Bull case
SBUX would need investors to value it at roughly 157x earnings — about 112x more generous than today's 44x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Three scenarios for where SBUX stock could go
SBUX would need investors to value it at roughly 157x earnings — about 112x more generous than today's 44x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
At 66x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
If investor confidence fades or macro conditions deteriorate, a 6x multiple contraction could push SBUX down roughly 13% from where it trades now.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.

Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain that operates and licenses retail stores selling handcrafted coffee beverages, tea, food items, and packaged goods. It generates revenue primarily from company-operated stores (roughly 80% of total) and licensing fees from franchise stores, with additional income from packaged coffee sales in grocery channels. Its competitive advantage lies in its powerful global brand, premium customer experience, and massive scale—with over 35,000 stores worldwide creating significant purchasing power and real estate advantages.
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $0.50/$0.65 | -22.7% | $9.5B/$9.3B | +1.7% |
| Q4 2025 | $0.52/$0.56 | -6.5% | $9.6B/$9.3B | +2.6% |
| Q1 2026 | $0.56/$0.59 | -4.4% | $9.9B/$9.7B | +2.7% |
| Q2 2026 | $0.50/$0.43 | +17.6% | $9.5B/$9.2B | +4.0% |
SBUX beat EPS estimates in 1 of 4 tracked quarters. Mixed delivery makes the upcoming report a key data point for re-rating.
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
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Latest annual revenue by reported region
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Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Fair value est. $91 — implies -14.5% from today's price.
| Metric | SBUX | S&P 500 | Consumer Cyclical | 5Y Avg SBUX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 44.3x | 19.1x+132% | 15.1x+193% | — |
| Trailing PE | 64.4x | 25.1x+156% | 19.3x+234% | 33.4x+93% |
| PEG Ratio | 4.13x | 1.72x+141% | 0.91x+353% | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 27.2x | 15.2x+78% | 11.3x+140% | 20.2x+34% |
| Price/FCF | 49.0x | 21.1x+132% | 14.6x+235% | 33.6x+46% |
| Price/Sales | 3.2x | 3.1x | 0.7x+350% | 3.2x |
| Dividend Yield | 2.32% | 1.87% | 2.23% | 2.30% |
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolSBUX 17.7% ROIC signals a durable competitive advantage — returns 2.3% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
~10.0 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
How capital is returned to owners
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt).
Open full ratios pageKey factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
Starbucks’ revenue and margins are highly sensitive to macroeconomic cycles. A downturn can reduce consumer discretionary spending, while inflation and rising operating costs—including labor and rent—compress profit margins. Commodity price swings, especially in coffee beans, further threaten cost‑control efforts.
The company faces margin erosion from rising costs and heavy investment, with a 38x forward P/E indicating premium valuation amid unresolved issues. Negative shareholders’ equity and concerns over dividend cover raise questions about financial stability and long‑term sustainability.
Frequent labor disputes, walkouts, and a federal complaint in its largest market have disrupted operations and damaged brand perception. Unionization efforts could increase labor costs and create additional balance sheet risks.
Starbucks competes with established chains, third‑wave specialty coffee shops, and fast‑service entrants like Dutch Bros. These competitors threaten market share and pressure margins, especially in high‑density urban markets.
Geopolitical instability, currency fluctuations, and economic slowdown in key markets such as China—where average ticket prices are falling—expose the company to revenue volatility. Boycotts in the Middle East have also impacted brand presence.
The rise of e‑commerce and changing consumer habits could reduce foot traffic to physical stores, impacting sales. Adapting to evolving retail channels is essential to maintain growth.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
Starbucks’ "Back to Starbucks" plan introduces performance‑linked barista bonuses and expanded tipping options, aiming to improve in‑store experience and productivity. If successful, the initiative could translate into healthier profit margins over time.
The company plans to open approximately 630 new stores in fiscal year 2026, with further expansion anticipated in FY26 and beyond, supported by international license openings. Positive same‑store sales increases in North America and internationally, especially in China, are expected to accelerate unit growth.
Starbucks is investing in logistics and operational efficiency, evidenced by the opening of a new North American supply‑chain hub in Nashville. The hub is designed to streamline operations and support the company’s expansion plans.
Starbucks reported a revenue increase of 5.5% year‑over‑year, indicating robust demand. Analysts project revenue growth of 7% to 10% for the current year, and the company’s FY2026 EPS guidance suggests positive future earnings potential.
Starbucks offers a dividend yield of around 2.49%, and its dividends have been increasing for 16 consecutive years, underscoring the company’s commitment to shareholder returns.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SBU SBUX Starbucks Corporation | $119.6B | 44.3x | +2.6% | 3.6% | Hold | +3.3% |
MCD MCD McDonald's Corporation | $203.1B | 21.6x | +7.0% | 32.0% | Buy | +23.5% |
QSR QSR Restaurant Brands International Inc. | $26.8B | 20.1x | +10.7% | 10.0% | Buy | +2.5% |
YUM YUM Yum! Brands, Inc. | $42.5B | 22.8x | +7.8% | 20.5% | Hold | +13.3% |
DPZ DPZ Domino's Pizza, Inc. | $11.2B | 17.2x | +4.6% | 11.9% | Buy | +28.7% |
WEN WEN The Wendy's Company | $1.3B | 11.5x | +1.9% | 8.4% | Hold | +16.9% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
SBUX returns 2.3% total yield, led by a 2.32% dividend, raised 16 consecutive years.
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1.24 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $2.45 | +5.6% | 0.0% | 2.9% |
| 2024 | $2.32 | +7.4% | 1.1% | 3.5% |
| 2023 | $2.16 | +8.0% | 0.9% | 3.3% |
| 2022 | $2.00 | +8.7% | 4.1% | 6.4% |
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) is rated Hold by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 59 analysts covering the stock, 27 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 29 rate it Hold, and 3 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $108, implying +3.3% from the current price of $105. The bear case scenario is $91 and the bull case is $371.
The Wall Street consensus price target for SBUX is $108 based on 59 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $120 (+14.4% from today), and the low-end target is $90 (-14.2%). The base case model target is $156.
SBUX trades at 44.3x times forward earnings. The stock trades at a notable premium to the broad market, which is typical for businesses with strong free cash flow and above-average growth expectations. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals slightly overvalued. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
The primary risks for SBUX in 2026 are: (1) Economic & Market Conditions — Starbucks’ revenue and margins are highly sensitive to macroeconomic cycles. (2) Operational & Financial Challenges — The company faces margin erosion from rising costs and heavy investment, with a 38x forward P/E indicating premium valuation amid unresolved issues. (3) Labor Issues & Unionization — Frequent labor disputes, walkouts, and a federal complaint in its largest market have disrupted operations and damaged brand perception. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
Analyst consensus estimates SBUX will report consensus revenue of $38.7B (+2.6% year-over-year) and EPS of $2.02 (+68.5% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $40.4B in revenue.
A confirmed upcoming earnings date for SBUX is not yet available. Check the Earnings section above for the most recent quarterly report dates and forward estimates.
Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) generated $2.3B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 6.2%. SBUX returns capital to shareholders through dividends (2.3% yield) and share repurchases ($0 TTM).