Frequently Asked Questions 
1.Does Starbucks franchise?
2.How can I request that a Starbucks store open in my neighborhood?
3.What is the symbol and exchange that the company trades under?
4.When did Starbucks go public and at what price?
5.When and where was Starbucks incorporated?
6.How can I purchase Starbucks stock?
7.Can I buy shares directly from Starbucks?
8.Does Starbucks pay a cash dividend?
9.How many stock splits has Starbucks executed?
10.Who is Starbucks stock transfer agent?
11.How do I know if I’m a Registered Shareholder?
12.How do I know if I’m a Beneficial Shareholder?
13.Who are Starbucks independent accountants/auditors?
14.Why haven’t I received my annual mailing?
15.What is Escheated / Abandoned Property?
16.What are Starbucks current debt ratings?
17.What public debt does Starbucks have outstanding?
1.Does Starbucks franchise?
 Starbucks does not franchise operations and has no plans to franchise in the foreseeable future.

In North America, the majority of our stores are Company-operated. As an exception, Starbucks may enter into licensing arrangements with companies who provide access to real estate which would otherwise be unavailable such as airport locations, national grocery chains, major food services corporations, college and university campuses and hospitals. For further details please visit our Business page.

For international business development opportunities please refer to the International Development section of this Web site.

If you have further questions, please send us an e-mail through the Contact Us portion of the site.

2.How can I request that a Starbucks store open in my neighborhood?
 Please refer to the Contact Us section of our Web site to let us know of your interest for a new Starbucks store in your community.

3.What is the symbol and exchange that the company trades under?
 Our Stock is traded on Nasdaq, under the trading symbol SBUX.

4.When did Starbucks go public and at what price?
 Starbucks went public on June 26, 1992 at a price of $17 per share (or $0.53 per share, adjusted for our five subsequent stock splits) and closed trading that first day at $21.50 per share (or $0.67 per share, on a split-adjusted basis.)

5.When and where was Starbucks incorporated?
 Starbucks was incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington, in Olympia, Washington on November 4, 1985.

6.How can I purchase Starbucks stock?
 Starbucks Corporation's Common Stock is traded on Nasdaq, under the trading symbol SBUX. To purchase Starbucks stock, please consult a stockbroker.

7.Can I buy shares directly from Starbucks?
 No. Starbucks does not offer a direct purchase plan. If you are interested in purchasing shares in Starbucks you will need to contact your stockbroker.

8.Does Starbucks pay a cash dividend?
 No. Starbucks has never paid a cash dividend and presently intends to retain earnings to help finance the Company's continued growth.

9.How many stock splits has Starbucks executed?
 

Since our Initial Public Offering in 1992, we've had five 2-for-1 stock splits.

Date Split Adj. price Xdate
Sept. 29, 1993 $1.67 Sept. 30, 1993
Dec. 1, 1995 $2.59 Dec. 4, 1995
Mar. 19, 1999 $7.01 Mar. 22, 1999
Apr. 27, 2001 $9.29 Apr. 30, 2001
Oct. 21, 2005 $27.51 Oct. 24, 2005

10.Who is Starbucks stock transfer agent?
 BNY Mellon Shareowner Services.

11.How do I know if I’m a Registered Shareholder?
 Investors who hold shares in their own name and not through a broker or other nominee are considered registered shareholders. Registered Shareholders should address communications concerning statements, change of address, lost certificates, stock split information, transfer of shares, and additional administrative matters to our transfer agent, BNY Mellon Shareowner Services.

12.How do I know if I’m a Beneficial Shareholder?
 Investors whose shares are held by their broker are considered beneficial shareholders. Beneficial shareholders should address administrative matters to their stockbroker. Additionally, beneficial shareholders will receive account statements, Annual Reports and proxies directly from their stockbroker.

13.Who are Starbucks independent accountants/auditors?
 Deloitte & Touche

14.Why haven’t I received my annual mailing?
 There are a few reasons why you may not have received your annual mailing:
  • You were not a shareholder as of the record date – January 11th, 2008.
  • You have moved within the last year and have not had the chance to update your mailing address with your stockbroker. Please make sure your stockbroker has your most current mailing address.
  • You receive information electronically.
We would be more than happy to send you a packet including the Annual Report and Proxy Statement. Please send your request to InvestorRelations@starbucks.com

15.What is Escheated / Abandoned Property?
 A number of states have adopted abandoned property laws which require our transfer agent, on behalf of Starbucks, to escheat to the state, after a certain period of time, all stock for “missing Registered Shareholders.” Even shareholders who have a hard-copy of their stock certificate may be considered “missing” if our transfer agent does not have a current mailing address. If you have questions concerning your stock certificates or escheated property, please contact our transfer agent, Mellon Investor Services, LLC.

16.What are Starbucks current debt ratings?
 S&P: BBB (long-term rating) and A-2 (short-term rating)
Moody’s: Baa3 (long-term rating) and P3 (short-term rating)

17.What public debt does Starbucks have outstanding?
 Starbucks has $550 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due August 15, 2017, and has a coupon or interest rate of 6.25% paid semi-annually on August 15 and February 15.