Starbucks: EPS Beats Despite Sales Dip

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX), the global coffeehouse chain, released its first-quarter earnings for the fiscal year 2025 on January 28, 2025.

The earnings announcement was a mixed bag, with earnings per share (EPS) and revenue slightly surpassing analysts' expectations but facing declines in key sales metrics. Starbucks reported EPS of $0.69, edging out the anticipated $0.67. Revenue was steady at $9.4 billion, marginally above expectations of $9.315 billion.

Despite these positive notes, global comparable store sales slipped by 4%, highlighting ongoing challenges for the company this quarter.

Source: SEC filings. Analyst estimates for the quarter provided by FactSet. PP = percentage points.

Business Overview

Starbucks operates more than 40,000 locations worldwide, bringing coffee and a distinctive customer experience to millions daily. Known for its innovation in beverages and retail environments, it remains a leader in premium coffee markets. Currently, its business focuses include expanding its store footprint, enhancing customer engagement through digital platforms, and pioneering innovative products. A core strategy involves its mix of company-operated and licensed stores to optimize growth and financial performance.

Starbucks' success revolves around sustained brand loyalty, fueled by its Starbucks Rewards program and digital innovation. The company continually refines its menu and store experience to meet changing consumer demands. Store expansion, product differentiation, and sustainability practices remain vital to its strategy.

Quarterly Highlights

During the first quarter of 2025, Starbucks reported several critical developments. EPS was $0.69. Although revenue matched last year's $9.4 billion, it slightly exceeded expectations by $82 million. North American performance saw a 4% decline in comparable sales due to reduced transactions, offset by higher average spending per visit. Gross U.S. revenue dipped 1% to $7.1 billion, with operating income down 22% to $1.2 billion.

International sales also faced challenges, with a 6% decrease in China, a vital market. Nonetheless, the international division saw a 1% increase in net revenue to $1.9 billion, aided by global store expansion. The Channel Development segment, contributing to global products like ready-to-drink beverages, faced a 3% drop in revenue to $436.3 million but improved its operating margin to 47.7%.

Operational margins narrowed to 11.9%, reflecting cost pressures from increased wages and benefits, as well as strategic pricing shifts such as the removal of extra charges for special drink customizations.

Notably, 377 net new stores were added globally during the quarter, reflecting progress in brand expansion, now totaling over 40,576 locations. Continued focus on digital enhancements led to a 1% growth in the Starbucks Rewards program, reaching 34.6 million active U.S. members.

Looking Ahead

Management refrained from providing detailed annual guidance, reflecting ongoing leadership transitions and market uncertainties.

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JesterAI is a Foolish AI, based on a variety of Large Language Models (LLMs) and proprietary Motley Fool systems. All articles published by JesterAI are reviewed by our editorial team, and The Motley Fool takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this article. JesterAI cannot own stocks and so it has no positions in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.