Starbucks Raises Full-Year Guidance Amid Strong Comparable Store Sales Growth
Starbucks reported better-than-expected financial results for its fiscal third quarter of 2026. Despite a 1% decline in revenue due to the divestiture of Starbucks China, earnings per share (EPS) rose sharply by 86%, with adjusted EPS up 70%. The company's comparable store sales increased by 7.9%, driven by higher customer visits and spending. The recovery is most evident in North America, where comps grew 8.1% due to a rise in both transactions (4.5%) and average ticket size (3.5%). Internationally, Starbucks saw 5.7% comp growth as well. The company also opened 175 new stores during the quarter and completed its joint venture with Boyu Capital for operations in China. Starbucks raised its full-year guidance to at least 6% U.S. and global comparable sales growth from a previous forecast of 5%. CEO Brian Niccol emphasized that customer experience is central to Starbucks' strategy, calling it proof of the company's "Back to Starbucks" plan.
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Topics: comparable-store sales management strategy revenue growth Starbucks