Starbucks Reports 7.2% Global Same-Store Sales Growth as Quarterly Revenue Falls

Starbucks reported a 7.2% increase in global comparable coffeehouse sales for its fiscal fourth quarter ended September 27, 2026, even as consolidated revenue fell 4% to approximately $9.1 billion. The results, released on October 29, show improving demand at established stores alongside a change in the company's international business structure.

Comparable sales measure performance at qualifying established coffeehouses rather than the total revenue of every store in the chain. Starbucks said average spending per transaction rose 5.2% globally, while comparable transactions increased 1.8%. In the United States, comparable sales rose 7.7%, supported by increases in both customer transactions and average spending. International comparable sales increased just 0.9%, with transactions declining 2.8%.

The fall in consolidated revenue does not mean that comparable coffeehouse demand declined worldwide. Starbucks attributed much of the reported revenue decrease to the conversion of its China retail operations to a licensed joint-venture model. That accounting change affects which sales are included in the company's consolidated revenue. The company ended the quarter with 41,607 coffeehouses globally, including both company-operated and licensed locations.

Starbucks reported generally accepted accounting principles earnings of 59 cents per share and adjusted earnings of 80 cents per share. The two measures differ because adjusted results exclude certain items. Its operating margin improved from a year earlier, helped by lower restructuring costs and sales leverage.

For fiscal 2027, the company forecast adjusted earnings of $3.15 to $3.25 per share, according to Reuters reporting. That is a forward-looking estimate, not a result already achieved. Management also discussed efforts to simplify operations, improve staffing and reduce wait times as it seeks more consistent profitability.

The contrasting sales figures illustrate the importance of separating demand at existing stores from consolidated revenue after a structural transaction. They also show that US growth has been stronger than performance across Starbucks' international portfolio. Future results will depend on customer spending, operating costs and the performance of the company's licensed business arrangements.