Zacks Research Issues Pessimistic Forecast for PZZA Earnings

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) – Equities research analysts at Zacks Research cut their Q1 2026 earnings estimates for Papa John’s International in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, March 12th. Zacks Research analyst Team now anticipates that the company will earn $0.44 per share for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of $0.49. Zacks Research has a “Hold” rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Papa John’s International’s current full-year earnings is $2.19 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Papa John’s International’s Q3 2026 earnings at $0.35 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $0.53 EPS and FY2028 earnings at $2.11 EPS.

Other research analysts have also issued reports about the company. Stephens lowered their target price on Papa John’s International from $49.00 to $40.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, February 27th. Benchmark cut their price target on shares of Papa John’s International from $60.00 to $50.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Friday, February 27th. Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of Papa John’s International from $40.00 to $34.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 20th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c-)” rating on shares of Papa John’s International in a report on Monday, December 29th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $45.00.

Papa John’s International Stock Performance

Shares of PZZA stock opened at $36.79 on Friday. Papa John’s International has a 1 year low of $29.55 and a 1 year high of $55.74. The business’s fifty day moving average is $34.82 and its 200-day moving average is $41.50. The stock has a market cap of $1.21 billion, a PE ratio of 41.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.23.

Papa John’s International (NASDAQ:PZZA) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 26th. The company reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.33 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $498.18 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $517.25 million. Papa John’s International had a net margin of 1.44% and a negative return on equity of 11.16%. Papa John’s International’s revenue was down 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.63 EPS.

Papa John’s International Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 20th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 9th were paid a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 9th. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.0%. Papa John’s International’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 206.74%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Papa John’s International

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in PZZA. Irenic Capital Management LP acquired a new position in Papa John’s International in the third quarter worth approximately $51,699,000. Brandes Investment Partners LP lifted its stake in Papa John’s International by 271.6% in the second quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 690,299 shares of the company’s stock valued at $33,783,000 after acquiring an additional 504,514 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP bought a new stake in Papa John’s International in the fourth quarter worth approximately $12,969,000. Quinn Opportunity Partners LLC bought a new stake in Papa John’s International in the fourth quarter worth approximately $12,767,000. Finally, Earnest Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Papa John’s International by 19.6% during the 4th quarter. Earnest Partners LLC now owns 1,947,248 shares of the company’s stock worth $74,950,000 after purchasing an additional 318,816 shares during the last quarter.

Trending Headlines about Papa John’s International

Here are the key news stories impacting Papa John’s International this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Reports that Qatari‑backed Irth Capital (and other suitors) have submitted a roughly $1.5 billion take‑private proposal (~$47/share) are driving upside because the offer represents a material premium to recent trading and creates buyout speculation. Papa John’s Weighs Takeover Offer As Valuation And Risks Stay In Focus
• Positive Sentiment: Market headlines showing a sharp intraday jump (reports of a 15–19% surge) reinforce momentum and short‑term buying tied to the takeover narrative. Papa John’s (PZZA) Stock Jumps 19% Following $1.5B Buyout Proposal
• Neutral Sentiment: CEO comments indicate management remains focused on competing and running the business rather than treating the bid as a certainty — that could slow a quick transaction and keeps operational execution in focus. Papa John’s CEO Focuses on Competing, Not Take-Private Bid
• Neutral Sentiment: Analyst/industry pieces highlight Papa John’s ongoing digital and loyalty investments — a longer‑term positive for sales and margins but unlikely to move the stock as much as takeover speculation in the near term. Can Papa John’s Digital Investments & Loyalty Expansion Drive Growth?
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks Research issued mixed estimate changes: they trimmed Q1 and Q3 2026 EPS forecasts (and left a Hold rating) even as they raised a Q2 2027 forecast—these downward near‑term revisions highlight margin and revenue risk and temper the fundamentals under the takeover chatter.

Papa John’s International Company Profile

Papa John’s International, Inc is a leading American pizza restaurant chain known for its focus on high-quality ingredients and consistent product offerings. Founded in 1984 by John Schnatter in Jeffersonville, Indiana, the company has grown to operate thousands of restaurants across the United States and in more than 40 international markets. Papa John’s restaurants are primarily franchised, supported by a network of corporate-owned outlets that together drive brand standards, operational guidance and marketing efforts.

The core menu at Papa John’s centers on a variety of hand-tossed and pan pizzas made with a signature stone-baked crust and topped with real cheese, vine-ripened tomato sauce and premium meats and vegetables.