📊 CAKE Key Takeaways
Is Cheesecake Factory Inc. (CAKE) a Good Investment?
Cheesecake Factory demonstrates solid operational efficiency with a 50.7x interest coverage ratio and strong free cash flow generation of $155.1M, indicating financial stability. However, stagnant revenue growth (+0.0% YoY), declining diluted EPS (-4.4% YoY), and weak liquidity metrics (0.59x current ratio) raise concerns about operational momentum and short-term financial flexibility.
The Cheesecake Factory shows solid fundamental resilience through positive free cash flow, strong interest coverage, and healthy absolute profitability, but growth quality is muted with flat revenue and net income and declining diluted EPS. The business appears financially stable rather than accelerating, with leverage and weak liquidity limiting the margin for error.
Why Buy Cheesecake Factory Inc. Stock? CAKE Key Strengths
- Exceptional interest coverage ratio of 50.7x demonstrates strong ability to service debt obligations
- Robust free cash flow of $155.1M with 4.1% FCF margin provides capital for operations and shareholder returns
- Healthy operating margin of 5.0% and ROE of 34.0% indicate efficient capital utilization and profitability
- Consistent profitability with $148.43M net income and a 5.0% operating margin
- Positive free cash flow of $155.08M and solid operating cash flow of $301.28M
- Very strong interest coverage of 50.7x, indicating manageable debt servicing capacity
CAKE Stock Risks: Cheesecake Factory Inc. Investment Risks
- Revenue growth stagnation at 0.0% YoY suggests mature or challenged market conditions with limited top-line expansion
- Deteriorating current ratio of 0.59x and quick ratio of 0.52x indicate potential liquidity constraints and working capital pressure
- Diluted EPS declining 4.4% YoY despite flat revenue indicates margin compression or share dilution concerns
- Revenue and net income are flat year over year, pointing to limited growth momentum
- Low current ratio of 0.59x and quick ratio of 0.52x indicate tight near-term liquidity
- High ROE is partly driven by a small equity base and leverage, with debt/equity at 1.29x
Key Metrics to Watch
- Revenue growth trajectory and comparable store sales performance
- Trends in operating and net margins to identify cost pressures or pricing power
- Free cash flow sustainability and capital allocation decisions
- Comparable sales and revenue growth
- Free cash flow generation relative to capital expenditures
Cheesecake Factory Inc. (CAKE) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The relatively thin 4.1% FCF margin may limit capital allocation flexibility. The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
CAKE Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
CAKE vs Consumer Sector: How Cheesecake Factory Inc. Compares
How Cheesecake Factory Inc. compares to Consumer sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Cheesecake Factory Inc. Stock Overvalued? CAKE Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Cheesecake Factory Inc. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Consumer sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Cheesecake Factory Inc. Balance Sheet: CAKE Debt, Cash & Liquidity
CAKE Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Cheesecake Factory Inc.'s revenue has shown modest growth of 5% over the 5-year period. The most recent EPS of $2.07 reflects profitable operations.
CAKE Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
CAKE Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $865.5M | $30.0M | $0.61 |
| Q2 2025 | $904.0M | $52.4M | $1.08 |
| Q1 2025 | $891.2M | $32.9M | $0.67 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Cheesecake Factory Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
CAKE SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Cheesecake Factory Inc. (CIK: 0000887596)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
| Date | Form | Document | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 10, 2026 | DEF 14A | tm261408-1_def14a.htm | View → |
| Apr 3, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/form4-04032026_090417.xml | View → |
| Apr 3, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/form4-04032026_080441.xml | View → |
| Apr 3, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/form4-04032026_080407.xml | View → |
| Apr 3, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/form4-04032026_080412.xml | View → |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about CAKE
What is the AI rating for CAKE?
Cheesecake Factory Inc. (CAKE) has a Combined AI Rating of HOLD from Claude (HOLD) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 70% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are CAKE's key strengths?
Claude: Exceptional interest coverage ratio of 50.7x demonstrates strong ability to service debt obligations. Robust free cash flow of $155.1M with 4.1% FCF margin provides capital for operations and shareholder returns. ChatGPT: Consistent profitability with $148.43M net income and a 5.0% operating margin. Positive free cash flow of $155.08M and solid operating cash flow of $301.28M.
What are the risks of investing in CAKE?
Claude: Revenue growth stagnation at 0.0% YoY suggests mature or challenged market conditions with limited top-line expansion. Deteriorating current ratio of 0.59x and quick ratio of 0.52x indicate potential liquidity constraints and working capital pressure. ChatGPT: Revenue and net income are flat year over year, pointing to limited growth momentum. Low current ratio of 0.59x and quick ratio of 0.52x indicate tight near-term liquidity.
What is CAKE's revenue and growth?
Cheesecake Factory Inc. reported revenue of $3.8B.
Does CAKE pay dividends?
Cheesecake Factory Inc. pays dividends, with $52.2M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find CAKE SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Cheesecake Factory Inc. (CIK: 0000887596) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is CAKE's EPS?
Cheesecake Factory Inc. has a diluted EPS of $3.06.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is CAKE a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Cheesecake Factory Inc. has a HOLD rating with 70% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is CAKE stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for CAKE: ROE of 34.0% (sector avg: 18%), net margin of 4.0% (sector avg: 8%). Higher ROE suggests strong returns relative to peers.
Should I buy CAKE stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Cheesecake Factory Inc. a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is CAKE's free cash flow?
Cheesecake Factory Inc.'s operating cash flow is $301.3M, with capital expenditures of $146.2M. FCF margin is 4.1%.
How does CAKE compare to other Consumer stocks?
Vs Consumer sector averages: Net margin 4.0% (avg: 8%), ROE 34.0% (avg: 18%), current ratio 0.59 (avg: 1.5).
Why is CAKE's return on equity (ROE) so high?
Cheesecake Factory Inc. has a return on equity of 34.0%, significantly above the Consumer sector average of 18%. A high ROE indicates the company is efficient at generating profits from shareholder equity. This is supported by a 4.0% net margin.