Stock price when the opinion was issued
Shares are up 27% after they changed CEOs, but some analysts aren't sold. Bears say turnarounds take time and are expensive, and earnings estimates need to come down. He agrees with the bulls who feel that operating margins will improve, though earnings estimates need to come down. He has a large position, but hasn't sold a share on the CEO news. He expects either flat or weak earnings next year, but is willing to hold on as long the company comes out better the following year.
Buy on this pullback. This was down 13% in 2022, and 2% in 2023 and another 2% this year. It's rare for SBUX to be down three straight years. We'll know when they report Jan. 28 if the turnaround is working. They will do $1 billion in revenue, -1% YOY, $1.12 billion in EBIT or -23% YOY. Analyst expectations are very low. Shares are trading at their 10-year median valuation. They just hired the best QSR CEO who will turn things around. At $80-65, he will add a lot more shares.
Going back to basics. In only 6 months, new CEO has put his stamp on the business. Should be back to double-digit growth next year. Early stages of a turnaround. Incredible franchise. Because people put $$ on their SBUX apps (to the tune of ~$3B), it's making money off this float just like a bank.
Focus includes getting orders through much faster, but creating a better and more welcoming atmosphere. So much about the retail experience today is about the vibe.
They changed the CEO last summer, one of the best in fast food (did a great job at Chipotle). The CEO is improving through-put, will restore the coffee house vibe, and wants to add 10,000 locations in the US alone. You're betting on the CEO.
(Analysts’ price target is $106.55)