As we continue to make progress, the stock will take care of itself, says Starbucks CEO Brain Niccol

Core Insights - Starbucks is undergoing a significant turnaround under CEO Brian Nickel, focusing on enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency, despite ongoing stock struggles [1][24] - The China business is projected to exceed $10 million in value, including potential partnerships and future royalties [1] - The introduction of the Green Apron service model aims to improve customer service by increasing staff presence and focusing on personal connections [1][12] Business Performance - Starbucks has closed 1% of its stores, primarily those underperforming financially or failing to provide a satisfactory customer experience [3][5] - The company has experienced transaction and comparable sales growth in China, indicating a recovery in that market [12][14] - The operational focus has shifted from efficiency to enhancing customer service and store experience, addressing previous missteps that led to declining sales [8][10] Employee Engagement - Starbucks aims to provide the best retail jobs, with a turnover rate below 50%, which is significantly lower than industry averages [20][21] - The company has invested over $500 million into stores and employee development, including programs for personal growth and education [21][22] - Partner engagement scores are at all-time highs, reflecting positive employee sentiment and commitment to the company's vision [21] Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about its turnaround strategy, believing that improved customer and partner experiences will lead to better financial performance and stock recovery [24][23] - Starbucks is committed to enhancing the customer experience across all locations, including licensed stores, to ensure consistency in service quality [15][16]