Starbucks (SBUX)

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

 

Commission File Number: 0-20322

 

Starbucks Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

2401 Utah Avenue South
Seattle, Washington 98134
(206) 447-1575

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code, telephone number)

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation of S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based upon the closing sale price of the registrant’s common stock on March 28, 2008 as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $12.1 billion. As of November 13, 2008, there were approximately 733.3 million shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 18, 2009 have been incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

STARBUCKS CORPORATION

 

Form 10-K

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2008

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item 1.  Business

 

General

 

Starbucks Corporation was formed in 1985 and today is the world’s leading roaster and retailer of specialty coffee. Starbucks (together with its subsidiaries, “Starbucks” or the “Company”) purchases and roasts high-quality whole bean coffees and sells them, along with fresh, rich-brewed coffees, Italian-style espresso beverages, cold blended beverages, a variety of complementary food items, a selection of premium teas, and coffee-related accessories and equipment, primarily through Company-operated retail stores. Starbucks also sells coffee and tea products and licenses its trademark through other channels such as licensed retail stores and, through certain of its equity investees and licensees, Starbucks produces and sells a variety of ready-to-drink beverages. All channels outside the Company-operated retail stores are collectively known as specialty operations.

 

The Company’s objective is to establish Starbucks as one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world. To achieve this goal, the Company plans to continue disciplined expansion of its retail operations, to grow its specialty operations and to selectively pursue other opportunities by introducing new products and developing new channels of distribution.

 

Segment Financial Information

 

Starbucks has three reportable operating segments, with each segment providing the indicated percentage of total net revenues for fiscal year ended September 28, 2008 (“fiscal 2008”): United States (76%), International (20%) and Global Consumer Products Group (“CPG”) (4%). The United States and International segments both include Company-operated retail stores and certain components of specialty operations. Specialty operations within the United States includes licensed retail stores, foodservice accounts and other initiatives related to the Company’s core business. International specialty operations primarily consists of retail store licensing operations in more than 30 countries and foodservice accounts in Canada and the United Kingdom (“UK”). The International segment’s largest markets, based on number of retail stores, currently are Canada, Japan and the UK. The CPG segment includes packaged coffee and tea as well as branded products sold worldwide through channels such as grocery stores, warehouse clubs and convenience stores, and operates primarily through joint ventures and licensing arrangements with large consumer products business partners. This operating model leverages the business partners’ existing infrastructures and as a result, the CPG segment reflects relatively lower revenues, a modest cost structure, and a resulting higher operating margin, compared to the Company’s other two reporting segments, which consist primarily of retail stores.

 

Financial information about Starbucks segments is included in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“10-K” or “Report”).

Revenue Components

 

The following table shows the Company’s revenue components as a percentage of total net revenues and related specialty revenues for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2008:

 

 

Company-operated Retail Stores

 

The Company’s retail goal is to become the leading retailer and brand of coffee in each of its target markets by selling the finest quality coffee and related products and by providing each customer a unique Starbucks Experience. The Starbucks Experience, or third place beyond home and work, is built upon superior customer service as well as clean and well-maintained Company-operated retail stores that reflect the personalities of the communities in which they operate, thereby building a high degree of customer loyalty.

 

Starbucks strategy for expanding its retail business is to increase its market share by selectively opening additional stores in existing markets and opening stores in new markets to support its long term strategic objectives. As described in more detail in Management’s Discussion and Analysis in this 10-K, the Company committed in June 2008 to close approximately 600 underperforming Company-operated stores in the US. The decision was an integral part of its transformation strategy, first announced in January 2008, and was a result of a rigorous evaluation of the US Company-operated store portfolio. The store closures were initiated in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and are expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2009.

 

Starbucks Company-operated retail stores accounted for 84% of total net revenues during fiscal 2008.

The following table summarizes total Company-operated retail store data for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

Starbucks retail stores are typically located in high-traffic, high-visibility locations. Because the Company can vary the size and format, its stores are located in or near a variety of settings, including downtown and suburban retail centers, office buildings and university campuses. While the Company selectively locates stores in shopping malls, it focuses on locations that provide convenient access for both pedestrians and drivers. The Company also locates retail stores in select rural and off-highway locations to serve a broader array of customers outside major metropolitan markets. To provide a greater degree of access and convenience for nonpedestrian customers, the Company has continued to expand development of drive-thru retail stores. At the end of fiscal 2008, the Company operated approximately 2,800 drive-thru locations, compared to approximately 2,300 at the end of fiscal 2007, representing approximately 35% and 31%, respectively, of Company-operated stores in the US and Canada combined.

 

All Starbucks stores offer a choice of regular and decaffeinated coffee beverages, a broad selection of Italian-style espresso beverages, cold blended beverages, iced shaken refreshment beverages, a selection of premium teas and distinctively packaged roasted whole bean coffees. Starbucks stores also offer a variety of fresh food items, including several healthy choice selections. Food items include pastries, prepared breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and salads as well as sodas, juices, and bottled water. Starbucks continues to expand its food warming program in the United States and Canada, with approximately half of these stores as of September 28, 2008 providing warm food items, primarily breakfast sandwiches. A range of coffee-making equipment and accessories are also sold in the stores. Each Starbucks store varies its product mix depending upon the size of the store and its location. Larger stores carry a broad selection of the Company’s whole bean coffees in various sizes and types of packaging, as well as coffee and espresso-making equipment and accessories. Smaller Starbucks stores and kiosks typically sell a full line of coffee beverages, a limited selection of whole bean coffees and a few accessories such as travel tumblers and logo mugs.

Retail sales mix by product type for Company-operated stores was as follows:

 

 

Specialty Operations

 

Specialty operations strive to develop the Company’s brands outside the Company-operated retail store environment through a number of channels. Starbucks strategy is to reach customers where they work, travel, shop and dine by establishing relationships with prominent third parties that share the Company’s values and commitment to quality. These relationships take various forms, including licensing arrangements, foodservice accounts and other initiatives related to the Company’s core businesses. In certain situations, Starbucks has an equity ownership interest in licensee operations. During fiscal 2008, specialty revenues (which include royalties and fees from licensees, as well as product sales derived from specialty operations) accounted for 16% of total net revenues.

 

Licensing — Retail stores

 

In its licensed retail store operations, the Company leverages the expertise of its local partners and shares Starbucks operating and store development experience. Licensee partners provide improved and, at times, the only access to desirable retail space. Most licensees are prominent retailers with in-depth market knowledge and access. As part of these arrangements, Starbucks receives license fees and royalties and sells coffee, tea and related products for resale in licensed locations. Employees working in licensed retail locations are required to follow Starbucks detailed store operating procedures and attend training classes similar to those given to employees in Company-operated stores.

 

During fiscal 2008, 438 Starbucks licensed retail stores were opened in the United States and, as of September 28, 2008, the Company’s US licensees operated 4,329 stores. During fiscal 2008, 550 International licensed stores were opened. At September 28, 2008, the Company’s International operating segment had a total of 3,134 licensed retail stores. Product sales to and royalty and license fee revenues from US and International licensed retail stores accounted for 48% of specialty revenues in fiscal 2008.

 

At fiscal year end 2008, Starbucks total licensed retail stores by region and specific location were as follows:

 

 

Licensing — Packaged coffee and tea

 

Through a licensing relationship with Kraft Foods, Inc. (“Kraft”), the Company sells a selection of Starbucks and Seattle’s Best Coffee branded packaged coffees and Tazo^® teas in grocery and warehouse club stores throughout the United States. Kraft manages all distribution, marketing, advertising and promotion of these products.

The Company sells packaged coffee and tea internationally both directly to warehouse club customers, such as Costco, and through a licensing relationship with Kraft in Canada and the UK.

 

By the end of fiscal 2008, the Company’s coffees and teas were available in approximately 37,000 grocery and warehouse club stores, with 33,000 in the United States and 4,000 in International markets. Revenues from this category comprised 21% of specialty revenues in fiscal 2008.

 

Licensing — Branded products

 

The Company licenses the rights to produce and market Starbucks branded products through several partnerships both domestically and internationally. Significant licensing agreements include:

 

 

Collectively, the revenues from these branded products accounted for 4% of specialty revenues in fiscal 2008.

 

Foodservice

 

The Company sells whole bean and ground coffees, including the Starbucks and Seattle’s Best Coffee brands, as well as a selection of premium Tazo^® teas and other related products, to institutional foodservice companies that service business and industry, education, healthcare, office coffee distributors, hotels, restaurants, airlines and other retailers. The majority of the Company’s direct accounts are through national broadline distribution networks with SYSCO Corporation and US Foodservice^tm. Starbucks foodservice sales, customer service and support resources are aligned with those of SYSCO Corporation and US Foodservice.

 

The Company’s total foodservice operations had over 19,000 accounts, primarily in the US, at fiscal year end 2008. Revenues from foodservice accounts comprised 25% of total specialty revenues in fiscal 2008.

 

Product Supply

 

Starbucks is committed to selling only the finest whole bean coffees and coffee beverages. To ensure compliance with its rigorous coffee standards, Starbucks controls its coffee purchasing, roasting and packaging, and the distribution of coffee used in its operations. The Company purchases green coffee beans from coffee-producing regions around the world and custom roasts them to its exacting standards for its many blends and single origin coffees.

 

The supply and price of coffee are subject to significant volatility. Although most coffee trades in the commodity market, high-altitude arabica coffee of the quality sought by the Company tends to trade on a negotiated basis at a substantial premium above commodity coffee prices, depending upon the supply and demand at the time of purchase. Supply and price can be affected by multiple factors in the producing countries, including weather, political and economic conditions. In addition, green coffee prices have been affected in the past, and may be affected in the future, by the actions of certain organizations and associations that have historically attempted to influence prices of green coffee through agreements establishing export quotas or by restricting coffee supplies.

 

To help ensure sustainability and future supply of high-quality green coffees in Central America and to reinforce the Company’s leadership role in the coffee industry, Starbucks operates the Starbucks Coffee Agronomy Company

S.R.L., a wholly owned subsidiary located in Costa Rica. Staffed with agronomists and sustainability experts, this first-of-its-kind Farmer Support Center is designed to proactively respond to changes in coffee producing countries that impact farmers and the supply of green coffee. During fiscal 2008, the Company expanded this sustainability program to Africa by establishing a Farmer Support Center in Rwanda.

 

The Company buys coffee using fixed-price and price-to-be-fixed purchase commitments, depending on market conditions, to secure an adequate supply of quality green coffee. Due to volatility in green coffee commodity prices, the Company has historically used fixed-price purchase contracts in order to bring greater certainty to its cost of sales in future periods and promote sustainability by paying an equitable price to coffee producers. When green coffee commodity prices are high for sustained periods of time, the Company is less likely to enter into fixed-price contracts on favorable terms and more likely to increase the use of price-to-be-fixed contracts to meet its demand for coffee. These types of contracts state the quality, quantity and delivery periods and fix the price relative to a green coffee commodity benchmark, but allow the benchmark price to be established after contract signing. An increased use of price-to-be-fixed contracts instead of fixed-price contracts decreases the predictability of coffee costs in future periods until the price of green coffee becomes “fixed” by either Starbucks or the seller.

 

During fiscal 2008 Starbucks more than doubled its volume of price-to-be-fixed purchase commitments when compared to fiscal 2007, as a result of higher green coffee commodity prices. During fiscal 2008, “C” coffee commodity prices traded on the New York Board of Trade within a price range of $1.18 to $1.67 per pound and prices were, on average, approximately 20% higher than fiscal 2007 and 25% higher than fiscal 2006.

 

As of September 28, 2008, the Company had $583 million of purchase commitments which, together with existing inventory, is expected to provide an adequate supply of green coffee through calendar 2009. Based on expected coffee delivery dates, approximately 86%, 9% and 5% of these purchase commitments will be received by Starbucks in fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011 and later, respectively. Additionally, approximately $246 million of these purchase commitments are price-to-be-fixed contracts, most of which will be received by Starbucks during fiscal 2009.

 

The Company depends upon its relationships with coffee producers, outside trading companies and exporters for its supply of green coffee. The Company believes, based on relationships established with its suppliers, the risk of non-delivery on such purchase commitments is remote.

 

In addition to coffee, the Company also purchases significant amounts of dairy products, particularly fluid milk, to support the needs of its Company-operated retail stores. Dairy expense for the US segment represents a large majority of the Company’s total dairy expense; therefore significant changes in US dairy prices can have a material impact on total dairy expense. The US segment’s dairy costs, which closely follow the monthly Class I fluid milk base price as calculated by the US Department of Agriculture, can change significantly in the short term. The Company’s US dairy costs remained higher throughout most of fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007, adversely affecting the US segment’s and the Company’s profitability. In the United States, the Company purchases substantially all of its fluid milk requirements from three dairy suppliers. The Company believes, based on relationships established with these suppliers, that the risk of non-delivery of enough fluid milk to support its US retail business is remote.

 

The Company also purchases a broad range of paper and plastic products, such as cups, lids, cutlery, napkins, straws, shopping bags and corrugated paper boxes from several companies to support the needs of its retail stores as well as its manufacturing and distribution operations. The cost of these materials is dependent in part upon commodity paper and plastic resin costs, but the Company believes it mitigates the effect of short-term raw material price fluctuations through strategic relationships with key suppliers.

 

Products other than whole bean coffees and coffee beverages sold in Starbucks retail stores are obtained through a number of different channels. Beverage ingredients, other than coffee and milk, including leaf teas and the Company’s selection of ready-to-drink beverages, are purchased from several specialty manufacturers, usually under long-term supply contracts. Food products, such as fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches and lunch items, are generally purchased from both regional and local sources. Coffee-making equipment, such as drip and coffee press coffeemakers, espresso machines and coffee grinders, are generally purchased directly from their manufacturers.

Coffee-related accessories, including items bearing the Company’s logos and trademarks, are produced and distributed through contracts with a number of different suppliers.

 

Competition

 

The Company’s primary competitors for coffee beverage sales are quick-service restaurants and specialty coffee shops. In almost all markets in which the Company does business, there are numerous competitors in the specialty coffee beverage business, and management expects this situation to continue. The Company believes that its customers choose among specialty coffee retailers primarily on the basis of product quality, service and convenience, as well as price. Starbucks has been experiencing significantly greater direct competition from large competitors in the United States quick-service restaurant sector, some of whom have substantially greater financial, marketing and operating resources than the Company. Starbucks also faces well-established competitors in many International markets and increased competition in the US ready-to-drink coffee beverage market.

 

The Company’s whole bean coffees compete directly against specialty coffees sold through supermarkets, specialty retailers and a growing number of specialty coffee stores. Both the Company’s whole bean coffees and its coffee beverages compete indirectly against all other coffees on the market. Starbucks specialty operations face significant competition from established wholesale and mail order suppliers, some of whom have greater financial and marketing resources than the Company.

 

Starbucks also faces intense competition from both restaurants and other specialty retailers for prime retail locations and qualified personnel to operate both new and existing stores.

 

Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Domain Names

 

The Company owns and/or has applied to register numerous trademarks and service marks in the United States and in many additional countries throughout the world. Rights to the trademarks and service marks in the United States are generally held by a wholly owned affiliate of the Company and are used by the Company under license. Some of the Company’s trademarks, including Starbucks, the Starbucks logo, Frappuccino, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Tazo are of material importance to the Company. The duration of trademark registrations varies from country to country. However, trademarks are generally valid and may be renewed indefinitely as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained.

 

The Company owns numerous copyrights for items such as product packaging, promotional materials, in-store graphics and training materials. The Company also holds patents on certain products, systems and designs. In addition, the Company has registered and maintains numerous Internet domain names, including “Starbucks.com” and “Starbucks.net.”

 

Research and Development

 

Starbucks research and development efforts are led by the Research and Development department. This team is responsible for the technical development of food and beverage products and new equipment. The Company spent approximately $7.2 million, $7.0 million and $6.5 million during fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, on technical research and development activities, in addition to customary product testing and product and process improvements in all areas of its business.

 

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

 

The Company’s business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, including fluctuations resulting from the holiday season. The Company’s cash flows from operations are considerably higher in the fiscal first quarter than the remainder of the year. This is largely driven by cash received as Starbucks Cards are purchased and loaded during the holiday season. Since revenues from the Starbucks Card are recognized upon redemption and not when purchased, seasonal fluctuations on the consolidated statements of earnings are much less pronounced. Quarterly results are affected by the timing of the opening of new stores, and the Company’s growth may conceal the impact of other seasonal influences. For these reasons, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.

Employees

 

The Company employed approximately 176,000 people worldwide as of September 28, 2008. In the United States, Starbucks employed approximately 143,000 people, with 136,000 in Company-operated retail stores and the remainder in the Company’s administrative and regional offices, and store development, roasting and warehousing operations. Approximately 33,000 employees were employed outside of the United States, with 32,000 in Company-operated retail stores and the remainder in the Company’s regional support facilities and roasting and warehousing operations. The number of the Company’s employees represented by unions is immaterial. Starbucks believes its current relations with its employees are good.

 

Available Information

 

Starbucks 10-K reports, along with all other reports and amendments filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are publicly available free of charge on the Investor Relations section of Starbucks website at http://investor.starbucks.com or at www.sec.gov as soon as reasonably practicable after these materials are filed with or furnished to the SEC. The Company’s corporate governance policies, ethics code and Board of Directors’ committee charters are also posted within this section of the website. The information on the Company’s website is not part of this or any other report Starbucks files with, or furnishes to, the SEC.

 

Global Responsibility

 

Starbucks is committed to being a deeply responsible company in the communities where it does business around the world. The Company’s focus is on ethically sourcing high-quality coffee, reducing its environmental impacts and contributing positively to communities. Starbucks Global Responsibility strategy and commitments are integral to the Company’s overall business strategy. As a result, Starbucks believes it delivers benefits to the Company and its stakeholders, including employees, business partners, customers, suppliers, shareholders, community members and others. For an overview of Starbucks Global Responsibility strategy and commitments, please see Starbucks fiscal 2008 Global Responsibility Report, which will be available online at www.starbucks.com/sharedplanet in April 2009.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

Starbucks is including this Cautionary Statement to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”) for forward-looking statements. This 10-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs, such as “will,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “aims,” “intends,” or “projects.” A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or circumstances may not occur. Investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Report. These forward-looking statements are all based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed below.

 

 

The Company’s failure to meet market expectations going forward, particularly with respect to comparable store sales, net revenues, operating margins, and earnings per share, will likely result in a decline in the market price of Starbucks stock.

 

In fiscal 2008, the Company undertook the development and implementation of several important strategic initiatives as part of a transformation strategy designed to drive long-term shareholder value and improve Starbucks results of operations, including:

 

 

There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully implement its new strategic initiatives or that its transformation plan will result in improved results of operations. If the Company does not successfully implement its new strategic initiatives, or if its transformation plan does not achieve its intended results, the Company may experience a material adverse impact on its business and financial results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the recent global financial crisis has broadened and intensified, other sectors of the economy have been adversely impacted and a severe global recession now appears likely. As a retailer that is dependent upon consumer discretionary spending, the Company will face an extremely challenging fiscal 2009 because Starbucks customers may have less money for discretionary purchases as a result of job losses, foreclosures, bankruptcies, reduced access to credit and sharply falling home prices. Any resulting decreases in customer traffic or average value per transaction will negatively impact the Company’s financial performance as reduced revenues result in sales de-leveraging which creates downward pressure on margins. Additionally, many of the effects and consequences of the global financial crisis and a broader global economic downturn are currently unknown; any one or all of them could potentially have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity and capital resources, including Starbucks ability to issue commercial paper and to raise additional capital if needed, the ability of banks to honor draws on Starbucks credit facility, or otherwise negatively impact the Company’s business and financial results.

 

 

The Company’s financial performance is highly dependent on its United States operating segment, which comprised 76% of consolidated total net revenues in fiscal 2008. The Company experienced a substantial down-turn in traffic in its US stores in fiscal 2008, which adversely affected the operating results of the US segment and the Company as a whole. If the US segment is unable to improve its financial performance, the Company’s business and financial results will continue to be adversely affected.

 

 

In July 2008, the Company announced several restructuring measures as part of the Company’s multi-faceted plan to transform its business and improve results of operations, including a plan to close approximately 600 underperforming Company-operated stores in the US market, a restructuring of the Australia market, and certain leadership and non-store organization changes. There can be no assurance that the Company will fully realize the anticipated positive impacts to future financial results from these restructuring measures. The estimated costs and charges associated with the US store closures are based on management’s assumptions and projections and may vary materially based on various factors, including the timing of store closures, the outcome of negotiations with landlords and other third parties, the Company’s ability to place affected partners (employees) into available positions at other Starbucks stores, and other changes in management’s assumptions and projections. As a result of these events and circumstances, delays and unexpected costs may occur, which could result in the Company not fully realizing the anticipated positive impact to the Company’s future financial results from such US store closures. Further, to the extent that the Company is unable to improve its financial performance in fiscal 2009, further restructuring measures may be required in the future.

 

The Company’s future growth will increasingly depend on the growth and sustained profitability of its International operating segment. Some or all of the Company’s International market business units (“MBUs”), which Starbucks generally defines by the countries or regions in which they operate, may not be successful in their operations or in achieving expected growth, which ultimately requires achieving consistent, stable net revenues and earnings. The performance of the International operating segment may be adversely affected by economic downturns in one or more of the Company’s large MBUs. Additionally, some factors that will be critical to the success of International MBUs are different than those affecting the Company’s US stores and licensees. Tastes naturally vary by region, and consumers in new international markets into which Starbucks and its licensees expand may not embrace Starbucks products to the same extent as consumers in the Company’s existing markets. Occupancy costs and store operating expenses are also sometimes higher internationally than in the United States due to higher rents for prime store locations or costs of compliance with country-specific regulatory requirements. Because many of the Company’s International operations are in an early phase of development, operating expenses as a percentage of related revenues are often higher compared to US operations. The Company’s International operations are also subject to additional inherent risks of conducting business abroad, such as:

 

 

Moreover, many of the foregoing risks are particularly acute in developing counties, which are important to the Company’s long-term growth prospects.

 

 

Starbucks Canada, Japan and UK markets account for a significant portion of the net revenues and profit contribution of the Company’s International operating segment. Any significant decline in the financial performance of one of these key markets may have a material adverse impact on the results of operations of the entire Starbucks International segment, if not partially or fully offset by positive financial performance from the other two major markets.

 

A description of the general competitive conditions in which Starbucks operates appears on page 7 under “Competition.” In the United States, the continued focus by one or more large competitors in the quick-service restaurant sector on selling high-quality specialty coffee beverages at a low cost has attracted Starbucks customers and could, if the numbers become large enough, adversely affect the Company’s sales and results of operations. Similarly, continued competition from well-established competitors in international markets could hinder growth and adversely affect the Company’s sales and results of operations in those markets. Increased competition from large competitors with significant resources in the United States packaged coffee and tea, and ready-to-drink coffee beverage market could adversely affect the profitability of the CPG segment and the Company’s results of operations. Given its premium brand, Starbucks may be impacted more severely than its competitors by customers trading down to lower priced coffee beverages and related products.

 

 

Starbucks believes it has built an excellent reputation globally for the quality of its products, for delivery of a consistently positive consumer experience and for its corporate social responsibility programs. The Starbucks brand has been highly rated in several global brand value studies. Management believes it must preserve and grow the value of the Starbucks brand to be successful in the future, particularly outside of North America, where the Starbucks brand is less well-known. Brand value is based in part on consumer perceptions as to a variety of subjective qualities. Even isolated business incidents that erode consumer trust, particularly if the incidents receive considerable publicity or result in litigation, can significantly reduce brand value. Consumer demand for the Company’s products and its brand equity could diminish significantly if Starbucks fails to preserve the quality of its products, is perceived to act in an unethical or socially irresponsible manner or fails to deliver a consistently positive consumer experience in each of its markets.

 

 

The Company’s success depends substantially on the contributions and abilities of key executives and other employees, and on its ability to recruit and retain high quality employees to work in and manage Starbucks stores. Starbucks must continue to recruit, retain and motivate management and other employees sufficient to maintain its current business and support its projected growth. A loss of key employees or a significant shortage of high quality store employees could jeopardize the Company’s ability to meet its financial targets.

 

 

The Company’s business strategy, including its plans for new stores, foodservice, branded products and other initiatives, relies significantly on a variety of licensee and partnership relationships, particularly in its International markets. Licensees are often authorized to use the Starbucks logo and provide Starbucks-branded beverages, food and other products directly to customers. The Company provides training and support to, and monitors the operations of, these business partners, but the product quality and service they deliver to Starbucks customers may be diminished by any number of factors beyond the Company’s control. Management believes customers expect the same quality of products and service from the Company’s licensees as they do from Starbucks and the Company strives to ensure customers have the same experience whether they visit a Company-operated or licensed store. Any shortcoming of a Starbucks business partner, particularly an issue affecting the quality of the service experience or the safety of beverages or food, may be attributed by customers to Starbucks, thus damaging the Company’s reputation and brand value and potentially affecting the results of operations.

 

 

Effectively managing growth can be challenging, particularly as Starbucks expands into new markets internationally, where it must balance the need for flexibility and a degree of autonomy for local management with

consistency with the Company’s goals, philosophy and standards. Significant growth can make it increasingly difficult to ensure a consistent supply of high quality raw materials, to locate and hire sufficient numbers of key employees to meet the Company’s financial targets, to maintain an effective system of internal controls for a globally dispersed enterprise and to train employees worldwide to deliver a consistently high quality product and customer experience.

 

 

Some Starbucks products contain caffeine, dairy products, sugar and other active compounds, the health effects of which are the subject of increasing public scrutiny, including the suggestion that excessive consumption of caffeine, dairy products, sugar and other active compounds can lead to a variety of adverse health effects. There has also been greater public awareness that sedentary lifestyles, combined with excessive consumption of high-calorie foods, have led to a rapidly rising rate of obesity. Particularly in the United States, there is increasing consumer awareness of health risks, including obesity, due in part to increasing publicity and attention from health organizations, as well as increased consumer litigation based on alleged adverse health impacts of consumption of various food products. While Starbucks has a variety of healthy choice beverage and food items, including items that are low in caffeine and calories, an unfavorable report on the health effects of caffeine or other compounds present in the Company’s products, or negative publicity or litigation arising from other health risks such as obesity, could significantly reduce the demand for the Company’s beverages and food products.

 

Similarly, instances or reports, whether true or not, of unclean water supply, food-borne illnesses and food tampering have in the past severely injured the reputations of companies in the food processing, grocery and quick-service restaurant sectors and could in the future affect the Company as well. Any report linking Starbucks to the use of unclean water, food-borne illnesses or food tampering could damage its brand value, immediately and severely hurt sales of its beverages and food products, and possibly lead to product liability claims. Clean water is critical to the preparation of specialty coffee beverages. The Company’s ability to ensure a clean water supply to its stores is limited, particularly in some International locations. If customers become ill from food-borne illnesses, the Company could also be forced to temporarily close some stores. In addition, instances of food-borne illnesses or food tampering, even those occurring solely at the restaurants or stores of competitors, could, by resulting in negative publicity about the foodservice industry, adversely affect Starbucks sales on a regional or global basis. A decrease in customer traffic as a result of these health concerns or negative publicity, or as a result of a temporary closure of any of the Company’s stores, could materially harm the Company’s business and results of operations.

 

 

A health pandemic is a disease that spreads rapidly and widely by infection and affects many individuals in an area or population at the same time. If a regional or global health pandemic were to occur, depending upon its duration and severity, the Company’s business could be severely affected. Starbucks has positioned itself as a third place between home and work where people can gather together for human connection. Customers might avoid public gathering places in the event of a health pandemic, and local, regional or national governments might limit or ban public gatherings to halt or delay the spread of disease. A regional or global health pandemic might also adversely impact the Company’s business by disrupting or delaying production and delivery of materials and products in its supply chain and by causing staffing shortages in its stores. The impact of a health pandemic on Starbucks might be disproportionately greater than on other companies that depend less on the gathering of people together for the sale, use or license of their products and services.

 

 

As of September 28, 2008, Starbucks had approximately $5.1 billion in minimum future rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases and $3.2 billion of total liabilities on a consolidated basis. Included in total liabilities are aggregate principal indebtedness of $713 million under outstanding commercial paper and revolving credit facility borrowings, and $550 million under ten-year notes maturing in August 2017. Future increases in the Company’s

level of financial obligations, if any, would have several important effects on the Company’s future operations, such as:

 

 

The Company’s ability to satisfy its lease obligations and make payments of principal and interest on its indebtedness depends on its future performance, which will be subject to general economic conditions, industry cycles and financial, business and other factors affecting its consolidated operations, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. If Starbucks is unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to satisfy its financial obligations, it may be required, among other things:

 

 

Such measures might not be sufficient to enable Starbucks to satisfy its financial obligations. In addition, any such financing, refinancing or sale of assets might not be available on economically favorable terms.

 

An increase in leverage could lead to deterioration in Starbucks credit ratings. A reduction in its credit ratings, regardless of the cause, could limit the Company’s availability of additional financing and increase its cost of obtaining financing.

 

 

Starbucks relies heavily on information technology systems across its operations, including for management of its supply chain, point-of-sale processing in its stores, and various other processes and transactions. The Company’s ability to effectively manage its business and coordinate the production, distribution and sale of its products depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these systems. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems, or a breach in security of these systems could cause delays in product sales and reduced efficiency of the Company’s operations, and significant capital investments could be required to remediate the problem.

 

 

Starbucks policies and procedures are designed to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those imposed by the SEC, NASDAQ, and foreign countries, as well as applicable labor laws. Additional legal and regulatory requirements, such as those arising under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, together with the fact that foreign laws occasionally conflict with domestic laws, increase the complexity of the regulatory environment in which the Company operates and the related cost of compliance. Failure to comply with the various laws and regulations may result in damage to Starbucks reputation, civil and criminal liability, fines and penalties, increased cost of regulatory compliance and restatements of the Company’s financial statements.

 

If any of the risks and uncertainties described in the cautionary factors described above actually occurs, Starbucks business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. The factors listed

above are not exhaustive. Other sections of this 10-K include additional factors that could materially and adversely impact Starbucks business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, Starbucks operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict the impact of all these factors on Starbucks business, financial condition or results of operation or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not rely on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Any or all of the forward-looking statements contained in this 10-K and any other public statement made by Starbucks or its management may turn out to be incorrect. Starbucks expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Not applicable.

Item 2.  Properties

 

The following table shows properties used by Starbucks in connection with its roasting and distribution operations:

 

 

The Company leases approximately 1.0 million square feet of office space in Seattle, Washington for corporate administrative purposes. Also in Seattle, Washington, the Company owns a 205,000 square foot office building with an adjacent 36,000 square foot plot of land, which is currently under development. The Company is no longer occupying the office building and is currently considering various options for both the building and the adjacent land, including sublease and sale.

 

As of September 28, 2008, Starbucks had more than 9,000 Company-operated retail stores. The Company also leases space in approximately 170 additional locations for regional, district and other administrative offices, training facilities and storage, not including certain seasonal retail storage locations.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

 

See discussion of Legal Proceedings in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2008.

Executive officers of the registrant

 

The executive officers of the Company are as follows:

 

 

Howard Schultz is the founder of Starbucks and serves as the Company’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. Mr. Schultz has served as chairman of the board since the Company’s inception in 1985 and he resumed his role as president and chief executive officer in January 2008. From June 2000 to February 2005, Mr. Schultz held the title of chief global strategist. From November 1985 to June 2000, he served as chief executive officer. From November 1985 to June 1994, Mr. Schultz also served as president.

 

Cliff Burrows joined Starbucks in April 2001 and has served as president, Starbucks Coffee US since March 2008. Mr. Burrows served as president, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) from April 2006 to March 2008. He served as vice president and managing director, UK prior to April 2006. Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Burrows served in various management positions with Habitat Designs Limited, a furniture and housewares retailer.

 

Martin P. Coles joined Starbucks in April 2004 as president, Starbucks Coffee International, and, in July 2008, reassumed this role, after having served as chief operating officer from September 2007 to July 2008. Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Coles served as an executive vice president of Reebok International, Ltd. a sports and fitness products company, from December 2001 to February 2004. Prior to joining Reebok International, Ltd., Mr. Coles held several executive level management sales and operations positions with NIKE Inc., Letsbuyit.com and Gateway, Inc.

 

Gerardo I. Lopez joined Starbucks in October 2004 as senior vice president; president, Global Consumer Products and became senior vice president; president, Global Consumer Products, Foodservice and Seattle’s Best Coffee in November 2007. Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Lopez was president of the Handleman Entertainment Resources division of Handleman Company from November 2001 to September 2004 and was senior vice president and general manager from May 2000 to November 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Lopez held a variety of executive management positions with Frito-Lay, Inc., Pepsi-Cola Company and The Procter & Gamble Company.

 

Arthur Rubinfeld rejoined Starbucks in February 2008 as president, Global Development. Mr. Rubinfeld also serves as president of AIRVISION LLC, an advisory firm specializing in brand positioning that he founded in June 2002. From March 2006 to February 2008, Mr. Rubinfeld served as executive vice president, Corporate Strategy and chief development officer at Potbelly Sandwich Works. Prior to 2002, Mr. Rubinfeld held several positions in Store Development at Starbucks.

Peter J. Bocian joined Starbucks as executive vice president and chief financial officer designate in May 2007 and became executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer in October 2007. As previously announced Mr. Bocian will resign as executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer at the end of November 2008. Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Bocian worked at NCR Corporation a technology and services company. From 2004 to May 2007, Mr. Bocian served as NCR’s senior vice president and chief financial officer. From 2003 to 2004, he served as NCR’s vice president, finance and interim chief financial officer. From 2002 to 2003, Mr. Bocian was the chief financial officer of NCR’s Retail and Financial Group, covering four business units and from 1999 to 2002, he served as the chief financial officer of NCR’s Retail Solutions Division.

 

Troy Alstead joined Starbucks in 1992 and currently serves as the Company’s senior vice president, Global Finance, a position he has held since September 2007. As previously announced, Mr. Alstead will succeed Mr. Bocian as executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer at the end of November 2008. Mr. Alstead previously served as chief operating officer, Starbucks Greater China from April 2008 to September 2008, senior vice president, Corporate Finance from September 2004 to August 2007, interim president, Starbucks Europe/Middle East/Africa from April 2003 through August 2004, and senior vice president, Starbucks Coffee International from March 2003 through March 2004. Mr. Alstead served in a number of other senior positions with Starbucks prior to 2004.

 

Paula E. Boggs joined Starbucks in September 2002 as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary. Prior to joining Starbucks, Ms. Boggs served as vice president, legal, for products, operations and information technology at Dell Computer Corporation from 1997 to 2002. From 1995 to 1997, Ms. Boggs was a partner with the law firm of Preston Gates & Ellis (now K&L Gates). Ms. Boggs served in several roles at the Pentagon, White House and US Department of Justice between 1984 and 1995.

 

Michelle Gass joined Starbucks in 1996 and has served as the Company’s senior vice president, Marketing and Category since July 2008. As previously announced, Ms. Gass will assume the role of executive vice president, Marketing and Category beginning December 1, 2008. Ms. Gass previously served as senior vice president, Global Strategy, Office of the ceo from January 2008 to July 2008, senior vice president, Global Product and Brand from August 2007 to January 2008, senior vice president, U.S. Category Management from May 2004 to August 2007 and vice president, U.S. Category Management from October 2003 to April 2004. Ms. Gass served in a number of other positions with Starbucks prior to 2003.

 

Peter D. Gibbons joined Starbucks in February 2007 and has served as executive vice president, Global Supply Chain Operations since July 2008. From February 2007 to July 2008, Mr. Gibbons served as senior vice president, Global Manufacturing Operations. From March 1999 to February 2007, Mr. Gibbons was executive vice president, Supply Chain, of The Glidden Company, a subsidiary of ICI Americas, Inc.

 

Dorothy J. Kim joined Starbucks in November 1995 and has served as executive vice president, Global Strategy, Office of the ceo since July 2008. From December 2004 to July 2008, Ms. Kim served as executive vice president, Supply Chain Operations. From April 2003 to December 2004, Ms. Kim served as senior vice president, Global Logistics, Planning and Procurement. Prior to April 2003, Ms. Kim served in various executive roles in Supply Chain and Coffee Operations and also held several positions in retail planning and operations.

 

Chet Kuchinad joined Starbucks in April 2003 and has served as executive vice president, Partner Resources since January 2008. Mr. Kuchinad served as senior vice president, Total Pay from April 2003 to January 2008. Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Kuchinad held a number of positions in the field of human resources with NIKE, Inc., McDonald’s Corporation and Towers Perrin.

 

There are no family relationships among any directors or executive officers of the Company.

PART II

 

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

MARKET INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND POLICY

 

The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”), under the symbol “SBUX.” The following table shows the quarterly high and low closing sale prices per share of the Company’s common stock as reported by NASDAQ for each quarter during the last two fiscal years:

 

 

As of November 13, 2008, the Company had approximately 21,000 shareholders of record. Starbucks has never paid any dividends on its common stock and does not currently anticipate paying a cash dividend in the near future.

 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

The Company did not repurchase any shares during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. As of the end of the quarter, the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under publicly announced stock repurchase plans was 6,272,128 shares.

Performance Comparison Graph

 

The following graph depicts the Company’s total return to shareholders from September 28, 2003 through September 28, 2008, relative to the performance of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the NASDAQ Composite Index, and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Consumer Discretionary Sector, a peer group that includes Starbucks. All indices shown in the graph have been reset to a base of 100 as of September 28, 2003, and assume an investment of $100 on that date and the reinvestment of dividends paid since that date. Starbucks has never paid a dividend on its common stock. The stock price performance shown in the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

 

 

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

 

In millions, except earnings per share and store information

 

The following selected financial data are derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The data below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Risk Factors,” and the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes. In particular, see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Report for a description of accounting changes that materially affect the comparability of the data presented below.

 

 

 

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

General

 

Starbucks Corporation’s fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to September 30. Some fiscal years include 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended on September 28, 2008, September 30, 2007 and October 1, 2006 all included 52 weeks. All references to store counts, including data for new store openings, are reported net of related store closures, unless otherwise noted.

 

Management Overview

 

Fiscal 2008 — The Year in Review

 

Throughout fiscal 2008, Starbucks continued to experience declining comparable store sales in its US stores, primarily due to lower customer traffic. With the US segment representing 76% of consolidated revenues, the impact of this decline on the Company’s financial results for fiscal 2008 was significant. For fiscal year 2008 comparable store sales declined 5% in the US, with a declining trend over the course of the year, ending with a decline of 8% in the fourth quarter. The Company also experienced declining comparable sales in Canada and the UK, its two largest Company-operated International markets, primarily due to lower traffic. The Company believes that the weaker traffic has been caused by a number of ongoing factors in the global economies that have negatively impacted consumers’ discretionary spending, as well as factors within the Company’s control with respect to the pace of store openings in the US and store level execution. In the US, the economic factors included the higher cost of such basic consumer staples as gas and food, rising levels of unemployment and personal debt, reduced access to consumer credit, and lower home values as well as increased foreclosure activity in certain areas of the country (California and Florida) where Starbucks has a high concentration of Company-operated stores. These developments combined with recent and ongoing unprecedented shocks to the global financial system and capital markets have all contributed to sharp declines in consumer confidence in the US.

 

Starbucks business is highly sensitive to increases and decreases in customer traffic. Increased customer visits create sales leverage, meaning that fixed expenses, such as occupancy costs, are spread across a greater revenue base, thereby improving operating margins. But the reverse is also true — sales de-leveraging creates downward pressure on margins. The softness in US revenues during fiscal 2008 impacted nearly all consolidated and US segment operating expense line items when viewed as a percentage of sales.

 

Since January 2008, when Company founder Howard Schultz reassumed the role of president and chief executive officer in addition to his role as chairman, Starbucks has taken steps to address the deterioration in the US retail environment and address its global support structure. These included the development and implementation of several important strategic initiatives as part of a transformation strategy designed to reinvigorate the Starbucks Experience for the Company’s customers, increase customer traffic in its US stores, reduce infrastructure expenses, and improve the Company’s results of operations. These significant actions have been designed to structure the Company’s business for long-term profitable growth.

 

As a result of the continued weak economy and decreased customer traffic, as well as the costs associated with the store closures and other actions in its transformation strategy, the Company’s fiscal 2008 results were negatively impacted in the following ways:

 

 

Significant Actions Taken in Fiscal 2008

 

The more significant actions taken by Starbucks in fiscal 2008 to transform and reinvigorate its business included:

 

 

Fiscal 2009 — The View Ahead

 

Management expects the Company to continue to face a very difficult economic environment throughout fiscal 2009, both in the US and internationally, including in its two largest Company-operated markets of Canada and the UK. As the global financial crisis has broadened and intensified, other sectors of the global economy have been adversely impacted and a severe global recession of uncertain length now appears likely. As a retailer that is dependent upon consumer discretionary spending, the Company expects to face an extremely challenging fiscal 2009 because of these economic conditions. Accordingly, Starbucks expects to report negative comparable store sales for fiscal 2009. Additionally, the Company’s earnings for fiscal 2009 will be impacted by lease termination and severance costs from the US and Australia store closures, totaling up to an estimated $0.12 of EPS for fiscal 2009. The Company estimates that the combination of the US and Australia store closures and head count reductions will result in a pre-tax benefit to operating income of approximately $200 million to $210 million in fiscal 2009, which equates to approximately $0.17 to $0.18 of EPS.

 

Starbucks plans to be disciplined in its approach to new store openings, in both Company-operated and licensed markets, and adjust as needed in response to further worsening in the global economy. Starbucks fiscal 2009 US store opening target is approximately a negative 20 net new stores, which includes a nearly 225 Company-operated store decline and approximately 205 net new licensed stores. Internationally, Starbucks is planning to open approximately 700 net new stores in fiscal 2009, two-thirds of which are expected to be licensed, as it factors in the current global economic climate, with a more cautious approach in the UK and western Europe.

 

Operating Segment Overview

 

Starbucks has three reportable operating segments: United States, International and CPG.

 

The United States and International segments both include Company-operated retail stores, licensed retail stores and foodservice operations. Licensed stores frequently have a higher operating margin than Company-operated stores. Under the licensed model, Starbucks receives a reduced share of the total store revenues, but this is more than offset by the reduction in its share of costs as these are primarily borne by the licensee. The International segment has a higher relative share of licensed stores versus Company-operated compared to the US segment; however, the US segment has been operating significantly longer than the International segment and has developed deeper awareness of, and attachment to, the Starbucks brand and stores among its customer base. As a result, the more mature US segment has significantly more stores, and higher total revenues than the International segment. Average sales per store are also higher in the US due to various factors including length of time in market and local income levels. Further, certain market costs, particularly occupancy costs, are lower in the US segment compared to the average for the International segment, which comprises a more diverse group of operations. As a result of the relative strength of the brand in the US segment, the number of stores, the higher unit volumes, and the lower market costs, the US segment, despite its higher relative percentage of Company-operated stores, has a higher operating margin, excluding restructuring costs, than the less-developed International segment.

The Company’s International store base continues to increase and Starbucks has been achieving a growing contribution from established international markets while at the same time investing in emerging markets, such as China, Brazil and Russia. The Company’s newer international markets require a more extensive support organization, relative to the current levels of revenue and operating income.

 

The CPG segment includes packaged coffee and tea as well as branded products operations worldwide. The CPG segment operates primarily through joint ventures and licensing arrangements with large consumer products business partners, most significantly The North American Coffee Partnership with the Pepsi-Cola Company for distribution of ready-to-drink beverages, and with Kraft Foods Inc. for distribution of packaged coffees and teas. This operating model allows the CPG segment to leverage the business partners’ existing infrastructures and to extend the Starbucks brand in an efficient way. Most of the customer revenues from the ready-to-drink and packaged coffee channels are recognized as revenues by the joint venture or licensed business partner, not by the CPG segment, and the proportionate share of the results of the Company’s joint ventures are included on a net basis in “Income from equity investees” on the consolidated statements of earnings. As a result, the CPG segment reflects relatively lower revenues, a modest cost structure, and a resulting higher operating margin, compared to the Company’s other two reporting segments, which consist primarily of retail stores.

 

Expenses pertaining to corporate administrative functions that support the operating segments but are not specifically attributable to or managed by any segment are not included in the reported financial results of the operating segments. These unallocated corporate expenses include certain general and administrative expenses, related depreciation and amortization expenses, restructuring charges and amounts included in “Interest income and other, net” and “Interest expense” on the consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Acquisitions

 

See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in this 10-K.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — FISCAL 2008 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2007

 

Consolidated results of operations (in millions):

 

 

Net revenues for the fiscal year ended 2008 increased due to growth in both Company-operated retail revenues and specialty operations.

 

During fiscal 2008, Starbucks derived 84% of total net revenues from its Company-operated retail stores. Company-operated retail revenues increased, primarily attributable to the opening of 681 new Company-operated retail stores in the last 12 months, offset by negative 3% comparable store sales for the same period. Revenue growth was slower than in previous years due to a combination of declining comparable store sales and a decrease in the number of net new stores opened during fiscal 2008. The weakness in consolidated comparable store sales was driven by the US segment, which posted a comparable store sales decline of 5% for the year. Partially offsetting this was 2% comparable store sales growth in the International segment. Within fiscal 2008, consolidated quarterly revenue

growth decelerated each quarter and comparable store sales declined each quarter, reflecting the ongoing challenging economic conditions in the US.

 

The Company derived the remaining 16% of total net revenues from channels outside the Company-operated retail stores, collectively known as specialty operations. Licensing revenues, which are derived from retail store licensing arrangements as well as grocery, warehouse club and certain other branded-product operations, increased primarily due to higher product sales and royalty revenues from the opening of 988 new licensed retail stores in the last 12 months. The increase in Foodservice and other revenues was primarily driven by growth in new and existing accounts in the US foodservice business.

 

For fiscal 2009, the Company expects total revenues to be relatively flat compared to fiscal 2008, with variations driven by the level of comparable store sales.

 

 

 

 

As discussed in the Management Overview section above, many of the Company’s operating expenses are fixed in nature. As a result, the softness in US revenues during fiscal 2008 impacted nearly all consolidated and US segment operating expense line items when viewed as a percentage of sales, and pressured operating margins.

 

Cost of sales including occupancy costs increased primarily due to higher distribution costs and higher rent expenses as a percentage of revenues. Store operating expenses as a percentage of Company-operated retail revenues increased primarily due to higher payroll expenditures as a percentage of revenues coupled with impairment provisions in the US business, primarily driven by the slowdown in projected store openings. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to the opening of 681 new Company-operated retail stores in the last 12 months. General and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to lower payroll-related expenses. Restructuring charges include asset impairment, lease exit and severance costs. These costs are associated with the closure of underperforming stores in the US and Australia, and the rationalization of the Company’s leadership structure and non-store organization. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Operating margin compression was primarily due to lower revenues; in addition, restructuring charges accounted for approximately 40% of the decrease.

 

 

Interest income and other net, decreased due primarily to unrealized market value losses on the Company’s trading securities portfolio. As described in more detail in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the trading securities approximate a portion of the Company’s liability under its Management Deferred Compensation Plan (“MDCP”). The MDCP liability also increases and decreases with changes in investment performance, with this offsetting impact recorded in “General and administrative expenses” on the consolidated statements of earnings. Interest expense increased due to the Company’s issuance of $550 million of 10-year 6.25% Senior Notes in August of fiscal 2007.

 

Income taxes for the fiscal year ended 2008 resulted in an effective tax rate of 31.3% compared to 36.3% for fiscal 2007. The lower rate is due to the higher proportion of income earned in foreign jurisdictions which have lower tax rates, as well as an increase in the domestic manufacturing deduction for manufacturing activities in the US.

 

Operating Segments

 

Segment information is prepared on the same basis that the Company’s management reviews financial information for operational decision-making purposes. Starbucks has three reportable operating segments: United States, International and CPG. “Unallocated Corporate” includes expenses pertaining to corporate administrative functions that support the operating segments but are not specifically attributable to or managed by any segment and are not included in the reported financial results of the operating segments. Operating income represents earnings before “Interest income and other, net,” “Interest expense” and “Income taxes.” The following tables summarize the Company’s results of operations by segment for fiscal 2008 and 2007 (in millions).

 

United States

 

The United States operating segment sells coffee and other beverages, complementary food, whole bean coffees, and coffee brewing equipment and merchandise primarily through Company-operated retail stores. Specialty operations within the United States include licensed retail stores, foodservice accounts and other initiatives related to the Company’s core business.

 

Company-operated retail revenues increased primarily due to the opening of 445 new Company-operated retail stores in the last 12 months, partially offset by a 5% decrease in comparable store sales for fiscal 2008. The US Company-operated retail business continued to experience deteriorating trends in transactions during the year, driven by the US economic slowdown.

 

Licensing revenues increased primarily due to higher product sales and royalty revenues as a result of opening 438 new licensed retail stores in the last 12 months. Foodservice and other revenues increased primarily due to growth in new and existing foodservice accounts.

 

 

 

 

Operating margin contracted significantly primarily due to restructuring charges incurred and to softer revenues due to weak traffic, as well as higher cost of sales including occupancy costs and higher store operating expenses as a percentage of revenues. Restructuring charges of $210.9 million had a 270 basis point impact on the operating margin. The increase in cost of sales including occupancy costs was primarily due to higher distribution costs and higher rent expenses as a percentage of revenues. Higher store operating expenses was due to the softer sales, higher payroll-related expenditures, and charges from canceling future store sites and asset impairments.

 

International

 

The International operating segment sells coffee and other beverages, complementary food, whole bean coffees, and coffee brewing equipment and merchandise through Company-operated retail stores in Canada, the UK and nine other markets. Specialty operations primarily include retail store licensing operations in nearly forty other countries and foodservice accounts, primarily in Canada and Japan. The Company’s International store base continues to increase and Starbucks expects to achieve a growing contribution from established areas of the business while at the same time investing in emerging markets and channels. Many of the Company’s International operations are in early stages of development that require a more extensive support organization, relative to the current levels of revenue and operating income, than in the United States. This continuing investment is part of the Company’s long-term, balanced plan for profitable growth.

 

 

Company-operated retail revenues increased due to the opening of 236 new Company-operated retail stores in the last 12 months, favorable foreign currency exchange rates, primarily on the Canadian dollar, and comparable store sales growth of 2% for fiscal 2008. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, Company-operated retail revenues grew at a slower rate year-over-year of 12% and comparable store sales were flat compared to the same quarter in fiscal 2007, both driven by slowdowns in the UK and Canada, due to the weakening global economy.

 

Specialty revenues increased primarily due to higher product sales and royalty revenues from opening 550 new licensed retail stores in the last 12 months.

 

 

 

 

Operating margin decreased primarily due to higher cost of sales including occupancy costs driven by continued expansion of lunch and warming programs in Canada, higher distribution costs, and higher building maintenance expense due to store renovation activities. In addition, restructuring charges of $19.2 million recognized in fiscal 2008 had a 90 basis point impact on the operating margin, nearly all due to the closure of 61 Company-operated stores in Australia.

 

Global Consumer Products Group

 

The CPG operating segment sells a selection of whole bean and ground coffees and premium Tazo^® teas through licensing arrangements in United States and international markets. CPG also produces and sells a variety of ready-to-drink beverages through its joint ventures and marketing and distribution agreements.