Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-30 14:17Core Viewpoint - Starbucks is receiving strong interest from multiple high-quality partners regarding the potential sale of its stake in the China business, while the company plans to retain significant ownership and remains confident in the long-term growth potential of the region [1][2]. Group 1: Business Developments - Starbucks is focused on finding suitable partners to unlock future growth potential in China, emphasizing the value of future investments, retained equity, and royalty payments in any potential deal [1]. - Reports indicate that several investment firms, including Hillhouse Capital and Carlyle Group, have shown interest in acquiring Starbucks' China operations, with the sale process in the final negotiation stage [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance - For Q4 of fiscal year 2025, Starbucks reported total net revenue of $9.569 billion, a year-over-year increase of 5.5%, surpassing market expectations; however, operating profit fell by 78.7% to $278 million, and net profit dropped by 85.4% to $133 million [4]. - In the Chinese market, Starbucks achieved Q4 revenue of $831.6 million, a 6% year-over-year increase, marking four consecutive quarters of growth; the full fiscal year revenue reached $3.105 billion, up 5% [4]. - Same-store sales in China grew by 2% year-over-year in Q4, with transaction volume increasing by 9%, and the store operating profit margin remained in double digits [4]. Group 3: Market Strategy - Starbucks China introduced a new summer pricing strategy for various beverages, reducing average prices by approximately 5 yuan, with the lowest price dropping to 23 yuan, aimed at expanding its non-coffee beverage market rather than engaging in a price war [5]. - Management highlighted that regions including China, Japan, the UK, and Mexico contributed to strong sales performance in Q4, with China continuing to grow and enhance profitability [6].