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On Wednesday, BTIG analyst Peter Saleh adjusted the price target for Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX), reducing it to $105 from the previous $115, while continuing to endorse the stock with a Buy rating. The revision followed Starbucks’ recent earnings release, which revealed a performance below expectations, particularly in North America. According to InvestingPro data, 17 analysts have recently revised their earnings expectations downward, with current analyst targets ranging from $76 to $125.
Starbucks’ quarterly results showed weaker-than-anticipated comparable store sales (comps) in North America, with predictions of further declines in the coming quarter, as well as a notable decrease in operating margin. The company’s current gross profit margin stands at 25%, with revenue reaching $36.3 billion in the last twelve months. Saleh pointed out that the consumer environment for middle- and upper-income demographics has weakened, a trend also reflected in the recent financial outcomes of Chipotle (NYSE:CMG). InvestingPro subscribers can access detailed financial health scores and comprehensive analysis in the Pro Research Report, available for over 1,400 US stocks.
Despite the challenges faced in the North American market, Saleh highlighted a silver lining with the improvement in international comps, especially in China, where transaction growth has turned positive in the mid-single digits. However, the analyst believes that investor attention will likely remain fixed on the performance of sales and margins in North America, which are currently experiencing stress.
Saleh also noted that the recovery in sales and earnings is progressing more slowly than anticipated, and the necessary investments in labor are impacting the company’s margin outlook. In light of these factors, the decision was made to lower the price target for Starbucks shares, aligning it with the revised expectations for the company’s comp trajectory and earnings potential.
In other recent news, Starbucks Corporation reported its Q2 2025 earnings, which revealed a decline in earnings per share (EPS) and a slight miss on revenue forecasts. The company’s EPS came in at $0.41, below the expected $0.51, while revenue reached $8.8 billion, slightly under the forecast of $8.89 billion. This performance has led to revisions in earnings estimates by KeyBanc Capital Markets, which lowered its EPS forecast for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to $2.56 and $3.10, respectively. Additionally, JPMorgan and Evercore ISI have both adjusted their price targets for Starbucks, with JPMorgan cutting its target to $100 and Evercore ISI reducing it to $95, while maintaining an Overweight and Outperform rating, respectively. Despite these challenges, Starbucks is focusing on strategic changes to enhance service times and improve customer experience. The company is shifting towards a labor-centric approach and stepping back from capital-heavy equipment upgrades, aiming to stimulate transaction growth more effectively. Analysts from Evercore ISI express confidence in Starbucks’ long-term growth potential, anticipating a multi-year recovery period following strategic investments.
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