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Pizza, Profits, and Buffett’s Genius Move

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02 DEC 2024 / FINANCE

Pizza, Profits, and Buffett’s Genius Move

Pizza, Profits, and Buffett’s Genius Move

Why Domino’s Is Serving Up a Slice of Buffett’s Billionaire Brilliance? Warren Buffett, the world’s favorite investing grandpa, rolls up to his local McDonald's in Omaha for his usual breakfast, a sausage patty sandwich and a Coke. It’s a humble routine for a guy whose company, Berkshire Hathaway, commands a trillion-dollar empire. But don’t let simplicity fool you. While he may be loyal to McDonald's for breakfast, Buffett just made a big bet on another fast-food favorite. In his latest shareholder letter, he revealed Berkshire Hathaway had scooped up nearly 1.3 million shares of Domino’s Pizza. The Oracle of Omaha is now betting on the company that makes pizza night a global phenomenon. So, what’s made Buffett so hungry for Domino’s? Let’s slice this up and take a closer look.

Keep It Simple, Cheesy

Buffett’s golden rule: “Never invest in a business you can’t understand.” And let’s be real, who doesn’t get pizza? It’s the go-to comfort food, the star of every party, and the ultimate late-night craving.  With over 21,000 locations worldwide, Domino’s isn't just a delivery service; it’s the dominant force in the pizza industry. But what sets Domino’s apart from other companies and what makes it perfect for Buffett's investment strategy is its simple, low-risk business model. Rather than operating the majority of its restaurants, Domino’s relies on franchisees to handle day-to-day operations. This means fewer risks for Domino’s itself and a much more stable environment for investors.

Moats and Meat Lovers

As Buffett often says, “A truly great business must have an enduring moat.” And Domino’s has just that. While you might think the pizza industry is all about toppings, Domino’s has built its competitive advantage through its impressive supply chain. In fact, 60% of its revenue comes from providing everything its franchisees need, from pizza dough to ovens. This massive scale and efficient supply chain allow Domino’s to operate more effectively and profitably than competitors like Papa John’s. It’s a model that brings in consistent revenue and fat margins, giving Domino’s a moat that's tough to breach.

Why Buffett Sees Dollar Signs in Domino’s Dough"

So, why Domino’s, and why now? The pizza giant recently hit a rough patch after cutting its international store opening forecast. That caused the stock to slide about 20%, hitting its lowest valuation in years. For Buffett or his trusted lieutenants Todd Combs and Ted Weschler—this dip wasn’t a red flag. It was an opportunity. Despite the hiccup, Domino’s still projects 7% revenue growth and 8% operating profit growth for the year. Plus, the company sees massive potential in markets like India and China, where pizza is just beginning to make its mark.

Serving Up Love, Buffett-Style

Domino’s isn’t just about selling pizza; it’s about making sure its shareholders get a slice of the action, too. Buffett has always been a fan of businesses that reward their investors, and Domino’s does just that. With a growing dividend and a robust share buyback program, the company reduces its overall share count, which boosts the value of the remaining shares. In Buffett's words, “When the share count goes down, your interest in our many businesses goes up.” For investors, this means their stake in the company just keeps getting bigger and that's exactly the kind of smart investment move Buffett loves.

Is Domino’s Pizza Your Next Investment?

With its clear competitive edge, efficient supply chain, and commitment to rewarding shareholders, Domino’s Pizza is an investment that checks all of Buffett’s boxes. The company’s steady growth in the pizza industry, combined with its shareholder-friendly policies, make it a prime candidate for anyone looking to invest like the Oracle of Omaha. While the stock might seem pricey at first glance, Domino’s has proven that its model works, and its growth potential, especially internationally, makes it a smart play for long-term investors. So, what do you say? Ready to take a page out of Buffett’s playbook and grab a slice of the action? With Domino’s Pizza, your portfolio might just rise as fast as their famous crust.  Stay ahead of the game. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more insights like this and never miss an update on the latest trends and strategies!

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