Is PZZA a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 45.3/100. It is ranked #1,199 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 66/100, Value 59/100, Momentum 25/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for PZZA?

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 45.3 ranks it #1,199 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is PZZA in?

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector (Restaurants, Hotels, Motels industry) with a market cap of $1.08 billion. It is classified as a small-cap stock.

Does PZZA pay a dividend?

Yes, PZZA pays a dividend with a current yield of 3.91%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $39.10 in annual dividend income.

What is PZZA's P/E ratio?

PZZA has a trailing P/E ratio of 17.59x. The Consumer Discretionary sector average is 24.5x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is PZZA?

PZZA's quality factor score is 66/100. Gross margin: 27.0%. ROE: -9.7% vs sector average 6.2%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is PZZA valued compared to peers?

PZZA's value factor score is 59/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 17.6x, EV/EBITDA 14.4x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is PZZA's debt level?

PZZA's debt-to-equity ratio is -172%. Sector average: 89%. Low leverage suggests conservative financial management.

PZZA has a beta of 0.81, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 45/100.

Does PZZA have high short interest?

PZZA's short interest factor score is 26/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

PZZA Stock Analysis: Top Small-Cap Hold (Score 45.3/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
PZZA	+0.28%	+1.83%	+9.50%	-7.43%	+9.80%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLY	+0.13%	+4.38%	-1.35%	-5.46%	-39.92%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	+0.35%	-1.77%	+9.16%	-7.07%	-19.72%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+0.15%	-2.55%	+10.85%	-1.97%	+49.72%	-	-	-

Metric	PZZA	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	17.6x	-28%
EV/EBITDA	14.4x	+194%
Price / Book	-1.7x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CASY CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC	57	50	68	67	42.2x	16.9%	24.0%	3.8%	0.3%	123.0x	$27.2B	VS
TGT TARGET CORP	53	50	70	56	16.2x	20.7%	28.4%	3.4%	-0.7%	89.0x	$54.5B	VS
APEI AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION INC	53	49	58	72	78.3x	4.6%	52.8%	2.1%	6.8%	32.0x	$1.1B	VS
LINC LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP	52	50	48	75	116.7x	5.6%	59.2%	2.3%	37.4%	147.0x	$1.3B	VS
FIVE FIVE BELOW, INC	52	50	56	73	105.5x	5.4%	32.5%	3.1%	26.5%	125.0x	$13.0B	VS
IMKTA INGLES MARKETS INC	51	50	51	62	17.4x	6.2%	23.9%	1.9%	0.4%	57.0x	$1.7B	VS
PRDO PERDOCEO EDUCATION Corp	51	50	70	57	14.2x	16.7%	100.0%	20.4%	27.1%	28.0x	$2.4B	VS
MCRI MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC	51	50	66	47	16.7x	19.7%	24.5%	19.4%	11.5%	33.0x	$1.7B	VS
FCFS FirstCash Holdings, Inc.	49	50	29	66	34.7x	10.8%	50.2%	8.0%	26.6%	98.0x	$8.4B	VS
ESCA ESCALADE INC	48	50	65	51	15.2x	9.0%	26.1%	6.2%	8.4%	11.0x	$249M	VS
PZZA PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC	45	66	59	25	17.6x	-9.7%	27.0%	3.2%	0.1%	-172.0x	$1.1B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.3%	-	-	-	-	-	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%
Net Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	2.6%	-	-	-	-	-	8.3%	1.5%	1.9%	4.6%	5.5%
ROE %	-15.1%	-7.4%	-20.3%	-18.7%	-25.6%	-72.5%	-21.5%	-1.7%	-1.3%	-87.5%	-2,789.4%
ROA %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.2%	0.2%
ROIC %	0.3%	24.4%	-	-	-	-	-	274.6%	9.3%	37.0%	46.4%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.3%

0.2%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

Net Margin %

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

FCF Margin %

2.6%

8.3%

1.5%

1.9%

4.6%

5.5%

ROE %

-15.1%

-7.4%

-20.3%

-18.7%

-25.6%

-72.5%

-21.5%

-1.7%

-1.3%

-87.5%

-2,789.4%

ROA %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.2%

ROIC %

0.3%

24.4%

274.6%

9.3%

37.0%

46.4%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$2.1B	$2.1B	$2.1B	$2.1B	$2.1B	$2.1B	$1.8B	$1.6B	$1.7B	$1.8B	$1.7B	$1.6B
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$344M	$291M	$272M	$355M	$353M	$1.6B
Gross Margin	27.0%	---	---	---	---	---	19.0%	17.9%	16.3%	19.5%	20.6%	100.0%
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$50M	$47M	$46M	$44M	$41M	$40M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$2.0B	$1.9B	$2.0B	$2.0B	$1.9B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$130M	$89M	$157M	$147M	$109M	$168M	$90M	$25M	$32M	$151M	$165M	$136M
EBIT	$130M	$89M	$157M	$147M	$109M	$168M	$90M	$25M	$32M	$151M	$165M	$136M
EBITDA	$130M	$89M	$157M	$147M	$109M	$168M	$140M	$72M	$78M	$195M	$206M	$164M
Operating Margin	6.3%	4.3%	7.6%	6.9%	5.2%	8.1%	5.0%	1.5%	1.9%	8.5%	9.6%	8.3%
EBITDA Margin	6.3%	4.3%	7.6%	6.9%	5.2%	8.1%	7.7%	4.4%	4.7%	10.9%	12.0%	10.0%
	—	—	—	—	$27M	$19M	—	$21M	$26M	$11M	—	$6M
	—	$48M	$114M	$147M	$121M	$168M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$16M	$30M	$21M	$14M	$26M	$15M	-$611K	$3M	$34M	$50M	$37M
	$65M	$32M	$84M	$83M	$69M	$125M	$61M	$6M	$4M	$107M	$109M	$82M
Net Margin	3.2%	1.6%	4.1%	3.9%	3.3%	6.0%	3.3%	0.4%	0.2%	6.0%	6.4%	5.0%
	$0.90	$0.90	$2.55	$2.49	$1.90	$0.12	$1.29	$-0.24	$0.08	$2.86	$2.76	$1.91
Diluted EPS	$0.90	$0.90	$2.54	$2.48	$1.89	$0.12	$1.29	$-0.24	$0.08	$2.86	$2.76	$1.91
Weighted Avg Basic	—	33M	33M	33M	35M	35M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	33M	33M	33M	36M	35M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$2.1B

$1.8B

$1.6B

$1.7B

$1.8B

$1.7B

$1.6B

—

$344M

$291M

$272M

$355M

$353M

$1.6B

Gross Margin

27.0%

---

19.0%

17.9%

16.3%

19.5%

20.6%

100.0%

—

$50M

$47M

$46M

$44M

$41M

$40M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$2.0B

$1.9B

$2.0B

$1.9B

—

$130M

$89M

$157M

$147M

$109M

$168M

$90M

$25M

$32M

$151M

$165M

$136M

EBIT

$130M

$89M

$157M

$147M

$109M

$168M

$90M

$25M

$32M

$151M

$165M

$136M

EBITDA

$130M

$89M

$157M

$147M

$109M

$168M

$140M

$72M

$78M

$195M

$206M

$164M

Operating Margin

6.3%

4.3%

7.6%

6.9%

5.2%

8.1%

5.0%

1.5%

1.9%

8.5%

9.6%

8.3%

EBITDA Margin

6.3%

4.3%

7.6%

6.9%

5.2%

8.1%

7.7%

4.4%

4.7%

10.9%

12.0%

10.0%

—

$27M

$19M

—

$21M

$26M

$11M

—

$6M

—

$48M

$114M

$147M

$121M

$168M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$16M

$30M

$21M

$14M

$26M

$15M

-$611K

$3M

$34M

$50M

$37M

$65M

$32M

$84M

$83M

$69M

$125M

$61M

$6M

$4M

$107M

$109M

$82M

Net Margin

3.2%

1.6%

4.1%

3.9%

3.3%

6.0%

3.3%

0.4%

0.2%

6.0%

6.4%

5.0%

$0.90

$2.55

$2.49

$1.90

$0.12

$1.29

$-0.24

$0.08

$2.86

$2.76

$1.91

Diluted EPS

$0.90

$2.54

$2.48

$1.89

$0.12

$1.29

$-0.24

$0.08

$2.86

$2.76

$1.91

Weighted Avg Basic

—

33M

35M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

33M

36M

35M

—

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC Do?

Papa John's International, Inc. operates and franchises pizza delivery and carryout restaurants under the Papa John's trademark in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Domestic Company-Owned Restaurants, North America Commissaries, North America Franchising, and International Operations. The company also operates dine-in and delivery restaurants under the Papa John's trademark internationally. As of December 26, 2021, it operated 5,650 Papa John's restaurants, which included 600 company-owned and 5,050 franchised restaurants in 50 countries and territories. The company was founded in 1984 and is based in Louisville, Kentucky. PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) is classified as a small-cap stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically within the Restaurants, Hotels, Motels industry. The company is led by CEO Robert M. Lynch and employs approximately 12,000 people, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. With a market capitalization of $1.1B, PZZA is one of the notable companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 45.3/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.PZZA ranks #1,199 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC ranks #94 of 442 stocks, placing it in the top quartile of its Consumer Discretionary peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

PZZA Stock Price and 52-Week Range

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) currently trades at $34.79. The stock lost $0.74 (2.1%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for PZZA is $55.74, which means the stock is currently trading -37.6% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $30.16, putting the stock 15.4% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 0 shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is PZZA Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) carries a value factor score of 59/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 17.59x, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 24.47x — a discount of 28%. The price-to-sales ratio is 0.56x, compared to 0.27x for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. On an enterprise value basis, PZZA trades at 14.40x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.91x for the sector.

Overall, PZZA's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) earns a quality factor score of 66/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is -9.7%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 6.2%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 7.8% versus the sector average of 2.5%.

On a margin basis, PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC reports gross margins of 27.0%, compared to 36.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 6.3% (sector: 3.8%). Net profit margin stands at 3.2%, versus 2.1% for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. Revenue growth is running at 0.1% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.3% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

PZZA Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC has a debt-to-equity ratio of -172.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 89.0%. The low leverage indicates a conservative balance sheet with significant financial flexibility. The current ratio is 0.82x, which may signal near-term liquidity tightness. Total debt on the balance sheet is $722M. Cash and equivalents stand at $39M.

PZZA has a beta of 0.81, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC is 45/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC reported revenue of $2.06B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.90. Net income for the quarter was $65M. Gross margin was 27.0%. Operating income came in at $130M.

In FY 2025, PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC reported revenue of $2.05B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.90. Net income for the quarter was $32M. Revenue grew -0.3% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $89M.

In Q3 2025, PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC reported revenue of $508M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.14. Net income for the quarter was $4M. Revenue grew 0.3% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $16M.

In Q2 2025, PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC reported revenue of $529M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.28. Net income for the quarter was $10M. Revenue grew 4.2% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $24M.

Over the past 8 quarters, PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $508M to $2.06B. Investors analyzing PZZA stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

PZZA Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) currently pays a dividend yield of 3.9%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in PZZA stock would generate approximately $$391.00 in annual dividend income.

PZZA Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) has a momentum factor score of 25/100, signaling weak relative price performance. Stocks with low momentum scores have historically tended to continue underperforming in the near term. The investment factor score is 33/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 26/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

PZZA vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) ranks #94 out of 442 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places PZZA in the top quartile of all Consumer Discretionary stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC (MCRI) with a score of 50.5/100, CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC (CASY) with a score of 57.3/100, INGLES MARKETS INC (IMKTA) with a score of 51.0/100, FIVE BELOW, INC (FIVE) with a score of 51.6/100, and TARGET CORP (TGT) with a score of 52.6/100.

Comparing PZZA against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full PZZA vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

PZZA Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy PZZA? — Investment Thesis Summary

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. The quality score of 66/100 indicates above-average profitability and business fundamentals. Momentum is weak at 25/100, a headwind for near-term performance.

In summary, PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 45.3/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on PZZA stock.

Related Resources for PZZA Investors

Explore more research and tools: PZZA vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Discretionary stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare PZZA head-to-head with peers: PZZA vs MCRI, PZZA vs CASY, PZZA vs IMKTA.

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PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC Do?

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC (PZZA) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

PZZA Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is PZZA Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

PZZA Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

PZZA Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

PZZA Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

PZZA vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

PZZA Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy PZZA? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for PZZA Investors

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Papa Johns to Report First Quarter 2026 Results on May 7, 2026

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