3 6 Ke·2026-01-30 11:06Core Viewpoint - Starbucks has announced its first quarterly results after forming a joint venture with Boyu Capital to operate its retail business in China, marking a significant shift in its operational strategy in the region [1][3]. Group 1: Joint Venture and Financial Performance - Starbucks will establish a joint venture with Boyu Capital, with Boyu holding up to 60% equity and Starbucks retaining 40% [1]. - The CEO stated that the transformation plan is progressing as expected, with global revenue increasing by 5% year-over-year, and China showing an impressive 11% growth in the latest quarter [1][3]. - The CFO indicated that the transaction is expected to be completed in the spring, pending regulatory approval, and will result in Starbucks' Chinese retail business being excluded from the consolidated financial statements [1][3]. Group 2: Cost Management and Operational Changes - In the first quarter of the fiscal year, Starbucks classified its Chinese retail assets and liabilities as held for sale, leading to a reduction in monthly expenditures by approximately $39 million starting December 2025 [3]. - Post-transaction, all 8,011 of Starbucks' direct-operated stores in China will transition to franchise stores under the international business segment, allowing for a lighter asset model [3]. - The company plans to continue optimizing costs globally, with expectations that management expenses will be lower than in fiscal year 2023, partially offsetting investment expenditures [7]. Group 3: Store Expansion and Market Strategy - Starbucks has opened new stores in 13 county-level cities in China, with over half of the new openings located in lower-tier cities or special business districts, indicating a downward market trend [4]. - For fiscal year 2026, Starbucks plans to open 600 to 650 new coffee shops globally, with nearly half of these in the Chinese market [4]. - The company anticipates a 3% or higher year-over-year growth in global coffee chain sales, with similar growth expected in the U.S. market [4].