Starbucks lifts FY2026 outlook as Q3 sales rise 7.9%
Starbucks reported fiscal third‑quarter 2026 results that showed global comparable‑store sales up 7.9%, beating analysts’ 5.7% expectation. Comparable sales grew 8.1% in North America and 5.7% internationally. Net revenue fell 1% year‑over‑year to $9.3 billion, primarily because the company completed a joint‑venture sale of its China business to Boyu Capital, but the figure still topped the $9.2 billion consensus. Adjusted earnings per share were $0.85 versus $0.66 expected, and GAAP earnings per share were $0.91. The consolidated quarterly operating margin rose to 19.1%, up from 13.6% a year earlier, and non‑GAAP margin reached 14.4%. The company opened 175 net‑new stores, ending the quarter with 41,304 locations worldwide. Management raised its FY2026 guidance, forecasting adjusted EPS of $2.55‑$2.65 (up from $2.25‑$2.45) and global same‑store sales growth of at least 6.5% for the full year. Shares jumped roughly 9% in after‑hours trading. CEO Brian Niccol said the “Back to Starbucks” strategy of better staffing, faster service and store redesigns is delivering the expected turnaround.
Entities: Boyu Capital · Brian Niccol · FY2026 · Seattle · Starbucks Corp · Starbucks Corporation
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Consolidated quarterly operating margin was 19.1% in the quarter. (Company filing and Reuters)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Starbucks shares rose about 9% in after‑hours trading following the results. (Reuters and multiple outlets)
- [● 3 SOURCES] CEO Brian Niccol’s “Back to Starbucks” strategy focuses on staffing, store improvements and menu simplification. (Under Niccol… the company has aimed to improve customer experience through a simplified menu and shortened wait times…)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Starbucks raised its annual sales and profit forecasts for FY2026. (Reuters and other reports)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Global comparable‑store sales grew 7.9% in Q3 FY2026. (Reuters, Motley Fool and others)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter were $0.85. (Company filing and Reuters)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Adjusted earnings per share forecast for FY2026 is $2.55‑$2.65. (Company guidance)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Starbucks expects global comparable‑store sales growth of at least 6.5% for FY2026. (Company guidance)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Starbucks completed a joint‑venture with Boyu Capital, giving Boyu a 60% stake in Starbucks China while Starbucks retains brand licensing. (Company release)