Warren Buffett’s 6-Quarter Domino’s Pizza Buy Before Retirement

Discovering Warren Buffett’s Final Major Investment Move

February 17 represented a landmark moment in the financial markets, as it was the filing deadline for institutional investors managing at least $100 million in assets to submit their Form 13F disclosures to the Securities and Exchange Commission. This regulatory requirement provides everyday investors with a detailed glimpse into the portfolio adjustments made by prominent figures like Warren Buffett during his concluding quarter leading Berkshire Hathaway as its chief executive officer.

Although Buffett reduced positions in various prominent holdings and introduced a new recognizable brand to Berkshire’s substantial $317 billion investment collection, the most striking decision from his last tenure as CEO stood out prominently: the ongoing acquisition of Domino’s Pizza shares. This move captured significant attention due to its persistence and strategic implications.

Warren Buffett, widely regarded as the Oracle of Omaha, stepped down from his role as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on December 31, 2025, concluding an illustrious career marked by exceptional investment acumen.

Consistent Purchases of Domino’s Pizza Over Six Successive Quarters

Any stock purchase by Warren Buffett warrants close examination, particularly considering his approach as a net seller of equities for over three years prior to his retirement. What elevates the Domino’s Pizza investments to particular significance is their continuity across six consecutive quarters, demonstrating unwavering confidence in the company’s prospects.

• Third Quarter of 2024: Acquired 1,277,256 shares
• Fourth Quarter of 2024: Added 1,104,744 shares
• First Quarter of 2025: Purchased 238,613 shares
• Second Quarter of 2025: Bought 13,255 shares
• Third Quarter of 2025: Secured 348,077 shares
• Fourth Quarter of 2025: Obtained 368,055 shares, culminating in a total holding of 3,350,000 shares

Throughout the 18 months preceding his exit from the CEO position, Buffett methodically accumulated a substantial 9.9% ownership stake in Domino’s Pizza, underscoring his long-term conviction in its value creation potential. This systematic buildup reflects a deliberate strategy rather than opportunistic trading, aligning with his renowned philosophy of patient, value-oriented investing.

Why Domino’s Pizza Aligns Perfectly with Buffett’s Investment Criteria

Since launching its initial public offering in July 2004, Domino’s Pizza stock has delivered extraordinary growth, surging more than 6,000% when factoring in dividend payouts. Such remarkable performance is no fluke; it stems from foundational strengths that resonate deeply with Buffett’s time-tested investment principles, which he meticulously applied even in his final days at Berkshire’s helm.

Domino’s excels in four pivotal areas that Buffett prioritizes. First and foremost is the element of enduring consumer trust. Back in the late 2000s, the company launched a bold and honest advertising initiative known as its “mea culpa” campaign. This effort candidly acknowledged shortcomings in its pizza quality and committed to substantial improvements. Over the subsequent 16-plus years, this approach to transparent communication has fostered deep loyalty among customers, turning a potential weakness into a competitive advantage that Buffett greatly admired.

The second key attribute is the management’s proven track record of outperforming expectations. Domino’s has a storied legacy of surpassing its own ambitious five-year growth targets. The latest iteration, branded as “Hungry for MORE,” integrates cutting-edge artificial intelligence to optimize operational efficiency and streamline supply chain logistics. Furthermore, it emphasizes continuous innovation and empowers its workforce, including franchise partners, to elevate the global stature of the Domino’s brand. This forward-thinking leadership style has consistently delivered results beyond projections, making it a standout in Buffett’s evaluation framework.

Thirdly, Domino’s demonstrates a strong commitment to shareholder value through shareholder-friendly policies. The company engages in routine share repurchases, steadily reducing its outstanding share count, and has reliably hiked its base annual dividend for over a decade. These practices not only reward long-term holders but also signal disciplined capital allocation, a hallmark of Buffett-approved businesses.

Finally, the valuation profile seals the deal for Buffett, who never compromised on buying quality assets at reasonable prices. Despite a pullback in its share price over the past year, Domino’s forward price-to-earnings ratio has compressed to around 19. This figure translates to a compelling 29% discount relative to its five-year average forward P/E multiple, presenting an attractive entry point for a company with robust fundamentals.

Strategic Positioning in Buffett’s Last Quarter

Even as he transitioned out of daily oversight at Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett remained focused on fortifying the company’s future success. Expanding Berkshire’s position in Domino’s Pizza was unequivocally a cornerstone of this vision, reflecting his enduring belief in the stock’s intrinsic worth and growth trajectory. This final accumulation serves as a testament to his unwavering discipline and foresight.

Evaluating Domino’s Pizza as an Investment Opportunity Today

As investors reflect on Buffett’s endorsement, it’s prudent to assess whether Domino’s Pizza merits consideration in contemporary portfolios. The company’s impressive historical returns, combined with its alignment to Buffett’s criteria—consumer loyalty, superior management, shareholder rewards, and favorable valuation—position it as a noteworthy contender. However, market dynamics evolve, and prospective buyers should conduct thorough due diligence, weighing current economic conditions, competitive pressures in the quick-service restaurant sector, and the company’s ability to execute on its “Hungry for MORE” strategy amid potential challenges like inflation or shifting consumer preferences.

Domino’s global footprint, innovative technology integrations such as AI-driven order optimization, and franchise model provide scalable avenues for expansion. Moreover, its resilience in maintaining growth through product enhancements and marketing efficacy suggests sustained relevance. While past performance does not guarantee future results, the foundational strengths that attracted Buffett persist, offering a solid case for patient investors seeking quality at a discount.

In summary, Buffett’s six-quarter commitment to Domino’s Pizza exemplifies his mastery in identifying enduring businesses trading below their potential. For those emulating his approach, this stock continues to embody the principles of value investing that have defined his legendary career.