Just as Warren Buffett stepped down from his role as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, the company released its latest 13F filing, offering a final glimpse into his strategic trades. But here's where it gets intriguing: while Buffett trimmed positions in tech giants like Apple and Amazon, he made a surprising move by scooping up 368,000 shares of Domino's Pizza—a decision that’s sparking curiosity among investors. Could this be a subtle warning about the market’s future, or simply a vote of confidence in a resilient industry leader?
Editor's note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Berkshire Hathaway's position in Domino's was worth $109 billion. The correct figure is $109 million. The author and The Motley Fool sincerely apologize for the error.
Buffett’s final trades as CEO were minimal, with only one new position added. While he maintained Berkshire’s stake in Alphabet, he reduced holdings in other artificial intelligence (AI) heavyweights like Apple and Amazon. Apple remains the portfolio’s largest holding at 19.5%, though it’s a far cry from the 50% dominance it once held. Amazon, always a smaller position, was trimmed even further.
And this is the part most people miss: Buffett’s addition of 368,055 shares of Domino’s Pizza (DPZ) represents a 12% increase from the previous quarter, boosting the position’s value by $109 million. Domino’s fits perfectly into Buffett’s playbook—a global leader in an enduring, recession-resistant industry. With 22,000 stores worldwide and 392 new locations added in the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter (ending Dec. 28, 2025), Domino’s is the pizza equivalent of Apple or American Express in its sector dominance.
Despite economic headwinds like inflation and shifting consumer trends, Domino’s continues to thrive. In the fourth quarter, global retail sales rose 4.9% year over year (currency neutral), with comparable sales up 3.7%. As a franchise business, Domino’s generates high-margin revenue from franchise fees rather than pizza sales. This model proved its strength in the fourth quarter, with operating income outpacing sales growth—net revenue climbed 6.4%, while operating income surged 8%.
But here’s the controversial part: Domino’s stock has underperformed recently, dropping 14% over the past year. While it offers a steady 1.7% dividend yield, it’s not a growth stock. Instead, its value lies in stability and passive income. Buffett’s move isn’t necessarily a market prediction, but it does highlight the importance of diversification—especially as markets reach new highs. If a correction comes, defensive stocks like Domino’s could shield your portfolio. If the rally continues, you’ll still benefit from long-term value and dividends.
Thought-provoking question: Is Buffett’s bet on Domino’s a defensive play in an overheated market, or simply a timeless investment in a proven leader? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
Disclosure: American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Jennifer Saibil holds positions in American Express and Apple. The Motley Fool holds positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, and Domino’s Pizza. For more details, see our disclosure policy here.
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