The Cheesecake Factory
NASDAQ: CAKE · CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS
Updated 2026-05-01
The Cheesecake Factory (CAKE) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for CAKE.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
CAKE historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in CAKE's own 5Y range.
CAKE intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
CAKE valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 20.48x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 0.83x
Is CAKE overvalued in 2026?
The Cheesecake Factory (CAKE) currently trades at $60.20 per share with a market capitalization of $3,124,669,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 52/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 20.5x, above its 5-year median of 19.6x. The PEG ratio of 1.30 points to a price that reasonably reflects expected earnings growth.
Looking at its own history, CAKE is currently trading more expensive than 78% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 78th percentile of its historical range, a zone where forward returns have typically been muted.
Our discounted cash flow model estimates CAKE's intrinsic value at $74.80 per share, against the current market price of $60.20. This implies a margin of safety of +17.69%. A meaningful cushion exists against model error, making this a reasonable risk-adjusted entry.
The Piotroski F-Score of 5/9 puts financial quality in a middling range, neither a standout strength nor an obvious red flag.
Bottom line: CAKE trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 52/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is CAKE overvalued in 2026?
Based on a Smart Value Score of 52/100, CAKE is fairly valued. Price reasonably reflects current fundamentals with limited cushion in either direction.
What is CAKE's fair value?
Our DCF model estimates CAKE's intrinsic value at $74.80 per share, versus the current price of $60.20. This produces a margin of safety of +17.69%.
What P/E ratio does CAKE trade at?
CAKE trades at a P/E of 20.5x on trailing twelve-month earnings, compared to its 5-year median of 19.6x.
Is CAKE a buy based on valuation?
WallStSmart does not issue buy or sell recommendations. Our Smart Value Score of 52/100 reflects the combined read on growth, quality, and price. The profile is balanced. Best suited for investors with an existing thesis.
How does CAKE's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, CAKE currently sits in the 78th percentile of its own 5Y range. That is historically expensive relative to where it has traded over the period.
What is CAKE's Smart Value Score?
CAKE's Smart Value Score is 52/100. The Smart Value Score is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation attractiveness into a single 0-100 read. Scores above 75 are rare and indicate strong multi-factor alignment.