Retained earnings is the accumulated portion of net income that is not distributed to shareholders. Starbucks's retained earnings for the quarter that ended in Mar. 2026 was $-8,881 Mil.
Starbucks's quarterly retained earnings
declined
from Sep. 2025 ($-8,273 Mil) to Dec. 2025 ($-8,685 Mil) and
declined
from Dec. 2025 ($-8,685 Mil) to Mar. 2026 ($-8,881 Mil).
Starbucks's annual retained earnings
declined
from Sep. 2023 ($-7,256 Mil) to Sep. 2024 ($-7,344 Mil) and
declined
from Sep. 2024 ($-7,344 Mil) to Sep. 2025 ($-8,273 Mil).
Historically profitable companies sometimes have negative retained earnings. This is because they have cumulatively paid out more to shareholders than they reported in profits.
For example, in 2011, Microsoft had negative retained earnings. This does not mean the company lost more money than it made over the years. It just means it paid out more money than it earned.
If a company has negative retained earnings, investors should check the 10-year financial results. They should not assume that negative retained earnings prove a company has generally lost money in the past.
Of course, many companies with negative retained earnings have indeed lost money in the past.
Retained Earnings: Warren Buffett's Secret.
One of the most important indicators of durable competitive advantage. Net earnings can be paid out as dividends, used to buy back shares or retained for growth.
If the company loses more than it has accumulated, retained earnings is negative.
If a company isn't adding to its retained earnings, it isn't growing its net worth.
Rate of growth of retained earnings is good indicator whether it's benefiting from a competitive advantage.
Microsoft is negative because it chose to buyback stock and pay dividends.
The more earnings retained, the faster it grows and increases growth rate for future earnings.
Starbucks Retained Earnings Historical Data
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The historical data trend for Starbucks's Retained Earnings can be seen below:
* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD. * For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.
Retained Earnings is the accumulated portion of net income that is not distributed to shareholders. Because the net income was not distributed to shareholders, shareholders' equity is increased by the same amount.
Of course, if a company loses, it is called retained losses, or accumulated losses.
What does a Retained Earnings of $-8,881 Mil mean?
Starbucks (SBUX) has a Retained Earnings of $-8,881 Mil as of Mar. 2026. Retained earnings is the amount of net income not issued to shareholders. View historical data on Starbucks and its competitors.
Is Starbucks' Retained Earnings too high?
Starbucks' current Retained Earnings is $-8,881 Mil. Overall, Starbucks has a GF Score™ of 81/100 and is considered Fairly Valued, reflecting its overall financial health beyond just this single metric.
How does Starbucks' Retained Earnings compare to MCD and YUM?
Starbucks' Retained Earnings of $-8,881 Mil can be compared against companies in the Restaurants industry. See the competitive comparison table and distribution chart on this page for a detailed peer-by-peer breakdown.
What is a good Retained Earnings for a Restaurants company?
A good Retained Earnings depends on the Restaurants industry context. However, Retained Earnings should not be evaluated in isolation — investors should consider it alongside profitability, growth, and financial strength metrics. Use the industry distribution chart on this page to see where any company falls relative to its peers.
What does a high Retained Earnings mean?
A high Retained Earnings can signal that a stock is expensive relative to its fundamentals. Retained earnings is the amount of net income not issued to shareholders. View historical data on Starbucks and its competitors. Starbucks's current Retained Earnings is $-8,881 Mil. However, context matters — high-growth companies often justify higher valuations. Always evaluate alongside other metrics like GF Score™ and GF Value™.
Is Starbucks stock overvalued right now?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Starbucks (SBUX) is currently considered Fairly Valued. The stock's GF Value™ is $98.65, compared to a current price of $100.51 — trading 1.9% above its estimated fair value. The current Retained Earnings is $-8,881 Mil. Starbucks' overall GF Score™ is 81/100 with 8 warning signs to review. Investors should evaluate multiple metrics — including profitability, growth, and financial strength — before making a decision.
How is Retained Earnings calculated?
Retained Earnings is calculated from a company's financial statements. For Starbucks (SBUX), the current Retained Earnings is $-8,881 Mil as of Mar. 2026. GuruFocus calculates this using data sourced from SEC filings and annual reports. See the calculation section and 30-year financial data on this page for the full breakdown.
Is Starbucks (SBUX) Overvalued in 2026?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Starbucks stock appears to be overvalued.
The current stock price of $100.51 is trading 1.9% above its estimated GF Value™ of $98.65.
GuruFocus considers Starbucks to be Fairly Valued.
Key valuation signals for SBUX:
Retained Earnings: $-8,881 Mil
GF Value™: $98.65 vs. price of $100.51 (1.9% above fair value)
No single metric tells the full story. See the SBUX stock analysis page for a complete view including 30-year financials, guru trades, and insider activity.
Starbucks stands out as the world's biggest and most recognizable coffee brand, powered by ultracustomizable beverages in-store and a sweeping footprint of nearly 41,000 cafes in over 80 countries. About 52% are company-operated, with the balance run by licensees. The company operates roasteries and sells across its North America (74% of revenue as of the end of fiscal 2025), international (21%), and channel development (5%) segments. The brand collects revenue from company-operated stores, licensee royalties, equipment and product sales, retail ready-to-drink beverages, and packaged coffee.
81GF Score
Get the complete analysis for SBUX
Retained Earnings is just one metric. See GF Value™, 30-year financials, guru trades, warning signs, and more.
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