• Cowen & Co. maintains a "Hold" rating on Starbucks, with a price target increase from $84 to $89.
• Starbucks plans to open 650 new stores this year, focusing on the performance of its existing 16,000 U.S. locations.
• In Q1 FY2026, Starbucks reported a 4% growth in global comparable sales and a 5% increase in revenue, but saw a decrease in operating income and a 19% drop in earnings per share.

Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) is a global coffeehouse chain known for its premium coffee and customer experience. With over 16,000 locations in the U.S. alone, Starbucks is a leader in the coffee industry. Competitors include Dunkin' and McDonald's, which also offer coffee products. Starbucks' stock is currently priced at $93.88, as Cowen & Co. maintains a "Hold" rating.

Cowen & Co.'s decision to maintain a "Hold" rating on Starbucks reflects a cautious stance. The stock's price target was raised by TD Cowen from $84 to $89, indicating some optimism. Despite this, the stock price has decreased by 1.35% to $93.88, with a trading range between $92.72 and $96.90 for the day. The market capitalization stands at $106.95 billion.

Starbucks plans to open 650 new stores this year, but the focus remains on the performance of its existing 16,000 U.S. locations. U.S. comparable store sales, a key metric, measures revenue growth at stores open for at least 12 months. Positive sales indicate strong brand pricing power, while negative sales suggest challenges in customer traffic or pricing.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, Starbucks reported a 4% growth in global comparable sales, surpassing expectations. Revenue increased by 5% to $9.92 billion. However, operating income decreased, and earnings per share fell by 19% year-over-year. This indicates that while revenue grew, profitability suffered, highlighting the impact of fixed costs when margins shrink.