Krispy Kreme vs Starbucks: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

Krispy Kreme Inc (DNUT)

Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)

Latest7 Oct – 8 Oct 2026

▲2▼1

Starbucks' sales and margins improve, but a reported Chipotle takeover bid spooks investors

Four straight quarters of positive comparable sales Starbucks posted its fourth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales, with U.S. same-store sales up 7.9% and customer transactions up 4.2%. That shows more people are visiting and buying, which supports revenue and profit growth and helps lift the stock.
This is the core fundamental driver of the period, showing the turnaround is working on the demand side.
Margins expand and guidance raised Operating margin expanded 430 basis points to 14.4%, and management raised fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $2.55–$2.65. Higher margins mean more profit from each sale, and a raised outlook signals confidence, both of which support the stock price.
Margin recovery and raised guidance are key profit drivers that directly affect valuation.
Reported Chipotle takeover bid weighs on shares Starbucks reportedly explored a takeover of Chipotle, a deal that could cost up to $50 billion. Investors worried about the cost and distraction during Starbucks' turnaround, sending the stock down as much as 6.7% intraday. The company later said it is focused on its existing strategy.
This is the main new event of the period and the primary reason for the stock's sharp drop.

Q3 202614 Jul – 30 Sep 2026

▲2▼2

Starbucks beats, raises guidance, but turnaround costs and risks persist

Earnings beat and raised guidance Starbucks beat earnings and raised guidance, with same-store sales up 7.9% for a fourth straight quarter and margins recovering to 14.4%. Management declared its two-year turnaround complete.
This is the core positive news that drove the stock during the period.
Major remodel and cost-cut plan Starbucks announced roughly $1 billion to remodel up to 9,000 North American stores and set fiscal 2028 targets of a 15% operating margin and $3.35–$4 EPS, alongside $2 billion in cost cuts.
This shows management's confidence and future profit potential, which supports the stock.
Store closures and restructuring charges Starbucks will close about 250 North American stores, incurring $300 million in restructuring charges. Operating margins remain far below prior peaks (12.9% globally, 13.6% in North America).
These are real costs and margin pressures that weigh on the stock.
Selling control of China and Japan Starbucks is selling majority stakes in China and possibly Japan, cutting revenue and surrendering control of profitable markets. With shares up 26% this year, much good news is already priced in.
This highlights the strategic risks and valuation concerns that could limit upside.

September 202620 Sep – 30 Sep 2026

▼2▲1

Starbucks pushes store closures and remodels as margins stay under pressure

Store closures and $300M restructuring charges Starbucks confirmed it will close about 250 underperforming North American stores, roughly 1% of the region, and the board approved about $300 million in restructuring charges. Closing stores cuts near-term sales and adds costs, which weighs on reported profit and the stock.
This is the main new event of the period and directly pressures SBUX earnings and sentiment.
$1B remodel plan and 2028 margin/EPS targets Starbucks plans to spend about $1 billion to remodel up to 9,000 North American cafes and targets a 15% operating margin and $3.35–$4 earnings per share by fiscal 2028. If the remodels lift visits and sales, they support higher future profit and the stock.
This is the new growth plan that offsets the closure news and gives investors a forward profit path.
Japan stake sale weighed as capital-light shift continues Starbucks is weighing selling a majority stake in its Japan business, following the earlier China deal, as it moves toward licensing and joint ventures. That raises cash and cuts risk but gives up control of a profitable market and can slow reported revenue growth.
This is a new strategic move that changes SBUX's international mix and how investors value future revenue.
Margins still far below prior levels Global operating margin fell to 12.9% from 15.8% two years ago, and North American margin dropped to 13.6% from 21%, after at least $500 million in labor spending. Until margins recover, profit growth lags sales growth and keeps pressure on the stock.
This is the key counterweight: sales are recovering but profitability is the main investor concern.

20 Sep – 30 Sep 2026

▼2▲1

Starbucks pushes store closures and remodels as margins stay under pressure

Store closures and $300M restructuring charges Starbucks confirmed it will close about 250 underperforming North American stores, roughly 1% of the region, and the board approved about $300 million in restructuring charges. Closing stores cuts near-term sales and adds costs, which weighs on reported profit and the stock.
This is the main new event of the period and directly pressures SBUX earnings and sentiment.
$1B remodel plan and 2028 margin/EPS targets Starbucks plans to spend about $1 billion to remodel up to 9,000 North American cafes and targets a 15% operating margin and $3.35–$4 earnings per share by fiscal 2028. If the remodels lift visits and sales, they support higher future profit and the stock.
This is the new growth plan that offsets the closure news and gives investors a forward profit path.
Japan stake sale weighed as capital-light shift continues Starbucks is weighing selling a majority stake in its Japan business, following the earlier China deal, as it moves toward licensing and joint ventures. That raises cash and cuts risk but gives up control of a profitable market and can slow reported revenue growth.
This is a new strategic move that changes SBUX's international mix and how investors value future revenue.
Margins still far below prior levels Global operating margin fell to 12.9% from 15.8% two years ago, and North American margin dropped to 13.6% from 21%, after at least $500 million in labor spending. Until margins recover, profit growth lags sales growth and keeps pressure on the stock.
This is the key counterweight: sales are recovering but profitability is the main investor concern.

August 20268 Aug – 16 Sep 2026

▲2

Starbucks beats Q3, raises guidance, and weighs Japan stake sale

Q3 beat and raised guidance Starbucks reported fiscal Q3 adjusted EPS of 85 cents, up 70% and well above estimates, with global comparable sales up 7.9%. Management raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $2.55-$2.65 from $2.25-$2.45, signaling stronger profit and cash flow ahead.
This is the core new financial result that directly lifts earnings expectations and investor confidence.
Turnaround declared complete, store upgrades planned CEO Brian Niccol said the two-year turnaround is complete, with positive global comps and improved margins. Starbucks will invest about $1 billion to renovate up to 9,000 North American stores, aiming to boost customer visits and sales, while targeting $2 billion in cost cuts.
This new strategic update shows management confidence and a plan to sustain growth, supporting the stock's longer-term value.
Possible sale of majority stake in Japan business Starbucks is considering selling a majority stake in its Japan unit, valued at about $3 billion, with a formal process possibly starting in Q4. A sale could raise cash and sharpen focus, but it also means giving up control of a profitable, directly operated market.
This is a new, material strategic move that could affect Starbucks' growth profile and capital allocation, making it a key driver.

8 Aug – 16 Sep 2026

▲2

Starbucks beats Q3, raises guidance, and weighs Japan stake sale

Q3 beat and raised guidance Starbucks reported fiscal Q3 adjusted EPS of 85 cents, up 70% and well above estimates, with global comparable sales up 7.9%. Management raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $2.55-$2.65 from $2.25-$2.45, signaling stronger profit and cash flow ahead.
This is the core new financial result that directly lifts earnings expectations and investor confidence.
Turnaround declared complete, store upgrades planned CEO Brian Niccol said the two-year turnaround is complete, with positive global comps and improved margins. Starbucks will invest about $1 billion to renovate up to 9,000 North American stores, aiming to boost customer visits and sales, while targeting $2 billion in cost cuts.
This new strategic update shows management confidence and a plan to sustain growth, supporting the stock's longer-term value.
Possible sale of majority stake in Japan business Starbucks is considering selling a majority stake in its Japan unit, valued at about $3 billion, with a formal process possibly starting in Q4. A sale could raise cash and sharpen focus, but it also means giving up control of a profitable, directly operated market.
This is a new, material strategic move that could affect Starbucks' growth profile and capital allocation, making it a key driver.

July 202614 Jul – 7 Aug 2026

▲1▼1

Starbucks beats earnings, raises guidance, but China stake sale cuts revenue

Earnings beat and raised guidance Starbucks beat earnings estimates (85 cents vs. 66 cents) and raised full-year guidance, with same-store sales up 7.9% for a fourth straight quarter. Afternoon sales and packaged drinks grew strongly, and margins recovered to 14.4%.
This is the main new positive event that drove the stock this period.
China stake sale cuts revenue Starbucks is selling a majority stake in its China business, which will cut quarterly revenue by about $300 million and remove a former growth engine. This trades scale for simplicity and reduced risk.
This is a new negative development that tempers the positive earnings news.
High expectations and margin gap Despite the strong quarter, operating margins are still below the old 21% peak, and high investor expectations mean any stumble could hurt the stock. The shares are up 26% this year, so much good news is already priced in.
This provides a balanced view of the risks that could affect future performance.

14 Jul – 7 Aug 2026

▲3▼1

Starbucks' Turnaround Broadens Beyond Coffee Shops

Packaged and ready-to-drink business surges Starbucks' Channel Development revenue jumped 39% from a year ago, led by new Refreshers concentrate and protein drinks sold in stores. This adds a fast-growing profit stream beyond cafes, so investors see more ways for sales and earnings to rise.
New revenue driver that broadens the growth story beyond same-store sales.
Profit margins are recovering faster than expected Starbucks' operating margin expanded sharply to 14.4%, up over four percentage points from a year ago, though still below its old 21% peak. This shows cost controls and higher sales are lifting profits, giving the stock more room to run as margins recover.
Margin recovery is a key new driver of earnings power and stock upside.
Wall Street and Cramer cheer the turnaround After the earnings beat, analysts and Jim Cramer highlighted Starbucks' progress, with the stock up 26% this year. Positive sentiment can draw more buyers, but it also means expectations are high, so any stumble could hurt the shares.
New analyst and media validation that can influence investor sentiment and demand for the stock.
China remains a drag as Starbucks shrinks its stake Starbucks is selling a majority stake in its China business, which will cut reported revenue by about $300 million this quarter. While it reduces risk, it also removes a former growth engine, so investors must weigh lower sales against a simpler, more focused company.
A real counterweight: the China exit lowers reported revenue and removes a growth market.

29 Jul – 30 Jul 2026

▲3

Starbucks beats estimates, raises outlook as turnaround accelerates

Earnings beat and raised guidance Starbucks reported quarterly adjusted earnings of 85 cents per share, far above the 66-cent estimate, and raised its full-year sales and profit outlook. This shows the turnaround is working and gives investors confidence in future growth, pushing the stock up.
This is the core new event that directly drove the stock higher this period.
Fourth straight quarter of same-store sales growth Global same-store sales rose 7.9%, beating the 5.7% expected, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of growth under CEO Brian Niccol. This signals that more customers are visiting and spending, which is the key driver of future profits and supports a higher stock price.
It confirms the turnaround is sustainable, a major reason investors are buying the stock.
Afternoon business gains traction CEO Niccol said the afternoon daypart, worth $11 billion in sales, is starting to grow, with new wraps and sparkling drinks planned. This opens a new source of revenue beyond mornings, which can lift sales and profits over time, making the stock more attractive.
It highlights a new growth avenue that could drive future earnings, a fresh positive for the stock.

Q2 202617 Jun – 9 Jul 2026

▲4

Starbucks' turnaround gains traction, plus Japan IPO and AI cost cuts

Japan business stake sale or IPO could unlock up to $3.1B Starbucks is exploring a stake sale or IPO of its Japan unit, potentially valuing it at up to ¥500 billion (about $3.1 billion). This follows the China stake sale and could free up cash for U.S. remodels and digital projects, supporting the stock.
New capital move that could unlock value and fund growth, directly affecting SBUX's price.
CEO says international store count could double CEO Brian Niccol said Starbucks could double its international stores, including from 8,000 to 20,000 in China and 10,000 more in the U.S. This signals long-term demand growth and confidence in the turnaround, which can lift investor expectations.
New expansion plan that points to future revenue growth, a key driver for the stock.
Turnaround shows first revenue and earnings growth in over two years Starbucks posted its first year-over-year revenue and earnings growth in more than two years, with global comparable sales up 6% and record U.S. Rewards members. The stock is up 23% year to date, though management warned of cost pressures and macro uncertainty.
New financial results confirm the turnaround is working, a major positive for the stock.
In-house AI tools target $2 billion in cost savings Starbucks is building its own AI software for inventory and maintenance, aiming to cut $2 billion in costs, including $400 million from software. The stock rose 3.1% on the news as investors see higher profits ahead.
New cost-cutting initiative that could boost margins, directly impacting SBUX's price.

June 202617 Jun – 9 Jul 2026

▲4

Starbucks' turnaround gains traction, plus Japan IPO and AI cost cuts

Japan business stake sale or IPO could unlock up to $3.1B Starbucks is exploring a stake sale or IPO of its Japan unit, potentially valuing it at up to ¥500 billion (about $3.1 billion). This follows the China stake sale and could free up cash for U.S. remodels and digital projects, supporting the stock.
New capital move that could unlock value and fund growth, directly affecting SBUX's price.
CEO says international store count could double CEO Brian Niccol said Starbucks could double its international stores, including from 8,000 to 20,000 in China and 10,000 more in the U.S. This signals long-term demand growth and confidence in the turnaround, which can lift investor expectations.
New expansion plan that points to future revenue growth, a key driver for the stock.
Turnaround shows first revenue and earnings growth in over two years Starbucks posted its first year-over-year revenue and earnings growth in more than two years, with global comparable sales up 6% and record U.S. Rewards members. The stock is up 23% year to date, though management warned of cost pressures and macro uncertainty.
New financial results confirm the turnaround is working, a major positive for the stock.
In-house AI tools target $2 billion in cost savings Starbucks is building its own AI software for inventory and maintenance, aiming to cut $2 billion in costs, including $400 million from software. The stock rose 3.1% on the news as investors see higher profits ahead.
New cost-cutting initiative that could boost margins, directly impacting SBUX's price.

17 Jun – 9 Jul 2026

▲4

Starbucks' turnaround gains traction, plus Japan IPO and AI cost cuts

Japan business stake sale or IPO could unlock up to $3.1B Starbucks is exploring a stake sale or IPO of its Japan unit, potentially valuing it at up to ¥500 billion (about $3.1 billion). This follows the China stake sale and could free up cash for U.S. remodels and digital projects, supporting the stock.
New capital move that could unlock value and fund growth, directly affecting SBUX's price.
CEO says international store count could double CEO Brian Niccol said Starbucks could double its international stores, including from 8,000 to 20,000 in China and 10,000 more in the U.S. This signals long-term demand growth and confidence in the turnaround, which can lift investor expectations.
New expansion plan that points to future revenue growth, a key driver for the stock.
Turnaround shows first revenue and earnings growth in over two years Starbucks posted its first year-over-year revenue and earnings growth in more than two years, with global comparable sales up 6% and record U.S. Rewards members. The stock is up 23% year to date, though management warned of cost pressures and macro uncertainty.
New financial results confirm the turnaround is working, a major positive for the stock.
In-house AI tools target $2 billion in cost savings Starbucks is building its own AI software for inventory and maintenance, aiming to cut $2 billion in costs, including $400 million from software. The stock rose 3.1% on the news as investors see higher profits ahead.
New cost-cutting initiative that could boost margins, directly impacting SBUX's price.