10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

STARBUCKS CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jul 3, 2005

Filed August 10, 2005For Securities:SBUX

Summary

Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) reported strong financial performance for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal year 2005, driven by robust revenue growth across both its Company-operated retail and specialty segments. Total net revenues increased by 21% and 23% for the respective periods, exceeding the company's growth targets. This growth was fueled by new store openings, with a significant number of new Company-operated and licensed stores added globally. Profitability also saw a notable increase, with operating income growing 30% and 29% for the quarter and nine-month periods, respectively. Operating margin improved due to leverage from strong revenue growth and effective cost management, demonstrating the company's ability to scale its operations efficiently. The company continues to execute its strategy of balancing core business growth with investments for future expansion, positioning itself for sustained long-term shareholder value.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net revenues increased by 21% to $1.6 billion for the 13 weeks ended July 3, 2005, and by 23% to $4.7 billion for the 39 weeks ended July 3, 2005.
  • 2Company-operated retail revenues grew significantly, up 22% for the quarter and 23% for the year-to-date, driven by 7% and 8% comparable store sales growth, respectively, and the addition of 713 new Company-operated stores in the past 12 months.
  • 3Specialty operations also performed well, with revenues increasing 16% for the quarter and 18% for the year-to-date, supported by growth in licensing and foodservice segments.
  • 4Operating income demonstrated strong growth, rising 30% to $200 million for the quarter and 29% to $584 million for the nine-month period.
  • 5Operating margin improved to 12.5% for the quarter and 12.4% for the nine-month period, up from 11.6% and 11.8% respectively in the prior year, reflecting successful cost management and revenue leverage.
  • 6Net earnings saw a substantial increase of 29% for both the quarter and the nine-month period, reaching $125.6 million and $370.9 million, respectively.
  • 7The company plans to continue its aggressive store expansion, targeting approximately 1,500 new stores globally in fiscal 2005 and 1,800 in fiscal 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starbucks' revenue growth was primarily driven by the opening of new Company-operated and licensed retail stores globally, as well as comparable store sales growth of 7% for the quarter and 8% for the year-to-date. Increases in the average transaction value, partly due to a beverage price increase in October 2004, also contributed.

Profitability showed significant improvement. Operating income increased by 30% for the quarter and 29% for the nine-month period, leading to an expansion of the operating margin. Net earnings also grew by 29% for both periods, indicating strong operational efficiency and revenue growth.

Starbucks remains committed to aggressive global expansion. The company plans to open approximately 1,500 new stores worldwide in fiscal year 2005 and is targeting approximately 1,800 new stores globally in fiscal year 2006, continuing its strategy to increase its market presence.

A lawsuit was filed in June 2004 alleging misclassification of retail store managers as exempt from overtime, potentially entitling them to back pay. While the case is in its early stages, Starbucks believes the managers are properly classified and considers a loss unlikely. The company is actively defending the lawsuit, but cannot estimate the possible loss at this time. Apart from this, management does not believe any other legal proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position.