Starbucks reported its first increase in global customer traffic in two years, driving a 5.5% year-over-year rise in quarterly revenue to $9.92 billion and a 4.0% uptick in U.S. same-store sales. While adjusted EPS of $0.56 fell short of consensus by $0.03, management emphasized that the “Back to Starbucks” initiative—launched under CEO Brian Niccol—has improved throughput and customer experience. The company reaffirmed full-year guidance of $2.15 to $2.40 in EPS and set longer-term targets of more than 5% annual comparable sales growth and operating margins of 13.5%–15% by fiscal 2028.

Terra Alpha Investments LLC boosted its stake in Starbucks by 17.9% during the third quarter, adding 6,406 shares to reach 42,273 shares and making the coffee chain its 12th largest holding at 3.6% of the fund’s portfolio. Other institutional moves included a 3.0% increase by Cooper Haims Advisors (3,749 shares), a 1.9% rise by Diligent Investors (6,132 shares) and a 2.4% addition by Silver Oak Securities (5,288 shares). Overall, hedge funds and institutions now own 72.29% of the company’s shares.

Director Jorgen Vig Knudstorp acquired 11,700 shares at an average cost of $85.00 on November 10, boosting his ownership by 28.3% to 53,096 shares. Insiders collectively hold 0.09% of the equity. Starbucks recently declared a quarterly dividend of $0.62 per share, payable February 27 to holders of record on February 13, reflecting a $2.48 annualized payout and a 2.7% yield, with a payout ratio above 200%.

A consensus of 19 buy ratings, seven holds and two sells places Starbucks at a “Moderate Buy,” with an average price target of $104.74. The stock trades at a trailing P/E near 76 and a P/E/G ratio of 1.94, with a market capitalization in excess of $100 billion. Technical indicators show a 50-day moving average around $88 and a 200-day average near $87, while the 52-week trading range spans $75.50 to $117.46.