Should You Buy Papa John's International Inc (PZZA) Today? Analysis, Price Targets, and 2026 Outlook.
Analysis Updated At
2026/01/30
Not a good buy right now. PZZA is sitting on/just below near-term support (~35.32) but the broader trend is decisively bearish (all key moving averages stacked bearishly and MACD worsening). With no proprietary buy signal today and fundamentals recently deteriorating sharply, the risk of further downside outweighs the odds of an immediate, clean rebound. For an impatient buyer, the setup is not favorable until price reclaims the pivot (~37.15) and momentum stabilizes.
Technical Analysis
Trend/momentum remains bearish. Moving averages are stacked bearishly (SMA_200 > SMA_20 > SMA_5), indicating a sustained downtrend. MACD histogram is negative (-0.101) and expanding, suggesting downside momentum is still building rather than reversing. RSI(6) at ~23.9 is deeply oversold (despite the provided label), which can produce short bounces, but oversold alone is not a buy signal when MACD and MAs are still bearish. Key levels: immediate support S1 ~35.32 (price 35.26 is slightly below it) then S2 ~34.19; resistance/pivot ~37.15, then R1 ~38.98. Pattern-based projection suggests slightly negative next day (-1.12%) but positive bias over 1 week (+3.74%) and 1 month (+6.29%)—however the current tape still favors sell-the-rip behavior until the stock regains ~37+.
Analyst Ratings and Price Target Trends
Recent Street trend is cautious with targets being cut. In Jan 2026, BofA and Mizuho both reiterated Neutral and reduced price targets to $40 (from $42 and $44, respectively). After Q3 (Nov 2025), Stephens stayed Overweight (PT $49 from $50) and BMO stayed Outperform (PT $54 from $60), but both also cut targets due to weak comps/EBITDA and a pressured/promotional backdrop. Wall Street pros: turnaround initiatives (digital modernization, refranchising, supply chain savings) could improve FY26 execution. Cons: near-term operating pressure (soft comps, promotions) and recent margin/EPS collapse reduce confidence and keep the stock from re-rating. Influential/political flows: no recent Congress trading data and no notable insider/hedge-fund trend flagged (both neutral).
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 USD and a high forecast of 60 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.
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 USD and a high forecast of 60 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.
Current: 35.880
Current: 35.880
