SBUX
ESEN Institutional Research
SBUX Systematic Research
Starbucks Corp presents a distinctive capital structure profile, with systematic screening highlighting an exceptionally negative book value of $0.89 per share and a corresponding price-to-book ratio of 64.12x. The company's debt-to-equity ratio of 8.07 reflects an aggressive financial engineering approach, while the return on equity of 115.68% mathematically amplifies when equity capital approaches zero. At a current price of $106.60 within 2% of its 52-week high of $108.88, the $121.5 billion market capitalization positions SBUX among the largest restaurant operators globally.
The fundamental screening identifies several performance strengths:
- Return on investment of 41.73% demonstrates operational efficiency in converting capital into profits despite the compressed equity base
- Revenue growth of 5.84% year-over-year indicates sustained market presence in a mature category
- Gross margin of 21.9% reflects pricing power in the specialty coffee segment
Research perspectives flag material concerns in the current financial profile. Earnings per share of $1.31 declined 52.37% year-over-year, driving the trailing P/E ratio to 81.11x—substantially elevated relative to historical normalized multiples. The current ratio of 0.72 signals potential liquidity constraints, as current liabilities exceed current assets. Operating margin compression to 7.62% and net margin of 3.89% suggest intensifying cost pressures across the store network.
Relative to restaurant peers McDonald's (MCD) and Yum! Brands (YUM), the model indicates SBUX trades at a premium price-to-sales ratio of 3.15x, reflecting brand differentiation but potentially limiting valuation expansion. The beta of 1.02 aligns closely with broader market volatility characteristics.
Analysis updated monthly based on systematic screening of fundamentals, profitability, growth, and peer positioning.