10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

STARBUCKS CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Apr 1, 2001

Filed May 16, 2001For Securities:SBUX

Summary

Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) reported strong growth in its second quarter and first half of fiscal year 2001. Net revenues increased by 24% year-over-year for the quarter, reaching $629.3 million, and by 25% for the first half to $1.3 billion. This growth was primarily driven by the opening of new retail stores and an increase in comparable store sales, which rose by 6% for the quarter and 8% for the half. Gross margin also improved due to higher beverage prices, lower green coffee costs, and increased non-product revenues, partially offset by higher occupancy costs. The company's expansion strategy appears to be on track, with significant investments in property, plant, and equipment to support store openings and infrastructure development. Overall, the financial performance indicates robust top-line growth and improving profitability metrics. The company's expansion into new markets and continued strength in comparable store sales highlight its market position. While managing increasing operating expenses, particularly general and administrative costs impacted by factors like the Nisqually earthquake, Starbucks demonstrated its ability to leverage its growing revenue streams. The company's liquidity remains strong, with substantial cash provided by operating activities supporting its aggressive expansion plans.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net revenues for the second quarter increased by 24% to $629.3 million, compared to $506.7 million in the prior year.
  • 2Net earnings for the second quarter rose 37.6% to $32.2 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, up from $23.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the prior year.
  • 3Comparable store sales increased by 6% in the second quarter, driven by a 1% increase in transactions and a 5% increase in average transaction value.
  • 4Gross margin improved to 56.9% for the quarter, up from 55.5% in the prior year, due to favorable pricing, lower coffee costs, and increased royalties.
  • 5The company opened 138 new retail stores in continental North America and 222 internationally during the quarter, ending with 2,702 company-operated stores in North America and 222 internationally.
  • 6Cash provided by operating activities significantly increased to $267.3 million for the first six months of fiscal 2001, up from $181.7 million in the prior year.
  • 7The company announced a two-for-one stock split effective March 20, 2001, and increased authorized shares to 600 million.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by the opening of new retail stores (554 new stores in the last 12 months) and an increase in comparable store sales. For the second quarter, comparable store sales grew by 6%, resulting from a 1% rise in transactions and a 5% increase in average dollar value per transaction.

Gross margin improved to 56.9% for the second quarter of fiscal 2001, up from 55.5% in the prior year. This improvement was attributed to beverage price increases, lower green coffee costs, and leverage from the growth of non-product revenues like royalties and fees, partially offset by higher retail occupancy costs.

Starbucks plans to open at least 500 company-operated stores in continental North America and 100 company-operated stores in international markets during fiscal year 2001. Capital expenditures for the remainder of fiscal 2001 are expected to be approximately $248 million, supporting new store openings, information systems enhancement, and roasting facility upgrades.

The report mentions potential risks including the volatility of coffee supply and prices, increased competition, challenges in finding optimal store locations and favorable lease rates, rising costs for dairy products, and the ability to hire and retain qualified personnel. Additionally, the company incurred non-insured expenses related to the Nisqually earthquake, impacting general and administrative costs.