STARBUCKS CORP
For the period ended Sep 28, 2025. Filed Nov 14, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Nov 14, 2025
SBUX$105.41-0.7%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-09-29; filed 2024-11-20.
0000829224-24-000057
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-09-28; filed 2025-11-14.
0000829224-25-000114
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
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31 unchanged; 25 reworded; 73 added; 124 removed; 27 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (73)
Current report
Various factors, events, or conditions may result in a diminution or erosion of trust in our brand value. Adverse developments pertaining to the matters discussed elsewhere in this risk factors section may negatively impact the value of our brands. Such developments may include difficulties executing strategic initiatives, adapting to shifting consumer preferences, or managing global operations, and challenges stemming from macroeconomic volatility, supply chain pressures and disruptions, or an evolving competitive, regulatory, social, and geopolitical landscape. The impact of such developments on the value of our brands may be exacerbated if they receive considerable publicity or if they result in litigation. The value of our brands may be affected by actual or perceived developments, whether isolated or recurring, whether the result of actions by us or our business partners or the result of external developments, and whether such developments are in our control. Negative commentary about Starbucks, even if inaccurate or malicious, has in the past, and could in the future, damage the value of our brand, and adverse impacts may be compounded by social media, video-sharing, and messaging platforms that could dramatically increase the speed with which negative publicity may be disseminated, often before we have a meaningful opportunity to investigate, respond to, and address an issue. In addition, we cannot ensure that our store partners, licensees, or other business partners will not act or refrain from acting in a manner that adversely affects the value and relevance of our brand. Because brand value is based in part on consumer perceptions on a variety of subjective qualities, it may be difficult to address developments negatively impacting the value of our brands in a timely and effective manner to mitigate harm.
Current report
The diminution of, or erosion of trust in, our brand value may have negative consequences for the Company. Consumer demand for our products and our brand value could diminish significantly if we or our employees, licensees, or other business partners fail to preserve the quality of our products, or act, or are perceived to act, in an unethical, illegal, or otherwise inappropriate manner. To the extent third parties object to actions or positions taken or perceived to have been taken by us, it may generate negative sentiment around our business. Developments affecting the value of our brands have in the past, and may in the future, trigger boycotts of our stores, products, and brand. Each of these consequences, individually and collectively, could have potentially material impacts on our brand value, business performance, and financial results.
Current report
We may not be successful in our brand, marketing, promotional, advertising, and pricing strategies.
Current report
Our continued success depends on our ability to adapt brand, marketing, promotional, advertising, and pricing strategies to shifting economic conditions, competitive pressures, and evolving customer preferences. We operate in a complex and costly marketing environment. Decisions to collaborate or refrain from collaborating with certain parties may impact our brand image and, consequently, our financial performance. Our programs may not always reach consumers as intended, particularly given the wide range of generational, geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic characteristics and channels of communication used by our customers, and effective resource allocation across channels, including digital, is critical. Additionally, factors such as operating costs, competitor strategies, and inflation may affect our pricing decisions, which could impact demand. For example, there is no guarantee future cost increases will be absorbed by customers. If our marketing or pricing strategies underperform relative to competitors, our sales and market share could decline. Likewise, if we do not continuously strengthen our capabilities in marketing, data analytics (including artificial intelligence and machine learning) and innovation to understand and maintain or grow consumer interest, brand loyalty, and market share while strategically expanding into other profitable categories of the commercial beverage industry, our business could be negatively affected.
Current report
We undertake these initiatives in the context of ongoing efforts to adapt to shifting consumer behaviors amid economic volatility, optimize our mix of licensed and company-operated stores, expand relevant product offerings across dayparts, and drive growth in cold beverages and Channel Development partnerships, while also advancing appropriate sustainability efforts, managing climate-related risks, and reducing operating costs. Risks to successful and timely implementation of these initiatives include delays or cancellations of store openings due to labor or material shortages, permit procurement issues, or lack of suitable real estate; supply chain scalability and sustainability challenges; underperformance or delays in product innovation; remodel disruptions or cost overruns; coordination and execution challenges; failure to realize cost savings; increased taxation; regulatory constraints, including public health mandates; credit rating deterioration; and geopolitical instability. If these initiatives fail to deliver expected results or we do not fully realize their intended benefits, our financial performance may suffer. Additionally, prioritizing these efforts over other organizational needs or misallocating resources could materially impact our business and operating results.
Current report
Managing growth—particularly in international markets—requires balancing local autonomy with consistency in our goals, policies, and standards. Ineffectively balancing these imperatives could materially harm our business results and financial performance.
Current report
Furthermore, we may be unsuccessful in implementing strategic initiatives through large acquisitions, integrations, divestitures, partnerships, joint ventures, or other strategic transactions. If we are unable to complete such transactions or successfully integrate and develop acquired businesses, including the effective management of integration activities, we could fail to achieve the expected increases in revenues and operating results or the anticipated synergies and cost savings. In the past we have been, and in the future we may be, unable to realize the expected benefits of strategic transactions, or it may also take longer than expected to realize the expected benefits. This has in the past required, and may in the future require, us to assess potential impairment of assets, including goodwill and intangibles. Any resulting impairment charges could materially affect our financial results.
Current report
Our success depends on attracting and retaining customers. Financial performance may be adversely affected by reduced discretionary spending, lack of acceptance of new products, brands, or platforms, or declining demand for existing offerings. We have previously been, and may in the future be, unable to accurately predict consumer demand for our products. This has resulted, and may in the future result, in insufficient or excess inventory, increased inventory markdowns, and higher costs. Any of these outcomes could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Current report
Additionally, health concerns related to ingredients such as caffeine, dairy, sugar, or allergens—whether accurate or not—along with increased litigation, regulation and regulatory scrutiny, or taxes on certain food components, ingredients, or additives, could reduce demand and harm our results. Shifts in consumer behavior, including dietary changes or use of weight-loss drugs, may also impact sales.
Current report
We may experience food or beverage-safety incidents such as contamination, mislabeling, or adulteration during any stage of production or preparation. We rely on third-party suppliers for many of our ingredients and finished products. A failure to meet quality standards—even if due to factors beyond our control—could result in public exposure, regulatory scrutiny or action, litigation (including product liability claims and class actions), or temporary store closures, which could materially harm our business. Additionally, clean water is essential for beverage preparation, and access may be limited in certain international markets. As we expand our offerings requiring temperature control, the risk of food-safety incidents increases if proper conditions are not maintained due to mechanical failure or human error. Such incidents may harm our brand and reputation and could negatively impact our business and financial performance.
Current report
Reports—whether accurate or not—of food- or beverage-safety issues such as contamination, mislabeling, or adulteration during any stage of production or preparation have historically harmed the reputations of companies in our industry. Any perceived association with such incidents, even if unfounded, could harm our reputation and materially impact our business and financial performance. Food-safety incidents involving competitors or shared suppliers, even if unrelated to Starbucks, could generate negative publicity and impact our sales regionally or globally. In addition, real or perceived concerns about food safety issues, such as phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics or heavy metals in the U.S. food supply chain, could impact consumers’ confidence in our offerings. Confirmed food-safety issues may also result in product recalls. A widespread product recall could lead to significant financial losses from recall costs, inventory destruction, lost sales, and reputational damage. Declines in customer traffic due to safety concerns, negative publicity, or store closures could adversely affect our operations.
Current report
Our growth depends in part on our ability to open new stores and operate them profitably within projected timelines. Store development costs have risen due to construction labor inflation and increased material and equipment expenses. Each new store involves substantial startup costs and a ramp-up period during which profitability may be delayed as we train partners and build a customer base. If we fail to attract sufficient customers or offset higher startup costs, new stores may underperform relative to existing ones.
Current report
Store development is subject to risks including site selection, lease negotiations, permitting and regulatory compliance, contractor availability, labor and material costs, and external disruptions such as weather events, natural disasters, or pandemics. We also face competition for prime locations, contractors, and qualified personnel. Additionally, new stores may cannibalize sales from nearby existing locations. Failure to manage these risks could result in increased costs and lower-than-expected sales and earnings, materially affecting our operating results.
Current report
We also invest in remodeling and maintaining existing stores. If costs exceed projections, closures last longer than planned, or remodeled stores underperform, we may not achieve expected returns, which could negatively impact our financial results.
Current report
Our financial performance is heavily reliant on our North America operating segment, which accounted for approximately 74% of total net revenues in fiscal year 2025. A slowdown or decline in this segment—particularly in the U.S.—has in the past, and could in the future, materially impact our overall business, as other segments may not offset the shortfall. Given its maturity and role as the primary source of operating cash flow, reduced performance in North America could limit our ability to fund international expansion, strategic initiatives, and shareholder returns.
Current report
The International segment is a critical profit center. Achievement of our growth targets is partially dependent on sustained performance and growth internationally, particularly in the markets operated by our larger regional licensees and in key company-owned markets outside North America. If one or more of these international markets fail to achieve stable revenues and earnings—due to economic downturns or other factors—our consolidated results could be materially impacted.
Current report
In addition to the risks that apply to our business generally, wherever conducted, our International business may also be subject to certain additional risks and risks that take on a different magnitude or character in the context of our international business. Success in international markets can depend on factors distinct from those in the U.S., including regional taste preferences, varying consumer acceptance of our products, and differing regulatory regimes across markets. International operations may also face higher occupancy and operating costs due to elevated rents and regulatory compliance. Finally, because many markets are in earlier development stages, operating expenses as a percentage of revenue tend to be higher than in more established markets. Each of these factors present risks to our business performance and financial results.
Current report
•Governmental trade and investment restrictions, such as tariffs, export duties, ownership limits, and favoritism toward local competitors;
Current report
•Economic or trade sanctions limiting product sourcing or business operations;
Current report
•Delays in store openings due to external factors, competition, or limited access to affordable real estate, potentially impacting financial performance;
Current report
•Operational and supply chain challenges abroad, including staffing, logistics, product consistency, and cultural or language barriers;
Current report
•Slower-than-expected growth in disposable income in developing economies;
Current report
•Complex and varying interpretations of laws and regulations, including those related to taxes, labor, privacy, and responsible business matters;
Current report
•Local employment laws increasing the cost and complexity of hiring and termination;
Current report
•Health and safety regulations affecting store operations;
Current report
•Foreign currency fluctuations and restrictions on currency use or fund repatriation; and
Current report
•Licensing and import requirements that may hinder business operations.
Current report
Our growth depends on the ability of licensee partners to execute our strategies and implement our growth platforms and product innovations. Success also relies on negotiating, maintaining, and enforcing commercial agreements, and on partner performance under those agreements. International licensees may face legal or financial constraints that limit expansion. Our Channel Development business is heavily reliant on Nestlé, which holds global rights to distribute certain Starbucks branded packaged goods. If Nestlé fails to meet its obligations or support our brand, it could materially impact Channel Development and our overall financial results. Additionally, our retail licensed operations are concentrated among a few large licensees, and their inability to access capital or grow effectively, including their inability to meet store development and renovation targets, could adversely affect performance in key markets. A failure by any of our large regional licensees or Channel Development business partners to grow the relevant Starbucks business, or otherwise perform its obligations under agreements with us, could adversely affect our performance. We may not have the ability to offset such poor performance or non-performance in the markets or verticals into which these parties extend Starbucks brand. Likewise, if we are unable to maintain and grow our relationships with these licensees and business partners, it could adversely affect our business performance and financial results.
Current report
The availability and price of coffee beans and other commodities are highly volatile. We purchase, roast, and sell high-quality arabica coffee, which typically trades at a premium above the “C” commodity price. This premium varies based on supply and demand and can significantly impact our ability to secure fixed-price contracts. We often enter supply agreements with defined quality, quantity, and delivery terms, but with pricing tied to future “C” market rates.
Current report
Coffee supply and pricing are influenced by factors in producing countries, including weather and extreme weather events, water availability, natural disasters, crop disease, input costs, inventory levels, political and economic conditions, and actions by organizations seeking to influence global prices. Climate change may intensify these risks—for example, droughts or frosts in Brazil have in the past driven price increases. Speculative trading also contributes to volatility. Tariffs have also affected, and in the future may affect, our costs to procure coffee. Given coffee’s central role in our operations and our limited ability to fully hedge against price increases, rising costs or supply shortages could materially impact our profitability and ability to meet customer demand. We supply strategic products, including coffee, to our licensees, and we may have limited ability to pass along increased costs.
Current report
We also rely on significant quantities of dairy products and plant-based alternatives, such as oat and almond milk, as well as other commodities including tea, cocoa, produce, meats, eggs, energy, and packaging materials. Price increases or supply disruptions—whether due to shortages, processing delays, tariffs, or other factors—could materially affect our profitability, particularly in international markets.
Current report
Even without acute disruptions, our supply chain may not fully meet current or future business needs. We cannot guarantee that suppliers will support our growth or continue providing products at current volumes or favorable prices and other terms. Delays or cost inefficiencies in supply could impair growth and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results. Inaccurate sales forecasting or insufficient inventory may lead to expedited shipping costs, stockouts, and diminished customer and partner satisfaction. Conversely, overestimating demand—especially for new products—can result in inventory write-offs. Failure to scale and improve forecasting, planning, production, and logistics could frustrate customers, reduce sales, and harm our brand reputation.
Current report
We are subject to risks from changes to the trade policies and tariff and import/export regulations by the U.S. and other foreign governments.
Current report
Changes in the import and export policies, including trade restrictions such as new, increased, threatened, or retaliatory tariffs or quotas, embargoes, sanctions and countersanctions, safeguards, or customs restrictions by the U.S. and foreign governments, have in the past required, and could in the future require, us to change the way we conduct business and such changes have in the past adversely affected, and could in the future adversely affect, our financial condition, results of operations, reputation, and our relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees in the short- or long-term. It may be time-consuming and expensive for us to alter our business operations to adapt to or comply with any such changes. Likewise, changes in laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, development, and investment in the territories or countries where we currently sell our products or conduct our business could adversely affect our business.
Current report
Any material disruption to our supply chain—such as the loss of a roasting plant, logistics interruptions, trade restrictions, pandemics, labor shortages, natural disasters, or geopolitical conflicts—could materially impact our business and profitability. We rely on a broad network of domestic and international suppliers to provide high-quality products in compliance with applicable laws, and in certain cases, products are sourced by our licensees directly. As we update our fresh and prepared food offerings, sourcing from regions with limited infrastructure or political instability may present additional challenges. For certain products, we depend on a limited number of suppliers, and their failure to meet our standards, deliver on time, or comply with regulations—factors often beyond our control—could materially harm our operations and financial results.
Current report
Our financial condition and results of operations have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by a number of macroeconomic and other factors, many of which are largely outside our control.
Current report
As a retailer reliant on discretionary spending, our financial results are sensitive to macroeconomic conditions. A prolonged downturn or slow recovery may reduce consumer spending, leading to lower demand or shifts to lower-priced products. Factors such as job loss, inflation, interest rate changes, taxation, credit access, public health crises, trade disputes, and geopolitical instability can all impact consumer behavior, including spending and routines, potentially affecting demand for our products. Reduced customer traffic or transaction value without corresponding cost reductions could pressure margins. If economic uncertainty persists, consumers may adopt lasting changes in spending habits, potentially affecting our sales, profitability, and growth plans.
Current report
•Climate change and extreme weather affecting input costs and availability;
Current report
•Changes in tax laws and government regulations, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted in the U.S. in July 2025;
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Removed paragraphs (124)
Previous report
Our business is subject to various risks and uncertainties that you should consider before investing in the Company. These risks are described in more detail in this Item 1A. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
Previous report
•We may not be successful in our marketing strategies, promotional and advertising plans, and pricing strategies.
Previous report
•Our investments to transform and enhance the customer experience, including through technology, may not generate the expected results.
Previous report
•Our financial condition and results of operations are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, a number of macroeconomic and other factors, many of which are largely outside our control.
Previous report
•Economic conditions in the U.S. and international markets have adversely affected, and could continue to adversely affect, our business and financial results.
Previous report
Risks Related to Environmental, Social, and Governance Matters
Previous report
Erosion of trust in our brand value can be caused by isolated or recurring incidents originating both from us or our business partners, or from external events. Such incidents can potentially trigger boycotts of our stores or result in civil or criminal liability, which can have a negative impact on our financial results. Incidents that can erode trust in our brand value include actual or perceived breaches of privacy or violations of domestic or international privacy laws, contaminated food, product recalls, store employees or other food handlers infected with communicable diseases, safety-related incidents, or other potential incidents discussed in this risk factors section. The impact of such incidents may be exacerbated if they receive considerable publicity, including rapidly through social or digital media (including for malicious reasons), or if they result in litigation. Negative postings or comments on social media or networking websites about Starbucks, even if inaccurate or malicious, have in the past, and could in the future, generate negative publicity about Starbucks across media channels that could damage the value of our brand. It may be difficult to address such negative publicity, including as a result of fictitious media content (such as content produced by generative artificial intelligence or bad actors) across media channels. Additionally, consumer demand for our products and our brand value could diminish significantly if we, our employees, licensees, or other business partners fail to preserve the quality of our products, act or are perceived to act in an unethical, illegal, racially-biased, unequal, inequitable, or socially irresponsible manner, including with respect to the sourcing, content, or sale of our products, service and treatment of customers at Starbucks stores, treatment of employees, including our responses to unionization efforts, or the use of customer data for general or direct marketing or other purposes. Allegations, even if untrue, that we are not respecting internationally recognized human rights, are failing to comply with applicable workplace and labor laws, or are aligned with positions on social or geopolitical issues could also negatively impact our brand value. Additionally, if we fail to comply with laws and regulations, take controversial positions or actions, fail to deliver a consistently positive consumer experience in each of our markets, including by failing to invest in the right balance of wages and benefits to attract and retain employees who represent the brand well, or fail to foster an inclusive and diverse environment, our brand value may be diminished. In addition, we cannot ensure that our store partners, licensees, or other business partners will not take actions that adversely affect the value and relevance of our brand.
Previous report
Furthermore, if we are not effective in making sufficient progress toward our environmental and social program goals, consumer trust in our brand may suffer, and this perception could result in negative publicity or litigation. The ongoing relevance of our brand may depend on making sufficient progress toward our environmental and social program goals, each of which requires company-wide coordination and alignment. Increased public focus, including by governmental and nongovernmental organizations, on environmental sustainability matters, including climate change, diminishing energy and water resources, packaging and waste, deforestation, biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and land use, may result in increased pressure to set goals and take actions to meet them, which could expose us to market, operational, and execution costs or risks. Statements regarding our environmental and social program goals reflect our current plans and aspirations; our environmental and social program-related policies, practices, and goals are voluntary, challenging, and subject to change at our discretion. Some third parties may object to the scope or nature of our environmental and social program initiatives or goals, or any revisions to these initiatives or goals, which could give rise to negative responses by governmental actors (such as retaliatory legislative treatment), consumers (such as boycotts or negative publicity campaigns), or other third parties that could adversely affect our brand value.
Previous report
We may not be successful in our marketing strategies, promotional and advertising plans, and pricing strategies.
Previous report
Our continued success depends in part on our ability to adjust our marketing strategies, promotional and advertising plans, and pricing strategies to respond quickly and effectively to shifting economic and competitive conditions as well as evolving customer preferences. We operate in a complex and costly marketing, promotional, and advertising environment. Competition to attract and retain high-quality marketing partners and endorsers has increased. Our decisions to collaborate or to cease collaborating with certain endorsers or marketing partners in light of actions taken or statements made by them could seriously harm our brand image with consumers and, as a result, could have an adverse effect on our sales and financial condition. Our marketing, promotional, and advertising programs may not be successful in reaching consumers in the way we intend. Our success depends in part on whether the allocation of our advertising, promotional, and marketing resources across different channels, including digital, allows us to effectively and efficiently reach consumers in ways that are meaningful to them. Additionally, many factors, including operating costs, constraints, or changes, and our current and future competitors’ pricing and marketing strategies, could significantly affect our pricing strategies (including price reductions, promotions, discounts, coupons, or free goods), which may prevent us from competing effectively in certain geographies. For example, historically, in order to partially offset inflation and other increases in the costs of core operating resources, we have gradually increased menu prices. There can be no assurance that future cost increases, including as a result of inflation, can be offset by increased menu prices or that our current or future menu prices will be fully absorbed by our customers without any resulting change to their demand for our products. If the advertising, promotional, and marketing programs or our pricing strategies are not successful or are not as successful as those of our competitors, our sales and market share could decrease.
Previous report
Finally, consumers are focusing more on sustainability and the environmental impacts of Starbucks operations, as well as the alignment of Starbucks actions with its stated mission, values, and promises. An inability to meet consumer expectations with respect to these issues could adversely affect our financial results.
Previous report
We may not be successful in implementing important strategic initiatives or effectively managing growth, which may have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.
Previous report
•being an employer of choice and investing in partners to deliver a superior customer experience;
Previous report
•building our leadership position around coffee;
Previous report
•driving convenience, brand engagement, and digital relationships through our mobile, loyalty, delivery, and digital capabilities both domestically and internationally;
Previous report
•simplifying store administrative tasks to allow store partners to better engage with customers;
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•increasing the scale of the Starbucks store footprint with disciplined global expansion and continuing to introduce flexible and unique store formats in certain markets;
Previous report
•adjusting rapidly to changing customer preferences and behaviors as a result of changing economic conditions and increased global interest rates and inflation;
Previous report
•moving to a more licensed store model in certain markets and a more company-operated model in other markets;
Previous report
•creating new occasions in stores across all dayparts with new product offerings, including our growing lunch food and beverage product lineup;
Previous report
•continuing the global growth of our Channel Development business through our supply, distribution, and licensing agreements with Nestlé and other Channel Development business partners;
Previous report
•delivering continued growth in our cold beverage business;
Previous report
•working to address the potential effects of climate change and the sustainability of our business; and
Previous report
•reducing our operating costs, particularly general and administrative expenses.
Previous report
In addition to other factors listed in this risk factors section, factors that may adversely affect the successful implementation of these initiatives, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial results, include the following:
Previous report
•delays or cancellations of store openings for reasons beyond our control, such as potential shortages of materials and labor, delays in permits, or a lack of desirable real estate locations available for lease at reasonable rates, any of which could keep us from meeting annual store opening targets in the U.S. and internationally;
Previous report
•not successfully scaling our supply chain infrastructure as we continue to expand;
Previous report
•not successfully adapting to customer or market factors affecting our supply chain as we work to address sustainability goals and mitigate the impacts of climate change;
Previous report
•inability to timely innovate with new product offerings, or the potential that such offerings may not be well-received by consumers;
Previous report
•delays or cancellations of remodels based on changes in macroeconomic conditions, changes in expected project benefits, or other factors;
Previous report
•construction cost increases associated with new store openings and remodeling of existing stores;
Previous report
•the challenges of company-wide coordination and alignment;
Previous report
•inability to identify or act on opportunities to deliver anticipated cost savings;
Previous report
•imposition of additional taxes by jurisdictions, such as on certain types of beverages or based on number of employees;
Previous report
•governmental regulations or other health guidelines concerning operations of stores, including due to public health emergencies;
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•deterioration in our credit ratings, which could limit the availability of additional financing and increase the cost of obtaining financing to fund our initiatives; and
Previous report
•geopolitical instability and international conflicts.
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Reworded paragraphs (25)
Previous wording
You should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations section, the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk section, and the consolidated financial statements and related notes. The risks described below are not the only risks facing the Company. Risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Current wording
You should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations section, the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk section, the Controls and Procedures section, and the consolidated financial statements and related notes. The risks described below are not the only risks facing the Company. The following risks, some of which have occurred and any of which may occur in the future, could materially and adversely affect our current and future business and financial performance. Risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Previous wording
•Our success depends substantially on the value of our brands, and failure to preserve their value could have a negative impact on our financial results.
Current wording
Our success depends substantially on the value of our brand, and failure to preserve its value could have a negative impact on our financial results.
Previous wording
We believe we have built an excellent reputation globally for the quality of our products, for delivery of a consistently positive consumer experience, and for our global environmental and social impact programs. The Starbucks brand is recognized throughout most of the world, and we have received high ratings in global brand value studies. To be successful in the future, particularly outside of the U.S. where the Starbucks brand and our other brands are less well-known, we believe we must preserve, grow, and leverage the value of our brands across all sales channels. Brand value is based in part on consumer perceptions on a variety of subjective qualities.
Current wording
The Starbucks brand is recognized throughout most of the world, and we have received high ratings in global brand value studies. To be successful in the future, we believe we must preserve, grow, and leverage the value of our brands across all sales channels.
Previous wording
•We may not be successful in implementing important strategic initiatives or effectively managing growth, which may have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.
Current wording
We may not be successful in implementing important strategic initiatives (including our restructuring plan), effectively managing growth, or executing strategic transactions, any of which may have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.
Previous wording
We may not be able to implement important strategic initiatives in accordance with our expectations or that generate expected returns, which may result in an adverse impact on our business and financial results. These strategic initiatives, which include our Back to Starbucks plan, are designed to create growth, improve our results of operations, and drive long-term shareholder value, and include:
Current wording
We may not be able to implement important strategic initiatives in accordance with our expectations or that generate expected returns, which may result in an adverse impact on our business and financial results. In conjunction with our broader Back to Starbucks plan, these strategic initiatives are designed to create growth, improve our results of operations, and drive long-term shareholder value. Such initiatives include improving our service model, and further transforming our non-retail support organization; enhancing partner investment to improve customer experience; closing, renovating, and redesigning coffeehouses; strengthening our leadership in coffee; expanding digital engagement through mobile, loyalty, delivery, and international platforms; simplifying store operations; and responsibly growing our global footprint. We have in the past and may in the future undertake restructuring initiatives, which have resulted, and may continue to result, in the incurrence of significant additional costs, and our ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings and other benefits from these actions is subject to many estimates and assumptions, which are subject to uncertainties. Such initiatives may be disruptive both internally and to our customers and may be viewed negatively by our stakeholders.
Previous wording
Our global business strategy, including our plans for new stores, branded products, and other initiatives, relies significantly on a variety of business partners, including licensees, joint venture partners, third-party manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, particularly for our entire global Channel Development business. Licensees, retailers, and foodservice operators are often authorized to use our logos and provide branded food, beverage, and other products directly to customers. We believe our customers expect the same quality of service regardless of whether they visit a licensed or company-operated store, so we provide training and support to, and monitor the operations of, certain of these licensees and other business partners. However, the product quality and service they deliver may still be diminished by any number of factors beyond our control, including financial constraints or solvency issues, adherence to sanitation protocols and guidance, labor shortages, and other factors. We do not have direct control over our business partners and may not have visibility into their practices.
Current wording
Our global business strategy, including our plans for new stores, branded products, and other initiatives, relies significantly on a variety of business partners, including licensees, joint venture partners, third-party manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, particularly for our entire global Channel Development business. These partners are often authorized to use our logos and deliver branded products directly to customers. To maintain consistent customer experience, we provide training and oversight to certain partners; however, factors beyond our control—such as financial instability, labor shortages, or noncompliance with sanitation protocols—may affect the quality of their service and products. We do not have direct control over these partners and may lack visibility into their operations.
Previous wording
We also source our food, beverage, and other products from a wide variety of domestic and international business partners, and in certain cases, such products are produced or sourced by our licensees directly. We do not monitor the quality of non-Starbucks products served by foodservice operators who are authorized to use our logos and provide branded products as part of their foodservice businesses. Failures by our licensees or business providers to comply with the laws or regulations of their markets, or to otherwise meet the standards consumers associate with our brand, may negatively impact our business. Additionally, inconsistent use of our brand and other intellectual property assets, as well as the failure to protect our intellectual property, could erode consumer trust and diminish our brand value, which could result in a material negative impact on our financial results.
Current wording
We source products from a broad network of domestic and international business partners, and in some cases, licensees source products independently. We do not monitor the quality of non-Starbucks products served by authorized foodservice operators. Failures by business partners to comply with applicable laws or meet brand standards may negatively impact our business. Additionally, inconsistent use or inadequate protection of our brand and intellectual property could erode consumer trust and materially affect our financial results.
Previous wording
•We are increasingly dependent on the success of certain international markets in order to achieve our growth targets.
Current wording
We are dependent on the performance of licensed and company-owned international markets to achieve our growth targets.
Previous wording
Our international operations are also subject to additional inherent risks of conducting business abroad, such as:
Current wording
Operating in 89 global markets, we face diverse cultural, regulatory, geopolitical, and economic environments. Our success depends on navigating these differences effectively and leveraging operational strengths across markets. However, planned initiatives may not resonate uniformly with customers and could lead to unexpected shifts in perception or market share. Our international operations are also subject to additional inherent risks of conducting business abroad, such as:
Previous wording
•changes or uncertainties in economic, legal, regulatory, social, and political conditions in our markets, as well as negative effects on U.S. businesses due to increasing anti-American sentiment in certain markets;
Current wording
•Uncertainty in economic, legal, regulatory, social, and political conditions, including rising anti-American sentiment in certain markets;
Previous wording
•labor strikes or work stoppages resulting from geopolitical instability or social unrest affecting one or more of the markets in which we operate;
Current wording
•Labor disruptions due to geopolitical instability or social unrest;
Previous wording
•the enforceability of intellectual property and contract rights;
Current wording
•Challenges in enforcing intellectual property and contract rights;
Previous wording
Moreover, many of the foregoing risks are particularly acute in developing markets, which are important to our long-term growth prospects. An inability to effectively manage the risks associated with our international operations could adversely affect our business and financial results.
Current wording
Moreover, many of the foregoing risks are particularly acute in developing markets, which are important to our long-term growth prospects. An inability to effectively manage the risks associated with our international operations could adversely affect our business performance and financial results.
Previous wording
Our operating results have been, and will continue to be, subject to a number of macroeconomic and other factors, many of which are largely outside our control. Any one or more of the factors listed below or described elsewhere in this risk factors section could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations:
Current wording
Our operating results have been, and will continue to be, subject to a number of other macroeconomic and other factors, many of which are largely outside our control. Any one or more of the factors listed below could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations:
Previous wording
•increases in real estate costs in certain domestic and international markets;
Current wording
•Rising real estate costs in certain domestic and international markets;
Previous wording
•severe weather or other natural or man-made disasters affecting a large market or several closely located markets that may temporarily or for extended periods of time affect our retail business in such markets;
Current wording
•Natural or man-made disasters disrupting major markets;
Previous wording
Unfavorable economic conditions could also adversely affect our suppliers and licensees, who in turn could experience cash flow problems, more costly or unavailable financing, credit defaults, and other financial hardships. This could lead to supplier or licensee insolvency, increase our bad debt expense, or cause us to increase the levels of unsecured credit that we provide to suppliers and licensees. Further, the insolvency of any of our licensees could result in disrupted operations or our exit from a particular market, and negatively impact our reputation.
Current wording
A disruption in the credit markets or a downgrade of our current credit rating could increase our future borrowing costs and impair our ability to access capital and credit markets on terms commercially acceptable to us, which could adversely affect our liquidity and capital resources or significantly increase our cost of capital. Furthermore, unfavorable economic conditions could also adversely affect our suppliers and licensees, who in turn could experience cash flow problems, more costly or unavailable financing, credit defaults, and other financial hardships. This could lead to supplier or licensee insolvency, increase our bad debt expense, or cause us to increase the levels of unsecured credit that we provide to suppliers and licensees. Additionally, the insolvency of any of our licensees could result in disrupted operations or our exit from a particular market and negatively impact our reputation.
Previous wording
•Failure to meet our announced guidance or market expectations for our financial performance will likely adversely affect the market price and increase the volatility of our stock, and fluctuations in the stock market as a whole may also impact the market price and volatility of our stock.
Current wording
Failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance or any announced guidance will likely adversely affect the market price and increase the volatility of our stock, and fluctuations in the stock market as a whole may also impact the market price and volatility of our stock.
Previous wording
We have in the past failed, and may in the future fail, to meet our announced guidance or market expectations, which has adversely affected, and could in the future adversely affect, the market price of our stock. Our guidance is based on certain assumptions, which may or may not prove to be correct. Failure to meet our announced guidance or market expectations going forward, particularly with respect to our operational and financial results, shareholder returns, and expectations regarding the success of our Back to Starbucks plan and related guidance, whether due to our assumptions not being met or the impact of various risks and uncertainties, will likely result in a decline and/or increased volatility in the market price of our stock. In addition, price and volume fluctuations in the stock market as a whole may affect the market price of our stock in ways that may be unrelated to our financial performance.
Current wording
We have in the past failed, and may in the future fail, to meet announced guidance or market expectations, which has adversely affected, and could in the future adversely affect, the market price of our stock. Any guidance we provide is based on certain assumptions, which may or may not prove to be correct. Failure to meet announced guidance or market expectations going forward, particularly with respect to our operational and financial results, shareholder returns, and expectations regarding the success of our Back to Starbucks plan and related guidance, whether due to our assumptions not being met or the impact of various risks and uncertainties, will likely result in either or both a decline in or increased volatility in the market price of our stock. In addition, price and volume fluctuations in the stock market as a whole may affect the market price of our stock in ways that may be unrelated to our financial performance.
Previous wording
Much of our future success depends on the continued availability and service of key personnel and employees. The loss of any of our executive officers, including our chief executive officer or other key senior management personnel, could harm our business. Our success also depends substantially on the contributions and abilities of our retail store employees upon whom we rely to give customers a superior in-store experience and elevate our brand. Accordingly, our performance depends on our ability to recruit and retain high-quality management personnel and other employees to work in and manage our stores, both domestically and internationally. Our ability to do so has been and may continue to be impacted by challenges in the labor market (which has experienced, and may continue to experience, wage inflation and labor shortages), our position with respect to unions and the unionization of partners, increased employee turnover, changes in availability of our workforce and a shift toward remote or hybrid work arrangements. Our ability to attract and retain corporate, retail, and other personnel is also acutely impacted in certain international and domestic markets where the competition for a relatively small number of qualified employees is intense or in markets where large high-tech companies are able to offer more competitive salaries and benefits. These factors and others have also made, and may continue to make, it more difficult to maintain an effective system of operational internal controls for a dispersed workforce, and to train partners to deliver a consistently high-quality product and customer experience. Additionally, there is intense competition for qualified technology systems developers, who are necessary to develop and implement new technologies for our growth initiatives, including increasing our digital relationships with customers. If we are unable to recruit, retain, and motivate employees sufficiently to maintain our current business and support our projected growth, our business and financial performance may be adversely affected.
Current wording
Much of our future success depends on the continued availability and service of key personnel and employees. The loss of any of our executive officers, including our chief executive officer or other key senior management personnel, could harm our business. Our success also depends substantially on the contributions and abilities of our retail store employees we rely on to give customers a superior in-store experience and elevate our brand. Accordingly, our performance depends on our ability to recruit and retain high-quality management personnel and other employees to work in and manage our stores, both domestically and internationally. Our ability to do so has been and may continue to be impacted by challenges in the labor market (which has experienced, and may continue to experience, wage inflation and labor shortages), our position with respect to unions and the unionization of partners, increased employee turnover, changes in availability of our workforce, and shifts in remote or hybrid work arrangements. Our ability to attract and retain corporate, retail, and other personnel is also acutely impacted in certain international and domestic markets where the competition for a relatively small number of qualified employees is intense or in markets where large high-tech companies are able to offer more competitive salaries and benefits. These factors and others have also made, and may continue to make, it more difficult to maintain an effective system of operational internal controls for a dispersed workforce, and to train partners to deliver a consistently high-quality product and customer experience.
Previous wording
Starting in September 2021, Starbucks partners at a number of company-operated stores sought union representation through elections conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. Unions have secured representation rights at hundreds of our more than 10,000 U.S. company-operated stores, with potentially more to follow, and Starbucks is engaged in collective bargaining for initial collective bargaining agreements for these stores. If we encounter difficulties negotiating collective bargaining agreements, are unsuccessful in those efforts, or obtain contracts with unfavorable terms, then we could incur additional costs, change our employee culture, decrease our flexibility, and increase our operational complexity. These risks could also present the potential to disrupt our current operational model by affecting our ability to fully implement operational changes to enhance our efficiency and adapt to changing business needs.
Current wording
Starting in September 2021, Starbucks partners at a number of company-operated stores sought union representation through elections conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. Unions have secured representation rights at around 6% of our more than 10,000 U.S. company-operated stores, with potentially more to follow, and Starbucks has been engaged in collective bargaining for initial collective bargaining agreements for these stores. If we encounter difficulties negotiating collective bargaining agreements, are unsuccessful in those efforts, or obtain contracts with unfavorable terms, then we could incur additional costs, change our employee culture, decrease our flexibility, and increase our operational complexity. These risks could also present the potential to disrupt our current operational model by affecting our ability to fully implement operational changes to enhance our efficiency and adapt to changing business needs.
Previous wording
Moreover, we have experienced job actions in some company-operated stores. Such job actions and work stoppages have the potential to negatively impact our operations, third-party providers upon whom we rely to deliver product, our sales and customer flow in impacted locations, our costs, and can also have a negative impact on our reputation and brand.
Current wording
Moreover, we have experienced work stoppages and other disruptions caused by union activities or organizing efforts in some company-operated stores. Such work stoppages and other disruptions have the potential to negatively impact our operations, third-party providers upon whom we rely to deliver product, our sales and customer flow in impacted locations, our costs, and can also have a negative impact on our reputation and brand.
Previous wording
Additionally, our position with respect to unions and the unionization of partners could negatively impact how our brand is perceived and could have material adverse effects on our business, including on our financial results. These positions could also expose us to legal risk, causing us to incur costs to defend legal and regulatory actions, potential penalties and restrictions, and reputational harm.
Current wording
Additionally, while we respect the rights of partners to organize, our position with respect to unions and the unionization of partners could negatively impact how our brand is perceived and could have material adverse effects on our business, including on our financial results. These positions could also expose us to legal risk, causing us to incur costs to defend legal and regulatory actions, potential penalties and restrictions, and reputational harm.
Previous wording
•Our business is subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations and expectations, including with respect to environmental, social, and governance matters, that could expose us to numerous risks.
Current wording
Our business is subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations and expectations, including with respect to responsible business matters, that could expose us to numerous risks.
Previous wording
•The unauthorized access, use, theft, or destruction of customer or employee data (personal, financial, or other), or of Starbucks proprietary or confidential information that is stored in our information systems or by third parties on our behalf, could impact our reputation and brand and expose us to potential liability and loss of revenues.
Current wording
The unauthorized access, use, theft, or destruction of customer or employee data (personal, financial, or other), or of Starbucks proprietary or confidential information, that is stored in our information systems or by third parties could impact our reputation and brand and expose us to potential liability and loss of revenues.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Additionally, there is intense competition for qualified technology systems developers, who are necessary to develop and implement new technologies for our growth initiatives, including increasing our digital relationships with customers. If we are unable to recruit, retain, and motivate employees sufficiently to maintain our current business and support our projected growth, our business and financial performance may be adversely affected.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (27)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Risks Related to Brand Relevance and Brand Execution
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Our success depends substantially on the value of our brands, and failure to preserve their value could have a negative impact on our financial results.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Evolving consumer preferences and tastes, as well as adverse public or medical opinions about the health effects of consuming our products, may adversely affect our business.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
If our business partners and third-party providers do not satisfactorily fulfill their responsibilities and commitments, it could damage our brand, and our financial results could suffer.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Reported incidents involving food- or beverage-borne illnesses, tampering, adulteration, contamination, or mislabeling, whether or not accurate, could harm our business.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
If we are unable to meet our projections for new store openings or efficiently maintain the attractiveness of our existing stores, our operating results could suffer.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Risks Related to Operating a Global Business
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We are highly dependent on the financial performance of our North America operating segment.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We face risks as a global business that could adversely affect our financial performance.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Our reliance on key business partners may adversely affect our business and operations.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Increases in the cost of high-quality arabica coffee beans or other commodities or decreases in the availability of high-quality arabica coffee beans or other commodities could have an adverse impact on our business operations and financial results.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Our supply chain may be unable to fully support current and future business needs.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Interruption of our supply chain and our reliance on suppliers could affect our ability to produce or deliver our products and could negatively impact our business and profitability.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Failure to meet our announced guidance or market expectations for our financial performance will likely adversely affect the market price and increase the volatility of our stock, and fluctuations in the stock market as a whole may also impact the market price and volatility of our stock.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The loss of key personnel, difficulties with recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, or ineffectively managing changes in our workforce could adversely impact our business and financial results.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Changes in the availability and cost of labor could adversely affect our business.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We face intense competition in each of our channels and markets, which could lead to reduced profitability.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Climate change may have an adverse impact on our business.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Our business is subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations and expectations, including with respect to environmental, social, and governance matters, that could expose us to numerous risks.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Certain activist shareholder actions have caused, and could continue to cause, us to incur expense, hinder execution of our business strategy, and adversely impact our stock price.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Risks Related to Regulation and Litigation
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Failure to comply with applicable laws and changing legal and regulatory requirements could harm our business and financial results.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We have been, and could continue to be, party to litigation or other legal proceedings that could adversely affect our business, results, operations, and reputation.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Failure to maintain satisfactory compliance with certain privacy and data protection laws and regulations may result in substantial negative financial consequences, reputational harm, and civil or criminal penalties.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The unauthorized access, use, theft, or destruction of customer or employee data (personal, financial, or other), or of Starbucks proprietary or confidential information that is stored in our information systems or by third parties on our behalf, could impact our reputation and brand and expose us to potential liability and loss of revenues.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We rely heavily on information technology in our operations and growth initiatives, and any material failure, inadequacy, interruption, or security failure of that technology could harm our ability to effectively operate and grow our business and could adversely affect our financial results.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property or ensure that we are not infringing on the intellectual property of others could harm the value of our brand and our business.