Starbucks Posts First Sales Drop Since 2020 During Global Pullback

(Bloomberg) -- Starbucks Corp. sales fell for the first time since 2020 as half-off deals and new lavender lattes weren't enough to entice increasingly budget-conscious consumers.

The shares tumbled as much as 16% in New York trading Wednesday, the most since the early days of the pandemic in March 2020. 

“Starbucks reported what's perhaps the worst set of results of any large company so far” this quarter, said Adam Crisafulli, an analyst with Vital Knowledge, in a note. William Blair downgraded its stock recommendation citing the coffee chain's “stunning across the board miss on all key metrics.”

On a call with investors Tuesday, the company cut its full-year revenue growth forecast to low single-digits and signaled adjusted earnings per share may be flat. 

Starbucks has struggled to keep up with lofty expectations set by previous management. Chief Executive Officer Laxman Narasimhan, who has been on the job a little more than a year, has already lowered guidance several times. But the latest results underscore the challenge of selling $6 lattes to consumers grappling with persistent inflation. 

The company reported a 4% decline in same-store sales in the latest quarter, while analysts expected growth. In China, same-store sales fell 11%. The pullback by consumers was widespread, with the overall number of transactions sinking 6% and retreating in each of the company's geographic segments. Consolidated net revenue fell, while earnings per share excluding some items also underperformed expectations. 

Chief Financial Officer Rachel Ruggeri said the quarterly results were hurt by colder-than-usual weather in January that affected store visits across the industry, a more cautious consumer around the world and the conflict in the Middle East.

“We were not pleased with the performance this quarter,” Ruggeri said in an interview. “We really sharpened our focus, and we have a very clear path going forward.”

The chain is looking to reverse the slump by focusing on fulfilling demand in the mornings, Ruggeri said. Starbucks wants to boost product availability and cut wait times, including by updating how it makes some drinks. It's working on new products to attract customers in the afternoons and launching a boba-like drink this summer. 

Starbucks is also aiming to get more customers to try its app in hopes they'll sign up for the loyalty program. Rewards members visit more often, according to executives.

This was a notable miss with no easy fix in sight, said Andy Barish, an equity analyst at Jefferies. “Question facing the company and investors is whether these challenges are more transitory or longer-term issues regarding brand, relevance and competitiveness, especially in China.” 

--With assistance from Joel Leon and Deirdre Hipwell.

(Updates with shares in second paragraph.)

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