Papa John's International Bolsa (NASDAQ: PZZA)

Papa John's International (NASDAQ:PZZA) Bolsa

PAPA JOHN'S INTL INC

Papa John's International

Papa John's is one of the largest players in the global QSR, or quick-service restaurant, pizza market, boasting more than 6,000 restaurants across nearly 50 countries at the end of 2024. The firm operates a predominantly franchised system, owning 9% of its restaurants and generating revenue from franchise royalties, sales of pizza and related products at its company-owned stores, and sales from its commissary supply chain. The firm is the fourth-largest limited-service pizza chain globally and third in the US (Euromonitor International), with a sizable presence in the UK, China, South Korea, and Chile.

News

General

PZZA

Papa John&#39;s (PZZA) reporta un crecimiento del 7 % en sus ventas del cuarto trimestre de 2024, superando estimaciones.

Acciones de Papa John&#39;s (PZZA) suben tras superar expectativas en el 4T

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h3>
Bankers say these biscuits are worth billions. The $1.5 billion asking price for Bojangles, the fried chicken and biscuit fast-food chain, is about triple what private equity firms Durational Capital Management and TJC paid in 2019—just four years after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/15/05/5492635/bojangles-prices-ipo-at-19-high-end-of-range">the chain went public</a>.
According <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/bojangles-is-exploring-a-sale-while-the-fried-chicken-market-is-hot-5cc6fb9e?mod=e2tw">to</a> the Wall Street Journal, both strategic restaurant operators and private equity buyers are interested.
The North Carolina–based fast-casual brand has been expanding thanks to U.S. chicken chain sales spiking 9% last year. 
The potential sale comes amid a broader M&amp;A wave in the restaurant industry. Recent deals include Roark Capital's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/06/45829771/heres-how-daves-hot-chicken-went-from-humble-beginnings-to-a-billion-dollar-food-empire">acquisition of</a> Dave's Hot Chicken, Blackstone's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/42167861/blackstone-takes-a-bite-out-of-jersey-mikes-with-8-billion-investment">stake in</a> Jersey Mike's, and Sycamore Partners' purchase of Playa Bowls. 
Meanwhile, Apollo (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APO#NYSE">APO</a>) and Irth Capital have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/25/06/45908298/papa-johns-takeover-rumors-swirl-but-doubts-are-creeping-in">made a $2 billion bid</a> for Papa John's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PZZA#NASDAQ">PZZA</a>). Coincidentally, Irth's co-founder previously led the Bojangles buyout at Durational.
Also for sale:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>South Korean retailer Homeplus; The <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-13/mbk-seeks-buyer-for-struggling-korean-supermarket-chain-homeplus?srnd=phx-deals&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">seller</a> is MBK Partners, Bloomberg reports.</li>
<li>Texas-based Healix Infusion Care, a portfolio company of TA Associates, <a href="https://www.axios.com/pro/health-tech-deals/2025/06/12/ta-associates-healix-infusion-care-sale">per</a> Axios.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Updates From The Block</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45919069/meta-invests-in-scale-ai-at-29-billion-valuation-taps-ceo-alexandr-wang-to-drive-internal-ai-push-as-part-of-deepening-partnership">acquired a 49% stake</a> in Scale AI, a startup that values the company at more than $29 billion. The $14.8 billion all-cash transaction marks Meta's largest investment in a company since its $19 billion acquisition of WhatsApp a decade ago. As part of the agreement, Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang will join Meta, although Meta will hold only non-voting stock and forgo governance rights such as board representation, veto power, or drag-along rights. These structural decisions are widely viewed as a strategy to avoid triggering antitrust concerns at a time when regulatory scrutiny of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/big-tech">Big Tech remains high</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Advent International is in exclusive talks to acquire Air Wick maker Essential Home, the consumer goods unit of Reckitt (LSE: RKT), Reuters <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/reckitt-talks-exclusively-advent-essential-home-sale-sources-say-2025-06-11/">reports</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Craneware (LSE: CRW), a British enterprise software firm, rejected a £938.4 million offer from Bain Capital, calling the private equity firm&#8217;s offer a lowball. The £26.50 per share bid was a 38% premium—but apparently not enough to impress. </li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Off The Block</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>After over two years of corporate tug-of-war, Walt Disney Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) has finally bought out Comcast's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) one-third stake in Hulu. According to Variety, Disney managed to haggle the price down. Instead of shelling out the full $27.5 billion valuation Comcast wanted, Disney — which had about $5.852 billion in cash on hand for the quarter ending March 31 — will pay about $9 billion for the stake. This includes an extra $438.7 million recently agreed upon after arbitration.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bankruptcy Block</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Auto parts supplier Marelli Holdings Co., which serves major automakers like Nissan and Stellantis (Jeep), has <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/auto-supplier-marelli-files-for-bankruptcy-to-hand-lenders-control-ed401dda?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=ASWzDAjPClGFpuU2kdlfILXFqkzYYLEbGSGEDi8wU1vCxDz-KDhuumjVHnQd2E3iGdA%3D&amp;gaa_ts=684c436c&amp;gaa_sig=GZX70VBs_FQJP-fMVXsnMyK8bwQpKg8SiPUs7IOdakriGJ3Dhr774aDbj60rWEAo5-LRilaHNhgaQDPINOS7UQ%3D%3D">filed</a> for bankruptcy protection due to years of losses, a heavy debt load, and worsening conditions tied to Trump-era tariffs. The company, formed in 2019 through a KKR-led merger of Fiat Chrysler&#8217;s parts unit and a Japanese supplier, employs over 40,000 people globally.CEO David Slump said Marelli was already weakened by Covid-related supply chain disruptions when its financial position deteriorated further in March due to tariffs that hit import/export-dependent businesses like theirs especially hard. The firm, burdened with nearly $5 billion in debt, was also hurt by the prolonged semiconductor shortage. Despite the filing, Marelli plans to continue operating under a restructuring deal backed by over $1 billion in new financing.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Sunnova Energy International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOVA#NASDAQ">NOVA</a>), one of the largest rooftop solar companies in the U.S., has received court approval to begin using a $90 million bankruptcy loan to keep operating while it looks to sell its business under Chapter 11. Judge Alfredo Perez approved an initial $15 million draw, with the rest pending future approval. Earlier this week, a Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-19/oaktree-buys-up-position-in-sunnova-debt-ahead-of-talks">report</a> suggested Oaktree Capital Management has been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44423358/sunnova-energy-nova-stock-is-volatile-whats-going-on">buying up debt in the company</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Notes From The Block</h3>
Benzinga sat down with 28-year-old financial advisor Luke Lloyd, founder of the newly launched Lloyd Financial Group. Formerly a wealth advisor at Strategic Wealth Partners, where he helped manage $1.5 billion in client assets, Lloyd brings a sharp eye for macroeconomic trends, individual stock analysis, and deal-making dynamics. 
Now running his own RIA firm, he's focused on delivering personalized, strategic investment guidance with a deep understanding of today's fast-moving financial landscape, including hot takes on M&amp;A:
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Benzinga: Where do you think the most consolidation is going to happen this year and next?</h3>
Lloyd: It&#8217;s going to be where all the money&#8217;s at. It&#8217;s going to be big tech. Take Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and add up all their cash accounts. If these tech giants are collecting 5% of their cash on interest, and interest rates drop at all, they will go out there and buy everything they can buy. I also think the most divesting will also happen in tech. These big corporations are too inefficient. They&#8217;re too big. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BZ: What should they do?</h3>
Lloyd: The most efficient way is to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/18/02/11119830/6-analysts-react-to-the-paypal-ebay-split">do something like</a> eBay (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EBAY#NASDAQ">EBAY</a>) and PayPal (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>) did. There are all these ways you can break up your company and actually make more money and add more shareholder value. These guys can write $2 billion checks to these small, mid-cap companies and not even feel a single thing. They&#8217;re making more on their interest, on their cash accounts, than they are writing those checks. Divesting the big parts of tech will also happen, probably in the next couple of years. I&#8217;m not saying it will happen this year, but in the next couple of years — I talked about this on Fox Business, probably six months ago — Apple will get broken up to focus on growth areas, like AI. Apple is behind the eight-ball with AI compared to others. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BZ: That&#8217;s something that Senator Bernie Sanders would like to <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/16/bernie-sanders-facebook-google-amazon-1416786">hear</a>.</h3>
Lloyd: I&#8217;m not saying the government&#8217;s going to do it. I&#8217;m saying I think it&#8217;s in the company&#8217;s best interest. Corporations themselves should want to break up in some ways because they make more money and become more efficient. If they can lean up certain sectors and areas, they can actually be able to deliver more shareholder value.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BZ: We&#8217;re not hearing much of that conversation from big tech.</h3>
Lloyd: I&#8217;m not either. I just hope it happens to add more shareholder value. I think they&#8217;re too fat and fluffy, and I think that it&#8217;s definitely possible and something that could happen that I&#8217;m keeping an eye on.
Check back soon for our whole conversation with Lloyd; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/25/06/45822510/deal-dispatch-tv-stations-for-sale-this-buyer-wants-seconds-on-pasta">For last week&#8217;s edition of the Deal Dispatch, click here</a>.
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Deal Dispatch: Chicken Chains, Solar Pains And Disney's Hulu Gains — Plus, Why Big Tech Should Break Up

Papa John's International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PZZA#NASDAQ">PZZA</a>) shares are<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers" rel="noreferrer noopener"> trading lower on Thursday.</a>
On Wednesday, several media reports emerged that the company may be nearing a significant ownership change, as private equity giant Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APO#NYSE">APO</a>) and Qatari-backed investment firm Irth Capital have reportedly joined forces to pursue a buyout of the pizza chain, valuing it at approximately $2 billion.
Semafor <a href="https://www.semafor.com/article/06/11/2025/papa-johns-pzza-apollo-take-private" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports </a>that the offer is in the low $60s per share, notably higher than the current stock price of around $48, citing sources familiar with the situation.
While Apollo has a history of large-scale acquisitions, Irth Capital is a much smaller player with less than $200 million in assets as of late 2023. Irth, backed by Sheikh Mohamed al Thani of Qatar's royal family, holds a 5% stake in Papa John's.
Following the reports, PZZA stock surged over 7% on Wednesday.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45629288/pizza-stocks-in-focus-analyst-says-dominos-gains-share-papa-johns-holds-steady-pizza-hut-loses-ground" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pizza Power Play: Analyst Says Domino&#8217;s Gains Share, Papa Johns Holds Steady, Pizza Hut Loses Ground</a>
Despite its size, Irth has experience with consumer-focused turnarounds, having been involved in the acquisitions of Casper and Bojangles.
Irth reportedly still needs to secure financing for its portion of the proposed deal, Semafor adds.
If that doesn't materialize, Apollo could move forward on its own.
As of now, neither Apollo nor Papa John's have issued public statements, and Irth has not responded to requests for comment.
If a formal sales process is launched, more potential suitors could emerge. Inspire Brands, known for its acquisition of Dunkin' Donuts in 2020, may explore the opportunity, Semafor further adds.
Another possibility is Roark Capital, which recently completed a deal for Dave's Hot Chicken and owns Subway.
Papa John's franchising model, which licenses branding and ingredients to independent operators, aligns with their typical investment strategies, the report further states.
In 2018 and 2019, Papa John's faced a public controversy involving its founder, John Schnatter, who used a racial slur during a conference call, Reuters reports. The incident led to legal disputes and, ultimately, a deal with activist investor Starboard Value, whose CEO took over as chairman of the board in 2019 following Schnatter's departure.
Although Starboard helped stabilize Papa John's, industry observers believe more changes are needed—fueling speculation of a potential take-private move to enable deeper restructuring out of public view, Reuters adds.
Under current CEO Todd Penegor, Papa John's has made notable performance improvements, though its stock continues to trade at a slight discount compared to peers like Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YUM#NYSE">YUM</a>) and Domino's Pizza Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DPZ#NYSE">DPZ</a>).
Read Next:
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Photo: Shutterstock

Equities

Markets

Movers

Papa John's Takeover Rumors Swirl, But Doubts Are Creeping In

"He said, ‘how much?'" Former NBA forward John Salley remembers posing that question and watching Shaquille O'Neal calmly peel off $70,000 in cash—no contract, no interest, just teammate trust.&nbsp;
The spur-of-the-moment loan, Salley says, proved generosity in professional sports can loom as large as the 7-foot-1 center himself. Salley shared the memory during a September 2019 interview with<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiJiORsy2O8"> VladTV</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cash On The Locker Room Floor</h2>
During the 1999-2000 campaign, Salley—then a 35-year-old reserve forward— accepted a veteran-minimum salary of roughly $510,000.
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<li>‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-peter-thiel-turned-his-roth-ira-into-5-billion-and-why-accredited-investors-are-now-eyeing-this-smartphone-disruptor">You can invest today for just $0.30/share with a $1000 minimum.</a></li>
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O'Neal, midway through a seven-year, $120 million Lakers deal, was dominating the court. But off the court, he was just as impactful, showing that his generosity matched his superstar status.
By then, O'Neal's off-court portfolio had already included early Google shares and, later, a board seat with<a href="https://ir.papajohns.com/"> Papa John's</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PZZA#NASDAQ">PZZA</a>). Those moves helped push his fortune toward $500 million,<a href="https://talksport.com/basketball/2230328/shaquill-oneal-500m-net-worth-endorsements-brands-deals-franchises/"> talkSPORT</a> reported six months ago.&nbsp;
Handing over $70,000, therefore, felt effortless, yet it bridged a real cash-flow crunch for Salley, whose prime-era contracts had dwindled after title runs in Detroit and Chicago.
Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.
Retirement steered each teammate into new arenas. In February 2018, Salley partnered with GreenSpace Labs to introduce the<a href="https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/vendor-news/news/15702951/greenspace-labs-partners-with-nba-champion-and-cannabis-reform-advocate-john-salley-to-launch-pesticide-screening-device"> GreenLite Screener</a>, a handheld detector originally designed for U.S. military toxin testing. A year later, he and his daughter, Tyla, founded Deuces 22, a lifestyle cannabis label focused on quality flower and social-justice education.
In July 2019, Nevada-based Flower One Holdings announced a licensing deal allowing its 400,000-square-foot greenhouse to produce and distribute 22 Deuces products statewide.&nbsp;
According to a March forecast from<a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/us-cannabis-market-analysis"> Grand View Research</a>, the U.S. cannabis market could reach $76.39 billion by 2030, expanding more than 11% annually. Salley told VladTV he treats the forgotten loan as phantom equity: "I got him in my brain as an investor," he said, adding that O'Neal still waves off repayment.
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Deuces 22 has biodegradable / compostable materials that break down in 10 years. The company is also adding an augmented-reality feature to its labels so shoppers can scan every pack to see an authenticity message.
Its classroom arm, <a href="https://www.deuces22.com/deuces-academy/">Deuces Academy</a>, is dedicated to delivering educational and informative content to the community through articles, photos, short-form videos, and contests, aiming to engage and educate on various topics, potentially including social justice.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, according to <a href="https://wolfoffranchises.com/shaq-franchises/">The Wolf of Franchises</a>, O'Neal owns more than 150 fast-food outlets, 50 gyms, and multiple car wash chains, reinforcing a belief that wealth multiplies when shared.
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<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-peter-thiel-turned-his-roth-ira-into-5-billion-and-why-accredited-investors-are-now-eyeing-this-smartphone-disruptor">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.30/share!</a></li>
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Personal Finance

'He Said, "How Much?"' — John Salley Says Shaquille O'Neal Handed Him $70,000 With No Contract, No Payback, Just Pure Brotherhood

Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Jim Salera reiterates Papa John's International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PZZA#NASDAQ">PZZA</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $50 price target.

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

Stephens & Co. Reiterates Overweight on Papa John's International, Maintains $50 Price Target

Trading Ideas

Papa John's International Shares Resume Trade

WIIM

Papa John's shares are trading higher following a report indicating Apollo and Irth Capital are looking to take the company private.

Papa John's International Shares Halted On Circuit Breaker To The Upside, Stock Now Up 5.6%

<a href="https://www.semafor.com/article/06/11/2025/papa-johns-pzza-apollo-take-private">https://www.semafor.com/article/06/11/2025/papa-johns-pzza-apollo-take-private</a>

'Apollo, Irth Capital look to take Papa Johns private'- Semafor

On CNBC's &#8220;Mad Money Lightning Round,&#8221; Jim Cramer said Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JOBY#NYSE">JOBY</a>) is &#8220;good&#8221; and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/JOBY/analyst-ratings">he is going with it</a>.
In support of his view, HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Amit Dayal maintained Joby Aviation with a Buy rating on June 9 and raised the price target from $9 to $13.
&#8220;You're in good shape. That's Rene Haas [CEO of ARM Holdings],&#8221; Cramer said when asked about Arm Holdings plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NYSE">ARM</a>). &#8220;He is a partner of Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>).&#8221;
Benchmark analyst Cody Acree, on June 9, reiterated ARM Holdings with a Hold rating.
When asked about Papa John&#8217;s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PZZA#NASDAQ">PZZA</a>), Cramer said it is a &#8220;wait and see situation with [Todd] Penegor [CEO of Papa John&#8217;s Pizza].&#8221;
On the earnings front, the company reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 36 cents on May 8, beating the analyst consensus estimate of 35 cents. Quarterly sales of $518.31 million (up 1% year over year) outpaced the Street view of $513.55 million.
Price Action:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Joby shares gained 2.3% to settle at $9.44 on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Arm gained 1.5% to settle at $140.63 on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Papa John's shares fell 4.6% to close at $48.20.</li>
</ul>
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Jim Cramer Says Joby Aviation Is 'Good' And He's Going With It

Bank of America Securities analyst Sara Senatore explained that while the restaurant industry may seem simple due to its familiarity with consumers, investing in restaurant stocks remains complex, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/25/05/45417777/lobster-life-sibling-entrepreneurs-see-trade-turmoil-as-a-business-edge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">given the wide performance variation within the sector.</a>
According to Senatore, in today&#8217;s value-conscious environment, the restaurants seeing success are those offering standout products and experiences across multiple dimensions.
This consistent execution has allowed leading quick-service pizza chains to expand market share, and she highlights that Domino&#8217;s Pizza Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DPZ#NASDAQ">DPZ</a>) is positioned to continue outperforming, backed by its partnerships with delivery platforms like DoorDash, Inc.(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DASH#NASDAQ">DASH</a>)
and Uber Technologies, Inc.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) UberEats, value-oriented menu strategies, and technological strength. The analyst reiterated the Buy rating on Domino&#8217;s, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DPZ/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">with a price forecast of $549.</a>
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/25/05/45400599/only-reasonable-profits-jdcom-takes-aim-at-global-food-delivery-economics-with-zero-commission-modelrevives-founders-035-principle" rel="noreferrer noopener"> &#8216;Only Reasonable Profits:&#8217; JD.com Takes Aim At Global Food Delivery Economics With Zero-Commission Model—Revives Founder&#8217;s &#8216;$0.35 Principle&#8217;</a>
The analyst expressed optimism about Papa John&#8217;s International, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PZZA#NASDAQ">PZZA</a>), anticipating an improved earnings profile after the company&#8217;s planned investments in 2025. Senatore reiterated the Buy rating, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PZZA/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">with a price forecast of $52.</a>
Senatore noted that Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YUM#NYSE">YUM</a>), the parent company of Pizza Hut, has maintained stable returns on assets compared to the broader market, and she views the company&#8217;s historical performance range as a solid basis for future estimates. The analyst reiterated the Neutral rating <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/YUM/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">with a price forecast of $159.</a>
Senatore highlighted market share dynamics among these top three pizza chains, noting that Domino&#8217;s has continued to gain share, Papa Johns has maintained its position, while Pizza Hut has seen a decline in share.
Out of the Pizza focus, the analyst sees Bloomin&#8217; Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLMN#NASDAQ">BLMN</a>) &#8216;s same-store sales growth could be slower than expected if macro headwinds pressure restaurant consumption or sales-driving initiatives fail to resonate with customers. Senatore reiterated the company&#8217;s Underperform rating, with a price forecast of $7.
Senatore noted that McDonald&#8217;s Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) could deliver better-than-expected margins and returns if it slows down its investment pace or uncovers unanticipated cost savings.
She also suggested that if investor sentiment turns more risk-averse, McDonald&#8217;s defensive profile could become increasingly appealing in the current market environment. The analyst reiterated the Neutral rating on McDonald&#8217;s with a price forecast of $327.
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Image: Shutterstock

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Pizza Power Play: Analyst Says Domino's Gains Share, Papa Johns Holds Steady, Pizza Hut Loses Ground

Benchmark analyst Todd Brooks reiterates Papa John's International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PZZA#NASDAQ">PZZA</a>) with a Buy and maintains $50 price target.

Benchmark Reiterates Buy on Papa John's International, Maintains $50 Price Target

Loop Capital analyst Alton Stump maintains Papa John's International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PZZA#NASDAQ">PZZA</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $60 to $56.

Loop Capital Maintains Buy on Papa John's International, Lowers Price Target to $56

Papa John's International shares are trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected Q1 financial results.

Papa John&#8217;s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PZZA#NASDAQ">PZZA</a>) shares traded higher on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thursday in the premarket session.</a>
The company reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 36 cents, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/05/b45280875/papa-johns-announces-first-quarter-2025-financial-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">beating the analyst consensus estimate of 35 cents</a>. Quarterly sales of $518.31 million (up 1% year over year) outpaced the Street view of $513.55 million.
The higher revenues were largely attributable to an $11.4 million increase in Commissary revenues, reflecting higher commodity prices during the quarter.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/25/04/44907247/restaurant-sector-q1-volatilty-from-weather-inflation-analyst-lowers-price-targets" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restaurant Sector Q1 Volatilty From Weather, Inflation — Analyst Lowers Price Targets</a>
North American comparable sales fell 3% year over year, with company-owned stores down 5% and franchised ones down 2%.
In contrast, international comparable sales rose 3% from last year&#8217;s quarter.
Global system-wide restaurant sales were $1.22 billion, a 1% increase from the prior year&#8217;s first quarter.
The quarterly adjusted EBITDA&nbsp;was $50 million compared with $61 million in the prior year quarter.
Adjusted EBITDA was $49.6 million, a $10.9 million decrease from the prior year&#8217;s first quarter.
Papa John&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://ir.papajohns.com/financials/sec-filings/content/0001628280-25-023439/0001628280-25-023439.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">said </a>the proposed U.S. tariffs are unlikely to significantly hurt its domestic business, as most ingredients are sourced locally. However, the broader impact on consumer spending and franchisee profitability is uncertain and could affect the company&#8217;s performance.
The company exited the quarter with cash and equivalents worth $44.012 million and inventories worth $37.195 million.
Outlook: Papa John's reaffirmed its FY25 outlook, expecting system-wide sales growth of 2% to 5% and adjusted EBITDA between $200 million and $220 million.
The company also projects 85 to 115 new restaurant openings in North America and 180 to 200 internationally.
Price Action: PZZA shares are trading higher by 5.11% to $35.00 premarket at last check Thursday.
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Earnings

Guidance

Restaurants

Papa John's Tops Q1 Estimates, Notes Limited Tariff Impact But Flags Consumer Spending Uncertainty

Papa John's FY25 Outlook Reaffirmed: System-Wide Sales Up 2%-5%, Adjusted EBITDA $200M-$220M, North America Gross Restaurant Openings 85-115, International 180-200

Papa John's International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PZZA#NASDAQ">PZZA</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.36 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.35 by 2.86 percent. This is a 46.27 percent decrease over earnings of $0.67 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $518.31 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $513.55 million by 0.93 percent. This is a 0.85 percent increase over sales of $513.92 million the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

Papa John's International Q1 Adj. EPS $0.36 Beats $0.35 Estimate, Sales $518.31M Beat $513.55M Estimate

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Earnings Scheduled For May 8, 2025

UBS analyst Dennis Geiger maintains Papa John's International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PZZA#NASDAQ">PZZA</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $45 to $38.

UBS Maintains Neutral on Papa John's International, Lowers Price Target to $38

Press Releases

Papa Johns to Report First Quarter Results on May 8, 2025

Papa Johns and Google Cloud Team Up to Deliver AI-Powered Pizza Experiences

Papa Johns Declares Quarterly Dividend

Papa Johns Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Papa Johns to Participate in the Oppenheimer 25™ Annual Consumer Growth and E-Commerce Conference

Papa Johns Canada Introduces Cheddar Crust Pizza, A New Take on a Classic Favourite

Papa Johns Announces Caroline Miller Oyler as Chief Administrative Officer

Shaq-a-Roni Forever: Fan-Favorite Pizza now a Full-Time Member of Papa Johns Menu

Papa Johns Launches Its First-Ever Croissant Pizza, Giving Pizza Lovers Their Flakiest Bite Ever

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