Consumer Discretionary
Restaurants
$110.45B
361K
Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company globally, generating revenue through company-operated and licensed stores, as well as the sale of coffee and tea products and the licensing of its trademarks. Its competitive advantages include brand recognition, a strong loyalty program, and a focus on customer experience. Starbucks operates in 87 markets worldwide.
Key insights and themes extracted from this filing
For the third quarter of fiscal 2025, consolidated operating income plummeted by 38.3% to $935.6 million from $1,517.5 million in the prior year, leading to a 680 basis point contraction in operating margin to 9.9%. Net earnings attributable to Starbucks also fell sharply by 47.1% to $558.3 million.
Total net revenues for the third quarter increased 3.8% year-over-year to $9,456.0 million, primarily due to incremental revenues from 1,151 net new company-operated stores. However, global comparable store sales declined 2%, with U.S. comparable store sales also down 2% due to a 4% decrease in comparable transactions.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the first three quarters of fiscal 2025 decreased by 26.2% to $3,365.7 million from $4,560.0 million in the prior year. This decline was primarily attributed to a $1.1 billion decrease in net earnings and a $424 million increase in inventories.
Starbucks increased its total store count by 4% year-over-year to over 41,000 stores globally as of June 29, 2025. This expansion contributed significantly to revenue growth, with 1,151 net new company-operated stores added over the past 12 months, driving $330 million in incremental revenue for the quarter.
The acquisition of 23.5 Degrees Topco Limited, a U.K. licensed business partner, in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 converted 113 licensed stores to company-operated stores within the International segment. While not material to consolidated financials, it aligns with the strategy to expand the company-operated portfolio.
Following 'compelling early insights' from pilots, management is accelerating the rollout of the 'Green Apron Service model' across U.S. company-operated stores. This foundational operating model aims to establish repeatable, consistent, and scalable standards to enhance the coffeehouse experience and drive efficiency.
Management initiated a restructuring of its support organization to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, and reduce complexity. This resulted in pre-tax restructuring charges of $20.8 million for the quarter and $137.0 million for the three quarters ended June 29, 2025, primarily for severance costs.
The company reported 'continued progress' on its 'Back to Starbucks' initiatives, including investments in coffeehouse partners and the Leadership Experience 2025. Despite a 680 basis point contraction in operating margin, these efforts are aimed at rebuilding a stronger Starbucks and addressing declining comparable sales.
Operating margin contraction was significantly driven by inflation, particularly elevated coffee pricing, and increased labor costs due to investments in partners. Management's strategic decisions to invest in these areas, while impacting short-term profitability, are intended to lay the foundation for long-term sustainable growth.
Commodity price risk, particularly from green coffee and dairy products, remains a primary market risk. Elevated coffee pricing was a significant factor in the 120 basis point increase in product and distribution costs as a percentage of total net revenues for the quarter, and is expected to continue impacting future results.
Management explicitly stated that 'macroeconomic challenges we have been experiencing, including impacts from new tariffs and volatile coffee prices, will continue.' This outlook signals ongoing pressure from external factors such as inflation, potentially impacting consumer spending and operational costs.
The company stated that there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in its most recently filed 10-K. This indicates that existing risks, such as those related to labor union organizing efforts and competitive threats, remain relevant but have not escalated materially in the current period.
Global comparable store sales decreased 2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, with the U.S. market experiencing a 2% decline driven by a 4% decrease in comparable transactions. This indicates ongoing competitive challenges or shifts in consumer behavior that the company is working to address.
Despite a 4% decrease in comparable transactions in the U.S., the average ticket increased by 2%, partially offsetting the transaction decline. This suggests Starbucks maintains some pricing power, enabling it to raise prices to mitigate cost pressures and maintain revenue, even if customer frequency is down.
Management's focus on 'uplifting the coffeehouse experience,' introducing 'new food and beverage platforms,' and 'reimagining the Starbucks rewards program' are strategic moves to enhance competitive advantages. These initiatives aim to drive customer engagement and loyalty in a highly competitive market.
Product and distribution costs as a percentage of net revenues increased 120 basis points in the third quarter, primarily due to 100 basis points from elevated coffee pricing. Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-operated stores revenue increased 470 basis points, driven by 160 basis points from additional labor and 150 basis points from deleverage.
The company recognized $20.8 million in restructuring charges for the quarter, and $137.0 million for the three quarters, related to simplifying its support organization and reducing its support partner workforce. These actions are intended to improve operational efficiency, accountability, and integration.
Inventories increased by $481.9 million, or 27.1%, to $2,259.2 million as of June 29, 2025, compared to $1,777.3 million as of September 29, 2024. This notable increase was primarily driven by higher green and roasted coffee inventories due to elevated coffee pricing.
Management stated its intention to introduce 'new food and beverage platforms' as part of its strategy to lay the foundation for future growth. While specific R&D investments were not detailed, this indicates an ongoing commitment to product innovation to meet evolving customer preferences.
The company plans to 'reimagine the Starbucks rewards program,' signaling an effort to leverage technology and digital capabilities to improve customer loyalty and experience. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to drive long-term, sustainable growth.
While explicit digital transformation efforts are not detailed, the focus on 'reimagining the Starbucks rewards program' suggests ongoing investment in digital platforms to enhance customer interaction and data utilization. This is crucial for maintaining competitive relevance in the modern retail landscape.
The company made no common stock share repurchases during the three quarters ended June 29, 2025, a significant change from $1,266.7 million in repurchases during the same period in the prior year. This suggests a shift in capital allocation priorities, potentially towards internal investments or debt management.
The Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.61 per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, an increase from $0.57 per share in the prior year. This demonstrates a continued commitment to returning cash to shareholders despite a challenging profitability environment.
Starbucks replaced its $3.0 billion unsecured five-year revolving credit facility with a new $3.0 billion facility maturing in June 2030, with an option to increase by an additional $1.0 billion. With no outstanding borrowings, this facility provides substantial liquidity for working capital, capital expenditures, and strategic acquisitions.
As part of the 'Back to Starbucks' strategy, the company is making 'investments in coffeehouse partners,' including additional labor and the Leadership Experience 2025. These initiatives underscore a commitment to social responsibility by supporting its workforce, even as they contribute to increased operating expenses.
The company continues to be involved in legal proceedings related to labor union organizing efforts, which are identified as a potential risk factor. While management believes the risk of material contingent loss is remote, this ongoing issue highlights a key social challenge for the company.
The filing includes 'potential impacts of climate change' as a general risk factor. While specific ESG initiatives or progress on environmental commitments are not detailed in this quarterly report, the acknowledgment of climate change indicates its consideration in the broader risk landscape.
Management explicitly stated that 'macroeconomic challenges we have been experiencing, including impacts from new tariffs and volatile coffee prices, will continue.' This outlook signals ongoing pressure from external factors such as inflation, potentially impacting consumer spending and operational costs.
Elevated coffee pricing contributed approximately 100 basis points to the 120 basis point increase in product and distribution costs as a percentage of total net revenues for the quarter. This highlights how commodity inflation in key inputs is directly impacting the company's profitability.
The FASB issued new guidance expanding segment and income tax disclosure requirements, effective for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, respectively. While not directly impacting current operations, these changes will require significant updates to future financial statement disclosures, reflecting an evolving regulatory environment.