Table of Contents
UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2026
or
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 0-20574
THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
51-0340466
(State or other jurisdiction
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
26901 Malibu Hills Road
Calabasas Hills, California
91301
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(818) 871-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Title of Each Class
Trading Symbol
Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
CAKE
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of April 27, 2026, 49,685,363 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, were outstanding.
INDEX
PageNumber
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
5
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
6
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
19
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
28
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
29
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Legal Proceedings
30
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
31
Signatures
32
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
March 31,
December 30,
2026
2025
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
235,090
215,729
Accounts and other receivables
77,311
109,718
Income taxes receivable
24,098
20,702
Inventories
50,563
53,969
Prepaid expenses
77,785
54,710
Total current assets
464,847
454,828
Property and equipment, net
890,037
869,696
Other assets:
Intangible assets, net
251,964
251,806
Operating lease assets
1,456,883
1,444,753
Other
233,610
240,589
Total other assets
1,942,457
1,937,148
Total assets
3,297,341
3,261,672
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
66,922
62,714
Gift card liabilities
187,715
212,859
Operating lease liabilities
170,208
167,348
Other accrued expenses
287,577
265,275
Current portion of long-term debt
68,916
68,815
Total current liabilities
781,338
777,011
Long-term debt
562,077
561,259
1,340,539
1,332,413
Other noncurrent liabilities
154,161
154,562
Total liabilities
2,838,115
2,825,245
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
—
Common stock, $.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized; 110,024,749 shares issued and 49,781,827 shares outstanding at March 31, 2026 and 109,546,812 shares issued and 49,635,893 shares outstanding at December 30, 2025
1,100
1,095
Additional paid-in capital
1,015,458
1,008,155
Retained earnings
1,447,805
1,412,942
Treasury stock inclusive of excise tax, 60,242,922 and 59,910,919 shares at cost at March 31, 2026 and December 30, 2025, respectively
(2,003,891)
(1,984,722)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,246)
(1,043)
Total stockholders’ equity
459,226
436,427
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
March 31, 2026
April 1, 2025
Revenues
978,833
927,197
Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage costs
212,250
202,261
Labor expenses
347,769
331,075
Other operating costs and expenses
264,353
246,425
General and administrative expenses
63,931
59,932
Depreciation and amortization expenses
27,984
26,082
Impairment of assets and lease termination expenses
829
378
Acquisition-related contingent consideration, compensation and amortization expenses
1,202
998
Preopening costs
5,470
8,087
Total costs and expenses
923,788
875,238
Income from operations
55,045
51,959
Interest expense, net
(1,995)
(2,328)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(15,891)
Other income, net
301
743
Income before income taxes
53,351
34,483
Income tax provision
3,803
1,542
Net income
49,548
32,941
Net income per share:
Basic
1.06
0.69
Diluted (Note 10)
1.02
0.67
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
46,585
47,526
Diluted
48,455
49,284
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
Other comprehensive (loss)/gain:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(203)
10
Total comprehensive income
49,345
32,951
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026:
Accumulated
Additional
Common Stock
Paid-in
Retained
Treasury
Comprehensive
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Stock
Loss
Total
Balance, December 30, 2025
109,547
Cash dividends declared common stock, net of forfeitures, $0.30 per share
(14,685)
Stock-based compensation
472
7,062
7,067
Common stock issued under stock-based compensation plans
241
Treasury stock purchases, inclusive of excise tax
(19,169)
Balance, March 31, 2026
110,025
For the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2025:
Balance, December 31, 2024
108,388
1,084
956,107
1,317,828
(1,829,953)
(1,611)
443,455
Cash dividends declared common stock, net of forfeitures, $0.27 per share
(13,081)
574
7,629
7,635
230
10,801
10,803
(142,358)
Balance, April 1, 2025
109,192
1,092
974,537
1,337,688
(1,972,311)
(1,601)
339,405
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
432
138
Loss on debt extinguishment
15,891
Deferred income taxes
6,091
4,290
7,014
7,581
Changes in assets and liabilities:
36,288
32,304
Income taxes receivable/payable
(3,396)
(3,302)
3,404
(2,379)
(23,103)
(443)
Operating lease assets/liabilities
(1,051)
(20,376)
Other assets
2,157
1,714
2,712
68
(25,142)
(26,954)
13,786
11,364
Cash provided by operating activities
96,724
78,919
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment
(43,377)
(42,816)
Additions to intangible assets
(315)
(537)
Cash used in investing activities
(43,692)
(43,353)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments on credit facility
(110,000)
Proceeds from long-term convertible debt
575,000
Repayment on long-term convertible debt, including premium on extinguishment
(289,800)
Issuance costs associated with long-term debt
(1,163)
(16,496)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Common stock dividends paid
(14,230)
(12,485)
(18,402)
(141,359)
Cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
(33,554)
15,663
(117)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
19,361
51,235
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
84,176
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
135,411
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid
6,353
1,468
Income taxes paid (1)
1,098
788
Construction payable
26,098
18,206
(1)
Pursuant to ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, income taxes paid for fiscal 2026 are presented net of refunds received. Prior year disclosures are presented under previous guidance.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated and its wholly owned subsidiaries (referred to herein collectively as the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”) and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and transactions for the periods presented have been eliminated in consolidation. The unaudited financial statements presented herein include all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair statement of the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the period. However, these results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025 (“Annual Report”) filed with the SEC on February 23, 2026.
We utilize a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31 for financial reporting purposes. Fiscal year 2026 consists of 52 weeks and will end on December 29, 2026. Fiscal year 2025 ended on December 30, 2025 and was also a 52-week year.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions for the reporting periods covered by the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Geopolitical and Other Macroeconomic Impacts to our Operating Environment
In recent years, our operating results have been impacted by geopolitical and macroeconomic events, causing supply chain challenges and significantly increased commodity and wage inflation. Our commodity and wage inflationary environment began returning to more historical levels in fiscal 2024.
The impact of ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic events, including evolving government policies and global trade and tariff dynamics, could lead to further wage inflation, product and services cost inflation, disruptions in the supply chain, staffing challenges, shifts in consumer behavior and delays in new restaurant openings. Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters may further exacerbate a number of these factors. For more information regarding the risks to our business relating to the geopolitical and macroeconomic events, see Part II, Item 1A of this report “Risk Factors,” and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Topic 470): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments, which clarifies the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as an induced conversion. The ASU also clarifies that the induced conversion guidance applies to a convertible debt instrument that is not currently convertible as long as it had a substantive conversion feature as of both its issuance date and the date the inducement offer is accepted. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The amendment should be applied prospectively. However, retrospective application is permitted. We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 using the prospective transition method, and adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets, which provides a practical expedient permitting an entity to assume that conditions at the balance sheet date remain unchanged over the life of the asset when estimating expected credit losses for current accounts receivable and current contract assets. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and for interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in the ASU should be applied prospectively. We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 using the practical expedient, and adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software, which amends certain aspects of the accounting and disclosure for internal-use software costs. The ASU removes all references to prescriptive and sequential software development stages. The ASU requires entities to begin capitalizing software costs when management authorizes and commits to funding the software project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used for its intended purpose. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments can be applied prospectively, retrospectively, or via a modified prospective transition method. We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 using the prospective transition method and adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), which requires more detailed disclosures of certain categories of expenses such as inventory purchases, employee compensation and depreciation that are components of existing expense captions presented on the face of the income statement. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment should be applied prospectively. However, retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on our disclosures.
In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements, which clarifies interim disclosure requirements by improving the navigability of the required interim disclosures and clarifying when that guidance is applicable. The standard is effective for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on our disclosures.
2. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value measurements are estimated based on valuation techniques and inputs categorized as follows:
7
The following tables present the components and classification of our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets/(Liabilities)
Non-qualified deferred compensation assets
123,554
Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities
(124,491)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities
(25,514)
December 30, 2025
126,142
(125,208)
(24,628)
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities categorized as Level 3 (in thousands):
Beginning balance
24,628
20,155
Payment
Change in fair value
886
682
Ending balance
25,514
20,837
The fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liability was based on estimated future revenues, margins and probability of achievement, recent performance, discount rate and has no minimum or maximum payment. During the first three months of fiscal 2026 and 2025, we did not make any payments, pursuant to the Fox Restaurant Concept LLC (“FRC”) acquisition agreement.
The fair values of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, income taxes receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, income taxes payable and other accrued liabilities approximate their carrying amounts due to their short duration. The fair value of our Revolver Facility (as defined below) approximates carrying value due to the variable interest rate.
As of March 31, 2026, we had $69.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2026 (“2026 Notes”) outstanding. The estimated fair value of the 2026 Notes based on a market approach as of March 31, 2026, was approximately $68.4 million and was determined based on the estimated or actual bids and offers of the 2026 Notes in an over-the-counter market on the last business day of the reporting period. The decrease in the fair value of the 2026 Notes was primarily due to a decrease in our stock price from the date of the issuance of the 2026 Notes. As of March 31, 2026, we had $575.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 (“2030 Notes”) outstanding. The estimated fair value of the 2030 Notes based on a market approach as of March 31, 2026, was approximately $581.3 million and was determined based on the estimated or actual bids and offers of the 2030 Notes in an over-the-counter market on the last business day of the reporting period. The increase in the fair value of the 2030 Notes was primarily due to an increase in our stock price from the date of the issuance of the 2030 Notes. See Note 5 for further discussion of the 2026 Notes and 2030 Notes.
8
3. Inventories
Inventories consisted of (in thousands):
Restaurant food and supplies
26,911
28,736
Bakery finished goods and work in progress
13,867
14,896
Bakery raw materials and supplies
9,785
10,337
4. Gift Cards
The following tables present information related to gift cards (in thousands):
Gift card liabilities:
226,810
Activations
16,976
20,673
Redemptions and breakage
(42,120)
(47,628)
199,855
Gift card contract assets: (1)
17,958
18,447
Deferrals
2,351
2,368
Amortization
(3,476)
(3,735)
16,833
17,080
Included in prepaid expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
5. Debt
Revolving Credit Facility
On March 26, 2026, we entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement” and the revolving credit facility provided thereunder, the “Revolver Facility”). The Revolver Facility, which matures on March 26, 2031, provides us with revolving loan commitments that total $400 million, of which $85 million may be used for issuances of letters of credit and $10 million for swingline loans. The Revolver Facility contains (i) a commitment increase feature that, subject to certain conditions precedent, could provide for an additional $200 million in revolving loan commitments and (ii) a feature that permits the letter of credit issuers thereunder to increase their letter of credit sublimits by $25 million in the aggregate.
Our obligations under the Revolver Facility are unsecured. Certain of our material subsidiaries have guaranteed our obligations under the Revolver Facility on an unsecured basis.
As of December 31, 2024, we had net availability for borrowings of $256.5 million, based on a $110.0 million outstanding debt balance and $33.5 million in standby letters of credit under the Revolver Facility. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025 we repaid $110.0 million on the Revolver Facility. As of March 31, 2026, we had net availability for borrowings of $366.5 million, based on no outstanding debt balance and $33.5 million in standby letters of credit under the Revolver Facility.
9
Under the Revolver Facility, we are subject to the following financial covenants as of the last day of each fiscal quarter: (i) a maximum ratio of net adjusted debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization and rent (“EBITDAR”) (the “Net Adjusted Leverage Ratio”) of 4.25 to 1.00 and (ii) a minimum ratio of EBITDAR to interest and rent expense (“EBITDAR Ratio”) of 1.90 to 1.00. The Net Adjusted Leverage Ratio includes a rental expense multiplier of six. As of March 31, 2026, we were in compliance with all the foregoing covenants in effect at that date.
Borrowings under the Loan Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a per annum rate equal to either: (i) (A) the forward-looking term rate based on secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) that is published by CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (the “Term SOFR Rate”) plus (B) an applicable margin based on the Net Adjusted Leverage Ratio, ranging from 1.00% to 1.50%, or (ii) the sum of (A) the highest of (x) the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the prime rate in effect in the United States, (y) the greater of the rate calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the federal funds effective rate or the rate that is published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the overnight bank funding rate, in either case, plus 0.50%, and (z) the one-month Term SOFR Rate plus 1.00%, plus (B) an applicable margin based on the Net Adjusted Leverage Ratio, ranging from 0.00% to 0.50%. The Company will also pay a variable fee based on the Net Adjusted Leverage Ratio, ranging from 0.125% to 0.225%, on the daily amount of unused commitments under the Loan Agreement. Letters of credit bear fees that are equivalent to the interest rate margin that is applicable to revolving loans that bear interest at the Term SOFR Rate plus other customary fees charged by the issuing bank. We paid certain customary fees in conjunction with the Loan Agreement.
We are also subject to customary events of default that, if triggered, could result in acceleration of the maturity of the Revolver Facility. Subject to certain exceptions, the Loan Agreement contains a number of covenants and restrictions that, among other things, restrict the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends and make distributions, make certain investments and acquisitions, create liens, enter into agreements with affiliates, sell material assets, and merge or consolidate.
2030 Convertible Senior Notes
On February 28, 2025, we issued $575.0 million of 2030 Notes. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2030 Notes were approximately $558.5 million after deducting issuance costs of $16.5 million.
The 2030 Notes are senior, unsecured obligations and are (i) equal in right of payment with our existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness; (ii) senior in right of payment to the Company’s existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the 2030 Notes; (iii) effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness; and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, and (to the extent we are not a holder thereof) preferred equity, if any, of our subsidiaries. The 2030 Notes were issued pursuant to, and are governed by, an indenture (the “2030 Indenture”), dated as of February 28, 2025, between us and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (the “2030 Note Trustee”).
The 2030 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 2.00% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2025. The 2030 Notes will mature on March 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Before November 15, 2029, noteholders will have the right to convert their 2030 Notes only upon the occurrence of certain events, including but not limited to, the Company’s common stock trading above 130% of the conversion price for a specific period, the 2030 Notes per $1,000 in principal amount trading below 98% of the product of the trading price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate for a specific period, and certain fundamental changes to corporate structure. From and after November 15, 2029, noteholders may convert their 2030 Notes at any time at their election until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date. We will have the right to elect to settle conversions either entirely in cash or in a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. The kind and amount of consideration due upon conversion will be determined based on the conversion value of the 2030 Notes, measured proportionately for each trading day in an “Observation Period” (as defined in the 2030 Indenture) consisting of 35 trading days, and settled following the completion of that Observation Period. The consideration due in respect of each trading day in the Observation Period will consist of cash, up to at least the proportional amount of the principal amount being converted, and any excess of the proportional conversion value for that trading day that will not be settled in cash will be settled in shares of our common stock. The initial conversion rate is 14.1377 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2030 Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $70.73 per share of our common stock. The conversion rate and conversion price will be subject to customary adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events but will not be adjusted for regular quarterly dividends that do not exceed the dividend threshold (initially equal to $0.27 per share of common stock as defined in the 2030 Indenture). In addition, if certain corporate events that constitute a “Make-Whole Fundamental Change” (as defined in the 2030 Indenture) occur, then the conversion rate will, in certain circumstances, be
increased for a specified period of time. As of March 31, 2026, the conversion rate for the 2030 Notes was 14.1444 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2030 Notes, which represents a conversion price of approximately $70.70 per share of common stock. In connection with the cash dividend that was declared by our Board of Directors (“Board”) on April 23, 2026, we will, on May 13, 2026, adjust the conversion rate (which is expected to increase) and the conversion price (which is expected to decrease) of the 2030 Notes in accordance with the terms.
The 2030 Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations described below), at our option at any time, and from time to time, on or after March 20, 2028 and on or before the 35th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, but only if (i) the notes are “Freely Tradable” (as defined in the 2030 Indenture), and all accrued and unpaid additional interest, if any, has been paid in full, as of the date we send the related redemption notice; and (ii) the last reported sale price per share of our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price on (1) each of at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date we send such redemption notice; and (2) the trading day immediately before the date we send such redemption notice. However, we may not redeem less than all of the outstanding 2030 Notes unless at least $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2030 Notes are outstanding and not called for redemption as of the time we send the related redemption notice. The redemption price will be a cash amount equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, calling any 2030 Note for redemption will constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change with respect to that 2030 Note, in which case the conversion rate applicable to the conversion of that 2030 Note will be increased in certain circumstances if it is converted after it is called for redemption.
If certain corporate events that constitute a “Fundamental Change” (as defined in the 2030 Indenture) occur, then, subject to a limited exception for certain cash mergers, noteholders may require us to repurchase their 2030 Notes at a cash repurchase price equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. The definition of Fundamental Change includes certain business combination transactions involving us and certain de-listing events with respect to our common stock.
The 2030 Notes have customary provisions relating to the occurrence of “Events of Default” (as defined in the 2030 Indenture), which include the following: (i) certain payment defaults on the 2030 Notes (which, in the case of a default in the payment of interest on the 2030 Notes, will be subject to a 30-day cure period); (ii) our failure to send certain notices under the 2030 Indenture within specified periods of time; (iii) our failure to comply with certain covenants in the 2030 Indenture relating to our ability to consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell, lease or otherwise transfer, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of our assets and our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to another person; (iv) a default by us in our other obligations or agreements under the 2030 Indenture or the 2030 Notes if such default is not cured or waived within 60 days after notice is given in accordance with the 2030 Indenture; (v) certain defaults by us or any of our significant subsidiaries with respect to indebtedness for borrowed money of at least $20.0 million; (vi) the rendering of certain judgments against us or any of our significant subsidiaries for the payment of at least $50.0 million, where such judgments are not discharged or stayed within 60 days after the date on which the right to appeal has expired or on which all rights to appeal have been extinguished; and (vii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization involving us or our significant subsidiaries.
If an Event of Default involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events with respect to us (and not solely with respect to our significant subsidiary) occurs, then the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the 2030 Notes then outstanding will immediately become due and payable without any further action or notice by any person. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then, the 2030 Note Trustee, by notice to us, or noteholders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of 2030 Notes then outstanding, by notice to us and the 2030 Note Trustee, may declare the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the 2030 Notes then outstanding to become due and payable immediately. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, we may elect, at our option, that the sole remedy for an Event of Default relating to certain failures by us to comply with certain reporting covenants in the 2030 Indenture consists exclusively of the right of the noteholders to receive special interest on the 2030 Notes for up to 180 days at a specified rate per annum not exceeding 0.50% on the principal amount of the 2030 Notes.
As of March 31, 2026, the 2030 Notes had a gross principal balance of $575.0 million and a balance of $562.1 million, net of unamortized issuance costs of $12.9 million. The net carrying value of the 2030 Notes is included in long-term debt within total liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Total amortization expense was $0.8 million and $0.3 million during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026 and April 1,2025, respectively and was included in interest expense, net in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The effective interest rate for the 2030 Notes was 2.57% as of March 31, 2026.
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2026 Convertible Senior Notes
On June 15, 2021, we issued $345.0 million of 2026 Notes. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2026 Notes were approximately $334.9 million after deducting issuance costs of $10.1 million. On February 28, 2025, we used part of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2030 Notes to repurchase approximately $276.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes in a privately-negotiated transaction for aggregate consideration of $289.8 million (the “2026 Note Repurchase Transaction”). The 2026 Note Repurchase Transaction was accounted for as a debt extinguishment. The 2026 Note Repurchase Transactions resulted in a $15.9 million loss on early debt extinguishment in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, of which $2.1 million consisted of unamortized issuance costs.
The 2026 Notes are senior, unsecured obligations and are (i) equal in right of payment with our existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness; (ii) senior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the 2026 Notes; (iii) effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness; and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, and (to the extent we are not a holder thereof) preferred equity, if any, of our subsidiaries. The 2026 Notes were issued pursuant to, and are governed by, an indenture (the “Base Indenture”) between us and a trustee (“2026 Note Trustee”), dated as of June 15, 2021, as supplemented by a first supplemental indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture,” and the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture, the “2026 Indenture”), dated as of June 15, 2021, between the Company and the 2026 Note Trustee.
The 2026 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 0.375% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2021. The 2026 Notes will mature on June 15, 2026, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Before February 17, 2026, noteholders will have the right to convert their 2026 Notes only upon the occurrence of certain events. From and after February 17, 2026, noteholders may convert their 2026 Notes at any time at their election until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date. We will have the right to elect to settle conversions either entirely in cash or in a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. However, upon conversion of any 2026 Notes, the conversion value, which will be determined over an “Observation Period” (as defined in the 2026 Indenture) consisting of 30 trading days, will be paid in cash up to at least the principal amount of the 2026 Notes being converted. The initial conversion rate is 12.7551 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $78.40 per share of common stock. The conversion rate and conversion price will be subject to customary adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, if certain corporate events that constitute a “Make-Whole Fundamental Change” (as defined in the 2026 Indenture) occur, then the conversion rate will, in certain circumstances, be increased for a specified period of time. As of March 31, 2026, the conversion rate for the 2026 Notes was 14.2316 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2026 Notes, which represents a conversion price of approximately $70.27 per share of common stock. In connection with the cash dividend that was declared by our Board on April 23, 2026, we will, on May 13, 2026, adjust the conversion rate (which is expected to increase) and the conversion price (which is expected to decrease) of the 2030 Notes in accordance with the terms.
The 2026 Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations described below), at our option at any time, and from time to time, on or after June 20, 2024 and on or before the 30th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the 2026 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, but only if the last reported sale price per share of our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price on (i) each of at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date we send the related redemption notice; and (ii) the trading day immediately before the date we send such notice. However, we may not redeem less than all of the outstanding 2026 Notes unless at least $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Notes are outstanding and not called for redemption as of the time we send the related redemption notice. In addition, calling any Note for redemption will constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change with respect to that 2026 Note, in which case the conversion rate applicable to the conversion of that 2026 Note will be increased in certain circumstances if it is converted after it is called for redemption.
If certain corporate events that constitute a “Fundamental Change” (as defined in the 2026 Indenture) occur, then, subject to a limited exception for certain cash mergers, noteholders may require us to repurchase their 2026 Notes at a cash repurchase price equal to the principal amount of the 2026 Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. The definition of Fundamental Change includes certain business combination transactions involving us and certain de-listing events with respect to our common stock.
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The 2026 Notes have customary provisions relating to the occurrence of “Events of Default” (as defined in the 2026 Indenture), which include the following: (i) certain payment defaults on the 2026 Notes (which, in the case of a default in the payment of interest on the 2026 Notes, will be subject to a 30-day cure period); (ii) our failure to send certain notices under the 2026 Indenture within specified periods of time; (iii) our failure to comply with certain covenants in the Indenture relating to our ability to consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell, lease or otherwise transfer, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of our assets and our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to another person; (iv) a default by us in our other obligations or agreements under the 2026 Indenture or the 2026 Notes if such default is not cured or waived within 60 days after notice is given in accordance with the 2026 Indenture; (v) certain defaults by us or any of our significant subsidiaries with respect to indebtedness for borrowed money of at least $20,000,000; (vi) the rendering of certain judgments against us or any of our significant subsidiaries for the payment of at least $25,000,000, where such judgments are not discharged or stayed within 60 days after the date on which the right to appeal has expired or on which all rights to appeal have been extinguished; and (vii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization involving us or any of our significant subsidiaries.
If an Event of Default involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events with respect to us (and not solely with respect to a significant subsidiary of ours) occurs, then the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the 2026 Notes then outstanding will immediately become due and payable without any further action or notice by any person. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then, the 2026 Note Trustee, by notice to us, or noteholders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of 2026 Notes then outstanding, by notice to us and the 2026 Note Trustee, may declare the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the 2026 Notes then outstanding to become due and payable immediately. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, we may elect, at our option, that the sole remedy for an Event of Default relating to certain failures by us to comply with certain reporting covenants in the 2026 Note Indenture consists exclusively of the right of the noteholders to receive special interest on the 2026 Notes for up to 180 days at a specified rate per annum not exceeding 0.50% on the principal amount of the 2026 Notes.
As of March 31, 2026, the 2026 Notes had a gross principal balance of $69.0 million and a balance of $68.9 million, net of unamortized issuance costs of $0.1 million. The net carrying value of the 2026 Notes is included in current portion of long-term debt within total current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Total amortization expense was $0.1 million and $0.4 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2025, respectively and was included in interest expense, net in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The effective interest rate for the 2026 Notes was 0.96% as of March 31, 2026.
6. Leases
Components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands):
Operating
43,694
41,112
Variable
24,239
22,832
Short-term
38
67,971
63,982
Supplemental information related to leases (in thousands):
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows for operating leases
42,986
53,736
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
20,113
38,772
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7. Commitments and Contingencies
On June 7, 2024, the Internal Revenue Service issued its examination report for tax years 2015 through 2020 in which it proposed to disallow a portion of our depreciation deductions and domestic production activity deductions and to assess penalties. On August 12, 2024, we submitted protest memoranda indicating our disagreement with a majority of the findings in the examination report, and our case is now under the jurisdiction of the Appeals Division (“Appeals”). Appeals conferences were held during fiscal 2025, and based on the current status of this matter, we have reserved an immaterial amount.
Within the ordinary course of our business, we are subject to private lawsuits, government audits and investigations, administrative proceedings and other claims. These matters typically involve claims from customers, staff members and others related to operational and employment issues common to the foodservice industry. A number of these claims may exist at any given time, and some of the claims may be pled as class actions. From time to time, we are also involved in lawsuits with respect to infringements of, or challenges to, our registered trademarks and other intellectual property, both domestically and abroad. We could be affected by adverse publicity and litigation costs resulting from such allegations, regardless of whether they are valid or whether we are legally determined to be liable.
At this time, we believe that the amount of reasonably possible losses resulting from final disposition of any pending lawsuits, audits, investigations, proceedings and claims will not have a material adverse effect individually or in the aggregate on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. It is possible, however, that our future results of operations for a particular quarter or fiscal year could be impacted by changes in circumstances relating to lawsuits, audits, proceedings or claims. Legal costs related to such claims are expensed as incurred.
8. Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock – Dividends and Share Repurchases
On February 12, 2026, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share which was paid on March 17, 2026 to the stockholders of record of each share of our common stock at the close of business on March 4, 2026. Future decisions to pay or to increase or decrease dividends are at the discretion of the Board and will be dependent on our operating performance, financial condition, capital expenditure requirements, limitations on cash distributions pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement and applicable law, and such other factors that the Board considers relevant. (See Notes 5 and 12 for further discussion of our debt and dividends declared subsequent to March 31, 2026, respectively.)
On February 12, 2026, our Board increased the authorization to repurchase our common stock by 5.0 million shares to 66.0 million shares. Under this authorization, we have cumulatively repurchased 60.2 million shares at a total cost of $2,002.8 million, excluding excise tax, through March 31, 2026, with 0.3 million shares repurchased at a cost of $19.2 million, excluding excise tax, during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026. Our objectives with regard to share repurchases have been to offset the dilution to our shares outstanding that result from equity compensation grants and to supplement our earnings per share growth.
Our share repurchase program does not have an expiration date, does not require us to purchase a specific number of shares and may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time. Share repurchases may be made from time to time in open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase programs, issuer self-tender offers or otherwise. Future decisions to repurchase shares are at the discretion of the Board and are based on several factors, including current and forecasted operating cash flows, capital needs associated with new restaurant development and maintenance of existing locations, dividend payments, debt levels and cost of borrowing, obligations associated with the FRC acquisition agreement, our share price and current market conditions. The timing and number of shares repurchased are also subject to legal constraints and covenants under the Loan Agreement that limit share repurchases based on a defined ratio. (See Note 5 for further discussion of our debt.)
9. Stock-Based Compensation
We maintain stock-based incentive plans under which incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares and restricted share units may be granted to staff members, consultants and non-employee directors.
On March 26, 2025, our Board approved an amendment to our The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Plan by 6.0 million shares to 13.15
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million shares from 7.15 million shares (the “Plan Amendment”). This Plan Amendment was approved by our stockholders at our 2025 annual meeting held on May 22, 2025.
The following table presents information related to stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures (in thousands):
2,773
2,437
98
99
4,143
5,045
Total stock-based compensation
Income tax benefit
1,730
1,870
Total stock-based compensation, net of taxes
5,284
5,711
Capitalized stock-based compensation (1)
53
54
Stock Options
We did not issue any stock options during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2025. Stock option activity during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026 was as follows:
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Aggregate
Exercise Price
Term
Intrinsic Value (1)
(Per share)
(In years)
Outstanding at December 30, 2025
471
41.08
4.1
4,203.7
Granted
Exercised
(6)
40.16
Forfeited or cancelled
Outstanding at March 31, 2026
465
41.09
3.9
6,346.6
Exercisable at March 31, 2026
400
41.87
3.3
5,150.5
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during both the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026 and April 1, 2025 was $0.1 million. As March 31, 2026, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options was $0.8 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.6 years.
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Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units
Restricted share and restricted share unit activity during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026 was as follows:
Fair Value
3,176
41.31
520
60.35
Vested
(493)
41.83
Forfeited
(48)
39.06
3,155
44.40
Fair value of our restricted shares and restricted share units is based on our closing stock price on the date of grant. The weighted average fair value for restricted shares and restricted share units issued during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and 2025 was $60.35 and $51.89, respectively. The fair value of shares that vested during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026, and April 1, 2025, was $20.6 million and $22.4 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2026, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested restricted shares and restricted share units was $84.5 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.0 years.
10. Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, reduced by unvested restricted stock awards. As of both March 31, 2026 and April 1, 2025, an aggregate of 3.2 million and 3.3 million shares, of restricted stock and restricted stock units issued were unvested, respectively, and, therefore, excluded from the calculation of basic earnings per share for the fiscal periods ended on those dates.
Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period. Common stock equivalents for the 2026 Notes and 2030 Notes are determined by application of the if-converted method, and common stock equivalents for outstanding stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units are determined by application of the treasury stock method.
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of equity awards (1)
1,758
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share
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11. Segment Information
Our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer. Our CODM allocates resources and evaluates the performance of each operating segment based on the segment’s revenue and income/(loss) from operations, comparing actual results to historical and previously forecasted financial information. Significant expenses are expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM and are included in segment income/(loss). Our operating segments are aligned with our strategic priorities and are the businesses for which our CODM reviews discrete financial information for decision-making purposes. They are comprised of The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, North Italia, Flower Child, the other FRC brands and our bakery division. Based on quantitative thresholds set forth in ASC 280, “Segment Reporting,” The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, North Italia and the other FRC brands are the only businesses that meet the criteria of a reportable operating segment. The remaining operating segments (Flower Child and our bakery division) along with our businesses that do not qualify as operating segments are combined in Other. Unallocated corporate expenses, capital expenditures and assets are also combined in Other.
Segment information is presented below (in thousands):
For the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026
The
Cheesecake
Factory
North
Restaurants
Italia
FRC
690,473
89,479
104,522
94,359
151,158
20,264
23,032
17,796
238,354
33,421
39,169
36,825
180,297
24,717
30,664
28,675
17,170
3,194
3,365
4,255
557
270
316
1,415
1,914
1,731
410
588,951
83,510
98,279
153,048
Income/(loss) from operations
101,522
5,969
6,243
(58,689)
Capital expenditures
22,000
7,593
8,791
4,993
43,377
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For the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2025
672,734
83,410
87,424
83,629
147,655
18,415
19,149
17,042
233,391
31,917
31,562
34,205
174,604
22,620
25,565
23,636
16,226
2,798
3,035
4,023
75
300
1,350
2,680
2,793
1,264
573,301
78,430
82,720
140,787
99,433
4,980
4,704
(57,158)
26,151
6,130
7,855
42,816
The following table presents information related to segment assets (in thousands):
Total assets:
The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants
1,598,692
1,636,027
North Italia
455,939
441,827
Other FRC
457,173
447,978
785,537
735,840
12. Subsequent Events
On April 23, 2026, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share to be paid on May 26, 2026, to the stockholders of record of each share of our common stock at the close of business on May 13, 2026.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information included in this Form 10-Q and other materials we have filed or may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as well as information included in oral or written statements made by us or on our behalf, may contain forward-looking statements about our current and presently expected performance trends, growth plans, business goals and other matters.
These statements may be contained in our filings with the SEC, in our press releases, in other written communications, and in oral statements made by or with the approval of one of our authorized officers. These statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as codified in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (together with the Securities Act, the “Acts”). This includes, without limitation, statements regarding corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) and in our CSR report, the effects of geopolitical and macroeconomic factors, including evolving government policies and global trade dynamics, on our financial condition and our results of operations, financial guidance and projections, as well as expectations of our future financial condition, results of operations, sales, target growth rates, cash flows, quarterly dividends, share repurchases, capital structure and leverage, corporate strategy, potential price increases, plans, targets, goals, objectives, performance, growth potential, competitive position and business, and statements regarding our ability to: leverage our competitive strengths, including developing and investing in new restaurant concepts and expanding The Cheesecake Factory® brand to other retail opportunities; maintain our aggregate sales volumes; deliver comparable sales growth; provide a differentiated experience to customers; outperform the casual dining industry and increase our market share; leverage sales increases and manage flow through; manage market risks and cost pressures, including increasing wage rates and insurance costs, and increase margins; grow earnings; remain relevant to consumers; attract and retain qualified management and other staff; increase shareholder value; find suitable sites and manage increasing construction costs; profitably expand our concepts domestically and in Canada, and work with our licensees to expand The Cheesecake Factory internationally; support the growth of North Italia, Flower Child and additional brands within our Fox Restaurant Concepts (“Other FRC”) restaurants; and utilize our capital effectively. These forward-looking statements may be affected by various factors including: economic, public health and political conditions that impact consumer confidence and spending, including government shutdowns, trade policy, changes in interest rates, periods of heightened inflation and market instability, and armed conflicts; supply chain disruptions; demonstrations, political unrest, potential damage to or closure of our restaurants and potential reputational damage to us or any of our brands; pandemics and related containment measures, including the potential for quarantines or restriction on in-person dining; acceptance and success of The Cheesecake Factory in international markets; acceptance and success of North Italia, Flower Child and Other FRC restaurants; the risks of doing business abroad through Company-owned restaurants and/or licensees; foreign exchange rates, tariffs and cross border taxation; changes in unemployment rates; increases in minimum wages and benefit costs; the economic health of our landlords and other tenants in retail centers in which our restaurants are located, and our ability to successfully manage our lease arrangements with landlords; the economic health of suppliers, licensees, vendors and other third parties providing goods or services to us; the timing of our new unit development and related permitting; compliance with debt covenants; strategic capital allocation decisions including with respect to share repurchases or dividends; the ability to achieve projected financial results; the resolution of uncertain tax positions with the Internal Revenue Service and the impact of tax reform legislation; changes in laws impacting our business; adverse weather conditions and natural disasters in regions in which our restaurants are located; factors that are under the control of government agencies, landlords and other third parties; the risks, costs and uncertainties associated with opening new restaurants; and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Such forward-looking statements include all other statements that are not historical facts, as well as statements that are preceded by, followed by or that include words or phrases such as “believe,” “plan,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “intend,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should” and similar expressions. These statements are based on our current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in such statements.
In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Acts, we have identified and are disclosing important factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements made by us, or on our behalf. (See Part II, Item 1A of this report, “Risk Factors,” and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025.) These cautionary statements are to be used as a reference in connection with any forward-looking statements. The factors, risks and uncertainties identified in these cautionary statements are in addition to those contained in any other cautionary statements, written or oral, which may be made or otherwise addressed in connection with a forward-looking statement or contained in any of our subsequent filings with the SEC. Because of these factors, risks and uncertainties, we caution against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements are currently reasonable, any of the assumptions could be incorrect or incomplete, and there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required to do so by law.
The below discussion and analysis, which contains forward-looking statements, should be read in conjunction with our interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part I, Item 1 of this report, Part II, Item 1A of this report, “Risk Factors,” and with the following items included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025: the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part IV, Item 15; “Risk Factors” included in Part I, Item 1A; “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Part II, Item 7; and the cautionary statements included throughout this Form 10-Q. The inclusion of supplementary analytical and related information herein may require us to make estimates and assumptions to enable us to fairly present, in all material respects, our analysis of trends and expectations with respect to our results of operations and financial position.
In recent years, our operating results were impacted by geopolitical and macroeconomic events, causing supply chain challenges and significantly increased commodity and wage inflation. Our commodity and wage inflationary environment began returning to more historical levels in fiscal 2024.
The impact of ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic events, including evolving government policies and global trade and tariff dynamics, could lead to further wage inflation, product and services cost inflation, disruptions in the supply chain, staffing challenges, shifts in consumer behavior and delays in new restaurant openings. Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters may further exacerbate a number of these factors. For more information regarding the risks to our business relating to the geopolitical and macroeconomic events, see Part II, Item 1A of this report, “Risk Factors,” and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025.
General
The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated is a leader in experiential dining. We are culinary forward and relentlessly focused on hospitality. We currently own and operate 371 restaurants throughout the United States and Canada under brands including The Cheesecake Factory® (216 locations), North Italia® (50 locations), Flower Child® (43 locations) and additional brands within our FRC portfolio (56 locations). Internationally, 36 The Cheesecake Factory® restaurants operate under licensing agreements. Our bakery division operates two facilities that produce quality cheesecakes and other baked products for our restaurants, international licensees and third-party bakery customers.
Overview
Our strategy is driven by our commitment to deliver exceptional food and hospitality, and is centered primarily on menu innovation, service and operational execution to differentiate our concepts and drive competitively strong performance that is sustainable over the long-term. Financially, we are focused on prudently managing expenses at our restaurants, bakery facilities and corporate support center, while leveraging our scale, purchasing power and operational discipline to support financial performance.
Our top long-term capital allocation priority is to develop new Company-owned restaurants, with a focus on opening our concepts in premier locations within new and existing markets. We plan to continue expanding The Cheesecake Factory, North Italia and Flower Child concepts. In addition, our FRC subsidiary serves as an incubator, innovating new food, dining and hospitality experiences to create differentiated, high-quality concepts.
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Our revenue growth is primarily driven by new restaurant openings and increases in comparable restaurant sales.
For The Cheesecake Factory concept, our strategy is to increase comparable restaurant sales by growing average check while maintaining customer traffic. We strive to accomplish this by (1) continuing to offer innovative, high quality menu items that offer customers a wide range of options in terms of flavor, price and value, (2) focusing on service and hospitality with the goal of delivering an exceptional dining experience and (3) continuing to provide our customers with convenient options for off-premise dining. We continue to support these efforts through a number of initiatives, including menu innovation, increasing customer throughput in our restaurants, leveraging our gift card program, partnering with a third party to provide delivery services for our restaurants, increasing customer awareness of our online ordering capabilities and improving the pick-up experience, augmenting our marketing programs, including our Cheesecake Rewards® program, enhancing our training programs and leveraging insights from our customer satisfaction measurement platform.
Average check variations are driven by menu price increases and/or changes in menu mix. We generally update The Cheesecake Factory menus twice a year, and our philosophy is to use price increases to help offset key operating cost increases in a manner that supports both our margin and customer traffic objectives. Prior to fiscal 2022, we targeted menu price increases of approximately 2% to 3% annually, utilizing a market-based strategy to help mitigate cost pressure in higher-wage geographies. In the last three fiscal years, we implemented price increases above our historical levels, to help offset significant inflationary cost pressures. We will continue to take the cost and inflationary environment into consideration when implementing future pricing decisions. In addition, on a regular basis, we carefully consider opportunities to adjust our menu offerings or ingredients to help manage product quality, availability and cost.
Margins are subject to fluctuations in commodity costs, labor, restaurant-level occupancy expenses, general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses and preopening expenses. Our objective is to drive margin expansion over time by leveraging incremental sales to increase restaurant-level margins at The Cheesecake Factory concept, leveraging our bakery operations, international and consumer packaged goods royalty revenue streams and G&A expense, and optimizing our restaurant portfolio.
We plan to employ a balanced capital allocation strategy, comprised of investing in new restaurants that are expected to meet our targeted returns, managing our aggregate debt levels and returning capital to shareholders through our dividend and share repurchase programs. Future decisions to pay, increase or decrease dividends or to repurchase shares are at the discretion of the Board and will be dependent on a number of factors, including limitations pursuant to the terms and conditions of our Loan Agreement and applicable law.
21
Results of Operations
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, information from our condensed consolidated statements of income expressed as percentages of revenues. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year.
100.0
%
21.7
21.8
35.5
35.7
27.0
26.6
6.5
2.9
2.8
0.1
0.0
0.6
0.9
94.4
5.6
(0.2)
(0.3)
(1.7)
5.5
3.7
0.4
5.1
3.6
Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2026 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2025
Revenues increased 5.6% to $978.8 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026 compared to $927.2 million for the comparable prior year period, primarily due to additional revenue related to new restaurant openings and an increase in comparable restaurant sales.
The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants sales increased 2.6% to $690.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, compared to $672.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Average sales per restaurant operating week increased 1.9% to $245,196 in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 from $240,692 in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Total operating weeks at The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants increased 0.8% to 2,816 in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to 2,795 in the prior year. The Cheesecake Factory comparable sales increased by 1.6%, or $10.3 million, from the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The increase from first quarter fiscal 2025 was primarily driven by an increase in average check of 3.0% (based on an increase of 3.3% in menu pricing, partially offset by a 0.3% negative change from menu mix), partially offset by decreased customer traffic of 1.4%. We implemented effective menu price increases of approximately 1.5% in both the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and the third quarter of fiscal 2025, respectively. Sales through the off-premise channel comprised approximately 22% of our restaurant sales during both the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2025.
North Italia sales increased 7.3% to $89.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, compared to $83.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Average sales per restaurant operating week decreased 3.9% to $143,167 in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 from $148,947 in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Total operating weeks at North Italia increased 11.6% to 625 in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to 560 in the prior year. North Italia comparable sales decreased approximately 2% from the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The decrease from fiscal 2025 was primarily driven by decreased customer traffic of 6%, partially offset by an increase in average check of 4% (based on an increase of 3% in menu pricing and a 1% positive impact from mix). We implemented effective
22
menu price increases of approximately 2.0% and 1.5% in the second and fourth quarters of fiscal 2025, respectively. We are in the process of implementing a 1.0% menu price increase in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.
Flower Child sales increased 21.1% to $52.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, compared to $43.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Flower Child sales per restaurant operating week increased 7.0% to $94,524 in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 from $88,335 in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Total operating weeks at Flower Child increased 13.2% to 557 in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to 492 in the prior year. Flower Child comparable sales increased approximately 10% from the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The increase from the first quarter of fiscal 2025 includes an increase of 2% in menu pricing.
Other FRC sales increased 19.6% to $104.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, compared to $87.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Other FRC average sales per restaurant operating week increased 3.9% to $145,169 in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 from $139,655 in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Total operating weeks at Other FRC increased 15.0% to 720 in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to 626 in the prior year.
Restaurants become eligible to enter the comparable sales base in their 19th month of operation. As of March 31, 2026, there were six The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, 10 North Italia restaurants and 10 Flower Child locations not yet in their respective comparable sales bases. International licensed locations and restaurants that are no longer in operation, including those which we have relocated, are excluded from comparable sales calculations.
Food and Beverage Costs
Food and beverage costs consist of raw materials and ingredients used in the food and beverage products sold in our restaurants and to our third-party bakery customers. As a percentage of revenues cost of sales were 21.7% and 21.8% in the first quarters of fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively, primarily due to favorable commodity inflation particularly in lower dairy pricing (0.7%) partially offset by higher meat and seafood costs (0.6%).
Labor Expenses
As a percentage of revenues, labor expenses, which include restaurant-level labor costs and bakery production labor, including associated fringe benefits, were 35.5% and 35.7% in the first quarters of fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. This decrease was primarily due to menu price increases in excess of wage rate inflation and productivity (0.4%), partially offset by higher group medical cost due to increased claim activity (0.3%).
Other Operating Costs and Expenses
Other operating costs and expenses consist of all other restaurant-level operating costs, the major components of which are occupancy expenses (rent, common area expenses, insurance, licenses, taxes and utilities), dining room and to-go supplies, repairs and maintenance, janitorial expenses, credit card processing fees, marketing including delivery commissions, and incentive compensation, as well as bakery production overhead. As a percentage of revenues, other operating costs and expenses were 27.0% and 26.6% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. This variance was primarily driven by higher utility costs due to higher rates (0.2%) and higher bakery production overhead expense (0.2%).
G&A Expenses
G&A expenses consist of the restaurant management recruiting and training program, restaurant field supervision, corporate support and bakery administrative organizations, as well as gift card commissions to third - party distributors. As a percentage of revenues, G&A expenses were 6.5% in both the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and 2025, primarily reflecting higher legal fees (0.2%), partially offset by lower stock-based compensation expense (0.1%).
Impairment of Assets and Lease Termination Expenses
During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, we recorded impairment of assets and lease termination expenses of $0.8 million primarily related to lease termination costs for two The Cheesecake Factory, one Grand Lux Cafe and one Other FRC location. During the first quarter of fiscal 2025, we recorded impairment of assets and lease termination expenses of $0.4 million primarily related to lease termination costs for one Other FRC location.
23
Preopening Costs
Preopening costs were $5.5 million and $8.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. We opened one North Italia, one Flower Child and one Other FRC location in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to three North Italia, three Flower Child and two Other FRC locations in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Restaurant-level preopening costs include all costs to relocate and compensate restaurant management staff members during the preopening period, costs to recruit and train hourly restaurant staff members, and wages, travel and lodging costs for our opening training team and other support staff members. Preopening costs also include expenses for maintaining a roster of trained managers for pending opening and the associated temporary housing and other costs necessary to relocate managers in alignment with future restaurant opening and operating needs. Preopening costs can fluctuate significantly from period to period based on the number, mix and timing of restaurant openings and the specific preopening costs incurred for each restaurant.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
We recorded a $15.9 million loss on early debt extinguishment in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. On February 28, 2025, we repurchased approximately $276.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes for aggregate consideration of $289.8 million, which included a premium of $13.8 million. The repurchase was accounted for as a debt extinguishment. In addition, we recorded $2.1 million of unamortized issuance costs. (See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for further discussion on our long-term debt.)
Income Tax Provision
Our effective income tax rate was 7.1% and 4.5% for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. The increase was primarily due to leverage on higher annual forecasted income before taxes, predominantly related to employment credits and tax windfall related to equity compensation (3.3%) and an increase in non-deductible executive compensation (1.4%), partially offset by a higher tax windfall related to equity compensation in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 (2.3%).
Non-GAAP Measures
Adjusted net income, adjusted diluted net income per share and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) are supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by or presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. We calculate these non-GAAP measures by eliminating from net income, diluted net income per common share and EBITDA, the impact of items we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operations. Additionally, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA exclude the impact of certain non-cash transactions. We use these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Our inclusion of these adjusted measures should not be construed as an indication that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or infrequent items. In the future, we may incur expenses or generate income similar to the adjusted items.
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Following is a reconciliation from net income and diluted net income per share to the corresponding adjusted measures (in thousands, except per share data):
Loss on extinguishment of debt (1)
Tax effect of adjustments (2)
(529)
(4,489)
Adjusted net income
51,050
45,719
Diluted net income per common share
0.02
0.01
0.32
(0.01)
(0.09)
Adjusted diluted net income per common share (3)
1.05
0.93
(2)
Based on the federal statutory rate and an estimated blended state tax rate, the tax effect on all adjustments assumes a 26% tax rate.
(3)
Adjusted net income per share may not add due to rounding.
Following is a reconciliation from net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA measures (in thousands):
1,995
2,328
EBITDA
83,330
62,893
Stock-based compensation (1)
Adjusted EBITDA
92,375
87,741
See Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for further discussion of stock-based compensation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our corporate financial objectives are to maintain a sufficiently strong and conservative balance sheet to support our operating initiatives and unit growth while maintaining financial flexibility to provide the financial resources necessary to protect and enhance the competitiveness of our restaurant and bakery brands and to provide a prudent level of financial capacity to manage the risks and uncertainties of conducting our business operations under various economic and industry cycles. Typically, cash flows generated from operating activities are our principal source of liquidity, which we use to finance our restaurant expansion plans, ongoing maintenance of our restaurants and bakery facilities and investment in our corporate and information technology infrastructures.
25
Similar to many restaurant and retail chain store operations, we utilize operating lease arrangements for all of our restaurant locations. Accordingly, our lease arrangements reduce, to some extent, our capacity to utilize funded indebtedness in our capital structure. We are not limited to the use of lease arrangements as our only method of opening new restaurants. However, we believe our operating lease arrangements continue to provide appropriate leverage for our capital structure in a financially efficient manner.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, our cash and cash equivalents increased by $19.4 million to $235.1 million. The following table presents, for the periods indicated, a summary of our key cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities (in millions):
96.7
78.9
(43.4)
(42.8)
Repayment on credit facility
(110.0)
575.0
(289.8)
Issuance cost associated with long-term debt
(1.2)
(16.5)
Proceeds from exercise of options
0.2
10.8
(14.2)
(12.5)
(18.4)
(141.4)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Cash flows from operations increased by $17.8 million from the first quarter of fiscal 2025 primarily due to net income after excluding the non-cash activity, timing of operating lease commencements, higher payables, inventory movement, lower accounts and other receivable balances, partially offset by higher prepaid expenses related to the timing of April 2026 rent payments. Typically, our requirement for working capital has not been significant since our restaurant customers pay for their food and beverage purchases in cash or cash equivalents at the time of sale, and we are able to sell many of our restaurant inventory items before payment is due to the suppliers of such items.
Property and Equipment
Capital expenditures for new restaurants, including locations under development, were $24.6 million and $22.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. Capital expenditures also included $16.4 million and $17.1 million for our existing restaurants and $2.4 million and $2.8 million for bakery and corporate capacity and infrastructure investments, in the first quarter fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively.
We opened three restaurants in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 comprised of one North Italia, one Flower Child and one Other FRC location compared to eight restaurants in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 comprised of three North Italia, three Flower Child and two Other FRC locations. We expect to open as many as 26 new restaurants in fiscal 2026 across our portfolio of concepts. We anticipate approximately $210 million in capital expenditures to support this level of unit development, as well as required maintenance on our restaurants. This estimate includes new restaurant construction expenses, some of which may be classified as operating lease assets instead of additions to property and equipment in the statement of cash flows.
On March 26, 2026, we entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement” and the revolving credit facility provided thereunder, the “Revolver Facility”). The Revolver Facility, which terminates on March 26, 2031, provides us with revolving loan commitments that total $400 million, of which $85 million may be used for issuances of letters of credit and $10 million for swingline loans. The Revolver Facility contains (i) a commitment increase feature that, subject to certain conditions precedent, could provide for an additional $200 million in revolving loan commitments and (ii) a feature that permits the letter of credit issuers thereunder to increase their letter of credit sublimits by $25 million in the aggregate. Our obligations under the Revolver Facility are unsecured. Certain of our material subsidiaries have guaranteed our obligations under the Revolver Facility. As of March 31, 2026, we had net availability for borrowings of $366.5 million, based on no outstanding debt balance and $33.5 million in standby letters of credit under the Revolver Facility.
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Under the Revolver Facility, we are subject to financial covenants, as well as to customary events of default that, if triggered, could result in acceleration of the maturity of the Revolver Facility. Subject to certain exceptions, the Loan Agreement contains a number of covenants and restrictions that, among other things, restrict the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends and make distributions, make certain investments and acquisitions, create liens, enter into agreements with affiliates, sell material assets, and merge or consolidate. (See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for further discussion of our debt.)
On February 28, 2025, we issued $575.0 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes (“2030 Notes”), which will mature on March 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2030 Notes were approximately $558.5 million after deducting issuance costs of $16.5 million. As of March 31, 2026, the 2030 Notes had a balance of $562.1 million, net of unamortized issuance costs of $12.9 million. As of March 31, 2026, the conversion rate for the 2030 Notes was 14.1444 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2030 Notes, which represents a conversion price of approximately $70.70 per share of common stock. (See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for further discussion on our debt.) In connection with the cash dividend that was declared by our Board on April 23, 2026, we will, on May 13, 2026, adjust the conversion rate (which is expected to increase) and the conversion price (which is expected to decrease) of the 2030 Notes in accordance with the terms. (See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for further discussion on our debt.)
On June 15, 2021, we issued $345.0 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes (“2026 Notes”), which will mature on June 15, 2026, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2026 Notes were approximately $334.9 million after deducting issuance costs of $10.1 million. On February 28, 2025, we used part of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2030 Notes to repurchase approximately $276.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes in a privately-negotiated transaction for aggregate consideration of $289.8 million, which included a premium of $13.8 million. As of March 31, 2026, the 2026 Notes had a gross principal balance of $69.0 million and a balance of $68.9 million, net of unamortized issuance costs of $0.1 million. As of March 31, 2026, the conversion rate for the 2026 Notes was 14.2316 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2026 Notes, which represents a conversion price of approximately $70.27 per share of common stock. In connection with the cash dividend that was declared by our Board on April 23, 2026, we will, on May 13, 2026, adjust the conversion rate (which is expected to increase) and the conversion price (which is expected to decrease) of the 2026 Notes in accordance with the terms. (See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for further discussion on our debt.)
Common Stock Dividends
Common stock dividends of $14.2 million and $12.5 million were paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. As further discussed in Note 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report, in April 2026, our Board declared a quarterly dividend to be paid in May 2026. Future decisions to pay or to increase or decrease dividends are at the discretion of the Board and will be dependent on our operating performance, financial condition, capital expenditure requirements, limitations on cash distributions pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement and applicable law, and other such factors that the Board considers relevant.
Share Repurchases
On February 12, 2026, our Board increased the authorization to repurchase our common stock by 5.0 million shares to 66.0 million shares. Under this authorization, we have cumulatively repurchased 60.2 million shares at a total cost of $2,002.8 million, excluding excise tax, through March 31, 2026. We repurchased 0.3 million shares at a cost of $19.2 million, excluding excise tax, during the first quarter of fiscal 2026. We repurchased 2.6 million shares at a cost of $141.4 million, excluding excise tax, during the first quarter of fiscal 2025.
Our objectives with regard to share repurchases have been to offset the dilution to our shares outstanding that results from equity compensation grants and to supplement our earnings per share growth. Our share repurchase program does not have an expiration date, does not require us to purchase a specific number of shares and may be modified, suspended or terminated at any
27
time. Future decisions to repurchase shares are at the discretion of the Board and are based on several factors, including current and forecasted operating cash flows, capital needs associated with new restaurant development and maintenance of existing locations, dividend payments, debt levels and cost of borrowing, obligations associated with the FRC acquisition, our share price and current market conditions. The timing and number of shares repurchased are also subject to legal constraints and financial covenants under our Loan Agreement that limit share repurchases based on a defined ratio. (See Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for further discussion of our repurchase authorization.)
Cash Flow Outlook
We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, combined with expected cash flows provided by operations and available borrowings under the Revolver Facility, will provide us with adequate liquidity for the next 12 months and the foreseeable future.
As of March 31, 2026, we had no financing transactions, arrangements or other relationships with any unconsolidated entities or related parties. Additionally, we had no financing arrangements involving synthetic leases or trading activities involving commodity contracts.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions for the reporting periods covered by the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Our critical accounting estimates have not changed materially from those previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025.
See Note 1 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a summary of new accounting standards.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The following discussion of market risks contains forward-looking statements and should be read in conjunction with our interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part I, Item 1 of this report, Part II, Item 1A of this report, “Risk Factors,” and with the following items in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025: the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part IV, Item 15; the “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A; the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7; and the cautionary statements included throughout the report. Actual results may differ materially from the following discussion based on general conditions in the commodity and financial markets.
The cost of products and services used in our operations is subject to volatility due to the relative availability of labor and distribution, weather, natural disasters, inventory levels and other supply and/or demand impacting events such as geopolitical events, economic conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Adverse weather and natural disasters may further exacerbate a number of these factors. In recent years, our operating results were impacted by geopolitical and macroeconomic events, causing supply chain challenges and significantly increased commodity and wage inflation. Our commodity and wage inflationary environment began returning to more historical levels in fiscal 2024.
We attempt to negotiate short-term and long-term agreements for some of our principal commodity, supply and equipment requirements, such as certain dairy products and poultry, depending on market conditions and expected demand. While we are in the process of contracting for certain key food and non-food supplies for fiscal 2026, these efforts may not be successful or yield our intended benefits. We continue to evaluate the possibility of entering into similar arrangements for other commodities and periodically evaluate hedging vehicles, such as direct financial instruments, to assist us in managing risk and variability associated with such commodities. As of March 31, 2026, we had no hedging contracts in place.
Commodities for which we have not entered into contracts can be subject to unforeseen supply and cost fluctuations, which at times may be significant. Additionally, the cost of commodities subject to governmental regulation, such as dairy and corn, can be
especially susceptible to price fluctuation. Goods we purchase on the international market may be subject to even greater fluctuations in cost and availability, which could result from a variety of factors, including the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, international trade disputes, tariffs, geopolitical unrest and varying global demand. We may not have the ability to increase menu prices or vary menu items in response to food commodity price increases. For the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and 2025, a hypothetical increase of 1% in food costs would have negatively impacted cost of sales by $2.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively.
We are exposed to market risk from interest rate changes on our funded debt. This exposure relates to the component of the interest rate on our Loan Agreement that is indexed to market rates. As of March 31, 2026 and December 30, 2025, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Loan Agreement. (See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for further discussion of our debt.)
We are also subject to market risk related to our investments in variable life insurance contracts used to support our non-qualified deferred compensation plans to the extent these investments are not equivalent to the related liability. In addition, because changes in these investments are not taxable, gains and losses result in tax benefit and tax expense, respectively, and directly affect net income through the income tax provision. Based on balances at March 31, 2026 and December 30, 2025, a hypothetical 10% decline in the market value of our deferred compensation asset and related liability would not have impacted income before income taxes. However, under such a scenario, net income would have declined by $3.3 million and $3.2 million at March 31, 2026 and December 30, 2025, respectively.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only a reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management was necessarily required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of March 31, 2026.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
A description of the risk factors associated with our business is contained in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025 (“Annual Report”). These cautionary statements are to be used as a reference in connection with any forward-looking statements. The factors, risks and uncertainties identified in these cautionary statements are in addition to those contained in any other cautionary statements, written or oral, which may be made or otherwise addressed in connection with a forward-looking statement or contained in any of our subsequent filings with the SEC.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
The following table presents our purchases of our common stock during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026 (in thousands, except per share data):
Total Number of
Maximum Number
Shares Purchased
of Shares that May
Total Number
as Part of Publicly
Yet be Purchased
of Shares
Average Price
Announced Plans
Under the Plans or
Period
Purchased (1)
Paid per Share (2)
or Programs
Programs
December 31, 2025 — February 3, 2026
34
51.04
1,051
February 4 — March 3, 2026
183
59.40
5,868
March 4 — March 31, 2026
115
57.05
5,753
332
140
The dollar value of shares repurchased excludes excise tax due under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
On February 12, 2026, our Board increased the authorization to repurchase our common stock by 5.0 million shares to 66.0 million shares. Under this authorization, we have cumulatively repurchased 60.2 million shares at a total cost of $2,002.8 million, excluding excise tax, through March 31, 2026 with 0.3 million shares repurchased at a cost of $19.2 million, excluding excise tax, during the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Our share repurchase program does not have an expiration date, does not require us to purchase a specific number of shares and may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time. The timing and number of shares repurchased are subject to legal constraints and financial covenants under our Loan Agreement that limit share repurchases based on a defined ratio. (See Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for further discussion of our repurchase authorization.)
Item 5. Other Information.
During the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or a “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (in each case, as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).
Item 6. Exhibits
ExhibitNo.
Item
Form
File Number
Incorporated byReference fromExhibit Number
Filed/Furnished with SEC
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated
8-K
000-20574
6/4/24
3.2
Certificate of Designations of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated, dated April 20, 2020
4/20/20
10.1*
Employment Agreement effective February 11, 2026, between the Cheesecake Factory Incorporated and Spero G. Alex
Filed herewith
10.2#
Fifth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Association dated as of March 26, 2026
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Principal Financial Officer
32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Principal Executive Officer
Furnished herewith
32.2
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Principal Financial Officer
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
104
The cover page of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 formatted in iXBRL (included with Exhibit 101)
*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit.
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Certain schedules and similar attachments have been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish copies of any such schedules or similar attachments to the SEC upon request.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: May 4, 2026
By:
/s/ DAVID OVERTON
David Overton
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ MATTHEW E. CLARK
Matthew E. Clark
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)