Papa John's Launches New Protein Crust Pizza for Rewards Members
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 15 2026
0mins
Should l Buy PZZA?
Source: Newsfilter
Papa John's stock rose by 5.24% as it crossed above the 5-day SMA amid a broader market decline.
The company is launching a limited Protein Crust Pizza in Atlanta exclusively for Papa Rewards members, featuring high-quality ingredients and addressing the growing consumer demand for healthier options. This initiative not only reinforces the brand's commitment to its loyal customers but also aims to attract new members through unique offerings. The Senior VP of Brand Marketing indicated that this limited release could lead to future menu expansions based on consumer response.
This strategic move highlights Papa John's adaptability to market trends and consumer preferences, potentially positioning the company for sustained growth in a competitive landscape.
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Analyst Views on PZZA
Wall Street analysts forecast PZZA stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for PZZA is 49.14 USD with a low forecast of 42.00 USD and a high forecast of 60.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
9 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 34.230
Low
42.00
Averages
49.14
High
60.00
Current: 34.230
Low
42.00
Averages
49.14
High
60.00
About PZZA
Papa John’s International, Inc. operates and franchises pizza delivery and carryout restaurants and, in certain international markets, dine-in and delivery restaurants under the trademark Papa Johns. The Company operates through four segments. Its Domestic Company-owned restaurant segment consists of the operations of all domestic Company-owned restaurants; the North America commissaries segment comprises approximately 11 full-service regional dough production and distribution quality control centers in the United States; the North America franchising segment consists of franchise sales and support activities, and International operations segment principally consists of distribution sales to franchised Papa John’s restaurants located in the United Kingdom and its franchise sales and support activities. The Company operates approximately 6,030 Papa John’s restaurants in operation, consisting of 552 Company-owned and 5,478 franchised restaurants operating in 51 countries and territories.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Papa Johns Launches Valentine's Limited Heart Pizza
- Valentine's Special Launch: Papa Johns Canada is introducing a limited-time heart-shaped pizza, Pizza My Heart, available from February 9 to 15 at a price of $17.99, aimed at providing customers with a festive way to celebrate Valentine's Day and enhance family dining experiences.
- Product Features: This pizza features a thin crust made with fresh, never-frozen dough, vine-ripened tomato sauce, and real mozzarella cheese, ensuring a high-quality taste that aligns with Papa Johns' commitment to 'Better Ingredients, Better Pizza.'
- Marketing Strategy: Michael Prentice, Senior Franchise Growth Director, noted that Pizza My Heart is a highly anticipated item, marking its first introduction in Canada, designed to attract more families and couples to enjoy meals at home, thereby enhancing brand visibility in the market.
- Availability and Supply: The pizza will be available for carryout and delivery at participating Papa Johns locations while supplies last, highlighting the brand's flexibility and responsiveness during holiday promotions.
See More
Domino's Pizza Shares Decline as Analyst Lowers Price Target
- Analyst Rating Adjustment: Guggenheim analyst Gregory Francfort reiterated a Neutral rating on Domino's Pizza while lowering the price target from $490 to $450, reflecting ongoing industry pressures expected to persist into the second half of 2026, which may impact the company's stock performance.
- Earnings Forecast Downgrade: Francfort modestly trimmed earnings forecasts for 2025 and 2026, anticipating fourth-quarter same-store sales growth to fall below consensus due to softer industry demand and complexities in promotional timing, potentially reducing near-term trend visibility.
- Market Share Dynamics: Despite facing intensified competition and consolidation challenges, Francfort noted that Domino's U.S. pizza market share has increased since the pandemic, and further gains remain possible as competitors like Pizza Hut and Papa John's struggle.
- Capital Structure Outlook: Francfort does not expect new debt issuance in 2026 amid elevated interest rates, which could impact the company's capital operations and future expansion plans.
See More
Papa John's Launches Next-Level Pan Pizza
- New Pan Pizza Launch: Papa John's introduces its new Pan Pizza on January 29, priced at $11.99, featuring a six-cheese blend aimed at elevating consumer expectations for flavor and value.
- Unique Texture Design: The new pizza boasts a fluffy, thick crust with an airy center, incorporating Parmesan cheese and garlic sauce baked into the bottom for a golden, crispy finish, ensuring rich flavor in every bite.
- Market Competition Strategy: Brand executives emphasize that the reimagined Pan Pizza is not just about participating in the market but about raising industry standards through a meticulously developed recipe, highlighting the importance of high-quality pizza.
- Brand History and Commitment: Since its founding in 1984, Papa John's has committed to using high-quality ingredients, becoming the world's third-largest pizza delivery company with approximately 6,000 locations, dedicated to offering healthier options free from artificial colors and flavors.
See More
Papa John's Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.46
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Papa John's has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.46 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and profitability, which is likely to attract more investor interest.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 4.99% not only provides existing shareholders with a reliable return but also enhances the company's appeal in the highly competitive fast-food market.
- Shareholder Record Dates: The dividend will be payable on February 20, with a record date of February 9 and an ex-dividend date also on February 9, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly, thereby reinforcing investor confidence.
- Market Reaction Analysis: Despite a negative market reaction towards Papa John's, analysts believe the company remains a buy even without a buyout offer, highlighting its long-term growth potential and adaptability in the market.
See More
Papa John's Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.46
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Papa John's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.46 per common share, payable on February 20, 2026, demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to shareholder returns.
- Annual Dividend Total: At the current quarterly rate, Papa John's annual dividend totals $1.84 per share, reflecting the company's stable profitability and cash flow position.
- Company Background: Founded in 1984, Papa John's has focused on delivering high-quality pizzas and has grown to become the world's third-largest pizza delivery company, with approximately 6,000 restaurants in about 50 countries and territories, showcasing its strong market presence.
- Quality Commitment: Known for its fresh ingredients and a menu free from artificial additives, Papa John's emphasizes the quality and healthiness of its pizzas, further solidifying its brand position in the competitive fast-food market.
See More
Viasat Inc (VSAT) Options Volume Hits 8,401 Contracts, 46.2% of Average Daily Volume
- Viasat Options Volume: Today, Viasat Inc's options volume reached 8,401 contracts, equivalent to approximately 840,100 shares, representing 46.2% of its average daily trading volume of 1.8 million shares over the past month, indicating a significant increase in market interest.
- High-Frequency Trading Analysis: Among Viasat's options, the $30 strike put option is particularly active, with 5,265 contracts traded today, representing about 526,500 shares, reflecting investor expectations of potential downward price movement.
- Papa John's Options Activity: Concurrently, Papa John's International, Inc. saw options trading volume of 3,741 contracts, approximately 374,100 shares, which is 45.8% of its average daily trading volume of 816,670 shares over the past month, indicating strong market activity for the stock.
- Bullish Call Option Trend: For Papa John's, the $40 strike call option has seen a trading volume of 2,228 contracts, approximately 222,800 shares, suggesting increased investor confidence in the stock's future upward potential.
See More
Papa Johns Launches Valentine's Limited Heart Pizza
- Valentine's Special Launch: Papa Johns Canada is introducing a limited-time heart-shaped pizza, Pizza My Heart, available from February 9 to 15 at a price of $17.99, aimed at providing customers with a festive way to celebrate Valentine's Day and enhance family dining experiences.
- Product Features: This pizza features a thin crust made with fresh, never-frozen dough, vine-ripened tomato sauce, and real mozzarella cheese, ensuring a high-quality taste that aligns with Papa Johns' commitment to 'Better Ingredients, Better Pizza.'
- Marketing Strategy: Michael Prentice, Senior Franchise Growth Director, noted that Pizza My Heart is a highly anticipated item, marking its first introduction in Canada, designed to attract more families and couples to enjoy meals at home, thereby enhancing brand visibility in the market.
- Availability and Supply: The pizza will be available for carryout and delivery at participating Papa Johns locations while supplies last, highlighting the brand's flexibility and responsiveness during holiday promotions.
See More
Domino's Pizza Shares Decline as Analyst Lowers Price Target
- Analyst Rating Adjustment: Guggenheim analyst Gregory Francfort reiterated a Neutral rating on Domino's Pizza while lowering the price target from $490 to $450, reflecting ongoing industry pressures expected to persist into the second half of 2026, which may impact the company's stock performance.
- Earnings Forecast Downgrade: Francfort modestly trimmed earnings forecasts for 2025 and 2026, anticipating fourth-quarter same-store sales growth to fall below consensus due to softer industry demand and complexities in promotional timing, potentially reducing near-term trend visibility.
- Market Share Dynamics: Despite facing intensified competition and consolidation challenges, Francfort noted that Domino's U.S. pizza market share has increased since the pandemic, and further gains remain possible as competitors like Pizza Hut and Papa John's struggle.
- Capital Structure Outlook: Francfort does not expect new debt issuance in 2026 amid elevated interest rates, which could impact the company's capital operations and future expansion plans.
See More
Papa John's Launches Next-Level Pan Pizza
- New Pan Pizza Launch: Papa John's introduces its new Pan Pizza on January 29, priced at $11.99, featuring a six-cheese blend aimed at elevating consumer expectations for flavor and value.
- Unique Texture Design: The new pizza boasts a fluffy, thick crust with an airy center, incorporating Parmesan cheese and garlic sauce baked into the bottom for a golden, crispy finish, ensuring rich flavor in every bite.
- Market Competition Strategy: Brand executives emphasize that the reimagined Pan Pizza is not just about participating in the market but about raising industry standards through a meticulously developed recipe, highlighting the importance of high-quality pizza.
- Brand History and Commitment: Since its founding in 1984, Papa John's has committed to using high-quality ingredients, becoming the world's third-largest pizza delivery company with approximately 6,000 locations, dedicated to offering healthier options free from artificial colors and flavors.
See More
Papa John's Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.46
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Papa John's has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.46 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and profitability, which is likely to attract more investor interest.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 4.99% not only provides existing shareholders with a reliable return but also enhances the company's appeal in the highly competitive fast-food market.
- Shareholder Record Dates: The dividend will be payable on February 20, with a record date of February 9 and an ex-dividend date also on February 9, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly, thereby reinforcing investor confidence.
- Market Reaction Analysis: Despite a negative market reaction towards Papa John's, analysts believe the company remains a buy even without a buyout offer, highlighting its long-term growth potential and adaptability in the market.
See More
Papa John's Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.46
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Papa John's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.46 per common share, payable on February 20, 2026, demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to shareholder returns.
- Annual Dividend Total: At the current quarterly rate, Papa John's annual dividend totals $1.84 per share, reflecting the company's stable profitability and cash flow position.
- Company Background: Founded in 1984, Papa John's has focused on delivering high-quality pizzas and has grown to become the world's third-largest pizza delivery company, with approximately 6,000 restaurants in about 50 countries and territories, showcasing its strong market presence.
- Quality Commitment: Known for its fresh ingredients and a menu free from artificial additives, Papa John's emphasizes the quality and healthiness of its pizzas, further solidifying its brand position in the competitive fast-food market.
See More
Viasat Inc (VSAT) Options Volume Hits 8,401 Contracts, 46.2% of Average Daily Volume
- Viasat Options Volume: Today, Viasat Inc's options volume reached 8,401 contracts, equivalent to approximately 840,100 shares, representing 46.2% of its average daily trading volume of 1.8 million shares over the past month, indicating a significant increase in market interest.
- High-Frequency Trading Analysis: Among Viasat's options, the $30 strike put option is particularly active, with 5,265 contracts traded today, representing about 526,500 shares, reflecting investor expectations of potential downward price movement.
- Papa John's Options Activity: Concurrently, Papa John's International, Inc. saw options trading volume of 3,741 contracts, approximately 374,100 shares, which is 45.8% of its average daily trading volume of 816,670 shares over the past month, indicating strong market activity for the stock.
- Bullish Call Option Trend: For Papa John's, the $40 strike call option has seen a trading volume of 2,228 contracts, approximately 222,800 shares, suggesting increased investor confidence in the stock's future upward potential.
See More
