Starbucks Reports Q1 Fiscal Year 2026 Results

Core Insights - Starbucks Corporation reported financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended December 28, 2025, indicating that the "Back to Starbucks" strategy is yielding positive results with increased customer engagement and sales momentum [3][6]. Q1 Fiscal Year 2026 Highlights - Net revenues for the North America segment increased by 3% year-over-year to $7.3 billion, driven by a 4% increase in comparable store sales, which included a 3% rise in transactions and a 1% increase in average ticket [6][9]. - Operating income for the North America segment decreased to $867 million, with an operating margin of 11.9%, down from 16.7% in the prior year, primarily due to labor investments and inflationary pressures [7][9]. - The International segment saw net revenues rise by 10% to $2.1 billion, supported by a 5% increase in comparable store sales and a 19% increase in operating income to $282.7 million [11][12]. - The Channel Development segment reported a 20% increase in net revenues to $522.7 million, attributed to growth in the Global Coffee Alliance and ready-to-drink business [13][14]. Company Update - Starbucks announced a joint venture with Boyu Capital to operate its retail in China, with Boyu acquiring up to a 60% interest, while Starbucks retains a 40% interest [20]. - The company appointed Anand Varadarajan as chief technology officer effective January 19, 2026 [20]. - A cash dividend of $0.62 per share was declared, reflecting the company's commitment to consistent value creation for shareholders [20]. Fiscal Year 2026 Guidance - The company anticipates global and U.S. comparable store sales growth of 3% or greater, with consolidated net revenues growing at a similar rate [20]. - Non-GAAP consolidated operating margin is expected to slightly improve year-over-year, with earnings per share projected in the range of $2.15 to $2.40 [20].