Starbucks Reports Q4 Fiscal 2020 Results

Q4 Comparable Store Sales of -9% in the U.S. and -3% in China, Demonstrating Sustained Recovery
Q4 GAAP EPS of $0.33; Non-GAAP EPS of $0.51 Reflecting Substantial Improvement from Q3
Active Starbucks® Rewards Membership in the U.S. Up 10% Year-Over-Year to 19.3 Million
Fiscal 2021 Outlook Reaffirms Path to Full Recovery

Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX) today reported financial results for its 13-week fiscal fourth quarter ended September 27, 2020. GAAP results in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 include items that 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.

“I am very pleased with our strong finish to fiscal 2020, underpinned by a faster-than-expected recovery in our two lead growth markets, the U.S. and China. These results demonstrate the continued strength and relevance of our brand, the effectiveness of the actions we’ve taken to adapt to meaningful changes in consumer behavior and the extraordinary efforts of our green apron partners to serve our customers and communities in challenging circumstances,” said Kevin Johnson, president and ceo.

“The guiding principles we established at the onset of the pandemic, combined with our industry-leading digital platform and our ability to innovate rapidly, continue to fuel our recovery and provide confidence in a robust operating outlook for fiscal 2021. Our strategies are working and I am optimistic that we will emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic as a stronger and more resilient company,” concluded Johnson.

Q4 Fiscal 2020 Highlights

• Global comparable store sales declined 9%, driven by a 23% decrease in comparable transactions, partially offset by a 17% increase in average ticket
  • Americas and U.S. comparable store sales declined 9%, driven by a 25% decrease in comparable transactions, partially offset by a 21% increase in average ticket
  • International comparable store sales were down 10%, driven by a 15% decline in comparable transactions, partially offset by a 7% increase in average ticket; China comparable store sales were down 3%, with comparable transactions down 7%, partially offset by a 5% increase in average ticket; International and China comparable store sales are inclusive of a benefit from value-added tax exemptions of approximately 2% and 4%, respectively
• The company opened 480 net new stores in Q4, yielding 4% year-over-year unit growth, ending the period with 32,660 stores globally, of which 51% and 49% were company-operated and licensed, respectively
  • Stores in the U.S. and China comprised 61% of the company’s global portfolio at the end of Q4, with 15,337 and 4,706 stores, respectively
• Consolidated net revenues of $6.2 billion declined 8% from the prior year primarily due to lost sales related to the COVID-19 outbreak
  • Lost sales of approximately $1.2 billion relative to the company’s expectations before the outbreak included the effects of modified operations, reduced hours, reduced customer traffic and temporary store closures (1)
• GAAP operating margin of 9.0%, down from 16.1% in the prior year primarily due to the COVID-19 outbreak, mainly sales deleverage, material investments in retail partner support and other items; GAAP operating margin was also adversely impacted by the Americas store portfolio optimization expenses
  • Non-GAAP operating margin of 13.2%, down from 17.2% in the prior year
• GAAP earnings per share of $0.33, down from $0.67 in the prior year primarily due to unfavorable impacts related to the COVID-19 outbreak totaling approximately -$0.35 per share (1) (2)
  • Non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.51, down from $0.70 in the prior year
• Starbucks® Rewards loyalty program 90-day active members in the U.S. increased to 19.3 million, up 10% year-over-year

Full Year Fiscal 2020 Highlights

• Global comparable store sales declined 14%, driven by a 22% decrease in comparable transactions, partially offset by a 10% increase in average ticket
  • Americas and U.S. comparable store sales declined 12%, driven by a 21% decrease in comparable transactions, partially offset by an 11% increase in average ticket
  • International comparable store sales were down 19%, driven by a 23% decline in comparable transactions, partially offset by a 5% increase in average ticket; China comparable store sales declined 17%, driven by a 21% decrease in comparable transactions, slightly offset by a 5% increase in average ticket; International and China comparable store sales are inclusive of a benefit from value-added tax exemptions of approximately 1% and 2%, respectively
• Consolidated net revenues of $23.5 billion declined 11.3% from the prior year primarily due to lost sales related to the COVID-19 outbreak
  • Lost sales of approximately $5.1 billion relative to the company’s expectations before the outbreak included the effects of temporary store closures, modified operations, reduced hours and reduced customer traffic (1)
• GAAP operating margin of 6.6%, down from 15.4% in the prior year primarily due to the COVID-19 outbreak, mainly sales deleverage, material investments in retail partner support and other items
  • Non-GAAP operating margin of 9.1%, down from 17.2% in the prior year
• GAAP earnings per share of $0.79, down from $2.92 in the prior year primarily due to unfavorable impacts related to the COVID-19 outbreak totaling approximately -$2.01 per share (1) (2)
  • Non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.17, down from $2.83 in the prior year

Q4 Americas Segment Results

Net revenues for the Americas segment of $4.2 billion in Q4 FY20 were 9% lower relative to Q4 FY19, primarily due to a 9% decrease in comparable store sales as well as lower product sales to and royalty revenues from our licensees as a result of lost sales related to the COVID-19 outbreak. These decreases were slightly offset by 287 net new store openings, or 2% store growth, over the past 12 months.

The Americas segment reported operating income of $510.3 million in Q4 FY20, compared to $938.9 million in Q4 FY19. Operating margin of 12.1% contracted 810 basis points, primarily due to expenses relating to the Americas store portfolio optimization, the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak including sales deleverage and additional costs incurred, as well as growth in retail partner wages and benefits, partially offset by labor efficiency.

Q4 International Segment Results

Net revenues for the International segment of $1.5 billion in Q4 FY20 were 5% lower relative to Q4 FY19, primarily due to a 10% decrease in comparable store sales as well as lower product sales to and royalty revenues from our international licensees as a result of lost sales related to the COVID-19 outbreak. These decreases were partially offset by 1,117 net new store openings, or 8% store growth, over the past 12 months.

The International segment reported operating income of $179.5 million in Q4 FY20 compared to $262.7 million in Q4 FY19. Operating margin contracted 470 basis points to 12.0%, primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, mainly sales deleverage and additional costs incurred including non-restructuring related store asset impairments, as well as strategic investments, mainly technology and digital initiatives in China and Japan.

Q4 Channel Development Segment Results

Net revenues for the Channel Development segment of $464.0 million in Q4 FY20 were 9% lower relative to Q4 FY19. The decline was primarily driven by an 8% unfavorable impact of Global Coffee Alliance transition-related activities, including a structural change in our single-serve business, as well as an adverse impact of COVID-19 on the Foodservice business, partially offset by growth in at-home coffee and ready-to-drink products.

Operating income increased 4% to $197.9 million in Q4 FY20, up from $190.9 million in Q4 FY19. Operating margin expanded 510 basis points to 42.7%, primarily due to a business mix shift driven by strength in our ready-to-drink products and the structural change in our single-serve business.

Global Store Status

At the end of Q4 FY20, approximately 98% of our global company-operated store portfolio was open, with 97% in the U.S. and 99% in China, as well as 99% in Japan and 97% in Canada. In the U.S. and China, limited or full lobby seating was available in approximately 63% and 90% of company-operated stores, respectively. As of the end of Q4 FY20, approximately 93% of our global licensed store portfolio was open. Within the U.S. and Canada licensed store portfolios, the remaining temporary closures were predominantly in airport, college and university locations.

Fiscal 2021 Guidance

The company introduces the following fiscal 2021 guidance for Q1 and the full year. Please note that Starbucks fiscal year 2021 is a 53-week year instead of the usual 52 weeks. The impact of the 53 rd week will be reflected in our results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. All full-year guidance for the metrics noted below is for fiscal year 2021 on a 53-week basis except comparable store sales growth metrics, which are relative to fiscal year 2020 on a 52-week basis.

• Global comparable store sales growth of 18% to 23%
• Americas and U.S. comparable store sales growth of 17% to 22%
• International comparable store sales growth of 25% to 30%
  • China comparable store sales growth of 27% to 32%
• Approximately 2,150 new store openings and 1,100 net new Starbucks stores globally
  • Americas approximately 850 new store openings and approximately 50 net new stores
  • International approximately 1,300 new store openings and 1,050 net new stores
    • Approximately 600 net new stores in China

• Consolidated revenue of $28.0 billion to $29.0 billion, inclusive of a $500 million impact attributable to the 53 rd week
  • Channel Development revenue of $1.4 billion to $1.6 billion
• Consolidated GAAP operating margin of 14% to 15%
  • Consolidated Non-GAAP operating margin of 16% to 17%
• Interest expense of approximately $470 million to $480 million
• GAAP and non-GAAP effective tax rates in the mid-20%s
• GAAP EPS in the range of $0.32 to $0.37 for Q1 and $2.34 to $2.54 for full year, inclusive of a $0.10 impact attributable to the 53 rd week
  • Non-GAAP EPS in the range of $0.50 to $0.55 for Q1 and $2.70 to $2.90 for full year, inclusive of a $0.10 impact attributable to the 53 rd week
• Capital expenditures of approximately $1.9 billion

Please note, the guidance provided above is dependent on our current expectations, which may be impacted by evolving external conditions and local safety guidelines as well as shifts in customer routines, preferences and mobility.

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 call today; this information will also be available following the call on the company’s website at http://investor.starbucks.com .

Company Updates

1. In September, the company launched enhancements to its industry-leading Starbucks® Rewards loyalty program by giving members more payment options and ways to earn Stars through the Starbucks App. Now in company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada, new and current Starbucks Rewards members are able to pay with cash, credit/debit cards or select mobile wallets and earn Stars toward free items without having to preload a Starbucks Card within the app.

2. As of the end of fiscal year 2020, the company had opened 581 net new stores in China, with 259 net new stores opened in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, representing a record-level pace of store development for Starbucks China. These net new store openings bring the China total store count to over 4,700 company-operated Starbucks stores.

3. As a part of the company's commitment to 100% ethically sourced coffee, Starbucks announced the new Starbucks Digital Traceability tool. By scanning a code on the coffee bag or entering a serial number, the tool transforms each bag of coffee beans into a digital passport, launching coffee lovers on a virtual expedition to meet farmers, roasters and baristas and to explore coffee-growing regions around the world.

4. As a continuation of the company’s passion and commitment to a more sustainable future, Starbucks joined the new “Transform to Net Zero” initiative as one of nine founding members. The initiative’s objective is to accelerate the transition to a net-zero emissions global economy no later than 2050.

5. As a part of its ongoing commitment to advancing racial and social equity, Starbucks announced several new actions it will take on its journey to that commitment. The company committed to setting annual Inclusion and Diversity goals based on retention rates and progress toward achieving Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) representation of at least 30% at all corporate levels and at least 40% in all retail and manufacturing roles by 2025.

6. The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.45 per share, an increase of 10%, payable on November 27, 2020 to shareholders of record as of November 12, 2020. This declaration marks the tenth consecutive annual dividend increase for the company.

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, and Patrick Grismer, 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 Friday, November 27, 2020.

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 32,000 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 stories.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein and in our investor conference call related to these results 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,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “remain,” “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: the estimated financial impact related to the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) including the outlook, guidance and projections for revenues, earnings per share, operating income, operating margins, comparable store sales, net new stores, capital expenditures, interest expense and fiscal 2021 guidance; the nature and extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, operations and financial results; the anticipated timing and effects of recovery of our business, including our ability to expand seating and operating hours at our stores; our plans for streamlining our operations, including store openings, closures and changes in store formats and models; our ability to continue steady business improvement and improve customer and partner experiences; and our ability to emerge from this global crisis and drive long-term growth. These forward-looking statements do not represent historical data, are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties. Actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: further spread of COVID-19; regulatory measures or voluntary actions that may be put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19, including restrictions on business operations or social distancing requirements and the duration and efficacy of such restrictions; the potential for a resurgence of COVID-19 infections in a given geographic region after it has hit its “peak”; fluctuations in U.S. and international economies and currencies; our ability to preserve, grow and leverage our brands; the ability of our business partners and third-party providers to fulfill their responsibilities and commitments; 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 the East China business and the successful expansion of our Global Coffee Alliance with Nestlé; our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms; the acceptance of the company’s products by our customers, evolving consumer preferences and tastes and the availability of consumer financing; changes in the availability and cost of labor; the impact of competition; inherent risks of operating a global business; the prices and availability of coffee, dairy and other raw materials; the effect of legal proceedings; and the effects of changes in tax laws 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” sections of Starbucks Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2019 and Starbucks Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2020. The company assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Certain non-GAAP measures included in our press release and in our investor conference call related to these results were not reconciled to the comparable GAAP financial measures because the GAAP measures are not accessible on a forward-looking basis. The company is unable to reconcile these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts because the company is currently unable to predict with a reasonable degree of certainty the type and extent of certain items that would be expected to impact GAAP measures for these periods but would not impact the non-GAAP measures. Such items may include acquisitions, divestitures, restructuring and other items. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on the company’s GAAP financial results.

Corporate and Other primarily consists of our unallocated corporate operating expenses and Evolution Fresh.