Starbucks shares rise after beating Q3 forecasts

Shares of Starbucks surged in after-market trading Wednesday after the coffee chain reported stronger-than-expected quarterly sales and profit and raised its financial outlook for the year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth. Global comparable sales rose 7.9% for the fiscal third quarter ended June 28, 2026, driven by a 4.2% increase in transactions and a 3.5% increase in average ticket. In the United States, comparable sales increased 7.9%.

The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.85, surpassing analyst estimates, while revenue of $9.3 billion also exceeded forecasts. On a GAAP basis, earnings per share jumped 86% to $0.91. Net income rose 87% to $1 billion for the quarter.

Following the results, Starbucks raised its full-year guidance. The company now expects adjusted earnings per share between $2.55 and $2.65, up from its previous forecast of $2.25 to $2.45. It also increased its global comparable sales growth target to nearly 6% for the fiscal year, up from a prior 5% target, and projected U.S. comparable sales growth of at least 6.5% for the current fourth quarter.

The performance was attributed to a continued recovery in customer...