Should I buy Starbucks stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring Starbucks’ performance for over three years. Each month, hundreds of thousands of users across the United States count on us to interpret market trends and highlight top investment opportunities. Our analyses are informational in nature and do not represent investment advice. In line with our ethical guidelines, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by Starbucks.

What is Starbucks?

How much is Starbucks stock?

The price of Starbucks stock is rising this week. Starbucks (SBUX) is currently trading at $82.01, gaining $1.96 (up 2.45%) over the last 24 hours but down 2.15% for the week. With a market capitalization of $93.2 billion and an average trading volume of 11.36 million shares over the past three months, the stock remains actively traded.

Given recent fluctuations and ongoing turnaround efforts, investors should note potential volatility as well as opportunities for long-term growth.

Our full analysis on Starbucks stock

After a rigorous review of Starbucks Corporation’s latest quarterly results, recent share performance, and a broad range of industry and technical data—integrated with proprietary models assessing financial ratios, sentiment, and market positioning—we provide a data-rich perspective on SBUX’s present investment case. Starbucks has navigated a challenging three-year period, yet operational resilience, evolving strategy, and shareholder-focused initiatives stand out amid evolving sector conditions. So, why might Starbucks stock once again represent a compelling strategic entry point into the consumer discretionary and restaurant sector as 2025 approaches?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Starbucks shares closed at $82.01 on May 2, 2025, a level clearly below last year’s highs but distinctly above the 52-week low of $71.55. While the stock has fallen 17% over the previous six months—impacted by challenging North American traffic and cost inflation—it maintains a positive one-year gain of over 10%. Notably, recent sessions saw trading volume surge (153% above the 3-month average), a typical indicator of institutional repositioning and rising investor attention.

Macroeconomically, the consumer discretionary landscape is stabilizing with moderating inflation and ongoing wage growth, providing a backdrop of gradually improving consumer sentiment. Despite sector-wide pressures, sustained demand for affordable indulgences and "everyday luxuries" places Starbucks well within a defensive growth segment. The company’s ongoing turnaround strategy and rising international store activity reinforce its recovery case, offering a positive long-term outlook despite short-term earnings volatility.

Importantly, the leadership transition—featuring Brian Niccol as Chairman and CEO and Cathy Smith as CFO—signals a strong commitment to operational discipline, strategic innovation, and enhancing shareholder value. The company is aligning with investor demands for clear, results-driven transformation.

Technical Analysis

From a technical analysis perspective, Starbucks’ chart exhibits several bullish inflection points despite ongoing bearish signals from traditional indicators. The stock currently trades beneath its short- and long-term moving averages (20, 50, 100, and 200-day EMAs), signaling recent weakness. However, these very conditions often set up attractive entry opportunities for patient investors.

• Relative Strength Index (RSI): At 34.67, the RSI is nearing oversold territory, which historically precedes technical rebounds for SBUX.
• MACD: Currently at -3.66, the MACD reveals downward momentum but is flattening, a common sign of bottoming out.
• Williams %R and CCI: Williams %R at -59.63 and CCI at -139.04 indicate the stock is technically oversold, potentially triggering a short-term reversal.

Key support is found at $80.27; Starbucks has demonstrated resilience above this level through amplified volume and buying interest, while technical resistance is marked at $82.71. A sustained move above this threshold could confirm a developing bullish phase. The ADX at 38.96 confirms the existence of a strong trend, but with reversal signals forming, Starbucks may be transitioning out of its corrective pattern.

Fundamental Analysis

Despite challenges in Q2 FY2025 results—revenue growth of 2.3% year-over-year with a temporary margin contraction—Starbucks continues to demonstrate structural advantages compared to peers. The company reported $8.76 billion in quarterly revenue, and an almost even split between company-operated (53%) and licensed (47%) stores, offering flexibility and resilience across markets.

While non-GAAP EPS dropped 40% to $0.41 (GAAP EPS by 50% to $0.34), these outcomes largely correspond to industry-wide headwinds in labor and input costs, as well as U.S. store traffic. Importantly, international performance remains robust, with 2% comparable sales growth outside North America and strong results in China—Starbucks’s second-largest market. Notably, China comparable sales stabilized at 0% in Q2 2025 after double-digit declines during 2024, providing a platform for future growth.

From a valuation lens, Starbucks trades at a trailing P/E of 29.82 and P/S of 2.57—still attractive metrics relative to both its historical range and major consumer discretionary competitors. The company’s beta of 1.00 indicates a balanced risk profile, further strengthening its case as a strategic portfolio addition.

Structurally, Starbucks boasts a premium brand, strong pricing power, and unmatched global store density (40,789 locations as of Q2 FY2025). The “Back to Starbucks” reset aims to re-energize operational excellence, digital engagement, and menu innovation. The company’s proven capital allocation plan is highlighted by 60 consecutive quarters of dividend payments—an exceptional record for consistency and dividend growth, with a long-term CAGR near 19%.

Volume and Liquidity

Starbucks’s liquidity metrics are highly attractive to both institutional and retail investors. The stock trades above 11 million shares daily—recently soaring to 18.33 million in high-activity sessions—demonstrating strong market confidence and substantial capacity to handle large transactions with minimal price disruption.

The company’s large public float and blue-chip index membership foster dynamic valuation support in secondary markets. Consistently elevated trading volumes during periods of market recalibration frequently precede inflection points, as shifting sentiment and fresh capital flows into the stock.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

• Strategic Turnaround: The "Back to Starbucks" plan, led by Brian Niccol, is already driving cost optimization, streamlined processes, and improved store-level economics.
• Digital Transformation: Expansion and refinement of the loyalty program and customer digital engagement tools are fueling incremental revenue and increasing brand loyalty.
• International Growth: Ongoing global expansion, with 387 new stores opened in H1 2025, particularly in fast-growing markets shifting toward premium experiences.
• Menu Innovation: Starbucks increases its competitive edge through new product launches, seasonal offerings, and customization, boosting transaction value and frequency.
• ESG and Sustainability Initiatives: Starbucks’s commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and employee engagement resonates with next-generation investors and customers.
• Dividend Strength: Continued quarterly dividends and targeted increases support the case for total return-seeking investors.

Overall, moderating cost inflation and strengthening consumer spending trends bode well for Starbucks’s pricing power and margin improvement. The consensus analyst price target is $92.73, implying an approximate 13% upside before considering added upside from recent initiatives. This suggests a favorable return profile versus sector benchmarks and key peers.

Investment Strategies

• Short-Term (Swing/Active Traders): The clustering of oversold technical signals and high volume in the $80–82 range point to potential mean reversion trades, targeting resistance at $85–90.
• Medium-Term (6–12 Months): Investors seeking visible improvements in fundamentals may consider positions as the turnaround gains traction, aligning with upcoming quarterly catalysts and normalization in North American traffic.
• Long-Term (12 Months and Beyond): For multi-year investors, Starbucks’s rare blend of global scale, digital leadership, and dividend growth delivers compelling compounding potential as international expansion and new efficiencies take effect.

Positioning at or near technical lows—especially when accompanied by broad market pessimism—has historically offered attractive risk/reward profiles for quality consumer stocks like Starbucks. With short-term headwinds already priced in and catalysts ahead, the present environment appears highly favorable for selective accumulation.

Is It the Right Time to Buy Starbucks?

Combining strong fundamental strengths, accelerating international growth, and a clear, well-communicated turnaround roadmap, Starbucks today appears well-positioned to reward patient investors. Key technical, volume, and valuation metrics all favor the argument that the current environment is supportive for new positions, with reversal signals suggesting recent weakness may soon cede to renewed upside movement.

As Starbucks refocuses on brand strength, operational excellence, and strategic expansion, the company’s long tradition of innovation and shareholder returns supports an optimistic long-term forecast. The outstanding dividend record, coupled with robust digital engagement and the capture of new markets, justifies renewed interest from income and growth investors alike.

While continued caution is warranted regarding North American traffic and margin pressures, proactive management, market liquidity, and brand strength argue for Starbucks’s upside potential. In this context, Starbucks represents an excellent option for investors seeking exposure to resilient global brands within the consumer discretionary universe—potentially on the verge of a bullish transition.

For those seeking a blend of quality, innovation, and attractive total returns, Starbucks deserves close consideration as a core holding as 2025 approaches—making the current market phase an opportune time to revisit this iconic franchise with renewed conviction.

How to buy Starbucks stock in United States?

Buying Starbucks stock online is both straightforward and secure when you use a regulated broker in the United States. As a retail investor, you can choose between two primary methods: spot buying, where you own the actual shares, or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which lets you speculate on price movements without owning the stock. Each method suits different investor profiles and risk tolerances. Before getting started, it’s wise to review the key differences—which we will compare in the broker selection section further down the page.

Cash Buying

A cash purchase involves buying Starbucks (SBUX) shares outright on the stock market via your broker. You become a direct shareholder, participating in potential price appreciation and receiving quarterly dividends. U.S. brokers typically charge a fixed commission per trade, around $0–$10 per order, though many leading platforms now offer commission-free trading on U.S. stocks. However, let’s use a realistic brokerage fee of $5 for our example.

Important example

For instance, with Starbucks trading at $82.01 per share, a $1,000 investment (subtracting a $5 fee) allows you to buy approximately 12 shares ($995 ÷ $82.01 ≈ 12).

Gain scenario: If Starbucks shares rise by 10%, your shares would be worth roughly $1,100.
Result: +$100 gross gain, or +10% on your investment (excluding taxes and any other potential fees).

Trading via CFD

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading allows you to invest in Starbucks without actually owning the underlying shares. Instead, you speculate on the price movement—potentially profiting whether the stock rises or falls. CFD platforms typically charge a “spread” (small difference between buy and sell price), and, if you use leverage or hold positions overnight, financing fees may apply.

Important example

Suppose you open a CFD position on Starbucks with $1,000 and use 5x leverage. This means you control $5,000 worth of stock exposure with $1,000 of your own funds.

Gain scenario: If Starbucks stock rises by 8%, your $5,000 position increases in value by $400 (8% x $5,000 = $400).
Result: +$400 gain on a $1,000 stake (excluding fees and interest charges), or a return of +40%—demonstrating the powerful effect of leverage but also the higher risks involved.

Final Advice

Before investing in Starbucks—whether through direct share purchase or CFD trading—it’s essential to compare brokers’ fees, platforms, and trading conditions. Costs, available features, and investor protections can vary widely among providers. Your choice should reflect your personal investment goals, risk appetite, and preference for ownership or flexibility. To make an informed decision, check out our broker comparison table further down the page. Each investor is unique: select the approach that aligns best with your strategies and financial objectives.

Application

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30+ million users

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eToro

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4.9

Discover

51% of CFD accounts lose money. You will never lose more than your investment.

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CFD and Indices Expert

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IG

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4.9

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74% of CFD accounts lose money. Your capital is at risk.

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CFD specialist

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Avatrade

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4.8

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Our 7 tips for buying Starbucks stock

The latest news about Starbucks

Starbucks announced a quarterly dividend of $0.61, marking 60 consecutive quarters of uninterrupted payments. This consistent track record underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to returning capital to shareholders, a positive signal for income-focused US investors. The dividend yield now stands at 2.98%, with the next ex-dividend date set for May 16, 2025, and payment to follow on May 30. Notably, the dividend has experienced a compound annual growth rate approaching 19% over this streak, highlighting Starbucks’ financial resilience and appeal as a dividend growth stock, even amidst operational volatility.

Starbucks’ “Back to Starbucks” turnaround plan is showing early signs of progress under new CEO Brian Niccol. The leadership transition finalized in 2024 introduced a renewed focus on operational efficiency, core brand values, and customer experience in North America, which remains the company’s largest market. Recent management efforts have targeted improved transaction growth and cost reduction, including a streamlined support organization and measures to curb store renovation expenses. Despite recent declines in comparable store sales and operating margins, these strategic initiatives are already being recognized as avenues for stabilizing and building long-term shareholder value, in line with recent analyst commentary.

Recent earnings revealed resilient revenues with $8.76 billion in Q2 FY2025, up 2.3% year-over-year despite industry challenges. While earnings per share declined sharply due to margin pressures—reflecting higher labor and operational costs amid softer US store traffic—the revenue increase highlights Starbucks’ enduring brand strength and ongoing customer demand, especially in a tough macroeconomic environment. North America delivered -1% in comparable store sales, but the company’s global expansion and enhanced digital engagement contributed positively to the top line.

International expansion remains a key growth driver, with 387 new stores opened globally in the first half of FY2025. Over 61% of Starbucks’ store base is concentrated in the United States and China, positioning the company strongly for regional and international recovery. In China, comparable store sales stabilized at 0%, a significant improvement from the previous-year decline. This global footprint and the mix of company-operated and licensed stores reinforce the company’s ability to capture diversified growth opportunities beyond its domestic market, helping to offset localized softness in US demand.

Starbucks shares saw a sharp increase in recent trading sessions, with volumes surging 153% above the three-month average. The last closing price stood at $82.01, with a notable intraday gain of +2.45%. This surge in trading activity could reflect increased institutional investor interest as the stock approaches oversold technical levels, supported by a relative strength index near 34.67 and consensus analyst price targets implying double-digit upside from current levels. The technical picture, though broadly bearish, suggests the possibility of a near-term rebound as investors re-evaluate the stock’s valuation and turnaround prospects.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.