Papa John’s Makes “Poison” to Ward Off Former CEO
Papa John’s Pizza does not want its founder to get the ‘controlling’ slice. So, it has prepared the “poison pill”.
John Schnatter resigned as the firm’s chairman this year after admitting to using a racial slur in a conference call. But he now accuses the board of inadequate investigation into the matter, which he claims to have resulted in his forced resignation based on “rumor and innuendo”.
Schnatter is still on the Papa John’s board, and owns 30% stake in the firm alongwith and his associates. His attorney has said that any attempt to remove Schnatter from the board without a "proper vote of the shareholders will be null and void."
But the board is not willing to give up without a fight. It is ready with what’s touted as a “poison pill” – a strategy which is designed to prevent anyone from acquiring a controlling stake through the purchase of common shares of the firm, if not approved by the board. It intends to implement the pill if Schnatter and his associates increase their stake to 31% or anyone tries to buy 15% stake through the open market if the company does not approve. In these events, existing shareholders would be allowed to buy up shares at a discount, thereby diluting the stakes of Schatter or others. Papa John’s poison pill plan is scheduled to last one year.
PZZA in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on June 17, 2026
PZZA moved above its 50-day moving average on June 17, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In of 34 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on June 16, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on PZZA as a result. In of 76 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PZZA just turned positive on June 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where PZZA's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in of 48 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
The 10-day moving average for PZZA crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on June 24, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
Following a 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PZZA advanced for three days, in of 282 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for PZZA moved out of overbought territory on June 22, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 26 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In of the 26 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at .
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In of 60 cases where PZZA's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where PZZA declined for three days, the price rose further in of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
PZZA broke above its upper Bollinger Band on June 17, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for PZZA entered a downward trend on May 20, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.000) is normal, around the industry mean (5.817). P/E Ratio (41.386) is within average values for comparable stocks, (40.052). PZZA's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.496) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.693). PZZA has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.054) as compared to the industry average of (0.029). P/S Ratio (0.562) is also within normal values, averaging (1.956).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. PZZA’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. PZZA’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 86, placing this stock worse than average.
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General Information
an operator of pizza delivery and restaurants
Industry Restaurants
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