PZZA Papa John's International Inc

Papa Johns has significantly distanced itself from its founder, John Schnatter, due to a series of controversies. Despite founding the company in 1984, Schnatter was ousted as CEO and later as chairman after criticizing NFL protests and using a racial slur during a sensitivity training exercise. An infamous WDRB interview further damaged his public image, leading the company to remove all mention of him from its branding.

Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) has received a consensus "Hold" rating from thirteen analysts, with an average 1-year price target of $50.50. The company recently missed quarterly earnings expectations, reporting an EPS of $0.32 against an anticipated $0.40 and revenue of $508.15M versus $523.67M. PZZA currently offers a high dividend yield of 4.7% but has an unsustainable payout ratio of 164.29%.

Jefferies and Stifel recently reiterated their Hold ratings on Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA), with price targets of $45 and $42, respectively. Stifel adjusted its financial model based on the company's planned cost-saving initiatives and refranchising efforts, forecasting an EBITDA of $205 million for fiscal 2026, which is below the Street consensus. The firm highlighted that EBITDA performance is sensitive to marketing fund investments, with an estimated $10 million incremental investment assumed for 2026.

As 2025 draws to a close, major pizza chains like Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, and Papa Murphy's face uncertain futures with potential buyouts and sales. California Pizza Kitchen has already changed hands, signaling a turbulent market. These brands are exploring innovation and new business models to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Jefferies and Stifel recently reiterated their 'Hold' ratings on Papa John’s International, Inc. (PZZA), with price targets of $45 and $42, respectively. Stifel’s analysis, following a 10-Q filing, considered planned cost-saving initiatives and refranchising efforts, forecasting a 2026 EBITDA of $205 million, below the Street consensus, due to potential marketing investment variations. The company is one of the largest pizza restaurant chains globally.

Papa Johns has opened a new location in the Norwalk community. The article mentions a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new business.