How did CAKE's revenue and expenses trend in Q4 2024?

The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (CAKE) experienced a notable increase in total revenues during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, reaching $921.0 million compared to $877.0 million in the same period of the previous year. This growth was bolstered by strong performance across its restaurant portfolio, with comparable sales at The Cheesecake Factory restaurants climbing by 1.7% year-over-year.

1. **Revenue Growth**: The company's revenue growth was primarily driven by the performance of its flagship brand, The Cheesecake Factory restaurants, which contributed significantly to the overall revenue increase. This aligns with the strategic focus on capturing market share and leveraging operational improvements to enhance customer satisfaction and drive sales growth.
2. **Expense Management**: Specific details about CAKE's expenses for Q4 2024 are not available. However, the company reported a pre-tax net expense of $14.4 million related to impairment of assets and lease termination expenses. These expenses were partially offset by Fox Restaurant Concepts (“FRC”) acquisition-related income. This indicates that while CAKE faced certain expense challenges, it also benefited from strategic initiatives such as the FRC acquisition.
3. **Profitability**: Despite the expenses, CAKE achieved a net income of $41.2 million and a diluted net income per share of $0.83 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income per share were even higher at $51.8 million and $1.04, respectively. This reflects effective cost management and operational efficiency, contributing to the improved profitability seen in the quarter.

In conclusion, CAKE's revenue trend in Q4 2024 was strongly positive, driven by robust sales growth across its core brands. While specific expense details are lacking, the company's ability to manage expenses effectively and maintain profitability is evident from the reported financial results.