Starbucks

Starbucks will explore AI that recognizes participating customers at the drive-thru to present personalized digital menus and simplify payment, CEO Brian Niccol said. Starting in 2027 the company will test background AI models to help baristas capture orders more accurately and plans to add AI features to the app for search, discovery and potential conversational ordering. Starbucks already supports ordering via ChatGPT and provides employees with an AI-powered Green Dot Assist; Niccol said the program is early and will be tested and scaled if successful. » More on theverge.com

Starbucks posted adjusted EPS of $0.80 for fiscal Q4, beating estimates, while revenue of $9.14 billion slightly missed consensus as China moved to a JV model. Global comparable store sales rose 7.2% (North America up 7.9%), and management forecast roughly 4% North America comps and adjusted EPS of $3.15–$3.25 for fiscal 2027, with adjusted operating margin of 13.5%–14%. CEO Brian Niccol highlighted sustained operational improvements, growth in the rewards program and menu innovations, while noting macro risks such as elevated gas prices and valuation concerns at ~33x forward earnings. » More on cnbc.com

Under CEO Brian Niccol, Starbucks is focusing on operational improvements such as shorter wait times, simpler processes and a clearer brand profile to make stores more efficient and attractive. Better sales trends, margins and free cash flows are meant to strengthen profitability and translate growth directly into higher earnings as well as dividends and share buybacks. Speculation about a connection to Chipotle was rejected by Niccol; the key question remains whether the measures will prove sustainable. » More on deraktionaer.de

Starbucks said it is not pursuing an acquisition of Chipotle and is focused on executing its Back to Starbucks growth strategy. The company dismissed reports of a potential deal after Chipotle's $47 billion market value drew investor attention and its shares jumped following the initial report. Industry analysts had called a merger low-probability, noting CEO Brian Niccol's past role at Chipotle and Starbucks' priority on its turnaround plan. » More on cbsnews.com

According to a report, Starbucks is consulting financial advisers about a possible acquisition of Chipotle Mexican Grill with an estimated value of around $50 billion. CEO Brian Niccol previously led Chipotle from 2018 to 2024 through a successful turnaround. Wall Street is skeptical because of high debt, limited operational synergies and Starbucks’ ongoing restructuring. A deal of this size would be the largest takeover in the restaurant industry to date. » More on finanzen.net