What is Zacks Research’s Estimate for PZZA Q2 Earnings?

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) – Analysts at Zacks Research reduced their Q2 2026 earnings estimates for shares of Papa John’s International in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, March 12th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the company will earn $0.35 per share for the quarter, down from their prior estimate 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 Q4 2026 earnings at $0.36 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $1.50 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $0.42 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $0.47 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $0.49 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $1.90 EPS.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Benchmark decreased 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 research note on Friday, February 27th. Weiss Ratings reissued a “hold (c-)” rating on shares of Papa John’s International in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Stephens reduced their target price on shares of Papa John’s International from $49.00 to $40.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Friday, February 27th. Finally, Mizuho decreased their target price 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. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Papa John’s International currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $45.00.

Papa John’s International Stock Performance

Shares of Papa John’s International stock opened at $36.79 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $1.21 billion, a PE ratio of 41.34, a P/E/G ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 1.23. The business’s 50 day simple moving average is $34.82 and its 200 day simple moving average is $41.40. Papa John’s International has a 52-week low of $29.55 and a 52-week high of $55.74.

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

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Papa John’s International

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PZZA. Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Papa John’s International by 22.2% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,157 shares of the company’s stock valued at $56,000 after buying an additional 210 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Papa John’s International during the second quarter worth $59,000. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its position in Papa John’s International by 41.0% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,702 shares of the company’s stock worth $82,000 after acquiring an additional 495 shares in the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in Papa John’s International by 342.9% during the third quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,767 shares of the company’s stock worth $85,000 after acquiring an additional 1,368 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Leonteq Securities AG acquired a new stake in Papa John’s International in the fourth quarter valued at $71,000.

Papa John’s International Dividend Announcement

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

More Papa John’s International News

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.

About Papa John’s International

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.