Summary: PizzaExpress is a private company, so investors cannot invest in it directly. However, investors can still have a stake in the casual dining industry by investing in similar restaurant chains via a regulated broker such as eToro.
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What is PizzaExpress?
PizzaExpress is a privately owned company, and its ownership has been taken over by the bondholders in a swap with its previous parent company Hony Capital, so public investors cannot invest in it directly.
However, you can still get some exposure to the casual dining and restaurant industry by looking for alternative investment options. For example, some of the most popular pizza chains in the UK, such as Domino’s Pizza (NYSE: DPZ) and Papa John’s (NASDAQ: PZZA), are publicly traded, so you can buy shares in them online on investment platforms such as eToro.
How to buy shares in PizzaExpress? Step-by-step process
If you have decided to invest in one of the popular pizza chains in the UK, simply follow these six steps:
Step 1: Choose a broker
Before investing, do some research to see what kind of platform suits your investment strategies. You can start by considering factors such as:
- Broker reputation: Look for brokers with a strong reputation and avoid shady, unregulated platforms;
- Fees: The lower the fees, the better. eToro, for example, offers commission-free stock and exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading;
- Platform type: Some cater to day traders, while others cater to passive investors who prefer a slower but steadier approach;
- Security: Seek platforms regulated by financial authorities like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA);
- Customer support: Solid customer service can mean the world of a difference for new investors;
- Availability of trading tools: For veterans, more trading tools mean a more intricate investment strategy. However, if you are new to investing, look for user-friendly stock trading platforms;
- Market data accessibility: Comprehensive market data is a sign of a good investment platform, so never choose one that withholds critical information from its clients;
- Additional services: Some platforms offer research reports, copy trading, investment tutorials, etc., which can be of great help.
To buy shares in UK pizza chains, consider these two brokers:
1. eToro
- Commission-free stock trading;
- 2,000+ stocks from 17 different exchanges;
- Fractional shares;
- Ready-made investment portfolios;
- No account minimums;
- Social trading.
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Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.
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0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
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eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.
2. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
- Commission-free stock trading;
- Global stock-trading on 90+ market centers;
- Fractional shares;
- No minimum deposits;
- Additional income on fully paid shares;
- Lowest financing rates for margin accounts.
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IBKR pays up to 4.58% interest on cash balances of $10k or more
Step 2: Fund your account
With brokers such as eToro, you can link your bank accounts directly to your trading account. However, you sometimes have to use third-party payment services.
Step 3: Research the Company
The restaurant industry is highly competitive, especially when it comes to multinational restaurant chains such as Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, and Papa John’s.
Since you are investing in a dynamic market environment, it is essential that you keep track of what is going on in the industry. Most relevant to your investments will be factors such as consumer preference and sentiment.
It also helps to keep an eye out for newcomers on the market, as well as some of the competition. Look at different chains and their market share to see what competitive advantages they might have over other competitors.
Further, consider whether the company you are investing in operates at a national or regional level, and see what benefits investing abroad might bring you.
Step 4: Decide how much you want to invest
To figure out how much you should invest, assess your financial situation and investment goals. Since investing is risky by definition, you should handle only what you can afford to lose.
Further, lay down your investment objectives as clearly as possible. Are you investing short-term or long-term? What kind of profit are you looking to generate? Each goal comes with different investment timeframes and risks, so make sure you do not make rash decisions.
It is advisable that you start with a smaller capital, especially if you have little to no experience. That will allow you to gain some experience and understand market dynamics before moving on to more daring ventures.
Step 5: Place your order and buy PizzaExpress shares
Executing your order is simple. If you have chosen eToro, just:
- Log into your account;
- Use the search bar to look for the pizza chain ticker (e.g., PZZA);
- Specify how many shares you wish to buy.
On major online investment platforms, you will have a few order options available:
- Market order, i.e., buying the stock at its current market price immediately if it is available;
- Limit order, i.e., purchasing the stock as soon as its price reaches a set price range;
- Options contracts, i.e., derivatives that let you buy or sell an asset at a pre-determined price period of time.
Step 6: Monitor your investment
When monitoring your investment, keep an eye on customer feedback and user reviews about the pizza chain you invested in first and foremost.
You can browse social media and news outlets and pay attention to any adverse shifts in customer sentiment, as that may impact the company’s reputation and stock value.
Since the chain you are investing in is publicly traded, you can engage with other investors. They can give you more information, answer specific questions about the company and its leadership, and keep you in the loop with relevant corporate developments.
Moreover, follow the activities of competing chains. Their performance, expansion plans, and marketing strategies can all significantly impact the performance of your stocks.
Common mistakes to avoid when investing in PizzaExpress
Investing is risky, so it’s important to stay vigilant and avoid some common mistakes that new investors often make. The usual mistakes when investing in pizza restaurants include:
- Lack of research: Failing to conduct enough research into financials, market position, and consumer trends will lead only to losses;
- Ignoring market trends: The pizza chain industry is constantly evolving, and new trends are constantly emerging as each competitor tries to outdo the other with things such as new and healthier menu options, technology advancements, etc., all of which can shift the tide in their favor and affect stock prices;
- Ignoring operational efficiency: Try to take into account things such as supply chain management, customer service, worker sentiment, etc.
Pros and cons of investing in pizza chains
Pros
- The industry is massive;
- Pizza is usually affordable, so many chains generate vast profits;
- Some pizza chains operate as franchises.
Cons
- Highly competitive market;
- Consumer preferences may shift dramatically and fast:
- Non-compliance with rules and regulations can impact public opinion and, thus, stock prices negatively.
Conclusion
PizzaExpress is a private company, so you cannot invest in it directly. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can own a stake in the pizza chain industry by opting for some alternative investment options, such as Domino’s Pizza.
Whether such an investment is a viable option for you will depend on numerous factors, some of which have been discussed above. So, before investing, be sure you have done thorough research into the market as a whole and the company you are looking to invest in.
The restaurant chain market is highly competitive, which means that the performance of one chain typically depends on the performance of another, which is something you have to keep in mind if you want your investment to be fruitful.
Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.
FAQs about PizzaExpress
What is PizzaExpress?
PizzaExpress is a private company, so public investors cannot invest in it directly.
What is the PizzaExpress ticker symbol?
PizzaExpress does not have a ticker symbol, as it is not a publicly traded company.
Who owns PizzaExpress?
PizzaExpress is owned by a group of private bondholders.
Will there be a PizzaExpress IPO in 2024?
There have been no news of a potential PizzaExpress IPO.
Highly Rated Stock Trading & Investing Platform
-
Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.
-
0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
-
Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.
-
eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.
