Starbucks stock split: what it means for traders
Starbucks has carried out six forward stock splits since going public, each increasing the number of shares in circulation without altering the company’s total valuation.
By lowering the price per share, these actions aimed to keep the stock within a range considered more accessible to a broader investor base.
Starbucks (SBUX) has a long history of using stock splits to keep its share price accessible and support trading liquidity. With the company recently reporting FY2025 results and an Investor Day scheduled for early 2026, some market participants continue to watch for any indication of another potential split. Although Starbucks hasn’t signalled that a further split is being considered, understanding how stock splits work and reviewing the company’s previous actions may offer helpful context.
This article explains what a stock split is, outlines Starbucks’ historical approach, summarises its latest financial results and highlights upcoming developments to monitor.
Starbucks live share price
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
What is a stock split?
A stock split is a corporate action that increases the number of a company’s outstanding shares by issuing additional shares to existing investors at a set ratio. In a 2-for-1 split, for example, each existing share becomes two, while the share price adjusts proportionally. The total value of an investor’s holding remains the same immediately after the split, as the change affects only the number of shares and not the company’s underlying fundamentals.
Companies may use stock splits to:
- Keep the share price within a preferred trading range
- Support liquidity by increasing the number of shares available
- Broaden participation by making shares appear more accessible
A split doesn’t affect market capitalisation or the company’s operational performance.
Starbucks’s 2-for-1 stock split (2015)
Starbucks most recently completed a 2-for-1 forward split in April 2015. Shareholders of record on 30 March 2015 received one additional share for each share held, with trading on a split-adjusted basis beginning on 9 April 2015.
This was the company’s sixth forward split since its listing. The number of shares doubled, and the price per share adjusted accordingly. As with its earlier splits, the company noted that the action didn’t affect Starbucks’ valuation, profitability or operating performance.
Why did Starbucks conduct a share split?
When announcing the 2015 split, Starbucks’ board highlighted several considerations:
- Affordability: The share price had risen over time, and the split aimed to keep it within a range considered accessible to a wide pool of investors.
- Liquidity: Increasing the number of shares in circulation supported smoother trading activity.
- Reflecting long-term performance: Leadership pointed to sustained shareholder returns leading up to the split, noting the action aligned with its view of Starbucks’ long-term trajectory.
As with any stock split, the decision adjusted the share structure but didn’t change the company’s fundamentals.
Will Starbucks split again in 2026?
As of 17 December 2025, Starbucks hasn’t announced any plans for a further split in 2026. The company hasn’t indicated that a split is under review, and no guidance has been issued on the factors that could trigger such a decision.
Historically, splits have tended to occur when the share price reached levels that leadership believed could limit accessibility. Whether similar conditions emerge again will depend on:
- Prevailing share price levels
- Liquidity considerations
- Broader capital-market conditions
- The company’s strategic priorities
Any future split would require board approval and formal disclosure.
Starbucks stock split history
Starbucks has completed six 2-for-1 stock splits, significantly increasing the total share count over time. The table below summarises each split and the cumulative effect for an investor who held one share prior to the first split in 1993.
| Date | Split ratio | Type | Cumulative effect* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 April 2015 | 2-for-1 | Forward | 64-for-1 overall |
| 24 October 2005 | 2-for-1 | Forward | 32-for-1 overall |
| 30 April 2001 | 2-for-1 | Forward | 16-for-1 overall |
| 22 March 1999 | 2-for-1 | Forward | 8-for-1 overall |
| 4 December 1995 | 2-for-1 | Forward | 4-for-1 overall |
| 30 September 1993 | 2-for-1 | Forward | 2-for-1 overall |
*Cumulative effect shows how many shares an original pre-1993 share would represent after all subsequent splits.
Latest earnings: Starbucks FY2025 results
For the fiscal year ended 28 September 2025, Starbucks reported:
- Q4 revenue of about $9.6bn, up roughly 5% year on year
- Adjusted earnings per share of $0.52, compared with some external forecasts of $0.56
- North America segment revenue of around $6.9bn in Q4 FY2025, approximately 3% higher than the prior-year period
Company filings indicate that operating margin remained under pressure, reflecting a combination of inflation, labour investment and shifts in joint-venture income. Starbucks continued to balance these cost factors with investment in store modernisation, digital initiatives and operational improvements.
Overall, the FY2025 results offer insight into how the company is navigating cost management, store development and performance trends across key markets.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Outlook and upcoming developments
Starbucks has stated that it won’t provide detailed financial guidance again until its Investor Day in late January 2026. During the event, management is expected to update the market on progress under the 'Back to Starbucks' strategy and outline priorities for the medium and longer term.
Summary
- Starbucks has carried out six 2-for-1 stock splits since 1993, most recently in 2015.
- Stock splits increase the number of shares while keeping the total value of each investor’s holding unchanged.
- The 2015 split aimed to improve liquidity and share accessibility.
- As at December 2025, Starbucks hasn’t announced a new split or signalled plans for 2026.
- FY2025 results showed revenue growth alongside ongoing cost pressures, with strategic updates expected at the January 2026 Investor Day.
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FAQ
When did Starbucks stock split?
Starbucks first split its stock on 30 September 1993. It went on to complete further 2-for-1 forward splits in 1995, 1999, 2001, 2005 and 2015. Taken together, these six actions mean that one pre-1993 share would represent 64 shares today on a cumulative split-adjusted basis.
When did the Starbucks stock split take effect?
The most recent split took effect in April 2015. Shareholders of record on 30 March 2015 received one additional share for each share held, with new shares becoming payable on 8 April. Starbucks common stock then began trading on a split-adjusted basis on 9 April 2015.
Did Starbucks have a stock split before?
Yes. Before the 2015 split, Starbucks had completed five 2-for-1 forward splits: in September 1993, December 1995, March 1999, April 2001 and October 2005. The 2015 action was therefore its sixth forward split since listing.
How many times has Starbucks stock split?
Starbucks has executed six stock splits, all on a 2-for-1 basis. These took place in 1993, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2005 and 2015. While each split increased the share count, the company’s valuation and each investor’s proportional ownership remained unchanged at the time of the adjustment.
How much was Starbucks stock after the split?
In a 2-for-1 split, the share price typically adjusts to around half of its pre-split level while the number of shares held doubles. For example, if the share price had traded around 50 US dollars before the 2015 split, it would be expected to trade around 25 US dollars afterwards. Historical pricing around the April 2015 event reflects this proportional adjustment, while the overall value of each investor’s holding stayed broadly the same immediately after the split.
Why did Starbucks split its stock?
When announcing the 2015 split, Starbucks stated that the decision aimed to keep the share price accessible, support liquidity and broaden investor reach. The company also noted a multi-year period of shareholder returns leading up to the move, emphasising that the split adjusted the share structure without altering Starbucks’ fundamentals or long-term strategy.
Will Starbucks split again?
As at 17 December 2025, Starbucks hasn’t announced plans for another stock split. Any future decision would require board approval and would likely consider factors such as share-price levels, liquidity and broader market conditions. The company hasn’t indicated whether a split is currently under review.
What was the most recent Starbucks stock split date?
The most recent split was the 2-for-1 action announced on 18 March 2015. New shares became payable on 8 April 2015, and the stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on 9 April 2015. Starbucks hasn’t completed another split since.
How can I trade Starbucks CFDs on Capital.com?
You can trade Starbucks CFDs on Capital.com by opening an account, depositing funds and searching for SBUX on the platform. CFDs let you speculate on rising or falling share prices without owning the underlying stock. However, contracts for difference (CFDs) are traded on margin, and leverage amplifies both profits and losses. Understand how CFDs work and how to use risk-management tools such as take-profit and stop-loss orders before opening a position. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future results.*
*Standard stop-loss orders are not guaranteed. Guaranteed stop-loss orders incur a fee if activated.