Starbucks Explores Stake Sale In China Business Valued At Billions Amid Sluggish Growth, Intense Competition From Likes Of Luckin Coffee: Report - Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX), Luckin Coffee (OTC:LKNCY)

Starbucks held its Q3 2026 earnings call transcript. The company reported Q3 consolidated net revenues of $9.3 billion, operating margin up 430 bps to 14.4%, and EPS up 70% to $0.85, with global comparable sales growth of 7.9%. Management cited North America strength, international comps, and raised full-year 2026 guidance.

Starbucks reported adjusted EPS of 85 cents on $9.32B revenue, beating estimates, and same-store sales growth of 7.9% above forecasts. The company raised its full-year comparable-store sales growth outlook to 6.5% and adjusted EPS to $2.55 to $2.65. Analysts at William Blair and Morgan Stanley cited early margin recovery and lifted targets.

UPS and Starbucks raised full-year 2026 outlooks, citing restructuring-driven operating leverage. UPS phased out about half of lower-margin Amazon delivery volumes and cut tens of thousands of jobs, reporting Q2 revenue growth and a higher full-year outlook despite a sharp quarterly profit decline from workforce and fuel charges. Starbucks reported fiscal Q3 revenue of $9.32B, same-store sales up 7.9%, and raised adjusted EPS to $2.55-$2.65.

South Korean police raided Starbucks Korea’s HQ in southern Seoul to investigate a controversial ad campaign tied to the May 18 Gwangju pro-democracy anniversary. The campaign promoted “SS Tank” tumblers and used “Tank Day” and “Thwack it on the table!” after public backlash. Shinsegae Group, which owns 67.5% of Starbucks Korea, canceled the campaign, fired the CEO, and apologized.

South Korean police raided Starbucks Korea’s headquarters over its “Tank Day” reusable cup campaign, after protests and boycotts that the company said hurt sales. Starbucks Korea conducted an internal review and found no wrongdoing, but said some planners did not provide phones. Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jung-hyun and Shinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin resigned after apologizing.

South Korean police raided Starbucks Korea’s headquarters in Seoul over allegations that a “Tank Day” promotion defamed activists killed during the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising, according to the local operator and police. The complaint named Shinsegae Group and former Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jung-hyun. Starbucks Korea apologized and closed stores early for staff training in June.