Is the Domino’s Pizza share price a good buy at $68?

The Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP) share price rocketed 9.0% to a new, 52-week high of $68.32 last week. This was before falling back slightly in morning trade today to $67.99 at the time of writing. 

Investors have been bullish on the Aussie food group in recent weeks but is there still good value in Domino’s shares?

Why the Domino’s Pizza share price hit a 52-week high

You’d have to be pretty happy as a long-term investor in this Aussie food group. The Domino’s Pizza share price has climbed 29.9% in 2020, 73.8% in the last 12 months and 88.0% over the last 5 years.

Given we’ve just seen a steep bear market followed by a slingshot recovery, those who bought and held Domino’s shares would be sitting on a tidy profit.

I think a strong delivery model has been a big factor in Domino’s being able to achieve a new, 52-week high. Even during the height of coronavirus restrictions, Domino’s was still able to maintain its operations through its delivery and takeaway options.

I feel communication has also been key, with Domino’s providing regular updates throughout COVID-19. The company has restaurants across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe which were all subject to different trading restrictions.

In its last announcement on 24 April, Domino’s advised that all stores “continue to adapt to changes in customer behaviour, community expectations, various support measures and local trading conditions”. 

I think the Domino’s Pizza share price has benefitted greatly from consistent, same-store Australian sales over recent months. This has offset lower revenues from France and New Zealand where stores were forced to close temporarily.

There’s also the company’s strong balance sheet that is likely to be playing a part in its recent share price growth. Domino’s has no short-term debt, with its existing facilities due for renewal in the first half of FY 2023.

This leaves the company in an enviable position to remain focused on its strategy during these turbulent times.

I believe another strong factor behind the strong performance of the Domino’s Pizza share price has been the company reaffirming its medium-term outlook for new store openings, same-store sales and net capex.

Is Domino’s good value at $68?

The Domino’s share price closed at a new, 52-week high of $68.32 per share on Friday afternoon and is now trading at $67.99. 

Many investors are reluctant to buy companies at 52-week highs which is understandable. However, I think this reflects a short-term investing mindset.

If you really want to invest in Domino’s Pizza for the long term, then today’s share price or next week’s shouldn’t matter.

Instead, I think it’s preferable to consider the opportunities for the company’s expansion over the coming decades. Personally, I’m not bullish enough to be buying Domino’s shares at their current valuation.

Having said that, I don’t think a 52-week high should necessarily deter you from buying if you’re holding for the long term.

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Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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