Stock events for Starbucks Corp. (SBUX)
Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) stock has experienced fluctuations over the past six months. The stock's 52-week high was $117.46 on March 3, 2025, and its 52-week low was $75.50 on April 30, 2025. As of October 1, 2025, the stock closed at $84.40, representing a decline of 10.52% over the past year. Shares dropped after Starbucks withdrew its fiscal year 2025 outlook and reported preliminary Q4 2024 results that missed analyst expectations. Q2 fiscal 2025 earnings disappointed, with EPS missing forecasts and global comparable store sales declining, leading to a 9.6% stock fall on April 30, 2025. Q3 fiscal 2025 results showed a 2% decline in global comparable store sales and a drop in adjusted earnings. Starbucks announced a significant restructuring, including the closure of hundreds of underperforming stores and approximately 900 corporate job cuts, with a projected cost of $1 billion.
Demand Seasonality affecting Starbucks Corp.’s stock price
Starbucks leverages demand seasonality by adapting its menu to capitalize on seasonal ingredients and flavors. The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) significantly boosts sales and foot traffic upon its annual return, contributing roughly 10% of overall sales annually. The introduction of holiday-themed beverages and food items in the fall also contributes to record-breaking average weekly sales. Customers anticipate the return of their favorite seasonal items, creating a predictable cycle of demand.
Overview of Starbucks Corp.’s business
Starbucks Corp. operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically in the Restaurants and Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industries, roasting, marketing, and retailing specialty coffee. Its products include hot and cold coffee beverages, teas, juices, smoothies, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, lunch options, and snacks. The company also sells branded merchandise, whole bean and ground coffee, instant coffee, coffee-making equipment, mugs, and tumblers. Additionally, Starbucks generates revenue through licensed stores, consumer packaged goods, and foodservice operations.
SBUX’s Geographic footprint
Starbucks has a global presence with over 40,000 stores across 88 markets as of March 2025, segmented into North America, International, and Channel Development. The United States is its largest market, with over 17,000 stores, California leading with more than 3,000 locations. China is another significant market, having surpassed 4,000 Starbucks stores. Other countries with a strong Starbucks presence include Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Starbucks primarily targets urban areas with high foot traffic and purchasing power.
SBUX Corporate Image Assessment
Starbucks' brand reputation has declined from "strong" to "vulnerable" due to struggles with its value proposition, ongoing unionization efforts, a high-profile boycott campaign, and leadership instability. As a result, Starbucks' brand value plummeted by 36% to USD 38.8 billion in 2025, causing it to lose its position as the world's most valuable restaurant brand to McDonald's.
Ownership
Starbucks Corporation is a publicly owned company, with its shares primarily held by institutional investors, who collectively own about 71% of Starbucks' shares. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock Inc., State Street Corporation, Capital Research Global Investors, Capital World Investors, Fmr Llc (Fidelity Investments), Geode Capital Management, Llc, and Morgan Stanley. Top individual shareholders include Mellody Hobson, Michael Aaron Conway, and Rachel Ruggeri. Former CEO Howard Schultz is also a notable individual investor.
Ask Our Expert AI Analyst
Price Chart
$81.15