WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Yum! Brands Inc generates 125% more annual revenue ($8.72B vs $3.88B). YUM leads profitability with a 25.4% profit margin vs 4.6%. YUM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.72. YUM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

CAKE

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 5.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.91

YUM

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.92
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CAKEUndervalued (+0.5%)

Margin of Safety

+0.5%

Fair Value

$61.86

Current Price

$103.04

$41.18 discount

UndervaluedFair: $61.86Overvalued
YUMSignificantly Overvalued (-78.0%)

Margin of Safety

-78.0%

Fair Value

$89.36

Current Price

$139.71

$50.35 premium

UndervaluedFair: $89.36Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAKE2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
35.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.7% YoY

YUM5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%

EPS GrowthGrowth
131.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 131.6% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
-1.7310/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Profit MarginProfitability
25.4%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

CAKE4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.804/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.914/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

YUM4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.724/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.922/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CAKE

The strongest argument for CAKE centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bull Case : YUM

The strongest argument for YUM centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.4% and operating margin at 32.8%. Revenue growth of 12.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CAKE

The primary concerns for CAKE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 4.01 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 4.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : YUM

The primary concerns for YUM are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

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 1.01 — expect wider price swings.

YUM is growing revenue faster at 12.2% — sustainability is the question.

YUM generates stronger free cash flow (407M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

YUM scores higher overall (65/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 25.4% margins and 12.2% revenue growth. 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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