Starbucks Reports Q4 and Full Year Fiscal 2018 Results

Starbucks Reports Q4 and Full Year Fiscal 2018 Results

Q4 Consolidated Net Revenues Up 11% to Record $6.3 Billion

Q4 Comparable Store Sales Up 3% Globally Driven by 4% Growth in the U.S.

China Comparable Store Sales Up 1% in Q4, Improved from -2% Reported in Q3

GAAP EPS of $0.56; Non-GAAP EPS of $0.62, Up 13% Year-Over-Year

Active Starbucks Rewards^TM Membership in the U.S. Increases 15% Year-Over-Year to 15.3 Million

Returned $8.9 Billion to Shareholders in Fiscal Year 2018, Consistent with Our 3-Year Target to Return $25 Billion

Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX) today reported financial results for its 13-week fiscal fourth quarter and 52-week year ended September 30, 2018. GAAP results in fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 include items which are excluded from non-GAAP results. Please refer to the reconciliation of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures at the end of this release for more information.

Q4 Fiscal 2018 Highlights

• Global comparable store sales increased 3%, driven by a 4% increase in average ticket
  • Americas and U.S. comparable store sales increased 4%
  • CAP and China comparable store sales increased 1%
• Consolidated net revenues of $6.3 billion, up 11% over the prior year
  • Adjusted for an approximately 2% net benefit from streamline-driven activities, and approximately 1% headwind from unfavorable foreign currency translation, consolidated net revenues grew 9% over the prior year
  • Streamline-driven activities include the consolidation of the acquired East China business, partially offset by licensing our CPG and foodservice businesses to Nestlé following the close of the deal on August 26, 2018, Teavana mall store closures, and the conversion of certain international retail operations from company-owned to licensed models
• GAAP operating margin, inclusive of restructuring and impairment charges, declined 270 basis points year-over-year to 15.2%
  • Non-GAAP operating margin of 18.1% declined 190 basis points compared to the prior year
• GAAP Earnings Per Share of $0.56, up 4% over the prior year
  • Non-GAAP EPS of $0.62, up 13% over the prior year
• Starbucks Rewards^TM loyalty program grew to 15.3 million active members in the U.S., up 15% year-over-year
• Mobile Order and Pay represented 14% of U.S. company-operated transactions
• The company opened 604 net new stores in Q4 and now operates 29,324 stores across 78 markets
• The company returned $3.6 billion to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases

Fiscal Year 2018 Highlights

• Global comparable store sales increased 2%, driven by a 3% increase in average ticket
  • Americas and U.S. comparable store sales increased 2%
  • CAP comparable store sales increased 1%
    • China comparable store sales increased 2%
• Consolidated net revenues of $24.7 billion, up 10% over the prior year
  • Adjusted for an approximately 2% net benefit from streamline-driven activities, and approximately 1% benefit from favorable foreign currency translation, consolidated net revenues grew 8% over the prior year
  • Streamline-driven activities include the consolidation of the acquired East China business, partially offset by Teavana mall store closures, the conversion of certain international retail operations from company-owned to licensed models, licensing our CPG and foodservice businesses to Nestlé following the close of the deal on August 26, 2018, and the sale of our Tazo brand in Q1 FY18
• GAAP operating margin, inclusive of restructuring and impairment charges, declined 280 basis points year-over-year to 15.7%
  • Non-GAAP operating margin of 18.0% declined 170 basis points compared to the prior year
• GAAP Earnings Per Share of $3.24, up 64% over the prior year
  • Non-GAAP EPS of $2.42, up 17% over the prior year
• The company returned $8.9 billion to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases

“Starbucks record Q4 performance reflected meaningful improvement in virtually every critical operating metric compared to Q3,” said Kevin Johnson, ceo. “As we enter fiscal 2019, we are executing against a clear growth agenda, with a focus on our long-term growth markets of the U.S. and China. We are also excited about the long-term growth potential of our new Global Coffee Alliance with Nestlé. I’m incredibly proud of our 350,000 Starbucks partners around the world and pleased with the continued progress in our growth agenda.”

“In Q4, Starbucks delivered improved sequential results in both our Americas and China/Asia Pacific segments. We also further set the stage for increased benefits from our ongoing efforts to streamline the company,” said Scott Maw, cfo. “Each of these factors contributed to the record Q4 results we reported today and position us well for fiscal 2019 and beyond. As always, credit for Starbucks performance belongs to our store partners all around the world who proudly wear the green apron and deliver an elevated Starbucks Experience to our customers, every day.”

Fiscal 2018 Re-segmentation

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we realigned our organizational and operating segment structures in support of a newly established Global Coffee Alliance. The scope of the arrangement converts the majority of our previously defined Channel Development segment operations, as well as certain smaller businesses previously reported in the Americas, EMEA and All Other Segments, from company-owned to licensed operations with Nestlé. Our reportable segments have been restated as if those smaller businesses were previously within our Channel Development segment.

In addition, we combined All Other Segments and Unallocated Corporate into one non-reportable segment entitled Corporate and Other.

Further, in an effort to report operating expenses in line with the corresponding revenue-generating activities, we have changed the classification of certain costs, primarily within our CAP segment and mainly from other operating expenses to general and administrative expenses.

Concurrent with the change in reportable segments and realignment of certain operating expenses noted above, we revised our prior period financial information to be consistent with the current period presentation. There was no impact on consolidated net revenues, total operating expenses, operating income, or net earnings as a result of these changes.

We have posted additional details pertaining to these updates, including restated GAAP and non-GAAP P&Ls for FY17 and FY18, on the Supplemental Financial Data page of our Investor Relations website (http://investor.starbucks.com).

Consolidated net revenues grew 11% over Q4 FY17 to $6.3 billion in Q4 FY18, primarily driven by incremental revenues from the impact of our ownership change in East China at the end of Q1 FY18, incremental revenues from 1,997 net new Starbucks store openings over the past 12 months, and 3% growth in global comparable store sales, partially offset by licensing our CPG and foodservice businesses to Nestlé following the close of the deal on August 26, 2018.

Consolidated operating income declined 6% to $956.6 million in Q4 FY18, down from $1,022.5 million in Q4 FY17. Consolidated operating margin declined 270 basis points to 15.2%, primarily driven by streamline-driven activities, including licensing our CPG and foodservice businesses to Nestlé following the close of the deal on August 26, 2018, the impact of our ownership change in East China at the end of Q1 FY18, and the sale of our Tazo brand in Q1 FY18. Additionally, operating margin was adversely impacted by higher investments in our store partners (employees), and food and beverage-related mix shifts, partially offset by sales leverage.

Net revenues for the Americas segment grew 8% over Q4 FY17 to $4.3 billion in Q4 FY18, primarily driven by incremental revenues from 895 net new store openings over the past 12 months and 4% growth in comparable store sales, partially offset by the absence of revenue related to the sale of our Brazil retail operations to a licensed partner in Q2 FY18.

Operating income grew 3% to $928.5 million in Q4 FY18, up from $901.5 million in Q4 FY17. Operating margin of 21.8% declined 110 basis points, primarily due to higher investments in our store partners (employees) and food and beverage-related mix shifts, partially offset by sales leverage.

Net revenues for the China/Asia Pacific segment grew 41% over Q4 FY17 to $1,214.6 million in Q4 FY18, primarily driven by incremental revenues from the impact of our ownership change in East China at the end of Q1 FY18, incremental revenues from 756 net new store openings over the past 12 months, and a 1% increase in comparable store sales, partially offset by the absence of revenue related to the sale of our Singapore retail operations to a licensed partner in Q4 FY17.

Q4 FY18 operating income of $232.2 million grew 15% over Q4 FY17 operating income of $201.7 million. Operating margin declined 440 basis points to 19.1%, primarily due to the impact of our ownership change in East China at the end of Q1 FY18.

Net revenues for the EMEA segment grew 5% over Q4 FY17 to $267.3 million in Q4 FY18, primarily driven by incremental revenues from the opening of 356 net new licensed stores over the past 12 months and 2% growth in comparable store sales, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation.

Operating income of $10.8 million in Q4 FY18 declined 63% versus operating income of $29.0 million in Q4 FY17. Operating margin declined 740 basis points to 4.0%, primarily due to higher business restructuring costs and impairment of the remaining goodwill related to our Switzerland retail business, partially offset by lapping a tax settlement expense in the prior year.

Net revenues for the Channel Development segment of $539.3 million in Q4 FY18 decreased 6% versus the prior year quarter primarily due to licensing our CPG and foodservice businesses to Nestlé following the close of the deal on August 26, 2018 and the net impact from the sale of our Tazo brand in Q1 FY18, partially offset by an increase in sales of our packaged coffee and premium single-serve products.

Operating income of $190.8 million in Q4 FY18 declined 28% compared to Q4 FY17. Operating margin declined 1,060 basis points to 35.4%, primarily driven by streamline-driven activities, including licensing our CPG and foodservice businesses to Nestlé following the close of the deal on August 26, 2018 and the sale of our Tazo brand in Q1 FY18. Additionally, operating margin was adversely impacted by higher marketing expenses.

Fiscal 2019 Targets

The company introduces the following fiscal year 2019 targets:

• Expects to add approximately 2,100 net new Starbucks stores globally
• Expects global comparable store sales growth near the lower end of our current 3% to 5% range
• Expects consolidated revenue growth of 5% to 7%
  • Includes approximately 2% net negative impact related to streamline-driven activities
• Expects GAAP EPS in the range of $2.32 to $2.37 and non-GAAP EPS in the range of $2.61 to $2.66

Please refer to the reconciliation of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures at the end of this release.

The company will provide additional information regarding its business outlook during its regularly scheduled quarterly earnings conference calls; this information will also be available following the call on the company’s website at http://investor.starbucks.com.

Company Updates

• In August, Starbucks began licensing its consumer packaged goods and foodservice businesses to Nestlé. The two companies will work closely together on the existing Starbucks range of roast and ground coffee, whole beans, single-serve, and instant coffee offerings. The Alliance will also capitalize on the experience and capabilities of both companies to bring new product offerings for coffee lovers globally.
• In August, the company announced a strategic partnership with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. that will enable a seamless Starbucks Experience and transform the coffee industry in China. Collaborating across key businesses within the Alibaba ecosystem, including Ele.me, Hema, Tmall, Taobao and Alipay, Starbucks announced plans to pilot delivery services beginning September 2018, establish “Starbucks Delivery Kitchens” for delivery order fulfillment and integrate multiple platforms to co-create an unprecedented virtual Starbucks store – an unparalleled and even more personalized online Starbucks Experience for Chinese customers.
• In October, Starbucks announced Patrick Grismer has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer (cfo) effective November 30. Reporting to Kevin Johnson, Starbucks president and chief executive officer, Grismer succeeds Scott Maw, who will retire on November 30. Grismer joins Starbucks from his current position as cfo of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which he has held since joining the company in March 2016. In this role, he was responsible for all facets of the global finance function, as well as corporate strategy, asset management, construction, procurement, and shared services.
• In October, the company announced its intention to fully license Starbucks operations in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg to its longstanding strategic partner Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V., the largest independent chain restaurant operator in Latin America. Under the proposal, which is subject to relevant local laws, Alsea will have the rights to operate and develop Starbucks stores in these markets, building on Starbucks regional growth agenda that drives value through strategic licensed relationships. Starbucks also announced plans to introduce a new support structure in its head office in London to better serve an increasingly licensed strategy.
• In response to critically low coffee prices in Central America, Starbucks announced a commitment of up to $20 million to temporarily relieve impacted smallholder farmers with whom Starbucks does business, until the coffee market self-corrects and rises above the cost of production. These funds will go directly to smallholder farmers in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador to subsidize farmer income during the upcoming harvest season in Central America.
• In September, Starbucks celebrated its expansion into Italy - the company’s 78th market - by opening the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan. Milan marks the first time Starbucks has established its retail presence in a new market with the Roastery format, of which only two others exist in the world: the Seattle Roastery, which opened in 2014, and the Roastery in Shanghai, which debuted in 2017. Following the opening of the Roastery, Starbucks will bring additional cafés to Milan with licensed partner Percassi beginning in late 2018.
• The company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional 120 million shares for repurchase under its ongoing share repurchase program.
• As part of the company’s previously announced plan to return $25 billion to shareholders in the form of share buybacks and dividends through fiscal 2020, Starbucks announced that it is currently executing a $5 billion accelerated share repurchase program (ASR) of the Company’s common stock with the assistance of two financial institutions. The Company used proceeds from the recently completed transaction with Nestlé S.A. to execute the ASR, effective October 1, 2018.
• The company repurchased 58.5 million shares of common stock in Q4 FY18.
• The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.36 per share, payable on November 30, 2018, to shareholders of record as of November 15, 2018.

Conference Call

Starbucks will hold a conference call today at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, which will be hosted by Kevin Johnson, president and ceo, Roz Brewer, group president and coo, John Culver, group president, International, Channel Development and Global Coffee & Tea, and Scott Maw, cfo. The call will be webcast and can be accessed at http://investor.starbucks.com. A replay of the webcast will be available until end of day Saturday, December 1, 2018.

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at news.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the applicable securities laws and regulations. Generally, these statements can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “feel,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements include statements relating to certain company initiatives, strategies and plans, as well as trends in or expectations regarding our diversified business model, the strength, resilience, and potential of our business, operations, and brand, the impacts, benefits, goals and expectations of our streamline initiatives, the execution of our growth agenda, with a focus on our long-term growth markets of the U.S. and China, the long-term growth potential of our Alliance with Nestlé, our focus on shareholder value creation, factors that position us well for fiscal 2019, statements regarding the estimated impact of the changes in U.S. tax law, net new stores, revenues, earnings per share, operating margins, comparable store sales and tax rates, our plans to return $25 billion to shareholders in the form of stock repurchases and dividends, including our accelerated share repurchase program, our fiscal 2019 financial targets, and our strategic, operational, and digital initiatives, including the East China acquisition, our Global Coffee Alliance with Nestlé, our intention to fully license certain European operations and other streamlining activities. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties. Actual future results may differ materially depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, fluctuations in U.S. and international economies and currencies, our ability to preserve, grow and leverage our brands, potential negative effects of incidents involving food or beverage-borne illnesses, tampering, adulteration, contamination or mislabeling, potential negative effects of material breaches of our information technology systems to the extent we experience a material breach, material failures of our information technology systems, costs associated with, and the successful execution of, the company’s initiatives and plans, including the integration of Starbucks Japan and the East China business and successful execution of our Global Coffee Alliance with Nestlé, the acceptance of the company’s products by our customers, our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, the impact of competition, the prices and availability of coffee, dairy and other raw materials, the effect of legal proceedings, the effects of changes in U.S. tax law and related guidance and regulations that may be implemented, and other risks detailed in the company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” section of Starbucks Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2017. The company assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

Corporate and Other primarily consists of our unallocated corporate operating expenses, the results from Starbucks Reserve^TM Roastery & Tasting Rooms, Starbucks Reserve brand and products and Princi operations, Evolution Fresh and formerly, the Teavana retail business.

Supplemental Information

The following supplemental information is provided for historical and comparative purposes.

Non-GAAP Disclosure

In addition to the GAAP results provided in this release, the company provides certain non-GAAP financial measures that are not in accordance with, or alternatives for, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Our non-GAAP financial measures of non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP EPS exclude the below listed items, as they do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of the company’s future operating performance or comparisons to the company’s past operating performance. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP EPS are operating income, operating margin and diluted net earnings per share, respectively.

Non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP EPS may have limitations as analytical tools. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company’s results as reported under GAAP. Other companies may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures differently than the company does, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.