Key Stats for Starbucks Stock
- Price change for Starbucks stock in the last 1 year: 15%
- $SBUX Stock Price as of Oct. 2: $95
- 52-Week High: $111
- $SBUX Stock Price Target: $112
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What Happened?
Starbucks (SBUX) is facing political heat over its newest stores in China. A US lawmaker wants the company to close them.
Starbucks opened its first two stores in Xinjiang this week. Both are in the capital, Urumqi. One is at the Grand Bazaar in the city center. The other is at the international airport.
John Moolenaar chairs the House Select Committee on China. He called the move “morally bankrupt.” He said Starbucks should “immediately reverse course and close its stores.” He also said more than a million Uyghurs have been detained in the region.
China denies the abuse claims. Its Foreign Ministry called the U.S. allegations “naked lies.” It said Xinjiang has a stable society and religious harmony. It also said China will offer foreign firms more investment opportunities.
Starbucks did not respond to requests for comment. On its WeChat page, China CEO Liu Wenjuan said the company will keep investing in Xinjiang.
Starbucks sold control of its China retail business earlier this year.
In April 2026, it brought in Boyu Capital as a 60% stakeholder in the joint venture. The venture runs about 8,000 stores in China.
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What the Market Is Telling Us About Starbucks Stock
This is a reputation risk, not a numbers story. Two stores won’t move the financials. But the political spotlight on China can weigh on Starbucks stock if it grows.
The business itself looks strong. In the latest quarter, global comparable sales rose 7.9%. U.S. comps rose 7.9% as well. Earnings per share grew about 70% to $0.85. Operating margin hit 14.4%.
China now plays a smaller role. Starbucks owns 40% of the venture. Starbucks no longer fully consolidates its China retail results.
China added only $53 million of net revenue to the international results last quarter. That limits the direct hit to Starbucks stock.
Management also raised its full-year outlook. It now expects EPS of $2.55 to $2.65. Margin should come in above 11%.
Still, the company prides itself on social responsibility, as Moolenaar noted.
Pressure from Washington could pull focus from the turnaround. Investors will want to see whether more lawmakers join in, and whether Starbucks responds.
For now, Starbucks stock rests on its U.S. recovery. The company reports fiscal Q4 results on October 29, per the call.
That report will matter more to Starbucks stock than this dispute, unless the pressure builds.
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So what is Starbucks stock actually worth?
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Disclaimer:
Please note that the articles on TIKR are not intended to serve as investment or financial advice from TIKR or our content team, nor are they recommendations to buy or sell any stocks. We create our content based on TIKR Terminal’s investment data and analysts’ estimates. Our analysis might not include recent company news or important updates. TIKR has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading, and happy investing!
