Starbucks CEO Says Turnaround is Complete, Growth Comes Next

WHO:

Bloomberg Markets - Brian Niccol is chief executive officer of Starbucks Corp.

Bloomberg Markets - Niccol spoke with Bloomberg’s Romaine Bostick.

Yahoo Finance - Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said the company is back to being a growth company.

Yahoo Finance - Bernstein analyst Danilo Gargiulo said Starbucks had raised the bar for excellence.

WHAT:

Bloomberg Markets - Niccol said Starbucks could become a multi-brand company, but that is not its current focus.

Bloomberg Markets - Starbucks said it was not buying Chipotle Mexican Grill; another Bloomberg report said the company was not exploring a takeover of Chipotle.

Bloomberg Markets - Niccol said he would “never say never” about Starbucks becoming a multi-brand company.

Bloomberg Markets - Niccol said Starbucks is focusing on improving its stores, menus and service.

Bloomberg Markets - Niccol said the turnaround plan was ahead of schedule and expected earnings growth to continue.

Yahoo Finance - Starbucks reported fiscal fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of $0.80 per share, beating the $0.71 estimate.

Yahoo Finance - Global comparable-store sales rose 7.2%; US same-store sales rose 7.7%.

Yahoo Finance - Starbucks’ operating margin expanded by 460 basis points to 14%.

Yahoo Finance - Starbucks gave initial fiscal 2027 adjusted profit guidance of $3.15–$3.25 per share, above the $3.14 estimate.

Yahoo Finance - Niccol said Starbucks was moving ahead with drive-thru renovations, more caffeine-free afternoon beverages, including drinks with collagen, and new portable foods.

Yahoo Finance - Niccol said, “I think the turn has occurred,” and said Starbucks had “a strong foundation” and growth opportunities ahead.

WHY:

Bloomberg Markets - Starbucks is prioritizing improvements to stores, menus and service rather than pursuing a multi-brand strategy.

Yahoo Finance - Starbucks attributed sales strength to healthy growth in ticket size and transactions; the company also cited strength in cold beverages and food.

HOW:

Yahoo Finance - Starbucks plans to revamp drive-thrus using AI.

Yahoo Finance - Gargiulo cited significant margin improvement and continued top-line momentum in his assessment of Starbucks’ quarter.

(UPDATED October 30, 2026 19:06 UTC)

Starbucks says its turnaround is ahead of schedule, with sales rising. Chief Executive Brian Niccol is prioritizing better stores, menus, and service. Starbucks beat earnings estimates and expects profits to grow, while ruling out a Chipotle takeover.