Key Stats
- Starbucks operates over 38,000 stores across 80 countries worldwide as of 2024.
- The company generated $9.5 billion in revenue during Q3 fiscal year 2025, representing a 4% increase year-over-year.
- Institutional investors own approximately 83.93% of all outstanding Starbucks shares.
- The Vanguard Group holds the largest institutional stake at 9.8%, managing shares worth nearly $9 billion.
Starbucks Corporation stands as the world’s premier coffeehouse chain, operating thousands of locations from Seattle to Shanghai. The company trades publicly on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol SBUX, meaning no single individual controls complete ownership. Instead, millions of institutional and retail investors collectively own the Seattle-based coffee giant through publicly traded shares.
The coffeehouse empire continues expanding its global footprint with strategic store openings and operational improvements. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol, who assumed leadership in September 2024, has implemented the Back to Starbucks turnaround strategy. The company maintains a strong presence across North America, China, and international markets. Recent financial results show revenue growth despite comparable store sales challenges, reflecting ongoing transformation efforts.
Who Owns Starbucks?
Starbucks operates as a publicly traded corporation, meaning ownership is distributed among thousands of shareholders rather than concentrated with a single individual or family. The company completed its initial public offering in 1992, allowing everyday investors to purchase shares and become partial owners of the business.
Trading occurs on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol SBUX, where shares change hands throughout regular market hours.
Ownership Breakdown by Investor Type
The ownership structure divides into three main categories. Institutional investors control approximately 83.93 percent of outstanding shares, representing investment firms, asset managers, and pension funds that purchase large blocks of stock.
Individual insiders, including executives and board members, hold roughly 2.67 percent of total shares. Retail investors, comprising everyday individuals who buy shares through brokerage accounts, own the remaining 13.40 percent.
This distribution reflects a typical ownership pattern for large publicly traded corporations, where institutional money managers dominate shareholdings.
History of Starbucks Co-founders
The Original Three Founders
Three entrepreneurs founded Starbucks in 1971 in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Jerry Baldwin, an English teacher, partnered with history teacher Zev Siegl and writer Gordon Bowker to open a store selling high-quality coffee beans and equipment.
The founders drew inspiration from Alfred Peet, owner of Peet’s Coffee and Tea in Berkeley, California, who taught them about selecting and roasting arabica beans. During the initial years, the modest shop focused exclusively on selling whole bean coffee and brewing equipment rather than serving prepared beverages.
Howard Schultz and the Transformation
Howard Schultz joined the company in 1982 as director of retail operations and marketing. During a business trip to Milan, Italy in 1983, Schultz observed the Italian coffeehouse culture and envisioned bringing that espresso bar experience to America.
The original founders initially rejected his proposal to serve coffee beverages. Frustrated but determined, Schultz left in 1985 to open his own chain called Il Giornale, which served espresso drinks and pastries.
In 1987, the original founders decided to sell the Starbucks chain. Schultz, with backing from local investors, purchased the company for $3.8 million. He retained the Starbucks name and began transforming the business from a bean retailer into a coffeehouse chain serving handcrafted beverages.
Largest Shareholders of Starbucks
The Vanguard Group
The Vanguard Group holds the position as the largest institutional shareholder of Starbucks, owning approximately 9.8 percent of outstanding shares. This Pennsylvania-based investment management company operates as a client-owned firm, meaning the mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that own companies are themselves owned by the investors in those funds.
Vanguard’s substantial holdings in Starbucks come primarily through index funds tracking major market benchmarks like the S&P 500. The asset manager’s stake represents roughly 107.9 million shares valued at nearly $9 billion based on recent market prices.
Through this ownership, Vanguard wields significant voting power at shareholder meetings similar to how Vanguard holds major stakes in technology payment companies.
BlackRock and State Street
BlackRock ranks as the second-largest institutional holder with approximately 6.8 percent of Starbucks shares outstanding. The New York-based asset management giant controls around 76 million shares worth roughly $5.7 billion. Founded in 1988 by Larry Fink and partners, BlackRock has grown into one of the world’s most influential investment firms with over $10 trillion in assets under management.
State Street Corporation maintains the third-largest position among institutional investors, holding approximately 4 percent of outstanding shares. The Boston-based financial services company operates as the largest custodian bank globally. State Street’s 45.8 million shares carry a market value of around $3.4 billion.
These three asset managers collectively control over 20 percent of Starbucks, giving them substantial influence over major corporate decisions and strategic direction.
Howard Schultz Individual Holdings
Howard Schultz stands as the most prominent individual shareholder, owning 24.49 million shares representing 2.15 percent of the company. His stake carries a market value of approximately $2.2 billion based on current trading prices.
Schultz built this substantial position during his three separate tenures as chief executive officer and through stock compensation earned over decades with the company. Although he stepped down from operational leadership roles, Schultz maintains his significant ownership stake.
Additional Institutional and Retail Investors
Beyond the major institutional holders and Schultz, Starbucks ownership includes numerous other investment firms, pension funds, and hedge funds. Capital Research and Management Company holds a notable stake through various funds.
The remaining shares trade among millions of individual retail investors who purchase stock through brokerage accounts, retirement plans, and employee stock purchase programs. This distributed ownership structure typifies large-cap publicly traded corporations much like the ownership structure seen in other major restaurant chains.
Who is on the Board of Directors for Starbucks?
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Brian Niccol serves dual roles as both chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks Corporation. He joined the company in September 2024, bringing extensive restaurant industry experience from his previous position as CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, where he led a successful turnaround of the fast-casual brand.
At Starbucks, Niccol has implemented the Back to Starbucks strategy focused on improving store operations, enhancing partner compensation, and streamlining the menu. His leadership approach emphasizes getting back to the fundamentals of coffeehouse culture while modernizing operations for efficiency.
Lead Independent Director
Jørgen Vig Knudstorp assumed the role of lead independent director in March 2025, taking over from Mellody Hobson who retired after 20 years of board service. Knudstorp brings significant international business experience to the position.
His background includes serving as CEO of the LEGO Group from 2004 to 2017, where he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround of the Danish toy manufacturer. As lead independent director, he facilitates board discussions and provides oversight of governance matters.
Technology and Digital Innovation Directors
Marissa Mayer joined the board in June 2025 with deep technology and consumer internet experience. She founded and serves as CEO of Sunshine AI, a technology startup focused on using artificial intelligence to automate everyday tasks.
She served as CEO, president, and board member of Yahoo from 2012 to 2017. Prior to Yahoo, Mayer spent 13 years at Google, where she held various leadership roles. She currently serves on the boards of Walmart, AT&T, and Hilton Hotels and Resorts.
Neal Mohan serves on the board while holding the position of CEO of YouTube, bringing critical expertise in digital media and technology platforms.
Global Business and Economics Directors
Dr. Dambisa Moyo joined the board in June 2025 as co-principal of Versaca Investments, a family office she co-founded in 2021. The accomplished economist brings over 30 years of experience analyzing macroeconomic trends and international affairs.
She previously worked at Goldman Sachs and the World Bank before becoming CEO of financial firm Mildstorm LLC. Moyo currently serves on the boards of Chevron Corporation and Condé Nast.
Wei Zhang rounds out the global expertise with extensive China market knowledge, having served in senior positions at PepsiCo and Yum! Brands. Her understanding of Chinese consumer behavior supports Starbucks’ critical growth initiatives in its second-largest market.
Restaurant and Consumer Industry Directors
Ritch Allison serves as an independent director, bringing restaurant industry expertise from his tenure as CEO of Domino’s Pizza from 2018 to 2022.
Daniel Servitje sits on the board while serving as executive chairman of Grupo Bimbo, one of the world’s largest baking companies.
Beth Ford contributes her perspective as president and CEO of Land O’Lakes. Her leadership provides valuable perspectives on consumer products and partner relations.
Finance and Telecommunications Directors
Andrew Campion previously held the position of executive vice president and chief financial officer at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, bringing financial expertise to board oversight.
Mike Sievert, CEO and president of T-Mobile US, contributes telecommunications and customer experience expertise similar to governance structures at other major restaurant companies.
How to Invest in Starbucks
Step 1: Choose and Open a Brokerage Account
Investing in Starbucks begins with opening a brokerage account if you do not already maintain one. Numerous online brokers offer commission-free stock trading, including Fidelity, Charles Schwab, E-TRADE, Robinhood, and TD Ameritrade.
The account opening process typically requires providing personal information, Social security number, employment details, and bank account information for funding transfers. Most platforms complete account approval within one to three business days.
Step 2: Fund Your Account
After account approval, transfer money from your bank account to your brokerage account. Most platforms allow electronic transfers through ACH, which typically take one to three business days to clear.
Some brokers offer instant deposit features for immediate trading, though these may have limitations on withdrawal timing.
Step 3: Search for Starbucks Stock
Search for Starbucks using its ticker symbol SBUX on NASDAQ. The platform will display current market price, daily trading volume, and other key metrics.
Review the stock information including price charts, company news, analyst ratings, and financial statements before making your purchase decision.
Step 4: Place Your Order
Investors can place market orders, which execute immediately at the prevailing price, or limit orders, which only execute when the stock reaches a specified price. Regular trading hours run from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time on weekdays.
Step 5: Consider Your Investment Strategy
Long-term investors typically buy shares planning to hold them for years, benefiting from potential price appreciation and quarterly dividend payments. Starbucks currently pays dividends, distributing a portion of profits to shareholders four times annually.
Diversification remains crucial when building an investment portfolio similar to researching other retail and restaurant investments. Rather than concentrating all investments in a single stock, financial advisors typically recommend spreading investments across multiple companies and sectors.
FAQs
Does Howard Schultz still own part of Starbucks?
Yes, Howard Schultz owns 24.49 million shares representing 2.15 percent of Starbucks, valued at approximately $2.2 billion. He maintains voting rights despite no longer serving as CEO or board member.
What is the ticker symbol for Starbucks stock?
Starbucks trades under ticker symbol SBUX on NASDAQ. The company went public in 1992. Trading occurs weekdays from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time through licensed brokerage firms.
Who are the largest institutional shareholders of Starbucks?
Vanguard Group holds 9.8 percent, BlackRock owns 6.8 percent, and State Street controls 4 percent. Together, these three firms manage over 20 percent of Starbucks. Institutional investors collectively own 83.93 percent.
When did Brian Niccol become CEO of Starbucks?
Brian Niccol became chairman and CEO on September 9, 2024, recruited from Chipotle Mexican Grill. He replaced Laxman Narasimhan and launched the Back to Starbucks turnaround strategy.
How many Starbucks stores operate worldwide?
Starbucks operates over 38,000 stores across 80 countries as of 2024. The United States has 16,600 locations while China has 7,000 stores with both company-operated and licensed locations.