Is CAKE a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 45.2/100. It is ranked #2,070 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 46/100, Momentum 52/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for CAKE?

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 45.2 ranks it #2,070 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is CAKE in?

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector (Restaurants, Hotels, Motels industry) with a market cap of $2.76 billion. It is classified as a mid-cap stock.

Does CAKE pay a dividend?

Yes, CAKE pays a dividend with a current yield of 1.98%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $19.80 in annual dividend income.

What is CAKE's P/E ratio?

CAKE has a trailing P/E ratio of 20.86x. The Consumer Discretionary sector average is 24.5x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is CAKE?

CAKE's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 36.0%. ROE: 39.3% vs sector average 6.2%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is CAKE valued compared to peers?

CAKE's value factor score is 46/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 20.9x, EV/EBITDA 17.0x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is CAKE's debt level?

CAKE's debt-to-equity ratio is 817%. Sector average: 89%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

CAKE has a beta of 0.92, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 61/100.

Does CAKE have high short interest?

CAKE's short interest factor score is 12/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

CAKE Stock Analysis: Top Mid-Cap Reduce (Score 45.2/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
CAKE	+0.65%	+7.10%	-5.39%	+17.18%	+30.55%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLY	+0.13%	+4.38%	-1.35%	-5.46%	-39.92%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	+0.71%	+3.49%	-5.73%	+17.54%	+1.02%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+0.51%	+2.71%	-4.04%	+22.64%	+70.47%	-	-	-

Metric	CAKE	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	20.9x	-15%
EV/EBITDA	17.0x	+247%
Price / Book	8.2x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CASY CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC	57	50	68	67	42.2x	16.9%	24.0%	3.8%	0.3%	123.0x	$27.2B	VS
TGT TARGET CORP	53	50	70	56	16.2x	20.7%	28.4%	3.4%	-0.7%	89.0x	$54.5B	VS
APEI AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION INC	53	49	58	72	78.3x	4.6%	52.8%	2.1%	6.8%	32.0x	$1.1B	VS
LINC LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP	52	50	48	75	116.7x	5.6%	59.2%	2.3%	37.4%	147.0x	$1.3B	VS
FIVE FIVE BELOW, INC	52	50	56	73	105.5x	5.4%	32.5%	3.1%	26.5%	125.0x	$13.0B	VS
IMKTA INGLES MARKETS INC	51	50	51	62	17.4x	6.2%	23.9%	1.9%	0.4%	57.0x	$1.7B	VS
PRDO PERDOCEO EDUCATION Corp	51	50	70	57	14.2x	16.7%	100.0%	20.4%	27.1%	28.0x	$2.4B	VS
MCRI MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC	51	50	66	47	16.7x	19.7%	24.5%	19.4%	11.5%	33.0x	$1.7B	VS
FCFS FirstCash Holdings, Inc.	49	50	29	66	34.7x	10.8%	50.2%	8.0%	26.6%	98.0x	$8.4B	VS
ESCA ESCALADE INC	48	50	65	51	15.2x	9.0%	26.1%	6.2%	8.4%	11.0x	$249M	VS
CAKE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC	45	50	46	52	20.9x	39.3%	36.0%	3.7%	7.0%	817.0x	$2.8B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.4%	-	-	0.1%	-	0.8%	0.6%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%
Operating Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.2%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
Net Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	-2.3%	-	-	1.5%	-	-	-2.4%	5.8%	5.2%	8.8%	6.5%
ROE %	0.4%	0.1%	0.4%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	-0.9%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.1%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%
ROIC %	6.1%	6.7%	31.8%	1.6%	10.5%	19.7%	-16.7%	4.1%	16.6%	24.4%	6.4%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.4%

0.1%

0.8%

0.6%

0.4%

Operating Margin %

0.0%

-0.2%

0.0%

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.0%

-0.1%

0.1%

Net Margin %

0.0%

-0.1%

0.1%

FCF Margin %

-2.3%

1.5%

-2.4%

5.8%

5.2%

8.8%

6.5%

ROE %

0.4%

0.1%

0.4%

0.1%

0.2%

-0.9%

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

0.1%

ROA %

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

-0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

ROIC %

6.1%

6.7%

31.8%

1.6%

10.5%

19.7%

-16.7%

4.1%

16.6%

24.4%

6.4%

Line Item	TTM	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2015
	$3.5B	$3.6B	$3.3B	$3.3B	$2.9B	$2.0B	$2.5B	$2.3B	$2.3B	$2.1B
	—	—	—	—	$653M	—	—	—	—	—
	—	—	$2.1B	—	$2.3B	$746M	$1.0B	$964M	$989M	$912M
Gross Margin	36.0%	---	12.1%	---	77.7%	60.7%	41.1%	42.6%	43.5%	43.4%
	—	—	$92M	—	—	$91M	$88M	$93M	$88M	$86M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$3.4B	—	$3.3B	$2.2B	—	—	—	—	—
	$163M	$178M	$39M	$39M	$82M	-$347M	$104M	$153M	$201M	$165M
EBIT	$163M	$178M	$39M	$39M	$82M	-$347M	$104M	$153M	$201M	$165M
EBITDA	$163M	$178M	$133M	$39M	$82M	-$256M	$192M	$246M	$289M	$251M
Operating Margin	4.6%	5.0%	1.2%	1.2%	2.8%	-17.5%	4.2%	6.8%	8.8%	7.9%
EBITDA Margin	4.6%	5.0%	4.0%	1.2%	2.8%	-12.9%	7.7%	10.9%	12.7%	11.9%
	—	—	$6M	—	—	$9M	$2M	$6M	$9M	$6M
	—	$171M	—	$33M	$72M	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$14M	-$10M	-$10M	-$753K	-$103M	$13M	-$11M	$52M	$43M
	$133M	$157M	$43M	$43M	$72M	-$253M	$127M	$157M	$139M	$117M
Net Margin	3.7%	4.4%	1.3%	1.3%	2.5%	-12.8%	5.1%	7.0%	6.1%	5.5%
	$0.69	$3.28	$0.87	$0.87	$1.03	$-6.32	$2.90	$3.35	$2.91	$2.39
Diluted EPS	$0.69	$3.20	$0.87	$0.86	$1.01	$-6.32	$2.90	$3.35	$2.91	$2.39
Weighted Avg Basic	—	48M	—	50M	48M	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	49M	—	50M	49M	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2015

$3.5B

$3.6B

$3.3B

$2.9B

$2.0B

$2.5B

$2.3B

$2.1B

—

$653M

—

$2.1B

—

$2.3B

$746M

$1.0B

$964M

$989M

$912M

Gross Margin

36.0%

---

12.1%

---

77.7%

60.7%

41.1%

42.6%

43.5%

43.4%

—

$92M

—

$91M

$88M

$93M

$88M

$86M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$3.4B

—

$3.3B

$2.2B

—

$163M

$178M

$39M

$82M

-$347M

$104M

$153M

$201M

$165M

EBIT

$163M

$178M

$39M

$82M

-$347M

$104M

$153M

$201M

$165M

EBITDA

$163M

$178M

$133M

$39M

$82M

-$256M

$192M

$246M

$289M

$251M

Operating Margin

4.6%

5.0%

1.2%

2.8%

-17.5%

4.2%

6.8%

8.8%

7.9%

EBITDA Margin

4.6%

5.0%

4.0%

1.2%

2.8%

-12.9%

7.7%

10.9%

12.7%

11.9%

—

$6M

—

$9M

$2M

$6M

$9M

$6M

—

$171M

—

$33M

$72M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$14M

-$10M

-$753K

-$103M

$13M

-$11M

$52M

$43M

$133M

$157M

$43M

$72M

-$253M

$127M

$157M

$139M

$117M

Net Margin

3.7%

4.4%

1.3%

2.5%

-12.8%

5.1%

7.0%

6.1%

5.5%

$0.69

$3.28

$0.87

$1.03

$-6.32

$2.90

$3.35

$2.91

$2.39

Diluted EPS

$0.69

$3.20

$0.87

$0.86

$1.01

$-6.32

$2.90

$3.35

$2.91

$2.39

Weighted Avg Basic

—

48M

—

50M

48M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

49M

—

50M

49M

—

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC Do?

The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated operates restaurants. It operates two bakeries that produces cheesecakes and other baked products for its restaurants, international licensees, third-party bakery customers, external foodservice operators, retailers, and distributors. The company owns and operates 306 restaurants throughout the United States and Canada under brands, including 208 The Cheesecake Factory and 29 North Italia; and a collection of Fox Restaurant Concepts, as well as 29 The Cheesecake Factory restaurants under licensing agreements internationally. The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Calabasas, California. CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically within the Restaurants, Hotels, Motels industry. The company is led by CEO David M. Overton and employs approximately 47,500 people. With a market capitalization of $2.8B, CAKE is one of the notable companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 45.2/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.CAKE ranks #2,070 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC ranks #199 of 442 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Consumer Discretionary peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

CAKE Stock Price and 52-Week Range

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) currently trades at $59.31. The stock gained $0.54 (0.9%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for CAKE is $69.70, which means the stock is currently trading -14.9% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $42.69, putting the stock 38.9% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 766K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is CAKE Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) carries a value factor score of 46/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 20.86x, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 24.47x — a discount of 15%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 8.19x, versus the sector average of 1.99x. The price-to-sales ratio is 0.79x, compared to 0.27x for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. On an enterprise value basis, CAKE trades at 17.02x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.91x for the sector.

Overall, CAKE's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 39.3%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 6.2%, which demonstrates strong shareholder value creation. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 4.3% versus the sector average of 2.5%.

On a margin basis, CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC reports gross margins of 36.0%, compared to 36.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 4.6% (sector: 3.8%). Net profit margin stands at 3.7%, versus 2.1% for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. Revenue growth is running at 7.0% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.3% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

CAKE Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC has a debt-to-equity ratio of 817.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 89.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 0.53x, which may signal near-term liquidity tightness. Total debt on the balance sheet is $1.97B. Cash and equivalents stand at $190M.

CAKE has a beta of 0.92, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC is 61/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC reported revenue of $3.53B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.69. Net income for the quarter was $133M. Gross margin was 36.0%. Operating income came in at $163M.

In Q1 2025, CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC reported revenue of $927M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.69. Net income for the quarter was $33M. Operating income came in at $52M.

In FY 2024, CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC reported revenue of $3.58B and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.28. Net income for the quarter was $157M. Operating income came in at $178M.

In Q3 2025, CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC reported revenue of $865M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.63. Net income for the quarter was $30M. Revenue grew 4.2% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $34M.

Over the past 8 quarters, CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $866M to $3.53B. Investors analyzing CAKE stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

CAKE Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) currently pays a dividend yield of 2.0%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in CAKE stock would generate approximately $$198.00 in annual dividend income.

CAKE Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) has a momentum factor score of 52/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 30/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 12/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

CAKE vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) ranks #199 out of 442 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places CAKE in the upper half of all Consumer Discretionary stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC (MCRI) with a score of 50.5/100, CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC (CASY) with a score of 57.3/100, INGLES MARKETS INC (IMKTA) with a score of 51.0/100, FIVE BELOW, INC (FIVE) with a score of 51.6/100, and TARGET CORP (TGT) with a score of 52.6/100.

Comparing CAKE against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full CAKE vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

CAKE Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy CAKE? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC suggests caution. Low volatility (stability score 61/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 45.2/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on CAKE stock.

Related Resources for CAKE Investors

Explore more research and tools: CAKE vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Discretionary stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare CAKE head-to-head with peers: CAKE vs MCRI, CAKE vs CASY, CAKE vs IMKTA.

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Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC Purchases 86,705 Shares of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated $CAKE

The Cheesecake Factory (CAKE) Unveils App with Free Cheesecake Offer

For 13 straight years, Cheesecake Factory is Fortune's only restaurant pick

The Cheesecake Factory Is Giving Away Free Cheesecake on April Fool's Day — No Joke!

Cheesecake Factory posts Q1 results April 29, webcast at 2 p.m. PT

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CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC Do?

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC (CAKE) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

CAKE Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is CAKE Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

CAKE Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

CAKE Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

CAKE Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

CAKE vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

CAKE Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy CAKE? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for CAKE Investors

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Intelligence Feed

Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC Purchases 86,705 Shares of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated $CAKE

The Cheesecake Factory (CAKE) Unveils App with Free Cheesecake Offer

For 13 straight years, Cheesecake Factory is Fortune's only restaurant pick

The Cheesecake Factory Is Giving Away Free Cheesecake on April Fool's Day — No Joke!

Cheesecake Factory posts Q1 results April 29, webcast at 2 p.m. PT