The Cheesecake Factory logo

The Cheesecake Factory(CAKE)

Top Performer Top performer
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ADVISORIES YOU CAN VERIFY
QUALITY SIGNAL
5-STAR RATING
PASS
LAST CLOSE
$104.49
09/25/2026
(24-hour delay)

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*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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Upturn Advisory & Investor View for CAKE

09/25/2026: CAKE (5-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

The Cheesecake Factory is a prominent US-based casual dining operator best known for its extensive, scratch-made menu and signature premium desserts. The company has a leading position in the 'upscale casual' segment, utilizing strong brand recognition and vertically integrated bakery operations to maintain a distinct market presence. Its primary growth opportunity lies in the continued national expansion of its secondary brands, such as North Italia. However, the company faces significant risks related to labor and commodity cost inflation, as well as the inherent operational complexity of its business model. It may best suit dividend-oriented investors who monitor the balance between store expansion, margin management, and capital allocation.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitThe company offers moderate growth through concept expansion but faces headwinds in the mature casual dining sector.
Momentum investorWeak fitThe stock often lacks the rapid price velocity typically sought by momentum traders unless specific growth catalysts trigger a strong upturn.
Value investorMixed fitThe valuation varies based on earnings consistency, making it a potential fit only when trading at attractive multiples.
Dividend investorStrong fitThe company's history of paying dividends makes it a suitable candidate for income-focused portfolios.
Low-risk investorWeak fitThe restaurant industry is inherently subject to cyclicality and consumer spending volatility, which increases risk for conservative investors.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMedium / highThe stock is susceptible to fluctuations based on consumer sentiment and broader economic data.
Valuation riskMediumMarket expectations for growth can sometimes outpace the company's actual performance.
Competition risk (restaurant sector)HighThe company must continuously evolve its menu and concept to remain relevant against evolving competitor dining models.
Business qualityMediumWhile the brand has a loyal following, maintaining high margins across a large footprint remains an ongoing operational challenge.
Dividend incomeMediumDividends are subject to the board's discretion and the company's ability to generate sufficient free cash flow.
Execution riskMediumSuccessfully scaling secondary brands like North Italia is critical to long-term value creation.

Price Behavior

Strong Uptrend
PRICE PATH

Strong Uptrend

The stock has maintained a strong upward price trend across the last three quarters.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 125.09%
Avg. Invested days 52
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 3.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 5.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 09/25/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
CAKE receives a 3-star rating, supported by solid company fundamentals. The rating is constrained by weak price momentum, and limited analyst upside.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
CAKE has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with moderate financial health, moderate growth momentum, and strong ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, growth and ownership metrics are mixed: negative earnings growth (-5.3%), soft cash generation (FCF margin 4.1%), moderate revenue growth (+4.7%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
CAKE's financial health is supported by solid cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (4.1% of revenue). Liquidity is moderate (3 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Free-cash-flow growth is CAKE's strongest growth driver at +43.6% FY2025 versus FY2024 (strong, 5 stars). By comparison, while revenue growth (+4.7%, moderate) and earnings growth (-5.3%, negative) hold the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 103.7% and approximately 92.2% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 7.46% supports management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 13.41%
FMR Inc 11.89%
Vanguard Portfolio Management, LLC 5.57%
Earnest Partners LLC 4.20%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 4.06%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
CAKE generates approximately $783 of gross profit, $50 of operating income, and $41 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Strong cash conversion and healthy margins support the rating, although capital efficiency remains below the highest tier.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 8.88%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
CAKE has a liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback, while valuation that is moderately attractive rather than deeply discounted.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Small / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Mid-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 5.20B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 28.32
1Y Target Price 95.93
Price to earnings Ratio 28.32
1Y Target Price 95.93
Volume (30-day avg) 1.5M shares
Beta 1.01
52 Weeks Range 42.54 - 118.46
Updated Date 09/27/2026
52 Weeks Range 42.54 - 118.46
Updated Date 09/27/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 1.09%
Basic EPS (TTM) 3.69

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
The Cheesecake Factory RestaurantsDine-in, takeout, and delivery services across its flagship locations.The primary revenue engine driven by high-traffic, full-service dining.
Other Restaurant ConceptsOperations from North Italia and other smaller brands.A portfolio diversification strategy aiming to capture different consumer segments.
BakeryProduction and sale of cheesecakes to internal and external partners.Provides a high-margin product stream that leverages brand equity beyond the restaurant table.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

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Valuation

Trailing PE 28.32
Forward PE 22.57
Enterprise Value 7.08B
Price to Sales(TTM) 1.34
Enterprise Value 7.08B
Price to Sales(TTM) 1.34
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.83
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 22.2
Shares Outstanding 49.76M
Shares Floating 45.86M
Shares Outstanding 49.76M
Shares Floating 45.86M
Percent Insiders 7.46
Percent Institutions 103.73

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Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

About The Cheesecake Factory

Exchange NASDAQ
Headquarters Calabasas, CA, United States
IPO Launch date 1992-09-17
Founder, Chairman & CEO Mr. David M. Overton
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Restaurants
Full time employees 48000
Full time employees 48000

The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated operates and licenses restaurants in the United States and Canada. It operates bakeries that produce cheesecakes and other baked products for its restaurants, international licensees, third-party bakery customers, external foodservice operators, retailers, and distributors. The company operates restaurants under the brands comprising The Cheesecake Factory, North Italia, Flower Child, and Fox Restaurant Concepts. The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Calabasas, California.