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Starbucks Kicks Off 2025 With $9.4B In Revenue Amid Turnaround Efforts

Global coffee giant Starbucks Corp. reported $9.4 billion in consolidated net revenues for the first quarter of its 2025 fiscal year, reflecting steady performance despite ongoing challenges.

Financial Performance

Starbucks’ total revenue for the quarter ending December 29, 2024, remained flat compared to the same period last year, even when adjusted for currency fluctuations, according to its earnings report released Tuesday.

Globally, comparable store sales slipped 4%, primarily due to a 6% drop in transactions. However, the decline was somewhat cushioned by a 3% increase in the average ticket size.

In North America, the company’s largest market, net revenues declined 1% year-over-year to $7.1 billion. Operating income in the region saw a sharper drop, plunging 22% to $1.2 billion. The revenue dip was attributed to a 4% decline in comparable store sales, which stemmed from an 8% fall in transactions, partially offset by a 4% rise in average ticket value. Starbucks also faced headwinds in its licensed store business, further impacting revenue.

Internationally, the company fared slightly better. Net revenues outside North America edged up 1% year-over-year to $1.9 billion. However, a 4% decrease in comparable store sales—driven by a 2% drop in both average tickets and transactions—partially offset these gains. Operating income from international markets also dipped 2% to $237.1 million compared to the same quarter last year.

Leadership Insights

Despite the challenges, Starbucks executives remain optimistic.

“We’re just one quarter into our turnaround, but we’re moving fast with our ‘Back to Starbucks’ initiatives, and the response has been encouraging,” said Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol.

Chief Financial Officer Rachel Ruggeri echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to shareholder value. “We’re in the early stages of our transformation, but we’ll continue to prioritize dividends, ensuring a consistent return of capital as we drive the business forward.”

Market Reaction And Rankings

Investor sentiment remained steady, with Starbucks shares inching up 0.4% to close at $100.8 in after-hours trading on Tuesday.

Starbucks holds the 319th spot on Forbes’ 2024 Global 2000 list, while its former CEO and notable stakeholder Howard Schultz ranks 999th on Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires list, with a net worth of $3.4 billion as of January 29, 2025.

As the company navigates its turnaround, all eyes will be on Starbucks’ ability to reignite growth and maintain its position as a dominant force in the coffee industry.

Municorn Rockets To The Top Of Deloitte’s Fast 50 Tech Rankings In Cyprus

Emerging from Cyprus, Municorn has secured the pinnacle position in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 Middle East and Cyprus rankings. With a jaw-dropping revenue growth of 20,164% over four years, Municorn’s success showcases Cyprus’s growing influence in the tech and innovation realm.

The fourth edition of the Fast 50 programme recorded an astonishing record of over 200 applications from the region, demonstrating a maturing start-up ecosystem.

The roster recognizes firms for four-year revenue growth, spotlighting tech leaders catalyzing industry transformation. This year’s list displayed an average growth of 8,823%, with 29 companies achieving growth rates exceeding 1,000%.

Sector Dominance: Fintech and Software

Reflecting sector trends, fintech and software led the way with 22% and 31% representation, respectively. Cyprus joined Saudi Arabia and the UAE in driving regional tech growth, accounting for 16% of ranked companies.

In particular, Deloitte’s Fast 50 programme Leader, Kyriacos Charalambides, lauded the companies for using transformative tech to resolve global issues. “These entrepreneurs are pioneering industry-shifting innovations,” he remarked.

Diversity in Leadership

This year, women-led ventures increased to 18% from last year’s 15%, as Deloitte spotlighted thriving female-fronted companies. Newly introduced categories like Kiyadat celebrate local talent, highlighting trends in the tech sector.

The ESG-focused Impact category evaluated nominees on real-world impact and excellence, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices.

With Fast 50 Connect events planned, winners can expect to network with investors, fostering further growth opportunities in May.

Stelios Kyriakides, Partner at Deloitte Cyprus, emphasized the region’s evolving fintech landscape, where tech is reshaping financial services, setting new standards.

Strategic Importance of Cyprus

This recognition not only spotlights rapid growth but also reinforces Cyprus’s strategic role in pushing the Middle East towards a tech-fueled future.

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