The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (CAKE) vs LKQ Corporation (LKQ)

A side-by-side comparison of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated and LKQ Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — CAKE vs LKQ

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CAKE +145.8% (+9.4%/yr)LKQ -21.1% (-2.3%/yr)CAKE compounded faster over this window
50100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$246$79
CAKE LKQ

CAKE vs LKQ: by the numbers

  • •LKQ is the larger company ($5.89B vs $5.19B market cap).
  • •LKQ trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.94 vs 28.32 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •CAKE converts more revenue to profit (4.61% vs 3.37% net margin).
  • •CAKE grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.45% vs 1.66% CAGR).
  • •LKQ pays the higher dividend yield (4.98% vs 1.14%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCAKELKQ
P/E ratio28.3212.94
Forward P/E23.298.68
P/S ratio1.340.43
P/B ratio10.000.91
EV / EBITDA22.308.25
FCF yield3.97%10.61%

Profitability

MetricCAKELKQ
Gross margin78.33%37.66%
Operating margin5.27%6.79%
Net margin4.61%3.37%
ROE34.42%7.15%
ROIC7.19%5.62%

Dividends

MetricCAKELKQ
Dividend yield1.14%4.98%
Payout ratio31.71%66.67%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCAKELKQ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.45%1.66%
EPS CAGR (5Y)1.50%2.28%
FCF CAGR (5Y)12.09%-13.37%
Total return CAGR (5Y)21.03%-11.35%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAKE or LKQ?
LKQ has the lower trailing P/E: CAKE trades at 28.32 and LKQ at 12.94. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CAKE or LKQ?
Over the past five years, CAKE grew revenue faster — CAKE at a 9.45% CAGR versus LKQ at 1.66%.
Does CAKE or LKQ pay a bigger dividend?
CAKE yields 1.14% and LKQ yields 4.98% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CAKE or LKQ more profitable?
CAKE runs the higher net margin — CAKE at 4.61% versus LKQ at 3.37%.
How have CAKE and LKQ total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CAKE delivered 9.77% and LKQ delivered -2.27% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.