SG Americas Securities LLC Invests $6.42 Million in Papa John’s International, Inc. $PZZA

SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new position in shares of Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 166,704 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $6,416,000. SG Americas Securities LLC owned approximately 0.51% of Papa John’s International as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Irenic Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Papa John’s International during the third quarter worth approximately $51,699,000. Cantor Fitzgerald L. P. purchased a new position in shares of Papa John’s International in the 3rd quarter valued at $12,374,000. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Papa John’s International in the 3rd quarter valued at $3,105,000. Gradient Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of Papa John’s International during the 3rd quarter valued at $13,036,000. Finally, Brandes Investment Partners LP lifted its holdings in shares of Papa John’s International by 271.6% during the 2nd quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 690,299 shares of the company’s stock valued at $33,783,000 after acquiring an additional 504,514 shares in the last quarter.

Papa John’s International Price Performance

Papa John’s International stock opened at $32.41 on Wednesday. Papa John’s International, Inc. has a 12-month low of $29.55 and a 12-month high of $55.74. The company has a market capitalization of $1.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 1.23. The firm’s fifty day moving average price is $33.84 and its 200 day moving average price is $40.13.

Papa John’s International (NASDAQ:PZZA) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 26th. The company reported $0.34 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.33 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $498.18 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $517.25 million. Papa John’s International had a net margin of 1.44% and a negative return on equity of 11.16%. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was down 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.63 EPS. Analysts forecast that Papa John’s International, Inc. will post 2.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Papa John’s International Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 20th. Investors of record on Monday, February 9th were paid a $0.46 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 9th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.7%. Papa John’s International’s payout ratio is 206.74%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c-)” rating on shares of Papa John’s International in a report on Friday. Zacks Research upgraded Papa John’s International from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Benchmark decreased their target price on Papa John’s International from $60.00 to $50.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 27th. Stephens lowered their target price on Papa John’s International from $49.00 to $40.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, February 27th. Finally, Mizuho dropped their target price on Papa John’s International from $40.00 to $34.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, February 20th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Papa John’s International presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $45.00.

Papa John’s International Company Profile

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.