By Shivani Kumaresan
Publication Date: 2026-08-27 05:31:00
Cracker Barrel stock’s 130% surge has been fueled by stronger sales trends, cost improvements and strategic changes.
Cheesecake Factory stock has more than doubled this year, helped by strong growth from its restaurant brands.
CarMax has gained over 65%, supported by stronger sales, cost cuts and improving used-car conditions.
While all eyes are on Nvidia Corp.’s (NVDA) magnificent second-quarter (Q2) performance, a handful of unexpected consumer names — a restaurant chain, a lingerie retailer, a used-car dealer, a country-store operator and an online rental marketplace have quietly crushed the chip giant’s 2026 stock performance in a reminder that run-of-the-mill earnings beats can outrun even the market’s flashiest growth story.
Nvidia stock jumped about 5% after hours after the company projected 70% revenue growth for fiscal 2028, easing concerns that huge AI spending may not translate into strong sales.
Nvidia shares are up over 12% year-to-date, a solid gain but a far cry from its 2023-2024 triple-digit rallies and one overshadowed by bouts of AI-trade volatility tied to valuation worries and circular-revenue concerns. Meanwhile, Cheesecake Factory Inc. (CAKE), Victoria’s Secret & Co. (VSXY), Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. (CBRL), Carmax Inc. (KMX)…
