Domino's Authorizes Additional $1B Buyback – But Slowing Demand Sends DPZ Stock Lower Pre-Market

• The company reported first-quarter global retail sales growth of  3.4%.
• The U.S. same-store sales rose 0.9% in the first quarter.
• The first quarter international same-store sales declined (excluding foreign currency impact) of 0.4%.

Domino’s Pizza is doubling down on shareholder returns but the investors seem to be focused on slowing demand. Shares of Domino’s Pizza Inc (DPZ) fell more than 4% premarket on Monday after the company's board authorized an additional $1 billion in share repurchases, bringing total buyback authorization to $1.29 billion, alongside first-quarter (Q1) results that showed modest U.S. growth but softness in international same-store sales.

The company's board authorized an additional share repurchase program to repurchase up to $1.0 billion of the company's common stock, in addition to the $290.2 million previously remaining, for a total authorization of $1.29 billion for future share repurchases.

Signaling Confidence

Domino’s continued to aggressively return capital in Q1 2026, repurchasing 188,304 shares for $75.1 million. Through April 21, the company bought back an additional 257,545 shares for $94.4 million.

The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $1.99 per share, payable on June 30, 2026, to shareholders of record on June 15, 2026.

​Q1 Earnings: Sales Show Signs Of Strain

Q1 2026 global retail sales grew 3.4% excluding foreign currency impact, with U.S. same-store sales up 0.9% and international same-store sales down 0.4%. The global net store growth was 180 stores in the first quarter.

According to a Reuters report, the company missed analysts' same-store sales estimates for the quarter, as many Americans, squeezed by higher living costs stemming from geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, cut back on discretionary spending, such as dining out.

“My belief that we can continue to outperform our competition and take meaningful share in 2026 and beyond remains as strong as it has ever been. This is how we will deliver long-term value for our franchisees and shareholders,” said Russell Weiner, Chief Executive Officer at Domino's.

How did Retail Traders React?

On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for the stock has improved to ‘bullish’ from ‘neutral,’ and message volume has improved to ‘high’ from ‘normal’. In fact, the stock's message volume has risen 500% over the last 24 hours.

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Not all traders are convinced though, with some pointing to macro headwinds. One user on Stocktwits said, “higher the gas prices go, more the stock should fall.”

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Shares of Domino’s have fallen by more than 13% so far this year.

​For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

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