10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

STARBUCKS CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jul 1, 2001

Filed August 15, 2001For Securities:SBUX

Summary

Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) reported strong financial performance for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal year 2001, demonstrating robust revenue growth driven by new store openings and comparable store sales increases. Net revenues for the quarter grew 19% year-over-year, reaching $663 million, with retail revenues up 20% to $559 million. This growth was supported by a 3% increase in comparable store sales, a combination of higher transaction volumes and increased average transaction value. The company also showed improved profitability, with gross margin increasing to 59.1% for the quarter, benefiting from lower coffee costs and price increases, partially offset by higher occupancy costs. Net earnings for the quarter rose to $46.8 million, a 34% increase compared to the prior year, leading to diluted earnings per share of $0.12. For the nine-month period, net earnings increased by 37.6% to $128 million. Starbucks continues its aggressive expansion, with plans for significant store openings in both North America and international markets, supported by healthy operating cash flow and ample liquidity.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2001 increased by 19% to $662.8 million, compared to $557.5 million in the prior year period.
  • 2Retail revenues grew by 20% to $558.9 million for the quarter, driven by new store openings and a 3% increase in comparable store sales.
  • 3Gross margin improved to 59.1% for the quarter, up from 56.4% in the prior year, attributed to lower green coffee costs and beverage price increases.
  • 4Net earnings for the third quarter increased by 34% to $46.8 million, with diluted EPS rising to $0.12 from $0.09 in the prior year.
  • 5For the first nine months of fiscal 2001, net revenues grew 23% to $1.96 billion, and net earnings increased by 37.6% to $128.0 million.
  • 6The company plans to open at least 500 Company-operated stores in continental North America and 100 in international markets in fiscal 2001, with further expansion planned for fiscal 2002.
  • 7Cash provided by operating activities was strong at $339.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2001, supporting capital expenditures and liquidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starbucks' revenue growth was primarily driven by the opening of new retail stores and an increase in comparable store sales. Systemwide retail store sales increased by 29% for the quarter, largely due to the addition of 1,220 new stores over the past 12 months. Comparable store sales for Company-operated retail stores increased by 3%.

Starbucks reported an improvement in gross margin to 59.1% for the quarter, up from 56.4% in the prior year. This improvement was primarily attributed to lower green coffee costs, the impact of beverage price increases, and benefits from procurement efforts. However, these gains were partially offset by higher international and domestic retail occupancy costs.

Starbucks has aggressive expansion plans, aiming to open at least 500 Company-operated stores in North America and 100 internationally in fiscal year 2001, with similar targets for fiscal year 2002. The company expects its existing cash and investments, combined with cash generated from operations, to be sufficient to finance these capital requirements through fiscal 2002. For the remainder of fiscal 2001, capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $150 million, totaling around $400 million for the full fiscal year.

Two class action lawsuits were filed in June and July 2001 alleging improper classification of store managers and assistant store managers as exempt under California wage and hour laws. The company is vigorously defending these cases, but at this early stage, the financial impact, if any, cannot be predicted. Management does not believe any other pending legal proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position or results of operations.