Starbucks (SBUX) News Today

Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) shares have moved higher, driven by a flurry of bullish analyst actions and support for CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround strategy. Offsetting these positives are concerns over slowing same-store sales and lowered earnings projections. Key developments influencing the stock include:

• Positive Sentiment: Multiple analysts raised price targets and maintained upbeat ratings on SBUX—Barclays boosted its objective to $115 (overweight), BMO to $115 (outperform), Morgan Stanley to $103 (overweight), and RBC to $110 (outperform), among others. Barclays Issues Positive Forecast for Starbucks Stock Price
• Positive Sentiment: Jim Cramer reaffirmed Starbucks as one of his favorites, praising CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround efforts and downplaying competition from Luckin Coffee. Jim Cramer on Starbucks vs. Luckin Coffee
• Positive Sentiment: MarketBeat listed SBUX among “5 Stocks to Buy in August With Tremendous Upside Potential,” citing strong earnings momentum and the “Niccol effect.” 5 Stocks to Buy in August
• Positive Sentiment: Reuters reported that Starbucks shares climbed as CEO Niccol’s turnaround actions begin to gain traction in U.S. and international markets. Starbucks Shares Rise on Turnaround Efforts
• Neutral Sentiment: Starbucks initiated a mixed-securities shelf offering, giving it flexibility to issue equity, debt or convertibles as needed. Starbucks Initiates Mixed Securities Shelf Offering
• Neutral Sentiment: The company is considering a variety of financial instruments in its new offering to optimize capital structure. Starbucks Considers Diverse Instruments
• Neutral Sentiment: Starbucks is exploring strategic options for its China business—potentially selling a stake valued at about $10 billion or partnering with investors like Tencent, JD.com and KKR. China Business Sale Consideration
• Neutral Sentiment: The firm has shortlisted a dozen suitors, including Tencent and JD.com, for potential investment into its China division. China Investment Shortlist
• Neutral Sentiment: As part of the “Back to Starbucks” plan, the company will phase out mobile order–only pickup locations next year to streamline operations. Mobile Pickup Sunsetting
• Negative Sentiment: William Blair cut its FY2025 EPS forecast for SBUX from $2.39 to $2.19, well below the consensus of $2.99, citing margin pressures. William Blair Lowers EPS Estimate
• Negative Sentiment: Same-store sales declined for the sixth straight quarter, underscoring persistent challenges in core markets. Declining Same-Store Sales
• Negative Sentiment: SBUX shares dipped post-earnings as comparisons fell short of estimates, raising questions about the pace of recovery. Post-Earnings Dip Analysis
• Negative Sentiment: Burger King’s new coffee offerings pose fresh competition, potentially pressuring Starbucks’ market share. Burger King Challenges Starbucks