Starbucks has upgraded its full-year forecast after its fourth straight quarter of same-store sales growth, driven by CEO Brian Niccol’s transformation strategy.
For fiscal 2026, Starbucks now projects adjusted earnings per share in the range of $2.55 to $2.65, up from its previous outlook of $2.25 to $2.45 per share.
Starbucks also announced quarterly earnings and revenue that exceeded analyst predictions. In the fiscal third quarter, the company reported a net income of $1.05 billion, or 91 cents per share, up from $558.3 million, or 49 cents per share, a year earlier.
The company now anticipates nearly a 6% increase in global same-store sales, with U.S. same-store sales growing over 6%. It previously projected at least 5% growth for both globally and in the U.S.
“Our Back to Starbucks plan was built on the belief that an extraordinary cup of coffee, human connection and customer experience win the day, every day. Our third quarter results are proof they do,” commented Brian Niccol, CEO. “We have more work to do, but we’re relentlessly focused on reclaiming the third place and becoming the world’s greatest customer service company.”
“Our third quarter results reflect the growing durability of our performance across both the top and bottom line, giving us confidence in the trajectory of our business,” commented Cathy Smith, CFO. “We are focused on what we can control amid a dynamic operating environment — executing our Back to Starbucks plan with discipline to drive connection, community and long-term value for our customers, partners, and shareholders.”
Under Niccol’s “Back to Starbucks” strategy, the company has concentrated on enhancing service and making cafes more inviting in its local market. To achieve this, the chain has invested in staff and renovations to its coffee shops, which has caused some complaints from investors, and these efforts appear to be paying off.
During the quarter, Starbucks opened 175 net new stores and achieved over 1,000 cafe “uplifts,” reaching its fiscal 2026 target early.
Starbucks shares rose 9% following the announcement.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
