SEC Says Cheesecake Factory Misled Investors On COVID-19 Impact, Fines Restaurant Chain


27% profit every 20 days?

This is what Nic Chahine averages with his option buys. Not selling covered calls or spreads… BUYING options. Most traders don’t even have a winning percentage of 27% buying options. He has an 83% win rate. Here’s how he does it.


Casual restaurant chain Cheesecake Factory Inc (NASDAQ:CAKE) said it will pay a $125,000 fine to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for making misleading statements in late March and early April, the SEC said in a Friday statement.

What Happened: Cheesecake Factory said on March 23 and April 3 that its restaurants were "operating sustainably" during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The filings were "materially false and misleading," as management's internal documents said otherwise, according to the SEC.

The restaurant chain was losing around $6 million in cash per week, and there was enough cash on the balance sheet to finance 16 weeks of operations. Cheesecake Factory didn't disclose this information to investors, although it did share this information with private equity investors or lenders as part of a capital raise initiative, the SEC said. 

The company also failed to disclose to investors that it informed landlords that the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to pay rent in April.

The Cheesecake Factory agreed to a $125,000 penalty without admitting the findings in the order, as the SEC found the restaurant chain violated reporting provisions of the federal securities laws.

"It is important that issuers continue their proactive, principles-based approach to disclosure, tailoring these disclosures to the firm and industry-specific effects of the pandemic on their business and operations," SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said in a statement. 

Why It's Important: The SEC's fine could be seen as a warning to other companies to ensure they convey the impact of the pandemic on their business.

"The Enforcement Division, including the Coronavirus Steering Committee, will continue to scrutinize COVID-related disclosures to ensure that investors receive accurate, timely information, while also giving appropriate credit for prompt and substantial cooperation in investigations," said Stephanie Avakian, the SEC's enforcement division director. 

CAKE Price Action: The stock was down 0.41% at $39.27 at last check Friday. 


27% profit every 20 days?

This is what Nic Chahine averages with his option buys. Not selling covered calls or spreads… BUYING options. Most traders don’t even have a winning percentage of 27% buying options. He has an 83% win rate. Here’s how he does it.


ENTER TO WIN $500 IN STOCK OR CRYPTO

Enter your email and you'll also get Benzinga's ultimate morning update AND a free $30 gift card and more!

Posted In: NewsRestaurantsSmall CapLegalSECGeneralCoronavirusFinesInvestors