5 Best M&A Target Stocks to Buy Now

In this article, we will list the 5 Best M&A Target Stocks to Buy Now. Please visit 10 Best M&A Target Stocks to Buy Now if you’d like to see an extended list.

We selected M&A target stocks by reviewing companies with recent, credible takeover signals, including reported sale processes, activist pressure for strategic alternatives, private-equity interest, strategic-buyer interest, or board-level review activity. We finally ranked these stocks in descending order by short percentage of float, sourced from stockanalysis.com.

5. Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA)

Short Percentage of Float: 12.18%

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) is one of the best M&A target stocks to buy now.

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) remains in play after Reuters reported on April 15 that the pizza chain was moving closer to a possible sale. The report said Qatari-backed Irth Capital had offered $47 per share in March, with backing from Brookfield Asset Management, after a prior joint bid with Apollo Global Management fell through last year. Reuters also reported that Irth had been conducting due diligence over the past month, while sources cautioned that negotiations were still ongoing and no agreement was guaranteed.

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The M&A setup comes as Papa John’s works through softer U.S. demand, which could make a take-private structure more attractive for buyers willing to underwrite a turnaround away from public-market pressure. On May 7, the company reported that first-quarter 2026 global systemwide restaurant sales fell 3%, while global comparable sales declined 4%. North America comparable sales decreased 6.4%, although international comparable sales increased 3.6%. Diluted EPS came in at $0.21, while adjusted diluted EPS was $0.32.

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) operates and franchises pizza restaurants across North America and international markets, offering pizza, sides, desserts, and related delivery and carryout services.