Starbucks Sales Trail Estimates as Growth Slows in Americas

Leslie Patton
 

Starbucks Corp. posted fiscal second-quarter sales that trailed analysts’ estimates as growth in its Americas region slowed, showing cafe rivals may be gaining ground on the coffee giant.

While revenue rose 9.4 percent to $4.99 billion in the quarter ended March 27, that missed analysts’ $5.03 billion average projection. Profit increased to 39 cents a share, excluding some items, Seattle-based Starbucks said in a statement on Thursday. That matched analysts’ average estimate.

The results signal that competitors may be chipping away at Starbucks’ dominance by following its strategy of hooking customers with loyalty programs and  smartphone apps. Dunkin’ Donuts started testing mobile ordering late last year, while Panera Bread Co. has said its digital sales may reach $1 billion in 2017. Both chains also have rewards programs with millions of members.

Same-store sales growth in Starbucks’ Americas region, which includes the U.S., slowed to 7 percent. Analysts estimated a 7.4 percent gain, according to Consensus Metrix. Sales by that measure climbed 9 percent in the prior quarter.
“It’s good, but I guess not good enough,” said Peter Saleh, an analyst at BTIG. “When the stock is trading where it is in terms of valuation, you need to have an upside surprise.”

Shares Slip

Starbucks shares fell 4.6 percent to $57.86 at 5:21 p.m. in late trading in New York. Through Thursday’s close, the company had gained 1 percent this year.

The company reiterated the top end of its forecast for profit, excluding certain items, to be as much as $1.89 a share in the current fiscal year. Revenue will rise 12 percent, helped in part by a longer year, Starbucks said, repeating an earlier projection.

Starbucks’ app and rewards program, which have locked in millions of members, gives it access to diners’ eating habits so they can offer appealing deals to them. The company has even considered licensing its technology to other retailers.

“Starbucks continues to redefine the customer-facing mobile and retail experience of the future,” Chief Executive Officer Howard Schultz said during a conference call. The company will end fiscal 2016 with about 25,000 stores globally, he said.

Along with technology, Starbucks is trying to boost sales with new restaurants. The company is adding about 1,800 net new locations this fiscal year -- including 900 in its rapidly expanding China and Asia Pacific region. Despite the recent economic turmoil in China, Schultz has said that he’s “bullish” on the country and that it could be bigger than the U.S. market.

Same-store sales increased 3 percent in Starbucks’ China and Asia Pacific region and 1 percent in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Analysts estimated gains of 4.6 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively.

Starbucks Sales Trail Estimates as Growth Slows in Americas

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