Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Restaurants / Papa John's International, Inc.

Papa John's International, Inc.

pzza · NASDAQ Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker pzza
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Restaurants
Employees 11400
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FY2014 Annual Report · Papa John's International, Inc.
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“Winning is habit.  

Unfortunately, so is losing.”

– Vince Lombardi

Our team members, franchisees, and  

supply partners have a habit of winning.

Celebrating 30 Years

of Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.

167993_Front.indd   1

3/3/15   8:35 AM

“Winning is habit.  

Unfortunately, so is losing.”

– Vince Lombardi

Our team members, franchisees, and  

supply partners have a habit of winning.

Celebrating 30 Years
of Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.

167993_Front.indd   1

3/3/15   8:35 AM

People Are Priority Always. 

We’re as passionate about people as 

we are about pizza. From building 

better communities to investing in 

the Papa John’s team, we’re steadfast 

in our commitment to improving lives.

“Quality

is our foundation and our distinction — we’ve  
always had better ingredients, and always will.”

167993_inside.indd   1

3/4/15   11:31 AM

1,500

1,300

1,100

900

700

500

300

1.90
1.70
1.50
1.30
1.10
0.90
0.70
0.50

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

$3.50

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50

Global System Sales

$3.32B

$3.02B

$2.85B

$2.57B

$2.39B

$2.28B

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

Online Sales Mix

Domestic Restaurants

48%

46%

40%

33%

28%

25%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

ingredients, and we always will. We invest in the best 

(ACSI) earlier this year, when we achieved the highest rating 

ingredients for our pizza, starting with our fresh, never-frozen 

in the pizza category for an unprecedented 13th time in the 

Our fresh-packed tomato sauce is just that: packed from ripe, 

limited-service restaurant companies surveyed. Papa John's 

farm-grown freshly picked California tomatoes, extra virgin 

also earned the highest score regarding overall quality, 

olive oil, salt, sunflower oil, sugar, and spices – we are the 

product and service quality and customer expectations in the 

rare brand that refuses to have our pizza sauce 

individual ACSI ratings.

Ending Store Count

International

959

822

709

635

1,500

1,300

1,100

900

700

500

300

1,323

1,142

re-manufactured from industrial 

tomato paste. You won’t find 

fillers in our meats, nor will 

you find trans-fats, MSG, 

BHA, BHT or partially 

hydrogenated oils. This 

continued focus on 

quality not only delivers 

1.90

on the promise of “better 

ingredients,” but also 

Earnings Per Share

Ending Store Count

1.70

1,500

ensures we maintain the taste that customers desire, which 

creates brand loyalty among our customers, which we love.

$1.75

1,323

International

But we need to keep striving to deliver the best. As 

$1.55

1,142

consumers continue to expect greater transparency from the 

$1.29

food industry through better ingredient choices, we’re looking 

959

$1.08

822

$0.92

closely at our labels to ensure we are keeping up with—and 

staying ahead of—food trends without sacrificing the great 

709

taste that customers desire. To find out more information 

635

$0.69

about what goes into our products and onto our pizzas, go to 

1,300

1.50

1,100

1.30

1.10

900

0.90

700

0.70

500

0.50

300

www.papajohns.com/better.  

2009*

2009

2010*

2010

2011

2011

2012

2012

2013

2013

2014

2014

Our customer loyalty program, Papa Rewards, also was 

recognized by the prestigious Bond Brand Loyalty Report, 

taking the top spot over other major food service providers’ 

programs including some other very well-run companies. 

International Growth

Our global business experienced solid growth in 2014, with 181 

net international restaurant openings and international profit 

doubling over 2013. We grew our footprint in Asia through our 

franchisee in India, and continued to see strong performance 

in the UK, the Middle East and Latin America. At year end, we 

had 1,323 restaurants open beyond North America’s shores. 

The key to quality is consistency, and we’ve implemented our 

gold standard ingredients worldwide to make sure all our 

pizzas taste the same; this costs a little more, but it’s worth it 

in the long term.

However, there are opportunities for improvement, such as 

in North China. So we’ve assessed our operations there and 

while we have found there are many things we’re doing right, 

we’re also exploring ways to enhance our marketing, menu 

and model in order to improve our brand positioning, sales 

and profitability.

Ending Store Count

International

959

822

709

635

1,500

1,300

1,100

900

700

500

300

1,323

1,142

Papa John’s 36 International Markets*

Cayman Islands

Dominican Republic

Cyprus

Russia

Canada

United

Kingdom

Ireland

Turkey

Jordan

Azerbaijan

China

South

Korea

Guam

Puerto

Rico

Mexico

El Salvador

Guatemala

Nicaragua

Costa Rica

Panama

Colombia

Ecuador

Peru

Trinidad

Venezuela

Egypt

Chile

Saudi Arabia

Malaysia

Philippines

India

Kuwait

Bahrain

Qatar

Oman

United Arab Emirates

$

$

$1 BILLION 

$2 BILLION 

* International Locations as of December 28, 2014

To Our Shareholders, Franchisees, Supply Partners and Team Members:

Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

You can’t make good wine from bad grapes. Quality is our 

Customers continue to respond favorably to our ‘Better 

Ingredients. Better Pizza.’ promise. Papa John’s earned the 

Papa John’s turned 30 in 2014, and we had a lot to celebrate. For me, it was an important time to both reflect 

foundation and our distinction—we’ve always had better 

top spot in the 2014 American Customer Satisfaction Index 

to leave Germany in 1867 at age 15 for America, allowing me, and all of the people who have been positively 

$3.32B

hand-tossed original dough made with extra virgin olive oil. 

past 15 years – and for 2014 the highest rating across all 

Ending Store Count
International

and look ahead, considering not just how much has changed but what has and must remain the same as we go 

forward. Looking to the past, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my Great Grandfather for having the courage 

Global System Sales

impacted by the success of Papa John’s, the opportunity to eventually live the American dream. Papa John’s 

$3.02B

would not be here without his decision to come to a society where free markets and private enterprise allow 

$2.85B

hard-working people to create successful businesses that benefit so many. Moving forward, we must maintain 

this work ethic and our unyielding focus on achieving better… Better Ingredients. Better Pizza. We believe 

959

that when quality leads, the numbers will follow, and in 2014, our store operators and franchisees delivered in 

$2.28B

$2.57B

$2.39B

1,323

1,142

spades. By executing on the fundamentals and delivering on the promise of better quality pizza, Papa John’s 

822

709

$3.50

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

635

achieved another year of strong growth and customer loyalty. Let me talk to this in detail.

2009

2011

2014

2013

2010

Let’s start by discussing why our simple strategy 
2012
of operating one store, 4,663 times is the best way 
for us to think about our business, Papa John’s 
delivered earnings per share of $1.75 for full-year 2014, 
representing a 13% increase over 2013. We believe 
running a business with a small-company, quality 
mindset is a better way to create shareholder wealth 
than a production, short-term, financial-engineering 
mindset. Our market capitalization reached $2.2 billion 
at year end, up $300 million over 2013, and over a 
three-fold increase since 2009. 

North American comparable sales grew by 6.7%, 
marking the 11th consecutive year of increased or flat 
sales growth on the continent. Our international story 
is also strong – with international comparable sales 
growth of 7.4%, our global system sales reached $3.3 
billion in 2014, up $296 million over 2013. 

2013

2012

2010

2009

$1.50
2011
We achieved success in spite of significant headwinds, 
especially in the form of high cheese prices. We were 
able to mitigate these challenges because of our quality 
positioning and ability to pursue a premium pricing 
strategy. Our quality heritage and better ingredients are 
what differentiate us and give us the ability to deliver 
high-value limited time offers at a price point higher 
than competitors can charge. 

2014

In addition to a strong pricing strategy, we are fortunate 
to have the relentless drive of our operators, our Board 
of Directors and our executive team. We have many 
team members that started either making or delivering 
pizza that are now top executives at Papa John’s—
notably Steve Ritchie, who started with Papa John’s as a 
delivery driver 18 years ago, and was promoted to COO 
this year. My appreciation and gratitude to each of you—
you’re what makes Papa John’s run successfully. 

Earnings Per Share

$1.75

$1.55

$1.29

$1.08

$0.92

$0.69

50%
$3.50

45%
$3.00
40%

35%
$2.50

30%
$2.00
25%

20%
$1.50

Online Sales Mix
Global System Sales
Domestic Restaurants

$2.85B

40%

48%

$3.32B

46%

$3.02B

Market Capitalization

$2.2B

$1.9B

$2.57B

$2.39B

33%

28%

$2.28B

25%

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

2009*

2010*

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2009

2010

2010

2011

2011

2012

2012

2013

2013

2014

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

*Earnings per share for 2009 and 2010 are presented on a non-GAAP basis for comparability purposes. See the Investor Relations section of our website which contains the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations.

Market Capitalization

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$3.50

Global System Sales

Earnings Per Share

$3.00

$2.50

$2.57B

$1.29

$2.28B

$2.39B

$1.08

0.90

$2.00

$0.92

$3.32B

$1.75

$3.02B

$1.55

$2.85B

$0.6B

$0.7B

1984

1985

1986

John converts a broom 
2009
2010
closet into a pizza 
kitchen. 

2011

1st Papa John’s opens 
2013
2012
in Jeffersonville, 
Indiana.

2014

Papa John’s sold its 1st 
franchise (Store #9) to 
Scott & Roger Roalofs, who 
are still with us today.

1991

Papa John’s 100th 
restaurant opening.

1993

Papa John’s  
files IPO at  
Store #232.

$1.50

$0.69

1994

opening.

1994

1995

1997

Papa John’s 

2009*

500th restaurant 

2010*

2009

2010

2011

2011

Papa John’s ranked 

2012

2013

#1

of best-run small 

2012

2013

2014

2014

companies by  

Business Week.

Papa John’s ranked  

10th by Forbes in list  

of the nation’s 200  

best small companies.

Papa John’s ranked 

in Restaurants and 

Institutions Choice in 

#1

Chains survey.

Online Sales Mix
Domestic Restaurants

48%

46%

Market Capitalization

40%

33%

28%

25%

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009*

2010*

2011

2012

2013

2014

1998

Papa John’s 

topped $1 billion 

in system-wide 

restaurant sales.

$1.75

$1.55

Earnings Per Share

$1.29

$1.08

$0.92

$0.69

1.90

1.70

1.50

1.30

1.10

0.90

0.70

0.50

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

Online Sales Mix

Domestic Restaurants

48%

46%

Market Capitalization

40%

33%

28%

25%

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

1.90

1.70

1.50

1.30

1.10

0.70

0.50

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

167993_Front.indd   2

3/3/15   8:36 AM

 
To Our Shareholders, Franchisees, Supply Partners and Team Members:

1,500

1,300

1,100

900

700

500

300

Ending Store Count

International

Papa John’s turned 30 in 2014, and we had a lot to celebrate. For me, it was an important time to both reflect 

and look ahead, considering not just how much has changed but what has and must remain the same as we go 

forward. Looking to the past, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my Great Grandfather for having the courage 

Global System Sales

to leave Germany in 1867 at age 15 for America, allowing me, and all of the people who have been positively 

$3.32B

impacted by the success of Papa John’s, the opportunity to eventually live the American dream. Papa John’s 

$3.02B

would not be here without his decision to come to a society where free markets and private enterprise allow 

$2.85B

hard-working people to create successful businesses that benefit so many. Moving forward, we must maintain 

1,323

1,142

this work ethic and our unyielding focus on achieving better… Better Ingredients. Better Pizza. We believe 

that when quality leads, the numbers will follow, and in 2014, our store operators and franchisees delivered in 

$2.28B

959

822

spades. By executing on the fundamentals and delivering on the promise of better quality pizza, Papa John’s 

$2.57B

$2.39B

achieved another year of strong growth and customer loyalty. Let me talk to this in detail.

709

635

$3.50

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50

Let’s start by discussing why our simple strategy 

2009

2010

of operating one store, 4,663 times is the best way 

2012

2013

2014

2011

We achieved success in spite of significant headwinds, 

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

especially in the form of high cheese prices. We were 

for us to think about our business, Papa John’s 

able to mitigate these challenges because of our quality 

delivered earnings per share of $1.75 for full-year 2014, 

positioning and ability to pursue a premium pricing 

representing a 13% increase over 2013. We believe 

strategy. Our quality heritage and better ingredients are 

running a business with a small-company, quality 

what differentiate us and give us the ability to deliver 

mindset is a better way to create shareholder wealth 

high-value limited time offers at a price point higher 

than a production, short-term, financial-engineering 

than competitors can charge. 

mindset. Our market capitalization reached $2.2 billion 

at year end, up $300 million over 2013, and over a 

three-fold increase since 2009. 

In addition to a strong pricing strategy, we are fortunate 

to have the relentless drive of our operators, our Board 

of Directors and our executive team. We have many 

North American comparable sales grew by 6.7%, 

team members that started either making or delivering 

marking the 11th consecutive year of increased or flat 

pizza that are now top executives at Papa John’s—

sales growth on the continent. Our international story 

notably Steve Ritchie, who started with Papa John’s as a 

is also strong – with international comparable sales 

delivery driver 18 years ago, and was promoted to COO 

growth of 7.4%, our global system sales reached $3.3 

this year. My appreciation and gratitude to each of you—

billion in 2014, up $296 million over 2013. 

you’re what makes Papa John’s run successfully. 

Earnings Per Share

$1.75

$1.55

Online Sales Mix

Global System Sales

Domestic Restaurants

48%

$3.32B

46%

$3.02B

$3.50

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50

Global System Sales

$3.32B

$3.02B

$2.85B

$2.57B

$2.39B

$2.28B

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

1.90

1.70

1.50

1.30

1.10

0.90

0.70

0.50

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

Online Sales Mix

Domestic Restaurants

48%

46%

Market Capitalization

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

40%

33%

28%

25%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

1984

1985

1986

John converts a broom 

2009

closet into a pizza 

2010

2011

kitchen. 

1st Papa John’s opens 

2012

in Jeffersonville, 

2013

Indiana.

2014

Papa John’s sold its 1st 

franchise (Store #9) to 

Scott & Roger Roalofs, who 

are still with us today.

1991

Papa John’s 100th 

restaurant opening.

1993

Papa John’s  
files IPO at  
Store #232.

1,500

1,300

1,100

900

700

500

Ending Store Count

International

959

822

709

635

1,323

1,142

2011

2014

2013

2012

2010

2009

300
Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.
You can’t make good wine from bad grapes. Quality is our 
foundation and our distinction—we’ve always had better 
ingredients, and we always will. We invest in the best 
ingredients for our pizza, starting with our fresh, never-frozen 
hand-tossed original dough made with extra virgin olive oil. 
Our fresh-packed tomato sauce is just that: packed from ripe, 
farm-grown freshly picked California tomatoes, extra virgin 
olive oil, salt, sunflower oil, sugar, and spices – we are the 
rare brand that refuses to have our pizza sauce 
re-manufactured from industrial 
tomato paste. You won’t find 
fillers in our meats, nor will 
you find trans-fats, MSG, 
BHA, BHT or partially 
hydrogenated oils. This 
continued focus on 
quality not only delivers 
on the promise of “better 
1.90
ingredients,” but also 
1,500
1.70
ensures we maintain the taste that customers desire, which 
1,300
creates brand loyalty among our customers, which we love.
1.50
But we need to keep striving to deliver the best. As 
1,100
1.30
consumers continue to expect greater transparency from the 
1.10
900
food industry through better ingredient choices, we’re looking 
closely at our labels to ensure we are keeping up with—and 
0.90
700
staying ahead of—food trends without sacrificing the great 
0.70
taste that customers desire. To find out more information 
500
0.50
about what goes into our products and onto our pizzas, go to 
300
www.papajohns.com/better.  
2011
2011

Earnings Per Share
Ending Store Count
International

2009*
2009

2010*
2010

2012
2012

2013
2013

2014
2014

635
$0.69

$1.08
822

$0.92
709

$1.29

$1.55

$1.75

1,323

1,142

959

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

1.90
1.70
1.50
1.30
1.10
0.90
0.70
0.50

$3.50

Global System Sales

Earnings Per Share

$2.57B

$1.29

$2.28B

$2.39B

$1.08

$0.92

$1.50

1994
$0.69

2009
Papa John’s 
2009*
500th restaurant 
opening.

2010*

2010

2011

1994
2012
2011
Papa John’s ranked 
2013
2012
of best-run small 
companies by  
Business Week.

2013
#1

2014

Customers continue to respond favorably to our ‘Better 
Ingredients. Better Pizza.’ promise. Papa John’s earned the 
top spot in the 2014 American Customer Satisfaction Index 
(ACSI) earlier this year, when we achieved the highest rating 
in the pizza category for an unprecedented 13th time in the 
past 15 years – and for 2014 the highest rating across all 
limited-service restaurant companies surveyed. Papa John's 
also earned the highest score regarding overall quality, 
product and service quality and customer expectations in the 
individual ACSI ratings.

Our customer loyalty program, Papa Rewards, also was 
recognized by the prestigious Bond Brand Loyalty Report, 
taking the top spot over other major food service providers’ 
programs including some other very well-run companies. 

International Growth
Our global business experienced solid growth in 2014, with 181 
net international restaurant openings and international profit 
doubling over 2013. We grew our footprint in Asia through our 
franchisee in India, and continued to see strong performance 
in the UK, the Middle East and Latin America. At year end, we 
had 1,323 restaurants open beyond North America’s shores. 
The key to quality is consistency, and we’ve implemented our 
gold standard ingredients worldwide to make sure all our 
pizzas taste the same; this costs a little more, but it’s worth it 
in the long term.

However, there are opportunities for improvement, such as 
in North China. So we’ve assessed our operations there and 
while we have found there are many things we’re doing right, 
we’re also exploring ways to enhance our marketing, menu 
and model in order to improve our brand positioning, sales 
and profitability.

Ending Store Count
International

959

822

709

635

1,500

1,300

1,100

900

700

500

300

1,323

1,142

$1.29

$1.08

$0.92

$0.69

50%

$3.50

45%

$3.00

40%

35%

$2.50

30%

$2.00

25%

20%

$1.50

$2.85B

40%

$2.57B

$2.39B

33%

$2.28B

25%

28%

Market Capitalization

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

2009*

2010*

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2009

2010

2010

2011

2011

2012

2012

2013

2013

2014

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

*Earnings per share for 2009 and 2010 are presented on a non-GAAP basis for comparability purposes. See the Investor Relations section of our website which contains the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations.

$3.32B

$1.75

$3.02B

$1.55

$2.85B

$
$1 BILLION 

$
$2 BILLION 

* International Locations as of December 28, 2014

167993_Front.indd   2

3/3/15   8:36 AM

Online Sales Mix

Domestic Restaurants

48%

46%

Market Capitalization

40%

33%

28%

25%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Online Sales Mix

Domestic Restaurants

48%

46%

Market Capitalization

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

40%

33%

28%

25%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

1995

2014

Papa John’s ranked  
10th by Forbes in list  
of the nation’s 200  
best small companies.

1997

#1

Papa John’s ranked 
in Restaurants and 
Institutions Choice in 
Chains survey.

1998

Papa John’s 
topped $1 billion 
in system-wide 
restaurant sales.

Earnings Per Share

$1.75

$1.55

$1.29

$1.08

$0.92

$0.69

2009*

2010*

2011

2012

2013

2014

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

1.90
1.70

1.50

1.30

1.10

0.90

0.70

0.50

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

Papa John’s 36 International Markets*

Cayman Islands

Dominican Republic

Cyprus

Russia

Canada

United

Kingdom

Ireland

Turkey

Jordan

Azerbaijan

China

South

Korea

Guam

Puerto

Rico

Mexico

El Salvador

Guatemala

Nicaragua

Costa Rica

Panama

Colombia

Ecuador

Peru

Trinidad

Venezuela

Egypt

Chile

Saudi Arabia

Malaysia

Philippines

India

Kuwait

Bahrain

Qatar

Oman

United Arab Emirates

 
Ending Store Count

International

959

822

709

635

1,500

1,300

1,100

900

700

500

300

1,323

1,142

2011

2012

2009

Elevating the Brand
2010
We continued our designation as the official 
pizza of the National Football League, which 
has put Papa John’s at the top of national 
TV rankings and made us one of the most 
recognized brands among avid NFL fans. 

2013

2014

Beyond the NFL, we have multiple professional and college 

team members is the most important thing we  

sports team partnerships across all forms of athletics.  

can strive for as an employer. 

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos quarterback 
and football’s most famous face, is a major driver of this 
sponsorship’s success. He’s a role model for millions of families,  
our youth, and football fans. 

1.90
1.70
1.50
1.30
1.10
0.90
0.70
0.50

Earnings Per Share

$1.75

$1.55

$1.29

$1.08

John and Peyton on the set.

$0.92

New Papa John’s advertising and relationships with Peyton Manning 
and other NFL legends such as Joe Montana, Archie Manning and 
Jerome Bettis has been a huge part of driving home our quality story.

$0.69

2009*

2010*

2011

2012

2013

2014

Market Capitalization

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

Archie, Joe and John tossing Papa John’s world-famous fresh dough.
2011

2009

2010

2012

2013

2014

Papa John’s is the only national QSR brand with these types 

of activations, which helps us reach an even larger share of 

customers who have an affinity for their local teams. We 

also began a strategic sponsorship push abroad through our 

involvement with Beijing Guoan F.C., a professional soccer team 

in China’s capital. These opportunities are important to grow 

We built a new career site that showcases employee video 

testimonials sharing their stories on why this is a winning 

culture around the world. In 2014, we were named a winner  

in the Best Places to Work in Kentucky. 

loyal fans in critical markets.

Better Ingredients for a Better World

An important part of our focus on “better” 

means doing our part to make the 

communities we serve better places for all. 

In short, we strive to be a strong corporate 

citizen by making Papa John’s a force for 

good in the communities where we live. In 

We have an onsite health clinic, Papa Cares, and recently added 

an expanded fitness facility staffed with trainers to complement 

the walking trails around our campus. We continue to offer 

health care to 100% of team members with great benefits. Our 

training and development team has worked hard at building 

a new, upgraded online learning management system that 

supports operations and team member development through 

leadership principles. And, through the Papa Fund, we internally 

2014, we continued to work with the Salvation Army as 

our national charitable partner, as well as a range of community 

support team members in times of great personal need. 

organizations from the University of Louisville to the WHAS 

Crusade for Children, both in our hometown. We’ve donated 

nearly $1.3 million to the Junior Achievement program. We’re 

All of these elements help define our culture. In the end, we’re 

not just in the pizza business, we’re really in the people business. 

also a proud supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and the 

The Road Ahead

Make-A-Wish Foundation. My family also has a foundation that 

In closing I think my Great Grandfather Martin G. Schnatterer 

we feel makes a difference in many lives. 

It’s All About People

Building a strong community starts with us as a company, and 

the ingredients of a great company are always its people. One 

of our core values is PAPA—People Are Priority Always. The 

pizza business is a hard business – so I am most proud that our 

team through great effort and dedication puts dignity back into 

the word “labor.” We hire the best talent because our success 

depends on us as a team to work together – and talent attracts 

talent. This is true not only at our restaurants, but also at our 

headquarters in Louisville, where our dedicated staff does 

such an outstanding job supporting the field team that serves 

our loyal customers. Another hidden gem is our vertically 

integrated structure, which includes the great folks at PJ Food 

Service and Preferred Marketing. They are shining examples of 

our culture, putting a capital “Q” in quality and a capital “T”  

in teamwork. 

At Papa John’s, we provide people with opportunities, positively 

impacting not only their careers but other aspects of their lives, 

ultimately leading to a higher standard of living. For those that 

work hard and embrace opportunities, Papa John’s does not 

have dead-end jobs. We believe providing opportunities for our 

would be proud for several reasons. First, he would be happy 

about his decision to move his family to America, where you 

can get ahead with hard work, innovative thinking, and a 

curious mind. Second, whether we’re talking about our focus 

on taking care of our people, our passion for quality, or our 

entrepreneurial culture, I think he would applaud us for having 

the right stuff (ingredients) for success. The right way in 

business is sometimes the hard way, and ethics and integrity of 

our team ensure that we do things the right way, which I know 

would put a smile on his face. Lastly, Great Granddaddy would 

have been full of pride for our franchisees, suppliers and the 

over one-hundred thousand team members at Papa John’s that 

wake up every day and work hard and put the word “dignity” 

in their labor. If you are curious, innovative and work hard in 

America, you can get ahead – especially when you have the 

right ingredients.

John H. Schnatter 

Founder, Chairman, President,  

and Chief Executive Officer

Building brand recognition and profitability in new markets takes 
time. And so we are committed to staying the course over the long-
haul as international expansion is an important growth engine for 
Papa John’s. 
$3.50

Leadership in Technology and Innovation

Global System Sales

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$2.28B

$3.32B

$3.02B

We encourage our team members to experiment, 
use their own judgment, and be creative, which 
fosters an entrepreneurial climate. There is no 
better example of this than our technology 
team. As digital pioneers, Papa John’s 
continued to blaze new technology trails in 
2014, all in pursuit of a singular aim: improving 

$2.39B

$2.85B

$2.57B

the customer experience. 

$1.50

As of year end, digital and mobile channels now account for more  
2011
than 50 percent of our total U.S. sales (delivery and carryout), making  
Papa John’s the first ever restaurant company to achieve this milestone. 

2009

2010

2012

2013

2014

We were also rated as having the best mobile web experience among 
leading restaurants in a new Search Agency report, and we now 
accept Google Wallet® Instant Buy as a payment method for orders 
placed through the Android app. Looking ahead, there are more 
exciting innovations in store, including new digital payment options, 
apps and more. 

Another crucial piece of the pie is updated technology for our store-
level franchisees and operators. By the end of Q1 2015, substantially 
all of our stores will have our proprietary point-of-sale system, named 
FOCUS, which features a touchscreen display and sophisticated next-
gen ordering system. As its name implies, improving our productivity 
and reporting capabilities through FOCUS means our employees 
can spend less time processing transactions and more time making 
better pizzas, running clean restaurants, and building relationships 
with our customers. 

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

Online Sales Mix
Domestic Restaurants

48%

46%

40%

33%

28%

25%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

$
$1 BILLION 

$
$2 BILLION 

1999

Papa John’s 2,000th 
restaurant opening.

2001

Papa John’s becomes 
1st pizza chain to offer 
Online Ordering at all 
traditional restaurants.

2006

#1

7th consecutive  
ranking in the 
American Customer 
Satisfaction Index.

2008

Papa John’s 
topped $1 billion in 
e-commerce sales.

2010

Papa John’s 
topped $2 billion in 
e-commerce sales.

2010

Papa John’s becomes 
the Official Pizza 
Sponsor of the NFL 
and the Super Bowl.

2014

Papa John’s 

celebrates its 

30th anniversary.

2014

2015

Papa John's introduces 

a new brand logo.

Today Papa John's  

has over 4,600 

restaurants worldwide.

2015

 Better Ingredients. 

Always had them. 

Always will.

167993_inside.indd   2

3/4/15   11:31 AM

 
Ending Store Count

International

959

822

709

635

1,500

1,300

1,100

900

700

500

300

1,323

1,142

Building brand recognition and profitability in new markets takes 

Elevating the Brand

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

time. And so we are committed to staying the course over the long-

We continued our designation as the official 

haul as international expansion is an important growth engine for 

pizza of the National Football League, which 

Papa John’s. 

$3.50

Leadership in Technology and Innovation

Global System Sales

We encourage our team members to experiment, 

$3.32B

has put Papa John’s at the top of national 

TV rankings and made us one of the most 

recognized brands among avid NFL fans. 

use their own judgment, and be creative, which 

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos quarterback 

$3.02B

fosters an entrepreneurial climate. There is no 

$2.85B

and football’s most famous face, is a major driver of this 

better example of this than our technology 

sponsorship’s success. He’s a role model for millions of families,  

$2.57B

$2.39B

team. As digital pioneers, Papa John’s 

our youth, and football fans. 

$2.28B

continued to blaze new technology trails in 

2014, all in pursuit of a singular aim: improving 

the customer experience. 

As of year end, digital and mobile channels now account for more  

than 50 percent of our total U.S. sales (delivery and carryout), making  

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

Papa John’s the first ever restaurant company to achieve this milestone. 

We were also rated as having the best mobile web experience among 

leading restaurants in a new Search Agency report, and we now 

accept Google Wallet® Instant Buy as a payment method for orders 

placed through the Android app. Looking ahead, there are more 

exciting innovations in store, including new digital payment options, 

apps and more. 

Another crucial piece of the pie is updated technology for our store-

level franchisees and operators. By the end of Q1 2015, substantially 

FOCUS, which features a touchscreen display and sophisticated next-

gen ordering system. As its name implies, improving our productivity 

and reporting capabilities through FOCUS means our employees 

can spend less time processing transactions and more time making 

better pizzas, running clean restaurants, and building relationships 

with our customers. 

all of our stores will have our proprietary point-of-sale system, named 

John and Peyton on the set.

Earnings Per Share

$1.75

$1.55

$1.29

$1.08

$0.92

New Papa John’s advertising and relationships with Peyton Manning 

and other NFL legends such as Joe Montana, Archie Manning and 

$0.69

Jerome Bettis has been a huge part of driving home our quality story.

2009*

2010*

2011

2012

2013

2014

Online Sales Mix

Domestic Restaurants

48%

46%

Market Capitalization

40%

33%

28%

25%

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Archie, Joe and John tossing Papa John’s world-famous fresh dough.

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

1.90

1.70

1.50

1.30

1.10

0.90

0.70

0.50

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

Beyond the NFL, we have multiple professional and college 
sports team partnerships across all forms of athletics.  
Papa John’s is the only national QSR brand with these types 
of activations, which helps us reach an even larger share of 
customers who have an affinity for their local teams. We 
also began a strategic sponsorship push abroad through our 
involvement with Beijing Guoan F.C., a professional soccer team 
in China’s capital. These opportunities are important to grow 
loyal fans in critical markets.

Better Ingredients for a Better World
An important part of our focus on “better” 
means doing our part to make the 
communities we serve better places for all. 
In short, we strive to be a strong corporate 
citizen by making Papa John’s a force for 
good in the communities where we live. In 
2014, we continued to work with the Salvation Army as 
our national charitable partner, as well as a range of community 
organizations from the University of Louisville to the WHAS 
Crusade for Children, both in our hometown. We’ve donated 
nearly $1.3 million to the Junior Achievement program. We’re 
also a proud supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and the 
Make-A-Wish Foundation. My family also has a foundation that 
we feel makes a difference in many lives. 

It’s All About People
Building a strong community starts with us as a company, and 
the ingredients of a great company are always its people. One 
of our core values is PAPA—People Are Priority Always. The 
pizza business is a hard business – so I am most proud that our 
team through great effort and dedication puts dignity back into 
the word “labor.” We hire the best talent because our success 
depends on us as a team to work together – and talent attracts 
talent. This is true not only at our restaurants, but also at our 
headquarters in Louisville, where our dedicated staff does 
such an outstanding job supporting the field team that serves 
our loyal customers. Another hidden gem is our vertically 
integrated structure, which includes the great folks at PJ Food 
Service and Preferred Marketing. They are shining examples of 
our culture, putting a capital “Q” in quality and a capital “T”  
in teamwork. 

At Papa John’s, we provide people with opportunities, positively 
impacting not only their careers but other aspects of their lives, 
ultimately leading to a higher standard of living. For those that 
work hard and embrace opportunities, Papa John’s does not 
have dead-end jobs. We believe providing opportunities for our 

team members is the most important thing we  
can strive for as an employer. 

We built a new career site that showcases employee video 
testimonials sharing their stories on why this is a winning 
culture around the world. In 2014, we were named a winner  
in the Best Places to Work in Kentucky. 

We have an onsite health clinic, Papa Cares, and recently added 
an expanded fitness facility staffed with trainers to complement 
the walking trails around our campus. We continue to offer 
health care to 100% of team members with great benefits. Our 
training and development team has worked hard at building 
a new, upgraded online learning management system that 
supports operations and team member development through 
leadership principles. And, through the Papa Fund, we internally 
support team members in times of great personal need. 

All of these elements help define our culture. In the end, we’re 
not just in the pizza business, we’re really in the people business. 

The Road Ahead
In closing I think my Great Grandfather Martin G. Schnatterer 
would be proud for several reasons. First, he would be happy 
about his decision to move his family to America, where you 
can get ahead with hard work, innovative thinking, and a 
curious mind. Second, whether we’re talking about our focus 
on taking care of our people, our passion for quality, or our 
entrepreneurial culture, I think he would applaud us for having 
the right stuff (ingredients) for success. The right way in 
business is sometimes the hard way, and ethics and integrity of 
our team ensure that we do things the right way, which I know 
would put a smile on his face. Lastly, Great Granddaddy would 
have been full of pride for our franchisees, suppliers and the 
over one-hundred thousand team members at Papa John’s that 
wake up every day and work hard and put the word “dignity” 
in their labor. If you are curious, innovative and work hard in 
America, you can get ahead – especially when you have the 
right ingredients.

John H. Schnatter 
Founder, Chairman, President,  

and Chief Executive Officer

$

$

$1 BILLION 

$2 BILLION 

1999

Papa John’s 2,000th 

restaurant opening.

2001

Papa John’s becomes 

1st pizza chain to offer 

Online Ordering at all 

traditional restaurants.

2006

7th consecutive  

ranking in the 

#1

American Customer 

Satisfaction Index.

2008

Papa John’s 

topped $1 billion in 

e-commerce sales.

2010

Papa John’s 

topped $2 billion in 

e-commerce sales.

2010

Papa John’s becomes 
the Official Pizza 
Sponsor of the NFL 
and the Super Bowl.

2014

Papa John’s 
celebrates its 
30th anniversary.

2014

2015

Papa John's introduces 
a new brand logo.

Today Papa John's  
has over 4,600 
restaurants worldwide.

2015

 Better Ingredients. 
Always had them. 
Always will.

167993_inside.indd   2

3/4/15   11:31 AM

 
People Are Priority Always. 

We’re as passionate about people as 

we are about pizza. From building 

better communities to investing in 

the Papa John’s team, we’re steadfast 

in our commitment to improving lives.

“Quality

is our foundation and our distinction — we’ve  

always had better ingredients, and always will.”

167993_inside.indd   1

3/4/15   11:31 AM

Executive Leadership Team

“Leadership is a person you get behind because you know that  
somehow, some way they will make your life better.” At Papa John’s, 
we have great leaders.

John H. Schnatter
Founder, Chairman, President 
and Chief Executive Officer

Steve M. Ritchie
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Operating Officer

Timothy C. O’Hern
Senior Vice President 
and Chief Development 
Officer

Lance F. Tucker
Senior Vice President, Chief 
Financial Officer, Chief 
Administrative Officer and 
Treasurer

Sean A. Muldoon
Senior Vice President, 
R&D, QA and Supply Chain 
Management

Cynthia A. McClellen 
Senior Vice President, 
Information Systems and  
Project Management Office

Caroline Miller Oyler
Senior Vice President,  
General Counsel

R. Shane Hutchins 
Senior Vice President,  
PJ Food Service

Robert C. Kraut
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Marketing Officer

Robert W. Smith, Jr. 
Senior Vice President,  
Global Human Resources

167993_insert.indd   1

3/2/15   8:16 AM

Board of Directors

Corporate Information

Corporate Headquarters 
2002 Papa John’s Boulevard 
Louisville, Kentucky  40299 
502-261-7272

Stock Listing 
Papa John’s stock is listed on The NASDAQ 
Global Select Market under the ticker symbol 
PZZA

Annual Meeting 
The annual meeting of stockholders will be held 
Wednesday, April 29, 2015, 11:00 A.M. (E.D.T) at: 
Papa John’s International, Inc. 
2002 Papa John’s Boulevard 
Louisville, Kentucky  40299

Independent Public Accountants 
Ernst & Young LLP

Transfer Agent 
Computershare Shareholder Services 
211 Quality Circle, Suite 210 
College Station, TX 77845 
www.computershare.com/investor 
800-622-6757 (US, Canada, Puerto Rico) 
781-575-4735 (non-US)

Investor Relations  
Lance F. Tucker 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, 
Chief Administrative Officer, and Treasurer 
502-261-4218

Corporate Communications – Media Relations  
Robert C. Kraut 
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing 
Officer 
502-261-4447

Forward-Looking Statements 
This report includes non-historical or “forward-
looking” statements concerning future events 
or conditions.  Important risk factors, which 
could cause actual results to differ materially 
from these statements, are set forth in Item 1A. 
Risk Factors in the accompanying Form 10-K.

For More Information 
To learn more about Papa John’s, or to order 
online, visit our website at www.papajohns.com

John H. Schnatter
Founder, Chairman, President 
and Chief Executive Officer

Norborne P. Cole, Jr. (1, 2*)
Business Consultant

Olivia F. Kirtley (2, 3*)
Business Consultant

Mark S. Shapiro (3, 4*)
Chief Content Officer, IMG

Laurette T. Koellner (3, 4)
Business Consultant

Christopher L. Coleman (3, 4)
Managing Director, Rothschild – 
London

Philip Guarascio (4)
Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer of PG Ventures LLC

W. Kent Taylor (2)
Founder, Chairman and  
Chief Executive Officer of  
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

Numbers Indicate Board Committees:
(1)  Lead Independent Director
(2) Compensation Committee
(3) Audit Committee
(4) Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee 
* Committee Chair

167993_insert.indd   2

3/2/15   8:16 AM

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C.  20549 

(Mark One)  
[X]  Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934  

For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014  

FORM 10-K 

or 

[  ]  Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
For the transition period from _____________________ to _______________________ 

Commission File Number:  0-21660 

PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 

61-1203323 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 

2002 Papa Johns Boulevard 
Louisville, Kentucky     
(Address of principal executive offices) 

40299-2367 
(Zip Code) 

(502) 261-7272 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
(Title of Each Class) 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value 

(Name of each exchange on which registered) 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 
None 

Indicate  by  check  mark  if  the  registrant  is  a  well-known  seasoned  issuer,  as  defined  in  Rule  405  of  the 

Securities Act.   

Yes [X]    No [  ]  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of 

the Act.  

Yes [  ]    No [X]  

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  (1)  has  filed  all  reports  required  to  be  filed  by  Section 13  or 
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 

Yes [X]    No [  ] 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 
if  any,  every  Interactive  Data  File  required  to  be  submitted  and  posted  pursuant  to  Rule  405  of  Regulation  S-T 
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required 
to submit and post such files). 

Yes [X]  No [  ]  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of 
this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive 
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this 
Form 10-K.  

             [X]  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated 
filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller 
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large accelerated filer [X]  

Non-accelerated filer [  ]    

Accelerated filer [  ]   

Smaller reporting company [  ]  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  

 Yes [  ]  No [X] 

The  aggregate  market  value  of  the  common  stock  held  by  non-affiliates  of  the  Registrant,  computed  by 
reference  to  the  closing  sale  price  on The  NASDAQ  Stock  Market  as  of  the  last  business  day  of  the  Registrant’s 
most recently completed second fiscal quarter, June 29, 2014, was $1,289,380,885. 

As of February 17, 2015, there were 39,779,082 shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding.   

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Portions of Part III of this annual report are incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for 

the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held April 29, 2015.  

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PART I 

Item 1. 
Item 1A.   
Item 1B.   
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 

Business   
Risk Factors 
Unresolved Staff Comments   
Properties 
Legal Proceedings   
  Mine Safety Disclosures 

PART II 

Item 5. 

  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters 

Item 6. 
Item 7. 

and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities  
Selected Financial Data  

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of   

Item 7A.   
Item 8. 
Item 9. 

Item 9A.   
Item 9B.   

Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants 
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 
Controls and Procedures 
Other Information   

PART III 

Item 10.   
Item 11.   
Item 12.   

Item 13.   
Item 14.   

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 
Executive Compensation 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners 
and Management and Related Stockholder Matters  
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
Principal Accounting Fees and Services  

     Page 

  1 
11 
16 
17 
19 
19 

21 
24 

25 
51 
53 

86 
86 
88 

88 
89 

89 
89 
90 

PART IV 

Item 15.   

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

90                                                                      

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART I 

Item 1.  Business 

General 

Papa John’s International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (referred to as the “Company”, “Papa John’s” or 
in the first person notations of “we”, “us” and “our”) operates and franchises pizza delivery and carryout 
restaurants  and,  in  certain  international  markets,  dine-in  and  delivery  restaurants  under  the  trademark 
“Papa John’s”.   Papa John’s began operations in 1984.   At December 28, 2014, there were 4,663 Papa 
John’s  restaurants  in  operation,  consisting  of  735  Company-owned  and  3,928  franchised  restaurants 
operating  domestically  in  all  50  states  and  in  36  countries  and  territories.  Our  Company-owned 
restaurants include 200 restaurants operated under four joint venture arrangements and 49 units in Beijing 
and North China.   

Papa  John’s  has  defined  five  reportable  segments:  domestic  Company-owned  restaurants,  domestic 
commissaries  (Quality  Control  Centers),  North  America  franchising,  international  operations,  and  “all 
other” business units. North America is defined as the United States and Canada. Domestic is defined as 
the contiguous United States. International franchisees are defined as all franchise operations outside of 
the United States and Canada. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results  of  Operations”  and  “Note  20”  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements”  for  financial 
information about our segments. 

All of our periodic and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) 
pursuant  to  Section  13(a)  or  15(d)  of  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended  (the 
“Exchange  Act”),  are  available,  free  of  charge,  through  our  website  located  at  www.papajohns.com, 
including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K 
and  any  amendments  to  those  reports.  Those  documents  are  available  through  our  website  as  soon  as 
reasonably  practicable  after  we  electronically  file  them  with  the  SEC.  We  also  make  available  free  of 
charge on our website our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Board Committee Charters, and our Code of 
Ethics, which applies to Papa John's directors, officers and employees. Printed copies of such documents 
are  also  available  free  of  charge  upon  written  request  to  Investor  Relations,  Papa  John’s  International, 
Inc., P.O. Box 99900, Louisville, KY 40269-0900. You may read and copy any materials filed with the 
SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain 
information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. This 
information is also available at www.sec.gov. The references to these website addresses do not constitute 
incorporation by reference of the information contained on the websites, which should not be considered 
part of this document.  

Strategy  

Our goal is to build the strongest brand loyalty in the pizza industry.  Recognized as a trusted brand and 
quality leader in the domestic pizza category, we endeavor to build our brand on a global basis.  The key 
elements of our strategy include:  

High-Quality  Menu  Offerings.  Our  menu  strategy  focuses  on  the  quality  of  our  ingredients.    Domestic 
Papa  John’s  restaurants  offer  high-quality  pizza  along  with  side  items,  including  breadsticks, 
cheesesticks,  chicken  poppers  and  wings,  dessert  items  and  canned  or  bottled  beverages.  Papa  John’s 
traditional crust pizza is prepared using fresh dough (never frozen). Papa John’s pizzas are made from a 
proprietary blend of wheat flour, 100% real cheese made from mozzarella, fresh-packed pizza sauce made 
from vine-ripened tomatoes (not from concentrate) and a proprietary mix of savory spices, and a choice of 
high-quality meat (100% beef and pork with no fillers) and vegetable toppings. Our traditional crust pizza 

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offers a container of our special garlic sauce and a pepperoncini pepper. In addition to our fresh dough 
traditional crust pizza, we offer a thin crust pizza, which is a par-baked product produced by a third-party 
vendor. Each thin crust pizza is served with a packet of special seasonings and a pepperoncini pepper. 

Domestically, all ingredients and toppings can be purchased by our restaurants from our Quality Control 
Center (“QC Center”) system, which delivers to individual restaurants twice weekly. To ensure consistent 
food  quality,  each  domestic  franchisee  is  required  to  purchase  dough  and  tomato  sauce  from  our  QC 
Centers  and  to  purchase  all  other  supplies  from  our  QC  Centers  or  other  approved  suppliers. 
Internationally, the menu may be more diverse than in our domestic operations to meet local tastes and 
customs. QC Centers outside the U.S. may be operated by franchisees pursuant to license agreements or 
by other third parties. International QC Centers are required to meet food safety and quality standards and 
to be in compliance with all applicable laws. We provide significant assistance to licensed international 
QC Centers in sourcing approved quality suppliers. 

We continue to test new product offerings both domestically and internationally, including limited time 
offering  pizzas.  The  new  products  can  become  a  part  of  the  permanent  menu  if  they  meet  certain 
established guidelines. 

Efficient  Operating  System.  We  believe  our  operating  and  distribution  systems,  restaurant  layout  and 
designated  delivery  areas  result  in  lower  restaurant  operating  costs  and  improved  food  quality,  and 
promote superior customer service. Our QC Center system takes advantage of volume purchasing of food 
and supplies and provides consistency and efficiencies of scale in fresh dough production. This eliminates 
the need for each restaurant to order food from multiple vendors and commit substantial labor and other 
resources to dough preparation.  

Commitment  to  Team  Member  Training  and  Development.  We  are  committed  to  the  development  and 
motivation  of  our  team  members  through  training  programs,  incentive  and  recognition  programs  and 
opportunities  for  advancement.  Team  member  training  programs  are  conducted  for  corporate restaurant 
team  members,  and  operational  training  is  offered  to  our  franchisees.  We  offer  performance-based 
financial incentives to corporate and restaurant team members at various levels. 

Marketing. Our domestic marketing strategy consists of both national and local components. Our national 
strategy  includes  national  advertising  via  television,  print,  direct  mail,  digital,  mobile  marketing  and 
social  media  channels.  Our  online and  digital  marketing  activities  have increased  significantly  over  the 
past several  years  in  response  to increasing  consumer  use  of  online and  mobile  web  technology.  Local 
advertising  programs  include  television,  radio,  and  print  materials.  We  strive  to  efficiently  allocate 
resources  among  television,  print,  digital,  social  and  other  media,  and  integrate  social  media  into 
marketing campaigns.    

In international markets, our marketing focuses on reaching customers who live or work within a small 
radius of a Papa John’s restaurant. Our international markets use a combination of advertising strategies, 
including  television, radio, digital, and print depending on the size of the local market.  

Strong Franchise System. We are committed to developing and maintaining a strong franchise system by 
attracting experienced operators, supporting them to expand and grow their business and monitoring their 
compliance with our high standards. We seek to attract franchisees with experience in restaurant or retail 
operations  and  with  the  financial  resources  and  management  capability  to  open  single  or  multiple 
locations. We devote significant resources to provide Papa John’s franchisees with assistance in restaurant 
operations, management training, team member training, marketing, site selection and restaurant design. 

Our strategy for global unit growth focuses on our strong unit economics model. We strive to eliminate 
barriers  to  expansion  in  existing  international  markets,  and  identify  new  expansion  opportunities.  Our 

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growth  depends  on  the  maturity  of  the  market  and  other  factors  in  specific  domestic  and  international 
markets, with overall unit growth expected to come increasingly from international markets. 

Restaurant Sales and Investment Costs  

We are committed to maintaining strong restaurant unit economics. In 2014, the 646 domestic Company-
owned  restaurants  included  in  the  full  year’s  comparable restaurant  base  generated  average  annual  unit 
sales  of  $1.06  million.  Our  North  American  franchise  restaurants,  which  included  2,307  restaurants  in 
2014,  generated  average  annual  unit  sales  of  $834,000.  North  American  franchise  restaurant  sales  are 
lower  than  Company-owned  restaurants  as  a  higher  percentage  of  our  Company-owned  restaurants  are 
located in more heavily penetrated markets.  

The average cash investment for the 11 domestic traditional Company-owned restaurants opened during 
2014,  exclusive  of  land,  was  approximately  $283,000  per  unit,  excluding  tenant  allowances  that  we 
received.  With  few  exceptions,  domestic  restaurants  do  not  offer  a  dine-in  area,  which  reduces  our 
restaurant capital investment.  

We define a “traditional” domestic Papa John’s restaurant as a delivery and carryout unit that services a 
defined  trade  area.  We  consider  the  location  of  a  traditional  restaurant  to  be  important  and  therefore 
devote  significant  resources  to  the  investigation  and  evaluation  of  potential  sites.  The  site  selection 
process includes a review of trade area demographics, target population density and competitive factors.  
A member of our development team inspects each potential domestic Company-owned restaurant location 
and substantially all franchised restaurant locations before a site is approved. Our restaurants are typically 
located  in  strip  shopping  centers  or  freestanding  buildings  that  provide  visibility,  curb  appeal  and 
accessibility. Our restaurant design can be configured to fit a wide variety of building shapes and sizes, 
which increases the number of suitable locations for our restaurants. A typical traditional domestic Papa 
John’s restaurant averages 1,100 to 1,500 square feet with visible exterior signage. 

“Non-traditional”  Papa  John’s  restaurants  generally  do  not  provide  delivery  service  but  rather  provide 
walk-up or carry out service to a captive customer group within a designated facility, such as a food court 
at an airport, university or military base or an event-driven service at facilities such as sports stadiums or 
entertainment venues. Non-traditional units are designed to fit the unique requirements of the venue. 

All of our international restaurants are franchised, except for  49 Company-owned restaurants in Beijing 
and  North  China.  In  2014,  we  opened  two  Company-owned  restaurants  in  China  with  an  average 
investment cost of approximately $290,000. Most of our international Papa John’s restaurants are slightly 
smaller and average between 900 and 1,400 square feet; however, in order to meet certain local customer 
preferences, some international restaurants have been opened in larger spaces to accommodate both dine-
in and restaurant-based delivery service, typically with 35 to 140 seats. 

Development 

A total of 388 Papa John’s restaurants were opened during 2014, consisting of 14 Company-owned (12 in 
North  America  and  two  in  Beijing  and  North  China)  and  374  franchised  restaurants  (132  in  North 
America and 242 international), while 153 Papa John’s restaurants closed during 2014, consisting of 11 
Company-owned  (four  in  North  America  and  seven  in  Beijing)  and  142  franchised  restaurants  (86  in 
North America and 56 international), representing net global unit growth of 235 restaurants. 

During 2015, we expect net unit growth of approximately 220 to 250 units, approximately 75% of which 
will  open  in  international  markets.  International  franchised  unit  expansion  includes  an  emphasis  on 
existing markets in the Americas, the United Kingdom and Asia.  

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Although  most  of  our  domestic  Company-owned  markets  are  well-penetrated,  our  Company-owned 
growth  strategy  is  to  continue  to  open  domestic  restaurants  in  existing  markets  as  appropriate,  thereby 
increasing  consumer  awareness  and  enabling  us  to  take  advantage  of  operational  and  marketing 
efficiencies. Our experience in developing markets indicates that market penetration through the opening 
of multiple restaurants in a particular market results in increased average restaurant sales in that market 
over  time.  We  have  co-developed  domestic  markets  with  some  franchisees  or  divided  markets  among 
franchisees and will continue to utilize market co-development in the future, where appropriate. 

Of  the  total  3,340  North  American  restaurants  open  as  of  December  28,  2014,  686  or  21%  were 
Company-owned (including 200 units owned in joint venture arrangements with franchisees in which the 
Company  has  a  majority  ownership  position).  The  Company  expects  the  percentage  of  domestic 
Company-owned  units  to decline  over  the  next  several  years  because  future  net  openings  will  be  more 
heavily weighted toward franchise units. However, from time to time the Company evaluates the purchase 
or sale of units in significant markets, which could change the percentage of Company-owned units.  

Of the 1,323 international restaurants open as of December 28, 2014, 49 or 4% were Company-owned (all 
of  which  are  located  in  Beijing  and  North  China).  We  plan  to  continue  to  grow  our  international  units 
during the next several years, substantially all of which will be franchised. 

QC Center System and Supply Chain Management 

Our  domestic  QC  Centers,  comprised  of  ten  full-service  regional  production  and  distribution  centers, 
supply  pizza  dough,  food  products,  paper  products,  smallwares  and  cleaning  supplies  twice  weekly  to 
each restaurant throughout the contiguous United States. This system enables us to monitor and control 
product quality and consistency, while lowering food and other costs. We evaluate the QC Center system 
capacity in relation to planned restaurant growth, and facilities are developed or upgraded as operational 
or economic conditions warrant.  

We own full-service international QC Centers in the United Kingdom, Mexico City, Mexico and Beijing, 
China. Other international QC Centers are licensed to franchisees or non-franchisee third parties and are 
generally located in the markets where our franchisees have restaurants.  

We set quality standards for all products used in our restaurants and designate approved outside suppliers 
of  food  and  paper  products  that  meet  our  quality  standards.  In  order  to  ensure  product  quality  and 
consistency,  all  Papa  John’s  restaurants  are  required  to  purchase  tomato  sauce  and  dough  from  QC 
Centers. Franchisees may purchase other goods directly from our QC Centers or other approved suppliers. 
National  purchasing  agreements  with  most  of  our  suppliers  generally  result  in  volume  discounts  to  us, 
allowing us to sell products to our restaurants at prices we believe are below those generally available to 
restaurants  in  the  marketplace.  Within  our  domestic  QC  Center  system,  products  are  distributed  to 
restaurants  by  refrigerated  trucks  leased  and  primarily  operated  by  us  or  transported  by  a  dedicated 
logistics company. 

Marketing Programs 

Our  local  restaurant-level  marketing  programs  target  consumers  within  the  delivery  area  of  each 
restaurant  through  the  use  of  local  television,  radio,  print  materials,  targeted  direct  mail,  store-to-door 
flyers, digital display advertising, email marketing, text messages and local social media. Local marketing 
efforts  also  include  a  variety  of  community-oriented  activities  within  schools,  sports  venues  and  other 
organizations supported with some of the same advertising vehicles mentioned above. 

Domestic Company-owned and franchised Papa John’s restaurants within a defined market are required 
to  join  an  area  advertising  cooperative  (“Co-op”).  Each  member  restaurant  contributes  a  percentage  of 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sales to the Co-op for market-wide programs, such as television, radio, digital and print advertising, and 
sports  sponsorships.  The  rate  of  contribution  and  uses  of  the  monies  collected  are  determined  by  a 
majority vote of the Co-op’s members. The contribution rate for Co-ops generally may not be below 2% 
of sales without approval from Papa John’s. 

The  restaurant-level  and  Co-op  marketing  efforts  are  supported  by  media,  print,  digital  and  electronic 
advertising  materials  that  are  produced  by  Papa  John’s  Marketing  Fund,  Inc.  (“PJMF”).  PJMF  is  an 
unconsolidated nonstock corporation designed to operate at break-even for the purpose of designing and 
administering  advertising  and  promotional  programs  for  all  participating  domestic  restaurants.  PJMF 
produces and buys air time for Papa John’s national television commercials, buys digital media such as 
banner  advertising,  paid  search-engine  advertising,  mobile  marketing,  social  media  advertising  and 
marketing,  and  SMS  text  and  email,  in  addition  to  other  brand-building  activities,  such  as  consumer 
research and public relations activities. Domestic Company-owned and franchised Papa John’s restaurants 
are required to contribute a certain minimum percentage of sales to PJMF. The contribution rate to PJMF 
can  be  increased  above  the  required  minimum  contribution  rate  if  approved  by  the  governing  board  of 
PJMF up to 4% of sales, and beyond those levels if approved by a supermajority of domestic restaurants. 
The contribution rate has been 4% since 2011. 

We provide both Company-owned and franchised restaurants with pre-approved marketing materials and 
catalogs for the purchase of uniforms and promotional items. We also provide direct marketing services to 
Company-owned  and  franchised  restaurants  using  customer  information  gathered  by  our  proprietary 
point-of-sale technology (see “Company Operations – Domestic Point-of-Sale Technology”). In addition, 
we provide database tools, templates and training for operators to facilitate local email marketing and text 
messaging through our approved tools. 

Our  proprietary  digital  ordering  platform  allows  customers  to  order  online.  Our  eCommerce  platforms 
include  “plan  ahead  ordering,”  Spanish-language  ordering  capability,  Google  Wallet®  alternative 
payment  and  enhanced  mobile  web  ordering  for  our  customers,  including  Papa  John's  iPhone®  and 
Android®  applications.  Our  Papa  Rewards®  program  is  an  eCommerce  customer  loyalty  program 
designed  to  increase  loyalty  and  frequency  of  consumer  use  of  our  eCommerce  ordering  platform.  We 
receive a percentage-based fee from U.S. franchisees for online sales, in addition to royalties, to defray 
development and operating costs associated with our eCommerce ordering platform.  

Our domestic restaurants offer customers the opportunity to purchase a reloadable gift card referred to as 
the “Papa Card.” The Papa Card is sold as either a plastic gift card purchased in our restaurants, or an 
online digital card. We sell Papa Cards to consumers on our website and through third-party retailers.  We 
also  sell  cards  in  bulk  to  business  entities  and  organizations.  We  continue  to  explore  other  Papa  Card 
distribution opportunities. The Papa Card may be redeemed for delivery, carryout, and eCommerce orders 
and is accepted at all Papa John’s traditional domestic restaurants. 

In international markets, our marketing focuses on customers who live or work within a small radius of a 
Papa John’s restaurant. Certain markets can effectively use  television and radio as part of their marketing 
strategies. The majority of the marketing efforts include using print materials such as flyers, newspaper 
inserts, in-store  marketing materials, and to  a  growing  extent,  digital  marketing  such as display,  search 
engine marketing, social media, mobile marketing, email, and SMS text. Local marketing efforts, such as 
sponsoring or participating in community events, sporting events and school programs, are also used to 
build customer awareness. 

Company Operations 

Domestic Restaurant Personnel.  A typical Papa John’s Company-owned domestic restaurant employs a 
restaurant  manager  and  approximately  20  to  25  hourly  team  members,  many  of  whom  work  part-time. 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  manager  is  responsible  for  the  day-to-day  operation  of  the  restaurant  and  maintaining  Company-
established operating standards. We seek to hire experienced restaurant managers and staff and provide 
comprehensive  training  programs  in  areas  such  as  operations  and  managerial  skills.  We  also  employ 
directors  of  operations  who  are  responsible  for  overseeing  an  average  of  seven  Company-owned 
restaurants. Senior management and corporate staff also support the field teams in many areas, including, 
but not limited to, quality assurance, food safety, training, marketing and technology. We seek to motivate 
and  retain  personnel  by  providing  opportunities  for  advancement  and  performance-based  financial 
incentives. 

Training  and  Education.  The  Global  Operations  Support  and  Training  department  is  responsible  for 
creating tools and materials for the operational training and development of both corporate and franchise 
team  members.  We  believe  training  is  very  important  to  delivering  consistent  operational  execution. 
Operations  personnel  complete  our  management  training  program  and  ongoing  development  programs, 
including multi-unit training, in which instruction is given on all aspects of our systems and operations. 

Domestic Point-of-Sale Technology. During 2014, we began the roll out of our next-generation point-of-
sale  system,  which  we  refer  to  as  FOCUS,  to  the  majority  of  our  corporate  and  franchised  restaurants. 
Approximately  75%  of  our  restaurants  were  on  FOCUS  as  of  the  end  of  the  year,  with  the  Company-
owned restaurants completed. Substantial completion of the remaining franchisees is expected to occur by 
the end of the first quarter of 2015.   

Our  new  FOCUS  system  facilitates  faster  and  more  accurate  order-taking  and  pricing,  and  allows  the 
restaurant  manager  to  better  monitor  and  control  food  and  labor  costs,  including  food  inventory 
management  and  order  placement  from  the  domestic  QC  Centers.  The  system  allows  us  to  obtain 
restaurant operating information, providing us with timely access to sales and customer information. The 
FOCUS  system  is  also  integrated  with  our  digital  ordering  solutions  in  all  domestic  traditional  Papa 
John’s restaurants, enabling Papa John’s to offer nationwide digital ordering to our customers.  

Domestic  Hours  of  Operation.    Our  domestic  restaurants  are  open  seven  days  a  week,  typically  from 
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 
12:00  noon  to  11:30  p.m.  on  Sunday.  Carry  out  hours  are  generally  more  limited  for  late  night,  for 
security purposes.  

Franchise Program  

General. We continue to attract franchisees with significant restaurant and retail experience. We consider 
our franchisees to be a vital part of our system’s continued growth and believe our relationship with our 
franchisees  is  good.  As  of  December  28,  2014,  there  were  3,928  franchised  Papa  John’s  restaurants 
operating in all 50 states and 36 countries and territories. During 2014, 374 (132 North America and 242 
international)  franchised  Papa  John’s  restaurants  were  opened.  As  of  December  28,  2014,  we  have 
development  agreements  with  our  franchisees  for  approximately  240  additional  North  America 
restaurants, the majority of which are committed to open over the next two to three years, and agreements 
for  approximately  1,000  additional  international  franchised  restaurants,  the  majority  of  which  are 
scheduled to open over the next six years. There can be no assurance that all of these restaurants will be 
opened or that the development schedule set forth in the development agreements will be achieved.  

Approval.  Franchisees  are  approved  on  the  basis  of  the  applicant’s  business  background,  restaurant 
operating experience and financial resources. We seek franchisees to enter into development agreements 
for single or multiple restaurants. We require each franchisee to complete our training program or to hire 
a full-time operator who completes the training and has either an equity interest or the right to acquire an 
equity interest in the franchise operation. For most non-traditional operations and for operations outside 
the United States, we will allow an approved operator bonus plan to substitute for the equity interest. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America Development and Franchise Agreements. We enter into development agreements with our 
franchisees in North America for the opening of a specified number of restaurants within a defined period 
of  time  and  specified  geographic  area.  Under  our  standard  domestic  development  agreement,  the 
franchisee is required to pay, at the time of signing the agreement, a non-refundable fee of $25,000 for the 
first restaurant and $5,000 for any additional restaurants. The non-refundable fee is credited against the 
standard $25,000 franchise fee payable to us upon signing the franchise agreement for a specific location. 
The franchise agreement is generally executed once a franchisee secures a location. Our current standard 
franchise agreement requires the franchisee to pay a royalty fee of 5% of sales, and the majority of our 
existing franchised restaurants also have a 5% royalty rate in effect. 

Substantially all existing franchise agreements have an initial 10-year term with a 10-year renewal option. 
We  have  the  right  to  terminate  a  franchise  agreement  for  a  variety  of  reasons,  including  a  franchisee’s 
failure  to  make  payments  when  due  or  failure  to  adhere  to  our  policies  and  standards.  Many  state 
franchise laws limit our ability as a franchisor, to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise.  

We provide assistance to Papa John’s franchisees in selecting sites, developing restaurants and evaluating 
the  physical  specifications  for  typical  restaurants.  We  provide  layout  and  design  services  and 
recommendations for subcontractors, signage installers and telephone systems to Papa John’s franchisees. 
Our  franchisees  can  purchase  complete  new  store  equipment  packages  through  an  approved  third-party 
supplier.  In  addition,  we  sell  replacement  smallwares  and  related  items  to  our  franchisees.  Each 
franchisee  is  responsible  for  selecting  the  location  for  its  restaurants  but  must  obtain  our  approval  of 
restaurant design and location based on accessibility and visibility of the site and targeted demographic 
factors, including population density, income, age and traffic.  

Domestic  Franchise  Development  Incentives.  Over  the  past  few  years,  we  have  offered  various 
development  incentive  programs  for  domestic  franchisees  to  accelerate  unit  openings.  Such  incentives 
included  the  following  for  2014  traditional  openings:  (1)  waiver  of  the  standard  one-time  $25,000 
franchise fee  if the  unit  opens  on  time  in accordance  with  the  agreed-upon  development schedule,  or  a 
reduced  fee  of  $5,000  if  the  unit  opens  late;  (2)  the  waiver  of  some  or  all  of  the  5%  royalty  fee  for  a 
period  of  time;  (3)  a  credit  for  a  portion  of  the  purchase  of  certain  equipment;  and  (4)  a  credit  to  be 
applied  toward  a  future  food  purchase,  under  certain  circumstances.  We  believe  the  development 
incentive programs have accelerated unit openings and expect they will continue to do so in 2015.  

Domestic Franchise Support Initiatives.  From time to time, we offer discretionary support initiatives to 
our domestic franchisees, including:  

  Performance-based incentives;  
  FOCUS installation incentive program; 
  Targeted  royalty  relief  and  local  marketing  support  to  assist  certain  identified  franchisees  or 

markets;  

  Restaurant opening incentives; and  
  Reduced-cost direct mail campaigns from Preferred Marketing Solutions (“Preferred,” our wholly 

owned print and promotions subsidiary).  

In 2015, we plan to offer some or all of these domestic franchise support initiatives.  

International Development and Franchise Agreements.  We opened our first franchised restaurant outside 
the United States in 1998. We define “international” as all markets outside the United States and Canada. 
In international markets, we have either a development agreement or a master franchise agreement with a 
franchisee  for  the  opening  of  a  specified  number  of  restaurants  within  a  defined  period  of  time  and 
specified  geographic  area.  Under  a  master  franchise  agreement,  the  franchisee  has  the  right  to  sub 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
franchise a portion of the development to one or more sub franchisees approved by us. Under our current 
standard international development agreement, the franchisee is required to pay total fees of $25,000 per 
restaurant: $5,000 at the time of signing the agreement and $20,000 when the restaurant opens or on the 
agreed-upon  development  date,  whichever  comes  first.  Under  our  current  standard  master  franchise 
agreement,  the  master  franchisee  is  required  to  pay  total  fees  of  $25,000  per  restaurant  owned  and 
operated  by  the  master  franchisee,  under  the  same  terms  as  the  standard  development  agreement,  and 
$15,000  for  each  sub  franchised  restaurant  –  $5,000  at  the  time  of  signing  the  agreement  and  $10,000 
when the restaurant opens or on the agreed-upon development date, whichever comes first. 

Our current standard international master franchise and development agreements provide for payment to 
us of a royalty fee of 5% of sales. For international markets with sub franchise agreements, the effective 
sub franchise royalty received by the Company is generally 3%. The remaining terms applicable to the 
operation  of  individual  restaurants  are  substantially  equivalent  to  the  terms  of  our  domestic  franchise 
agreement.  From time to time, development agreements will be negotiated at other-than-standard terms 
for fees and royalties, and we may offer various development and royalty incentives to help drive net unit 
growth and results. 

Non-traditional Restaurant Development. We had 213 non-traditional domestic restaurants at December 
28, 2014. Non-traditional restaurants generally cover venues or areas not originally targeted for traditional 
unit development, and our franchised non-traditional restaurants have terms differing from the standard 
agreements.  

Franchisee  Loans.  Selected  franchisees  have  borrowed  funds  from  us,  principally  for  the  purchase  of 
restaurants from us or other franchisees or for construction and development of new restaurants. Loans 
made to franchisees typically bear interest at fixed or floating rates and in most cases are secured by the 
fixtures,  equipment  and  signage  of  the  restaurant  and/or  are  guaranteed  by  the  franchise  owners.  At 
December 28, 2014, net loans outstanding totaled $18.9 million. See “Note 11” of “Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements” for additional information. 

Domestic  Franchise  Insurance  Program.  Our  franchisees  may  elect  to  purchase  various  insurance 
policies,  such  as  health  insurance,  non-owned  automobile  and  workers’  compensation,  through  our 
wholly-owned  insurance  agency.  Various  third-party  commercial  insurance  companies  provide  fully-
insured  coverage  for  these  lines  of  business  to  franchisees  participating  in  the  franchise  insurance 
program offered by our wholly-owned insurance agency.  

Domestic  Franchise  Training  and  Support.  Our  domestic  field  support  structure  consists  of  franchise 
business  directors,  each  of  whom  is  responsible  for  serving  an  average  of  130  franchised  units.  Our 
franchise  business  directors  maintain  open  communication  with  the  franchise  community,  relaying 
operating and marketing information and new initiatives between franchisees and us. Franchise business 
directors  report  to  division  vice  presidents,  who  report  to  the  Vice  President  North  America  Franchise 
Operations.  

Every franchisee is required to have a principal operator approved by us who satisfactorily completes our 
required training program. Principal operators for traditional restaurants are required to devote their full 
business  time  and  efforts  to  the  operation  of  the  franchisee’s  traditional  restaurants.  Each  franchised 
restaurant  manager  is  also  required  to  complete  our  Company-certified  management  training  program. 
Ongoing supervision of training is monitored by the Global Operations Support and Training team. Multi-
unit  franchisees  are  encouraged  to  appoint  training  store  general  managers  or  hire  a  full-time  training 
coordinator certified to deliver Company-approved operational training programs.  

International Franchise Operations Support. We employ or contract with international business directors 
who are responsible for supporting one or more franchisees. The international business directors report to 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
regional vice presidents. Senior management and corporate staff also support the international field teams 
in  many  areas,  including  but  not  limited  to  food  safety,  quality  assurance,  training,  marketing  and 
technology.   

Franchise Operations. All franchisees are required to operate their Papa John’s restaurants in compliance 
with  our  policies,  standards  and  specifications,  including  matters  such  as  menu  items,  ingredients,  and 
restaurant  design.  Franchisees  generally  have  full  discretion  to  determine  the  prices  to  be  charged  to 
customers, but we have the authority to set maximum price points for nationally advertised promotions. 

Franchise Advisory Council. We have a Franchise Advisory Council (“FAC”) that consists of Company 
and franchisee representatives of domestic restaurants. We also have a franchise advisory council in the 
United  Kingdom  (“UK  FAC”).  The  FAC  and  UK  FAC  and  subcommittees  hold  regular  meetings  to 
discuss  new  product  and  marketing  ideas,  operations,  growth  and  other  business  issues.  From  time  to 
time,  certain  domestic  franchisees  have  also  formed  a  separate  franchise  association  for the  purpose  of 
communicating and addressing issues, needs and opportunities among its members. 

We  currently  communicate  with,  and  receive  input  from,  our  franchisees  in  several  forms,  including 
through the FAC, UK FAC, annual operations conferences, system communications, national conference 
calls,  various  regional  meetings  conducted  with  franchisees  throughout  the  year  and  ongoing 
communications  from  franchise  business  directors  and  international  business  directors  in  the  field. 
Monthly webcasts are also conducted by the Company to discuss current operational, marketing or other 
issues affecting the franchisees’ business. We are committed to communicating with our franchisees and 
receiving input from them.  

Industry and Competition  

The  United  States  Quick  Service  Restaurant  pizza  industry  (“QSR  Pizza”)  is  mature  and  highly 
competitive with respect to price, service, location, food quality and variety. There are well-established 
competitors  with  substantially  greater  financial  and  other  resources  than  Papa  John’s.  The  category  is 
largely fragmented and competitors include international, national and regional chains, as well as a large 
number  of  local  independent  pizza  operators.  Some  of  our  competitors  have  been  in  existence  for 
substantially  longer  periods  than  Papa  John’s  and  can  have  higher  levels  of  restaurant  penetration  and 
stronger, more developed brand awareness in markets where we compete. According to industry sources, 
domestic QSR Pizza category sales, which includes dine-in, carry out and delivery, totaled approximately 
$32.9 billion in 2014, or an increase of 1% from the prior year.  

With  respect  to  the  sale  of  franchises,  we  compete  with  many  franchisors  of  restaurants  and  other 
business concepts. There is also active competition for management personnel and attractive commercial 
real estate sites suitable for our restaurants. 

Government Regulation 

We, along with our franchisees, are subject to various federal, state, local and international laws affecting 
the  operation  of  our  respective  businesses.  Each  Papa  John’s  restaurant  is  subject  to  licensing  and 
regulation  by  a  number  of  governmental  authorities,  which  include  zoning,  health,  safety,  sanitation, 
building  and  fire  agencies in the state  or  municipality  in  which  the restaurant is  located.  Difficulties in 
obtaining, or the failure to obtain, required licenses or approvals could delay or prevent the opening of a 
new  restaurant in  a  particular area.  Our  QC  Centers are licensed  and  subject to  regulation  by  state and 
local health and fire codes, and the operation of our trucks is subject to  federal and state transportation 
regulations. We are also subject to federal and state environmental regulations. In addition, our domestic 
system-wide restaurant operations are subject to various federal and state laws governing such matters as 
minimum wage requirements, benefits, working conditions, citizenship requirements, and overtime. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We  are  subject  to  Federal  Trade  Commission  (“FTC”)  regulation  and  various  state  laws  regulating  the 
offer and sale of franchises. The laws of several states also regulate substantive aspects of the franchisor-
franchisee relationship. The FTC requires us to furnish to prospective franchisees a franchise disclosure 
document  containing  prescribed  information.  State  laws  that  regulate  the  franchisor-franchisee 
relationship presently exist in a significant number of states and bills have been introduced in Congress 
from time to time that would provide for federal regulation of the U.S. franchisor-franchisee relationship 
in certain respects if such bills were enacted. The state laws often limit, among other things, the duration 
and scope of non-competition provisions and the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a 
franchise. Some foreign countries also have disclosure requirements and other laws regulating franchising 
and the franchisor-franchisee relationship. National, state and local government regulations or initiatives, 
including  health  care  legislation,  “living  wage,”  menu  labeling,  legislation  imposing  “joint  employer 
liability”  or  other  current  or  proposed  regulations  and  increases  in  minimum  wage  rates  affect  Papa 
John’s as well as others within the restaurant industry. As we expand internationally, we are subject to 
applicable laws in each jurisdiction where franchised units are established. 

Trademarks, Copyrights and Domain Names 

Our intellectual property rights are a significant part of our business. We have registered and continue to 
maintain federal registrations through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”) for 
the  marks  PAPA  JOHN’S,  PIZZA  PAPA  JOHN’S  &  Design  (our  logo),  BETTER  INGREDIENTS. 
BETTER PIZZA., PIZZA  PAPA JOHN’S BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA. & Design, and 
PAPA REWARDS.  We also own federal registrations  through the USPTO for several ancillary marks, 
principally  advertising  slogans.    Moreover,  we  have  registrations  for  and/or  have  applied  for  PIZZA 
PAPA JOHN’S & Design  in more than 100 foreign countries and the European Community, in addition 
to international registrations for PAPA JOHN’S and PIZZA PAPA JOHN’S BETTER INGREDIENTS. 
BETTER PIZZA. & Design in various foreign countries.  From time to time, we are made aware of the 
use  by  other  persons  in  certain  geographical  areas  of  names  and  marks  that  are  the  same  as  or 
substantially similar to our marks. It is our policy to pursue registration of our marks whenever possible 
and to vigorously oppose any infringement of our marks. 

We  hold  copyrights  in  authored  works  used  in  our  business,  including  advertisements,  packaging, 
training, and promotional materials. In addition, we have registered and maintain Internet domain names, 
including “papajohns.com.” 

Employees 

As of December 28, 2014, we employed approximately 21,700 persons, of whom approximately 18,900 
were restaurant team members, approximately 900 were restaurant management personnel, approximately 
700  were corporate  personnel and  approximately  1,200  were  QC  Center and  Preferred  personnel. Most 
restaurant team members work part-time and are paid on an hourly basis. None of our team members are 
covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our team member relations to be good. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors  

We are subject to various risks that could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and 
results  of  operations. These  risks  could  cause  actual  operating  results to  differ from  those  expressed in 
certain  “forward  looking  statements”  contained  in  this  Form  10-K  as  well  as  in  other  Company 
communications.  Before  you  invest  in  our  securities  you  should  carefully  consider  these  risk  factors 
together with all other information included in this Form 10-K and our other publicly filed documents.  

We  face  competition  from  other  food  industry  competitors,  and  our  results  of  operations  can  be 
negatively impacted by the actions of one or more of our competitors. 

The  QSR  Pizza  category  and  the  restaurant  industry  in  general  are intensely  competitive,  and  there  are 
many well-established competitors with substantially greater financial and other resources than the Papa 
John’s system. Some of these competitors have been in existence for a substantially longer period than 
Papa  John’s  and  may  be  better  established  in  the  markets  where  restaurants  operated  by  us  or  our 
franchisees are, or may be, located. Demographic trends, traffic patterns, the type, number and location of 
competing  restaurants,  and  changes  in  pricing  or  other  marketing  initiatives  or  promotional  strategies, 
including new product and concept developments, by one or more of our major competitors, can have a 
rapid and adverse impact on our sales and earnings and our system-wide restaurant operations.  Such an 
adverse impact could also be caused or exacerbated if our marketing incentives or new product offerings 
are not effective.  

In addition to more established competitors, we also face competition from new competitors and concepts 
such as fast casual pizza concepts.   The emergence or growth of new competitors may negatively impact 
our sales and our system-wide restaurant operations. 

Changes  in  consumer  preferences  or  discretionary  consumer  spending  could  adversely  impact  our 
results. 

Changes  in  consumer  preferences  and  trends  (for  example,  changes  in  dietary  preferences  that  could 
cause consumers to avoid pizza in favor of foods that are perceived as  more healthful, lower-calorie or 
otherwise  based  on  their  nutritional  content)  or  preferences  for  a  dining  experience  such  as  fast  casual 
pizza concepts, could adversely affect our restaurant business. Also, our success depends to a significant 
extent  on  numerous  factors  affecting  consumer  confidence  and  discretionary  consumer  income  and 
spending  and  adverse  economic  conditions  such  as  high  levels  of unemployment,  high  fuel and  energy 
costs and reduced access to credit. Such factors could cause consumers to spend less on food or shift to 
lower-priced  products,  and  adverse  changes  in  these  factors  could  reduce  sales  or  inhibit  our  ability  to 
increase pricing, either of which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.  

Food safety and quality concerns may negatively impact our business and profitability.  

Incidents  or  reports  of  food-  or  water-borne  illness,  or  other  food  safety  issues,  food  contamination  or 
tampering,  employee  hygiene  and  cleanliness  failures,  improper  employee  conduct,  or  presence  of 
communicable disease at our restaurants, QC Centers, or suppliers could lead to product liability or other 
claims.  Such  incidents  or  reports  could  negatively  affect  our  brand  and  reputation  and  a  decrease  in 
customer  traffic  resulting  from  these  reports  could  negatively  impact  our  revenues  and  profits.  Similar 
incidents or reports occurring at quick service restaurants unrelated to us could likewise create negative 
publicity, which could negatively impact consumer behavior towards us.  

We rely on our domestic and international suppliers, as do our franchisees, to provide quality ingredients 
and  to  comply  with  applicable  laws  and  industry  standards.  A  failure  of  one  of  our  domestic  or 
international  suppliers  to  meet  our  quality  standards,  or  meet  domestic  or  international  food  industry 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
standards,  could  result  in  a  disruption  in  our  supply  chain  and  negatively  impact  our  brand  and  our 
business and profitability.  Our inability to manage an event such as a product recall or product related 
litigation could also cause our results to suffer.   

Our success depends on the differentiation of our brand and maintaining the value and quality reputation 
of our brand, and any damage to consumers’ perception of our brand may negatively impact our business 
and profitability. 

Our results depend upon our ability to differentiate our brand and our reputation for quality. Our brand 
has  been  highly  rated  in  U.S.  surveys,  and  we  strive  to  build  the  value  of  our  brand  as  we  develop 
international  markets.  The  value  of  our  brand  and  demand  for  our  products  could  be  damaged  by 
incidents that harm consumer perceptions of the Company and our brand, such as product recalls, food 
safety  issues,  privacy  breaches,  or  negative  publicity.  Any  actions  that  persons  endorsing  our  products 
may  take,  whether  or  not  associated  with  our  products,  which  harm  their  or  our  reputations  could  also 
harm  our  brand  image  and  our  reputation.  Social  media  can  be  used  to  promote  adverse  consumer 
perceptions  with  significantly  greater  speed  and  scope  than  traditional  media  outlets.    As  a  result,  the 
value of our brand and the demand for our products could be damaged and have an adverse effect on our 
financial results. 

We  may  not  be  able  to  execute  our  strategy  or  achieve  our  planned  growth  targets,  which  could 
negatively impact our business and our financial results. 

Our growth strategy depends on the Company’s and our franchisees’ ability to open new restaurants and 
to  operate  them  on  a  profitable  basis.  We  may  fail  to  attract  new  qualified  franchisees  or  existing 
franchisees may close underperforming locations. Planned growth targets and the ability to operate new 
and existing restaurants profitably are affected by economic, regulatory and competitive conditions and 
consumer buying habits. Increased commodity or operating costs, including, but not limited to, employee 
compensation and benefits or insurance costs, could slow the rate of new store openings or increase the 
number  of  store  closings.  Our  business  is  susceptible  to  adverse  changes  in  local,  national  and  global 
economic conditions, which could make it difficult for us to meet our growth targets. Additionally, we or 
our  franchisees  may  face  challenges  securing  financing,  finding  suitable  store  locations  at  acceptable 
terms or securing required domestic or foreign government permits and approvals.  

Our  franchisees  remain  dependent  on  the  availability  of  financing  to  remodel  or  renovate  existing 
locations, upgrade systems, or construct and open new restaurants. From time to time, the Company may 
be  required  to  provide  financing  to  certain  franchisees  and  prospective  franchisees  in  order  to  mitigate 
store closings,  allow new units to open, or complete required upgrades. If we are unable or unwilling to 
provide such financing, we may experience slower than expected new restaurant openings and our results 
of operations may be adversely impacted. To the extent we provide financing to franchisees in domestic 
and  international  markets,  our  results  could  be  negatively  impacted  by  the  credit  performance  of  our 
franchisee loans. 

If we do not meet our growth targets or the expectations of the market for net restaurant openings or our 
other strategic objectives, our stock price could decline.  

Our  results  of  operations  and  the  operating  results  of  our  franchisees  may  be  adversely  impacted  by 
increases in the cost of food ingredients and other commodities.    

We are exposed to ongoing commodity volatility, and an increase in the cost, or sustained high levels of 
the  cost,  of  cheese  or  other  commodities  could  adversely  affect  the  profitability  of  our  system-wide 
restaurant operations, particularly if we are unable to increase the selling price of our products to  offset 
increased  costs. Cheese, historically representing 35% to 40% of our food cost, and other commodities 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
can be subject to significant cost fluctuations due to weather, availability, global demand and other factors 
that are beyond our control. Additionally, increases in fuel, utility, and insurance costs could adversely 
affect the profitability of our restaurant and QC Center businesses. Most of the factors affecting costs are 
beyond  our control,  and  we  may  not  be  able to pass along  these  costs to our customers  or  franchisees.  
Our domestic franchisees buy substantially all of their food products from our QC Center business.  

Our dependence on a sole supplier or a limited number of suppliers for some ingredients could result in 
disruptions to our business. 

Domestic restaurants purchase substantially all food and related products from our QC Centers.  We are 
dependent on Leprino Foods Dairy Products Company (“Leprino”) as our sole supplier for cheese, one of 
our key ingredients.  Leprino, one of the major pizza category suppliers of cheese in the United States, 
currently supplies all of our cheese domestically and substantially all of our cheese internationally. While 
we have no other sole sources of supply, we do source other key ingredients from a limited number of 
suppliers.    Alternative  sources  of  supply  of  cheese  or  other  key  ingredients  may  not  be  available  on  a 
timely basis or be available on terms as favorable to us as under our current arrangements. Our corporate 
and franchised restaurants could also be harmed by a prolonged disruption in the supply of products from 
or to our QC Centers due to weather, crop disease, labor dispute, interruption of service by carriers and 
other  events  beyond  our  control.  Insolvency  of  key  suppliers  could  also  cause  similar  business 
interruptions and negatively impact our business.  

Changes in purchasing practices by our domestic franchisees could harm our commissary business. 

Although  our  domestic  franchisees  currently  purchase  substantially  all  food  products  from  our  QC 
Centers, they are only required to purchase from our QC Centers tomato sauce, dough and other items we 
may designate as proprietary or integral to our system. Any changes in purchasing practices by domestic 
franchisees, such  as  seeking  alternative approved  suppliers  of  ingredients  or  other food  products,  could 
adversely affect the financial results of our QC Centers and the Company. 

Our  international  operations  are  subject  to  increased  risks  and  other  factors  that  may  make  it  more 
difficult to achieve or maintain profitability or meet planned growth rates. 

Our international operations could be negatively impacted by changes in international economic, political 
and health conditions in the countries in which the Company or our franchisees operate. In addition, there 
are  risks  associated  with  differing  business  and  social  cultures  and  consumer  preferences,  diverse  and 
sometimes uncertain or unstable government regulations and structures, limited availability and high cost 
of  suitable  restaurant  locations,  and  difficulties  in  sourcing  and  importing  high-quality  ingredients  and 
other  commodities  in  a  cost-effective  manner.  In  addition,  our  international  operations  are  subject  to 
additional  factors,  including  import  and  export  controls,  compliance  with  anti-corruption  and  other 
foreign  laws,  volatility  in  foreign  currency  rates,  changes  in  tax  laws,  difficulties  enforcing  intellectual 
property and contract rights in foreign jurisdictions, and the imposition of increased or new tariffs or trade 
barriers.      We  intend  to  continue  to  expand  internationally,  which  would  make  the  risks  related  to  our 
international operations more significant over time. 

We are subject to numerous laws and regulations governing our workforce and our operations. Changes 
in  these  laws,  including  health  care  legislation  and  minimum  wage  increases  or  additional  laws  and 
regulations could increase costs for our system-wide operations.     

We operate in an increasingly complex regulatory environment, and the cost of regulatory compliance is 
increasing. Failure to comply with applicable U.S. and international labor, health care, food, safety, anti-
bribery and corruption, consumer and other laws, may result in civil and criminal liability, damages, fines 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and penalties. This could harm our reputation, limit our ability to grow and adversely affect our financial 
performance. 

Domestic  system-wide  restaurant  and  QC  Center  operations  are  subject  to  federal  and  state  laws 
governing such matters as wages, benefits, working conditions, citizenship requirements and overtime. A 
significant number of hourly personnel are paid at rates closely related to the federal and state minimum 
wage  requirements.  Accordingly,  further  increases  in  the  federal  minimum  wage  or  the  enactment  of 
additional state or local minimum wage increases above federal wage rates would increase labor costs for 
our  domestic  system-wide  operations.  Additionally,  social  media  may  be  used  to  foster  negative 
perceptions of employment in our industry and promote strikes or boycotts.  Local government agencies 
have also implemented ordinances that restrict the sale of certain food or drink products. Compliance with 
additional  government  mandates,  including  menu  labeling  requirements,  or  activist  or  union  activity, 
could increase costs and be harmful to system-wide restaurant sales. 

The Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010, requires employers such as us to provide health insurance for 
all qualifying employees or pay penalties for not providing coverage. We, like other industry competitors, 
are complying with the law and are providing more extensive health benefits to employees than we had 
previously provided, and are subsidizing a larger portion of their insurance premiums.  These additional 
costs could negatively impact our operational results.   

Our  expansion  into  emerging  or  under-penetrated  domestic  and  international  markets  may  present 
increased risks. 

Any  or  all  of  the  risks  listed  above  could  be  even  more  harmful  to  the  financial  viability  of  our 
franchisees or could significantly impact the operating results of the Company in markets where we have 
a  Company-owned  presence,  such  as  China.  A  decline  in  or  failure  to  improve  financial  performance 
could  lead  to  reduced  new  restaurant  openings  or  unit  closings  at  greater  than  anticipated  levels  and 
therefore adversely impact our ability to achieve our targets for growth and results of operations as well 
as have a negative impact on market share.  

Our  business  and  brand  may  be  harmed  should  the  services  of  our  Founder,  John  Schnatter,  as  Chief 
Executive  Officer,  President,  Chairman  or  brand  spokesman  terminate  for  any  reason.  Failure  to 
effectively execute succession planning could harm our Company and brand. 

John H. Schnatter, our Founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, does not serve under 
an  employment  agreement,  and  we  do  not  maintain  key  man  life  insurance  on  Mr.  Schnatter.  We  also 
depend  on  the  continued  availability  of  Mr.  Schnatter’s  image  and  his  services  as  spokesman  in  our 
advertising and promotion materials. While we have entered into a license agreement with Mr. Schnatter 
related to the use of certain intellectual property related to his name, likeness and image, our business and 
brand may be harmed if Mr. Schnatter’s services were not available to the Company for any reason or the 
reputation  of  Mr.  Schnatter  were  negatively  impacted.  In  addition,  failure  to  effectively  execute 
succession planning could harm our Company and brand.  

We  may  be  required  to  resort  to  litigation  to  protect  our  intellectual  property  rights,  which  could 
negatively affect our results of operations.  

We  depend  on  the  Papa  John’s  brand  name  and  rely  on  a  combination  of  trademarks,  service  marks, 
copyrights,  and  similar  intellectual  property  rights  to  protect  and  promote  our  brand.  We  believe  the 
success of our business depends on our continued ability to exclusively use our existing marks to increase 
brand  awareness  and  further  develop  our  brand,  both  domestically  and  abroad.  If  we  are  not  able  to 
adequately  protect  our  intellectual property  rights,  we  may  be  required to  resort  to litigation to  prevent 
consumer confusion and preserve our brand’s high-quality reputation. Litigation could result in high costs 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and  diversion  of  resources,  which  could  negatively  affect  our  results  of  operations,  regardless  of  the 
outcome. 

Disruptions of our critical business or information technology systems could harm our ability to conduct 
normal business. 

We  rely  heavily  on  information  systems,  including  digital  ordering  solutions,  through  which 
approximately  half  of  our domestic  sales  originate. We  also rely  heavily  on  point-of-sale  processing  in 
our restaurants for data collection and payment systems for the collection of cash, credit and debit card 
transactions,  and  other  processes  and  procedures.  Our  ability  to  efficiently  and  effectively  manage  our 
business depends on the reliability and capacity of these technology systems.  In addition, we anticipate 
that  consumers  will  continue  to  have  more  options  to  place  orders  digitally,  both  domestically  and 
internationally.  Our  failure  to  adequately  invest  in  new  technology,  particularly  our  digital  ordering 
capabilities, could cause us to lose our competitive advantage and have an adverse effect on our results. 

Our systems could be damaged or interrupted by power loss through various technological failures or acts 
of God. In particular, we may experience occasional interruptions of our digital ordering solutions, which 
make  online ordering  unavailable  or slow to respond,  negatively  impacting  sales  and the  experience  of 
our customers. If our digital ordering solutions do not perform with adequate speed, our customers may 
be less inclined to return to our digital ordering solutions, as frequently or at all. If our systems do not 
operate properly,  we may  not be able to fully realize the significant investment we have  made in these 
systems, and we may need to upgrade or replace these systems, which could require additional material 
capital investment from us and our franchisees. Part of our technology infrastructure, such as our FOCUS 
point  of  sale  system,  is  specifically  designed  for  us  and  our  operational  systems,  which  could  cause 
unexpected  costs,  delays  or  inefficiencies  when  infrastructure  upgrades  are  needed  or  prolonged  and 
widespread  technological  difficulties  occur.  Significant  portions  of  our  technology  infrastructure  are 
provided by third parties, and the performance of these systems is largely beyond our control. Failure of 
our third-party systems, and backup systems, to adequately perform, particularly as our online sales grow, 
could harm our business and the satisfaction of our customers. In addition, we may not have or be able to 
obtain  adequate  protection  or  insurance  to  mitigate  the  risks  of  these  events  or  compensate  for  losses 
related to these events, which could damage our business and reputation and be expensive and difficult to 
remedy or repair. 

We may incur significant costs or loss of sales and consumer confidence resulting from a security breach 
of  our  critical  systems,  network  sites  or  service  providers,  including  a  breach  of  confidential  customer 
information from our digital ordering business. 

We are subject to a number of privacy and data protection laws and regulations. Our business requires the 
collection  and  retention  of  large  volumes  of  internal  and  customer  data,  including  credit  card  data  and 
other  personally  identifiable  information  of  our  employees  and  customers  housed  in  the  various 
information systems we use.  Constantly changing cyber security threats pose risks to the security of our 
systems and networks, and the confidentiality of our data.  As techniques used in cyber attacks evolve, we 
may not be able to timely detect threats or anticipate and implement security measures.  The integrity and 
protection of that customer, employee and Company data is critical to us.  The failure to prevent fraud or 
security breaches or to adequately invest in data security could harm our business and revenues due to the 
reputational  damage  to  our  brand.  Such  a  breach  could  also  result  in  litigation,  regulatory  actions, 
penalties, and other significant costs to us and have a material adverse effect on our financial results. 

Changes in privacy law could adversely affect our ability to market our products effectively. 

We rely on a variety of direct marketing techniques, including email, text messages and postal mailings. 
Any  future  restrictions  in  federal,  state  or  foreign  laws  regarding  marketing  and  solicitation  or 

15 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
international  data  protection  laws  that  govern  these  activities  could  adversely  affect  the  continuing 
effectiveness  of  email,  text  messages  and  postal  mailing  techniques  and  could  force  changes  in  our 
marketing strategies. If this occurs, we may need to develop alternative marketing strategies, which could 
impact the amount and timing of our revenues. 

We have been and will continue to be subject to various types of litigation, including collective and class 
action litigation, which could subject us to significant damages or other remedies. 

We  and  our  restaurant  industry  competitors  are  subject  to  the  risk  of  litigation  from  various  parties, 
including vendors, customers, franchisees, state and federal agencies, and employees. We are involved in 
a  number  of  lawsuits,  claims,  investigations,  and  proceedings  consisting  of  intellectual  property, 
employment, consumer, commercial and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. We are 
currently a defendant in cases containing collective and class action allegations. Plaintiffs in these types 
of lawsuits often seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, and the magnitude of the potential 
loss  and  defense  costs  relating  to  such  lawsuits  may  not  be  accurately  estimated.  Litigation  trends 
involving the relationship between franchisors and franchisees, personal injury claims, employment law 
and  intellectual  property  may  increase  our  cost  of  doing  business.  We  evaluate  all  of  the  claims  and 
proceedings involving us to assess the expected outcome, and where possible, we estimate the amount of 
potential losses to us. In many cases, particularly collective and class action cases, we may not be able to 
estimate  the  amount  of  potential  losses  and/or  our  estimates  may  prove  to  be  insufficient.  These 
assessments are made by management based on the information available at the time made and require the 
use of a significant amount of judgment, and actual outcomes or losses may materially differ. Regardless 
of whether any claims against us are valid, or whether we are ultimately held liable, such litigation may 
be  expensive  to  defend  and  may  divert  resources  away  from  our  operations  and  negatively  impact 
earnings.  Further,  we  may  not  be  able  to  obtain  adequate  insurance  to  protect  us  from  these  types  of 
litigation matters or extraordinary business losses.   

If  pending  legal  matters,  including  the  class  action  litigation  described  in  “Note  17”  of  “Notes  to 
Consolidated Financial Statements,” result in costs in excess of amounts we have accrued, our results of 
operations could be materially impacted.   

We may be subject to impairment charges. 

Impairment  charges  are  possible  due  to  the  nature  and  timing  of  decisions  we  make  about 
underperforming  assets  or  markets,  or  if  previously  opened  or  acquired  restaurants  perform  below  our 
expectations,  particularly  in  our  Company-owned  China  market.  This  could  result  in  a  decrease  in  our 
reported asset value and reduction in our net income.  

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments 

None.  

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.  Properties 

As of December 28, 2014, there were  4,663 Papa John’s restaurants system-wide. The following tables 
provide the locations of our restaurants. We define “North America” as the United States and Canada and 
“domestic” as the contiguous United States. 

North America Restaurants: 

Alabama………………………………………………………… 
Alaska........................................................................................... 
Arizona …………………………………………………………. 
Arkansas………………………………………………………... 
California……………………………………………………….. 
Colorado………………………………………………………... 
Connecticut……………………………………………………... 
Delaware………………………………………………………... 
District of Columbia……………………………………………. 
Florida…………………………………………………………... 
Georgia …………………………………………………………. 
Hawaii........................................................................................... 
Idaho……………………………………………………………. 
Illinois........................................................................................... 
Indiana.......................................................................................... 
Iowa.............................................................................................. 
Kansas........................................................................................... 
Kentucky………………………………………………………... 
Louisiana……………………………………………………….. 
Maine…………………………………………………………… 
Maryland………………………………………………………... 
Massachusetts…………………………………………………... 
Michigan………………………………………………………... 
Minnesota..................................................................................... 
Mississippi.................................................................................... 
Missouri........................................................................................ 
Montana........................................................................................ 
Nebraska....................................................................................... 
Nevada………………………………………………………….. 
New Hampshire………………………………………………… 
New Jersey……………………………………………………… 
New Mexico……………………………………………………. 
New York………………………………………………………. 
North Carolina………………………………………………….. 
North Dakota…………………………………………………… 
Ohio…………………………………………………………….. 
Oklahoma……………………………………………………….. 
Oregon…………………………………………………………..   
Pennsylvania……………………………………………………. 
Rhode Island……………………………………………………. 
South Carolina………………………………………………….. 
South Dakota…………………………………………………… 
Tennessee……………………………………………………….. 
Texas……………………………………………………………. 

Company 
- 
- 
39 
- 
- 
25 
- 
- 
- 
47 
94 
- 
- 
8 
41 
- 
13 
43 
- 
- 
60 
- 
- 
35 
- 
42 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
91 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
7 
- 
31 
84 

Franchised 
82 
9 
40 
25 
214 
25 
17 
15 
10 
229 
62 
14 
12 
107 
89 
25 
22 
69 
61 
7 
41 
24 
50 
17 
32 
30 
9 
16 
21 
3 
72 
17 
108 
78 
5 
160 
31 
15 
95 
5 
62 
11 
82 
184 

17 

Total 
82 
9 
79 
25 
214 
50 
17 
15 
10 
276 
156 
14 
12 
115 
130 
25 
35 
112 
61 
7 
101 
24 
50 
52 
32 
72 
9 
16 
21 
3 
72 
17 
108 
169 
5 
160 
31 
15 
95 
5 
69 
11 
113 
268 

 
 
 
North America Restaurants (continued): 

Utah…………………………………………………………….. 
Vermont………………………………………………………… 
Virginia…………………………………………………………. 
Washington…………………………………………………....... 
West Virginia…………………………………………………… 
Wisconsin………………………………………………………. 
Wyoming……………………………………………………….. 
     Total U.S. Papa John’s Restaurants…………………………. 
Canada………………………………………………………….. 
     Total North America Papa John’s Restaurants……………… 

Company 

Company 
- 
- 
26 
- 
- 
- 
- 
686 
- 
686 

Franchised 

Franchised 
32 
1 
116 
56 
21 
27 
9 
2,564 
90 
2,654 

Total 
Total 
32 
1 
142 
56 
21 
27 
9 
3,250 
90 
3,340 

International Restaurants: 

Azerbaijan………………………………………………………. 
Bahrain…………………………………………………………. 
Cayman Islands…………………………………………............ 
Chile............................................................................................. 
China............................................................................................ 
Colombia...................................................................................... 
Costa Rica..................................................................................... 
Cyprus.......................................................................................... 
Dominican Republic..................................................................... 
Ecuador......................................................................................... 
Egypt............................................................................................ 
El Salvador................................................................................... 
Guam............................................................................................ 
Guatemala..................................................................................... 
India.............................................................................................. 
Ireland........................................................................................... 
Jordan........................................................................................... 
Kuwait.......................................................................................... 
Malaysia....................................................................................... 
Mexico.......................................................................................... 
Nicaragua...................................................................................... 
Oman............................................................................................ 
Panama......................................................................................... 
Peru............................................................................................... 
Philippines.................................................................................... 
Puerto Rico................................................................................... 
Qatar............................................................................................. 
Russia........................................................................................... 
Saudi Arabia................................................................................. 
South Korea................................................................................. 
Trinidad........................................................................................ 
Turkey.......................................................................................... 
United Arab Emirates................................................................... 
United Kingdom........................................................................... 
Venezuela..................................................................................... 
     Total International Papa John’s Restaurants........................... 

18 

- 
- 
- 
- 
49 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
49 

3 
20 
2 
32 
183 
21 
20 
7 
12 
15 
25 
16 
3 
7 
46 
56 
8 
29 
32 
80 
3 
9 
7 
28 
16 
19 
17 
65 
22 
91 
6 
17 
38 
282 
37 
1,274 

3 
20 
2 
32 
232 
21 
20 
7 
12 
15 
25 
16 
3 
7 
46 
56 
8 
29 
32 
80 
3 
9 
7 
28 
16 
19 
17 
65 
22 
91 
6 
17 
38 
282 
37 
1,323 

 
 
 
 
Note:  Company-owned  Papa  John’s  restaurants  include  restaurants  owned  by  majority-owned 
subsidiaries. There were 200 such restaurants at December 28, 2014 (25 in Colorado, 30 in Maryland, 35 
in Minnesota, 84 in Texas, and 26 in Virginia). 

Most  Papa  John’s  Company-owned  restaurants  are  located  in  leased  space.  The  initial  term  of  most 
domestic restaurant leases is generally five years with most leases providing for one or more options to 
renew for at least one additional term. Generally, the leases are triple net leases, which require us to pay 
all or a portion of the cost of insurance, taxes and utilities. Additionally, we lease our Company-owned 
restaurant  sites  in  Beijing  and  North  China.  At  December  28,  2014,  we  leased  and  subleased  to 
franchisees  in  the  United  Kingdom  204  of  the  282  franchised  Papa  John’s  restaurant  sites.  The  initial 
lease terms on the franchised sites in the United Kingdom are generally 10 to 15 years. The initial lease 
terms of the franchisee subleases are generally five to ten years. In connection with the 2006 sale of our 
former Perfect Pizza operations in the United Kingdom, we remain contingently liable for payment under 
25 lease arrangements, primarily associated with Perfect Pizza restaurant sites.  

Seven  of  our  ten  domestic  QC  Centers  are  located  in  leased  space,  including  the  following  locations: 
Raleigh, NC; Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Des Moines, IA; Portland, OR;  Pittsburgh,  PA;  and  Cranbury, 
NJ.    Our  remaining  three  locations  are  in  buildings  we  own,  located  in:  Orlando,  FL;  Dallas,  TX;  and 
Louisville,  KY.  Additionally,  our  corporate  headquarters  and  our  printing  operations  are  located  in 
Louisville, KY in buildings owned by us. Internationally, we own a full-service QC Center in the United 
Kingdom and lease office space near London. We also lease our QC Centers and office space in Beijing, 
China and Mexico City, Mexico. 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings 

The  Company  is  involved  in  a  number  of  lawsuits,  claims,  investigations  and  proceedings,  including 
those  specifically  identified  below,  consisting  of  intellectual  property,  employment,  consumer, 
commercial and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with Accounting 
Standards Codification (“ASC”) 450, “Contingencies,” the Company has  made accruals with respect to 
these matters, where appropriate, which are reflected in the Company’s financial statements. We review 
these  provisions  at  least  quarterly  and  adjust  these  provisions  to  reflect  the  impact  of  negotiations, 
settlements,  rulings,  advice  of legal counsel and  other  information  and  events  pertaining  to  a  particular 
case. 

Perrin v. Papa John’s International, Inc. and Papa John’s USA, Inc. is a conditionally certified collective 
action filed in August 2009 in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, alleging that 
delivery  drivers  were  not  reimbursed  for  mileage  and  expenses  in  accordance  with  the  Fair  Labor 
Standards  Act.  Approximately  3,900  drivers  out  of  a  potential  class  size  of  28,800  have  opted into the 
action. In late December 2013, the District Court granted a motion for class certification in five additional 
states, which added approximately 15,000 plaintiffs to the case. The trial is scheduled for August 2015. 

We  intend  to  vigorously  defend  against  all  claims  in  this  lawsuit.  However,  given  the  inherent 
uncertainties of litigation, the outcome of this case cannot be predicted and the amount of any potential 
loss cannot be reasonably estimated. A negative outcome in this case could have a material adverse effect 
on the Company. 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures 

None. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 

Set forth below are the current executive officers of Papa John’s: 

Name 

Age (a) 

Position 

First Elected 
Executive Officer 

John H. Schnatter 

Robert C. Kraut 

Timothy C. O’Hern 

Steve M. Ritchie 

Lance F. Tucker 

53 

55 

51 

40 

45 

Founder, Chairman, President and Chief 
Executive Officer 

Senior Vice President and Chief 
Marketing Officer 

Senior Vice President and Chief  
Development Officer 

Senior Vice President and Chief 
Operating Officer  

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial 
Officer, Chief Administrative Officer 
and Treasurer 

1985 

2013 

2005 

2012 

2011 

(a) Ages are as of January 1, 2015. 

John H. Schnatter created the Papa John’s concept and started operations in 1984. He currently serves as 
Founder,  Chairman,  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer.  He  previously  served  as  Interim  Chief 
Executive Officer from December 2008 to April 2009, Executive Chairman of the Company from 2005 
until  May  2007,  as  Chairman  of  the  Board  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  from  1990  until  2005,  and  as 
President from 1985 to 1990, from 2001 until 2005 and from 2014 to present. 

Robert C. Kraut was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer in October 2013. From 
2010 until June 2013, Mr. Kraut served as Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing and Advertising at 
Arby’s  Restaurant  Group.  From  2006  until  2009,  Mr.  Kraut  served  as  Vice  President  of  Marketing 
Communications  for  Pizza  Hut,  Inc.  Before  joining  Pizza  Hut,  Mr.  Kraut  held  various  marketing  and 
advertising positions at General Motors. 

Timothy C. O'Hern was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer in July 2012. He 
previously served as Senior Vice President, Development since June 2009, a position he previously held 
from 2005 until 2007. From 2002 until 2005 and from 2007 until 2009, he managed the operations of a 
Papa John's franchisee in which he has an ownership interest. Prior to his departure from Papa John's in 
2002, Mr. O'Hern held various positions, including Vice President of Global Development from February 
2001  to  2002,  Vice  President  of  U.S.  Development  from  March  1997  to  February  2001,  Director  of 
Franchise Development from December 1996 to March 1997 and Construction Manager from November 
1995 to December 1996. He has been a franchisee since 1993. 

Steve M. Ritchie was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in May 2014 and has 
served  as  a  Senior  Vice  President  since  May  2013.  Mr.  Ritchie  has  served  in  various  capacities  of 
increasing  responsibility  over  Global  Operations  &  Global  Operations  Support  and  Training  since  July 
2010. Since 2006, he also has served as a franchise owner and operator of multiple units in the Company's 
Midwest Division.  

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lance  F.  Tucker  was  appointed  Chief  Administrative  Officer  in  July  2012  and  Chief  Financial  Officer 
and Treasurer in February  2011. Mr. Tucker previously held the positions of Chief of Staff and Senior 
Vice President, Strategic Planning from June 2010 to February 2011, after serving as Chief of Staff and 
Vice  President,  Strategic  Planning  since  June  2009.  Mr.  Tucker  was  previously  employed  by  the 
Company from 1994 to 1999 working in its finance department. From 2003 to 2009, Mr. Tucker served 
as Chief Financial Officer of Evergreen Real Estate, a company owned by John Schnatter. Mr. Tucker is a 
licensed Certified Public Accountant. 

There are no family relationships among our executive officers and other key personnel. 

PART II 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer          

  Purchases of Equity Securities  

Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select Market tier of The NASDAQ Stock Market 
under  the  symbol  PZZA.  As  of  February  17,  2015,  there  were  804  record  holders  of  common  stock. 
However,  there  are  significantly  more  beneficial  owners  of  our  common  stock  than  there  are  record 
holders.  The  following  table  sets  forth,  for  the  quarters  indicated,  the  high  and  low  sales  prices  of  our 
common stock, as reported by The NASDAQ Stock Market, and dividends declared per common  share. 
The  2013  sales  prices  have  been  adjusted  to  reflect  a  two-for-one  split  of  the  Company’s  outstanding 
shares of stock. The stock split was effected in the form of a stock dividend and entitled each shareholder 
of  record  at  the  close  of  business  on  December  12,  2013  to  receive  one  additional  share  for  every 
outstanding  share  of  stock  held  on  the  record  date.  The  stock  dividend  of  approximately  21.0  million 
shares of stock was distributed on December 27, 2013.  

Our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  quarterly  dividend  of  $0.14  per  share  on  January  28,  2015  that  was 
payable on February 20, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 9, 2015. 

We anticipate continuing the payment of quarterly cash dividends. The actual amount of such dividends is 
subject  to  declaration  by  our  Board  of  Directors  and  will  depend  upon  future  earnings,  results  of 
operations,  capital  requirements,  our  financial  condition  and  other  relevant  factors.  There  can  be  no 
assurance that the Company will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends.  

21 

2014HighLowDividends Declared per ShareFirst Quarter55.00$    44.95$    0.125$      Second Quarter52.72      40.00      0.125        Third Quarter45.50      37.32      0.140        Fourth Quarter57.00      39.49      0.140        2013HighLowDividends Declared per ShareFirst Quarter31.16$    24.94$    -$          Second Quarter33.61      29.50      -            Third Quarter36.20      32.78      0.125        Fourth Quarter46.12      33.88      0.125         
 
 
 
 
  
Our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $1.325 billion of common stock under a 
share  repurchase  program  that  began  December  9,  1999,  and  expires  December  31,  2015.  Through 
December 28, 2014, a total of 105.6 million shares with an aggregate cost of $1.2 billion and an average 
price of $11.32 per share have been repurchased under this program. Subsequent to year-end, we acquired 
an  additional  224,000  shares  at  an  aggregate  cost  of  $13.6  million.  Approximately  $115.9  million 
remained available under the Company’s share repurchase program as of February 17, 2015. 

The following table summarizes our repurchase activity by fiscal period during the fourth quarter ended 
December 28, 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts): 

The  Company  utilizes  a  written  trading  plan  under  Rule  10b5-1  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of 
1934, as amended, from time to time to facilitate the repurchase of shares of our common stock under this 
share repurchase program. There can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares of our common stock 
either through a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan or otherwise.  

22 

Total NumberMaximum DollarTotalAverageof Shares PurchasedValue of SharesNumber Priceas Part of Publiclythat May Yet Beof SharesPaid perAnnounced PlansPurchased Under theFiscal PeriodPurchasedShareor ProgramsPlans or Programs09/29/2014 - 10/26/2014221            $40.92105,329                       $143,67110/27/2014 - 11/23/2014133            $46.85105,462                       $137,47011/24/2014 - 12/28/2014148            $53.93105,610                       $129,474 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Performance Graph 

The following performance graph compares the cumulative shareholder return of the Company’s common 
stock for the five-year period between December 27, 2009 and December 28, 2014 to (i) the NASDAQ 
Stock Market (U.S.) Index and (ii) a group of the Company’s peers consisting of U.S. companies listed on 
NASDAQ  with  standard  industry  classification  (SIC)  codes  5800-5899  (eating  and  drinking  places).  
Management  believes  the  companies  included  in  this  peer  group  appropriately  reflect  the  scope  of  the 
Company’s  operations  and  match  the  competitive  market  in  which  the  Company  operates.  The  graph 
assumes the value of the investments in the Company’s common stock and in each index was $100 on 
December 27, 2009, and that all dividends were reinvested. 

500

400

300

200

100

0

Dec. 27, 2009

Dec. 26, 2010

Dec. 25, 2011

Dec. 30, 2012

Dec. 29, 2013

Dec. 28, 2014

100.00

100.00

100.00

113.18 

118.43

134.68

154.99

119.06

172.82

216.45

140.85

201.20

370.73

199.25

307.84

464.00

234.24

330.86

 Papa John’s International, Inc.

 NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S. Companies)

 NASDAQ Stocks (SIC 5800-5899 U.S. Companies) Eating and Drinking

 23 

 
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data 

The selected financial data presented for each of the fiscal years in the five-year period ended December 
28,  2014,  were  derived  from  our  audited  consolidated  financial  statements.  The  selected  financial  data 
below  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  “Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial 
Condition  and  Results  of  Operations”  and  the  “Consolidated  Financial  Statements”  and  Notes  thereto 
included in Item 7 and Item 8, respectively, of this Form 10-K.  

(1)  We operate on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday of December of each year. The 
2012  fiscal  year  consisted  of  53  weeks  and  all  other  years  above  consisted  of  52  weeks.  The 
additional  week  resulted  in  additional  revenues  of  approximately  $21.5  million  and  additional 
income before income taxes of approximately $4.1 million, or $0.05 per diluted share for 2012. 
(2)  North America franchise royalties were derived from franchised restaurant sales of  $2.04 billion in 
2014, $1.91 billion in 2013, $1.85 billion in 2012 ($1.82 billion on a 52 week basis), $1.71 billion in 
2011 and $1.62 billion in 2010.  

(3)  International  royalties  were  derived  from  franchised  restaurant  sales  of  $553.0  million  in  2014, 
$460.0 million in 2013, $388.4 million in 2012 ($379.4 million on a 52 week basis), $320.0 million 
in 2011 and $258.8 million in 2010. 

(4)  Restaurant  sales  for  international  Company-owned  restaurants  were  $23.7  million  in  2014,  $22.7 

million in 2013, $16.2 million in 2012, $12.4 million in 2011 and $11.0 million in 2010. 

 24 

(In thousands, except per share data)Dec. 28,Dec. 29,Dec. 30,Dec. 25,Dec. 26,20142013201220112010Income Statement Data52 weeks52 weeks53 weeks52 weeks52 weeksNorth America revenues:  Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales701,854$       635,317$           592,203$           525,841$           503,272$             Franchise royalties (2)89,443           81,692               79,567               73,694               69,631                 Franchise and development fees726                1,181                 806                    722                    610                      Domestic commissary sales629,492         578,870             545,924             508,155             454,506               Other sales74,179           53,322               51,223               50,912               51,951               International revenues:  Royalties and franchise and development fees (3)25,730           21,979               19,881               16,327               13,265                 Restaurant and commissary sales (4)76,725           66,661               53,049               42,231               33,162               Total revenues 1,598,149      1,439,022          1,342,653          1,217,882          1,126,397          Operating income (5)117,630         106,503             99,807               87,017               86,744               Investment income 702                589                    750                    755                    875                    Interest expense (4,077)           (983)                   (2,162)                (2,981)                (4,309)                Income before income taxes 114,255         106,109             98,395               84,791               83,310               Income tax expense36,558           33,130               32,393               26,324               27,247               Net income before attribution to noncontrolling interests77,697           72,979               66,002               58,467               56,063               Income attributable to noncontrolling interests (6)(4,382)           (3,442)                (4,342)                (3,732)                (3,485)                Net income attributable to the Company73,315$         69,537$             61,660$             54,735$             52,578$             Net income attributable to common shareholders72,869$         68,497$             61,660$             54,735$             52,578$             Basic earnings per common share 1.78$             1.58$                 1.31$                 1.09$                 1.00$                 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution 1.75$             1.55$                 1.29$                 1.08$                 0.99$                 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding40,960           43,387               46,916               50,086               52,656               Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 41,718           44,243               47,810               50,620               52,936               Dividends declared per common share0.53$             0.25$                 -$                   -$                   -$                   Balance Sheet DataTotal assets 512,803$       464,291$           438,408$           390,382$           417,492$           Total debt230,451         157,900             88,258               51,489               99,017               Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests (7)-                10,786               11,837               11,065               9,972                 Redeemable noncontrolling interests8,555             7,024                 6,380                 3,965                 3,512                 Total stockholders’ equity98,715           138,184             181,514             205,647             195,608             Year Ended (1)       
 
 
(5)  The  operating  results  include  the  consolidation  of  BIBP  Commodities,  Inc.  (“BIBP”),  which 
increased operating  income  approximately  $21.4  million in 2010  (including  a reduction in  BIBP’s 
cost  of  sales  of  $14.2  million  associated  with  PJFS’s  agreement  to  pay  BIBP  for  past  cheese 
purchases an amount equal to its accumulated deficit). BIBP had break-even results in 2011 and was 
dissolved in 2011.  

(6)  Represents the noncontrolling interests’ allocation of income for our joint venture arrangements. 
(7)  Mandatorily  redeemable  noncontrolling  interest  is  included  in  other  long-term  liabilities  in  the 
consolidated  balance  sheets.  See  “Note  6”  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements”  for 
additional information.  

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Introduction 

Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  (referred  to  as  the  “Company,”  “Papa  John’s”  or  in  the  first  person 
notations of “we,” “us” and “our”) began operations in 1984. At December 28, 2014, there were  4,663 
Papa John’s restaurants in operation, consisting of 735 Company-owned and 3,928 franchised restaurants. 
Our revenues are principally derived from retail sales of pizza and other food and beverage products to 
the general public by Company-owned restaurants, franchise royalties, sales of franchise and development 
rights, sales to franchisees of food and paper products, printing and promotional items, risk management 
services, and information systems and related services used in their operations. 

New unit openings in 2014 were 388 as compared to 386 in 2013 and 368 in 2012 and unit closings in 
2014 were 153 as compared to 121 in 2013 and 88 in 2012. We expect net unit growth of approximately 
220 to 250 units during 2015 of which approximately 75% will be international locations. Our expansion 
strategy is to cluster restaurants in targeted markets, thereby increasing consumer awareness and enabling 
us to take advantage of operational, distribution and advertising efficiencies. 

We  continue  to  generate  strong  sales  in  our  North  America  Company-owned  restaurants  in  a  very 
competitive  environment.  Average  annual  Company-owned  sales  for  our  most  recent  domestic 
comparable restaurant base were $1.06 million for 2014 (52-week year), compared to $988,000 for 2013 
(52-week  year)  and  $953,000  for  2012  (53-week  year).  Average  sales  volumes  in  new  markets  are 
generally  lower  than  in  those  markets  in  which  we  have  established  a  significant  market  position.  The 
comparable  sales  for  domestic  Company-owned  restaurants  increased  8.2%  in  2014,  6.6%  in  2013  and 
5.6% in 2012. “Comparable  sales” represents sales generated by restaurants open for the entire twelve-
month period reported. 

We are pleased with the ongoing growth in both our North America and international franchise restaurant 
sales. The comparable  sales  for  North  America franchised  units increased  6.2%  in  2014,  3.1%  in 2013 
and 2.9% in 2012.  The comparable sales for International franchised units increased 7.8% in 2014, 7.5% 
in 2013 and 7.1% in 2012.  

We  strive  to  obtain  high-quality  restaurant  sites  with  good  access  and  visibility,  and  to  enhance  the 
appearance  and  quality  of  our  restaurants.  We  believe  these  factors  improve  our  image  and  brand 
awareness.  The  average  cash  investment  for  the  11  domestic  traditional  Company-owned  restaurants 
opened  during  2014  was  approximately  $283,000,  compared  to  the  $280,000  investment  for  the  13 
domestic traditional units opened in 2013, exclusive of land and any tenant improvement allowances we 
received. We also opened two Company-owned restaurants in China, with an average investment cost of 
approximately $290,000 which compares to $225,000 for the 11 restaurants opened in 2013.  

Approximately 43% to 46% of our domestic revenues in each of the last three years were derived from 
sales to franchisees of various items including food and paper products, printing and promotional items, 

 25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
risk  management  services  and  information  systems  equipment,  including  the  FOCUS  Point  of  Sales 
system, and software and related services. We believe that in addition to supporting both Company and 
franchised  profitability  and  growth,  these  activities  contribute  to  product  quality  and  consistency 
throughout the Papa John’s system. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The  results  of  operations  are  based  on  our  consolidated  financial  statements,  which  were  prepared  in 
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation 
of  consolidated  financial  statements  requires  management  to  select  accounting  policies  for  critical 
accounting areas as well as estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated 
financial statements. The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully described in “Note 2” 
of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.” Significant changes in assumptions and/or conditions in 
our  critical  accounting  policies  could  materially  impact  the  operating  results.  We  have  identified  the 
following  accounting  policies  and  related  judgments  as  critical  to  understanding  the  results  of  our 
operations: 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Notes Receivable  

We establish reserves for uncollectible accounts and notes receivable based on overall receivable aging 
levels  and  a  specific  evaluation  of  accounts  and  notes  for  franchisees  and  other  customers  with  known 
financial difficulties. Balances are charged off against the allowance after recovery efforts have ceased. 

Noncontrolling Interests 

The  Company  has  the  following  four  joint  ventures  in  which  there  are  noncontrolling  interests  as  of 
December 28, 2014:  

Joint Venture 

Redemption Feature 

Location within the  
Consolidated Balance Sheet 

Recorded value 

Star Papa, LP 
PJ Denver, LLC 
Colonel’s Limited, LLC  No redemption feature 
No redemption feature 
PJ Minnesota, LLC 

Redeemable 
Redeemable 

Temporary equity 
Temporary equity 
Permanent equity 
Permanent equity 

Carrying value 
Redemption value 
Carrying value 
Carrying value 

Consolidated net income is required to be reported separately at amounts attributable to both the parent 
and the noncontrolling interest. Disclosures are required to clearly identify and distinguish between the 
interests of the parent company and the interests of the noncontrolling owners, including a disclosure on 
the face of the consolidated statements of income attributable to the noncontrolling interest holder. 

See “Note 6” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information. 

Stock Based Compensation 

Compensation expense for equity grants is estimated on the grant date, net of projected forfeitures and is 
recognized over the vesting period (generally in equal installments over three years). Restricted stock is 
valued based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant. Stock options are valued 
using a Black-Scholes option pricing model.  

 26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our specific assumptions for estimating the fair value of options include the following: 

The  risk-free  interest  rate  for  the  periods  within  the  contractual  life  of  an  option  is  based  on  the  U.S. 
Treasury  yield  curve  in  effect  at  the  time  of  grant.  The  expected  dividend  yield  was  estimated  as  the 
annual  dividend  divided  by  the  market  price  of  the  Company’s  shares  on  the  date  of  grant.  Expected 
volatility was estimated by using the Company’s historical share price volatility for a period similar to the 
expected life of the option. See “Note 18” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional 
information. 

Intangible Assets – Goodwill   

We evaluate goodwill annually in the fourth quarter or whenever we identify certain triggering events or 
circumstances that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying 
amount. Such tests are completed separately with respect to the goodwill of each of our reporting units, 
which  includes  our  domestic  Company-owned  restaurants,  China  and  the  United  Kingdom  (“PJUK”).  
We  may  perform  a  qualitative  assessment  or  move  directly  to  the  quantitative  assessment  for  any 
reporting unit in any period if we believe that it is more efficient or if impairment indicators exist. We 
elected to perform the two-step quantitative assessment for all reporting units in 2014.  

Our domestic Company-owned restaurants fair value calculation considered both an income approach and 
a  market  approach  and  our  China  and  United  Kingdom  fair  value  calculations  considered  an  income 
approach. The income approach used projected net cash flows, with various growth assumptions, over a 
ten-year discrete period and a terminal value, which were discounted using appropriate rates. The selected 
discount  rate  considered  the  risk  and  nature  of  each  reporting  unit’s  cash  flow  and  the  rates  of  return 
market participants would require to invest their capital in the reporting unit. In determining the fair value 
from  a  market  approach,  we  considered  earnings  before  interest,  taxes,  depreciation  and  amortization 
(“EBITDA”)  multiples  that  a  potential  buyer  would  pay  based  on  third-party  transactions  in  similar 
markets.  

The results of our quantitative assessments indicated the fair values significantly exceeded the carrying 
amounts. Subsequent to completing our annual quantitative goodwill impairment tests, no indications of 
impairment were identified. 

Insurance Reserves 

Our insurance programs for workers’ compensation, owned and non-owned automobiles, general liability, 
property,  and  health  insurance  coverage  provided  to  our  employees  are  funded  by  the  Company  up  to 
certain retention levels. Losses are accrued based upon undiscounted estimates of the aggregate retained 
liability for claims incurred using certain third-party actuarial projections and our claims loss experience. 
The  estimated  insurance  claims  losses  could  be  significantly  affected  should  the  frequency  or  ultimate 
cost of claims differ significantly from historical trends used to estimate the insurance reserves recorded 
by  the  Company.  See  “Note  12”  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements”  for  additional 
information. 

 27 

201420132012Assumptions (weighted average):   Risk-free interest rate1.8%1.1%1.1%   Expected dividend yield1.0%0.1%0.0%   Expected volatility35.7%37.5%37.8%   Expected term (in years)6.0         6.0         6.0          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Income Tax Accounts and Tax Reserves 

Papa John’s is subject to income taxes in the United States and several foreign jurisdictions. Significant 
judgment  is  required  in  determining  Papa  John’s  provision  for  income  taxes  and  the  related  assets  and 
liabilities. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes paid, currently payable or receivable and 
those deferred. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax 
basis of assets and liabilities, and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in 
effect  when  the  differences  reverse.  Deferred  tax  assets  are  also  recognized  for  the  estimated  future 
effects of tax loss carryforwards. The effect on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates is recognized in the 
period in which the new tax rate is enacted. Valuation allowances are established when necessary on a 
jurisdictional basis to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts we expect to realize. As of December 28, 
2014, we had a net deferred income tax liability of approximately $10.0 million. 

Tax authorities periodically audit the Company. We record reserves and related interest and penalties for 
identified exposures as income tax expense. We evaluate these issues and adjust for events, such as statute 
of limitations expirations, court rulings or audit settlements, which may impact our ultimate payment for 
such  exposures.  We  recognized  increases  in  income  tax  expense  of  $117,000  in  2014  and  $305,000  in 
2012 and a decrease in income tax expense of $909,000 in 2013 associated with the finalization of certain 
income  tax  matters.  See  “Note  15”  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements”  for  additional 
information. 

Fiscal Year 

The Company follows a fiscal year ending on the last Sunday of December, generally consisting of 52 
weeks  made  up  of  four  13-week  quarters.  The  13-week  quarters  consist  of  two  four-week  periods 
followed by one five-week period. Our 2014 and 2013 fiscal years consisted of 52 weeks while our 2012 
fiscal year consisted of 53 weeks, including a six-week period in the fourth quarter. The additional week 
in  2012  resulted  in  additional  revenues  of  approximately  $21.5  million  and  additional  income  before 
income taxes of $4.1 million, or $0.05 per diluted common share.  

Two-for-One Stock Split 

The  Company  completed  a  two-for-one  stock  split  of  the  Company’s  outstanding  shares  of  stock  in 
December 2013 effected in the form of a stock dividend. Shareholders of record on December 12, 2013 
received  one  additional  share  for  each  outstanding  share  of  stock  held  on  the  record  date.  The  stock 
dividend  was  distributed  effective  December  27,  2013.  All  share  and  per-share  amounts  have  been 
adjusted to reflect the stock split. 

FOCUS System 

The Company is implementing a new, proprietary point-of-sale system, which we refer to as FOCUS, in 
substantially all domestic system-wide restaurants. As of December 28, 2014, we had installed FOCUS in 
almost  75%  of  our  domestic  restaurants,  including  all  Company-owned  restaurants  and  almost  1,600 
franchised restaurants. Substantial completion is expected to occur by the end of the first quarter of 2015. 

 28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The costs related to implementing FOCUS decreased income before income taxes by approximately $3.7 
million in 2014, or a $0.06 negative impact on diluted earnings per share, as compared to 2013. FOCUS 
had the following impact on our consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended December 28, 
2014 (in thousands): 

(a)  Incentive program tied to franchisee rollout of FOCUS.  
(b)  Represents revenues for equipment installed at domestic franchised restaurants.  
(c)  Includes cost of sales associated with equipment installed at franchised restaurants and other costs 

to support the rollout of the program.  

(d)  Includes  depreciation  expense  for  both  the  capitalized  software  and  for  equipment  installed  at 

Company-owned restaurants which are being depreciated over five to seven years.  

As part of the rollout, we have partnered with a third party to offer a financing option for this system to 
our franchisees. The arrangement with the third party requires us to offer a guarantee for the loans. The 
term of these loans will be five years or less and will require us to perform under the guarantee when a 
franchisee has a late payment in excess of 60 days. The guarantee is limited to the greater of 10% of all 
loans or 100% of all loans that have higher risk profiles. Higher risk profiles are determined based on pre-
established  criteria  including  length  of  time  in  business,  credit  rating,  and  other  factors.  We  have  the 
ability to decline funding on higher risk loans. 

 29 

Year EndedDec. 28,2014Franchise royalties (a)(405)$              Other sales (b)20,143            Other operating expenses (c)(20,629)           Depreciation and amortization (d) (2,834)             Net decrease in income before income taxes(3,725)$           Diluted earnings per common share (0.06)$              
 
 
 
Items Impacting Comparability; Non-GAAP Measures  

The  following  table  reconciles  our  financial  results  as  reported  under  GAAP  to  certain  non-GAAP 
measures. We present these non-GAAP measures to adjust for certain items which we believe impact the 
comparability of our results of operations.  

(a)  The Company follows a fiscal year ending on the last Sunday of December, generally consisting of 52 
weeks made up of four 13-week quarters. In 2012, the Company’s fiscal year consisted of 53 weeks, 
with the additional week added to the fourth quarter (14 weeks) results. The 2012 impact of the 53rd 
week on income before income taxes was an increase of $4.1 million, or $0.05 earnings per diluted 
common share. 

(b)  In  connection  with  a  new  multi-year  supplier  agreement,  the  Company  received  a  $5.0  million 
supplier  marketing  payment  in  2012.  The  Company  is  recognizing  the  supplier  marketing  payment 
evenly  as  income  over  the  five-year  term  of  the  agreement  ($1.0  million  per  year).  In  2012,  the 
Company contributed the supplier marketing payment to the Papa John’s Marketing Fund (“PJMF”), 
an  unconsolidated  nonstock  corporation  designed  to  operate  at  break  even  for  the  purpose  of 
designing  and  administering  advertising  and  promotional  programs  for  all  participating  domestic 
restaurants. The Company’s contribution to PJMF was fully expensed in 2012. 

PJMF  elected  to  distribute  the  $5.0  million  supplier  marketing  payment  to  the  domestic  system  as 
advertising  credits  in  2012.  Our  domestic  Company-owned  restaurants’  portion  of  the  advertising 
credits resulted in an increase in income before income taxes of approximately $1.0 million in 2012. 

 30 

Year EndedDec. 28,Dec. 29,Dec. 30,(In thousands, except per share amounts)201420132012Total revenues, as reported1,598,149$     1,439,022$     1,342,653$     53rd week of operations (a)-                  -                  (21,500)           Total revenues, as adjusted1,598,149$     1,439,022$     1,321,153$     Income before income taxes, as reported114,255$        106,109$        98,395$          53rd week of operations (a)-                  -                  (4,145)             Incentive Contribution (b)(1,000)             (1,000)             2,971              Income before income taxes, as adjusted113,255$        105,109$        97,221$          Net income, as reported73,315$          69,537$          61,660$          53rd week of operations (a)-                  -                  (2,634)             Incentive Contribution (b)(680)                (660)                1,955              Net income, as adjusted72,635$          68,877$          60,981$          Earnings per diluted common share, as reported1.75$              1.55$              1.29$              53rd week of operations (a)-                  -                  (0.05)               Incentive Contribution (b)(0.02)               (0.02)               0.04                Earnings per diluted common share, as adjusted1.73$              1.53$              1.28$               
 
 
 
 
The  overall  impact  of  these  transactions  described  above,  which  are  collectively  defined  as  the 
“Incentive  Contribution,”  was  an  increase  in  income  before  income  taxes  of  approximately  $1.0 
million  in  each  of  2014  and  2013  (or  an  increase  in  diluted  earnings  per  common  share  of 
approximately $0.02 in each year) and a reduction in income before income taxes of approximately 
$3.0 million in 2012 (or a reduction to diluted earnings per share of approximately $0.04).  

The  non-GAAP  results  shown  above,  which  exclude  the  items  impacting  comparability,  should  not  be 
construed  as  a  substitute  for  or  a  better  indicator  of  the  Company’s  performance  than  the  Company’s 
GAAP results. Management believes presenting the financial information without these items is important 
for  purposes  of  comparison  to  prior  year  results  and  analyzing  each  segment’s  operating  results.  In 
addition,  management  uses  these  non-GAAP  measures  to  allocate  resources,  and  analyze  trends  and 
underlying  operating  performance.  Annual  cash  bonuses,  and  certain  long-term  incentive  programs  for 
various  levels  of  management,  were  based  on  financial  measures  that  excluded  the  Incentive 
Contribution. See “Results of Operations” for further analysis regarding the impact of these items. 

In addition, we present free cash flow in this report, which is a non-GAAP measure. We define free cash 
flow as net cash provided by operating activities (from the consolidated statements of cash flows) less the 
purchases of property and equipment. We view free cash flow as an important measure because it is one 
factor  that  management  uses  in  determining  the  amount  of  cash  available  for  discretionary  investment. 
Free cash flow is not a term defined by GAAP, and as a result, our measure of free cash flow might not be 
comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Free cash flow should not be construed 
as  a  substitute  for  or  a  better  indicator  of  our  performance  than  the  Company’s  GAAP  measures.  See 
“Liquidity and Capital Resources” for a reconciliation of free cash flow to the most directly comparable 
GAAP measure. 

The  presentation  of  the  non-GAAP  measures  in  this  report  is  made  alongside  the  most  directly 
comparable GAAP measures. 

 31 

 
 
 
 
 
Percentage Relationships and Restaurant Data and Unit Progression  

The following tables set forth the percentage relationship to total revenues, unless otherwise indicated, of 
certain income statement data, and certain restaurant data for the years indicated: 

 32 

 Year Ended (1)Dec. 28,Dec. 29,Dec. 30,201420132012Income Statement Data:52 weeks52 weeks53 weeksNorth America revenues:Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales43.9%44.2%44.1%Franchise royalties5.6   5.7   5.9   Franchise and development fees0.1   0.1   0.1   Domestic commissary sales39.4   40.2   40.7   Other sales4.6   3.7   3.8   International revenues:Royalties and franchise and development fees1.6   1.5   1.5   Restaurant and commissary sales4.8   4.6   3.9   Total revenues100.0   100.0   100.0   Costs and expenses:  Domestic Company-owned restaurant cost of sales (2)25.0   24.6   23.2   Domestic Company-owned restaurant operating expenses (2)56.5   56.9   57.1   Domestic commissary cost of sales (3)  78.3   77.5   78.1   Domestic commissary operating expenses (3)14.6   14.8   14.2   Other operating expenses (4)95.8   90.0   88.7   International restaurant and commissary expenses (5)83.0   84.9   84.6   General and administrative expenses8.8   9.3   9.8   Other general expenses0.5   0.5   0.6   Depreciation and amortization 2.5   2.4   2.4   Total costs and expenses92.6   92.6   92.6   Operating income7.4   7.4   7.4   Net interest expense(0.2)  (0.1)  (0.1)  Income before income taxes7.2   7.3   7.3   Income tax expense2.3   2.3   2.4   Net income before attribution to noncontrolling interests4.9   5.0   4.9   Income attributable to noncontrolling interests(0.3)  (0.2)  (0.3)  Net income attributable to the Company 4.6%4.8%4.6% 
  
(1)  We operate on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday of December of each year. The 
2014 and 2013 fiscal years consisted of 52 weeks and the 2012 fiscal year consisted of 53 weeks. 
The  additional  week  in  2012  resulted  in  additional  revenues  of  approximately  $21.5  million  and 
additional income before income taxes of approximately $4.1 million, or $0.05 per diluted common 
share.  

(2)  As a percentage of domestic Company-owned restaurant sales.  
(3)  As a percentage of domestic commissary sales.  
(4)  As a percentage of other sales. 
(5)  As a percentage of international restaurant and commissary sales. 
(6) 

Includes only Company-owned restaurants open throughout the periods being compared. 

 33 

 Year Ended (1)Dec. 28,Dec. 29,Dec. 30,201420132012Restaurant Data:52 weeks52 weeks53 weeks  Percentage increase in comparable domestic    Company-owned restaurant sales (6)8.2%6.6%5.6%  Number of domestic Company-owned restaurants included   in the most recent full year's comparable restaurant base646            633         615           Average sales for domestic Company-owned restaurants    included in the most recent comparable restaurant base$1,064,000$988,000$953,000Papa John's Restaurant Progression:North America Company-owned:Beginning of period665            648         598         Opened12              19           8             Closed(4)               (2)            (3)            Acquired from franchisees13              -          57           Sold to franchisees-             -          (12)          End of period686            665         648         International Company-owned:Beginning of period58              48           30           Opened2                11           20           Closed(7)               (1)            (2)            Sold to franchisees(4)               -          -          End of period49              58           48           North America franchised:Beginning of period2,621         2,556      2,463      Opened132            152         182         Closed(86)             (87)          (44)          Acquired from Company-             -          12           Sold to Company(13)             -          (57)          End of period2,654         2,621      2,556      International franchised:Beginning of period1,084         911         792         Opened242            204         158         Closed(56)             (31)          (39)          Acquired from Company4                -          -          End of period1,274         1,084      911         Total Papa John's restaurants - end of period4,663         4,428      4,163       
 
 
Results of Operations 

2014 Compared to 2013 

Discussion of Revenues.  Consolidated revenues increased $159.1 million, or 11.1%, to $1.60 billion in 
2014, compared to $1.44 billion in 2013.  Revenues are summarized in the following table on a reporting 
segment basis.  

The increase in revenues in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to the following: 

  Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales increased $66.5 million, or 10.5% primarily due to an 
8.2%  increase  in  comparable  sales  and  a  2.6%  increase  in  equivalent  units.  “Equivalent  units” 
represents  the  number  of  restaurants  open  at  the  beginning  of  a  given  period,  adjusted  for 
restaurants opened, closed, acquired or sold during the period on a weighted average basis.   
  North  America  franchise  royalties  increased  $7.8  million,  or  9.5%  primarily  due  to  a  6.2% 

increase in comparable sales and a reduced level of performance-based royalty incentives.  

  Domestic  commissary  sales  increased  $50.6  million,  or  8.7%,  primarily  due  to increases  in  the 
prices  of  certain  commodities  (primarily  cheese  and  meats),  higher  sales  volumes,  and  higher 
overall margins.  

  Other  sales  increased  $20.9  million,  or  39.1%,  primarily  due  to  FOCUS  equipment  sales  to 

 

 

franchisees. See the FOCUS System section above for additional information.  
International  royalties  and  franchise  and  development  fees  increased  $3.8  million  or  17.1% 
primarily due to an increase in the number of restaurants and a 7.8% increase in comparable sales, 
calculated on a constant dollar basis.  
International restaurant and commissary sales increased $10.1 million, or 15.1%, primarily due to 
an increase in commissary revenues, particularly in the United Kingdom, with increases in units 
and higher comparable sales. This was somewhat offset by the 2013 year including an additional 
month of revenues at our China Company-owned operations as we changed the reporting cycle in 
the fourth quarter of 2013 to no longer consolidate the results one month in arrears. The impact of 
this change resulted in incremental revenues of $2.1 million in 2013.  

 34 

IncreaseIncreaseDec. 28,Dec. 29,(decrease)(decrease)(In thousands)20142013$%North America Revenues:Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales701,854$         635,317$         66,537$     10.5%Franchise royalties89,443             81,692             7,751         9.5%Franchise and development fees726                  1,181               (455)           -38.5%Domestic commissary sales629,492           578,870           50,622       8.7%Other sales74,179             53,322             20,857       39.1%International Revenues:Royalties and franchise and development fees25,730             21,979             3,751         17.1%Restaurant and commissary sales76,725             66,661             10,064       15.1%Total Revenues1,598,149$      1,439,022$      159,127$   11.1%Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Discussion of Operating Results 

Our income before income taxes totaled $114.3 million in 2014, as compared to $106.1 million in 2013, 
an increase of approximately $8.1 million. Income before income taxes is summarized in the following 
table on a reporting segment basis: 

(a)  Includes FOCUS system rollout costs of approximately $3.7 million in 2014. See the FOCUS System 

section above for additional information.  

Changes in income before income taxes for 2014 in  comparison to 2013 are summarized on a segment 
basis as follows: 

  Domestic  Company-owned  Restaurant  Segment.  Domestic  Company-owned  restaurants’ 
income before income taxes increased $6.4 million due to the 8.2% increase in comparable sales, 
partially  offset  by  higher  commodities  and  higher  automobile  insurance  claims  costs  of 
approximately  $3.5  million.  Additionally,  2014  includes  depreciation expense  of  approximately 
$1.2 million associated with FOCUS equipment costs.  

  Domestic  Commissaries  Segment.  Domestic  commissaries’  income  before  income  taxes 
increased  $1.5  million  primarily  due  to  higher  margins  and  higher  sales  volumes,  which  were 
somewhat  offset  by  higher  workers’  compensation  and  automobile  insurance  claims  costs  of 
approximately  $2.6  million  and  higher  costs  associated  with  various  ongoing  commissary 
initiatives. 

 

  North America Franchising Segment. North America franchising income before income taxes 
increased  approximately  $6.8  million  in  2014  due  to  the  previously  mentioned  royalty  revenue 
increase.  
International  Segment.  The  international  segment  reported  income  before  income  taxes  of 
approximately  $7.3  million  in  2014  compared  to  $2.8  million  in  2013.  The  increase  of  $4.4 
million was primarily due to an increase in units and comparable sales of 7.4%, which resulted in 
both higher royalties and contributed to an improvement of $3.1 million in the United Kingdom 
results. The favorable results were partially offset by unfavorable China Company-owned results 
of  approximately  $700,000  (losses  of  approximately  $3.4  million  in  2014  and  $2.7  million  in 
2013).  The  unfavorable  results  were  primarily  due  to  restaurant  disposition  costs  for  11 
restaurants,  which  were  approximately  $700,000  higher  in  2014.  Additionally,  the  2013  China 
results  included  $215,000  of  incremental  losses  associated  with  the  additional  month  of 
operations  in the  fourth  quarter  of  2013,  as  previously  discussed.  Based  on  prior  experience  in 
other  underpenetrated  markets,  some  operating  losses  can  occur  as  the  business  is  being 
established.  

  All Others Segment. The “All others” segment, which primarily includes our online and mobile 
ordering  business  and  our  wholly-owned  print  and  promotions  subsidiary,  Preferred  Marketing 

 35 

Dec. 28,Dec. 29,Increase(In thousands)20142013(Decrease)Domestic Company-owned restaurants 40,969$         34,590$         6,379$           Domestic commissaries 39,317           37,804           1,513             North America franchising 77,009           70,201           6,808             International 7,250             2,803             4,447             All others(9)                   3,490             (3,499)            Unallocated corporate expenses(49,440)          (41,025)          (8,415)            Elimination of intersegment profits(841)               (1,754)            913                Total income before income taxes (a)114,255$       106,109$       8,146$           Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
Solutions,  decreased  approximately  $3.5  million.  The  decrease  was  primarily  due  to  higher 
infrastructure costs to support our digital ordering business and a lower margin at our print and 
promotions  business,  primarily  associated  with  an  increased  number  of  discounted  direct  mail 
campaigns in comparison to 2013.  

  Unallocated Corporate Segment.  Unallocated corporate expenses increased approximately $8.4 

million. The components of unallocated corporate expenses were as follows (in thousands): 

(a)  The increase in unallocated general and administrative costs was primarily due to higher legal 

and management incentive compensation costs, partially offset by lower travel costs.  

(b)  The increase in net interest expense was primarily due to a higher average outstanding debt 
balance with a higher effective interest rate. Additionally, 2013 included an approximate $1.1 
million  benefit  from  a  decrease  in  the  redemption  value  of  a  mandatorily  redeemable 
noncontrolling  interest  in  a  joint  venture.  An  amendment  in  the  joint  venture  agreement 
during 2014 no longer requires changes in the value to be recorded in net interest.   

(c)  Includes depreciation expense for capitalized FOCUS software development costs and other 

costs to support the rollout of the program.  

(d)  See Items Impacting Comparability; Non-GAAP Measures for additional information.  

Diluted earnings per common share were $1.75 in 2014, compared to $1.55 in 2013, an increase of $0.20, 
or  12.9%.  Diluted  earnings  per  common  share  increased  $0.10  due  to  the  5.7%  reduction  in  weighted 
average shares outstanding. 

Review of Consolidated Operating Results  

Revenues. Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales were $701.9 million for 2014 compared to $635.3 
million  for  2013.  As  previously  noted,  the  10.5%  increase  was  primarily  due  to  an  8.2%  increase  in 
comparable sales and a 2.6% increase in equivalent units.  

North America franchise sales increased 7.1% to $2.04 billion, from $1.91 billion in 2013, as domestic 
franchise comparable sales increased 6.2% and equivalent units increased 1.2%. North America franchise 
sales are not included in our consolidated statements of income; however, our North America franchise 
royalty  revenue  is  derived  from  these  sales.  North  America  franchise  royalties  were  $89.4  million  for 
2014,  representing  an  increase  of  9.5%  from  2013.  As  previously  noted,  this  increase  is  due  to  the 
franchise comparable sales increase and a reduction in performance-based royalty incentives. 

Average  weekly  sales  for  comparable  units  include  restaurants  that  were  open  throughout  the  periods 
presented below. The comparable sales base for domestic Company-owned and North America franchised 
restaurants, respectively, includes restaurants acquired by the Company or divested to franchisees during 
the previous twelve months. Average weekly sales for non-comparable units include restaurants that were 

 36 

Year EndedYear EndedDecember 28,December 29,Increase20142013(Decrease)General and administrative (a)38,647$            34,819$            3,828$       Net interest expense (b)3,458                482                   2,976         Depreciation expense 7,598                6,845                753            FOCUS system rollout costs (c)1,638                -                    1,638         Supplier marketing income (d)(1,000)               (1,000)               -             Other income (901)                  (121)                  (780)           Total unallocated corporate expenses49,440$            41,025$            8,415$        
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
not open throughout the periods presented below and include non-traditional sites. Average weekly sales 
for non-traditional units not subject to continuous operation are calculated based upon actual days open. 

The comparable sales base and average weekly sales for 2014 and 2013 for domestic Company-owned 
and North America franchised restaurants consisted of the following: 

North  America  franchise  and  development  fees  were  approximately  $700,000  in  2014,  a  decrease  of 
approximately $500,000 from 2013 primarily due to lower franchise renewal fees. 

Domestic commissary sales increased 8.7% to $629.5 million in 2014, from $578.9 million in the prior 
year.  As  previously  discussed,  the  increase  was  primarily  due  to  increases  in  the  prices  of  certain 
commodities  (primarily  cheese  and  meats),  higher  sales  volumes  and  higher  overall  margins.  Our 
commissaries charge a fixed dollar mark-up on the cost of cheese. Cheese prices are based upon the block 
price, which increased to an average of $2.12 per pound in 2014 from $1.76 per pound in 2013.  

Other sales increased $20.9 million to $74.2 million in 2014 primarily due to FOCUS equipment sales to 
franchisees. See the FOCUS System section above for additional information.  

International  royalties  and  franchise  and  development  fees  increased  approximately  $3.8  million 
primarily due to a 17.5% increase in franchised units and a comparable sales increase of 7.8%, calculated 
on a constant dollar basis. International franchise restaurant sales were $553.0 million in 2014, compared 
to  $460.0  million  in  2013.  International  franchise  restaurant  sales  are  not  included  in  our  consolidated 
statements of income; however, our international royalty revenue is derived from these sales.  

International  restaurant  and  commissary  sales  increased  $10.1  million,  or  15.1%,  primarily  due  to  an 
increase  in  commissary  revenues  from  increases  in  units  and  higher  comparable  sales,  including  the 
United  Kingdom.  As  previously  noted,  the  2013  year  includes  an  additional  month  of  revenues  at  our 
China Company-owned operations in the amount of $2.1 million.  

Costs and Expenses.  The restaurant operating margin at domestic Company-owned units was 18.5% in 
both 2014 and 2013 with the following differences by income statement category: 

  Cost  of  sales  was  0.4%  higher  as  a  percentage  of  revenues  in  2014  primarily  due  to  higher 

commodity costs, primarily cheese and meats, somewhat offset by a higher ticket average.  

  Salaries  and  benefits  were  0.4%  lower  as  a  percentage  of  sales  in  2014,  primarily  due  to  the 

benefit of higher sales. 

 37 

Domestic Company-ownedNorth America FranchisedDomestic Company-ownedNorth America FranchisedTotal domestic units (end of period)686            2,654          665            2,621          Equivalent units666            2,521          649            2,492          Comparable sales base units646            2,307          633            2,263          Comparable sales base percentage97.0%91.5%97.5%90.8%Average weekly sales - comparable units20,451$     16,031$      18,995$     15,171$      Average weekly sales - total non-comparable units*14,389$     10,588$      12,167$     10,092$      Average weekly sales - all units20,271$     15,570$      18,832$     14,704$      *Includes 150 traditional units in 2014 and 185 in 2013 and 213 non-traditional units in 2014 and 184 in 2013.Year EndedYear EndedDecember 28, 2014December 29, 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Advertising  and  related  costs  as  a  percentage  of  revenues  were  0.3%  lower  as  a  percentage  of 

sales in 2014, primarily due to the benefit of higher sales.    

  Occupancy costs and other restaurant operating costs, on a combined basis, were 0.3% higher as a 
percentage of revenues in 2014 primarily due to higher restaurant driver insurance claims costs of 
approximately $3.5 million.  

Domestic  commissary  operating  margin  was  7.1%  and  7.7%  in  2014  and  2013,  respectively,  with  the 
following differences by income statement category: 

  Cost of sales was 0.8% higher as a percentage of revenues in 2014 primarily due to higher cheese 
costs, which have a fixed-dollar markup. As cheese prices are higher, food cost as a percentage of 
sales is higher.  

  Salaries and benefits and other commissary operating expenses were 0.2% lower as a percentage 
of sales due to the benefit of higher sales. The costs were $6.3 million higher in 2014 primarily 
due  to  higher  sales  volumes,  higher  workers’  compensation  and  automobile  insurance  claims 
costs of $2.6 million and higher costs associated with various ongoing commissary initiatives.  

Other operating expenses as a percentage of other sales were 95.8% in 2014, compared to 90.0% in 2013. 
The  higher  operating  expenses  were  primarily  due  to  the  low  margin  associated  with  sales  of  FOCUS 
systems to franchisees, higher infrastructure costs to support our online operations and the impact of an 
increased number of reduced cost direct mail campaigns offered to our domestic franchised restaurants by 
Preferred. 

International restaurant and commissary expenses were 83.0% in 2014 compared to 84.9% in 2013, as a 
percentage  of  total  restaurant  and  commissary  sales.  The  decrease  of  1.9%  is  primarily  due  to  lower 
operating expenses for the United Kingdom primarily due to the benefit of higher sales.  

General  and  administrative  (“G&A”)  expenses  were  $140.6  million,  or  8.8%  of  revenues  for  2014,  as 
compared  to  $134.2  million,  or  9.3%  of  revenues  for  2013.  The  decrease  as  a  percentage  of  sales  was 
primarily the result of leverage from higher sales. The increase of $6.3 million was primarily due to the 
following:  

  Unallocated  corporate  G&A  expenses  increased  primarily  due  to  higher  legal  and  management   

incentive compensation costs, partially offset by lower travel costs.  

  Domestic  Company-owned  restaurant  supervisor  expenses  increased,  including  higher  bonuses 

from higher profits.  

  International G&A costs were higher due to increased infrastructure, marketing and other support 

costs.  

 38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other general expenses reflected net expense of $8.2 million in 2014, as compared to $6.7 million in 2013 
as detailed below (in thousands):  

(a)  Incentives provided to franchisees for opening restaurants.  
(b)  Includes  higher  disposition  related  costs  of  approximately  $700,000  for  China  Company-owned 

restaurant closures and divestitures.  

(c)  The Perfect Pizza lease obligation relates to rents, taxes, insurance and other costs associated with 

the former Perfect Pizza operations in the United Kingdom. 

(d)  See “Items Impacting Comparability; Non-GAAP Measures” above for further information about the 

Incentive Contribution.  

Depreciation  and amortization  was  $40.0  million,  or 2.5%  of  revenues  for  2014,  as  compared to  $35.1 
million,  or  2.4%  of  revenues  for  2013.  The  increase  of  $4.9  million  is  primarily  due  to  incremental 
depreciation related to both our New Jersey commissary dough production capital expenditures and our 
FOCUS capitalized software costs and equipment costs at Company-owned restaurants. 

Net interest. Net interest expense consisted of the following (in thousands):  

(a)  The increase in interest expense was due to a higher average outstanding debt balance and a higher 

effective interest rate. 

(b)  See “Notes 2 and 6” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information. 

Income Tax Expense.  Our effective income tax rate was 32.0% in 2014 compared to 31.2% in 2013. The 
higher tax rate in 2014 was primarily due to the prior year including favorable state tax settlements. See 
“Note 15” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information. 

2013 Compared to 2012 

Discussion  of  Revenues.    Consolidated  revenues  increased  $96.4  million,  or  7.2%,  to  $1.44  billion  in 
2013, compared to $1.34 billion in 2012.  Revenues are summarized in the following table on a reporting 
segment basis. Alongside the GAAP financial statement data, we have included certain additional “non-
GAAP” financial measures that the Company believes are important for purposes of comparing to prior 

 39 

Increase20142013(Decrease)Franchise and development incentives (a)5,143$        4,645$        498$         Disposition and impairment losses (b)1,870          804             1,066        Provision for uncollectible accounts and notes receivable1,113          604             509           Pre-opening restaurant costs122             458             (336)          Perfect Pizza lease obligation (c)95               305             (210)          Supplier marketing payment (d)(1,000)        (1,000)        -            Other expense880             857             23             Total other general expenses8,223$        6,673$        1,550$      Dec. 28,Dec. 29,(Increase)20142013DecreaseInterest expense - line of credit (a)(4,073)$    (2,131)$    (1,942)$       Investment income702           589           113              Change in redemption value of mandatorily redeemable   noncontrolling interest in a joint venture (b)(4)             1,148        (1,152)         Net interest (expense) income(3,375)$    (394)$       (2,981)$       Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
year  results  and  analyzing  each  segment’s  revenue  trends.  See  “Items  Impacting  Comparability;  Non-
GAAP  Measures”  above  for  further  information  about  our  use  of  non-GAAP  financial  measures. 
Excluding the impact of the 53rd week of operations in 2012, which approximated $21.5 million, revenues 
increased 8.9%. 

The increase in revenues in 2013 compared to 2012 was primarily due to the following: 

  Domestic  Company-owned  restaurant  sales  increased  $43.1  million,  or  7.3%.  Excluding  the 
$10.6 million impact of the 53rd week in 2012, sales increased $53.7 million, or 9.2%, primarily 
due  to  an  increase  in comparable  sales  of 6.6%  and the  net  acquisition of 50  restaurants  in  the 
Denver and Minneapolis markets from a franchisee in the second quarter of 2012.   

  North  America  franchise  royalty  revenues  increased  $2.1  million,  or  2.7%.  Excluding  the  $1.4 
million impact of the 53rd week in 2012, revenues increased approximately $3.5 million, or 4.5%, 
due  to  an  increase  in  comparable  sales  of  3.1%  and  an  increase  in  net  franchise  units  over  the 
prior  year. This increase  was  slightly  offset  by  reduced  royalties  attributable to the  Company’s 
net acquisition of the 50 restaurants noted above.  

 

  Domestic commissary sales increased $32.9 million, or 6.0%. Excluding the $8.5 million impact 
of  the  53rd  week  in  2012,  sales  increased  $41.4  million,  or  7.7%,  primarily  due  to  higher 
commissary  product  volumes,  primarily  resulting  from  increases  in  the  volume  of  restaurant 
sales, higher overall margins and increases in the prices of underlying commodities. 
International  royalties  and  franchise  and  development  fees  increased  $2.1  million  or  10.6%. 
Excluding  the  $150,000  impact  of  the  53rd  week  in  2012,  royalties  and  fees  increased  $2.2 
million, or 11.4%. This was primarily due to an increase in units and comparable sales of 7.5%. 
International restaurant and commissary sales increased $13.6 million, or 25.7%. Excluding the 
$650,000 impact of the 53rd week in 2012, sales increased $14.3 million, or 27.2%. The increase 
was primarily due to an increase in China Company-owned restaurant sales due to an increase in 
units. In addition, we no longer consolidated China one month in arrears, which put China on the 
same  reporting  cycle  as  our  Domestic  operations.  The  inclusion  of  the  additional  month  of 
operations in fiscal 2013 resulted in $2.1 million of incremental revenues. 

 

 40 

AdjustedAdjustedDec. 29,Dec. 30,53rd IncreaseIncrease(In thousands)20132012IncreaseWeek$%52 weeks53 weeksNorth America Revenues:Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales635,317$          592,203$            43,114$      10,600$      53,714$         9.2%Franchise royalties81,692              79,567                2,125          1,400          3,525             4.5%Franchise and development fees1,181                806                     375             -              375                46.5%Domestic commissary sales578,870            545,924              32,946        8,500          41,446           7.7%Other sales53,322              51,223                2,099          200             2,299             4.5%International Revenues:Royalties and franchise and development fees21,979              19,881                2,098          150             2,248             11.4%Restaurant and commissary sales66,661              53,049                13,612        650             14,262           27.2%Total Revenues1,439,022$       1,342,653$         96,369$      21,500$      117,869$       8.9%Year Ended 
 
 
  
 
 
Discussion of Operating Results 

Our income before income taxes totaled $106.1 million in 2013, as compared to $98.4 million in 2012, an 
increase of approximately $7.7 million. Income before income taxes is summarized in the following table 
on  a  reporting  segment  basis.  Alongside  the  GAAP  financial  statement  data,  we  have  included  certain 
additional “non-GAAP’ measures that the Company believes are important for purposes of comparing to 
prior year results and analyzing each segment’s operating results.  

(a)  The 53rd week of operations increased income before income taxes by approximately $4.1 million 
in 2012. The “Adjusted Increase/ (Decrease)” column eliminates the impact of the 53rd week so 
that the 52 weeks of 2013 can be compared to an equivalent 52 weeks in 2012. 

(b)  Includes the $5.0 million of expense related to the 2012 Incentive Contribution to PJMF and the 
related benefit of a $1.0 million advertising credit from PJMF that was received by the Domestic 
Company-owned restaurants. The annual amortization of the $5.0 million ($1.0 million per year) 
is the same in both years presented. The “Adjusted Increase/ (Decrease)” column eliminates the 
impact of the Incentive Contribution for comparability. 

(c)  See  “Items  Impacting  Comparability;  Non-GAAP  Measures”  previously  discussed  for  further 
information. The impact of the 53rd week in 2012 substantially offset the impact of the Incentive 
Contribution. 

Changes in income before income taxes for 2013 in comparison to 2012 are summarized on a segment 
basis as follows: 

  Domestic  Company-owned  Restaurant  Segment.  Domestic  Company-owned  restaurants’ 
income before income taxes decreased $3.5 million. Excluding the 2012 impact of the 53rd week 
and the Incentive Contribution of approximately $2.6 million, income decreased $900,000 due to 
higher  commodity  costs  of  approximately  $5.8  million,  largely  offset  by  incremental  profits 
associated  with  higher  comparable  sales  of  6.6%.  Additionally,  2012  benefited  from  various 
supplier incentives of approximately $1.0 million. 

  Domestic  Commissaries  Segment.  Domestic  commissaries’  income  before  income  taxes 
increased  $3.5  million.  Excluding  the  impact  of  the  53rd  week  in  2012  of  approximately  $1.2 
million,  income  increased  $4.7  million.  The  increase  was  primarily  due  to  higher  commissary 
product  volumes,  resulting  from  increased  restaurant  sales  volumes  from  the  previously  noted 
increase  in  net  units  and  comparable  sales,  and  higher  margins.  The  incremental  profits  from 
higher  sales  were  somewhat  offset  by  higher  costs  of  approximately  $1.4  million  related  to 
bringing  distribution  in  house  at  certain  of  our  commissaries  from  a  third  party  provider.  In 
addition,  we  had  one-time  dough  production  start  up  costs  at  our  New  Jersey  commissary  of 
approximately $700,000 in 2013. 

 41 

IncentiveAdjustedDec. 29,Dec. 30,Increase/53rd ContributionIncrease/(In thousands)20132012(Decrease)Week (a)(b)(Decrease) (c)52 weeks53 weeksDomestic Company-owned restaurants 34,590$         38,114$         (3,524)$       1,609$     1,029$             (886)$                 Domestic commissaries 37,804           34,317           3,487           1,200       -                  4,687                 North America franchising 70,201           69,332           869              1,414       -                  2,283                 International 2,803             3,063             (260)            414          -                  154                    All others3,490             2,889             601              215          -                  816                    Unallocated corporate expenses(41,025)          (48,958)          7,933           (707)        (5,000)             2,226                 Elimination of intersegment profits(1,754)            (362)               (1,392)         -          -                  (1,392)                Total income before income taxes106,109$       98,395$         7,714$         4,145$     (3,971)$           7,888$               Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 

  North America Franchising Segment. North America franchising income before income taxes 
increased  approximately  $900,000  in  2013.  Excluding  the  impact  of  the  53rd  week  in  2012  of 
approximately $1.4 million, income increased approximately $2.3 million due to the previously 
mentioned  royalty  revenue  increase,  partially  offset  by  both  an  increase  in  incentives  and  a 
reduction  in  royalties  attributable  to  the  Company’s  net  acquisition  of  the  50  Denver  and 
Minneapolis restaurants.  
International  Segment.  The  international  segment  reported  income  before  income  taxes  of 
approximately  $2.8  million  in  2013  compared  to  $3.1  million  in  2012,  a  decrease  of 
approximately $300,000. Excluding the 2012 impact of the 53rd week of approximately $400,000, 
income  increased  approximately  $150,000.  This  increase  was  primarily  due  to  the  increase  in 
units  and  comparable  sales  of  7.5%,  which  provided  higher  royalties.  Additionally,  United 
Kingdom  results  improved  by  approximately  $1.0  million  due  to  increased  units  and  higher 
comparable  sales.  These  increases  were  substantially  offset  by  higher  operating  losses  in  our 
Company-owned China market of approximately $2.1 million, including $215,000 of incremental 
losses  associated  with  the  additional  month  of  operations  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2013,  as 
previously discussed. The losses in the China market include a reduction in operating results at 
our Company-owned restaurants, primarily associated with new restaurants, as well as write off 
costs associated with closing one location and the disposition of certain other assets. Additionally, 
2013  reflects  higher  infrastructure  and  support  costs  to  expand  in  this  underpenetrated  market. 
Based on prior experience in other underpenetrated markets, some operating losses can occur as 
the business is being established. 

  All  Others  Segment.  The  “All  others”  segment  income  increased  approximately  $600,000. 
Excluding  the  impact  of  the  53rd  week  in  2012  of  approximately  $200,000,  income  increased 
approximately  $800,000.  The  increase  was  primarily  due  to  an  improvement  in  our  online  and 
mobile  ordering  (“eCommerce”)  business  due  to  higher  online  volumes.  This  increase  was 
somewhat  offset  by  reduced  operating  results  at  Preferred,  due  to  reduced  cost  direct  mail 
campaigns offered to our domestic franchised restaurants.  

  Unallocated  Corporate  Segment.    Unallocated  corporate  expenses  decreased  $7.9  million. 
Excluding  the  impact  of  the  53rd  week  and  the  Incentive  Contribution  in  2012  of  $5.7  million, 
expenses  decreased  $2.2  million.  The  components  of  unallocated  corporate  expenses  excluding 
the 53rd week and the Incentive Contribution were as follows (in thousands): 

(a)  The  decrease  in  unallocated  general  and  administrative  costs  was  primarily  due  to  2012 
including  higher  legal  and  professional  fees  of  approximately  $3.2  million,  primarily 
associated  with  the  Agne  litigation  reserves  (see  “Note  17”  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated 
Financial Statements” for additional information). In addition, management incentives, net of 
salary  increases,  were  lower  in  2013  by  approximately  $1.5  million.  This  was  offset  by 
various  other  general  and  administrative  cost  increases  including  higher  travel,  operators’ 
conference and information technology costs. 

(b)  The  decrease  in  net  interest  was  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  the  change  in  redemption 
value of a mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest in a joint venture, partially offset 

 42 

Year EndedYear EndedDecember 29,December 30,Increase20132012(Decrease)General and administrative (a)34,819$            36,911$            (2,092)$      Net interest expense (b)482                   1,476                (994)           Depreciation expense6,845                7,193                (348)           Perfect Pizza lease obligation (c)305                   (135)                  440            Other (income) (d)(426)                  (1,194)               768            Total unallocated corporate expenses42,025$            44,251$            (2,226)$        
 
by higher interest costs on our line of credit due to both a higher average debt balance and a 
higher effective interest rate. 

(c)  The  Perfect  Pizza  lease  obligation  relates  to  rents,  taxes  and  insurance  associated  with  the 
former  Perfect  Pizza  operations  in  the  United  Kingdom.  See  “Note  17”  of  “Notes  to 
Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information. 

(d)  Other  income  was  lower  primarily  due  to  higher  expenses  associated  with  our  online 

customer loyalty program.  

Diluted earnings per common share were $1.55 in 2013, compared to $1.29 in 2012, an increase of $0.26, 
or  20.2%.  As  previously  discussed,  the  2012  benefit  of  the  53rd  week  of  operations  was  substantially 
offset by the impact of the  Incentive Contribution. Diluted earnings per common share increased $0.12 
due to the 7.5% reduction in weighted average shares outstanding. 

Review of Consolidated Operating Results  

Revenues. Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales were $635.3 million for 2013 compared to $592.2 
million  for  2012.  As  previously  noted,  the  7.2%  increase  was  primarily  due  to  a  6.6%  increase  in 
comparable sales and the net acquisition of 50 restaurants in Denver and Minneapolis from a franchisee in 
the  second  quarter  of  2012.  Excluding  the  impact  of  the  53rd  week  in  2012  of  $10.6  million,  revenues 
increased 9.2%.  

North America franchise sales increased 3.0% to $1.91 billion, from $1.85 billion in 2012, as domestic 
franchise comparable sales increased 3.1% and equivalent units increased 3.2%, somewhat offset by the 
impact  of  the  53rd  week  in  2012.  North  America  franchise  sales  are  not  included  in  our  consolidated 
statements of income; however, our North America franchise royalty revenue is derived from these sales. 
North America franchise royalties were $81.7 million for 2013, representing an increase of 2.7% from the 
comparable period. As previously noted, this increase is due to the franchise comparable sales  increase 
and  an  increase  in  units.  Excluding  the  impact  of  the  53rd  week  in  2012  of  $1.4  million,  royalties 
increased 4.5%.  

The comparable sales base and average weekly sales for 2013 and 2012 for domestic Company-owned 
and North America franchised restaurants consisted of the following: 

North America franchise and development fees were approximately $1.2 million in 2013, or an increase 
of approximately $375,000 from 2012. 

 43 

Domestic Company-ownedNorth America FranchisedDomestic Company-ownedNorth America FranchisedTotal domestic units (end of period)665            2,621          648            2,556          Equivalent units649            2,492          624            2,415          Comparable sales base units633            2,263          615            2,190          Comparable sales base percentage97.5%90.8%98.6%90.7%Average weekly sales - comparable units18,995$     15,171$      17,987$     14,870$      Average weekly sales - total non-comparable units*12,167$     10,092$      12,604$     10,389$      Average weekly sales - all units18,832$     14,704$      17,908$     14,453$      *Includes 185 traditional units in 2013 and 215 in 2012 and 184 non-traditional units in 2013 and 158 in 2012.Year EndedYear EndedDecember 29, 2013December 30, 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic commissary sales increased 6.0% to $578.9 million in 2013, from $545.9 million in the prior 
year.  Excluding the impact of the 53rd week in 2012, the increase was 7.7%.  As previously discussed, the 
increase was primarily due to an increase in sales volumes, higher overall margins and increases in the 
prices  of  commodities.  Our  commissaries  charge  a  fixed  dollar  mark-up  on  the  cost  of  cheese.  Cheese 
prices are based upon the block price, which increased to an average price of $1.76 per pound in 2013 
from $1.69 per pound in 2012.  

Other  sales  increased  $2.1  million  to  $53.3  million  in  2013.  Excluding  the  impact  of  the  53rd  week  in 
2012, the increase was $2.3 million, or 4.5%.  The increase primarily resulted from an increase in online 
fees due to higher online volumes. 

International franchise restaurant sales were $460.0 million in 2013, compared to $388.4 million in 2012.  
International  franchise  restaurant  sales  are  not  included  in  our  consolidated  statements  of  income; 
however, our international royalty revenue is derived from these sales. Total international revenues in our 
consolidated  financial  statements  were  $88.6  million  for  2013  compared  to  $72.9  million  in  2012,  an 
increase  of  $15.7  million.  This  increase  was  primarily  attributable  to  an  increase  in  China  Company-
owned restaurant sales due to an increase in restaurants and an additional month of reported results, as 
previously  discussed.  Additionally,  royalties  and  commissary  sales  increased  due  to  an  increase  in 
franchised  units  and  the  7.5%  increase  in  comparable  sales,  calculated  on  a  constant  dollar  basis.  Our 
PJUK  operations  represented  48%  of  international  revenues  in  2013  and  51%  in  2012  and  our  China 
Company-owned operations represented approximately 28% of international revenues in 2013 and 22% 
in 2012. 

Costs and Expenses.  The restaurant operating margin at domestic Company-owned units was 18.5% in 
2013 compared to 19.7% in 2012 (19.5% excluding the $1.0 million advertising credit from PJMF). The 
decrease of 1.2% consisted of the following differences: 

  Cost  of  sales  was  1.4%  higher  as  a  percentage  of  sales  in  2013  due  to  both  higher  commodity 
costs of approximately $5.8 million, including cheese, dough and meats, as well as lower national 
promotion pricing. 2012 also included various supplier incentives, as previously noted.   

  Salaries  and  benefits  were  0.3%  lower  as  a  percentage  of  sales  in  2013,  primarily  due  to  the 

benefit of higher sales volumes. 

  Advertising  and  related  costs  as  a  percentage  of  sales  were  relatively  flat  year-over-year;  2012 

included a $1.0 million advertising credit received from PJMF.   

  Occupancy costs and other restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of sales were relatively 

consistent (20.3% in 2013 and 20.4% in 2012). 

Domestic commissary operating margin was 7.7% in both 2013 and 2012, with the following differences 
by income statement line:  

  Cost  of  sales  was  0.6%  lower  as  a  percentage  of  revenues  in  2013  primarily  due  to  pricing 

changes. 

  Salaries and benefits and other commissary operating expenses were 0.6% higher as a percentage 
of  revenues  in  2013.  This  was  primarily  attributable  to  higher  distribution  and  other  operating 
costs related to bringing distribution in house for certain of our commissaries from a third party 
provider and  the  start  up  dough  production  costs  at  our  New  Jersey  commissary,  as  previously 
discussed. 

Other operating expenses as a percentage of other sales were 90.0% in 2013, compared to 88.7% in 2012. 
The higher operating expenses were primarily due to the impact of the reduced cost direct mail campaigns 
offered to our domestic franchised restaurants by Preferred. 

 44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
International restaurant and commissary expenses were 84.9% in 2013 compared to 84.6% in 2012, as a 
percentage of total restaurant and commissary sales. The increase of 0.3% is primarily attributable to the 
higher  operating  expenses  associated  with  our  China  Company-owned  restaurant  operations.  As 
previously  noted,  our  China  Company-owned  restaurant  operations  represented  approximately  28%  of 
international revenues in 2013 and 22% in 2012, an increase of 6%, and our PJUK operations represented 
48% of international revenues in 2013, a decrease of 3%.  

General and administrative expenses were $134.2 million, or 9.3% of revenues for 2013, as compared to 
$131.6  million,  or  9.8%  of  revenues  for  2012. The  decrease  as  a  percentage  of sales  was  primarily  the 
result of leverage from higher sales. Additionally, 2012 included approximately $3.3 million related to the 
previously  discussed  Agne  text  messaging  class  action,  which  increased  the  2012  general  and 
administrative expenses percentage by approximately 0.2%. 

Other general expenses reflected net expense of $6.7 million in 2013, as compared to $8.3 million in 2012 
as detailed below (in thousands):  

(a)   See  “Items  Impacting  Comparability;  Non-GAAP  Measures”  above  for  further  information 

about the Incentive Contribution.  
Includes incentives provided to domestic franchisees for opening restaurants. 

(b)  
(c)  Disposition  and  impairment  losses  include  costs  associated  with  the  disposition  of  certain 

systems and other equipment, which were higher in 2013. 

(d)   The  Perfect  Pizza  lease  obligation  relates  to  rents,  taxes  and  insurance  associated  with  the 

former Perfect Pizza operations in the United Kingdom. 

(e)  The  increase is  primarily  due  to  higher  expenses associated  with  our  online  customer  loyalty 

program. 

Depreciation  and amortization  was  $35.1  million,  or 2.4%  of  revenues  for  2013,  as  compared to  $32.8 
million,  or  2.4%  of  revenues,  for  2012.  The  increase  of  $2.3  million  is  primarily  due  to  higher 
depreciation for our domestic commissaries, primarily attributable to incremental depreciation related to 
the  New  Jersey  dough  production  capital  expenditures,  and  higher  international  depreciation  costs 
primarily associated with the additional number of China Company-owned restaurants. 

 45 

Increase20132012(Decrease)Supplier marketing payment (a)(1,000)$  4,000$      (5,000)$     Franchise and development incentives and initiatives (b)4,645      3,194        1,451        Disposition and impairment losses (c)804         362           442           Pre-opening restaurant costs458         321           137           Perfect Pizza lease obligation (d)305         (135)          440           Other expense (e)1,461      571           890           Total other general expenses6,673$    8,313$      (1,640)$      
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest. Net interest expense consisted of the following (in thousands):  

(a)  The increase  in  interest  expense  was  due  to  a  higher  average  outstanding  debt balance  and a 

higher effective interest rate. 

(b)  See  “Notes  2  and  6”  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements”  for  additional 

information. 

Income Tax Expense.  Our effective income tax rate was 31.2% in 2013 compared to 32.9% in 2012. The 
lower tax rate in 2013 includes both higher levels of tax credits, including Work Opportunity Tax Credit 
and state and federal research and experimentation credits, as well as favorable nonrecurring settlements 
of  specific  state  tax  matters.  We  recognized  a  decrease  of  $909,000  in  our  2013  income  tax  expense 
associated with the finalization of certain income tax matters while we recognized additional income tax 
expense  in  2012  of  approximately  $305,000.  See  “Note  15”  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements” for additional information. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Our  debt  is  comprised  entirely  of  an  unsecured  revolving  credit  facility  with  outstanding  balances  of 
$230.5 million as of December 28, 2014 and $157.9 million as of December 29, 2013. The increase in the 
outstanding  balance  was  primarily  due  to  borrowings  to  fund  increased  share  repurchases  and  to  pay 
dividends. 

On October 31, 2014, we amended our unsecured revolving line of credit facility (“Amended Line”) to 
increase the amount available from $300 million to $400 million and extend the maturity date from April 
30,  2018  to  October  31,  2019.  Additionally,  we  have  the  option  to  increase  the  Amended  Line  an 
additional $100 million. The interest rate charged on outstanding balances is LIBOR plus 75 to 175 basis 
points.  The commitment fee on the unused balance ranges from 15 to 25 basis points. The increment over 
LIBOR  and  the  commitment  fee  are  determined  quarterly  based upon the ratio of  total  indebtedness to 
consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), as defined by the 
Amended  Line. The  remaining  availability  under  the  Amended  Line,  reduced  for  outstanding  letters  of 
credit approximates $148.2 million. 

We use interest rate swaps to hedge against the effects of potential interest rate increases on borrowings 
under  our  revolving  credit facility.  On July  30, 2013,  we  terminated  our $50  million  interest  rate  swap 
agreement, which had a fixed rate of 0.56%. Upon termination of the $50 million swap, we entered into a 
$75 million swap with an interest rate of 1.42% and a maturity date of April 30, 2018. In May 2014, we 
entered into a $50 million forward interest rate swap with an interest rate of 1.36%, an effective date of 
December  30,  2014  and  a  maturity  date  of  April  30,  2018.  See  “Note  9”  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated 
Financial Statements” for additional information.  

 46 

Dec. 29,Dec. 30,(Increase)20132012DecreaseInterest expense - line of credit (a)(2,131)$    (1,114)$    (1,017)$       Investment income589           750           (161)            Change in redemption value of mandatorily redeemable   noncontrolling interest in a joint venture (b)1,148        (1,048)      2,196           Net interest (expense) income(394)$       (1,412)$    1,018$         Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our  credit  facility  contains  affirmative  and  negative  covenants,  including  the  following  financial 
covenants, as defined by the credit facility: 

Our  leverage  ratio is  defined  as  outstanding  debt  divided  by  consolidated  EBITDA  for  the  most  recent 
four  fiscal  quarters.  Our  interest  coverage  ratio  is  defined  as  the  sum  of  consolidated  EBITDA  and 
consolidated  rental  expense  for  the  most  recent four fiscal  quarters  divided by  the  sum  of  consolidated 
interest  expense  and  consolidated  rental  expense  for  the  most  recent  four  fiscal  quarters.  We  were  in 
compliance with all covenants as of December 28, 2014. 

Cash flow provided by operating activities was $122.6 million for 2014 as compared to $101.4 million in 
2013. The increase of approximately $21.3 million was primarily due to higher net income and favorable 
changes in working capital and other operating activities including higher depreciation and amortization 
expense.  Cash  flow  provided  by  operating  activities  decreased  to  $101.4  million  in  2013  from  $104.4 
million in 2012, primarily due to working capital needs offset somewhat by higher net income.  

The Company’s free cash flow for the last three years was as follows (in thousands):  

(a)  We  require  capital  primarily  for  the  development,  acquisition,  renovation  and  maintenance  of 
restaurants,  the  development,  renovation  and  maintenance  of  commissary  facilities  and 
equipment  and  the  enhancement  of  corporate  systems  and  facilities,  including  technological 
enhancements. The purchases for 2014 include FOCUS equipment costs for domestic Company-
owned  restaurants  and technology  investments,  including  FOCUS  software  development  costs. 
The purchases  for 2013 include expenditures on equipment for New Jersey commissary dough 
production,  technology  investments,  including  FOCUS  software  development  costs,  and  China 
new  restaurant  builds.  Purchases  of  property  and  equipment  are  summarized  by  operating 
segment in “Note 20” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.” 

(b)  We  define  free  cash  flow  as  net  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  (from  the  consolidated 
statements  of  cash  flows) less  the  purchases  of  property  and  equipment.  See  “Items  Impacting 
Comparability; Non-GAAP Measures” for more information about this non-GAAP measure, its 
limitations  and  why  we  present  free  cash  flow  alongside  the  most  directly  comparable  GAAP 
measure. 

 47 

Permitted RatioActual Ratio for the Year Ended December 28, 2014Leverage RatioNot to exceed 3.0 to 1.01.5 to 1.0Interest Coverage RatioNot less than 3.5 to 1.05.0 to 1.0Dec. 28,Dec. 29,Dec. 30,201420132012Net cash provided by operating activities122,632$   101,360$   104,379$   Purchase of property and equipment (a)(48,655)      (50,750)      (42,628)      Free cash flow (b)73,977$     50,610$     61,751$     Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
  
We require capital for share repurchases and the payment of cash dividends. The following is a summary 
of our common share repurchases, as adjusted for the stock split, for the last three years (in thousands, 
except average price per share): 

Subsequent to December 28, 2014, we acquired an additional 224,000 shares at an aggregate cost of $13.6 
million.  Approximately  $115.9  million  remained  available  through  December  31,  2015  under  the 
Company’s share repurchase program as of February 17, 2015.  

In 2014 and 2013, we paid cash dividends of $21.7 million and $10.8 million, respectively (first dividend 
payment in September 2013). Additionally, on January 28, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a first 
quarter 2015 cash dividend of $0.14 per share, or approximately $5.6 million. The dividend was paid on 
February  20,  2015  to  shareholders  of  record  as  of  the  close  of  business  on  February  9,  2015.  The 
declaration  and  payment  of  any  future  dividends  will  be  at  the  discretion  of  the  Board  of  Directors, 
subject to the Company’s financial results, cash requirements, and other factors deemed relevant by the 
Board of Directors. 

Contractual obligations and payments as of December 28, 2014 due by year are as follows (in thousands): 

(1)  We utilize interest rate swaps to hedge against $125 million of our variable rate debt. The value of 
our interest  rate  swaps  was  $376,000 at  December  28,  2014  and  was recorded in  other  current  and 
other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.  

(2)  Represents  estimated  interest  payments  on  our  revolving  line  of  credit  balance  outstanding  as  of 
December  28,  2014.  The  interest  payments  assume  the  outstanding  balance  on  our  $400  million 
unsecured revolving credit facility will remain at $230.5 million until the maturity date of October 31, 
2019.  Interest  payments  are  calculated  based  on  LIBOR  plus  the  applicable  margin  in  effect  at 
December  28,  2014,  and  considers  the  interest  rate  swap  agreements  in  effect  until  April  30,  2018 
(interest rates of 1.36% and 1.42%). The actual interest rates on our variable rate debt and the amount 
of our indebtedness could vary from those used to compute the above interest payments. See “Note 9” 
of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information concerning our debt and 
credit arrangements.  

(3)  See “Note 17” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.  

 48 

Fiscal YearNumber of Shares RepurchasedTotal Cash PaidAverage Price Per Share20124,552                 $106,095$23.3120133,538                 $118,569$33.5120142,562                 $117,400$45.82Less than 1 Year1-3 Years3-5 YearsAfter 5 YearsTotalContractual Obligations:Revolving credit facility (1)-$           -$           230,451$   -$           230,451$   Interest payments (2)4,803         9,606         6,505         -             20,914       Total debt4,803         9,606         236,956     -             251,365     Operating leases (3)40,062       65,951       41,007       38,255       185,275     Total contractual obligations44,865$     75,557$     277,963$   38,255$     436,640$   Payments Due by Period 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
The above table does not include the following: 

  Unrecognized tax benefits of $2.8 million since we are not able to make reasonable estimates of 

the period of cash settlement with respect to the taxing authority. 

  Redeemable noncontrolling interests of $8.6 million as we are not able to predict the timing of the 

redemptions.  

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

The  off-balance  sheet  arrangements  that  are  reasonably  likely  to  have  a  current  or  future  effect  on  the 
Company’s  financial  condition  are  operating  leases  of  Company-owned  restaurant  sites,  QC  Centers, 
office space and transportation equipment. 

We guarantee leases for certain Papa John’s domestic franchisees, who purchased restaurants that were 
previously  Company-owned,  as  well  as  approximately  25  leases  in  the  United  Kingdom  in  connection 
with  the  2006  sale  of  our  former  Perfect  Pizza  operations.  We  are  contingently  liable  on  these  leases. 
These  leases  have  varying  terms,  the  latest  of  which  expires  in  2018.  As  of  December  28,  2014,  the 
estimated  maximum  amount  of  undiscounted  payments  the  Company  could  be  required  to  make  in  the 
event of nonpayment by the primary lessees was approximately $1.1 million. 

We  have  certain  other  commercial  commitments  where  payment  is  contingent  upon  the  occurrence  of 
certain events. Such commitments include the following by year (in thousands): 

We  are  party  to  standby  letters  of  credit  with  off-balance  sheet  risk  associated  with  our  insurance 
programs.  See  “Notes  9,  12  and  17”  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements”  for  additional 
information related to contractual and other commitments.  

 49 

Less than 1-33-5After1 YearYearsYears5 YearsTotalOther Commercial Commitments:Standby letters of credit21,312$     -$        -$      -$       21,312$  Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward-Looking Statements 

Certain  matters  discussed  in  this  report,  including  information  within  Management’s  Discussion  and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, constitute forward-looking statements within 
the  meaning  of  the  federal  securities  laws.  Generally,  the  use  of  words  such  as  “expect,”  “estimate,” 
“believe,”  “anticipate,”  “will,”  “forecast,”  “plan,”  “project,”  or  similar  words  identify  forward-looking 
statements  that  we  intend  to  be  included  within  the  safe  harbor  protections  provided  by  the  federal 
securities  laws.  Such  forward-looking  statements  may  relate  to  projections  or  guidance  concerning 
business performance, revenue, earnings, contingent liabilities, resolution of litigation, commodity costs, 
profit  margins,  unit  growth,  capital  expenditures,  and  other  financial  and  operational  measures.  Such 
statements  are  not  guarantees  of  future  performance  and  involve  certain  risks,  uncertainties  and 
assumptions, which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, actual 
outcomes  and  results  may  differ  materially  from  those  matters  expressed  or  implied  in  such  forward-
looking  statements.  The  risks,  uncertainties  and  assumptions  that  are  involved  in  our  forward-looking 
statements include, but are not limited to: 

 

 

 

 
 

 

aggressive changes in pricing or other marketing or promotional strategies by competitors, which 
may  adversely  affect  sales;  and  new  product  and  concept  developments  by  food  industry 
competitors; 
changes  in  consumer  preferences  or  consumer  buying  habits,  including  the  impact  of  adverse 
general economic conditions; 
the impact that product recalls, food quality or safety issues, incidences of foodborne illness, food 
contamination  and  other  general  public  health  concerns,  including  potential  epidemics,  could 
have system-wide on our restaurants or our results;  
failure to maintain our brand strength and quality reputation; 
the ability of the  Company and its franchisees to meet planned growth targets and operate new 
and existing restaurants profitably; 
increases  in  or  sustained  high  costs  of  food  ingredients  or  other  restaurant  costs.  This  could 
include  increased  employee  compensation,  benefits,  insurance,  tax  rates,  regulatory  compliance 
and similar costs; including increased costs resulting from federal health care legislation; 

 

  disruption  of  our  supply  chain  or  commissary  operations  which  could  be  caused  by  our  sole 
source  of  supply  of  cheese  or  limited  source  of  suppliers  for  other  key  ingredients  or  more 
generally due to weather, drought, disease, geopolitical or other disruptions beyond our control; 
increased  risks  associated  with  our  international  operations,  including  economic  and  political 
conditions, instability  in  our  international  markets,  fluctuations in currency  exchange  rates,  and 
difficulty  in  meeting  planned  sales  targets  and  new  store  growth.  This  could  include  our 
expansion into emerging or underpenetrated markets, such as China, where we have a Company-
owned  presence.  Based  on  prior  experience  in  underpenetrated  markets,  operating  losses  are 
likely to occur as the market is being established; 
the impact of changes in interest rates on the Company or our franchisees; 
the credit performance of our franchise loan or guarantee programs; 
the impact of the resolution of current or future claims and litigation; 
current or proposed legislation impacting our business; 
failure to effectively execute succession planning, and our reliance on the multiple roles of our 
Founder,  Chairman,  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer,  who  also  serves  as  our  brand 
spokesperson; and 

 
 
 
 
 

  disruption  of  critical  business  or  information  technology  systems,  and  risks  associated  with 
systems failures and data privacy and security breaches, including theft of  Company, employee 
and customer information. 

 50 

 
 
 
These and other risk factors are discussed in detail in  “Part I.  Item 1A.  – Risk  Factors” of this Annual 
Report  on  Form  10-K.  We  undertake  no  obligation  to  update  publicly  any  forward-looking  statements, 
whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise, except as required by law. 

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

Interest Rate Risk 

Our  debt  is  comprised  entirely  of  an  unsecured  revolving  credit  facility  with  outstanding  balances  of 
$230.5 million as of December 28, 2014 and $157.9 million as of December 29, 2013. On October 31, 
2014,  we  amended  our  unsecured  revolving  credit  facility  (“Amended  Line”)  to  increase  the  amount 
available from $300 million to $400 million and extend the maturity date from April 30, 2018 to October 
31, 2019. Additionally, we have the option to increase the Amended Line an additional $100 million. The 
interest rate charged on the outstanding balances is LIBOR plus 75 to 175 basis points. The commitment 
fee on the unused balance ranges from 15 to 25 basis points.  

We attempt to minimize interest risk exposure and to lower our overall borrowing costs for changes in 
interest rates through the utilization of interest rate swaps, which are derivative financial instruments. Our 
swaps are entered into with financial institutions and have reset dates and critical terms that match those 
of the underlying debt. By using a derivative instrument to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, 
we expose ourselves to credit risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms 
of  the  derivative  contract.  We  minimize  the  credit  risk  by  entering  into  transactions  with  high-quality 
counterparties whose credit rating is evaluated on a quarterly basis.  

On July 30, 2013, we terminated our $50 million interest rate swap agreement, which had a fixed rate of 
0.56%. Upon termination of the  $50 million swap, we  entered into a $75 million swap with an interest 
rate of 1.42% and a maturity date of April 30, 2018. In May 2014, we entered into a $50 million forward 
interest rate swap with an interest rate of 1.36%, an effective date of December 30, 2014 and a maturity 
date of April 30, 2018. 

The effective interest rate on the revolving line of credit, including the impact of the  interest rate swap 
agreements,  was  2.1%  as  of  December  28,  2014.  An  increase  in  the  present  interest  rate  of  100  basis 
points  on  the  line  of  credit  balance  outstanding  as  of  December  28,  2014,  including  the  impact  of  the 
interest rate swaps, would increase interest expense by $1.1 million. 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk  

We do not enter into financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rates since only 6.4% of 
our total revenues are derived from sales to customers and royalties outside the United States.  

Commodity Price Risk 

In  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  the  food  and  paper  products  we  purchase,  including  cheese 
(historically  representing  35%  to  40%  of  our  food  cost),  are  subject  to  seasonal  fluctuations,  weather, 
availability, demand and other factors that are beyond our control. We have pricing agreements with some 
of  our  vendors,  including  forward  pricing  agreements  for  a  portion  of  our  cheese  purchases  for  our 
domestic  Company-owned  restaurants,  which  are  accounted for as  normal  purchases;  however,  we  still 
remain exposed to on-going commodity volatility.  

 51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents the actual average block price for cheese by quarter in 2014, 2013 and 2012. 
Also  presented  is  the  projected  2015  average  block  price  by  quarter  (based  on  the  February  17,  2015 
Chicago Mercantile Exchange cheese futures prices for 2015): 

 52 

2015201420132012ProjectedBlockBlockBlockMarketPricePricePriceQuarter 11.564$       2.212$       1.662$       1.522$       Quarter 21.650         2.131         1.784         1.539         Quarter 31.786         2.141         1.740         1.750         Quarter 41.778         1.991         1.849         1.939         Full Year1.695$       2.119$       1.759$       1.692$        
 
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  and 
Subsidiaries as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of 
income,  comprehensive  income,  stockholders'  equity,  and  cash  flows  for  each  of the  three  years  in  the 
period ended December 28, 2014.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the 
Index at Item 15(a)(2).  These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's 
management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based 
on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 
assurance  about  whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement.  An  audit  includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. 
An  audit  also  includes  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits 
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In  our  opinion,  the  financial  statements  referred to  above  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 
consolidated financial position of Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 28, 2014 
and December 29, 2013, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of 
the  three  years  in  the  period  ended  December  28,  2014,  in  conformity  with  U.S.  generally  accepted 
accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in 
relation  to  the  basic  financial  statements  taken  as  a  whole,  presents  fairly  in  all  material  respects  the 
information set forth therein. 

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight 
Board  (United  States), Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  and  Subsidiaries’  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting  as  of  December  28,  2014,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated 
Framework  issued  by  the Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of the Treadway  Commission  (2013 
Framework) and our report dated February 24, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. 

 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

Louisville, Kentucky 
February 24, 2015 

 53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 54 

Papa John’s International, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Income(In thousands, except per share amounts)Years EndedDecember 28,December 29,December 30,201420132012 North America revenues:Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales701,854$           635,317$           592,203$           Franchise royalties89,443               81,692               79,567               Franchise and development fees726                    1,181                 806                    Domestic commissary sales629,492             578,870             545,924             Other sales74,179               53,322               51,223                International revenues:Royalties and franchise and development fees25,730               21,979               19,881               Restaurant and commissary sales76,725               66,661               53,049               Total revenues1,598,149          1,439,022          1,342,653          Costs and expenses:Domestic Company-owned restaurant expenses:Cost of sales175,733             156,237             137,378             Salaries and benefits188,234             173,316             163,260             Advertising and related costs63,463               59,172               54,583               Occupancy costs and other restaurant operating expenses144,628             128,826             120,581             Total domestic Company-owned restaurant expenses572,058             517,551             475,802             Domestic commissary expenses:Cost of sales492,940             448,693             426,531             Salaries and benefits and other commissary operating expenses91,981               85,649               77,503               Total domestic commissary expenses584,921             534,342             504,034             Other operating expenses71,068               48,011               45,455               International restaurant and commissary expenses63,718               56,609               44,853               General and administrative expenses140,566             134,228             131,591             Other general expenses 8,223                 6,673                 8,313                 Depreciation and amortization39,965               35,105               32,798               Total costs and expenses1,480,519          1,332,519          1,242,846          Operating income 117,630             106,503             99,807               Investment income702                    589                    750                    Interest expense(4,077)                (983)                   (2,162)                Income before income taxes114,255             106,109             98,395               Income tax expense36,558               33,130               32,393               Net income before attribution to noncontrolling interests77,697               72,979               66,002               Income attributable to noncontrolling interests(4,382)                (3,442)                (4,342)                Net income attributable to the Company73,315$             69,537$             61,660$             Calculation of income for earnings per share:Net income attributable to the Company73,315$             69,537$             61,660$             Increase in noncontrolling interest redemption value (44)                     (510)                   -                     Net income attributable to participating securities(402)                   (530)                   -                     Net income attributable to common shareholders72,869$             68,497$             61,660$             Basic earnings per common share1.78$                 1.58$                 1.31$                 Diluted earnings per common share1.75$                 1.55$                 1.29$                 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding40,960               43,387               46,916               Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding41,718               44,243               47,810               Dividends declared per common share0.53$                 0.25$                 -$                   Supplemental data (see Note 16):Revenues - affiliates3,546$               3,259$               29,310$              See accompanying notes. 
 55 

Papa John's International, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income(In thousands)December 28, December 29, December 30, 201420132012Net income before attribution to noncontrolling interests77,697$         72,979$         66,002$         Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:   Foreign currency translation adjustments(2,584)            1,065             1,128                Interest rate swaps (1)(261)               (51)                 (114)                  Defined benefit pension plan-                 -                 45                  Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax(2,845)            1,014             1,059             Income tax effect:    Foreign currency translation adjustments956                (394)               (1,110)               Interest rate swaps (2)97                  19                  42                     Defined benefit pension plan-                 -                 (16)                 Income tax effect1,053             (375)               (1,084)            Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(1,792)            639                (25)                 Comprehensive income before attribution to noncontrolling interests75,905           73,618           65,977           Comprehensive income, redeemable noncontrolling interests(3,687)            (3,466)            (4,342)            Comprehensive income, nonredeemable noncontrolling interests(695)               24                  -                 Comprehensive income attributable to the Company71,523$         70,176$         61,635$         (1) Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) into interest expense included $996,      $501 and $150 for the years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively.(2) The income tax effects of amounts reclassified out of AOCI into interest expense were $369, $185 and $55 for the      years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively.See accompanying notes.Years Ended 
 56 

Papa John’s International, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Balance Sheets(In thousands, except per share amounts)December 28,December 29,20142013AssetsCurrent assets:Cash and cash equivalents20,122$         13,670$         Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful    accounts of $3,814 in 2014 and $4,318 in 2013)55,933           52,919           Accounts receivable - affiliates (no allowance for doubtful   accounts in 2014 and 2013)114                284                Notes receivable (no allowance for doubtful accounts in 2014 and 2013)6,106             3,566             Income taxes receivable9,527             -                     Inventories27,394           23,035           Deferred income taxes8,248             8,004             Prepaid expenses18,736           14,336           Other current assets9,828             9,226             Total current assets156,008         125,040         Net property and equipment219,457         212,097         Notes receivable, less current portion (less allowance for doubtful     accounts of $3,132 in 2014 and $3,387 in 2013)12,801           13,239           Goodwill82,007           79,391           Deferred income taxes3,914             -                     Other assets38,616           34,524           Total assets512,803$       464,291$       Liabilities and stockholders’ equityCurrent liabilities:Accounts payable38,832$         35,653$         Income and other taxes payable9,637             4,401             Accrued expenses and other current liabilities58,293           57,807           Total current liabilities106,762         97,861           Deferred revenue4,257             5,827             Long-term debt230,451         157,900         Deferred income taxes22,188           14,660           Other long-term liabilities41,875           42,835           Total liabilities405,533         319,083         Redeemable noncontrolling interests8,555             7,024             Stockholders’ equity:Preferred stock ($0.01 par value per share; no shares issued)-                     -                     Common stock ($0.01 par value per share; issued 43,331 in 2014 and 42,796 in 2013)433                428                Additional paid-in capital147,912         137,552         Accumulated other comprehensive income 671                2,463             Retained earnings92,876           41,297           Treasury stock (3,549 shares in 2014 and 1,129 shares in 2013, at cost)(155,659)        (44,066)          Total stockholders' equity, net of noncontrolling interests86,233           137,674         Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries12,482           510                Total stockholders' equity98,715           138,184         Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholders' equity512,803$       464,291$       Years EndedPapa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 

(1)  Net  income  to  the  Company  at  December  28,  2014,  December  29,  2013  and  December  30,  2012  excludes  $4,382,  $3,442  and 

$4,342, respectively, allocable to the noncontrolling interests for our joint venture arrangements. 

At  December  30,  2012,  the  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  of  $1,824  was  comprised  of  unrealized  foreign  currency 
translation gains of $1,889, offset by a net unrealized loss on the interest rate swap agreement of $65. 

At  December  29,  2013,  the  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  of  $2,463  was  comprised  of  unrealized  foreign  currency 
translation gains of $2,561, offset by a net unrealized loss on the interest rate swap agreement of $98. 

At December 28, 2014, the accumulated other comprehensive income of $671 was comprised of unrealized foreign currency translation 
gains of $933, offset by a net unrealized loss on the interest rate swap agreements of $262. 

See accompanying notes. 

 57 

Common AccumulatedStock Additional OtherNoncontrollingTotalSharesCommon Paid-InComprehensive RetainedTreasuryInterests inStockholders’(In thousands)OutstandingStockCapitalIncome (Loss)EarningsStockSubsidiariesEquityBalance at December 25, 201148,038          734$        262,089$     1,849$                   294,801$    (353,826)$     -$                     205,647$          Net income attributable to the Company (1)-                -           -               -                         61,660        -                -                       61,660              Other comprehensive loss-                -           -               (25)                         -             -                -                       (25)                    Exercise of stock options864               8              12,256         -                         -             -                -                       12,264              Tax effect of equity awards-                -           933              -                         -             -                -                       933                   Acquisition of Company common stock(4,552)           -           -               -                         -             (106,095)       -                       (106,095)           Stock-based compensation expense-                -           6,905           -                         -             -                -                       6,905                Issuance of restricted stock132               -           (1,582)          -                         -             1,582            -                       -                    Other-                -           (67)               -                         -             292               -                       225                   Balance at December 30, 2012 44,482          742          280,534       1,824                     356,461      (458,047)       -                       181,514            Net income attributable to the Company (1)-                -           -               -                         69,537        -                (24)                       69,513              Other comprehensive income-                -           -               639                        -             -                -                       639                   Cash dividends paid-                -           41                -                         (10,751)      -                -                       (10,710)             Exercise of stock options570               6              6,859           -                         -             -                -                       6,865                Tax effect of equity awards-                -           1,172           -                         -             -                -                       1,172                Acquisition of Company common stock(3,536)           -           -               -                         -             (118,569)       -                       (118,569)           Retirement of Company common stock-                (320)         (156,380)      -                         (373,440)    530,140        -                       -                    Stock-based compensation expense-                -           7,409           -                         -             -                -                       7,409                Issuance of restricted stock138               -           (2,187)          -                         -             2,187            -                       -                    Change in redemption value of   noncontrolling interests-                -           -               -                         (510)           -                -                       (510)                  Reclassification from temporary equity to   permanent equity-                -           -               -                         -             -                434                      434                   Contributions from noncontrolling interests-                -           -               -                         -             -                100                      100                   Other13                 -           104              -                         -             223               -                       327                   Balance at December 29, 201341,667          428          137,552       2,463                     41,297        (44,066)         510                      138,184            Net income attributable to the Company (1)-                -           -               -                         73,315        -                695                      74,010              Other comprehensive loss-                -           -               (1,792)                    -             -                -                       (1,792)               Cash dividends paid-                -           87                -                         (21,692)      -                -                       (21,605)             Exercise of stock options535               5              5,832           -                         -             -                -                       5,837                Tax effect of equity awards-                -           1,047           -                         -             -                -                       1,047                Acquisition of Company common stock(2,562)           -           -               -                         -             (117,400)       -                       (117,400)           Stock-based compensation expense-                -           8,712           -                         -             -                -                       8,712                Issuance of restricted stock133               -           (5,443)          -                         -             5,443            -                       -                    Change in redemption value of   noncontrolling interests-                -           -               -                         (44)             -                -                       (44)                    Reclassification from temporary equity to   permanent equity-                -           -               -                         -             -                11,391                 11,391              Contributions from noncontrolling interests-                -           -               -                         -             -                1,086                   1,086                Distributions to noncontrolling interests-                -           -               -                         -             -                (1,200)                  (1,200)               Other9                   -           125              -                         -             364               -                       489                   Balance at December 28, 201439,782          433$        147,912$     671$                      92,876$      (155,659)$     12,482$               98,715$            Papa John's International, Inc. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 58 

Papa John’s International, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows(In thousands)December 28,December 29,December 30,201420132012Operating activitiesNet income before attribution to noncontrolling interests77,697$             72,979$             66,002$             Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Provision for uncollectible accounts and notes receivable1,795                 1,921                 1,674                 Depreciation and amortization39,965               35,105               32,798               Deferred income taxes14,704               10,603               2,035                 Stock-based compensation expense8,712                 7,409                 6,905                 Excess tax benefit on equity awards(10,282)              (4,755)                (1,967)                Other4,738                 2,767                 3,230                 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:     Accounts receivable(5,741)                (11,058)              (18,048)                   Income taxes receivable(9,527)                -                         -                              Inventories(2,838)                (857)                   (1,947)                     Prepaid expenses(4,394)                (1,553)                (2,572)                     Other current assets(387)                   (1,458)                (1,667)                     Other assets and liabilities915                    (3,728)                (3,952)                     Accounts payable3,171                 3,029                 (342)                        Income and other taxes payable5,233                 (6,027)                6,460                      Accrued expenses and other current liabilities(665)                   (2,536)                12,209                    Deferred revenue(464)                   (481)                   3,561                 Net cash provided by operating activities122,632             101,360             104,379             Investing activitiesPurchases of property and equipment(48,655)              (50,750)              (42,628)              Loans issued(6,816)                (6,095)                (4,903)                Repayments of loans issued4,254                 7,068                 3,642                 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(4,773)                -                         (6,175)                Proceeds from divestitures of restaurants400                    -                         908                    Other556                    339                    36                      Net cash used in investing activities(55,034)              (49,438)              (49,120)              Financing activitiesNet proceeds on line of credit facility72,551               69,642               36,769               Cash dividends paid(21,735)              (10,797)              -                         Excess tax benefit on equity awards10,282               4,755                 1,967                 Tax payments for equity award issuances(9,235)                (3,584)                (855)                   Proceeds from exercise of stock options5,837                 6,865                 12,264               Acquisition of Company common stock(117,400)            (118,569)            (106,095)            Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders1,086                 950                    2,052                 Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders(2,800)                (3,650)                (4,256)                Other491                    (327)                   225                    Net cash used in financing activities(60,923)              (54,715)              (57,929)              Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(223)                   67                      124                    Change in cash and cash equivalents6,452                 (2,726)                (2,546)                Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year13,670               16,396               18,942               Cash and cash equivalents at end of year20,122$             13,670$             16,396$             See accompanying notes.Years Ended 
 
 
 
 
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

1.  Description of Business 

Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  (referred  to  as  the  “Company,”  “Papa  John’s”  or  in  the  first  person 
notations of “we,” “us” and “our”) operates and franchises pizza delivery and carryout restaurants under 
the  trademark  “Papa John’s,”  currently  in  all  50  states  and  in  36  international  countries  and  territories. 
Substantially all revenues are derived from retail sales of pizza and other food and beverage products to 
the general public by Company-owned restaurants, franchise royalties, sales of franchise and development 
rights,  and  sales  to  franchisees  of  food  and  paper  products,  printing  and  promotional  items,  risk 
management services, and information systems and related services used in their operations. 

2.  Significant Accounting Policies 

Principles of Consolidation 

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Papa  John’s  and  its 
subsidiaries.  The  results  of  our  Company-owned  operations  in  China  were  consolidated  one  month  in 
arrears  until  fiscal  2013.  The  inclusion  of  the  additional  month  of  operations  in  fiscal  2013  resulted  in 
$2.1  million  of  incremental  international  revenues  and  an  incremental  loss  before  income  taxes  of 
$215,000  reported  in  the international  segment.  This  change in  our  consolidation  policy  did  not  have  a 
material  impact  to  our  financial  results  for  any  of  the  years  presented.  All  intercompany  balances  and 
transactions have been eliminated. 

Variable Interest Entity 

Papa  John’s  domestic  restaurants,  both  Company-owned  and  franchised,  participate  in  Papa  John’s 
Marketing Fund, Inc. (PJMF), a nonstock corporation designed to operate at break-even for the purpose of 
designing  and  administering  advertising  and  promotional  programs  for  all  participating  domestic 
restaurants.  PJMF  is  a  variable  interest  entity  (“VIE”)  as  it  does  not  have  sufficient  equity  to  fund  its 
operations  without  ongoing  financial  support  and  contributions  from  its  members.  Based  on  the 
ownership and governance structure and operating procedures of PJMF, we have determined that we do 
not  have  the  power  to  direct  the  most  significant  activities  of  PJMF  and  are  therefore  not  the  primary 
beneficiary. Accordingly, we determined that consolidation is not appropriate. 

Fiscal Year 

Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December of each year. All fiscal years presented consist of 52 
weeks except for the 2012 fiscal year, which consists of 53 weeks. 

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally 
accepted  in  the  United  States  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the 
amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items that 
are  subject  to  such  estimates  and  assumptions  include  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  and  notes 
receivable,  intangible  assets,  online  customer  loyalty  program  obligation,  insurance  reserves  and  tax 
reserves.  Although  management  bases  its  estimates  on  historical  experience  and  assumptions  that  are 
believed  to  be  reasonable  under  the  circumstances,  actual  results  could  significantly  differ  from  these 
estimates. 

 59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Reclassifications 

Certain prior year amounts in the consolidated statements of income have been reclassified to conform to 
the current year presentation, which had no effect on current or previously reported net income.  

Revenue Recognition 

Retail sales from Company-owned restaurants and franchise royalties, which are based on a percentage of 
franchise restaurant sales, are recognized as revenues when the products are delivered to or carried out by 
customers. Franchise fees are recognized when a franchised restaurant begins operations, at which time 
we  have  performed  our  obligations  related  to  such  fees.  Fees  received  pursuant  to  development 
agreements which grant the right to develop franchised restaurants in future periods in specific geographic 
areas are deferred and recognized on a pro rata basis as franchised restaurants subject to the development 
agreements begin operations.  

The  Company  offers  various  incentive  programs  for  franchisees  including  royalty  incentives,  new 
restaurant opening (i.e. development incentives) and other various support initiatives. Royalties, franchise 
and development fees and commissary sales are reduced to reflect any incentives earned or granted under 
these programs that are in the form of discounts. Direct mail advertising discounts are also periodically 
offered. Other sales are reduced to reflect these advertising discounts. Other development incentives for 
opening  restaurants  are  offered  in  the  form  of  the  free  use  of  Company  equipment.  This  equipment  is 
amortized  over  the  term  of  the  agreement,  which  is  generally  two  to  three  years,  and  is  recognized  in 
other general expenses in our consolidated statements of income. 

Domestic  production  and  distribution  revenues  are  comprised  of  food,  promotional  items  and  supplies 
sold to franchised restaurants located in the United States and are recognized as revenue upon shipment of 
the  related  products  to  the  franchisees.  Fees  for  information  services,  including  software  maintenance 
fees, help desk fees and online ordering fees are recognized as revenue as such services are provided and 
are included in other sales. Insurance commissions are recognized as revenue over the term of the policy 
period and are included in other sales. 

International  revenues  are  comprised  of  restaurant  sales,  royalties  and  fees  received  from  international 
franchisees  and  the  sale  and  distribution  of  food  to  international  franchisees,  and  are  recognized 
consistently with the policies applied for revenues generated in the United States.   

Advertising and Related Costs 

Advertising  and  related  costs  include  the  costs  of  domestic  Company-owned  local  restaurant  activities 
such as mail coupons, door hangers and promotional items and contributions to PJMF and various local 
market cooperative advertising funds (“Co-op Funds”). Contributions by domestic Company-owned and 
franchised restaurants to PJMF and the Co-op Funds are based on an established percentage of monthly 
restaurant revenues. PJMF is responsible for developing and conducting marketing and advertising for the 
domestic  Papa  John’s  system.  The  Co-op  Funds  are  responsible  for  developing  and  conducting 
advertising  activities  in  a  specific  market,  including  the  placement  of  electronic  and  print  materials 
developed by PJMF. We recognize domestic Company-owned restaurant contributions to PJMF and the 
Co-op  Funds  in  which  we  do  not  have  a  controlling  interest  in  the  period  in  which  the  contribution 
accrues. The net assets of the Co-op Funds in which we possess majority voting rights, and thus control 
the cooperatives, are included in our consolidated balance sheets. 

 60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Leases  

Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected life of the lease term. A lease term 
often includes option periods, available at the inception of the lease. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

Compensation expense for equity grants is estimated on the grant date, net of projected forfeitures, and is 
recognized over the vesting period (generally in equal installments over three years). Restricted stock is 
valued based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant. Stock options are valued 
using  a  Black-Scholes  option  pricing  model. Our  specific  assumptions  for  estimating  the  fair  value  of 
options are included in Note 18.  

Cash Equivalents 

Cash  equivalents  consist  of  highly  liquid  investments  with  maturity  of  three  months  or  less  at  date  of 
purchase. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. 

Accounts Receivable 

Substantially  all  accounts  receivable  are  due  from  franchisees  for  purchases  of  food,  paper  products, 
restaurant equipment, printing and promotional items, risk management services, information systems and 
related  services,  and  royalties.  Credit  is  extended  based  on  an  evaluation  of  the  franchisee’s  financial 
condition  and  collateral  is  generally  not  required.  A  reserve for  uncollectible  accounts is established as 
deemed necessary based upon overall accounts receivable aging levels and a specific review of accounts 
for franchisees with known financial difficulties. Account balances are charged off against the allowance 
after recovery efforts have ceased. 

Notes Receivable  

The Company provides financing to select franchisees principally for use in the acquisition, construction 
and  development  of  their  restaurants  and  for  the  purchase  of  restaurants  from  the  Company.  Notes 
receivable bear interest at fixed or floating rates and are generally secured by the assets of each restaurant 
and  the  ownership  interests  in  the  franchise.  We  establish  an  allowance  based  on  a  review  of  each 
borrower’s economic performance and underlying collateral value. Note balances are charged off against 
the allowance after recovery efforts have ceased. 

Inventories 

Inventories,  which  consist  of  food  products,  paper  goods  and  supplies,  smallwares,  and  printing  and 
promotional items, are stated at the lower of cost, determined under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, 
or market. 

 61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Property and Equipment 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the 
estimated  useful  lives  of  the  assets  (generally  five  to  ten  years  for  restaurant,  commissary  and  other 
equipment, and 20 to 40 years for buildings and improvements). Leasehold improvements are amortized 
over the terms of the respective leases, including the first renewal period (generally five to ten years). 

Depreciation expense was $39.1 million in 2014, $34.5 million in 2013 and $32.1 million in 2012. 

Deferred Costs 

We  defer  certain  information  systems  development  and  related  costs  that  meet  established  criteria. 
Amounts deferred, which are included in property and equipment, are amortized principally over periods 
not  exceeding  five  years  beginning  in  the  month  subsequent  to  completion  of  the  related  information 
systems project. Total costs deferred were approximately $3.3 million in 2014, $3.3 million in 2013 and 
$2.7 million in 2012. The unamortized information systems development costs approximated $8.7 million 
and $7.5 million as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. 

Intangible Assets – Goodwill 

We evaluate goodwill annually in the fourth quarter or whenever we identify certain triggering events or 
circumstances that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying 
amount. Such tests are completed separately with respect to the goodwill of each of our reporting units, 
which  includes  our  domestic  Company-owned  restaurants,  China  and  the  United  Kingdom  (“PJUK”).  
We  may  perform  a  qualitative  assessment  or  move  directly  to  the  quantitative  assessment  for  any 
reporting unit in any period if we believe that it is more efficient or if impairment indicators exist. We 
elected to perform the two-step quantitative assessment for all reporting units in 2014.  

Our domestic Company-owned restaurants fair value calculation considered both an income approach and 
a  market  approach  and  our  China  and  United  Kingdom  fair  value  calculations  considered  an  income 
approach. The income approach used projected net cash flows, with various growth assumptions, over a 
ten-year discrete period and a terminal value, which were discounted using appropriate rates. The selected 
discount  rate  considered  the  risk  and  nature  of  each  reporting  unit’s  cash  flow  and  the  rates  of  return 
market participants would require to invest their capital in the reporting unit. In determining the fair value 
from  a  market  approach,  we  considered  earnings  before  interest,  taxes,  depreciation  and  amortization 
(“EBITDA”)  multiples  that  a  potential  buyer  would  pay  based  on  third-party  transactions  in  similar 
markets.  

The results of our quantitative assessments indicated the fair values significantly exceeded the carrying 
amounts. Subsequent to completing our annual quantitative goodwill impairment  tests, no indications of 
impairment were identified. 

Deferred Income Tax Accounts and Tax Reserves  

We  are  subject  to  income  taxes  in  the  United  States  and  several  foreign  jurisdictions.  Significant 
judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes and the related assets and liabilities. 
The  provision  for  income  taxes  includes  income  taxes  paid,  currently  payable  or  receivable  and  those 
deferred. 

 62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax 
basis of assets and liabilities, and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in 
effect  when  the  differences  reverse.  Deferred  tax  assets  are  also  recognized  for  the  estimated  future 
effects of tax loss carryforwards. The effect on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates is recognized in the 
period  in  which  the  new  tax  is  enacted.  As  a  result,  our  effective  tax  rate  may  fluctuate.  Valuation 
allowances  are  established  when  necessary  on  a jurisdictional  basis  to  reduce  deferred  tax assets  to  the 
amounts we expect to realize. 

Tax authorities periodically audit the Company. We record reserves and related interest and penalties for 
identified exposures as income tax expense. We evaluate these issues and adjust for events, such as statute 
of limitations expirations, court rulings or audit settlements, which may impact our ultimate payment for 
such exposures.  

Insurance Reserves 

Our  insurance  programs  for  workers’  compensation,  owned  and  non-owned  automobiles,  general 
liability, property, and health insurance coverage provided to our employees are funded by the Company 
up  to  certain  retention  levels.  Losses  are  accrued  based  upon  undiscounted  estimates  of  the  aggregate 
retained  liability  for  claims  incurred  using  certain  third-party  actuarial  projections  and  our  claims  loss 
experience. The estimated insurance claims losses could be significantly affected should the frequency 
or  ultimate  cost  of  claims  differ  significantly  from  historical  trends  used  to  estimate  the  insurance 
reserves recorded by the Company. See Note 12 for additional information on our insurance reserves. 

Derivative Financial Instruments 

We recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. At inception and on an ongoing basis, we 
assess  whether  each  derivative  that  qualifies  for  hedge  accounting  continues  to  be  highly  effective  in 
offsetting  changes  in  the  cash  flows  of  the  hedged  item.  If  the  derivative  meets  the  hedge  criteria  as 
defined by certain accounting standards, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value 
of  the  derivative  are  either  offset  against  the  change  in  fair  value  of  assets,  liabilities  or  firm 
commitments  through  earnings  or  recognized  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  until  the 
hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value, if 
any, is immediately recognized in earnings.   

We recognized a loss of $261,000 ($164,000 after tax) in 2014, a loss of $51,000 ($32,000 after tax) in 
2013 and a loss of $114,000 ($72,000 after tax) in 2012, in accumulated other comprehensive income for 
the net change in the fair value of our interest rate swaps. See Note 9 for additional information on our 
debt and credit arrangements. 

 63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Noncontrolling Interests 

The Company has the following four joint ventures in which there are noncontrolling interests:  

Joint Venture 

Redemption Feature 

Location within the  
Consolidated Balance Sheet 

Star Papa, LP 
PJ Denver, LLC 
Colonel’s Limited, LLC  No redemption feature 
No redemption feature 
PJ Minnesota, LLC 

Redeemable 
Redeemable 

Temporary equity 
Temporary equity 
Permanent equity 
Permanent equity 

Recorded value 

Carrying value 
Redemption value 
Carrying value 
Carrying value 

Consolidated net income is required to be reported separately at amounts attributable to both the parent 
and the noncontrolling interest. Additionally, disclosures are required to clearly identify and distinguish 
between the interests of the parent company and the interests of the noncontrolling owners, including a 
disclosure on the face of the consolidated statements of income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 
holder. 

See Note 6 for additional information regarding noncontrolling interests.  

Foreign Currency Translation 

The local currency is the functional currency for our foreign subsidiaries located in the United Kingdom, 
Mexico and China. Earnings and losses are translated into U.S. dollars using monthly average exchange 
rates,  while  assets  and  liabilities  are  translated  using  year-end  exchange  rates.  The  resulting  translation 
adjustments  are  included  as  a  component  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  net  of 
income taxes. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

Revenue from Contract with Customers 

In  May  2014,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  issued  “Revenue  from  Contracts  with 
Customers” (Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09), a comprehensive new revenue recognition 
standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. This update 
requires companies to recognize revenue at amounts that reflect the consideration to which the company 
expects  to  be  entitled  in  exchange  for  those  goods  or  services  at  the  time  of  transfer.  In  doing  so, 
companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under today’s guidance. Such 
estimates  may  include  identifying  performance  obligations  in  the  contract,  estimating  the  amount  of 
variable  consideration  to  include  in  the  transaction  price  and  allocating  the  transaction  price  to  each 
separate performance obligation. Companies can either apply a full retrospective adoption or a modified 
retrospective adoption.  

We are required to adopt the new requirements in the first quarter of 2017. We are currently  evaluating 
the method of adoption and its impact of the new requirements on our consolidated financial statements. 
We currently do not believe the impact will be significant. 

 64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.  Stockholders’ Equity   

Shares Authorized and Outstanding 

The  Company  has  authorized  5.0  million  preferred  shares  and  100.0  million  common  shares.  The 
Company’s outstanding common shares, net of repurchased Company stock, were 39.8 million shares at 
December 28, 2014 and 41.7 million shares at December 29, 2013. There were no preferred shares issued 
or outstanding at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013.  

Two-for-one Stock Split and Treasury Retirement 

On  October  29,  2013,  our  Board  of  Directors  approved  a  two-for-one  stock  split  of  our  outstanding 
shares.  The  stock  split  was  effected  in  the  form  of  a  stock  dividend  and  entitled  each  shareholder  of 
record  at  the  close  of  business  on  December  12,  2013  to  receive  one  additional  share  for  every 
outstanding share of stock held on the record date. The stock dividend was distributed on December 27, 
2013 with approximately 21.0 million shares of stock distributed. All per share and share amounts in the 
accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to the financial statements have been adjusted 
to reflect the stock split.  

In conjunction with the stock split, we retired shares held in treasury as of October 29, 2013, the date of 
approval by our Board of Directors. 

Share Repurchase Program  

Our Board of Directors has  authorized the repurchase of up to $1.325 billion of common stock under a 
share repurchase program that began on December 9, 1999 and expires on December 31, 2015. Funding 
for the share repurchase program has been provided through a credit facility, operating cash flow, stock 
option exercises and cash and cash equivalents.  

We repurchased 2.6 million and 3.5 million shares of our common stock for $117.4 million and $118.6 
million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

Subsequent to year end through February 17, 2015, the Company acquired an additional 224,000 shares at 
an aggregate cost of $13.6 million. As of February 17, 2015, $115.9 million was available for repurchase 
of common stock under this authorization.   

Cash Dividend  

The  Company  initiated  quarterly  cash  dividends  to  its  shareholders  during  2013.  The  Company  paid 
dividends of $21.7 million and $10.8 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Subsequent to fiscal 2014, 
on  January  28,  2015,  our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  first  quarter  2015  cash  dividend  of  $0.14  per 
share,  or  approximately  $5.6  million.  The  dividend  was  paid  on  February  20,  2015  to  shareholders  of 
record as of the close of business on February 9, 2015. 

 65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.  Earnings per Share 

We compute earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method requires an earnings 
allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common shareholders and participating security 
holders  according  to  dividends  declared  and  participating  rights  in  undistributed  earnings.  We  consider 
time-based restricted stock awards to be participating securities because holders of such shares have non-
forfeitable dividend rights. Under the two-class method, undistributed earnings allocated to participating 
securities  are  subtracted  from  net  income  attributable  to  the  Company  in  determining  net  income 
attributable to common shareholders.  

Additionally,  in  accordance  with  ASC  480,  Distinguishing  Liabilities  from  Equity,  the  increase  in  the 
redemption  value  for  the  noncontrolling  interest  of  PJ  Denver,  LLC  reduces  income  attributable  to 
common shareholders.  

Basic  earnings  per  common  share  are  computed  by  dividing  net  income  attributable  to  common 
shareholders  by  the  weighted-average  common  shares  outstanding.  Diluted  earnings  per  common  share 
are  computed  by  dividing  the  net  income  attributable  to  common  shareholders by  the  diluted  weighted 
average  common  shares  outstanding.  Diluted  weighted  average  common  shares  outstanding  consists  of 
basic weighted average common shares outstanding plus weighted average awards outstanding under our 
equity compensation plans, which are dilutive securities.  

The calculations of basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the years 
ended  December  28,  2014,  December  29,  2013  and  December  30,  2012  are  as  follows  (in  thousands, 
except per share data): 

Shares  subject  to  options  to  purchase  common  stock  with  an  exercise  price  greater  than  the  average 
market  price  for  the  year  were  not  included  in  the  computation  of  diluted  earnings  per  common  share 
because  the  effect  would  have  been  antidilutive.  The  weighted  average  number  of  shares  subject  to 
antidilutive options was 226,000 in 2014 and 129,000 in 2013 (none in 2012).  

See  Note  6  for  additional  information  regarding  our  noncontrolling  interests  and  Note  18  for  equity 
awards, including restricted stock.   

 66 

201420132012Basic earnings per common share:Net income attributable to the Company73,315$     69,537$     61,660$     Increase in noncontrolling interest redemption value(44)             (510)           -             Net income attributable to participating securities(402)           (530)           -             Net income attributable to common shareholders72,869$     68,497$     61,660$     Weighted average common shares outstanding40,960       43,387       46,916       Basic earnings per common share 1.78$         1.58$         1.31$         Diluted earnings per common share:Net income attributable to common shareholders72,869$     68,497$     61,660$     Weighted average common shares outstanding40,960       43,387       46,916       Dilutive effect of outstanding equity awards758            856            894            Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding41,718       44,243       47,810       Diluted earnings per common share1.75$         1.55$         1.29$          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures 

We are required to determine the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on the price that would 
be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability to a market participant. Fair value is a market-
based  measurement,  not  an  entity  specific  measurement.  The  fair  value  of  certain  assets  and  liabilities 
approximates  carrying  value  because  of the  short-term  nature  of the  accounts,  including  cash, accounts 
receivable  and  accounts  payable.  The  carrying  value  of  our  notes  receivable  net  of  allowances  also 
approximates  fair  value.  The  fair  value  of  the  amount  outstanding  under  our  revolving  credit  facility 
approximates its carrying value due to its variable market-based interest rate. These assets and liabilities 
are categorized as Level 1 as defined below.  

Certain  assets  and  liabilities  are  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis  and  are  required  to  be 
classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:  

  Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  
  Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market 

data.  

  Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.  

Our financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 
28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 are as follows (in thousands): 

(a)  Represents life insurance policies held in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan. 

(b)  The  fair  value  of  our  interest  rate  swaps  are  based  on  the  sum  of  all  future  net  present  value  cash 
flows.  The  future  cash  flows  are  derived  based  on  the  terms  of  our  interest  rate  swaps,  as  well  as 
considering published discount factors, and projected London Interbank Offered Rates (“LIBOR”).  

There were no transfers among levels within the fair value hierarchy during fiscal 2014 or 2013. 

 67 

Carrying ValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3December 28, 2014Financial assets:   Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (a)18,238$    18,238$      -$           -$           Financial liabilities:   Interest rate swaps (b)376           -             376            -             December 29, 2013Financial assets:   Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (a)16,798$    16,798$      -$           -$           Financial liabilities:   Interest rate swap (b)76             -             76              -             Fair Value Measurements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
6.  Noncontrolling Interests 

Papa John’s has joint ventures in which there are noncontrolling interests, consisting of the following as 
of December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012: 

The  noncontrolling  interest  holder’s  ownership  in  PJ  Minnesota,  LLC  increased  from  20%  to  30%  in 
2014  upon  exercise  of  an  option  to  acquire  an  additional  10%  interest  in  the  joint  venture  from  the 
Company.  

The  income  before  income  taxes  attributable  to  these  joint  ventures  for  the  years  ended  December  28, 
2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 were as follows (in thousands): 

 68 

Noncontrolling Number of RestaurantPapa John's InterestRestaurantsLocationsOwnership Ownership December 28, 2014Star Papa, LP84                 Texas51%49%Colonel's Limited, LLC56                 Maryland and Virginia70%30%PJ Minnesota, LLC35                 Minnesota70%30%PJ Denver, LLC25                 Colorado60%40%December 29, 2013Star Papa, LP81                 Texas51%49%Colonel's Limited, LLC52                 Maryland and Virginia70%30%PJ Minnesota, LLC33                 Minnesota80%20%PJ Denver, LLC25                 Colorado60%40%December 30, 2012Star Papa, LP78                 Texas51%49%Colonel's Limited, LLC52                 Maryland and Virginia70%30%PJ Minnesota, LLC30                 Minnesota80%20%PJ Denver, LLC22                 Colorado60%40%201420132012Papa John's International, Inc.6,932$       5,121$       6,823$       Noncontrolling interests4,382         3,442         4,342         Total income before income taxes11,314$     8,563$       11,165$      
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.  Noncontrolling Interests (continued) 

The  noncontrolling  interest  holders  of  two  joint  ventures  have  the  option  to  require  the  Company  to 
purchase  their  interests.  Since  redemption  of  the  noncontrolling  interests  is  outside  of  the  Company’s 
control, the noncontrolling interests are presented in the caption “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in 
the consolidated balance sheets and include the following joint ventures:  

  The Star Papa, LP agreement contains a redemption feature that is not currently redeemable, but 
it is probable to become redeemable in the future. Due to specific valuation provisions contained 
in the agreement, this noncontrolling interest has been recorded at its carrying value. 

  The PJ Denver, LLC agreement contains a redemption feature that is currently redeemable and, 
therefore,  this  noncontrolling  interest  has  been  recorded  at  its  current  redemption  value.  The 
change  in  redemption  value  is  recorded  as  an  adjustment  to  “Redeemable  noncontrolling 
interests” and “Retained earnings” in the consolidated balance sheets. 

We  have  a  third  joint  venture,  PJ  Minnesota,  LLC,  that  had  a  redemption  feature  until  a  contract 
amendment removed the redemption feature in the fourth quarter of 2013. The noncontrolling interest was 
reclassified  from  temporary  equity  to  “Stockholders’  equity”  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  at 
December 29, 2013, at carrying value. 

The  following  summarizes  changes  in  our  redeemable  noncontrolling  interests  in  2014  and  2013  (in 
thousands): 

Our fourth joint venture,  Colonel’s Limited, LLC, had a mandatory redemption  feature through August 
24, 2014. Accordingly, the Company recorded this noncontrolling interest as a liability at its redemption 
value  in  other  long-term  liabilities.  The  redemption  value  was  adjusted  at  each  reporting  date  and  any 
change was recorded in interest expense. In the  third quarter of 2014, the mandatory redemption clause 
was removed via a contract amendment to the operating agreement. Upon the removal of this redemption 
feature,  the  noncontrolling  interest  for  Colonel’s  Limited,  LLC  was  reclassified  from  other  long-term 
liabilities to stockholders’ equity at the recorded amount, which approximated fair value, with no impact 
to  income  before  income  taxes.  At  December  28,  2014,  the  noncontrolling  interest  was  recorded  in 
stockholders’ equity at a carrying value of $11.4 million and was recorded at a redemption value of $10.8 
million in other long-term liabilities at December 29, 2013.  

 69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.  Noncontrolling Interests (continued) 

We  recorded  interest  expense  of  $4,000  and  $1.0  million  in  2014  and  2012,  respectively,  and  interest 
income  of  $1.1  million  in  2013  for  the  change  in  redemption  value  of  the  Colonel’s  Limited,  LLC 
agreement. Changes in the carrying value following the removal of the redemption feature on August 24, 
2014 are recorded in stockholders’ equity. 

7.  Acquisitions 

We  acquired  restaurants  from  our  domestic  franchisees  in  2014  and  2012  (none  in  2013),  which  are 
summarized as follows:  

(a)  2012 cash payments made were net of $700,000 received from the sale of six restaurants located in 

the Denver market to an existing franchisee.  

The  restaurant  acquisitions  described above  were accounted  for by  the purchase  method  of  accounting, 
whereby  operating  results  subsequent  to  the  acquisition  date  are  included  in  our  consolidated  financial 
results. The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair value of net assets acquired was allocated 
to goodwill for the Domestic Company-owned restaurants segment and is eligible for deduction over 15 
years under U.S. tax regulations.   

In July 2012, Papa John’s and a third party formed a limited liability company (PJ Minnesota, LLC) to 
operate the previously acquired Minneapolis restaurants. The Company’s equity (80% ownership at that 
time) in the operations was funded by the contribution of the acquired restaurants, while the third party’s 
equity  (20%  ownership  at that  time)  was funded  through  a  $275,000  loan issued  by  Papa John’s  and  a 
$25,000  cash  contribution.  There  was  no  gain  or  loss  on  this  transaction.  We  are  required  to  fully 
consolidate the financial results of this limited liability company. See Note 6 for additional information.   

 70 

20142012Number of restaurants acquired1356Location of restaurants acquiredVariousDenver and MinneapolisPurchase price (in thousands): Cash payment (a)4,773$        5,200$       Cancellation of accounts and notes receivable412            -           Total purchase price5,185$        5,200$       Fair value allocation of purchase price (in thousands):Property and equipment555$           1,602$       Reacquired franchise right844            245           Goodwill3,661          3,830        Other, including cash125            239           Total purchase price5,185$        5,916$        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.  Acquisitions (continued) 

In September 2012, Papa John’s and a third party formed a limited liability company (PJ Denver, LLC) to 
operate  the  previously  acquired  Denver  restaurants.  The  Company’s  equity  (60%  ownership)  in  the 
operations  was  funded  by  the  contribution  of  the  acquired  restaurants  and  cash  (total  value  of  $2.5 
million),  while  the  third  party’s  equity  (40%  ownership)  was  funded  by  a  cash  contribution  of  $1.7 
million. There was no gain or loss on this transaction. We are required to fully consolidate the financial 
results of this limited liability company. See Note 6 for additional information. 

8.  Goodwill 

The following summarizes changes to the Company’s goodwill, by reporting segment (in thousands): 

(a)  The international goodwill balances for all years presented are net of accumulated impairment of $2.3 

million associated with our PJUK reporting unit, which was recorded in fiscal 2008. 

(b)  Includes 13 restaurants located in three domestic markets. 
(c)  Includes four restaurants located in the China market. 

For fiscal year 2014, we performed  a quantitative analysis on each reporting unit. For fiscal years 2012 
and 2013, we performed qualitative analyses for our domestic Company-owned restaurants and our China 
reporting  unit and quantitative  analyses  for our  PJUK reporting  unit.  Upon completion  of  our  goodwill 
impairment tests in 2012-2014, no impairment charges were recorded. 

 71 

Domestic Company-owned RestaurantsInternational (a)All OthersTotal Balance as of December 30, 201258,567$        19,955$                436$      78,958$   Foreign currency adjustments-                433                       -        433          Balance as of December 29, 201358,567          20,388                  436        79,391     Acquisitions (b)3,661            -                        -        3,661       Divestitures (c)-                (47)                       -        (47)           Foreign currency adjustments-                (998)                     -        (998)         Balance as of December 28, 201462,228$        19,343$                436$      82,007$    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9.  Debt and Credit Arrangements 

Our  debt  is  comprised  entirely  of  an  unsecured  revolving  credit  facility  (“Credit  Facility”).  The 
outstanding balance was $230.5 million as of December 28, 2014 and $157.9 million as of December 29, 
2013. 

On  April  30,  2013,  we  amended  and  restated  our  Credit  Facility  to  increase  the  amount  available  for 
borrowing to $300 million from $175 million and extend the maturity date to April 30, 2018. On October 
31,  2014,  we  amended  our  Credit  Facility  (“Amended  Line”)  to  increase  the  amount  available  to  $400 
million and extend the maturity date to October 31, 2019. Additionally, we have the option to increase the 
Amended Line an additional $100 million.  The interest rate charged on outstanding balances is LIBOR 
plus 75 to 175 basis points. The commitment fee on the unused balance ranges from 15 to 25 basis points. 
The  remaining  availability  under  the  Amended  Line,  reduced  for  outstanding  letters  of  credit 
approximates $148.2 million. 

The Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants 
requiring the maintenance of specified fixed charges and leverage ratios. At December 28, 2014, we were 
in compliance with these covenants. 

We had the following interest rate swap agreements as of December 28, 2014: 

We previously had a $50 million swap that was terminated on July 30, 2013 with a fixed rate of 0.56%.  

Our swaps are derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges because the swaps provide a 
hedge against the effects of rising interest rates on borrowings. The effective portion of the gain or loss on 
the swaps is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into 
earnings  in  the  same  period  or  periods  during  which  the  swaps  affect  earnings.  Gains  or  losses  on  the 
swaps  representing  either  hedge  ineffectiveness  or  hedge  components  excluded  from  the  assessment  of 
effectiveness  are  recognized  in  current  earnings.  Amounts  payable  or  receivable  under  the  swaps  are 
accounted for as adjustments to interest expense. As of December 28, 2014, the swaps are highly effective 
cash flow hedges with no ineffectiveness during the year ended December 28, 2014. 

 72 

Effective DatesFloating Rate DebtFixed RatesJuly 30, 2013 through April 30, 2018 $75 million1.42%December 30, 2014 through April 30, 2018$50 million1.36% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9.  Debt and Credit Arrangements (continued)  

The following table provides information on the location and amounts of our swaps in the accompanying 
consolidated financial statements (in thousands): 

The effect of derivative instruments on the accompanying consolidated financial statements is as follows 
(in thousands): 

The  weighted  average  interest  rates  for  the  credit  facility,  including  the  impact  of  the  previously 
mentioned  swap  agreements,  were  1.7%,  1.4%  and  1.3%  in  fiscal  2014,  2013  and  2012,  respectively. 
Interest  paid,  including  payments  made  or  received  under  the  swaps,  was  $3.7  million  in  2014,  $2.0 
million in  2013  and  $967,000  in  2012.  As  of  December  28,  2014,  the  portion of  the  $376,000  liability 
associated with the interest rate swap that would be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months 
as interest expense approximates $113,000. 

 73 

Balance Sheet LocationFair Value     Dec. 28, 2014Fair Value     Dec. 29, 2013Liability DerivativesDerivatives - Cash Flow Hedging RelationshipsAmount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)Interest rate swaps:   2014(164)$                  Interest expense(996)$                  Interest expense-$                       2013(32)$                    Interest expense(501)$                  Interest expense-$                       2012(72)$                    Interest expense(150)$                  Interest expense-$                     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.  Net Property and Equipment 

Net property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands): 

11.  Notes Receivable 

Selected  franchisees  have  borrowed  funds  from  the  Company,  principally  for  use  in  the  acquisition, 
construction and development of their restaurants. We have also entered into loan agreements with certain 
franchisees  that  purchased  restaurants  from  us  or  from  other  franchisees.  Loans  outstanding  were 
approximately  $18.9  million  and  $16.8  million  on  a  consolidated  basis  as  of  December  28,  2014  and 
December 29, 2013, respectively, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. 

Notes  receivable  bear  interest  at  fixed  or floating  rates  and  are  generally  secured  by  the  assets  of  each 
restaurant and the ownership interests in the franchisee. The carrying amounts of the loans approximate 
fair value. Interest income recorded on franchisee loans was approximately $658,000 in 2014, $527,000 
in  2013  and  $631,000 in  2012  and  is  reported  in investment income  in the  accompanying  consolidated 
statements of income. 

Based  on  our  review  of  certain  borrowers’  economic  performance  and  underlying  collateral  value,  we 
established allowances of $3.1 million and $3.4 million as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, 
respectively,  for  potentially  uncollectible  notes  receivable.  The  following  summarizes  changes  in  our 
notes receivable allowance for doubtful accounts (in thousands): 

 74 

20142013Land  32,880$        33,000$      Buildings and improvements86,892          86,763        Leasehold improvements110,323        106,487      Equipment and other320,480        280,381      Construction in progress6,466            20,155        Total property and equipment557,041        526,786      Accumulated depreciation and amortization (337,584)       (314,689)     Net property and equipment219,457$      212,097$    Balance as of December 30, 20125,028$          Recovered from costs and expenses(495)              Deductions, including notes written off(1,146)           Balance as of December 29, 20133,387            Recovered from costs and expenses(502)              Additions, net of notes written off247               Balance as of December 28, 20143,132$           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12. Insurance Reserves  

The following table summarizes changes in our insurance program reserves (in thousands): 

We  are  a  party  to  standby  letters  of  credit  with  off-balance  sheet  risk  associated  with  our  insurance 
programs.  The  total  amount  committed  under  letters  of  credit  for  these  programs  was  $21.2  million  at 
December 28, 2014. 

13.  Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands): 

14.  Other Long-term Liabilities  

Other long-term liabilities consist of the following (in thousands): 

 75 

Balance as of December 30, 201222,303$        Additions23,187          Payments(26,025)         Balance as of December 29, 201319,465          Additions33,926          Payments(27,980)         Balance as of December 28, 201425,411$        20142013Salaries, benefits and bonuses19,427$      20,166$      Insurance reserves, current11,149        7,907          Purchases8,132          10,349        Deposits4,120          1,370          Customer loyalty program2,357          1,682          Consulting and professional fees2,226          1,670          Rent1,626          7,024          Marketing1,543          1,353          Utilities1,399          1,381          Other6,314          4,905          Total58,293$      57,807$      20142013Deferred compensation plan17,599$          15,798$            Insurance reserves14,262            11,558              Accrued rent5,387              -                    Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests-                  10,786              Other4,627              4,693                Total41,875$          42,835$             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15.  Income Taxes 

A summary of the provision for income taxes follows (in thousands): 

Significant deferred tax assets (liabilities) follow (in thousands): 

The  Company  had  approximately  $29.7  million  and  $34.0  million  of  foreign  tax  net  operating  loss 
carryovers  as  of  December  28,  2014  and  December  29,  2013,  respectively.  The  Company  had 
approximately $2.9 million and $7.7 million of a valuation allowance primarily related to these foreign 
net operating losses as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. The net change in the 
total valuation allowance was a decrease of $4.8 million in 2014. A substantial majority of our foreign tax 
net operating losses do not have an expiration date.   

 76 

201420132012Current:  Federal17,193$      19,731$            26,065$              Foreign2,368          1,974                1,669                  State and local 2,293          822                   2,624                Deferred (federal and state)14,704        10,603              2,035                Total36,558$      33,130$            32,393$            20142013 Accrued liabilities12,319$      10,584$       Accrued bonuses3,624          4,153          Other assets and liabilities11,109        10,209        Equity awards6,494          5,974          Other3,730          3,992          Foreign net operating losses6,322          7,233          Valuation allowance on foreign net operating   losses and foreign deferred tax assets(2,932)         (7,682)         Total deferred tax assets40,666        34,463         Deferred expenses(6,141)         (5,655)         Accelerated depreciation(21,425)       (16,838)       Goodwill(15,725)       (13,953)       Other(7,401)         (4,673)         Total deferred tax liabilities(50,692)       (41,119)       Net deferred (liability) asset(10,026)$     (6,656)$        
 
 
 
 
 
 
15.  Income Taxes (continued)  

The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate to income tax expense for the 
years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 is as follows in both dollars 
and as a percentage of income before income taxes ($ in thousands): 

Income taxes paid were $27.0 million in 2014, $29.3 million in 2013 and $25.3 million in 2012.  

The  Company  files  income  tax  returns  in  the  U.S.  federal  jurisdiction  and  various  states  and  foreign 
jurisdictions. The Company, with few exceptions, is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or 
non-U.S.  income  tax  examinations  by  tax  authorities  for  years  before  2010.  The  Company  is  currently 
undergoing  examinations  by  various  tax  authorities.  The  Company  anticipates  that  the  finalization  of 
these current examinations and other issues could result in a decrease in the liability for unrecognized tax 
benefits (and a decrease of income tax expense) of approximately $546,000 during the next 12 months. 

The  Company  had  $2.8  million  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits  at  December  28,  2014  of  which,  if 
recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability for 
unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands): 

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a part of 
income  tax  expense.  The  Company’s  2014  and  2013  income  tax  expense  includes  interest  benefits  of 
$35,000 and $140,000, respectively. The Company has accrued approximately $674,000 and $707,000 for 
the payment of interest and penalties as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. 

 77 

2012Income Tax ExpenseIncome Tax RateIncome Tax ExpenseIncome Tax RateIncome Tax ExpenseIncome Tax Rate20142013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16.  Related Party Transactions 

Certain of our officers and directors own equity interests in entities that franchise restaurants. Following 
is a summary of full-year transactions and year-end balances with franchisees owned by related parties 
and PJMF (in thousands): 

The revenues from affiliates were at rates and terms available to independent franchisees.  Additionally, 
the table excludes transactions and balances in 2013 for a former non-management director.  

We  paid  $770,000  in  2014,  $1.1  million  in  2013  and  $1.1  million  in  2012  for  charter  aircraft  services 
provided by an entity owned by our Founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. 

On  November  12,  2013,  we  repurchased  $38.6  million  of  our common  stock  (1.0  million  shares  at  the 
closing price of $38.61 per share) from our Founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.  

We had the following transactions with PJMF:   

  PJMF reimbursed Papa John’s $634,000, $2.2 million and $3.0 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, 
respectively,  for  certain  costs  associated  with  national  pizza  giveaways  awarded  to  our  online 
loyalty program customers.  

  PJMF  reimbursed  Papa  John’s  $1.2  million,  $782,000,  and  $917,000  in  2014,  2013,  and  2012, 
respectively,  for  certain  administrative  services  (i.e.,  marketing,  accounting,  and  information 
services), graphic design services, services and expenses of our founder as brand spokesman, and 
for software maintenance fees. 

17.  Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies 

Litigation 

The  Company  is  involved  in  a  number  of  lawsuits,  claims,  investigations  and  proceedings,  including 
those  specifically  identified  below,  consisting  of  intellectual  property,  employment,  consumer, 
commercial  and  other  matters  arising  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business.  In  accordance  with  ASC  450 
“Contingencies,” the Company has made accruals with respect to these matters, where appropriate, which 
are  reflected  in  the  Company’s  financial  statements.  We  review  these  provisions  at  least  quarterly  and 
adjust these provisions to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel 
and other information and events pertaining to a particular case.  

 78 

201420132012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17.  Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies (continued)  

Agne  v.  Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  et  al.  was  a  class  action  filed  on  May  28,  2010  in  the  United 
States  District  Court  for  the  Western  District  of  Washington  seeking  damages  for  violations  of  the 
Telephone  Consumer  Protection  Act  and  Washington  State  telemarketing  laws  alleging,  among  other 
things that several Papa John’s franchisees retained a vendor to send unsolicited commercial text message 
offers primarily in Washington and Oregon. The court granted plaintiff’s motion for class certification in 
November 2012; we filed a petition for permission to appeal the court’s ruling on class certification to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. 

In February 2013, the parties tentatively agreed to the financial terms of a settlement of the litigation. The 
court preliminarily approved the terms in June 2013 and granted final approval of the settlement and fee 
award  in  October  2013,  following  the  close  of  the  claims  period.  The  actual  settlement  cost  was  $2.9 
million, and all settlement and fee payments were made in 2013. 

Perrin v. Papa John’s International, Inc. and Papa John’s USA, Inc. is a conditionally certified collective 
action filed in August 2009 in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, alleging that 
delivery  drivers  were  not  reimbursed  for  mileage  and  expenses  in  accordance  with  the  Fair  Labor 
Standards  Act.  Approximately  3,900  drivers  out  of  a  potential  class  size  of  28,800  have  opted into the 
action. In late December 2013, the District Court granted a motion for class certification in five additional 
states, which added approximately 15,000 plaintiffs to the case. The trial is scheduled for August 2015. 

We  intend  to  vigorously  defend  against  all  claims  in  this  lawsuit.  However,  given  the  inherent 
uncertainties of litigation, the outcome of this case cannot be predicted and the amount of any potential 
loss cannot be reasonably estimated. A negative outcome in this case could have a material adverse effect 
on the Company. 

Leases 

We lease office, retail and commissary space under operating leases, which have an average term of five 
years and provide for at least one renewal. Certain leases further provide that the lease payments may be 
increased annually based on the fixed rate terms or adjustable terms such as the Consumer Price Index. 
PJUK,  our  subsidiary  located  in  the  United  Kingdom,  leases  certain  retail  space,  which  is  primarily 
subleased to our franchisees. We also lease the  tractors and  trailers used by our distribution subsidiary, 
PJFS, for an average period of seven years. Total lease expense was $34.7 million in 2014, $33.2 million 
in 2013 and $28.7 million in 2012, net of sublease payments received. 

We subleased certain sites to our franchisees and other third parties in 2014, 2013 and 2012 and received 
payments  of  $6.7  million,  $4.9  million  and  $3.8  million,  respectively,  which  are  netted  against  the 
corresponding expense. 

 79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17.  Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies (continued)  

Future gross lease costs, future expected sublease payments and net lease costs as of December 28, 2014, 
are as follows (in thousands): 

As  a  result  of  assigning  our  interest  in  obligations  under  property  leases  as  a  condition  of  the 
refranchising of certain restaurants, we are contingently liable for payment of approximately 20 domestic 
leases. These leases have varying terms, the latest of which expires in 2019. As of December 28, 2014, 
the estimated maximum amount of undiscounted payments the Company could be required to make in the 
event  of  nonpayment  by  the  primary  lessee  was  $724,000.  As  the  fair  value  of  the  guarantees  is  not 
considered significant, no liability has been recorded. 

In  connection  with  the  2006  sale  of  our  former  Perfect  Pizza  operations  in  the  United  Kingdom,  we 
remain contingently liable for payment of 25 leases, which have varying terms with most expiring by the 
end of 2015. As the initial party to the lease agreements, we are liable to the extent the primary obligor 
does not satisfy its payment obligations. As of December 28, 2014, the estimated maximum amount of 
undiscounted  rental  payments  we  would  be  required  to  make  in  the  event  of  non-payment  under  these 
leases is approximately $420,000. 

The  Company’s  headquarters  facility  is  leased  under  a  capital  lease  arrangement  with  the  City  of 
Jeffersontown, Kentucky in connection with the issuance of $80.2 million  in Industrial Revenue Bonds. 
The  bonds  are  held  100%  by  the  Company  and,  accordingly,  the  bond  obligation  and  investment  and 
related interest income and expense are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements resulting in the 
Company’s net investment cost being reported in net property and equipment. 

18.  Equity Compensation 

We  award  stock  options, time-based  restricted  stock  and  performance-based  restricted  stock  units  from 
time  to  time  under  the  Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  2011  Omnibus  Incentive  Plan  and  other  such 
agreements as may arise.  

There  are  approximately  7.5  million  shares  of  common  stock  authorized  for  issuance  and  remaining 
available under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan as of December 28, 2014, which includes 4.0 million 
shares transferred from the Papa John’s International, Inc. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Option awards 
are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. 
Options outstanding as of December 28, 2014 generally expire five or ten years from the date of grant and 
vest over a three-year period.  

 80 

FutureExpectedGross LeaseSubleaseNet LeaseYearCostsPaymentsCosts201540,062$         5,875$            34,187$      201635,751           5,368              30,383        201730,200           5,054              25,146        201824,078           4,899              19,179        201916,929           4,673              12,256        Thereafter38,255           26,328            11,927        Total185,275$       52,197$          133,078$     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18.  Equity Compensation (continued) 

We recorded stock-based employee compensation expense of $8.7 million in 2014, $7.4 million in 2013 
and $6.9 million in 2012. The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for share-based 
compensation arrangements was $3.2 million in 2014, $2.7 million in 2013 and $2.4 million in 2012. At 
December  28,  2014,  there  was  $7.0  million  of  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to  nonvested 
option  awards,  time-based  restricted  stock  and  performance-based  restricted  stock  units,  of  which  the 
Company expects to recognize $4.3 million in 2015, $2.0 million in 2016 and $720,000 in 2017. 

Stock Options 

Options exercised included 759,000 shares in 2014, 697,000 shares in 2013 and 864,000 shares in 2012. 
The total intrinsic value of the options exercised during  2014, 2013 and 2012 was $25.3 million, $13.1 
million and $7.5 million, respectively. Cash received upon the exercise of stock options was $5.8 million, 
$6.9  million  and  $12.3  million  during  2014,  2013  and  2012,  respectively,  and  the  related  tax  benefits 
realized were approximately $9.4 million, $4.8 million and $2.6 million during the corresponding periods. 

Information  pertaining  to  option  activity  during  2014  is  as  follows  (number  of  options  and  aggregate 
intrinsic value in thousands): 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  significant assumptions  used in estimating  the  fair  value of  options 
granted in 2014, 2013 and 2012: 

The  risk-free  interest  rate  for  the  periods  within  the  contractual  life  of  an  option  is  based  on  the  U.S. 
Treasury  yield  curve  in  effect  at  the  time  of  grant.  The  expected  dividend  yield  was  estimated  as  the 
annual  dividend  divided  by  the  market  price  of  the  Company’s  shares  on  the  date  of  grant.  Expected 
volatility was estimated by using the Company’s historical share price volatility for a period similar to the 
expected life of the option.  

 81 

Weighted AverageWeighted RemainingNumber AverageContractualAggregateofExerciseTermIntrinsicOptionsPrice(In Years)ValueOutstanding at December 29, 20132,104     $17.39Granted293        49.68        Exercised(759)       13.77        Cancelled(74)         31.83        Outstanding at December 28, 20141,564     $24.525.41$48,640Exercisable at December 28, 2014893        $16.553.11$34,872201420132012Assumptions (weighted average):   Risk-free interest rate1.8%1.1%1.1%   Expected dividend yield1.0%0.1%0.0%   Expected volatility35.7%37.5%37.8%   Expected term (in years)6.0         6.0         6.0          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18.  Equity Compensation (continued) 

Options granted generally vest in equal installments over three years and expire ten years after grant. The 
expected  term  for  these  options  represents  the  period  of  time  that  options  granted  are  expected  to  be 
outstanding  and  was  calculated  using  the  simplified  method  prescribed  by  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission rules and regulations as there was insufficient historical detail to be used as an alternative 
basis to estimating the term.  

The weighted average grant-date fair values of options granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $16.48, 
$9.87  and  $7.04,  respectively.  The  Company  granted  293,000,  498,000  and  508,000  options  in  2014, 
2013 and 2012, respectively. 

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units  

In 2014, 2013 and 2012, we granted shares of restricted stock that were time-based and generally vest in 
equal installments over three years. These restricted shares are intended to focus participants on our long-
range  objectives,  while  at  the  same  time  serving  as  a  retention  mechanism.  We  consider  time-based 
restricted stock awards to be participating securities because holders of such shares have non-forfeitable 
dividend rights. We declared dividends totaling $128,000 ($0.53 per share) in 2014 and $86,000 ($0.25 
per share) in 2013 to holders of time-based restricted stock.  

Additionally,  we  granted  shares  of  performance-based  restricted  stock  units  to  executive  management 
(17,000 in 2014, 3,000 in 2013, and 108,000 in 2012). The vesting of these awards (a three-year cliff vest) 
is dependent upon the Company’s achievement of a compounded annual growth rate of earnings per share 
and the achievement of certain sales and unit growth metrics. The performance measures for the 2012 and 
2013 grants were achieved and the shares will vest in February 2015.  

The fair value of both time-based restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock units is based on 
the  market  price  of  the  Company’s  shares  on  the  grant  date.  Information  pertaining  to  restricted  stock 
activity during 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (shares in thousands): 

 82 

WeightedAverageGrant-DateSharesFair ValueTotal as of December 25, 2011500       14.10$         Granted266       18.59           Forfeited(74)        15.46           Vested(156)      13.89         Total as of December 30, 2012536       16.31           Granted160       27.09           Forfeited(70)        18.56           Vested(203)      15.51         Total as of December 29, 2013423       20.39           Granted106       49.31           Forfeited(40)        27.79           Vested(203)      18.05         Total as of December 28, 2014286       31.81$        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19.  Employee Benefit Plans 

We  have  established  the  Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  401(k)  Plan  (the  “401(k)  Plan”),  as  a  defined 
contribution benefit plan, in accordance with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The 401(k) 
Plan is open to employees who meet certain eligibility requirements and allows participating employees 
to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation and contribute such amount to one or more investment 
funds.  At  our  discretion,  we  may  make  matching  contribution  payments,  which  are  subject  to  vesting 
based on an employee’s length of service with us. 

In addition, we maintain a non-qualified deferred compensation plan available to certain employees and 
directors.  Under  this  plan,  the  participants  may  defer  a  certain  amount  of  their  compensation,  which  is 
credited to the participants’ accounts. The participant-directed investments associated with this plan are 
included in other long-term assets ($18.2 million and $16.8 million at December 28, 2014 and December 
29,  2013,  respectively)  and  the  associated  liabilities  ($17.6  million  and  $15.8  million  at  December  28, 
2014  and  December  29,  2013,  respectively)  are  included  in  other  long-term  liabilities  in  the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  

At  our  discretion,  we  contributed  a  matching  payment  of  1.5%,  up  to  a  maximum  of  6%  deferred,  in 
2014, 2013 and 2012 of a participating employee’s earnings  deferred into both the 401(k) Plan and the 
non-qualified  deferred  compensation  plan.  Such  costs  were  $734,000  in  2014,  $691,000  in  2013  and 
$630,000 in 2012. 

PJUK, the Company’s United Kingdom subsidiary, provided a pension plan that was frozen in 1999. The 
Company recorded expense of $174,000, $60,000 and $154,000 associated with the pension plan for the 
fiscal years ended 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company transferred the assets and liabilities 
for the ten participants in the pension plan to an outside insurance company in 2014. Substantially all of 
the $174,000 expensed in 2014 was related to the transfer. 

20.  Segment Information 

We  have  five  reportable  segments  for  all  years  presented:  domestic  Company-owned  restaurants, 
domestic  commissaries,  North  America  franchising,  international  operations,  and  “all  other”  units.  The 
domestic  Company-owned  restaurant  segment  consists  of  the  operations  of  all  domestic  (“domestic”  is 
defined  as  contiguous  United  States)  Company-owned  restaurants  and  derives  its  revenues  principally 
from retail sales of pizza and side items, including breadsticks, cheesesticks, chicken poppers and wings, 
dessert  items  and  canned  or  bottled  beverages.  The  domestic  commissary  segment  consists  of  the 
operations  of  our  regional  dough  production  and  product  distribution  centers  and  derives  its  revenues 
principally from the sale and distribution of food and paper products to domestic Company-owned and 
franchised  restaurants.  The  North  America  franchising  segment  consists  of  our  franchise  sales  and 
support activities and derives its revenues from sales of franchise and development rights and collection 
of  royalties from  our franchisees located  in the  United  States  and  Canada. The international  operations 
segment  principally  consists  of  our  Company-owned  restaurants  in  China  and  distribution  sales  to 
franchised Papa John’s restaurants located in the United Kingdom, Mexico and China and our franchise 
sales and support activities, which derive revenues from sales of franchise and development rights and the 
collection  of  royalties  from  our  international  franchisees.  International  franchisees  are  defined  as  all 
franchise operations outside of the United States and Canada. All other business units that do not meet the 
quantitative thresholds for determining reportable segments, which are not operating segments, we refer 
to as our “all other” segment, which consists of operations that derive revenues from the sale, principally 
to  Company-owned  and  franchised  restaurants,  of  printing  and  promotional  items,  risk  management 
services, and information systems and related services used in restaurant operations, including our point-
of-sale system, online and other technology-based ordering platforms.  

 83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20.  Segment Information (continued) 

Generally, we evaluate performance and allocate resources based on profit or loss from operations before 
income  taxes  and  intercompany  eliminations.  Certain  administrative  and  capital  costs  are  allocated  to 
segments  based  upon  predetermined  rates  or  actual  estimated  resource  usage.  We  account  for 
intercompany sales or transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties and eliminate the activity in 
consolidation.  

Our  reportable  segments  are  business  units  that  provide  different  products  or  services.  Separate 
management  of  each  segment  is  required  because  each  business  unit  is  subject  to  different  operational 
issues  and  strategies.  No  single  external  customer  accounted  for  10%  or  more  of  our  consolidated 
revenues.  The  accounting  policies  of  the  segments  are  the  same  as  those  described  in  the  summary  of 
significant accounting policies (see Note 2).  

Our segment information is as follows: 

 84 

(In thousands)201420132012Revenues from external customers:Domestic Company-owned restaurants701,854$       635,317$       592,203$       Domestic commissaries629,492         578,870         545,924         North America franchising90,169           82,873           80,373           International102,455         88,640           72,930           All others74,179           53,322           51,223           Total revenues from external customers1,598,149$    1,439,022$    1,342,653$    Intersegment revenues:Domestic commissaries220,406$       191,756$       171,212$       North America franchising2,400             2,222             2,267             International320                280                229                All others22,851           14,197           11,606           Total intersegment revenues245,977$       208,455$       185,314$       Depreciation and amortization: Domestic Company-owned restaurants13,829$         13,284$         13,242$         Domestic commissaries6,776             5,690             4,738             International3,903             3,966             2,824             All others6,156             5,320             4,801             Unallocated corporate expenses9,301             6,845             7,193             Total depreciation and amortization39,965$         35,105$         32,798$         Income (loss) before income taxes:Domestic Company-owned restaurants40,969$         34,590$         38,114$         Domestic commissaries 39,317           37,804           34,317           North America franchising77,009           70,201           69,332           International7,250             2,803             3,063             All others(9)                   3,490             2,889             Unallocated corporate expenses(49,440)          (41,025)          (48,958)          Elimination of intersegment profits(841)               (1,754)            (362)               Total income before income taxes114,255$       106,109$       98,395$          
 
 
 
 
 
 
20.  Segment Information (continued) 

21.  Quarterly Data - Unaudited, in Thousands, except Per Share Data 

Our quarterly select financial data is as follows: 

All  quarterly  information  is  presented  in  13-week  periods.  Quarterly  earnings  per  share  on  a  full-year 
basis may not agree to the consolidated statements of income due to rounding. 

 85 

(In thousands)201420132012Property and equipment:Domestic Company-owned restaurants208,488$       195,526$       184,322$       Domestic commissaries107,992         104,509         101,082         International25,443           27,225           22,389           All others46,013           41,064           37,221           Unallocated corporate assets169,105         158,462         142,950         Accumulated depreciation and amortization(337,584)        (314,689)        (291,303)        Net property and equipment219,457$       212,097$       196,661$       Expenditures for property and equipment:Domestic Company-owned restaurants23,475$         13,149$         9,319$           Domestic commissaries5,756             9,791             14,314           International1,708             3,754             4,865             All others5,906             4,689             3,342             Unallocated corporate11,810           19,367           10,788           Total expenditures for property and equipment48,655$         50,750$         42,628$         Total revenues401,377$     380,864$     390,399$     425,509$     Operating income32,002         26,999         25,186         33,443         Net income attributable to the Company19,311         16,748         16,075         21,181         Basic earnings per common share0.46$           0.40$           0.39$           0.53$           Diluted earnings per common share 0.45$           0.40$           0.39$           0.52$           Dividends declared per common share0.125$         0.125$         0.14$           0.14$           20131st2nd3rd4thTotal revenues355,604$     349,186$     346,342$     387,890$     Operating income29,625         26,948         21,448         28,482         Net income attributable to the Company19,306         17,150         14,276         18,805         Basic earnings per common share0.43$           0.39$           0.33$           0.42$           Diluted earnings per common share 0.42$           0.39$           0.32$           0.41$           Dividends declared per common share-$             -$             0.125$         0.125$          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

None. 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 

(a)  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and 
with  the  participation  of  our  management,  including  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  (“CEO”)  and  Chief 
Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in 
Rules  13a-15(e)  and  15d-15(e)  of  the  Exchange  Act).  Based  upon  this  evaluation,  the  CEO  and  CFO 
concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. 

(b)  Management’s Report on our Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial 
reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Our internal 
control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and the board of directors 
regarding  the  preparation  and  fair  presentation  of  published  financial  statements.  All  internal  control 
systems,  no  matter  how  well  designed,  have  inherent  limitations.  Therefore,  even  those  systems 
determined  to  be  effective  can  provide  only  reasonable  assurance  with  respect  to  financial  statement 
preparation and presentation.  

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we 
conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the 
2013  framework  established  in  Internal  Control  –  Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of 
Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission.  Based  on  our  evaluation  under  the  2013 
framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our 
internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 28, 2014.  

Ernst  &  Young  LLP,  an  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm,  has  audited  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of its audit, has issued an 
attestation report, included herein, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. 

 86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries  

We have audited Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 28, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued 
by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (2013  Framework)  (the 
COSO  criteria).    Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  and  Subsidiaries’  management  is  responsible  for 
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness 
of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on our 
Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s 
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.  

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material 
respects.  Our  audit  included  obtaining  an  understanding  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting, 
assessing  the  risk  that  a  material  weakness  exists,  testing  and  evaluating  the  design  and  operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we 
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our 
opinion. 

A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable 
assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for 
external  purposes  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  A  company’s  internal 
control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance 
of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the 
assets  of  the  company;  (2)  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to 
permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles, 
and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations 
of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention 
or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have 
a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect 
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk 
that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance 
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

In  our  opinion,  Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  and  Subsidiaries  maintained,  in  all  material  respects, 
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2014, based on the COSO criteria. 

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight 
Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, 
and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2014 of Papa John’s International, Inc. 
and Subsidiaries and our report dated February 24, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. 

Louisville, Kentucky 
February 24, 2015 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

 87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 
28, 2014 that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control 
over financial reporting. 

Item 9B. Other Information 

On  February  19,  2015,  the  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  approved  new 
employment agreements effective March 1, 2015, originally entered into for 3-year terms in March 2012, 
with members of the Company’s executive leadership team (other than Founder, Chairman, President and 
Chief  Executive  Officer,  John  H.  Schnatter),  including  Senior  Vice  President  and  Chief  Operating 
Officer, Stephen M. Ritchie; Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer 
and Treasurer, Lance F. Tucker; and Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Timothy C. 
O’Hern (collectively, the “Employment Agreements”). The Employment Agreements are on substantially 
the  same  terms  as  the  prior  agreements,  and  have  a  three-year  term  and  automatically  renew  for 
successive one-year terms unless either party gives written notice of termination at least 60 days prior to 
the  expiration  of  the  current  term.  The  Employment  Agreements  provide  for  a  minimum  annual  base 
salary (currently $550,000 in the case of Mr. Ritchie, $500,000 in the case of Mr. Tucker, and $395,000 
in the case of Mr. O’Hern), annual cash bonus and equity awards opportunities, and benefits as afforded 
to similarly situated employees. During the term of the Employment Agreements, base salary increases, 
and the amount and terms of bonus awards and equity awards are at the discretion of the Compensation 
Committee of the Board of Directors. 

In the event the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company prior to the end of the term of the 
Employment Agreement other than for “cause” (as defined in the Employment Agreement), the executive 
is entitled to receive 9 months’ base salary, pro rata cash bonus for the year of termination and a credit for 
an  additional  6  months  of  service  for  purposes  of  vesting  in  outstanding  stock  options  and  time-based 
restricted stock. In the event of an executive’s termination without cause following a change in control 
before  the  end  of  the  term  of  the  Employment  Agreement,  or  by  the  executive  for  “good  reason” 
following  a  change  in  control  (as  defined  in  the  Employment  Agreement),  the  executive  is  entitled  to 
receive the lesser of the total of the executive’s base salary and pro rata cash bonus through the remainder 
of the term or 9 months’ base salary. In the case of termination of employment due to death or disability, 
the Employment Agreements provide for payment of base salary through the date of termination and pro 
rata cash bonus. In addition to the Employment Agreements, our equity plans provide for certain benefits 
upon change in control, death and disability, as previously disclosed. 

The foregoing summary of the Employment Agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full 
text  of  the  Employment  Agreements  filed  as  Exhibits  10.1,  10.2,  and  10.3  hereto  and  incorporated  by 
reference herein. 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

PART III 

Information regarding executive officers is included above under the caption “Executive Officers of the 
Registrant” at the end of Part I of this Report. Other information regarding directors, executive officers 
and  corporate  governance  appearing  under  the  captions  “Corporate  Governance,”  “Item  1,  Election  of 
Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Executive Compensation / 
Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis”  is  incorporated  by  reference  from  the  Company’s  definitive 

 88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days 
after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.  

We have adopted a written code of ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees. We intend 
to post all required disclosures concerning any amendments to or waivers from, our code of ethics on our 
website to the extent permitted by NASDAQ. Our code of ethics can be found on our website, which is 
located at www.papajohns.com.  

Item 11.  Executive Compensation 

Information regarding executive compensation appearing under the captions “Executive Compensation / 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report” and “Certain Relationships 
and  Related  Transactions  –  Compensation  Committee  Interlocks  and  Insider  Participation”  is 
incorporated  by  reference from  the  Company’s  definitive  proxy  statement,  which  will  be  filed  with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by 
this Report. 

Item  12.  Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and  Management  and  Related 

Stockholder Matters 

The following table provides information as of December 28, 2014 regarding the number of shares of the 
Company’s common stock that may be issued under the Company’s equity compensation plans. 

Information  regarding  security  ownership  of  certain  beneficial  owners  and  management  and  related 
stockholder matters appearing under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and 
Management” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year 
covered by this Report.  

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence appearing 
under  the  captions  “Corporate  Governance”  and  “Certain  Relationships  and  Related  Transactions”  is 

 89 

(c)(a)(b)Number of securitiesNumber of Weighted remaining availablesecurities to be averagefor future issuance issued upon exerciseexercise priceunder equity of outstandingof outstanding  compensation plans, options, warrants options, warrantsexcluding securities Plan Categoryand rightsand rightsreflected in column (a)Equity compensation plans   approved by security holders1,563,977                  $24.527,485,725                     Equity compensation plans not   approved by security holders *166,728                     Total1,730,705                  $24.527,485,725                     * Represents shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the non-qualified deferred compensation plan.   The weighted average exercise price (column b) does not include any assumed price for issuance of shares    pursuant to the non-qualified deferred compensation plan. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
incorporated  by  reference from  the  Company’s  definitive  proxy  statement,  which  will  be  filed  with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by 
this Report.  

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services  

Information regarding principal accounting fees and services appearing under the caption “Ratification of 
the Selection of Independent Auditors” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy 
statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after 
the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.  

PART IV 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

(a)(1)  Financial Statements: 

The following consolidated financial statements, notes related thereto and report of independent auditors 
are included in Item 8 of this Report: 

  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 

and December 30, 2012 

  Consolidated  Statements  of  Comprehensive  Income  for  the  years  ended  December  28,  2014, 

December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 

  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 
  Consolidated  Statements  of  Stockholders’  Equity  for  the  years  ended  December  28,  2014, 

December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 

  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended  December 28, 2014,  December 29, 

2013 and December 30, 2012 

  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

 90 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)(2)  Financial Statement Schedules: 

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities 
and  Exchange  Commission  are  not  required  under  the  related  instructions  or  are  inapplicable  and, 
therefore, have been omitted. 

(a)(3)  Exhibits: 

The exhibits listed in the accompanying index to Exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-K. 

 91 

Charged toBalance at (recovered from)Balance atBeginning of Costs and Additions /End of ClassificationYearExpenses(Deductions) Year(in thousands)Fiscal year ended December 28,  2014:   Deducted from asset accounts:       Reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable4,318$        2,297$         (2,801)$  (1)3,814$               Reserve for franchisee notes receivable3,387          (502)             247         (1)3,132                 Valuation allowance on foreign net operating losses7,682          (4,750)          -         2,932          15,387$      (2,955)$        (2,554)$  9,878$        Fiscal year ended December 29,  2013:   Deducted from asset accounts:       Reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable3,057$        2,416$         (1,155)$  (1)4,318$               Reserve for franchisee notes receivable5,028          (495)             (1,146)    (1)3,387                 Valuation allowance on foreign net operating losses8,240          (558)             -         7,682          16,325$      1,363$         (2,301)$  15,387$      Fiscal year ended December 30,  2012:   Deducted from asset accounts:       Reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable3,034$        1,394$         (1,371)$  (1)3,057$               Reserve for franchisee notes receivable5,905          280              (1,157)    (1)5,028                 Valuation allowance on foreign net operating losses7,474          766              -         8,240          16,413$      2,440$         (2,528)$  16,325$      (1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries and reclassifications between accounts and notes receivable reserves. 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES 

Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  Section 13  or  15(d)  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  the 
Registrant  has  duly  caused  this  report  to  be  signed  on  its  behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly 
authorized. 

Date:  February 24, 2015 

PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC. 

By:  

/s/ John H. Schnatter      
John H. Schnatter 
Founder, Chairman, President and  
Chief Executive Officer 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by 
the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ John H. Schnatter  
John H. Schnatter  

Founder, Chairman, President 
and Chief Executive Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

February 24, 2015 

/s/ Norborne P. Cole, Jr.         
Norborne P. Cole, Jr.  

  Director 

                                 February 24, 2015 

                                 February 24, 2015 

/s/ Christopher L. Coleman           Director 
Christopher L. Coleman  

/s/ Philip Guarascio 
Philip Guarascio   

/s/ Olivia F. Kirtley 
Olivia F. Kirtley 

  Director 

  Director 

/s/ Laurette T. Koellner   
Laurette T. Koellner 

  Director 

/s/ Mark S. Shapiro                
Mark S. Shapiro 

  Director 

/s/ W. Kent Taylor                
W. Kent Taylor 

  Director 

/s/ Lance F. Tucker 
Lance F. Tucker 

Senior Vice President, Chief  
Financial Officer, Chief Administrative  
  Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial  
  Officer and  Principal Accounting Officer) 

 92 

February 24, 2015 

February 24, 2015 

February 24, 2015 

February 24, 2015 

February 24, 2015 

February 24, 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 
Number 

3.1 

3.2 

4.1 

4.2 

10.1* 

10.2* 

10.3* 

10.4* 

10.5 

10.6* 

10.7* 

10.8* 

EXHIBIT INDEX 

Description of Exhibit   

Our  Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation.  Exhibit 3.1  to  our  Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 29, 2014, is incorporated herein 
by reference. 

Our Restated By-Laws. Exhibit 3.1 to our report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2007 is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

Specimen Common Stock Certificate. Exhibit 4.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 (Commission File No. 0-21660) is incorporated 
herein by reference. 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Restated By-Laws (see Exhibits 
3.1 and 3.2 above) are incorporated herein by reference. 

Employment  Agreement  between  Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  and  Steve  M.  Ritchie 
effective March 1, 2015. 

Employment  Agreement  between  Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  and  Lance  F.  Tucker 
effective March 1, 2015. 

Employment Agreement between Papa John’s International, Inc. and Timothy C. O’Hern 
effective March 1, 2015. 

Employment  Agreement  between  Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  and  Robert  C.  Kraut 
effective October 7, 2013. 

$400,000,000 First Amendment to First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and 
among Papa John’s International, Inc.; the Guarantors party thereto; PNC Bank, National 
Association,  as  a  lender  and  in  its  capacity  as  Administrative  Agent  for  the  lenders; 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as a lender and in its capacity as Co-Syndication Agent for 
the  lenders;  U.S.  Bank,  National  Association,  as  a  lender  and  in  its  capacity  as  Co-
Syndication Agent for the lenders; Bank of America, N.A., as a lender and in its capacity 
as Documentation Agent for the lenders; and Branch Banking and Trust Company, as a 
lender.  Exhibit  10.1  to  our  Report  on  Form  8-K  as  filed  on  November  4,  2014  is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  Deferred  Compensation  Plan,  as  amended  through 
December  5,  2012.  Exhibit  10.1  to  our  report  on  Form  10-K  as  filed  on  February  28, 
2013 is incorporated herein by reference. 

Papa  John’s  International,  Inc.  2008  Omnibus  Incentive  Plan.  Exhibit  10.1  to  our 
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-150762) dated May 5, 2008 is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

Papa John’s International, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan.  Exhibit 4.1 to our report 
on Form 8-K as filed on May 3, 2011 is incorporated herein by reference.  

 93 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.9* 

10.10* 

10.11* 

10.12* 

21 

23 

31.1 

31.2 

32.1 

32.2 

101 

Agreement  for  Service  as  Chairman  between  John  H.  Schnatter  and  Papa  John’s 
International, Inc. Exhibit 10.1 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on August 15, 2007 is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

Agreement  for  Service  as  Founder  between  John  H.  Schnatter  and  Papa  John’s 
International, Inc. Exhibit 10.1 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on August 15, 2007 is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

Amendment and Restated Exclusive License Agreement between John H. Schnatter and 
Papa John’s International, Inc.  Exhibit 10.1 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on May 
19, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference. 

Papa John’s International, Inc. Severance Pay Plan. Exhibit 10.1 to our report on Form 
10-Q filed on May 1, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference. 

Subsidiaries of the Company. 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. 

Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-
15(e). 

Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-
15(e). 

Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, 
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, 
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

Financial statements from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Papa John’s International, 
Inc.  for  the  year  ended  December  28,  2014,  filed  on  February  24,  2015,  formatted  in 
XBRL:  (i)  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income,  (ii)  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Comprehensive  Income,  (iii)  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets,  (iv)  the  Consolidated 
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and 
(vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

__________________ 

*Compensatory plan required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(c) of Form 10-K. 

The  Exhibits  to  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  are  not  contained  herein.  The  Company  will 

furnish a copy of any of the Exhibits to a stockholder upon written request to Investor Relations, 

Papa John’s International, Inc., P.O. Box 99900, Louisville, KY 40269-0900. 

 94 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Ending Store Count

International

959

822

709

635

1,500

1,300

1,100

900

700

500

300

1,323

1,142

To Our Shareholders, Franchisees, Supply Partners and Team Members:

Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

You can’t make good wine from bad grapes. Quality is our 

Customers continue to respond favorably to our ‘Better 

Ingredients. Better Pizza.’ promise. Papa John’s earned the 

Papa John’s turned 30 in 2014, and we had a lot to celebrate. For me, it was an important time to both reflect 

foundation and our distinction—we’ve always had better 

top spot in the 2014 American Customer Satisfaction Index 

and look ahead, considering not just how much has changed but what has and must remain the same as we go 

ingredients, and we always will. We invest in the best 

(ACSI) earlier this year, when we achieved the highest rating 

forward. Looking to the past, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my Great Grandfather for having the courage 

ingredients for our pizza, starting with our fresh, never-frozen 

in the pizza category for an unprecedented 13th time in the 

to leave Germany in 1867 at age 15 for America, allowing me, and all of the people who have been positively 

$3.32B

hand-tossed original dough made with extra virgin olive oil. 

past 15 years – and for 2014 the highest rating across all 

Global System Sales

Papa John’s 36 International Markets*

Canada

Cayman Islands
Dominican Republic

Cyprus

Russia

United
Kingdom

Ireland

Turkey
Jordan

Azerbaijan

China

South
Korea

Puerto
Rico

Guam

Mexico

El Salvador
Guatemala
Nicaragua
Costa Rica

India

Trinidad

Venezuela

Egypt

Chile

Saudi Arabia

Malaysia

Philippines

Panama
Colombia
Ecuador
Peru

Kuwait
Bahrain
Qatar
United Arab Emirates
Oman

$

$

$1 BILLION 

$2 BILLION 

* International Locations as of December 28, 2014

1,500

1,300

1,100

900

700

500

300

1.90

1.70

1.50

1.30

1.10

0.90

0.70

0.50

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

$3.50

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50

Global System Sales

$3.32B

$3.02B

$2.85B

$2.57B

$2.39B

$2.28B

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Ending Store Count

International

impacted by the success of Papa John’s, the opportunity to eventually live the American dream. Papa John’s 

$3.02B

would not be here without his decision to come to a society where free markets and private enterprise allow 

$2.85B

hard-working people to create successful businesses that benefit so many. Moving forward, we must maintain 

1,323

1,142

this work ethic and our unyielding focus on achieving better… Better Ingredients. Better Pizza. We believe 

that when quality leads, the numbers will follow, and in 2014, our store operators and franchisees delivered in 

$2.28B

959

822

spades. By executing on the fundamentals and delivering on the promise of better quality pizza, Papa John’s 

$2.57B

$2.39B

achieved another year of strong growth and customer loyalty. Let me talk to this in detail.

709

635

Let’s start by discussing why our simple strategy 

2009

2010

of operating one store, 4,663 times is the best way 

2012

2013

2014

2011

We achieved success in spite of significant headwinds, 

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

especially in the form of high cheese prices. We were 

for us to think about our business, Papa John’s 

able to mitigate these challenges because of our quality 

delivered earnings per share of $1.75 for full-year 2014, 

positioning and ability to pursue a premium pricing 

representing a 13% increase over 2013. We believe 

strategy. Our quality heritage and better ingredients are 

running a business with a small-company, quality 

what differentiate us and give us the ability to deliver 

mindset is a better way to create shareholder wealth 

high-value limited time offers at a price point higher 

than a production, short-term, financial-engineering 

than competitors can charge. 

mindset. Our market capitalization reached $2.2 billion 

at year end, up $300 million over 2013, and over a 

three-fold increase since 2009. 

In addition to a strong pricing strategy, we are fortunate 

to have the relentless drive of our operators, our Board 

of Directors and our executive team. We have many 

North American comparable sales grew by 6.7%, 

team members that started either making or delivering 

marking the 11th consecutive year of increased or flat 

pizza that are now top executives at Papa John’s—

sales growth on the continent. Our international story 

notably Steve Ritchie, who started with Papa John’s as a 

is also strong – with international comparable sales 

delivery driver 18 years ago, and was promoted to COO 

growth of 7.4%, our global system sales reached $3.3 

this year. My appreciation and gratitude to each of you—

billion in 2014, up $296 million over 2013. 

you’re what makes Papa John’s run successfully. 

Earnings Per Share

$1.75

$1.55

Online Sales Mix

Global System Sales

Domestic Restaurants

48%

$3.32B

46%

$3.02B

$1.29

$1.08

$0.92

$0.69

$2.85B

40%

$2.57B

$2.39B

33%

$2.28B

25%

28%

$3.50

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50

50%

$3.50

45%

$3.00

40%

35%

$2.50

30%

$2.00

25%

20%

$1.50

Our fresh-packed tomato sauce is just that: packed from ripe, 

limited-service restaurant companies surveyed. Papa John's 

farm-grown freshly picked California tomatoes, extra virgin 

also earned the highest score regarding overall quality, 

olive oil, salt, sunflower oil, sugar, and spices – we are the 

product and service quality and customer expectations in the 

rare brand that refuses to have our pizza sauce 

individual ACSI ratings.

re-manufactured from industrial 

tomato paste. You won’t find 

fillers in our meats, nor will 

you find trans-fats, MSG, 

BHA, BHT or partially 

hydrogenated oils. This 

continued focus on 

quality not only delivers 

1.90

on the promise of “better 

ingredients,” but also 

Earnings Per Share

Ending Store Count

1.70

1,500

ensures we maintain the taste that customers desire, which 

creates brand loyalty among our customers, which we love.

$1.75

1,323

International

But we need to keep striving to deliver the best. As 

$1.55

1,142

consumers continue to expect greater transparency from the 

$1.29

food industry through better ingredient choices, we’re looking 

959

$1.08

822

$0.92

closely at our labels to ensure we are keeping up with—and 

staying ahead of—food trends without sacrificing the great 

709

taste that customers desire. To find out more information 

635

$0.69

about what goes into our products and onto our pizzas, go to 

1,300

1.50

1,100

1.30

1.10

900

0.90

700

0.70

500

0.50

300

www.papajohns.com/better.  

2009*

2009

2010*

2010

2011

2011

2012

2012

2013

2013

2014

2014

Market Capitalization

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

Our customer loyalty program, Papa Rewards, also was 

recognized by the prestigious Bond Brand Loyalty Report, 

taking the top spot over other major food service providers’ 

programs including some other very well-run companies. 

International Growth

Our global business experienced solid growth in 2014, with 181 

net international restaurant openings and international profit 

doubling over 2013. We grew our footprint in Asia through our 

franchisee in India, and continued to see strong performance 

in the UK, the Middle East and Latin America. At year end, we 

had 1,323 restaurants open beyond North America’s shores. 

The key to quality is consistency, and we’ve implemented our 

gold standard ingredients worldwide to make sure all our 

pizzas taste the same; this costs a little more, but it’s worth it 

in the long term.

However, there are opportunities for improvement, such as 

in North China. So we’ve assessed our operations there and 

while we have found there are many things we’re doing right, 

we’re also exploring ways to enhance our marketing, menu 

and model in order to improve our brand positioning, sales 

and profitability.

Ending Store Count

International

959

822

709

635

1,500

1,300

1,100

900

700

500

300

1,323

1,142

2009*

2010*

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2009

2010

2010

2011

2011

2012

2012

2013

2013

2014

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

*Earnings per share for 2009 and 2010 are presented on a non-GAAP basis for comparability purposes. See the Investor Relations section of our website which contains the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations.

Online Sales Mix

Domestic Restaurants

48%

46%

Market Capitalization

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

40%

33%

28%

25%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$3.50

Global System Sales

Earnings Per Share

$3.00

$2.50

$2.57B

$1.29

$2.28B

$2.39B

$1.08

0.90

$2.00

$0.92

$3.32B

$1.75

$3.02B

$1.55

$2.85B

$0.6B

$0.7B

1984

1985

1986

John converts a broom 

2009

closet into a pizza 

2010

2011

kitchen. 

1st Papa John’s opens 

2012

in Jeffersonville, 

2013

Indiana.

2014

Papa John’s sold its 1st 

franchise (Store #9) to 

Scott & Roger Roalofs, who 

are still with us today.

1991

Papa John’s 100th 

restaurant opening.

1993

Papa John’s  

files IPO at  

Store #232.

$1.50

$0.69

1994

opening.

1994

1995

1997

Papa John’s 

2009*

500th restaurant 

2010*

2009

2010

2011

2011

Papa John’s ranked 

2012

2013

#1

of best-run small 

2012

2013

2014

2014

companies by  

Business Week.

Papa John’s ranked  

10th by Forbes in list  

of the nation’s 200  

best small companies.

Papa John’s ranked 

in Restaurants and 

Institutions Choice in 

#1

Chains survey.

Online Sales Mix

Domestic Restaurants

48%

46%

Market Capitalization

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

40%

33%

28%

25%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009*

2010*

2011

2012

2013

2014

1998

Papa John’s 

topped $1 billion 

in system-wide 

restaurant sales.

$1.75

$1.55

Earnings Per Share

$1.29

$1.08

$0.92

$0.69

1.90

1.70

1.50

1.30

1.10

0.90

0.70

0.50

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

Online Sales Mix

Domestic Restaurants

48%

46%

Market Capitalization

40%

33%

28%

25%

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.2B

$0.9B

$0.6B

$0.7B

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

1.90

1.70

1.50

1.30

1.10

0.70

0.50

$2.5

$2.0

$1.5

$1.0

$0.5

$

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

167993_Front.indd   2

3/3/15   8:36 AM

 
“Winning is habit.  
Unfortunately, so is losing.”
– Vince Lombardi

Our team members, franchisees, and  
supply partners have a habit of winning.

Celebrating 30 Years

of Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.

167993_Front.indd   1

3/3/15   8:35 AM