Time: 2024-07-20
Starbucks has drawn the attention of Elliott Investment Management , as reported by The Wall Street Journal . The investment firm has acquired a notable stake in the coffee chain and is in discussions with management regarding strategies to enhance the company 's stock price . Elliott had not previously held shares in Starbucks as of March 31 , according to its latest disclosure . The size of Elliott 's position in Starbucks and its specific requests remain undisclosed , but a potential agreement may be on the horizon.
In response to the news , Starbucks saw a significant increase in its shares , rising by over 6 % on Friday . Elliott Management is recognized as a prominent activist investor and one of the largest hedge funds globally . In recent months , the firm has taken substantial positions in various companies such as Southwest , SoftBank , Johnson Controls , and Texas Instruments . While the exact details of Elliott 's involvement with Starbucks are not yet public , ongoing discussions could lead to a resolution between the two parties.
Earlier this year , Starbucks faced shareholder activism from its own workers unions , following an organizing effort that commenced in 2021 . Despite initial challenges , the Strategic Organizing Center eventually withdrew its candidates after engaging in discussions with the company 's management . Starbucks has encountered difficulties over multiple quarters and undergone significant leadership changes in recent years . The coffee chain reported disappointing quarterly results in April , with a decrease in U.S. same - store sales and traffic.
CEO Laxman Narasimhan , appointed by former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz , is now under increased scrutiny to implement improvements within the company . Schultz , while acknowledging Starbucks ' current challenges , has clarified that he does not intend to resume his role as CEO for a fourth term . The pressure on Narasimhan to address the company 's performance issues is mounting , particularly in light of incomplete mobile app orders and reduced frequency of visits from occasional customers.
The future of Starbucks and the potential outcomes of the discussions with Elliott Management will be closely watched by investors and industry observers . As the coffee chain navigates through its current challenges , the decisions made by its leadership team will play a crucial role in shaping the company 's trajectory in the competitive market . Shareholders and analysts will be monitoring the developments closely to assess the impact on Starbucks ' financial performance and market position.
With Starbucks at the center of shareholder activism and investment scrutiny , the coming weeks and months are likely to be pivotal for the company 's strategic direction and long - term growth prospects . The engagement between Elliott Management and Starbucks ' management team could lead to significant changes in the company 's operations and financial performance , with implications for its shareholders and the broader market . The decisions made in the wake of this development will be critical in determining Starbucks ' future trajectory and competitive positioning in the global coffee industry.