Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) Given Consensus Recommendation of “Moderate Buy” by Analysts

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) has earned an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from the ten analysts that are covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $82.90.

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. BTIG Research lowered their target price on shares of Papa John’s International from $100.00 to $95.00 in a report on Friday, August 4th. Stifel Nicolaus reaffirmed a “hold” rating and set a $65.00 price target (down previously from $81.00) on shares of Papa John’s International in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of Papa John’s International from $99.00 to $106.00 in a report on Friday, July 21st. OTR Global upgraded shares of Papa John’s International to a “positive” rating in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, Wedbush reduced their target price on shares of Papa John’s International from $95.00 to $73.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 3rd.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Papa John’s International

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PZZA. American Century Companies Inc. acquired a new position in Papa John’s International in the 1st quarter worth about $491,000. US Bancorp DE grew its holdings in shares of Papa John’s International by 209.4% during the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 4,415 shares of the company’s stock worth $466,000 after purchasing an additional 2,988 shares during the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. acquired a new position in shares of Papa John’s International in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,664,000. Bank of Montreal Can raised its holdings in Papa John’s International by 5.5% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 3,854 shares of the company’s stock valued at $408,000 after buying an additional 201 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers boosted its position in Papa John’s International by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 93,544 shares of the company’s stock worth $9,848,000 after buying an additional 1,970 shares during the period.

Papa John’s International Trading Up 4.1 %

Shares of PZZA opened at $66.61 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.59, a PEG ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 1.22. Papa John’s International has a 12 month low of $60.66 and a 12 month high of $97.78. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $68.39 and a 200 day simple moving average of $73.42.

Papa John’s International Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 24th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 13th will be given a $0.46 dividend. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.76%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 10th. Papa John’s International’s dividend payout ratio is presently 78.97%.

About Papa John’s International

Papa John's International, Inc operates and franchises pizza delivery and carryout restaurants under the Papa John's trademark in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Domestic Company-Owned Restaurants, North America Commissaries, North America Franchising, and International Operations.