Starbucks profit rises despite hit from China

The Starbucks emblem on reusable coffee cup in Annapolis, Maryland, on February 2, 2023, ahead of earnings report.(Jim WATSON / AFP)

The big coffee chain’s results were a study in contrast between its two main markets, with North American comparable sales jumping 10 percent and China comparable sales slumping 29 percent.

The results in the United States reflected a lift from “strategic” price increases that helped offset the impact of increased spending on wages and employee benefits.

Acting Chief Executive Howard Schultz described the results as strong in light of “challenging global consumer and inflationary environments, a soft quarter for retail overall and the unprecedented, Covid-related headwinds that unfolded in China in Q1.”

Overall, profits rose 4.8 percent from the year-ago period to $855.2 million in the fiscal first quarter ending January 1. Revenues increased 8.2 percent to $8.7 billion.

The profits translated into earnings per share of 75 cents, a bit below analyst estimates.

Shares fell 2.4 percent to $106.57 in after-hours trading.