The Cheesecake Factory, Inc. (CAKE)
NASDAQConsumer DiscretionaryRestaurantsSnapshot 2026-09-04
$107.58+0.37%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NASDAQConsumer DiscretionaryRestaurantsSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · CAKE
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within consumer discretionary on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks CAKE against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 2 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated strong grew net income 63% of the time over the next year (vs 50% for the rest of the cohort, n=5213).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
Met or beat guidance 100% of the last 1 guided quarters · 47.1% avg surprise
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Continue aggressive restaurant expansion with up to 26 new openings across multiple brands in fiscal 2026.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. The Company has consistently maintained the target to open as many as 26 new restaurants in fiscal 2026, including multiple brands. This target has remained stable since 2025-Q3 and is reiterated in the latest 2026-Q2 report, indicating consistent delivery focus on expansion.
“The Company continues to expect to open as many as 26 new restaurants in fiscal 2026.”
“The Company continues to expect to open as many as 26 new restaurants in fiscal 2026.”
“Looking ahead, we expect to open as many as 26 restaurants this year.”
“The Company continues to expect to open as many as 26 new restaurants in fiscal 2026.”
Target consolidated sales of about $4.0 billion for fiscal year 2026, reflecting growth ambitions.
Stated in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management targets consolidated sales of approximately $4.0 billion for fiscal 2026, up from $3.75 billion in 2025. Revenue grew from $3.75 billion in 2025 to $2.01 billion in first half of 2026, on track to meet the annual guidance, indicating delivery on growth ambitions.
Sustain quarterly dividend payments at $0.30 per share, reflecting capital return commitment.
Stated in 4 of last 4 quarters. The Board has maintained the quarterly dividend at $0.30 per share since 2025-Q4, with payments declared for Q1, Q2, and Q3 2026. This consistent dividend level reflects steady capital return execution.
Focus on operational execution to grow operating income and enhance profitability margins.
Stated in 4 of last 4 quarters. Operating income increased from $116.8 million in first half 2025 to $133.7 million in first half 2026, with operating margin improving from 6.2% to 6.7%. Management consistently emphasized labor productivity and food efficiency improvements, indicating delivery on profitability enhancement.
Focus on increasing operating income through improved operational efficiency.
Over the trailing year it converted 3.62x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated robust grew net income 58% of the time over the next year (vs 45% for the rest of the cohort, n=3652).
Most sensitive to the broad stock market.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, Fed net liquidity, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, long-term interest rates (low R² over the window).
15 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by capital-allocation actions. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated neutral grew net income 48% of the time over the next year (vs 53% for the rest of the cohort, n=2538).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“Consolidated Sales Approximately $4.0 Billion”
“Consolidated Sales Approximately $4.0 Billion”
“We continue to expect consolidated sales of approximately $3.91 billion to $4.0 billion in 2026.”
“Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share to be paid on August 25, 2026.”
“Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share to be paid on May 26, 2026.”
“Board approved a $0.03 increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.30 per share.”
“Quarterly dividend declared at $0.27 per share, increased to $0.30 in next quarter.”
“Operators delivered year-over-year improvements in labor productivity and food efficiency supporting strong profitability.”
“Execution within restaurants was excellent, driving year-over-year improvements in labor productivity and food efficiency.”
“Margins and adjusted diluted net income per share finished toward the higher end of expectations reflecting strong operational execution.”
“Operators remained focused on factors within their control, delivering improvements in labor productivity and wage management.”