• Citigroup maintains a "Buy" rating for Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) with a stock price of $99.51 and a consensus price target of $106.
• Starbucks to implement new policies to address a 5% decline in North American transactions, aiming to improve customer experience and boost sales.
• Despite anticipated declines in financial performance, Starbucks receives a "buy" rating from more than half of the analysts, with a market capitalization of approximately $113.4 billion.

Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) is a global coffeehouse chain known for its specialty coffee and beverages. The company operates thousands of stores worldwide, offering a variety of products including coffee, tea, and food items. Starbucks faces competition from other coffee chains like Dunkin' and McDonald's, which also offer similar products. Despite the competitive landscape, Starbucks remains a dominant player in the coffee industry.

On January 27, 2025, Citigroup maintained its "Buy" rating for Starbucks, suggesting that investors hold onto their shares. At that time, the stock was priced at $99.51. This recommendation comes as Starbucks prepares to release its first-quarter earnings report, with analysts predicting a decline in both revenue and earnings. Despite these challenges, the stock has a consensus price target of $106, indicating potential growth.

Starbucks is implementing new policies to address a 5% decline in North American transactions in 2024. Starting Monday, only paying customers or their guests can use the company's facilities, reversing a 2018 policy. This change aims to improve customer experience and boost sales. Analysts expect a 4.8% decrease in same-store sales, with earnings per share projected at $0.67 and revenue at $9.32 billion.

Despite the anticipated decline in financial performance, more than half of the analysts covering Starbucks have given it a "buy" rating. Jefferies analysts have noted challenges in product innovation, but investor optimism remains. Of the 16 analysts, 10 have issued a "buy" rating, while four have given a "hold" rating, and two have opted for a "sell." The stock's recent price increase to $100.02 reflects this positive sentiment.

Starbucks' market capitalization stands at approximately $113.4 billion, with a trading volume of 8,775,779 shares. The stock has traded between $98.10 and $100.33 today, with a 52-week high of $103.32 and a low of $71.55. As Starbucks prepares to announce its earnings, investors are closely watching for any signs of recovery or further challenges.