Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) Given Consensus Rating of "Hold" by Analysts

Key Points

• Analysts maintain a consensus “Hold” rating on Starbucks, with 18 buy, 11 hold, 4 sell and 1 strong-buy recommendations. The average 12-month price target is approximately $110.30, compared with a recent share price of $96.67.
• Starbucks exceeded quarterly expectations, reporting $0.85 in adjusted earnings per share versus a $0.66 consensus estimate and revenue of $9.32 billion versus $9.17 billion expected. However, revenue declined 1.4% year over year, and fiscal 2026 EPS guidance stands at $2.55–$2.65.
• The company plans to open roughly 600–650 net new stores in fiscal 2026, mainly internationally and through licensed locations, while reportedly considering selling a majority stake in its Japan business for about $3 billion.

Shares of Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX - Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of "Hold" from the thirty-four ratings firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating, eighteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $110.2963.

SBUX has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Melius Research set a $110.00 target price on Starbucks in a research report on Monday, August 3rd. UBS Group lifted their price objective on Starbucks from $105.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a report on Thursday, July 30th. DA Davidson boosted their price target on Starbucks from $102.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a report on Thursday, July 30th. Needham & Company LLC set a $120.00 target price on Starbucks in a research report on Tuesday, August 18th. Finally, Evercore reissued an "outperform" rating on shares of Starbucks in a research report on Thursday, July 30th.

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Brady Brewer sold 2,229 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.60, for a total value of $235,382.40. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 73,149 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,724,534.40. The trade was a 2.96% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Insiders sold 6,687 shares of company stock worth $703,450 over the last 90 days. 0.03% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Starbucks

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Meeder Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in Starbucks in the second quarter worth $25,000. Black Cypress Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Starbucks in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Phillip James Consulting Co. acquired a new position in shares of Starbucks in the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Cornerstone Financial Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Starbucks during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Finally, Financial Freedom LLC raised its holdings in shares of Starbucks by 296.2% during the first quarter. Financial Freedom LLC now owns 313 shares of the coffee company's stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 234 shares during the period. 72.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Starbucks News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Starbucks this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Starbucks plans to add approximately 600–650 net new stores in fiscal 2026, primarily through international growth and licensed locations. The expansion could support revenue growth while disciplined development may limit capital requirements. Can Starbucks' 600-650 New Stores Strengthen Its Global Growth?
• Positive Sentiment: Starbucks’ placement of Floura’s fiber-based snacks, made from produce byproducts, gives the young company added credibility and visibility while potentially broadening Starbucks’ food and wellness offerings. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Founder on New Fiber Company
• Neutral Sentiment: Starbucks is reportedly exploring a sale of a majority stake in its Japan business at a valuation of about $3 billion. Proceeds could provide capital and simplify the portfolio, but giving up control of a large, profitable international market may limit future strategic benefits. Starbucks considers selling majority stake in its Japan business
• Neutral Sentiment: Seaport Global began coverage with a Neutral rating, offering limited support for the recovery story. Analysts noted improving traffic, margins and earnings prospects, but also highlighted Starbucks’ premium valuation and execution risks. Starbucks Stock Gains as Seaport Global Starts Coverage at Neutral
• Negative Sentiment: Starbucks agreed to pay $1 million and certify compliance annually for four years to settle Florida’s lawsuit over its diversity policies. The company also agreed not to use race- or sex-based quotas or preferences in hiring, promotion or pay, creating compliance obligations and possible constraints on workforce policies. Starbucks settles Florida lawsuit claiming diversity policies were illegal

Starbucks Stock Performance

Shares of Starbucks stock opened at $96.67 on Friday. Starbucks has a one year low of $77.99 and a one year high of $110.51. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $104.63 and a 200-day simple moving average of $101.31. The company has a market cap of $110.20 billion, a PE ratio of 55.56, a P/E/G ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 0.97.

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX - Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 29th. The coffee company reported $0.85 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $0.66 by $0.19. The firm had revenue of $9.32 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.17 billion. Starbucks had a net margin of 5.17% and a negative return on equity of 34.10%. The company's revenue was down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.50 earnings per share. Starbucks has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.550-2.650 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Starbucks will post 2.64 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Starbucks

Starbucks Corporation is a global coffeehouse company that roasts, markets and sells specialty coffee, tea, cold beverages, food and other related products. Its offerings include brewed coffee, espresso-based beverages, cold drinks, teas, pastries, breakfast items and packaged coffee and tea products. Starbucks also sells branded merchandise, including drinkware and related accessories.

Founded in 1971 in Seattle, Starbucks has grown from a local coffee retailer into an international business.

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