Investor Relations  > Shareholder Resources > Frequently Asked Questions

Shareholder Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Starbucks franchise?

No, Starbucks is not accepting applications for franchisees at this time.

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How can I request that a Starbucks store open in my neighborhood?

To submit a request for a store location through the My Starbucks Idea feature of the Starbucks website, please click here.

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What is the symbol and exchange that the company trades under?

Our stock is traded on Nasdaq, under the trading symbol SBUX.

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When did Starbucks go public and at what price?

Starbucks went public on June 26, 1992, at a price of $17 per share (or $0.27 per share, adjusted for our six subsequent stock splits) and closed trading that first day at $21.50 per share (or $0.34 per share, on a split-adjusted basis).

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When and where was Starbucks incorporated?

Starbucks was incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington, in Olympia, Washington, on November 4, 1985.

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How can I purchase Starbucks stock?

Starbucks Corporation's Common Stock is traded on Nasdaq under the trading symbol SBUX. Starbucks stock may be purchased in two ways:

  • Through a stockbroker, or
  • Directly through the Direct Stock Purchase Plan administered by our transfer agent, Computershare. For more information on direct purchase, or to enroll in the Direct Stock Purchase Plan, please click here. Computershare can also be reached by phone at 1-888-835-2866 (US and Canada) and 1-201-680-6578 (Outside US and Canada) or by mail to:

Computershare
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233

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Does Starbucks pay a dividend on its stock? At what rate and when is it paid?

Yes, Starbucks pays a dividend on its Common Stock and the current quarterly rate is 41 cents per share. Future dividends will be subject to Board approval, but we currently anticipate paying a dividend on a quarterly basis.

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How do I receive the dividend payout? Will I receive a check to my home or business address?

If you hold your shares in your own name through Starbucks transfer agent, Computershare, you will receive a check for the dividend at the address you have on record. Subsequently, you may elect to reinvest future dividends through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. To find out more or enroll, click here.

If you hold your stock through a bank or broker (beneficial shareholder), your dividend will be deposited directly into your account. If you have any questions, please contact your broker directly.

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Can the dividend be deposited directly into my bank account like my paycheck?

Yes, if you hold your shares in your own name through Starbucks transfer agent, Computershare, you can elect to have your dividend directly deposited through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. To find out more, or to enroll, please click here.

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Can the dividend be used to buy more stock? If so, can this purchase happen automatically?

Yes. If you hold your shares in your own name through Starbucks transfer agent, Computershare, you will receive a check for the first dividend at the address you have on record. Subsequently, you may elect to reinvest future dividends through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. To find out more or to enroll, please click here.

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Will I be taxed on the dividend?

Dividends are typically considered taxable income which is reported annually to the IRS on Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed to shareholders following the end of the calendar year.

Please contact your financial advisor or tax accountant with tax related questions.

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How many stock splits has Starbucks executed?

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

Date Split Adj. Price Ex-date
Sept. 29, 1993 $0.84 Sept. 30, 1993
Dec. 1, 1995 $1.30 Dec. 4, 1995
Mar. 19, 1999 $3.50 Mar. 22, 1999
Apr. 27, 2001 $4.64 Apr. 30, 2001
Oct. 21, 2005 $13.75 Oct. 24, 2005
Apr. 8, 2015 $47.62 Apr. 9, 2015
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Who is Starbucks stock transfer agent?

Our transfer agent is Computershare Trust Company, N.A. Please visit their website by clicking here . You can also reach them by phone at 1-888-835-2866 (US and Canada) or 1-201-680-6578 (Outside US and Canada) or by mail to:

Computershare
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233

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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 contact our transfer agent Computershare with questions or concerns related to statements, change of address, lost certificates, stock split information, transfer of shares, and other administrative matters. To access your account online please click here or you can reach them by phone at 1-888-835-2866 (US and Canada) or 1-201-680-6578 (Outside US and Canada).

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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.

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Who are Starbucks independent accountants/auditors?

Deloitte & Touche LLP

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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, Computershare on-line by clicking here or by phone at 1-888-835-2866 (US and Canada) or 1-201-680-6578 (Outside US and Canada).

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What are Starbucks current debt ratings?

S&P: BBB+ (long-term rating) and A-2 (short-term rating)
Moody’s: Baa1 (long-term rating) and P-2 (short-term rating)
Fitch: BBB+ (long-term rating) and F-2 (short-term rating)

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What public debt does Starbucks have outstanding?

  • $500 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due November 22, 2020 with a coupon or interest rate of 2.20% paid semi-annually on May 22 and November 22.
  • $750 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due February 4, 2021 with a coupon or interest rate of 2.10% paid semi-annually on February 4 and August 4.
  • $500 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due June 15, 2022 with a coupon or interest rate of 2.70% paid semi-annually on June 15 and December 15.
  • $1,000 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due March 1, 2023 with a coupon or interest rate of 3.10% paid semi-annually on March 1 and September 1.
  • $750 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due October 1, 2023 with a coupon or interest rate of 3.85% paid semi-annually on April 1 and October 1.
  • ¥85 billion in senior unsecured notes outstanding due March 15, 2024, with a coupon or interest rate of 0.372% paid semi-annually on March 15 and September 15.
  • $1,250 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due August 15, 2025, with a coupon or interest rate of 3.80% paid semi-annually on February 15 and August 15.
  • $500 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due June 15, 2026, with a coupon or interest rate of 2.45% paid semi-annually on June 15 and December 15.
  • $600 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due March 1, 2028, with a coupon or interest rate of 3.50% paid semi-annually March 1 and September 1.
  • $750 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due November 15, 2028, with a coupon or interest rate of 4.00% paid semi-annually on May 15 and November 15.
  • $1,000 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due August 15, 2029, with a coupon or interest rate of 3.55% paid semi-annually on February 15 and August 15.
  • $350 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due June 15, 2045, with a coupon or interest rate of 4.30% paid semi-annually on June 15 and December 15.
  • $500 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due December 1, 2047, with a coupon or interest rate of 3.75% paid semi-annually on June 1 and December 1.
  • $1,000 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due November 15, 2048, with a coupon or interest rate of 4.50% paid semi-annually on May 15 and November 15.
  • $1,000 million in senior unsecured notes outstanding due August 15, 2049, with a coupon or interest rate of 4.45% paid semi-annually on February 15 and August 15.
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