Starbucks is closing its pickup-only grab-and-go stores next year to better align with CEO Brian Niccol's strategic coffeehouse portfolio overhaul aimed at revitalizing traffic and restoring in-store experiences. Starbucks decided to sunset its mobile order and pickup-only concept in fiscal 2026 following an evaluation of its North American portfolio to ensure it has "the right coffeehouses in the right locations to drive profitability and deliver the Starbucks experience," Niccol said on the company's earn ...

Core Insights - Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) reported mixed results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, with earnings per share (EPS) missing estimates while net revenues exceeded expectations [1][4] - The company made a one-time investment impacting EPS by 11 cents, and the overall performance reflected progress in its turnaround strategy [1][3] Financial Performance - EPS for the quarter was 50 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 65 cents by 23.1%, and down 46.2% from 93 cents in the prior-year quarter [4] - Net revenues reached $9.46 billion, beating the consensus mark of $9.3 billion by 1.7%, and increased 3.8% from $9.11 billion in the prior-year quarter [4] - Global comparable store sales declined 2% year over year, with a 2% decrease in comparable transactions partially offset by a 1% increase in average tickets [5] Segment Analysis - North America segment net revenues were $6.93 billion, up 2% year over year, with comparable store sales also declining 2% [7] - International segment net revenues increased 9% year over year to $2.01 billion, with comparable store sales at breakeven compared to a 7% decline in the prior-year quarter [8] - Channel Development segment net revenues rose 10% year over year to $483.8 million, driven by contributions to the Global Coffee Alliance [10] Margin and Cost Analysis - Non-GAAP operating margin contracted 660 basis points to 10.1% year over year, primarily due to investments in the "Back to Starbucks" initiative and inflation [6] - Operating margin in North America fell 770 basis points to 13.3%, while the International segment's margin contracted 200 basis points to 13.6% [8][9] - The Channel Development segment's operating margin decreased 860 basis points to 45.1% due to higher global product costs [11] Cash and Dividend Information - As of the end of the fiscal third quarter, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $4.17 billion, up from $3.29 billion at the end of fiscal 2024 [12] - Management declared a quarterly cash dividend of 61 cents per share, payable on August 29, 2025 [13]

Group 1 - The core strategy of Starbucks is the "Back to Starbucks" plan aimed at revitalizing the brand and enhancing customer experience through improvements in coffee quality and barista support [3][4]. - In the quarter ending June 25, Starbucks reported a 2% decline in global comparable store sales, with North America also down 2% and international sales remaining flat [4]. - Despite the decline in sales, the company noted improvements in various operational metrics, including increased retail partner engagement scores and record high shift completion rates [5]. Group 2 - Starbucks plans to launch significant innovations in its rewards program in early 2026, which will address customer feedback and enhance loyalty and engagement [6]. - The company will introduce a new Starbucks app and enhancements to its mobile order and pay features in 2026, aiming to improve customer service and overall experience [7]. - Starbucks has nearly 34 million 90-day active members in its rewards program, which is considered a significant asset for the company [6].

Price changes are the last resort for Starbucks' CEO, Brian Niccol, he said on Tuesday's Q3 earnings call, but he won't rule them out as part of his revitalization efforts of the coffee giant. A quick-service restaurant veteran, Niccol has led successful revitalization campaigns at Taco Bell and Chipotle. His "Back to Starbucks" campaign is proceeding ahead of schedule, the CEO told investors on Tuesday. "While our financial results don't yet reflect all the progress we've made, the signs are clear — we're ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company net revenue for Q3 was $9.5 billion, reflecting a 3% increase year-over-year, driven by 6% net new company-operated store growth, partially offset by a 2% decline in comparable store sales [40][41] - Global operating margin was 10.1%, a decrease of 650 basis points from the prior year, primarily due to deleverage and investments in the Back to Starbucks strategy [49] - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 was $0.50, down 45% from the prior year, mainly reflecting the impact of expense deleverage and investments [50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, comparable sales declined by 2%, with the U.S. experiencing a transaction comp decline of less than 4% [40][41] - Canada reported low single-digit sales comp growth, driven by product innovation, particularly in food [44] - The international segment achieved over $2 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, with strong performance in the UK and Mexico [28][45] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Starbucks China's comparable store sales grew by 2%, driven by a 6% improvement in comparable transactions, supported by successful product innovation and marketing campaigns [46][28] - The UK and Mexico showed positive comparable sales performance, while Japan faced challenges with negative comparable sales due to soft consumer sentiment [31][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the "Back to Starbucks" strategy, which aims to enhance customer service and operational efficiency, with significant investments in the Green Apron service model [5][14] - Plans include a comprehensive evaluation of the coffee house portfolio to ensure alignment with brand and customer expectations, targeting at least 1,000 uplifts across North America by the end of 2026 [20][21] - The company aims to innovate its menu and enhance the Starbucks Rewards program to better recognize customer loyalty and engagement [86][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the turnaround strategy, noting early signs of progress in partner engagement and customer satisfaction [8][12] - The company anticipates that investments in labor and operational improvements will yield healthier margins over time, with a focus on disciplined capital deployment [54][53] - Management acknowledged the dynamic environment regarding coffee prices and tariffs but remains optimistic about future growth opportunities [52][53] Other Important Information - The company plans to hold an Investor Day in early 2026 to provide insights into long-term strategies and performance expectations [66][68] - The Green Apron service model is set to roll out across all U.S. company-operated stores, aiming to standardize customer service and operational efficiency [14][72] Q&A Session Summary Question: Investment in stores and cost offsets - Management highlighted the importance of the Green Apron service as a foundational operating model and is working on cost structure efficiency across the P&L [58][59] Question: Long-term margin expectations - Management indicated that 2019 margins serve as a guidepost for future profitability, emphasizing the need to drive top-line growth first [65][66] Question: Green Apron service rollout - The Green Apron service model will begin rolling out mid-August, with expectations for gradual implementation across stores [71][72] Question: Marketing impact on transactions - Management noted improvements in marketing effectiveness and operational progress, contributing to increased transactions [78][79] Question: Food innovation opportunities - Management acknowledged successful food initiatives in Canada and plans to leverage successful food offerings globally [80][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company net revenue for Q3 fiscal year 2025 was $9.5 billion, reflecting a 3% increase year-over-year, driven by 6% net new company-operated store growth, partially offset by a 2% decline in comparable store sales [39][40] - Global operating margin was 10.1%, a decrease of 650 basis points from the prior year, primarily due to deleverage and investments in the Back to Starbucks strategy [47] - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 was $0.50, down 45% from the prior year, mainly reflecting the impact of expense deleverage and investments in the Back to Starbucks strategy [49] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, comparable sales in the U.S. declined by 2%, while Canada experienced low single-digit sales growth, driven by product innovation [7][43] - The college and university license business saw year-over-year comparable sales growth in the low double digits, indicating renewed brand engagement among younger customers [10] - The delivery business achieved over 25% year-over-year transaction growth, contributing positively to overall performance [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Internationally, the segment posted over $2 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, with seven out of the top ten markets showing positive comparable sales, particularly in the UK and Mexico [27][44] - In China, comparable store sales grew by 2%, driven by a 6% improvement in transactions, supported by successful product innovation and marketing campaigns [45][28] - The UK and Turkey markets showed continued momentum with improving comparable sales performance, while Latin America maintained double-digit year-over-year growth in system sales [30][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the "Back to Starbucks" strategy, which aims to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency, with significant investments in labor and service standards [5][6] - The rollout of the Green Apron service model is a key initiative aimed at establishing consistent and scalable customer service standards across all U.S. stores [15][72] - Future innovations will include a robust menu pipeline and enhancements to the Starbucks Rewards program, aimed at increasing customer loyalty and engagement [23][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the turnaround strategy, noting early signs of progress in partner engagement and customer satisfaction metrics [32][52] - The company anticipates that investments in operational improvements will yield healthier margins over time, despite current margin pressures [49][53] - An Investor Day is planned for early 2026 to provide further insights into long-term growth strategies and financial performance expectations [34][65] Other Important Information - The company is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of its store portfolio to ensure alignment with brand and customer expectations, with plans to complete this by the end of the fiscal year [46][21] - The introduction of new product innovations, such as Protein Cold Foam, is expected to enhance customer offerings and drive sales [24][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the cost offsets related to the $500 million investment in labor hours? - Management indicated that they are working across the entire P&L to identify cost structure efficiencies, with both short-term and long-term strategies in place [59][60] Question: Can the company return to pre-COVID margin levels? - Management views 2019 margins as a reasonable benchmark and is focused on driving top-line growth while establishing a cost structure that supports profitability [65][66] Question: How quickly will the Green Apron service model be implemented across stores? - The rollout will begin mid-August, with a focus on ensuring proper staffing and operational consistency before full implementation [72][73] Question: What is driving the sequential improvement in transactions? - Management attributed improvements to better marketing efforts and operational progress, with a focus on enhancing customer experience [78][79] Question: What changes are expected in the rewards program? - The rewards program will be reimagined to better recognize customer loyalty and engagement, moving away from a one-size-fits-all discounting approach [86][87]

Core Viewpoint - Starbucks is undergoing significant management changes under CEO Brian Niccol, aiming to revitalize the brand and improve operational efficiency amidst declining sales and customer traffic [1][12]. Management Changes - A new management team has been established, with Mike Grams appointed as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for North American operations and global coffee shop expansion [1][10]. - The previous management team, led by former CEO Laxman Narasimhan, has seen most of its members leave, with only one new executive remaining [2][12]. - Key departures include the Chief Financial Officer Rachel Ruggeri and North America President Sara Trilling, among others [1][8]. Strategic Initiatives - The personnel reforms are part of the "Back to Starbucks" initiative, which aims to restore the company's premium image, enhance café environments, and reduce customer wait times [3][12]. - Niccol's leadership has already led to the cancellation of newly created positions and a restructuring of the management framework established by his predecessor [6][7]. Financial Performance - Starbucks has faced declining comparable sales for five consecutive quarters, with a 1% drop in global comparable sales and a 4% decline in U.S. transaction volume [12]. - The company has announced layoffs of 1,100 positions to streamline operations and create more agile teams [13][14]. Market Position and Challenges - Starbucks is experiencing competitive pressure in China, where it has over 7,750 stores, facing challenges from lower-priced competitors like Luckin Coffee [16]. - The company is exploring the sale of its China business, which is valued at several billion dollars, to potential investors [16].