovations, to growing our international footprint – all while again growing EPS nearly 20% and running strong positive comp sales – this year has left us tremendously well-positioned entering 2016.”

However, revenue fell 2 percent from $416 million compared to $425.5 million in 2014 during the fourth quarter. 

In fourth quarter of 2015, restaurant sales increased by 3.4 percent including a 1.9 percent jump in system-wide North American restaurants. 

Papa John’s also released its end of the year numbers which included total revenues for 2015. The company brought in $1.64 billion, a 2.5 percent increase from 2014 revenues of $ 1.60 billion.

Operating income increased from $33.4 million last year to $40.2 million in 2014.

Papa John’s showed fourth quarter earnings per diluted share of 62 cents in 2015 compared to 52 cents in 2014 resulting in a 19.2 percent increase.

The company also opened up 107 new locations worldwide in the fourth quarter and 230 for the 2015 year. 182 of those locations were outside of North America.