Starbucks reported stronger comparable sales and improved operating profitability in its fiscal fourth quarter of 2026, offering further evidence that its Back to Starbucks turnaround strategy is gaining traction. The Seattle-based coffee chain recorded a 7.2% increase in global comparable coffeehouse sales for the quarter ended September 27, 2026, supported by higher average spending and a modest rise in customer transactions. However, consolidated net revenue declined 4% to $9.1 billion, reflecting the impact of its China transaction.
The improvement in comparable sales was driven by a 5.2% increase in average ticket and a 1.8% rise in comparable transactions. In the United States, comparable coffeehouse sales increased 7.7%, with transactions up 2.4% and average ticket rising 5.2%. North America’s comparable sales grew 7.9%, indicating stronger performance in Starbucks’ largest operating market.
Profitability also improved considerably. Starbucks reported fourth-quarter GAAP operating income of $982 million, compared with $281 million in the corresponding period a year earlier, while its GAAP operating margin expanded to 10.8%, up 790 basis points. Non-GAAP operating margin reached 14%, an improvement of 450 basis points. The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $0.59, up 392% year over year, and non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.80, an increase of 54%.
The company attributed the stronger performance to the Back to Starbucks plan, which is focused on improving the in-store customer experience, strengthening coffeehouse operations, and making the brand more relevant to customers. The strategy has included changes to staffing and service routines, investment in coffeehouse operations, menu and product initiatives, and efforts to rebuild the customer connection that has historically differentiated Starbucks.
The results also reflect the company’s ongoing restructuring. Starbucks said its fourth-quarter coffeehouse count included 212 locations closed during the period as part of its restructuring plan. The closures form part of a wider effort to reshape its store portfolio and focus investment on locations and operating models that support its long-term business priorities.
For the full fiscal year 2026, global comparable coffeehouse sales rose 6.2%, supported by a 3.2% increase in comparable transactions and a 3% rise in average ticket. Consolidated net revenue increased 2% to $37.9 billion. North American comparable sales grew 6.6%, while U.S. comparable sales increased 6.5%. The company also reported an expansion in its full-year GAAP operating margin to 9.7%.
