# Starbucks Reports Higher U.S. Comparable Sales as Quarterly Revenue Falls

The coffee chain attributed its revenue decline mainly to the shift of its China business to a licensed joint venture.

By Will Langan | 24X7 News
Published: 2026-10-29T21:03:50.444Z
Updated: 2026-10-29T21:03:50.444Z
Section: Business
Format: News
Canonical: https://24x7news.us/articles/starbucks-fourth-quarter-results-october-29-2026

Starbucks reported October 29 that U.S. comparable coffeehouse sales rose 7.7% in its fiscal fourth quarter, while consolidated revenue fell about 4% to $9.1 billion.

The company attributed the revenue decline primarily to converting its China retail operations to a licensed joint venture. That change affects how sales enter Starbucks’ consolidated accounts.

U.S. comparable transactions increased 2.4%, while average ticket rose 5.2%. Globally, comparable sales increased 7.2%, with transactions up 1.8%. International comparable sales rose 0.9%, despite a 2.8% decline in transactions.

GAAP earnings reached 59 cents per share, compared with 12 cents a year earlier. Adjusted earnings, which exclude certain items, were 80 cents per share, up 54%. The quarter ended September 27.

Starbucks forecast approximately 4% North America comparable-sales growth for fiscal 2027, alongside a roughly 1% decline in consolidated revenue, again reflecting the China transition.

The outlook assumes a 53-week fiscal year and adjusted earnings of $3.15–$3.25 per share. These projections are separate from completed quarterly results.

Sources:
Starbucks — October 29 Results via Business Wire: https://www.stocktitan.net/news/SBUX/starbucks-reports-q4-and-full-fiscal-year-2026-eikb8juzwdj6.html

## Sources
- Starbucks — October 29 Results via Business Wire: https://www.stocktitan.net/news/SBUX/starbucks-reports-q4-and-full-fiscal-year-2026-eikb8juzwdj6.html