Zacks Research Issues Pessimistic Outlook for PZZA Earnings

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) – Research analysts at Zacks Research decreased their Q3 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Papa John’s International in a research report issued on Wednesday, May 20th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the company will earn $0.28 per share for the quarter, down from their prior forecast of $0.35. Zacks Research currently has a “Hold” rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Papa John’s International’s current full-year earnings is $1.51 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Papa John’s International’s FY2026 earnings at $1.40 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $0.42 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $0.46 EPS, FY2027 earnings at $1.73 EPS and Q1 2028 earnings at $0.48 EPS.

Papa John’s International (NASDAQ:PZZA) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 7th. The company reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.40 by ($0.08). Papa John’s International had a net margin of 1.37% and a negative return on equity of 10.71%. The business had revenue of $478.61 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $485.51 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.36 EPS. Papa John’s International’s revenue for the quarter was down 7.7% on a year-over-year basis.

Several other brokerages have also weighed in on PZZA. Piper Sandler cut their price objective on shares of Papa John’s International from $32.00 to $30.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 8th. Stephens reiterated an “overweight” rating and issued a $40.00 price target on shares of Papa John’s International in a report on Thursday, May 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective on shares of Papa John’s International from $45.00 to $35.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, February 27th. Benchmark reduced their target price on Papa John’s International from $50.00 to $45.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Papa John’s International from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Saturday, May 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Papa John’s International presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $38.50.

Papa John’s International Trading Up 1.3%

Shares of NASDAQ:PZZA opened at $32.75 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $1.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.46, a PEG ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 1.18. The stock’s 50-day moving average price is $34.82 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $36.74. Papa John’s International has a 12-month low of $29.55 and a 12-month high of $55.74.

Papa John’s International Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 18th will be given a $0.46 dividend. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, May 18th. Papa John’s International’s dividend payout ratio is presently 221.69%.

Institutional Trading of Papa John’s International

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Anson Funds Management LP acquired a new stake in Papa John’s International in the first quarter valued at $2,431,000. Arkadios Wealth Advisors bought a new stake in shares of Papa John’s International in the 1st quarter worth about $650,000. California State Teachers Retirement System raised its stake in shares of Papa John’s International by 22.3% in the 1st quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 47,121 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,527,000 after purchasing an additional 8,584 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its position in shares of Papa John’s International by 76.8% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 60,624 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,964,000 after purchasing an additional 26,335 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Excelsior Advisor Network LLC acquired a new position in Papa John’s International in the first quarter worth about $212,000.

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.