WallStSmart

The Cheesecake Factory (CAKE)vsYum! Brands Inc (YUM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Yum! Brands Inc generates 119% more annual revenue ($8.21B vs $3.75B). YUM leads profitability with a 19.0% profit margin vs 4.0%. CAKE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.19. YUM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

CAKE

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.98

YUM

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CAKESignificantly Overvalued (-195.9%)

Margin of Safety

-195.9%

Fair Value

$20.81

Current Price

$56.32

$35.51 premium

UndervaluedFair: $20.81Overvalued
YUMUndervalued (+38.8%)

Margin of Safety

+38.8%

Fair Value

$259.74

Current Price

$159.16

$100.58 discount

UndervaluedFair: $259.74Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAKE1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
33.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

YUM2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
31.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.9%

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

CAKE4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.4%4/10

4.4% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.984/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Profit MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

4.0% margin — thin

EPS GrowthGrowth
-27.9%2/10

Earnings declined 27.9%

YUM4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.964/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
28.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CAKE

The strongest argument for CAKE centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.19 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : YUM

The strongest argument for YUM centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 31.9%.

Bear Case : CAKE

The primary concerns for CAKE are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : YUM

The primary concerns for YUM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAKE profiles as a value stock while YUM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CAKE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.

YUM is growing revenue faster at 6.5% — sustainability is the question.

YUM generates stronger free cash flow (482M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

YUM scores higher overall (59/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 19.0% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

The Cheesecake Factory

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Cheesecake Factory Incorporated operates restaurants. The company is headquartered in Calabasas, California.

Yum! Brands Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Yum! Brands, Inc. is an American fast food corporation listed on the Fortune 1000. Yum! operates the brands KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill, and WingStreet worldwide, except in China, where the brands are operated by a separate company, Yum China.

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