Jing Ji Guan Cha Wang·2026-02-11 22:58Core Viewpoint - Starbucks is transitioning its China operations to a franchise model through a joint venture with Boyu Capital, expected to be completed by spring 2026, aiming to accelerate store expansion in the Chinese market [1][2]. Recent Events - The joint venture will see Boyu holding 60% of the equity while Starbucks retains 40%, with the Chinese operations no longer included in Starbucks' consolidated financial statements. This shift aims to enhance profit margins through a light-asset model, with expected international operating profit margins increasing from 13% to a range of 16%-19% [2]. Business Progress - Following the transaction, all 8,011 of Starbucks' directly operated stores in China will convert to a franchise model, marking a significant shift towards light-asset expansion. Starbucks will continue to engage in the Chinese market through brand licensing fees and supply chain revenues rather than direct operations [3]. Company Project Advancement - Starbucks plans to increase its store count in China from approximately 8,000 to between 15,000 and 20,000, with a target of opening over 1,000 new stores annually. The expansion will focus on lower-tier markets, having already entered 13 county-level cities in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. The company is also enhancing competitiveness through product adjustments (such as price reductions and healthier options) and innovative scenarios (like breakfast offerings) [4]. Performance and Operations - In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (ending December 28, 2025), Starbucks reported a 5% year-over-year increase in global revenue, with China experiencing an 11% double-digit growth in revenue and positive same-store sales for three consecutive quarters. The company is strengthening global cost controls to address pressures from coffee bean prices and tariffs, with expectations that total management expenses for fiscal year 2026 will be lower than those in fiscal year 2023 [5]. Future Development - Starbucks is facing a shareholder lawsuit due to allegations of concealing declines in sales in the U.S. and China markets, with future developments dependent on updates from judicial proceedings [6].